Choosing between Square and PayPal Zettle? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Square: $0/mo | 4.8/5 rating | Best for Small Business & Retail
PayPal Zettle: $0/mo | 4.4/5 rating | Best for Mobile & Pop-up
Square vs PayPal Zettle: Quick Summary
| Feature | Square | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $0/mo |
| Best For | Small Business & Retail | Mobile & Pop-up |
| Industry | Retail | Multi-Industry |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Strength | Free to start | Free software |
Square Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.8/5 | Best For: Small Business & Retail
Square is a Retail POS system designed specifically for Small Business & Retail. Key benefits include: Free to start.
- Free POS software
- Payment processing
- Inventory management
- E-commerce
- Appointments
- Team management
PayPal Zettle Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.4/5 | Best For: Mobile & Pop-up
PayPal Zettle is a Multi-Industry POS system designed specifically for Mobile & Pop-up. Key benefits include: Free software.
- Mobile POS
- Card reader
- Inventory
- Reporting
- PayPal integration
- E-commerce sync
Pros & Cons Comparison
Square Pros
- ✅ Free to start
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Great ecosystem
Square Cons
- ❌ Processing fees add up
- ❌ Limited customization
PayPal Zettle Pros
- ✅ Free software
- ✅ PayPal ecosystem
- ✅ Mobile-first
PayPal Zettle Cons
- ❌ Limited features
- ❌ Processing fees
The Verdict: Square vs PayPal Zettle
Choose Square if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Small Business & Retail and value Free to start.
Choose PayPal Zettle if your business focuses on Mobile & Pop-up and you prioritize Free software.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Square and PayPal Zettle compare across key features that matter most to Retail businesses.
| Feature | Square | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Optional |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Square?
Square is the ideal choice for:
- Small Business & Retail who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Free to start
- Those who value Easy to use
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Who Should Choose PayPal Zettle?
PayPal Zettle is the ideal choice for:
- Mobile & Pop-up who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Free software
- Those who value PayPal ecosystem
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Square vs PayPal Zettle for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Square ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Free POS software and Payment processing.
Square vs PayPal Zettle for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Square vs PayPal Zettle for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Square (rated 4.8/5) has proven reliability for busy Retail environments, especially for Small Business & Retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Square or PayPal Zettle?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Square (rated 4.8/5) excels for Small Business & Retail, while PayPal Zettle (rated 4.4/5) is optimized for Mobile & Pop-up. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Square cost compared to PayPal Zettle?
Square starts at $0/mo, while PayPal Zettle starts at $0/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Square to PayPal Zettle?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Square features Free POS software, Payment processing, Inventory management. PayPal Zettle offers Mobile POS, Card reader, Inventory.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.