Top 9 Square Alternatives in 2025: Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

If you’ve been using Square, you probably started with one goal in mind—getting paid easily. And for a while, it worked. But as your business scales, those flat fees, limited features, and rigid hardware start to feel less helpful and more restrictive.

You’re not alone in thinking there might be a better fit.

Many growing businesses eventually outgrow Square’s “one-size-fits-all” approach. Maybe you're running a boutique with complex inventory. Maybe you're a cafe that needs better tipping and table tracking. Or maybe you're just tired of the fees eating into your profit.

The good news is, Square isn’t your only option.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best Square alternatives for 2025. Whether you’re a retailer, restaurateur, or service provider, you’ll discover platforms designed to work the way you do, smarter, faster, and more in tune with your business needs.

Key Reasons Businesses Look for Alternatives to Square

Square is a solid starting point, but it isn’t always the best long-term solution. As your business evolves, you may find yourself needing tools, support, or pricing that Square can’t provide. That’s when exploring alternatives to Square becomes more than just an option—it becomes a business necessity.

Let’s break down the real triggers behind this shift.

Square’s Strengths Begin to Feel Like Limitations

Square’s appeal lies in its simplicity. You can sign up, get your hardware, and start selling within a day. But simplicity has its limits—especially when you’re scaling.

For many business owners, Square’s flat-rate fees eat into margins over time. The built-in tools, while user-friendly, lack the depth needed for complex operations like multi-location inventory, detailed customer analytics, or advanced reporting.

Even customer support is a common pain point. It’s fine when everything works, but when it doesn’t, getting help can be frustratingly slow.

Business Scenarios That Outgrow Square

Not all businesses are meant to stay on Square forever. Here are some examples where switching makes more sense:

• Retail stores managing hundreds of SKUs and vendor orders need robust inventory tools.
• Restaurants and cafes often require advanced POS features like tableside ordering, kitchen display systems, and flexible tipping.
• Service-based businesses like salons or repair shops may need integrated scheduling and invoicing.
• Multi-channel sellers who want better alignment between online and in-store sales often hit roadblocks with Square.
• International businesses need POS systems with multi-currency support, which Square doesn’t fully accommodate.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not the problem—your POS might be.

Top Square Alternatives for Small Businesses and Retailers in 2025

Choosing the right point-of-sale system isn’t just about features—it’s about finding a tool that matches your business model. Below are 9 of the most competitive Square alternatives on the market today, each offering unique strengths that address Square’s common limitations.

1. Shopify POS – Best for Omnichannel Retailers

Shopify POS bridges the gap between online and in-store selling. It’s ideal for businesses that want a unified inventory system and seamless customer experience across platforms.

Why it's a strong alternative:

• Built-in e-commerce sync
• Smart inventory and order tracking
• Powerful customer insights

Best for: Online-first businesses adding physical locations
Pricing: From $29/month (hardware not included)

2. Clover – Best for Customization and Growth Flexibility

Clover offers sleek hardware and a flexible POS system with hundreds of third-party integrations. Its flexibility makes it a great long-term solution.

Why it stands out:

• Modular hardware for different setups
• Custom dashboards and features
• Employee and shift management

Best for: Growing retailers and hybrid stores
Pricing: Varies by reseller (typically $14.95/month+)

3. PayPal Zettle – Best for Mobile and Microbusinesses

If you’re a solopreneur or small vendor, Zettle offers a lean setup with no monthly fees. It’s mobile-first and integrates easily with PayPal accounts.

Why it's worth considering:

• No monthly cost
• Fast PayPal access
• Simple card reader setup

Best for: Craft vendors, mobile pop-ups, and side hustlers
Pricing: 2.29% + $0.09 per transaction

4. Lightspeed Retail – Best for Inventory Management

Lightspeed is a robust POS built for businesses with complex or high-volume inventory. It also offers excellent CRM and reporting tools.

Why it’s a favorite among retailers:

• Bulk product and vendor management
• Loyalty and customer marketing
• Multi-store scalability

Best for: Apparel shops, bike stores, and pet retailers
Pricing: Starting at $69/month

5. Toast – Best for Restaurants and Cafes

Toast is purpose-built for the hospitality industry. It includes everything from tableside ordering to real-time kitchen communication tools.

Why it beats Square for food service:

• Menu and modifier customization
• Tip pooling and time tracking
• Integrated delivery and online ordering

Best for: Full-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks
Pricing: Custom (based on size and location)

6. Helcim – Best for Transparent, Low Fees

Helcim is known for interchange-plus pricing, which often saves money compared to flat-rate models like Square. It also offers strong B2B tools.

Why it's appealing for cost-conscious sellers:

• No long-term contracts or hidden fees
• Automated volume discounts
• Inventory, invoicing, and CRM tools

Best for: Service businesses, consultants, B2B merchants
Pricing: Interchange + 0.3% and $0.08 (no monthly fee)

7. SumUp – Best for Simplicity and Low-Cost Hardware

SumUp is a European favorite that’s expanding in the US. It’s a clean, easy POS alternative with some of the lowest entry costs for hardware.

Why people switch from Square:

• $0 monthly cost
• $39 basic card reader
• Lightweight POS app

Best for: Independent professionals and service-based businesses
Pricing: 2.75% per transaction

8. Vend (by Lightspeed) – Best for Multi-Location Stores

Vend offers an intuitive interface and is now part of the Lightspeed family. It's an ideal upgrade from Square for retailers managing several outlets.

What makes it unique:

• Multi-store inventory sync
• Staff permissions and performance tracking
• Native e-commerce integrations

Best for: Fashion, electronics, furniture retailers
Pricing: From $69/month

9. Stripe Terminal – Best for Developers and Custom Flows

Stripe Terminal lets businesses embed in-person payments into their custom apps. It's not a plug-and-play POS, but great for businesses needing control.

Why it’s powerful for custom setups:

• Connects directly with Stripe payments
• Custom checkout experience
• Global availability

Best for: SaaS platforms, developers, enterprise systems
Pricing: Varies (2.7% + $0.05 per transaction)

Best Square Alternatives by Industry and Use Case

Choosing a POS isn't just about features or fees. It's about finding a system that fits your day-to-day workflow. Different industries have very different needs. What works for a coffee shop won’t cut it for a retail chain or a freelance consultant.

In this section, we’ll match the best apps like Square to the types of businesses they serve best.

1. For Retail Stores and Boutiques

If you manage inventory, run seasonal promotions, and need fast checkout for in-store and online sales, you’ll need something built for modern retail.

Top picks:

• Shopify POS – Great for stores already using Shopify online. Seamless product sync and customer profiles across channels.
• Lightspeed Retail – Ideal for managing large inventories, vendors, and customer loyalty.
• Vend by Lightspeed – Strong for multi-location stores with detailed reporting needs.

Look for:

• Inventory tracking by SKU and vendor
• CRM tools for upselling
• Discount, loyalty, and promotion tools

2. For Restaurants, Cafés, and Food Trucks

Hospitality businesses have specific needs: kitchen communication, tipping workflows, tableside service, and sometimes mobile ordering.

Top picks:

• Toast – Made for restaurants. Features include table layouts, menu modifiers, and kitchen display systems.
• Clover – Flexible for full-service or quick-service setups. Add-ons like online ordering and delivery tracking.
• Square for Restaurants – Still usable if you want to stay in the ecosystem, but limited at scale.

Look for:

• Tip management
• Modifier-rich menus
• Split payments and receipts
• Offline mode for food trucks and pop-ups

3. For Mobile Sellers and Pop-Ups

Selling at markets, events, or rotating locations? You need portability, low overhead, and easy setup.

Top picks:

• PayPal Zettle – Lightweight setup with mobile app and no monthly cost.
• SumUp – Low hardware cost and smooth mobile experience.
• Clover Go – Scalable mobile card reader that links with full Clover setup later.
  

Look for:

• Quick setup
• Mobile app access
• Fast payouts
• Compact hardware

4. For Service-Based Businesses and Consultants

Whether you're running a salon, doing freelance work, or offering repair services, you need features that go beyond retail. Think invoices, appointment scheduling, and flexible payments.

Top picks:

• Helcim – No monthly fee, low processing, and great invoicing.
• Stripe Terminal – Works if you’re building your own customer portal or app.
• Clover – Includes scheduling, service customization, and customer notes.

Look for:

• Recurring billing and invoice tools
• Customer profiles with history
• Tipping and service menus
• Virtual terminal or remote payments

5. For International or Multi-Currency Businesses

Square isn’t available in every country, and it doesn’t always handle multi-currency well. If you’re selling across borders, you’ll want global support.

Top picks:

• Stripe Terminal – Supports global currencies and cross-border payments.
• PayPal Zettle – Trusted internationally, especially in Europe.
• SumUp – Available across North America and Europe with strong mobile tools.

Look for:

• Currency conversion support
• Country-specific tax tools
• Local payment method compatibility
• Global customer service

Each of these tools solves a very different problem. So before picking a Square alternative based on features alone, ask: Does it fit the way I do business, and where I want to take it next?

How to Choose the Right Square Alternative for Your Business

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by features, pricing tables, and product pages. But choosing between the top Square alternatives doesn’t have to be confusing.

In this section, we’ll walk you through a practical process to help you narrow down your options and choose a POS that fits your workflow, budget, and future plans.

Step 1: Define Your Core Needs

Start with what matters most to your business. Do you need deep inventory tools? Built-in appointment scheduling? Restaurant-specific functions? The best platform for you isn’t necessarily the one with the most features—it’s the one with the right ones.

Ask yourself:

• What are my top 3 daily POS frustrations right now?
• What features would make my life easier?
• Do I need this to integrate with tools I already use?

Step 2: Estimate Your Volume and Fees

The wrong POS can eat into your profit. Look closely at your average monthly sales and compare the processing fees of each provider.

For example:

• If you're running a $50,000/month retail store, a 0.5% fee difference could save you $250 per month.
• If you're under $5,000/month, a low or no-monthly-fee option like Zettle or SumUp might be better.

Some providers offer interchange-plus pricing, while others use flat-rate models like Square. Know the difference and run the numbers.

Step 3: Consider Future Scalability

You may be a solo seller now, but what about six months from now? Will you add more locations, hire staff, or expand internationally?

Choose a platform that:

• Supports multi-location growth
• Offers employee accounts and permissions
• Has advanced features you can unlock later

Switching systems mid-growth can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s better to start with one that grows with you.

Step 4: Evaluate Support and Ease of Use

A POS is only as good as the help you get when something goes wrong. Look for:

• 24/7 live support (not just chatbots)
• Online knowledge base and video tutorials
• Onboarding help or setup walkthroughs

Ease of use matters too—especially if you’re training staff or managing multiple terminals. The simpler it is, the faster your team can adapt.

Step 5: Test Before You Commit

Most top Square competitors offer demos or free trials. Use them. Set up a test product, run a sample transaction, and see how intuitive the dashboard feels.

If possible, test with your real hardware and day-to-day setup. This will give you a clear idea of what your workflow will look like once you switch.

How to Migrate from Square Without Losing Sales or Data

Switching from Square to a new POS system might sound intimidating, especially if you’ve used it for years. But the good news is, most modern Square alternatives make migration easier than you’d expect.

With a little planning, you can switch platforms without disrupting your day-to-day operations.

Step 1: Export Key Data from Square

Before anything else, log in to your Square dashboard and export everything you might need.

Make sure to back up:

• Customer lists and contact information
• Product catalogs and inventory
• Sales history and reports
• Tax settings and custom discounts

Most of this can be done through the Square Reports or Customers tabs. Download your files in CSV format to import them easily into your new system.

Step 2: Choose the Right Migration Timing

Avoid making the switch during your busiest season. Plan your migration during a slower week so you have time to test and train without the pressure of high traffic or big sales days.

Give yourself at least one week to fully transition.

Step 3: Set Up the New POS in Parallel

Don’t unplug Square on day one. Instead, run both systems side by side for a few days.

Here’s why:

• You can test how the new POS handles real-world transactions
• It gives staff a chance to learn the system gradually
• If anything breaks, Square is still your backup

Process a few live orders through the new POS to see how it performs under pressure.

Step 4: Train Your Team in Advance

Before you go live with the new system, make sure your staff is confident using it.

Set up a simple onboarding session that covers:

• Creating orders and processing payments
• Handling refunds or discounts
• Navigating the back-end dashboard

If your provider offers onboarding support or live training, use it. Many Square competitors, like Toast or Lightspeed, include guided setup calls as part of their onboarding package.

Step 5: Monitor and Optimize After Launch

Once you’re fully switched over, keep a close eye on operations.

Check:

• Sales reporting accuracy
• Inventory syncing between channels
• Staff feedback on usability

You’ll likely need to tweak a few settings in the first week. That’s normal. The key is to respond quickly so your team stays productive and your customers have a seamless experience.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out for When Switching POS Providers

One of the biggest reasons business owners move away from Square is cost. But here’s the truth—many Square alternatives also come with fees that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

Understanding what to look out for can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each year.

1. Processing Fees That Seem Lower (But Aren’t Always)

Flat-rate pricing is simple, but it’s not always the cheapest—especially for high-volume businesses. Many alternatives use interchange-plus pricing, which can offer savings but varies by transaction.

Watch for:

• Additional per-transaction fees on top of the base rate
• Higher fees for keyed-in or card-not-present transactions
• Surcharges for international cards or premium rewards cards

Tip: Always ask for an effective rate estimate based on your real sales volume.

2. Monthly Platform or Software Fees

Some providers advertise “no hidden fees” but still charge you monthly for access to software features, analytics, or support.

Questions to ask:

• Is there a base monthly fee?
• Are features like loyalty or inventory tools extra?
• Is there a separate charge for multi-location management?

Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the base plan and what’s add-on only.

3. Hardware and Setup Costs

Square gives you a free reader—but many of its competitors do not. While that’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something you should budget for.

Look out for:

• One-time hardware purchase costs
• Lease agreements (which can be costly long-term)
• Additional fees for accessories or printer integrations
  
  

If you already own hardware, check whether it’s compatible with your new POS before you commit.

4. Early Termination or Contract Lock-Ins

Unlike Square, some POS providers lock you into contracts for 12 to 36 months. If you leave early, you may face cancellation fees.

Before signing:

• Ask if there’s a contract
• Request a copy of the cancellation policy
• Check for automatic renewal clauses

5. PCI Compliance and Security Fees

Some providers charge a PCI non-compliance fee if you don’t complete a self-assessment form annually. Others may bundle PCI costs into your monthly bill.

Always ask:

• Is PCI compliance included?
• Are there annual security fees?
• Will you be charged for chargebacks or fraud protection?

Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Square Alternative

Square is a great place to start, but it’s not always built to grow with your business. If you’ve hit a wall with fees, limited features, or lack of flexibility, it’s completely valid to explore platforms that align better with your goals and how you operate.

Thankfully, there are plenty of strong Square alternatives out there—each offering something different, whether it’s advanced inventory, better industry-specific tools, or more transparent pricing. Take time to test, compare, and choose the system that actually supports your growth instead of holding it back.