Comparison · Square vs Shopify POS
Square vs Shopify POS: the retail showdown
Comparing Square for Retail with Shopify POS on monthly cost, in-store hardware, inventory, omnichannel selling and which retailers benefit most from each.
| Square for Retail | Shopify POS | |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Free; Plus $49/mo per location | Requires Shopify plan from ~$39/mo; POS Pro +$89/mo per location |
| Hardware | Register $899 · Stand $149 · Reader $59 | Shopify POS Terminal / Tap & Chip Reader ~$49–$349+ |
| In-person rate | 2.6% + 15¢ | ~2.4%–2.6% + 10¢ by plan |
| Online store | Free Square Online site included | Core of the product, best-in-class |
| Inventory | Multi-location, POs, COGS (Plus) | Multi-location, strong for e-commerce |
| Best for | Store-first retailers | Online-first brands adding retail |
The short answer
If your business is a website first and a shop second, Shopify POS keeps everything inside the Shopify ecosystem you already pay for. If your sales mostly happen across a counter, Square for Retail gives you a free POS, cheaper hardware and a free online store without a mandatory monthly plan.
Monthly cost reality
Shopify POS Lite is bundled with every Shopify plan, but those plans start around $39 per month before POS Pro's extra $89 per location. Square Free has no monthly fee; Square Plus is $49 per location and only needed for advanced inventory, vendor management, COGS and lower rates.
Hardware and checkout
Square Register is a purpose-built dual-screen till with payments inside. Shopify's hardware is tablet-based with a separate reader or the POS Terminal; it works well but relies on an iPad or Android device you supply. Both support barcode scanners, receipt printers and cash drawers.
Omnichannel
Shopify's online store, checkout and apps are the deepest in the industry. Square Online is simpler but free, syncs the same catalog and inventory and handles pickup, delivery and shipping — more than enough for most local retailers.
Our recommendation
Boutiques, gift shops, convenience stores and specialty retailers that sell mainly in person get the most value from Square. DTC brands that live on Shopify and are opening a flagship should look at Shopify POS Pro.
Square vs Shopify POS
Common questions
Does Square for Retail include an online store?
Yes. Square Online is included free, shares your item catalog and inventory and supports pickup, delivery and shipping.
Can Square POS scan barcodes?
Yes. Square Handheld has a built-in scanner, and Square Register and Stand pair with USB or Bluetooth scanners. We bundle the right one for your shop.