Zettle vs. Square: Which POS Solution Should You Use to Take Payments for Your Business in 2025?

If you’re considering Zettle vs Square, you’re likely looking for an affordable and user-friendly solution to process payments and manage sales.

Zettle and Square offer card readers, mobile POS apps, and online payment options but differ in pricing, features, and usability. The guide will compare these two platforms to help you decide which is best for your business.

Who is Zettle Useful For?

Zettle by PayPal is a POS system best suited for small businesses. It is ideal for startups, mobile vendors (food trucks, market stalls), service professionals (plumbers, roofers, interior designers), and small hospitality businesses (cafés, pubs, B&Bs). Zettle’s mobile card reader enables on-the-go payments.

Overall, Zettle is a practical, easy-to-use POS system for small retailers and service providers who need a simple, portable way to accept card payments without committing to long-term contracts or high fixed costs.

Who is Square Useful For? 

Square is a point of sale system that caters to various business verticals, offering tailored solutions to meet specific industry needs.

• Retail: Square for Retail provides advanced inventory management, sales tracking, and employee management tools, enabling seamless selling both in-store and online. It supports businesses such as clothing and accessories, grocery and convenience stores, home goods and furniture, and wine and liquor shops.

• Restaurants and Food Services: Square Restaurant offers features like order management, tableside ordering, and kitchen display systems, streamlining operations for restaurants, cafés, and food trucks.

• Service-Based Businesses: Square supports appointment scheduling, invoicing, and customer management, making it suitable for professionals such as photographers and consultants.

• Mobile Vendors: Square enables on-the-go payments with mobile credit card readers, making it ideal for businesses like market stalls and pop-up shops.

Square’s flexibility and tools make it suitable for businesses of all sizes seeking efficient payment processing and business management solutions.

KORONA POS: An Alternative To Zettle and Square POS

KORONA POS is an alternative that offers advanced features, particularly in inventory management and reporting.

It is designed to provide detailed insights and control over your business operations. Compared to Zettle and Square, KORONA POS offers more specialized tools, which can benefit businesses with complex inventory needs.

It is designed to provide detailed insights and control over your business operations. Compared to Zettle and Square, KORONA POS offers more specialized tools, which can benefit businesses with complex inventory needs.

Here’s a comparison table of Zettle, Square, and KORONA POS:

Zettle vs. Square: Pricing Comparison 

Pricing is a critical factor when choosing a POS system. Both Zettle and Square primarily operate on a transaction fee model, but they also have different hardware costs and optional add-ons that can affect the overall expense.

Zettle Pricing

Here’s an overview of Zettle’s pricing:

Transaction Fees

• In-person Card Payments: in the US, Zettle charges 2.29% + $0.09 for card-present transactions when a credit or debit card is swiped or inserted (QR code transactions are included for the same fee).

• Online Payments via Payment Links and Invoices: Transactions made through payment links and invoices incur a fee of 2.5%.

• Manual Card Entry (Non-Present Transactions): For transactions where card details are manually entered (i.e., not physically present), Zettle charges 3.49% plus a fixed amount per transaction.

Hardware Costs

• Card Reader: The standard price for the PayPal Zettle card reader is $79, which includes a USB cable.

• Terminal: The Zettle Terminal is priced at $199.

• Store Kits: Zettle offers various store kits that bundle hardware together. For example, the Store Kit Mini, which includes a tablet stand, card reader, and dock, is priced at $229.

Square Pricing

Square provides a range of hardware, from basic card readers to full POS systems. Square POS pricing offers optional monthly subscriptions for advanced features, which can increase the cost for businesses requiring these tools.

Square Monthly Subscription Plan

Square POS offers subscription plans with monthly fees starting at around $60 for advanced features, depending on the business type. 

Square for Retail, Square for Restaurants, and Square Appointments have free versions with basic tools, while paid plans provide more robust functionality. 

Square for Retail and Restaurants starts at $60 per month per location, while Square Appointments has a premium plan for single users starting at $29 monthly. 

Pricing is higher for multi-staff setups. All plans integrate with Square’s payment processing, which businesses must use.

Payment Processing Fees

• In-Person Transactions: For payments where the customer is physically present and uses methods like tapping, dipping, or swiping their card, Square charges a fee of 2.6% + $0.15 per transaction.

• Online Transactions: For payments made through your Square Online Store or via the eCommerce API, the fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

• Manually Entered Transactions: When you manually input a customer’s card details or use a card on file (i.e., the card is not physically present), Square charges 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction.

Invoices

• Card Payments: The fee is 3.3% + $0.30 per transaction for invoices paid via card.

• ACH Bank Transfers: Square charges 1% per transaction for ACH payments, with a minimum fee of $1.
• Afterpay Transactions: Square charges a fee of 6% + $0.30 per transaction for payments using Afterpay.

Hardware Costs

Square offers a range of hardware solutions to suit different business needs:

• Square Reader for Magstripe: Priced at $9.99, this reader allows you to accept Magstripe card payments using a mobile device.

• Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation): This reader, available for $49, supports contactless payments and EMV chip cards. 

• Square Terminal: At $299, this all-in-one device enables you to accept payments, print receipts, and manage transactions without additional hardware.

• Square Register: Starting at $799, this fully integrated POS system features a customer-facing display and is designed for seamless payment processing.

• Square Stand: For $149, this stand transforms your iPad into a professional POS system that supports various payment methods.

Additional Fees and Information

• Monthly Fees: Square’s POS software is free to use, but depending on the options and the type of business you run, it can cost between $29 and customs pricing.

• No Long-Term Contracts: Square does not require long-term contracts or charge equipment fees, providing business flexibility.

• Custom Pricing: Square offers custom pricing for businesses that process over $250,000 in card sales annually. Interested companies can contact Square’s sales team for more information.

• Afterpay Fees: Square charges a fee of 6% + $0.30 per transaction for transactions using Afterpay.

Verdict

For businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness and simple payment processing, Zettle is often the better choice. However, Square provides more value for businesses that require advanced features and are willing to pay extra.

Zettle vs. Square: Ease of Use 

Ease of use is essential for smooth operations. A POS system should be intuitive and straightforward, allowing staff to learn and use it quickly without extensive training.

Source: Trustpilot 

• Simple Interface: Zettle is known for its clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for anyone to use.

• Quick Setup: Zettle offers a fast and hassle-free setup process, allowing businesses to start accepting payments quickly.

• Portable: Zettle’s mobile-friendly design ensures ease of use on the go.

Square Ease of Use

Source: Trustpilot

• User-Friendly: Square provides a user-friendly experience with straightforward navigation and well-organized features.

• Comprehensive System: Square’s complexity might require more time to grasp than Zettle fully.

• Hardware Integration: Square’s hardware seamlessly integrates with its software, enhancing the user experience.

Verdict 

Both Square and PayPal Zettle are recognized for their user-friendly interfaces. Square offers a more feature-rich ecosystem, which may present a learning curve but provides comprehensive tools for business management.

In contrast, Zettle emphasizes simplicity and quick setup, catering to businesses prioritizing ease of use without extensive additional features. Your choice should align with your business’s specific needs and preferences. 

Zettle vs. Square: Customer Support

Reliable customer support is crucial for resolving issues and ensuring smooth operations. Both Zettle and Square offer different support channels that businesses can utilize.

Zettle Customer Support

• Online Support: Zettle provides extensive online resources, including help articles and FAQs.
• Phone Support: Zettle offers phone support for urgent issues.
• Community Forums: Users can connect with other Zettle users in online forums.

Square Customer Support

• Robust Support Network: Square customer service has an extensive support network that includes online resources and community forums.
• Dedicated Support: Square offers phone support for its paid subscribers, though all support is off-shore, and hold times are often quite long.
• Extensive Documentation: Square provides comprehensive documentation and guides for troubleshooting.

Verdict

Neither Zettle nor Square offers strong customer support, but Square’s more extensive network and various support options give it a slight edge.

Zettle vs. Square: Integrations

Integrations allow POS systems to connect with other software, such as accounting tools and eCommerce platforms, enhancing functionality and efficiency.

Zettle Integrations

• Limited Integrations: Zettle has a more limited number of integrations than Square.
• Key Integrations: Zettle integrates with some accounting software and eCommerce platforms.
• Focus on Core Features: Zettle prioritizes core payment processing features over extensive integrations.

Square Integrations

• Extensive Integrations: Square offers a wide range of integrations with various software, including accounting, CRM, and eCommerce POS integration platforms.
• App Marketplace: Square has an app marketplace where users can find and install integrations.
• Enhanced Functionality: Integrations enhance Square’s functionality and make it a more versatile solution.

Verdict 

Square’s extensive integrations make it a better choice for businesses that need to connect their POS system with other software tools.

Zettle vs. Square Custom Feature Name

Zettle: Customizable Receipts

Zettle lets businesses personalize receipts by incorporating essential information such as business name, contact details, and additional notes.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Branding: Customize receipts with your business name, logo, and contact information to reinforce brand identity.
• Operational Transparency: Include details like opening hours and return policies to set clear customer expectations.
• Efficient Updates: Easily modify receipt information through the my.zettle.com portal without affecting legal account details.

Square: Item Options and Modifiers

Square offers robust customization through item options and modifiers, allowing businesses to tailor products and services to customer preferences. 

Key Benefits:

• Product Personalization: Create item options (e.g., size, color) and modifiers (e.g., special instructions) to cater to diverse customer preferences.
• Streamlined Management: Easily add, edit, or remove options and modifiers through the Square Dashboard, ensuring flexibility and control.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Provide customers with tailored choices, improving satisfaction and potentially increasing sales.

Verdict 

Zettle and Square offer customization features that enhance business operations and customer experience. Zettle focuses on receipt personalization, reinforcing brand identity, and providing essential information.

In contrast, Square’s item options and modifiers provide more product customization, catering to diverse customer preferences.

The choice between the two should align with your business’s specific needs—whether emphasizing brand consistency through receipts or offering personalized product options to customers.

How to Choose POS Software?

The best system should be reliable, easy to use, and packed with essential features to meet your business needs. Below are key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Assess Your Business Needs

• Business Type and Size: Identify whether you’re operating a retail store, restaurant, or service-based business, as each has unique requirements.
• Inventory Complexity: Determine the scale and diversity of your inventory to ensure the POS system can handle your specific needs. Different types of inventory management systems exist, and your inventory management software should be able to meet your needs. 
• Sales Channels: Consider if you need integration across multiple sales channels, such as in-store and online platforms.

Identify Essential Features

• User-Friendly Interface: Opt for an intuitive system, reducing the learning curve for your staff.
• Inventory Management: Look for real-time tracking, automatic stock level updates, and reorder alerts.
• Sales Reporting and Analytics: Ensure the system provides detailed reports on sales trends, peak hours, and product performance.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Features like customer databases and loyalty programs can enhance customer retention.
• Payment Processing: The system should support various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and cash.
• Security: Ensure the POS system complies with PCI DSS standards and offers robust security measures to protect sensitive customer information and prevent data breaches. 

Evaluate Different POS System Types

• Traditional POS Systems: These may still be reliable but will involve higher upfront costs, less flexibility, and become outdated quickly.
• Cloud-Based POS Systems: Offer real-time updates and remote accessibility and are generally more affordable.
• Mobile POS Systems: Ideal for businesses requiring mobility, allowing transactions via tablets or smartphones.
• Self-Checkout Kiosks: Suitable for high-traffic environments, enabling customers to process their purchases.

Consider Costs

• Initial Setup Costs: Account for hardware, software, and installation expenses.
• Ongoing Fees: Be aware of monthly subscription or licensing fees.
• Transaction Fees: Some systems charge per transaction; ensure these are transparent.
• Additional Features: Advanced functionalities might come at extra costs; assess their necessity for your operations.

Additional Considerations

• Integration: Ensure the POS system integrates with your eCommerce, accounting, and marketing tools.
• Customer Support: Look for 24/7 support, live chat, and a solid knowledge base.
• Scalability: Choose a system that grows with your business, adding locations and features as needed.
• Security: Ensure PCI DSS compliance and robust data protection.
• User Reviews: Check feedback from similar businesses for reliability and ease of use.
• Demos & Trials: Test the software before committing.

Alternative To Zettle and Square: KORONA POS

KORONA POS is a cloud-based point of sale system designed to cater to various industries, including retail, ticketing, and quick-service restaurants. Its adaptability and comprehensive features make it a strong alternative to platforms like Zettle and Square.

Key Features

Find below some of the most outstanding features of KORONA POS:

Pricing 

KORONA POS Pricing Table

Where KORONA POS Shines

• Flexibility in Payment Processing: KORONA POS allows businesses to choose their preferred payment processors without incurring penalties, offering flexibility and potential cost savings.

• Scalability: The system is designed to grow with businesses, providing features that support expansion, such as multi-location management and franchise capabilities.

• Exceptional Customer Support: Users frequently commend 24/7 in-house support, highlighting its responsiveness and effectiveness in promptly resolving issues.

Where KORONA POS Falls Short

• Complex Terminology: Some users have reported that specific terms within the system can be confusing, particularly during the initial setup phase.

• Lack of Invoicing Features: Businesses requiring invoicing functionalities for net terms clients may find KORONA POS lacking.

• Software Updates: In some instances, updates have altered or removed functionalities, leading to operational challenges for some users.

Customer Reviews

Users have shared varied experiences with KORONA POS:

• Darlene P., a small business owner, stated, “Very user-friendly. You can customize the interface to conform to your business needs. Customer Service is in the United States, always accessible, and always awesome.”
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Who KORONA POS Is Best For

• Retailers Seeking Advanced Inventory Management: Ideal for businesses that require detailed inventory tracking and automation.

• Multi-Location Businesses: Suited for companies operating across multiple sites, offering centralized control and reporting.

• Businesses Valuing Flexible Payment Processing: Perfect for those who wish to maintain autonomy over their payment processing choices.

Which POS? Zettle, Square, or KORONA POS: Summary

Choosing between Zettle, Square, and KORONA POS depends on your business size and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between Zettle, Square, and KORONA POS: 

Zettle primarily targets very small businesses and mobile vendors, such as food trucks, market stalls, and individual service providers. It’s for those who need simple, low-cost payment processing and basic POS features.

Square caters to a broader range of small to medium-sized businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, service-based companies, and mobile vendors. It is designed for those who need more comprehensive POS solutions with features like inventory management, sales analytics, and integrations.

KORONA POS focuses on businesses with more complex needs, such as those with advanced inventory requirements, multi-location operations, or a need for greater flexibility in payment processing. This includes retailers with substantial stock, businesses with multiple sites, and those who prioritize having a choice in their payment processor.

Zettle vs. Square: FAQs