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Square

Review by RAECHEL CONOVER
Updated June 19, 2024

Square POS provides a simplified, streamlined approach to any retail outlet. With stand-out features such as intuitive data collection, inventory tracking, automated reordering, and the ability to accept many payment forms, Square POS is one POS system to check out – especially if you don’t need hardware. Square POS provides a robust free program that does not include hardware but helps you cover all your POS bases.

Pros

  • Comprehensive free plan
  • Works with most hardware
  • Accepts wide range of payments
  • Works off-line
  • Customer surveys
Cons

  • Loyalty program is an extra cost
  • Processing fees are high
  • Many extra costs and fees
Square logo
Best free POS System
4.5
Features
5
Pricing
5
Support
3
Reputation
5

What is Square POS?

Square for Retail simplifies day-to-day activities for retailers. From accepting a wide range of payments from anywhere to accepting returns and exchanges at any location Square POS provides the comprehensive technology to bring it all together under one platform. In addition, the POS software tracks inventory, automates processes, and provides intelligent reports to help forecast sales.

square for retail dashboard screenshot

Square for Retail dashboard. Source: 30-day free trial.

Square POS stands out for offering a comprehensive free version – users aren’t committed to buying or renting hardware. All they pay for is the credit card processing fees. For this reason, small retailers that don’t need the hardware and can get along fine with the app can save a considerable amount of money using Square POS.

Pricing is broken down into three plans starting with a free plan. There are also several add-ons to choose from, including hardware, payroll, marketing, and a loyalty program.

Users love Square POS for its simple interface, ease of use, and quick payment processing. The free version garners a lot of positive feedback where users say it solves many of their problems and saves them a ton of money.

Is Square POS legit?

Since its inception as a small magstripe card reader in 2009, Square has evolved to a plethora of commerce solutions that serve small to large businesses both online and in-person. Over the years, Square has branched into hardware, finance, inventory, and omnichannel solutions. Square supports sellers and commerce across all 50 states and globally and can grow and scale with your business as it grows.

square customer management dashboard screenshot

Customer management. Source: Square POS 30-day free trial.

Get Started Visit Square’s website.

How much does Square POS cost?

Square POS plans start at $60/location/month.

Starting price:
$60 per location per month
Free trial:
30 Days
Free version:
Available
In-store processing fees:
2.5% + $.10
Online processing fees:
2.9% + $.30
AfterPay:
Not Available
Square POS Pricing & Plans
Free Plus Premium
Starting at $0 /mo Starting at $60 /mo Request a quote
N/A Per location N/A

What’s included in every Square POS plan? Square for Retail provides the most detailed and well-laid-out plans upfront. Everything is explained in one easy-to-understand chart on the Square POS website. The Free plan includes inventory management, basic checkout tools, a free online store, in-store pickup or delivery options, social media selling, invoices, e-gift cards, customer management, sales reports, and employee management.

square team management dashboard screenshot

Team management dashboard. Source: Square POS free trial.

Moving up to the Plus plan, you will get lower processing fees, more in-depth inventory management, vendor management, returns at any location, more detailed reporting, and a higher level of team management. The Premium level combines all this, plus many add-ons, into one payment that would otherwise be additional fees.

square inventory management dashboard screenshot

Inventory management dashboard. Source: Square for Retail 30-day free trial.

Add-on options for the Free and the Plus plan include Square payroll, custom domain, product reviews, physical gift cards, unlimited employee permissions, marketing tools, loyalty programs, and hardware.

Which features does Square POS offer?

Retail POS Features
Variety of accepted payments
Inventory management
Customer management
Loyalty program (add-on)
Employee management

Other notable Square POS features

  • Marketing tools
  • AfterPay accepted
  • In-person or delivery options
  • Social media selling
  • Vendor management
  • Payroll
  • Time tracking

Get Started Visit Square’s website.

What types of support does Square POS offer?

Data Migration
1-on-1 Live Training
Self-Guided Online Training
Knowledge Base
FAQs/Forum
Email Support
Live Chat
Phone Support

Square POS user review highlights

We analyzed 3,813 user reviews about Square POS from four third-party review websites to provide this summary.

While many Square POS users don’t have anything negative to say about the software, some gripes surface. The most significant complaint is the fees. While the free version is excellent and the price is comparable, there are a lot of extra costs for add-ons and high processing fees, which can both add up quickly. Other problems seem to be that the system can be slow and buggy, which can be easily solved with more frequent software updates. Finally, several users report that when transactions are flagged repeatedly it holds up their funds.

Most Square POS reviews are very positive. Users find the program easy to set up and use. Specifically, ease of use is mentioned for sending invoices, processing credit card payments, printing receipts, and running reports. Reviewers also report that customer service is excellent and has many great modes and selections to choose from.

square in-depth reporting screenshot

In-depth reporting available. Source: Square POS free trial.

  • Ease of Setup – users report that Square POS comes ready to use – that’s how easy it is to set up.
  • Ease of Use – reviewers appreciate the simple interface that makes it easy to use.
  • Features – favorite features seem to be sending invoices, printing and sending receipts, ease of use, and inventory management.
  • Quality of Support – users indicate that customer support is very professional and helpful.
  • Value for Money – overall, users find good value in Square POS – especially the free version. However, the fees can add up quickly if you need too many add-ons.

Square POS Contact Information

Parent Company:
Block, Inc.
Headquarters:
San Francisco, CA
Year Founded:
2009
Website:
squareup.com/us/en/point-of-sale/retail
Facebook:
facebook.com/square
Twitter:
twitter.com/square
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/joinsquare
Instagram:
instagram.com/square
YouTube:
youtube.com/c/square

Square POS alternatives

Software Starting Price B2B Reviews Score
Square POS $60 / month 4.5
Shopify $5 / month 4.5
Korona POS $59 / month 4.8

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