Square for Retail vs PHP Point of Sale

Square Point of Sale

Epos Now

PayPal Point of Sale

Square Point of Sale is a POS solution for Android and iOS devices which includes tools for managing payments, digital receipts, inventory, reports, and more.

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.

The PayPal Here app is a mobile point of sale (POS) software designed to help businesses securely process debit or credit card payments and generate invoices. The application enables retailers and manufacturers to create and organize product lists and add details including photos and descriptions.

Square for Retail is a point of sale (POS) system for retail businesses, with integrated inventory management, customer profiles, employee timecards, and more

Electronic Payments

Inventory Management

Multi-Location

Order Management

Accounting Integration

eCommerce Management

Electronic Signature

Gift Card Management

Customer Accounts

Barcode/Ticket Scanning

Discount Management

Some reviewers find Square for Retail offers good value for small businesses, and users appreciate the transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing with no hidden fees. However, some users report that costs can add up quickly for higher-volume businesses, and they feel optional hardware and premium features are pricey.

Value for money

By industry, Square for Retail reviewers are most commonly professionals in retail (20%). The most frequent use case cited by reviewers is point of sale (64%).

Square for Retail

Web-based

iPad

Square Free

Square Plus

Square Premium

Owner

Immediately after this transaction, Square closed my account and informed me that I would have to wait 90 days to receive the funds — with no way to expedite or reroute payment despite the urgent cash-flow implications for my business. Because these funds are tied up until February, my business is facing serious difficulty covering payroll and operating expenses.

Web Developer

Even with those limitations, Square for Retail delivers a clean, efficient, and dependable experience for managing in‑store sales.

Managing the back end, running real‑time sales, and processing payments all feel smooth and intuitive.

It’s excellent for small to mid‑sized operations, but businesses with more complex needs may find themselves wanting more flexibility and deeper features.

Point of Sale Inventory Control manager

User friendly for many types of businesses, tracks inventory, supports online sales, competitive pricing for plans vs. other products.

It can feel limited for businesses that need more advanced retail features.

The search function could use some refining in order to make it easier to find items that don’t have SKU’s and scannable barcodes

I processed a transaction for $13,800 through Square.

The inventory piece of it is consistent and accurate and also very easy to navigate.

Now, it transfers all my data and spreadsheets straight to the accountant.

It's perfect for rerai furniture and store. Once you've tried it you won't forget it!, its the perfect all in one app

VALUE FOR MONEY - good, with square swipe adapter being free

Buyer

It’s very hard to get in touch with someone, and when you do, they weren’t much help in my opinion.

Order Management III

You can have unlimited items in your inventory which makes this convenient for the user and the customer, especially when you can do next day transfers as well!

MANAGER

PRODUCT COUNT WAS GREAT WITH SQUARE FOR RETAIL.

I was using two other paid apps along with Square.

It was also very easy for customers to use and understand!

Owner operator

It is the most readily available and streamlined inventory tool

Manager

It is dependable and i feel peace of mind knowing it is safe for my customers' info.

Square is a perfect solution, I can check my inventory, make multiple sales and email customer's receipt all within the Square App on my phone.

The incorporation of cash/check customers check out ability allows me to maintain inventory without the need to separately or manually change stock after the fact.

We specifically use Square for Restaurants POS system for our taproom system, which also ties into our mobile payments, but we do use Square for Retail as the basis for our online ordering page through Wix, as it works best for hosting that site for orders.

I like that square terminal is super easy to use and works every time.

The program also offers SKU and GTIN codes to be scanned successfully.

This is by far the best inventory tool I’ve found for the price.

First Impressions Director

The inventory tracking helps us know what we need and don't need, saving us money and allowing us to know what's in demand.

Overall, this is a good program to use when you need convenience. When using square, in this day and age, fast, easy and quick are what is needed in today's society, and this program comes to the rescue.

NutriStore Supervisor

Additionally, the processing fees went up drastically for us when we began offering one CBD product (THC free) out of several hundred products in our store.

Director

Would highly recommend this to all businesses in the retail sector

Real Estate Investor

It's so easy for me as a customer to make a quick purchase from small businesses, which I prefer to support.   If they did not have this option, I would not be able to make a purchase when I choose not to carry cash, which is nearly 100% of the time.  

Fees of course, and deposit timing is sometimes delayed.

Director of Development 

For what we use it for (event ticketing, retail shop charges and so on), we do not currently have any problems.

I do alot of craft fairs and want to provide customers the flexibilty & confidence when making their purchases.

We were not informed that all other user accounts would be closed and that the only way to access old records would be through the owner email account.  

WARRANTY CLERK

Architectural Consultant 

i really like that i can have a POS from wherever I am, I am able to use it in my retail storefront and I'm able to provide my services and products in a whole new way taking my POS mobile.

From loading up all our merchandise to swiping the guest's card/taking cash, all have come together nicely.

Entrepreneur 

Square for Retail has helped to ease my business flow by accepting payments, managing inventory and creating daily reports to track sales.

Absolutely ridiculous when other companies offer funds transfer and payment options for a fraction of the service fee.

Co-Owner/Manager

with an attractive design and easy to use interface  Square made payment processing very easy and allowed me the time to handle other hurtles that pop up on a daily basis.

The mobility of Square is the most fantastic aspect of the Square service. If we don't end up using the fully-fledged POS system, we have the option to use a simple phone-attached card payment device.

Freelancer

For instance, little black dialogue boxes telling what kind of info to put in each field hover over the space you actually need to type in when you do your account set-up. When you hit the "X" in the corner of the dialogue box that is blocking your view of the typing area, a full-screen pop-up asks "Are you sure you want to leave setup?"

Square integrates with QuickBooks online, so it's been seamless to link all my Square sales to my accounting books and makes my tax filings much more accurate

IT Manager

This is more for small business use and not for tracking and reporting on analytics.

Sales and hires 

Running a hire company, receiving payments on delivery is required on a daily, the square system is amazing can keep in your pocket and works every time.

Engineer

It also is convenient for when phone or internet goes out, and customers are in the main store, since it supplies a simple backup for payment processing.  

Advocate

Square for Retail was a little more convoluted in my opinion, the traditional Square POS app was more my style, straight to the point!

Technical Support Specialist

While keeping operation and inventory counts synced seems difficult, Square for Retail delivers a great experience

Pricing

Payment Processing

Retail Store

Ease of Use

Customization

Deposits

Sales Tracking

Card Reader

Bugs and Issues

Frequent bugs and glitches

Dance Instructor

When glitches do arise sometimes it is hard to find a quick solution.

50% of reviewers feel negative about bugs and issues in Square. Some users report encountering glitches that require restarting the app or cause certain functions to fail intermittently. Reviewers indicate that syncing problems, crashes, and slow performance can disrupt business operations, especially during high-volume periods. They find that resolving these issues is often time-consuming, and solutions are not always readily available. Some reviewers mention that recurring errors and hardware complications add frustration, making reliability a concern for their daily workflows.

Slow and unhelpful customer support

36% of reviewers feel negative about Square’s customer support. Some users report difficulty reaching live representatives, especially during urgent situations. Reviewers indicate that responses are often delayed and that support staff may be unhelpful or lack the necessary knowledge to resolve issues. They find that limited availability, particularly on weekends, leaves them without assistance when problems arise. Some reviewers express disappointment with the overall quality of support, stating that unresolved issues can impact their business operations.

Unreliable card reader performance

36% of reviewers feel negative about the card reader’s reliability. Some users report frequent issues with card readers failing to connect, requiring multiple swipes, or not reading cards at all. Reviewers indicate that hardware problems often force them to enter card information manually, which is time-consuming and incurs higher fees. They find that the need to replace malfunctioning readers or purchase new ones for compatibility adds to their frustration. Some reviewers mention that these disruptions can lead to awkward customer interactions and slow down transactions.

High and opaque pricing

39% of reviewers feel negative about Square’s pricing. Some users say the transaction and service fees are higher than they expect, and these costs can quickly add up for small businesses. Reviewers express frustration with hidden or unclear fees, as well as the extra charges for immediate fund access or additional hardware. They mention that the fee structure impacts their profits and makes budgeting more challenging. Some reviewers feel that the value provided does not always justify the monthly subscription or per-transaction costs.

Streamlined staff training process

96% of reviewers feel positive about staff training with Square. Some users report that the system is so intuitive that new employees can be trained in minutes, even those with little technical experience. Reviewers appreciate that the interface is easy to navigate, which reduces onboarding time and minimizes errors. They find that staff quickly become comfortable with daily tasks, such as processing payments and managing schedules. Some reviewers say the straightforward design helps seasonal or temporary staff adapt rapidly, making it ideal for businesses with frequent personnel changes.

Versatile retail store solution

97% of reviewers feel positive about Square’s suitability for retail stores. Some users say the software is adaptable for both brick-and-mortar and pop-up locations, allowing sales to be made in-store or remotely. Reviewers indicate that it is user-friendly for both new and experienced staff, making it easy to manage retail operations. They appreciate the system’s ability to support growing businesses and mention its usefulness for various retail sectors, from boutiques to bookstores. Some reviewers find that it helps streamline transactions and inventory, contributing to a secure and efficient retail environment.

Highly customizable user interface

98% of reviewers feel positive about the user interface, highlighting its simplicity, modern design, and ease of customization. Some users say the interface is intuitive and straightforward, making daily operations smooth for both staff and customers. Reviewers appreciate the ability to personalize layouts and integrate with other platforms, which they find enhances workflow. Some users report that the friendly and reliable design makes it accessible for people with varying tech skills. They find the interface quick to learn and value the seamless experience across devices, noting that it contributes to a sense of security and efficiency.

Ideal for small businesses

Co-Owner

It is a highly customizable app that can be tailored to the specific needs of your small business.

94% of reviewers feel positive about Square’s fit for small businesses. Some users say the software is affordable, easy to set up, and highly customizable to their unique needs. Reviewers appreciate the ability to manage sales, inventory, and payments efficiently, which they find essential for business growth. They mention that the system’s portability and accessibility make it suitable for businesses that operate in multiple locations or at events. Some reviewers report that Square adds professionalism and credibility, helping small businesses compete and thrive in their markets.

Effortless setup and operation

lot manager

Use this product for just 6 weeks, was very very easy to learn and had people using it that were generally not good at computers.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Square’s ease of use. Some users say the setup process is quick and straightforward, allowing them to start selling within minutes. Reviewers appreciate that even those with limited technical skills can navigate the system, configure products, and process transactions smoothly. They find the platform intuitive for managing customer information, tracking sales, and generating receipts. Some reviewers indicate that the software’s organization and clarity help streamline operations, making it accessible for both staff and customers in fast-paced retail environments.

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Some reviewers find Square for Retail offers good value for small businesses, highlighting the absence of monthly fees and the pay-as-you-go structure as cost-effective, especially for those with lower transaction volumes. Users appreciate knowing exactly what fees they will pay per transaction, with no hidden charges or minimums, and say the transparent pricing helps them manage costs. Some reviewers feel the included free hardware and free software add to the value, making it easier for startups to get started without significant upfront investment. They indicate that occasional promotions, such as free processing for initial sales or referral bonuses, further enhance the cost-benefit. Reviewers appreciate that all essential features are included in the base plan, and some mention the competitive or reasonable processing fees compared to traditional merchant services.

However, some users report that fees can add up quickly, especially for higher-volume businesses, and feel the per-transaction charges are sometimes higher than competitors. They say the cost of optional hardware and premium features can be pricey, and some express frustration with additional charges for instant fund transfers. Some reviewers think the monthly subscription for advanced features is not always justified by the exclusive functionalities offered. Users mention that rising or unclear fees can impact profits, and a few wish for more flexible or lower-cost pricing options.

Square

Shopify

Shopify is a commerce platform that allows anyone to easily sell online, at a retail location, and everywhere in between

RetailEdge

RetailEdge is a point of sale solution that helps retail businesses manage inventory and sales orders. Key features of the platform include barcode scanning, item listing, customer history tracking, credit card processing, price management, invoicing, secure data storage, and gift card distribution.

PHP Point of Sale is a cloud-based retail POS solution designed for small to mid size businesses that aids with managing inventory, sales reports, customer relations, employee onboarding, sales commissions, and more. The system is mobile friendly and designed to manage multiple locations.

Sales Reports

Pricing Management

Returns Tracking

Most reviewers indicate that PHP Point of Sale delivers strong value for money, with affordable pricing and robust features. However, some users report concerns about recent price increases, extra costs for add-ons, and higher upgrade fees.

The PHP Point of Sale integration most frequently cited by reviewers is WooCommerce, an eCommerce product rated 4.1 out of 5 for its integration with PHP Point of Sale.

Integrations

By industry, PHP Point of Sale reviewers are most commonly professionals in retail (36%). The most frequent use case cited is retail POS system (56% of reviewers).

Proprietary

PHP Point of Sale

Android

iPhone

Cloud

web engineer assistant

In addition, the rest of the team was able to generate invoices, manage customer orders and track inventory without problems, among that and more features. Although my main focus remains architecture, PHP Point of Sale has provided me with valuable experience in back office management and contributed to my professional growth.

As an architecture student intern at a construction company, although I was initially overwhelmed by web development, PHP Point of Sale's intuitive interface allowed me to learn quickly and perform tasks efficiently, yet I didn't take care of the rest of the development. .

From the little experience I had with PHP Point of Sale, it has been extremely positive despite the fact that it is not something in my area of study, and what I liked the most was its ability to manage inventories and generate detailed reports for the operational efficiency of the area.

President

It adapts to cell phones, laptops, tablets and you can access it from anywhere by creating a network that allows you to do it.

With a direct access to the database, I am able to create scripts & reports that help to cover the 20% of our needs.

Technician

We need more custom fields in the Expenses module where we can upload pdf, jpg files.

Founder

We started using it in our own stores and watched it grow of the last 11 years from a small opensource project to what it is today.  

We have used PHP for many years and, during the years, compared other systems to make sure we are still using a premium platform, which also resulted in staying the PHP.

license is all that is required per location even if you have 50 computers running POS.

System Administrator

lack of inbuilt deep invoice and receipt customization.

I will not stop using and recommending other businesses that cannot afford the high price Point of sale software to try PHP point of sale as they are getting better and better by the minute

I've implemented it in all 3 of my businesses with 3 different segments and use cases.  

Owner/Operator

The amount of features compared to the big players in this space for literally a fraction on the price.

They take the time to work through any issue(s) whether through instruction or logging on to help directly.  

The UI is super intuitive, an optimized for touch screens.

Like most businesses I also have a terminal for card transactions.

IT manager

We've invested a lot of time in customizing it for our specific needs.

The best implementation of a POS system that make retail business easy to manage and profit from.

Cash transactions required manual clicking to open.

Opensource where I can access the database directly.

Ease of use and installation is the most important, factor that with how [SENSITIVE CONTENT] listens and innovates and you have a winning POS that just works.

I had to write additional scripts to fill in the missing gap.

Director of I.T.

Even though in some instances there is no optimal resolution he always has a reply and suggestion.

The system is easy to get started and full of features that can be adjusted to the business requirements.

There are no hold music or keys to press.

You can work in the cloud or you can simply do it locally.

SENSITIVE CONTENT] is a "straight shooter" and replies to all my techy questions and needs promptly.

Simple, easy to use, if you have knowledge in Excel you can transfer products, suppliers and customers in seconds.

Everything from installation to features to customer support is exemplary

Offline mode could use some improvements.  

Fantastic tool for stores with lots of inventory.

This applies to me because I have few customers to whom I grant credit.

There was no remote access to the database.

As mentioned before I would like to see more versatility with the sales reports.

We run two computers on it simultaneously.

owner/Master Tech

Can't obtain a work order authorization signature and no before and after function check lists.

PHP is a perfect fit for me and my store!

Webmaster

Overall great for the value, ease of use, and inventory management.

Square for Retail vs PHP Point of Sale Comparison (2026)

Square for Retail

PHP Point of Sale

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives