Choosing between Square and PayPal Zettle for your business? Both are popular multi-industry solutions, but they serve different needs. Square starts at Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) and is All-in-one payment and business management platform, 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: Square vs PayPal Zettle
| Feature | Square | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups | Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model |
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
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
Square Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
PayPal Zettle Features:
- Mobile POS
- Card Reader
- Inventory Management
- Reporting
- Digital Receipts
When comparing features, Square stands out with No monthly fees, 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 Aspect | Square | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Budget | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | Yes | Yes |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. 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
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 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 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 Square and PayPal Zettle 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 PayPal Zettle if you’re Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. Square has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 4.2). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.