Top Squares Alternatives for Modern Businesses
The best Squares replacement overall is Shopify POS, ideal for growing omnichannel businesses because it seamlessly unifies online and in-person sales, but its monthly subscription can be a hurdle for micro-businesses.
Squares has been a popular choice for small businesses, but as your business grows, you might need more advanced features, lower transaction fees, or better inventory tools.
We compared seven top POS systems that can replace Squares. We focused on real-world needs: affordability, ease of use, and the ability to scale. Each product shines in a specific area.
What we recommend
Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a powerful all-in-one system that syncs your online store with your physical retail location. It offers robust inventory management, built-in payments, and many integrations. Owners report that the transition from Squares is smooth if you already use Shopify for e-commerce.
Pros
- Seamless online and offline integration
- Advanced inventory management
- Scalable for growing businesses
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
Square POS
Square POS is often considered the benchmark for small business POS. It offers a free plan, transparent pricing, and a user-friendly interface. It is a direct competitor to Squares, but with a more established ecosystem.
Pros
- Free plan available
- No long-term contracts
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Limited advanced features on free plan
- Not ideal for complex inventory
Toast POS
Toast POS is designed specifically for the food service industry. It includes menu management, table-side ordering, and integrated online ordering. Restaurants report that it handles high-volume orders reliably.
Pros
- Specialized for restaurants
- Built-in online ordering
- Robust reporting
Cons
- Not suitable for retail
- Hardware costs can add up
Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS that offers powerful inventory and multi-store management. It is ideal for retailers with complex stock needs, such as clothing or electronics.
Pros
- Excellent inventory management
- Multi-store support
- Detailed analytics
Cons
- Higher monthly cost
- Steeper learning curve
Clover POS
Clover POS offers a range of hardware options and software plans that can be tailored to different business types. It is a good fit for retailers, restaurants, and service-based businesses.
Pros
- Customizable plans
- Multiple hardware choices
- Good app market
Cons
- Long-term contracts possible
- Some features require add-ons
Helcim POS
Helcim is known for its transparent and low interchange-plus pricing. It offers a free POS app and affordable hardware. It is a great option if you want to avoid monthly fees and high transaction costs.
Pros
- No monthly fee
- Transparent pricing
- Simple to get started
Cons
- Fewer integrations than competitors
- Less known brand
Zettle by PayPal
Zettle by PayPal is a mobile-first POS that is easy to use and integrates with PayPal. It is perfect for businesses that operate at markets or events.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Seamless PayPal integration
- Portable hardware
Cons
- Limited reporting
- Not for complex operations
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Pricing | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shopify POS | Starts at current price/month (Basic plan) | Omnichannel retail businesses | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Square POS | Free plan available, paid plans from current price/month | Small businesses with simple needs | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Toast POS | Starts at current price/month (basic), more features from current price/month | Restaurants and food service | 9.2 | Check price |
| 4 | Lightspeed Retail | Starts at current price/month | Inventory-heavy retailers | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Clover POS | Starts at current price/month (software only) | Businesses needing a flexible system | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Helcim POS | No monthly fee, pay only processing | Cost-conscious businesses | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Zettle by PayPal | Free app, hardware from current price | Solo entrepreneurs and pop-up shops | 8.2 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Good to know
What is the best overall Squares replacement?
Shopify POS is the best overall because it combines robust e-commerce with in-person sales, making it ideal for omnichannel businesses.
Can I switch from Squares to a new POS without losing my data?
Yes, most POS systems offer data migration tools or import from spreadsheets. Plan your switch carefully and back up your data.
Which POS has the lowest transaction fees?
Helcim offers interchange-plus pricing, which can be lower than flat-rate fees for many businesses. Square has flat-rate fees without monthly costs.
Do I need a monthly subscription for a POS?
Not always. Square and Helcim offer free plans with no monthly fee, but they charge per transaction. Others like Shopify require a monthly subscription.
Which POS is best for a small restaurant?
Toast POS is specifically designed for restaurants, with features like menu management and table-side ordering.
Can I use my existing card reader with a new POS?
It depends on the POS. Some, like Square and Zettle, require their own readers. Others, like Shopify, support a variety of hardware.
How do I choose between Square and Shopify?
Square is better for simple, low-cost operations, while Shopify is superior for e-commerce and scaling. Choose based on where you sell most.
Are there any contract requirements?
Some providers like Clover may require contracts, while others like Square and Helcim have no long-term commitments. Always read the fine print.
Our take
For most small to medium businesses looking to replace Squares, we recommend Shopify POS for its unmatched omnichannel capabilities and scalability. If you are a restaurant, choose Toast POS for its specialized features. For the lowest cost, go with Helcim if you can handle fewer integrations.
