Shift4Shop vs Square Point of Sale

Shopify

WooCommerce

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

Designed for store owners and developers to build & run eCommerce sites, WooCommerce is an extendable, adaptable, open-sourced eCommerce platform for WordPress

Wix is a website-building and business management platform that helps users create any type of website and expand the brand's online presence. Wix offers its users different ways to build sites; for those less tech-savvy, the Wix Editor is the way to go. It boasts a choice of various pre-designed templates that can be personalized with a drag-and-drop editor and various other AI capabilities, such as an automated text generator.

All in one Shopping Cart Solution - Build, Manage, and grow your online store.

SEO Management

Website Management

Customizable Branding

Some users say Shift4Shop provides strong value for money with its free plan, affordable pricing, and bundled features. However, some reviewers report higher-tier plans can be pricey and feel restricted by bandwidth limits and costly upgrades.

Value for money

By industry, Shift4Shop reviewers are most commonly professionals in retail (20%). The most frequent use case for Shift4Shop cited by reviewers is small business eCommerce (54% of reviewers).

Proprietary

Shift4Shop

Web-based

Windows

Linux

Chromebook

BigCommerce

Square Point of Sale

Squarespace

Basic

Owner

After months of not hearing back, they suddenly changed their mind and told me I had to pay a bill for services I didn't receive from them before they would let me back into my site.

I cannot use 2 of their payment providers and was told I could bring in my own option.

You guys will end up with a class action lawsuit for this. When you do, I hope a lawyer contacts me.

What made 3dcart (bought by shift4shop) unique, was that there was a control for even the most minute function, allowing the user to have a tremendous amount of grasp of the overall customer experience.   

Web specialist

Can use "out of the box" without having to add a bunch of paid options.

Payout is faster then other soon as a batch out it’s settled faster then others

Vice President

They sent an email out saying that if we didn't register for their payment processor, our site would be deleted.

They don’t do payout same day at all they should

From flippant responses to legitimate questions on chat to ticket responses that take 10-14 days, there is simply NO value for the money.   

One price good for established ecomm not good for start ups.

I would get an email from a customer, sent to my email address, but in order to reply, I had to log back into the CRM screen.  

It's a shame, it used to be a good option for a small business owner who was willing to take the time to make a great site, for not as much $$ as the big outfits.     

Director

There are a few head-scratching rough edge items - here's one example:  When you enter your product's name, the default text is "Product Name" and when you click in the box, your curser is at the end of Product Name and you need to backspace those two words away.    But all the other data boxes have the default text disappears when you click in the box.  

VP MARKETING/SALES

We stayed with Shift 4 Shop/3dcartstores due to the functionality of the platform.  

Retail Store Manager

You can select your choice of payments with real-time shipping. If you want to increase your sales conversions then 3dcart is the best option for you.

President

Now we have to find a 3rd party to get Orders/Communications via email at additional cost.

Another weirdness - when you start entering a new product, the image upload is right there on the new product page.   But if you edit a product, the image upload is now hidden in a new tab.  

However, over the course of the last year we have been experiencing an uptick in "glitches" on their platform.

It was confusing at times, but that was offset by the relative ease of obtaining help from technical support when it got difficult.

In those 15 years have encountered countless glitches but god forbid ever call them glitches as in their mind the software is perfect.  

According to them, it seems to be a "global" issue affecting everyones site on the platforms.

Customer support specialist 

It's similar to 3d cart which is what it took over in our company.

Chief Laborer

I'm planning on taking my site down and finding a better solution that actually is stable and works.

No warning, still charging because no admin logged in within 90 days.

The Shift4Payment fees are virtually the same as the fees rom PayPal or other online processors, so it comes out to be a complete non-issue.

Director of IT

Every time I get on the phone to check the progress of the (now "elevated") ticket, I have to re-explain the issue, and they try to push me to do the same things I have been doing for weeks.

General director

Often the website breaks down and it's not interesting

I called again and they said they had some account info that I had never heard of, nor provided.

I am not a website builder and there are so many features to this, you can get overwhelmed a little.....but customer service through the chat is amazing and I have learned the features and I am enjoying seeing my website come together.  

Updates are done automatically, so you don't need to be a techy to keep up (this was a concern when we previously self hosted and did Woocommerce).

Co-owner

We used them for 2 years and had minor problems up until the end.

Shift4shop does provide basic video tutorials for most functions, for new users).

Practice Manager

Consultant 

I like the whole and the concept of the site.

I was not surprised when I was denied, and it further confirmed that I had indeed made the right choice to leave this abysmal service.

I was able to go into the settings and change the "reward points" wording to say "Queen Buck"......OMG.....that just made my day.  

I was told I received the email by mistake and we were all good and to disregard.

Shift4Shop (previously 3dcart) is a FREE website ecommerce platform.

Simply put, this is bad software with a poor customer care staff!

It was certainly a learning process, and we spent more time understanding the software than we would compared to a competing service, however the end result is acceptable.

For a service that is mostly free to use, we have determined that the amount of work and learning required has been worth it.

We have literally NOT MADE ANY PROGRESS on the issue, and it feels like I'm running in endless circles with their Tech Support team.

I started down the rabbit hole, found a few reviews that mentioned Shift4Shop, and never looked back.

I was a little worried since I read some not so great reviews and I read about all the features that could be confusing.  

I have tried asking and pleading to talk to someone higher up or a developer of some sort, but they tell me that it's impossible.

It's impossible to learn new software without asking questions and their chat feature is great.  

Customer Support

Bugs and Issues

Payment Options

Email Response

Live Chat

Website Hosting

Site Deletion

Payout Process

Pricing

E-commerce Platform

Small Business

Freelancers

Some users say Shift4Shop offers strong value for money, highlighting its free plan, affordable monthly pricing, and inclusion of features like unlimited products, bandwidth, and third-party integrations. Reviewers appreciate the bundled functionality, customization options, and the ability to run a full eCommerce site at a lower cost compared to competitors. Some reviewers find the free trial and low entry costs attractive. However, some users report that higher-tier plans can become pricey, especially with increased product uploads or traffic, and they feel restricted by bandwidth limits and upselling of costly upgrades. Some reviewers feel price increases are not matched by improvements.

PayPal

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

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

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.

Mobile Payments

Reporting/Analytics

Billing & Invoicing

PCI Compliance

Recurring/Subscription Billing

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.

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.

iPad

Android

iPhone

Clover

Venmo

Shopify POS

Toast POS

PayPal Point of Sale

QuickBooks Online

PayPal Invoicing

authorize.net

Cash App

Wave

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

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.

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.

Financial Controller

We generate a link for them to do the secure payment themselves .

So easy to use: plug it into your phone or iPad, swipe the card like customers already expect, follow the screen prompts and DONE.

Graphic Designer

It's usually between 2 and 3 percent, but large transactions can be eye opening.

Management

store location and description to every item, which makes it much easier when a client is asking for something specific.

Shift4Shop vs Square Point of Sale Comparison (2026)

Shift4Shop

Square Point of Sale

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives