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Join For FreeThe Best Square Alternatives For POS & Payments
Square offers a very capable free POS system for specific industries. However, there are a lot of Square alternatives that may be a better POS fit for your business.
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Expert Contributor
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
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Square’s small business services include credit card processing, POS systems, eCommerce payments, invoicing, and much more. However, Square isn’t right for everybody, and you might be looking for an alternative to Square. Many merchants and entrepreneurs need what Square can’t provide: better pricing at high volumes, account stability, and an even more robust feature set.
Square’s “something for everybody” approach makes it both one of the best POS systems and one of the best credit card processing companies for small businesses, which means that few other providers will have everything Square offers. That’s why we highlight aspects of various Square alternatives that compare favorably with what Square provides.
Learn More About Our Top Picks
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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.
Table of Contents [hide][show]
- How Our Best Alternatives Compare To Square
- The Best Square Competitors & Alternatives In 2024
- Lightspeed Retail: Best For iPad-Based POS Systems
- Clover POS: Best For Expandable POS Systems
- CDGcommerce: Best For Flexible Processing Rate Plans
- National Processing: Best For Low-Cost Merchant Accounts
- Helcim: Best For Low-Cost "Smart" Hardware
- Shopify: Best For eCommerce Businesses
- SumUp: Best For Small-Ticket Sales
- PayPal Zettle: Best For Accepting PayPal In-Person
- Do You Need A Square Alternative?
- Which Square Competitor Is Right For Your Business?
Table of Contents
- How Our Best Alternatives Compare To Square
- The Best Square Competitors & Alternatives In 2024
- Lightspeed Retail: Best For iPad-Based POS Systems
- Lightspeed Retail
- Clover POS: Best For Expandable POS Systems
- Clover POS
- Clover Pricing
- CDGcommerce: Best For Flexible Processing Rate Plans
- CDGcommerce
- CDGcommerce Pricing
- National Processing: Best For Low-Cost Merchant Accounts
- National Processing
- Helcim: Best For Low-Cost "Smart" Hardware
- Helcim
- Helcim Pricing
- Shopify: Best For eCommerce Businesses
- SumUp: Best For Small-Ticket Sales
- SumUp
- PayPal Zettle: Best For Accepting PayPal In-Person
- Payment Processing Rating Methodology
- Do You Need A Square Alternative?
- Which Square Competitor Is Right For Your Business?
How Our Best Alternatives Compare To Square
| Monthly Fee | In-Person Rate | Online Rate | Hardware Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square | $0 | 2.60% + $0.10 | 2.90% + $0.30 | $59 – Square Contactless + Chip Reader |
| Lightspeed | $69-$199 | 2.60% + $0.10 | 2.60% + $0.30 | Included w/monthly fee |
| Clover Payments | $0-$84.95 | 2.30-2.60% + $0.10 | 3.50% + $0.10 | $49 – Clover Go card reader |
| CDGcommerce (flat-rate option) | $0 | 2.90% + $0.30 | 3.50% + $0.30 | Free ($79/year insurance fee) |
| National Processing | $9.95-$19.00+ | 2.50% + $0.10 | 2.90% + $0.30 | Free w/3-year contract |
| Helcim | $0 | INT + 0.40% + $0.08 | INT + 0.50% + $0.25 | $99 – Helcim Card Reader |
| Shopify | $39-$399 | 2.40-2.60% + $0.10 | 2.50-2.90% + $0.30 | $49 – Shopify Tap & Chip Reader |
| SumUp | $0 | 2.75% | 3.25% + $0.15 | $54 – SumUp Plus card reader |
| PayPal Zettle | $0 | 2.29% + $0.09 | 3.49% + $0.09 | $29 – PayPal Zettle Reader ($79/additional units) |
The Best Square Competitors & Alternatives In 2024
Square offers several functional, low-cost card readers and terminals that are more than adequate for a small operation. That’s why Square is one of the best free POS systems for small businesses. However, if you’re looking for alternatives to Square, these are our top choices:
- Lightspeed Retail: Best For iPad-Based POS Systems
- Clover POS: Best For Expandable POS Systems
- CDGcommerce: Best For Flexible Processing Rate Plans
- National Processing: Best For Low-Cost Merchant Accounts
- Helcim: Best For Low-Cost "Smart" Hardware
- Shopify: Best For eCommerce Businesses
- SumUp: Best For Small-Ticket Sales
- PayPal Zettle: Best For Accepting PayPal In-Person
Lightspeed Retail: Best For iPad-Based POS Systems
Pricing Range
$109-$289/month ($89-$239/month billed annually)
Monthly, annual, and custom
$199-$329
Pros
- More advanced retail POS feature set than Square
- You can use it with a desktop, laptop, or iPad setup
- Onboarding support provided
- You can choose your payment processor
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than Square
- Costly for smaller businesses
Why Lightspeed Is Best For iPad-Based POS Systems
While Square offers all the basic functionality a small business would need, you'll eventually find it can't do everything your growing business needs to succeed. Retail businesses looking for something more sophisticated should check out Lightspeed Retail. There's also Lightspeed Restaurant, which offers a great POS system for restaurants of any size.
Unlike Square, Lightspeed's software-based POS system is compatible with most merchant account providers. This allows you to negotiate the lowest possible rates with a reputable credit card processor while still using Lightspeed's POS software instead of investing in expensive, proprietary POS systems.
Lightspeed Processing Hardware
Lightspeed’s processing hardware is included with the cost of your monthly subscription, with one device included for each account. The company’s POS software can run on an iPhone, iPad, or computer. Optional hardware accessories, such as stands, barcode scanners, and cash drawers, can be purchased separately.
Get Started With Lightspeed Retail
Clover POS: Best For Expandable POS Systems
Pricing Range
Starts at $0/month
Depends on merchant services provider
$49-$1,799 per device
Pros
- Free plan available
- Numerous feature integrations via Clover App Marketplace
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Can only be used with Fiserv merchant accounts
Why Clover Is Best For Expandable POS Systems
Clover POS is unique because it is offered by countless merchant service providers (though it always uses Fiserv as its back-end processor). While Clover offers a pared-down plan with no monthly fee, most Clover plans involve a monthly software fee in addition to the cost of purchasing your equipment.
When it comes to Clover vs Square's pricing, Clover's equipment and monthly fees are more expensive than Square's, the company's software is so adaptable and customizable (with the help of Clover's extensive app marketplace) that it can suit businesses of just about any type and size. It's also known for being very easy to use. However, customer support can be inconsistent.
Clover Processing Hardware
Clover’s hardware is among the most popular in the payments industry. Merchants love Clover devices’ flexibility and expandability, including access to dozens of industry-specific apps on the Clover App Market.
This kind of power doesn’t come cheap, though. You’ll pay anywhere from $49 for a basic Clover Go Card Reader to $1,799 for a Clover Station Pro POS system, plus a monthly software subscription fee (for most plans).
CDGcommerce: Best For Flexible Processing Rate Plans
Pros
- Offers three POS systems and the stability of a merchant account
- Offers different pricing plans based on your sales volume
- No long-term contract or early termination fee
Cons
- Only available to US-based merchants
Why CDGcommerce Is Great For Flexible Processing Rates
We chose CDGcommerce as a great alternative to Square because it offers something for just about any brick-and-mortar merchant while providing the stability of a dedicated merchant account.
All contracts are month-to-month with no long-term commitment or early termination fee. There are no monthly minimums, setup fees, gateway fees, or PCI compliance fees. CDGcommerce offers a flat-rate pricing option that's very similar to Square but also provides interchange-plus and membership pricing options that will save you money in processing costs as your business grows.
CDGcommerce Processing Hardware
CDGcommerce includes one “free” EMV-compliant terminal with each account, which only requires a $79 annual terminal insurance fee.
The company also offers a choice between the Harbortouch Echo POS, Vital POS, and PastePay POS systems. PastePay is a cloud-based POS system that runs on iPads, tablets, or Windows/Mac laptops or desktops and is integrated with various countertop terminals and mobile card readers. Normally $79/month + $0.25/transaction, CDGcommerce offers PastePay for a flat $199/year.
National Processing: Best For Low-Cost Merchant Accounts
Get a free Clover Go card reader from National Processing when you sign up. Claim your card reader.
Pros
- Extensive selection of credit card terminals and POS systems
- Offers flat-rate or customized pricing
- Low-cost echeck/ACH payment processing
- Excellent online reputation
Cons
- “Free” equipment may require a long-term contract
- Early termination fee charged for “free” equipment
Why National Processing Is The Best Choice For Low-Cost Merchant Accounts
National Processing offers flat-rate pricing just like Square but provides a full-service merchant account rather than an aggregated one. Although you'll have to pay a low monthly fee, the company's pricing will likely save you money on your transaction processing over what you'd pay with Square.
National Processing offers "free" mobile readers and terminals with some plans, but interested businesses should proceed cautiously. Where the normal plans are month-to-month, accepting free equipment can lock you into a long-term contract.
While National Processing is more flexible in enforcing its early termination fee than most providers, we strongly recommend purchasing your equipment outright to avoid a long-term commitment.
National Processing Processing Hardware
National Processing offers various “smart” credit card terminals and POS systems. Pricing ranges from $345 for the PAX A80 terminal to $2,000 for the Clover Station Duo POS system.
Get Started With National Processing
Helcim: Best For Low-Cost "Smart" Hardware
Pros
- True month-to-month billing
- No monthly account fees
- Excellent customer support
- Processing costs decrease with volume
Cons
- Not cost-effective for very low-volume businesses
- Not available to high-risk businesses
Why Helcim Is The Best Choice For Low-Cost "Smart" Hardware
Small businesses typically choose Square for its lack of a monthly fee and its predictable pricing structure. With Helcim vs Square, you'll get the same rock-bottom pricing and the stability of a true merchant account for about the same overall cost. In fact, Helcim's interchange-plus pricing will save you money on credit card processing costs over Square at higher processing volumes.
It's an excellent choice for merchants looking to avoid the account instability and limited customer support offered by payment service providers (PSPs) such as Square.
Helcim Processing Hardware
The small but versatile Helcim Card Reader costs just $99 per device. It can be used as a mobile card reader, stand-alone terminal, or in conjunction with Helcim’s POS software. It can also be paired with the Helcim Virtual Terminal to accept in-person payments on a laptop or desktop computer.
A more sophisticated and powerful option is the Helcim Smart Terminal, which costs $329/unit. This all-in-one device features a color touchscreen display and a built-in receipt printer and comes with the Helcim POS software application pre-installed.
Shopify: Best For eCommerce Businesses
Shopify |
|---|
Pros
- Lower processing rates than Square for transactions under $100
- Strong feature set
- Inexpensive card readers
- Easy to scale
Cons
- Same account stability issues as Square
- Requires at least a $39/month Basic Shopify subscription
Why Shopify Is The Best Choice For eCommerce Businesses
Shopify's processing fees are more affordable than Square's if your average transaction is less than $100. Although you'll have to pay a monthly account fee, Shopify's rate is one of the lowest we've found anywhere.
Shopify is a good choice for omnichannel businesses that primarily sell online but also need to take in-person payments.
The main reason to consider Shopify vs Square is that it gives you access to the massive Shopify payments ecosystem, allowing you to upgrade to a more powerful plan with many additional features as your business grows.
Shopify Processing Hardware
Although it’s primarily an eCommerce platform, Shopify also offers two hardware devices for accepting in-person payments.
The $49 Shopify Tap & Chip Reader accepts EMV or NFC payments and can connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
For $299, the Shopify POS Go includes a color touch screen and can accept magstripe, EMV, and NFC payment methods. It also includes a built-in barcode scanner.
SumUp: Best For Small-Ticket Sales
Pros
- The SumUp Plus reader accepts tapped, dipped, swiped, and PIN payments
- The SumUp Plus reader costs $19, cheaper than Square’s
- Ideal for low-volume businesses
Cons
- Limited features
- Account stability issues
Why SumUp Is Best For Small-Ticket Sales
When comparing SumUp vs Square, SumUp doesn't have as many features, but if you need a basic mPOS, you probably won't miss those bells and whistles.
The company's entry-level card reader, the SumUp Plus, accepts contactless, chip, swiped, and PIN payments while costing you just $54. No Square card reader gives you this kind of versatility in accepting payments, so if you're looking for Square reader alternatives, give SumUp a look.
However, SumUp is a payment service provider (PSP), so it's subject to the same account stability issues as Square.
Although it's pretty basic overall, SumUp includes useful features, such as a "quick sale" mode, refunds, tipping, cash reporting, an item library, item variants, and multiple tax rates. What's more, SumUp's flat processing rate of 2.75% means you'll save on processing for smaller transactions over Square.
SumUp Processing Hardware
SumUp users can choose between the $54 SumUp Plus mobile card reader and the $99 SumUp Solo terminal.
The SumUp Plus card reader runs on batteries and connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
The SumUp Solo is a standalone device and includes a color touch screen. One unique feature of the SumUp Solo is that it comes with a SIM card and includes free mobile data for use in the field.
Both devices are EMV-compliant and support NFC-based payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
PayPal Zettle: Best For Accepting PayPal In-Person
PayPal Zettle |
|---|
Pricing
No monthly feeContract
NoneEquipment Cost
$29 for your first card readerPros
- Accepts contactless, chip, and PIN payments
- Cheaper and more versatile than Square’s contactless/chip reader
- Ideal for lower-volume merchants
- Lower in-person processing fees than Square
Cons
- Same account stability issues as Square
- Poor customer support
- Not ideal for high-volume merchants
Why PayPal Zettle Is The Best Choice For Accepting PayPal In-Person
With no monthly fee, plus integration with PayPal's existing merchant services suite, PayPal Zettle is a solid option for low-volume merchants. If you prefer a more robust POS system, Zettle offers four different Store Kit options ranging in price from $269 to $699. Each kit includes a Zettle Reader 2 and some combination of a dock, an iPad stand, a Smart Printer, thermal rolls for the printer, and a barcode scanner. Each accessory is also available separately, along with a cash drawer.
PayPal vs Square's chip readers are comparable. PayPal Zettle is cheaper than Square's tap & chip reader and more capable of taking PIN payments. Moreover, PayPal's in-person processing rate is lower than Square's. Of course, being a payment service provider, PayPal is subject to the same account stability issues as Square.
PayPal Zettle Processing Hardware
PayPal’s Zettle 2 mobile card reader works in conjunction with the Zettle mobile app to provide a full mobile payments solution. It can accept EMV and NFC-based payment methods and includes a built-in PIN pad for debit card transactions. It can run for up to eight hours on battery, and an optional charging dock is available for $49.
PayPal also offers the Zettle Terminal, a ‘smart’ terminal device that functions in either countertop or wireless modes. The Zettle Terminal features Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity, a color touchscreen, and a pre-loaded SIM card that doesn’t require a monthly data plan subscription.
Get Started With PayPal Zettle
Payment Processing Rating Methodology
Merchant Maverick has been researching the payment processing industry since 2009. Our writers have reviewed hundreds of credit card processors, merchant account services, and mobile payment apps, evaluating each provider carefully on several different metrics.
When comparing different payment processing companies and applications to one another, we consider numerous data points. Our experts start by comparing credit card processing rates, the presence of additional fees, contract length, sales practices, and the presence or absence of additional features and services, like point of sale software. Each provider is judged on its own merits and how well it stacks up to industry standards; then it is weighed against the other providers on the list.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure every company or application included meets our internal standards for quality and reputation. Any list of recommended payment processors on our site might contain a mix of standard merchant accounts, third-party payment processors, mobile payment devices, and high-risk payment processors, depending on what our expert feels is the best fit for certain scenarios or business types.
For additional details about Merchant Maverick’s review and rating processes, please refer to any or all of the following methodology pages:
- Credit card processor rating criteria
- High-risk merchant account rating criteria
- Credit card reader & mobile payment device rating criteria
15
Years reviewing payment processors
100+
Providers evaluated
25
Attributes and features assessed per vendor
40+
Years combined experience
Do You Need A Square Alternative?
Square takes a jack-of-all-trades approach with its merchant services, offering a mobile POS system, payment processing, and many other business tools. Accordingly, Square suits a very wide variety of small business types. It’s one of the best mobile POS systems around. That’s why it is consistently on Merchant Maverick’s lists of the best restaurant point-of-sale systems and the best retail POS systems.
For a free mobile POS system, it’s amazing. But once your business starts growing, your needs will evolve. At that point, you may need more from your POS provider and/or payment processor than Square provides.
The good news is that there are lots of companies like Square. If you’re currently using (or thinking about using) Square, here are the primary reasons why you may want to consider switching to one of the Square competitors in this post:
- Your business is adding locations and/or expanding its inventory. As your business grows, you may need a system with more sophisticated POS inventory management capabilities.
- Your processing volume increases to over $5,000 a month. Switching to a dedicated merchant account provider can mean significantly lower processing rates as your credit card processing volume increases. Square’s prices generally work best for businesses processing less than about $5,000/month.
- You’ve switched payment processors and want a more sophisticated POS system.
- You need a strong eCommerce system. While Square Online is a very solid eCommerce solution, it isn’t the best fit for high-volume merchants, and you might want to try another of the best POS systems for eCommerce.
Which Square Competitor Is Right For Your Business?
Square is a great fit for many small businesses and entrepreneurs, but there are plenty of good reasons to consider competitors to Square. Whether you want a cheaper credit card processor, advanced POS features, better account stability, or something else, sometimes Square just doesn’t fit the bill.
Fortunately, you’ll find many other POS companies like Square on the market that your business can use to take payments on mobile devices. When deciding between the various Square competitors, here are a few questions to consider to get you started:
- Do I need a more stable account provider?
- Do I process enough card transactions to benefit from high-volume savings?
- Does this Square alternative have all the features I need?
- Can I justify the cost of any add-ons?
If you’re already using Square but want to switch to one of the providers we’ve profiled above, check out our article on deactivating your Square account.
Frank Kehl
Expert Contributor at Merchant Maverick
Frank has been writing about payment processing and business services since 2015. He is a retired Air Force officer and a former practicing attorney. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Ventura College of Law, and currently resides in Paso Robles, California.
View Frank Kehl's professional experience on LinkedIn.
Latest posts by Frank Kehl (see all)
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- Corepay Review - May 25, 2023
- How To Offset Or Lower Your Credit Card Processing Fees - March 14, 2023
- Clearly Payments Review - February 6, 2023
- GoCardless Review - January 10, 2023
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