In the battle of Square versus NCR Counterpoint, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Square is particularly strong for Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups, while NCR Counterpoint excels at Multi-location retailers, B2B wholesale businesses. Whether you prioritize No monthly fees or Unified B2B and retail, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Square vs NCR Counterpoint
| Feature | Square | NCR Counterpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Retail |
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $129/month |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups | Multi-location retailers, B2B wholesale businesses |
Square Overview
Square is a comprehensive payment and point-of-sale platform that helps businesses of all sizes accept payments, manage inventory, and grow their business. Known for its iconic card reader and user-friendly interface.
Square is offered by Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.) (founded 2009) based in San Francisco, CA. The system focuses on Retail, Restaurants, Services, Appointments.
Key Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
- Online ordering
NCR Counterpoint Overview
NCR Counterpoint is a comprehensive retail management system that unifies in-store, B2B, and eCommerce operations. It automatically updates sales, inventory, and customer data in real-time with features including mobile POS, email marketing, and inventory management.
NCR Counterpoint is offered by NCR Voyix (founded 1884) based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The system focuses on Retail, Multi-store, B2B.
Key Features:
- Mobile POS
- Email marketing
- Inventory management
- Real-time alerts
- B2B operations
- eCommerce integration
Feature Comparison
Square Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
NCR Counterpoint Features:
- Mobile POS
- Email marketing
- Inventory management
- Real-time alerts
- B2B operations
When comparing features, Square stands out with No monthly fees, while NCR Counterpoint differentiates itself with Unified B2B and retail. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Square | NCR Counterpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $129/month |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Price Range | Budget | Premium |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Square 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
Square
Pros:
- No monthly fees for basic plan
- Easy setup and use
- Excellent mobile app
- Strong ecosystem of add-ons
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Transaction fees can add up
- Limited customization
- Account stability concerns for high-risk businesses
NCR Counterpoint
Pros:
- Comprehensive retail management
- Real-time data sync
- Multi-channel support
- Strong B2B features
Cons:
- Higher cost for small retailers
- Complex setup
- Learning curve
Who Should Choose Square?
Square is ideal for Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Restaurants, Services, Appointments.
However, Square may not be the best fit for Large enterprises needing deep customization.
Who Should Choose NCR Counterpoint?
NCR Counterpoint is ideal for Multi-location retailers, B2B wholesale businesses. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Multi-store, B2B.
However, NCR Counterpoint may not be the best fit for Single small retail stores, restaurants.
Our Recommendation
Both Square and NCR Counterpoint are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Square if you’re Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups. Choose NCR Counterpoint if you’re Multi-location retailers, B2B wholesale businesses. Square has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 4.2). Also, choose Square if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.