Square vs Shopify POS: Best Pick for Your Business
Square vs Shopify POS: A Simple Introduction
If you sell in person, you need a Point of Sale (POS) system to help you manage sales, payments, and inventory. Two of the most popular POS systems are Square and Shopify POS.
This guide compares Square vs Shopify POS so you can see which one works best for your business in 2025.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand—even if you’re just getting started!
Table of Contents
What is a POS System?
A POS system is the tool you use to ring up customers. It usually includes:
- A POS app or software
- Hardware (like a tablet, card reader, or receipt printer)
- A dashboard for reports and inventory
You use it at your store, pop-up shop, food truck, or event.
Meet the Two POS Giants: Square and Shopify
What is Square POS?
Square POS is a free POS system that comes with Square’s payment processing. It’s used by many small businesses because it’s simple and has no monthly fee.
What is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS is built into your Shopify store. If you sell online with Shopify, this POS is made just for you. It connects your online and in-person sales in one place.
Square vs Shopify POS: Feature Comparison
Let’s look at what you get with both POS systems.
| Feature | Shopify POS (Pro) | Square POS |
| Monthly Cost | $0 (Lite) / $89 (Pro) | $0 |
| Card Reader Support | Shopify Reader ($49) | Free Reader |
| Advanced Inventory | (Pro only) | Yes |
| Custom Staff Permissions | (Pro only) | Yes |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Yes |
| App Marketplace | (KlinKode, others) | Limited |
| Multi-Location Support | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Discount Control | via apps (Savify) | Basic |
Verdict: If you already use Shopify for your online store, Shopify POS is the better fit. If you don’t need an online store, Square POS may be cheaper.
Square vs Shopify POS: Pricing Breakdown
How Much is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS comes in two versions:
- POS Lite: Free with all Shopify plans
- POS Pro: $89/month per location
To use Shopify POS, you need a Shopify plan:
| Plan | Price (2025) |
| Basic | $39/month |
| Shopify | $105/month |
| Advanced | $399/month |
POS Lite is perfect for small businesses. POS Pro is for growing retail stores.
Square POS Pricing in 2025
Square POS has no monthly fee for its basic plan. But you pay for add-ons:
| Feature | Price |
| Basic POS | Free |
| Square Plus (for retail) | $60/month |
| Square Premium | Custom pricing |
| Online store | Extra fee or limited |
Want smart inventory or team tools? You’ll need Square Plus or Premium.
Shopify POS: Lite vs Pro
Shopify offers two versions:
- POS Lite: Free with any Shopify plan. Ideal for small stores with basic needs.
- POS Pro: $89/month per location. Includes advanced inventory, custom staff permissions, smart discounts, and analytics.
Want full control over in-store discount logic? Pair POS Pro with Savify to control when discounts apply based on cart contents, customer tag, or product conditions.
Who Should Use Shopify vs Square?
| Use Case | Best Option |
| You already sell online | Shopify |
| You sell at markets only | Square |
| You want full ecommerce + POS | Shopify |
| You need basic POS for free | Square |
| You want advanced discounts | Shopify + Savify |
Shopify vs Square POS: Hardware Costs
Shopify POS Hardware:
- Card reader: $49 – $69
- Barcode scanner: $250 – $350
- Receipt printer: $200 – $300
- Cash drawer: $100 – $150
Buy directly from the Shopify Hardware Store.
Square POS Hardware:
- Contactless reader: $59
- Terminal with screen: $299
- Register bundle: $799
Shop at Square’s hardware shop.
Both systems offer affordable card readers. Shopify’s hardware is more tailored to retail. Square offers all-in-one kits.
Shopify POS System Cost vs Square: Summary
| Item | Shopify POS | Square POS |
| App | Free (with plan) | Free |
| Card reader | $49 – $69 | $59 |
| Pro tools | $89/mo/location | $60+/mo |
| Online store | Included | Extra or limited |
| Total system cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
Final Thought: Shopify has a higher total cost, but you get more if you run an online + physical store.
Shopify vs Square POS: Best Features
Shopify POS Features
- Seamless online and in-person sales
- Unified dashboard
- Smart inventory tools
- In-store pickup & delivery
- Shopify Payments (no extra fees)
Square POS Features
- Free to start
- Simple setup
- Built-in loyalty programs (paid)
- Easy for food trucks, salons, and solo sellers
Square POS vs Shopify POS: Best for You?
Choose Shopify POS If:
- You sell online and in-store
- You want detailed inventory control
- You need advanced reports
- You use Shopify for eCommerce
Choose Square POS If:
- You’re just starting out
- You only sell in person
- You want to avoid monthly costs
- You don’t need an online store
Shopify POS System Cost: Is It Worth It?
Yes—if you already use Shopify for your online store. Shopify POS keeps everything in sync: orders, inventory, customers, and reports.
The added cost pays off in saved time and better data.
Real Reviews from 2025
“Shopify POS is perfect for my clothing store—it connects everything.”
“Square was easy to set up at my food stand. I didn’t want to pay monthly.”
“I upgraded to POS Pro and love the staff permissions and inventory tools.”
Square vs Shopify POS: FAQ
Q1: Is Shopify POS free?
POS Lite is free with any Shopify plan. POS Pro is $89/month per location.
Q2: Can I switch between Square and Shopify?
Yes, but you’ll need to move your data manually or use an expert.
Q3: Which is better for small retail stores?
Shopify POS is better if you sell online and offline. Square is good for solo sellers.
Q4: Can I try both?
Yes. Both platforms offer free trials and apps to test.
Q5: Which POS system is easier to use?
Both are beginner-friendly. Shopify is more powerful; Square is simpler.
Final Thoughts
In the debate of Square vs Shopify POS, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best POS for your business depends on what you sell and how you sell it.
- Use Shopify POS if you already have a Shopify store or need strong features for retail.
- Use Square POS if you want to start simple and sell in person with no monthly cost.
Both systems are powerful and trusted by thousands of businesses in 2025.
