POS Comparisons

Oracle Simphony vs PayPal Zettle: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Dec 7, 2025 3 min read

Choosing between Simphony and PayPal Zettle for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. Simphony starts at $1/month per workstation and is Oracle cloud POS for global hospitality, while PayPal Zettle starts at $29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction and is PayPal mobile POS with no monthly fees. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.

Quick Comparison: Simphony vs PayPal Zettle

FeatureSimphonyPayPal Zettle
CategoryRestaurantMulti-Industry
Starting Price$1/month per workstation$29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction
Rating4.2/54.2/5
Target BusinessSmall Business to EnterpriseSmall Business
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Free TrialNoNo
Free VersionNoYes
Best ForGlobal brands and multi-location operatorsSmall businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model

Simphony Overview

Oracle Simphony is a cloud-based POS platform serving restaurants, hotels, and stadiums in 180 countries. Features 200+ integrations, offline mode, and scalable architecture from single locations to global chains.

Simphony is offered by Oracle (founded 2010) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, Hotels, Stadiums.

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Key Features:

  • Cloud POS
  • Offline Mode
  • 200+ Integrations
  • Multi-language
  • Online Ordering
  • Kitchen Display

PayPal Zettle Overview

PayPal Zettle is a mobile POS system with card readers and simple POS software. Features no monthly fees on the basic plan, integration with PayPal, and affordable hardware options.

PayPal Zettle is offered by PayPal (founded 2010) based in Stockholm, Sweden. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

Key Features:

  • Mobile POS
  • Card Reader
  • Inventory Management
  • Reporting
  • Digital Receipts
  • PayPal Integration

Feature Comparison

Simphony Features:

  • Cloud POS
  • Offline Mode
  • 200+ Integrations
  • Multi-language
  • Online Ordering

PayPal Zettle Features:

  • Mobile POS
  • Card Reader
  • Inventory Management
  • Reporting
  • Digital Receipts

When comparing features, Simphony stands out with $1/month entry pricing, while PayPal Zettle differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectSimphonyPayPal Zettle
Starting Price$1/month per workstation$29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Price RangeBudget to PremiumBudget
Free TrialNot availableNot available
Free VersionNoYes

PayPal Zettle is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Simphony

Pros:

  • Affordable $1/month entry
  • 180 country presence
  • 200+ integrations
  • Enterprise scalability

Cons:

  • Complex for small operations
  • Advanced features cost more
  • Implementation required

PayPal Zettle

Pros:

  • No monthly fees
  • PayPal integration
  • Affordable hardware
  • Easy setup

Cons:

  • Processing fees on every transaction
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic reporting

Who Should Choose Simphony?

Simphony is ideal for Global brands and multi-location operators. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, Hotels, Stadiums.

However, Simphony may not be the best fit for Very small restaurants wanting simplicity.

Who Should Choose PayPal Zettle?

PayPal Zettle is ideal for Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

However, PayPal Zettle may not be the best fit for High-volume operations where processing fees add up.

Our Recommendation

Both Simphony and PayPal Zettle are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Simphony if you’re Global brands and multi-location operators. Choose PayPal Zettle if you’re Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. choose PayPal Zettle if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.