A Square vs. Shopify comparison
What’s the best all-in-one payment platform for you?
Everything you need to run your business, anywhere, anytime.
Square has all the tools you need to reach your customers and grow your business, whether in person, online or both.
The Square POS system is made for selling in person and online.
Set up a free online store and integrate with one of our shipping partners.
Send an unlimited number of invoices, estimates or recurring invoices to request payments for goods & services.
Track employees, inventory, and sales all for free using Square POS Software.
Simplify your day with our web-based appointment scheduling software and app.
Get your money deposited in your bank account as fast as the next day or instantly for a fee.
How Square compares to Shopify*
| Trustpilot scores | Square: 4.1 | Shopify: 1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost comparison | ||
| In person processing fee | 1.75% | 1.5% - 1.7% (depending on which paid subscription) |
| No chargeback fees | Yes |
Yes £10 |
| No additional fees for American Express | Yes |
Yes |
| No hardware rental fees | Yes |
Yes |
| Next day transfer as standard | Yes |
Yes |
| Instant transfer - access funds in minutes (for a fee) | Yes |
No |
| In-person payments | ||
| Free POS App | Yes |
Yes |
| All-in-one till system with customer display and built-in software | Yes |
No |
| Countertop iPad till stand with card reader | Yes |
No |
| Lowest card reader price | Square Reader - £19 + VAT | WisePad3 Reader - £49 |
| Portable card machine with built-in receipt printer & free, pre-installed POS software | Yes |
No |
| Physical gift cards | Yes |
Yes |
| Offline mode | Yes with Square Terminal | No |
| Online and remote payments | ||
| Free online store | Yes |
Yes |
| Website templates | Yes |
Yes |
| Online ordering for Restaurants | Yes |
Yes |
| Photo Studio app for item library and online store | Yes |
No |
| Payment links | Yes |
Yes |
| Invoicing software | Yes |
No |
| Virtual Terminal to take payments over the phone or on your computer | Yes |
No |
| e-Gift Cards | Yes |
Yes |
| Solutions designed for you | ||
| Bespoke Retail POS System | Yes |
No |
| Bespoke Restaurant POS System | Yes |
No |
| Bespoke POS System for Appointments-based businesses | Yes |
No |
| Kitchen Display System | Yes |
No |
| Loyalty programme software | Yes |
No |
| Email marketing software | Yes |
Yes |
| Team management | Yes |
Yes |
| Inventory management | Yes |
Yes |
*Competitive data on this page was collected as of 21 June 2022 and is based on information found on shopify.co.uk. This information is subject to change or update without notice. Square does not make any representations as to the completeness or accuracy of the information on this page.
Four things you can depend on with Square.
Whether you need a point of sale for your retail shop, quick-service restaurant, beauty salon or on-the-go jobs, Square offers the reliability and ease of use every business needs.
Create your free account today.
Frequently Asked Questions
(by people thinking about switching from Shopify to Square)
Yes, you can download the free app, import CSV files with your items or customer information, and link to existing third-party software, like QuickBooks, quickly and easily. For larger sellers, we have services to help you transfer your Shopify data to Square.
There is not a Square Shopify integration, but it’s simple to switch from Shopify to Square for your in-person and eCommerce platform..
You can go from downloading Square POS to making your first sale in minutes by signing up for your free account here. Our hardware works out of the box with no configuration required. You can create your own site with our website builder on Square Online or sync your existing eCommerce platform.
Our Support Centre can help with general questions, and once you have signed up for an account, you can contact our highly trained customer support team via phone or email.
Yes, sales from online and in person automatically update your inventory levels, and you automatically receive inventory alerts when you’re running low. It’s inventory management made easy. Learn more about our inventory management tools here.
Yes! Square’s app marketplace lets you find third-party apps that you may already use and depend on. From accounting apps and eCommerce shipping solutions to inventory and employee management and payroll, Square works with apps that can help with whatever your business needs. Check it out here.
Absolutely. Square is much more than the white square card reader and payment processing. We’ve been a champion for small business from the start, and with our suite of add-on features, you can pick and choose tools to suit the needs of your business. See how you can customise your POS system here. Beyond payment processing, you can manage teams, take payments in the field or at pop-ups on the mobile app, and sell online through Square Online. You can sell in person safely with click and collect or delivery, and get paid with invoices or even over the phone, so you can manage your business with ease and reach your customers everywhere.
Resources
How Square works
Square connects all sides of your business with easy to use tools designed to give you time to focus on what you do best.
Compare Square
Learn more about how Square stacks up against other payment providers and business solution tools.
Business glossary
Learn everything you need to know about starting, running and growing your business with our Square Business Glossary.