Square Point of Sale vs SpotOn

PayPal

Stripe

Epos Now

PayPal provides an end-to-end suite of tools that can integrate with a business's existing systems and service providers. Its network of shoppers and businesses provides AI-driven data insights to help businesses reach new customers and drive results.

Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform that enables businesses to accept payments online and in person. It offers a suite of APIs for payment processing, subscription management, fraud prevention, and financial services integration Stripe provides both developer-focused tools with extensive documentation and no-code solutions for businesses without technical staff.

Epos Now is a leading global cloud-based point-of-sale and payment system that specializes in helping US retail and hospitality businesses trade efficiently.

Thanks to a selection of tools, and an extensive app store, users can create bespoke systems that make running a business simple.

Square Point of Sale is the customizable point-of-sale system built for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Access Controls/Permissions

Accounting

Accounting Integration

Activity Dashboard

Alerts/Notifications

Barcode/Ticket Scanning

Billing & Invoicing

Cash Management

Clock In/Out

Commission Management

Contact Database

Contact Management

Credit Card Processing

Custom Cake Orders

Customer Accounts

Customer Database

Customer History

Customer Management

Customizable Branding

Customizable Invoices

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Data Import/Export

Data Security

Data Synchronization

Delivery Management

Device Enrollment

Discount Management

Document Storage

eCommerce Management

Electronic Payments

Electronic Signature

Email Marketing

Employee Management

For Bakeries

For Bars/Clubs

For iPad Devices

For Liquor Stores

For Restaurants

For Retail

Fraud Detection

Gift Card Management

Inventory Control

Inventory Management

Inventory Tracking

Invoice Creation

Invoice History

Invoice Management

Invoice Processing

Item Management

Labor Cost Calculator

Layaway Management

Loyalty Program

Menu Builder

Mobile Access

Mobile App

Mobile Payments

Multi-Location

Offline Access

Online Invoicing

Online Ordering

Online Payments

Order Entry

Ordering Automation

Order Management

Partial Payments

Payment Processing

PCI Compliance

Point of Sale (POS)

Point of Sale (POS) Integration

Price/Margin Management

Pricing Management

Projections

Promotions Management

QR Codes

Quotes/Estimates

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Reporting

Real-Time Updates

Receipt Management

Recurring Invoicing

Recurring/Subscription Billing

Reminders

Remote Access/Control

Reporting/Analytics

Restaurant POS

Retail Inventory Management

Retail POS

Returns Management

Sales History

Sales Reports

Sales Tax Management

Sales Trend Analysis

Search/Filter

Security Management

Separate Checks

SMS Marketing

Split Checks

Reviews for Square Point of Sale come from a wide variety of industries, including retail (12% of reviewers), health, wellness and fitness (8%), and food & beverages (6%). The most frequent use case for Square Point of Sale cited by reviewers is payment processing (67% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Most users consider Square Point of Sale to offer strong value for money, with affordable, transparent pricing and low-cost hardware options. However, some reviewers say costs increase with transaction fees, hardware upgrades, and add-ons as businesses grow.

Value for money

The Square Point of Sale integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: QuickBooks Online (an accounting product rated 4.6 out of 5 for its integration with Square Point of Sale) and Wix (a website builder product, 4.6).

Integrations

Square Point of Sale is a payment processing program offering key features such as payment processing, data security, electronic and mobile payments, point of sale functionality, and online payments, among others.

Square Point of Sale

iPad

Web-based

Android

iPhone

Clover

Venmo

Shopify POS

Toast POS

PayPal Point of Sale

Cash App

QuickBooks Online

PayPal Invoicing

authorize.net

QuickBooks Money

Wave

Rain POS

SumUp

Square Free

Square Plus

Square Premium

Unreliable card reader performance

48% of reviewers feel negative about the Reader. Users commonly report that the card reader can be temperamental, with frequent connectivity issues, slow response times, and occasional failures to read cards. They say the hardware is sometimes flimsy, requiring replacements or adjustments, and may not be compatible with newer devices without adapters. Reviewers also mention problems with Bluetooth connections and the need to manually enter card information when the reader fails, which can slow down transactions and frustrate both staff and customers.

Dependence on stable internet

Owner

You can't use it unless you have an Internet connection, so sometimes at farmers' markets it stops working for credit payments.

69% of reviewers feel negative about Internet Connection requirements. Users report frequent challenges when Wi-Fi or cellular service is weak, especially at events or rural locations. They say the system can lag, go offline, or fail to process payments without a strong connection, sometimes resulting in lost sales or delayed transactions. Reviewers note that offline mode is unreliable, and reconnecting can be time-consuming. Many find it frustrating to rely on internet availability, as it impacts their ability to serve customers efficiently in various environments.

Inconsistent card swiping experience

If the device was not snug into the phone (possibly phone or model dependent) it would often be inaccurate or need repetitive swiping.

47% of reviewers feel negative about Card Swipe functionality. Users often find it difficult to swipe cards successfully, sometimes needing multiple attempts before a transaction is processed. They say this can slow down service and make customers uneasy. Reviewers also highlight that manual entry of card information, required when swiping fails, incurs higher fees. Many mention compatibility issues with newer devices and frustration with the sensitivity of the swipe hardware, leading to repeated interruptions during busy periods.

Recurring software glitches

60% of reviewers feel negative about Bugs and Issues. Users frequently mention experiencing glitches, freezes, and slowdowns, particularly after updates or during integration with other software. They say customer support is often unhelpful or slow to respond, leaving them to troubleshoot problems on their own. Reviewers report difficulties with syncing data, running reports, and equipment durability. Many express frustration with the need for frequent updates and the lack of timely solutions when technical issues disrupt their business operations.

High and complex transaction fees

Co-Owner

We have found very few cons to using Square, but the biggest one is the fees. While this is a necessary part of doing business, the recent price increase of using Square to accept payments has made our pricing structure difficult to maintain without passing those fees onto our customers.

47% of reviewers feel negative about Fee Transaction costs. Users frequently express concern over the percentage-based fees deducted from each sale, which they say add up quickly and impact profit margins, especially for small businesses. They mention that manually entered transactions incur even higher fees, and some find the fee structure confusing or difficult to track. Reviewers also dislike paying extra for premium features and note that recent price increases have made it harder to maintain their pricing structure without passing costs onto customers.

Highly intuitive user interface

Founder

The user-friendly interface and simplicity of the program keep managing a business simple.

document controller

The software is very user-friendly, which makes it easy for businesses to use.

94% of reviewers feel positive about the User Interface. Reviewers appreciate that the interface is exceptionally user-friendly, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate. They say the design is intuitive, requiring minimal training, and allows for quick operation. Users mention that even those with little technical background can manage tasks efficiently. Many find the layout convenient for daily business activities, and they highlight the ability to add products and items seamlessly. The overall consensus is that the interface simplifies business management and reduces the learning curve for new staff.

Seamless event payment handling

91% of reviewers feel positive about Event Payment capabilities. Reviewers indicate that the software is ideal for accepting payments at fundraisers, markets, fairs, and other events. They value the ability to process transactions on the go, use multiple devices simultaneously, and quickly adapt to changing prices or products. Users mention that it streamlines donation collection, ticket sales, and merchandise payments, making events more efficient. Many say it helps increase sales and donations by offering professional, cashless payment options in various settings.

Tailored for small businesses

The initial cost for Square POS hardware is relatively low compared to traditional POS systems, making it accessible for many small businesses.

94% of reviewers feel positive about Small Business support. Users say the software is flexible and customizable, allowing business owners to adapt processes to their specific needs. They appreciate the affordability and low initial hardware costs, making it accessible for startups and small operations. Reviewers indicate that features like detailed reporting, easy setup, and integrated tools help them manage finances and grow their businesses. Many mention that it’s particularly helpful for those with limited resources, enabling them to operate efficiently and scale as needed.

Operations

It offers a debit card tied to the account, that allows me to have instant access to funds, and if I use the transfer option, it takes one day to reach my bank account, or instant for another fee.

Tier III Technician

The setup process was confusing as it required an another app epically if you were using the lighting reader and a verification process, as well as linking your bank accounts and test transactions.

Secretary

This has allowed our PTO to quickly collect online and POS payments at events and after a slight learning curve, it is relatively easy to maintain.

President

I liked the simplicity of using it, although Square charges the same fee for debit cards as for credit cards and is a point higher if you have to manually process the charge.

Digital coordinator

I didn't like the integration and confusion of tipping in regards to multi-card payments and other technical formalities of the service.

Managing Director

We've used this for around 6 years and found it to work for our business as we've grown and new features / ways to take payment have developed.

Owner, designer, webdeveloper

Online terminal means that I can easily send payment links and if for some reason there is an issue with one way of doing it, Square gives me more options and it’s great.

It allows our techs to use it in the field via the mobile devices or our office staff can use it through the virtual terminal.

They also offer a line of credit based on amounts processed, which is an added advantage.

Not everyone knows how to use apple pay, venmo or any of the other apps but do have cards and want to pay that way which can be possible with square point

Master Business And Auto Enhancer  California Electric Sign Contractor

The flexibility it offers for various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, and online transactions, is also a significant benefit.

I can’t say with certainty that I didn’t somehow hit the 3 key a couple times by accident, but I don’t think I did and I know I didn’t intend to. When I saw the amount that was actually charged I IMMEDIATELY REVERSED THE CHARGE  by issuing a refund for a “mistaken charge.”

Rhe pos system workks grear it has a payroll option and i am able to trasfer instantly to my bussiness checking account

Pilates transformation expert

They were a necessary evil when the system first came out, but at this point, in 2026 there are other options available that do not require the processing fees.

We have multiple terminals is the payments are easily identified and reporting is clear.  

Differentiating hidden items vs archived items vs visible and invisible items is ambiguous.

The info at your fingertips on sales trends, item sales, customer average spend, etc can make you realize trends or items you didn't realize were popular.  

Furthermore the lighting reader did not have a chip reader which required us to upgrade.

The correct amount of the charge was $422.57, but the amount that was processed was $42,257.33 ($422.57 plus two 3s).

Clinical Counselor

It has so many options including loans, savings accounts, debit card; and keeps great records for tax related purposes

It's my go to Point of Sale system for my mobile and web.

Photographer

I've used Square over the years to send online invoices to clients, connect it to my website for payment and occasionally in-person transactions when needed.

Farm Market Manager

I love this interface for event transactions because you can easily categorize what you need and you have the ability to have portable POS options.

Additionally, the ability to integrate with other Square services, such as inventory management and customer relationship management, streamlines operations.

Artist

Using Square Point of Sale with my business has been so easy and the portability of the service is a game changer!

Square Point of Sale made managing my daily sales items sold reporting, sales-tax, tips, and credit card sales a very easy task.  

General Manager

I like working with Square, but do think it could do better with taking tab-like payments - we have lost revenue from it not closing out tabs.

Square Point of Sale vs SpotOn Comparison (2026)

Square Point of Sale

SpotOn

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives