Square Review
The all-in-one POS for any business size
Pros
- ✓Free software with no monthly fees to start
- ✓Extremely easy setup - works out of the box
- ✓Excellent free e-commerce integration
- ✓Transparent, flat-rate pricing
- ✓Works on iOS and Android devices
Cons
- ✗Processing fees higher than interchange-plus options
- ✗Limited advanced restaurant features vs Toast
- ✗Account stability issues reported by some high-risk businesses
- ✗Phone support requires a paid plan
Best For
Pricing
Free
Everything you need to start selling
- ✓POS app for iOS/Android
- ✓Online store
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓Basic reporting
- ✓Next-day deposits
Plus
Advanced features for growing businesses
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓Advanced reporting
- ✓Seat management (restaurants)
- ✓Course management
- ✓24/7 phone support
Premium
Full-service restaurant management
- ✓Everything in Plus
- ✓Lower processing rates (2.5%)
- ✓Advanced labor tools
- ✓Multiple menus
- ✓Priority support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square really free?
Yes, Square's basic POS software is completely free. You only pay processing fees (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction). Hardware is sold separately. Premium features like advanced reporting require paid plans starting at $60/month.
What are Square's processing fees?
Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions, 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions, and 3.5% + 15¢ for manually keyed transactions. Premium plans offer lower rates at 2.5% + 10¢.
Is Square good for restaurants?
Square for Restaurants is excellent for quick-service and small full-service restaurants. For large, complex full-service restaurants, Toast may offer more specialized features. Square shines for its simplicity and free starting tier.
What hardware does Square offer?
Square offers the Square Reader ($49), Square Stand ($149-$299), Square Terminal ($299), and Square Register ($799). All hardware includes a 2-year warranty.