Square alternatives: POS systems and payment options
The right alternative depends on what you need to change: your store software, processing agreement, business eligibility or a payment workflow. Start with that gap before choosing a new system.
Disclosure: Roots Payments is an independent Square Reseller. We earn revenue when businesses choose Square through us. This comparison is prepared by Roots Payments using the published sources linked below.
Which POS alternative should you compare?
Clover, Shopify POS and Toast belong on different shortlists. Use the detailed guides to compare the proposed plans, operating requirements and full cost against Square.
- Clover
The biggest difference is the offer you buy. Square publishes plan-based pricing; Clover processing and agreement terms can vary by seller. Compare the complete package, including equipment obligations.
- Shopify POS
Start with your existing catalog and order operation. Compare Square retail workflows with Shopify’s included POS features and any required Pro locations, rather than choosing solely by where sales happen.
- Toast
Both providers document restaurant workflows. Compare how each proposed setup connects your dining room, kitchen and online orders, then price the required devices, software and implementation together.
See the software
Stock counting
Stock count screen with product list, quantities and a numeric keypad.
Source: Square · Enlarge screenshotSales reporting
Vendor reporting view with sales totals, order counts and an hourly chart.
Source: Clover · Enlarge screenshotTablet and mobile checkout
Vendor app preview showing the product grid, customer shortcuts and cart.
Source: Shopify POS · Enlarge screenshotOrder entry and add-ons
Order detail with an item, suggested add-on, tax and total.
Source: Toast · Enlarge screenshotWhen does changing POS make sense?
Write down what the current setup cannot do, what that gap costs your team, and what the replacement would solve. If the problem concerns payouts or a separate payment channel, you may be able to add a service alongside the existing POS.
Consider replacing the POS
Required checkout, inventory or kitchen workflows are missing.
The proposed provider supports your business and the needed configuration.
The complete offer justifies migration work and any current exit costs.
Consider a separate service
The existing POS meets your everyday checkout needs.
You need a separate gateway, payout flow or specialized payment capability.
The additional provider can work with the setup and reconciliation process you need.
Choose a path around the problem you need to solve
A different POS does not automatically solve an account-eligibility or payment-services problem. These requirements call for separate reviews.
Your business needs specialized underwriting
A provider’s prohibited-business rules and an underwriting team’s risk assessment are separate checks. Confirm that the proposed provider accepts your actual products and business model before buying equipment. Approval is never guaranteed.
Will the provider review this exact business, and which documents and restrictions apply?
Explore high-risk processingYou want a different processing offer
A different pricing model may justify a merchant-account and gateway review. Square also invites businesses processing more than $250,000 a year to discuss custom pricing eligibility; a discount is not guaranteed. Compare written offers using the same transaction mix, software and hardware requirements.
What is the full recurring cost, and which contract or equipment obligations remain?
Explore independent gatewaysYou need different checkout or inventory workflows
A POS choice should follow a demonstration of the work your staff must complete. Test modifiers or variants, returns, online orders, permissions and reporting on the actual proposed plan. A different provider or a custom integration may solve the gap.
Can the proposed setup complete our hardest daily workflow without manual workarounds?
Discuss a Roots POS setupYou are considering cash and card pricing
Ask how a proposed program treats cash prices, card prices, disclosures, eligible transactions and remaining fees. A cash discount program does not establish that every payment, software or equipment cost disappears. Request the applicable written terms and an implementation scope.
Which charges remain, and what does the program require at checkout?
Review cash discount optionsYou need digital-asset payment capabilities
Square supports Bitcoin acceptance for eligible US sellers, with location and account restrictions. That does not establish support for every token, stablecoin or settlement workflow. Define the required asset, customer payment flow, settlement currency and provider eligibility before reviewing specialized options.
Does the provider support the exact asset and settlement flow this eligible business needs?
Explore specialized digital-asset paymentsYou need contractor or seller payouts
Collecting a customer payment and paying a contractor are different workflows. A payout service can sit alongside an existing POS. Specify recipients, funding, reconciliation and provider requirements before deciding whether the checkout system also needs to change.
Do we need a new checkout, an additional payout workflow, or both?
Explore coordinated payoutsCompare the full cost of changing systems
Use the same payment volume, transaction count, locations and required features for each offer. Keep one-time migration costs separate from the ongoing monthly bill.
- 1.Processing and software
Compare each payment channel, base subscription, location fee and recurring add-on. A lower advertised card rate can be offset by other charges.
- 2.Equipment and agreements
Confirm device compatibility, purchase or financing terms, renewal dates and cancellation charges. Do not assume existing payment terminals can move to another provider.
- 3.Data and implementation
Scope products, menus, customer records, integrations and staff training. Agree on the cutover process before ending the current service.
Related products and services
Merchant payment solutions
Explore processing, merchant accounts, gateways and payment workflows for your business.
Square setup for merchants
Explore Square setup, hardware and implementation services.
Square Point of Sale
Find a point-of-sale setup around your checkout and daily operations.
Roots POS
Explore a point-of-sale implementation around your business requirements.
Sources and review notes
This guide uses U.S. provider documentation. Published prices and features can change; use the plan and written agreement offered to your business when making a decision.
- 1.
Square US payment terms and restricted activity
- 2.
Square US pricing and custom pricing eligibility
- 3.
Square Bitcoin acceptance and eligibility
Roots coordinates solution reviews and implementation. Providers determine account eligibility and handle regulated payment services; this guide does not promise approval or savings.
Talk through your payment requirements
Bring your current bills, equipment list and the workflows you need to change. We can help identify the service path and scope the implementation.