Square Alternatives: Finding the Perfect POS for Your Business

Having an efficient point-of-sale (POS) system is essential in the competitive world of business.

Square has become a popular choice among small businesses, thanks to its user-friendly interface and cost-effective solutions. Despite those perks, though, as businesses grow and evolve, they may find that Square’s offerings no longer meet their needs.

Whether it’s due to high fees, limitations in features, or the need for scalability, exploring alternatives can be crucial for continued success.

In this blog post, we dive into some of the best Square alternatives, helping you find a POS system that aligns with your business goals.

Understanding the Need for Square Alternatives

While Square offers a robust set of features, it may not be the best fit for every business. Some users encounter limitations with Square’s services, such as transaction fees that can add up over time, limited scalability for larger businesses, and feature sets that might not meet specific needs. It’s essential for businesses to evaluate alternatives to find a POS system that better aligns with their unique requirements.

Top 5 Best Square Alternatives

Here are some of the top alternatives to Square:

Overview

FTx POS

FTx POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system designed to provide businesses with a robust solution for managing sales, inventory, and customer relationships. With a focus on user experience and functionality, FTx POS offers an all-in-one platform that caters to a variety of business needs.

Key Features

FTx POS includes features like sales tracking, inventory management systems, and CRM tools, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for an integrated solution.

Additionally, it supports various payment methods, ensuring flexibility for both the business and its customers. The system’s reporting and analytics tools provide real-time insights into sales performance, helping business owners make informed decisions.

Best for:

Retail businesses like clothing stores, pet shops, grocery stores, and convenience stores, as well as age-restricted businesses, including liquor stores, bars, tobacco shops, vape shops, and cigar shops.

Pricing

Discover the perfect pricing solution tailored to your business needs with FTx POS. Our flexible plans ensure you get the best value, whether you’re managing a single location or multiple stores.

• Single Location (Core): Just $99 per POS/month
• Multi-Store (Pro): Starts at $179/month for the first POS per store and only $129/month for each additional POS
• Multi-Store (Enterprise): Call for pricing

Here at FTx POS, we offer discounts on POS systems and other integrated solutions. Plus, you can also qualify for a complimentary POS with low credit card processing fees.

Clover

Overview

Clover is a popular POS system known for its sleek design and powerful features. It provides businesses with an easy-to-use platform for processing transactions, managing inventory, and engaging with customers.

Key Features

Clover offers a range of customizable features, including inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty programs. Its app marketplace allows businesses to add functionalities specific to their needs, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a tailored solution.

Best For:

Businesses in the retail and service industries, such as coffee shops, salons, and small retailers. Its flexibility and scalability make it a strong contender for businesses looking to grow.

Pricing

Clover POS pricing varies by plan and business type.

Here’s a summary:

• Retail: Monthly software fees range from $14.95 (Starter) to $64.90 (Advanced). Hardware costs range from $799 for a basic setup to $2,398 for more advanced configurations, with leasing options available at higher monthly rates.
• Full-Service Dining: Monthly software costs range from $84.95 to $114.85, with upfront hardware prices from $1,699 to $4,097. Leasing starts at $160/month and goes up to $310/month.

Lightspeed

Overview

Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system that offers a wide array of tools for managing sales, inventory, and customer interactions. It is designed to support businesses across various industries, providing a comprehensive solution for retail and hospitality sectors.

Key Features

Lightspeed boasts features such as advanced inventory management, multi-location capabilities, and integrated ecommerce options. Its reporting and analytics tools enable business owners to gain valuable insights into their operations, allowing them to make data-driven decisions.

Best For:

Lightspeed is ideal for restaurants, bars, and retail businesses with complex inventory needs. Its ability to handle multi-location operations makes it a strong choice for businesses looking to expand.

Pricing

Lightspeed POS offers different plans for retail and restaurant businesses:

Retail Plans:

• Basic: $89/month (annual billing) with essentials like POS, basic inventory, and reporting.
• Core: $149/month (annual) adds advanced inventory and marketing tools.
• Plus: $239/month (annual) includes advanced customization, product variants, and detailed analytics.

Restaurant Plans:

• Starter: $69/month for single-location restaurants with basic ordering and payment management.
• Essentials: $189/month, adding online ordering and CRM.
• Premium: $399/month, ideal for multi-location businesses with advanced features.

Toast

Overview

Toast is a POS system specifically designed for the restaurant and hospitality industries. It provides a comprehensive platform for managing orders, payments, and customer relationships in a fast-paced environment.

Key Features

Toast offers features like table management, online ordering, and integrated payroll services. Its robust reporting tools help restaurant owners optimize operations and enhance the overall guest experience.

Best For

Toast is tailored for restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering industry-specific tools that streamline operations and improve efficiency. Its focus on the food service sector ensures that businesses have the tools they need to thrive.

Pricing

• Basic Software: Starts at $79 per month per terminal.
• Hardware: Generally costs $899, though custom setups may vary.
• Installation: One-time fee of $499 for either remote or in-person installation.

Stripe

Overview

Stripe is a versatile payment processing platform that integrates seamlessly with various POS systems. While not a standalone POS system, Stripe enhances existing solutions by providing secure and efficient payment processing capabilities.

Key Features

Stripe supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and ACH transfers. Its robust security features ensure that transactions are processed safely, instilling confidence in both businesses and customers.

Best For:

Stripe is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a flexible and reliable payment processing solution. Its compatibility with existing POS systems makes it a valuable addition for businesses of all sizes.

Pricing

Stripe’s pricing is structured around transaction fees rather than a monthly or annual fee. Here’s a breakdown of the key costs:

• Online transactions: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit cards and digital wallets.
• In-person transactions: 2.7% + $0.05 per transaction for card-present payments using Stripe Terminal.
• International transactions: An additional 1.5% fee for payments made with international cards, plus a 1% currency conversion fee if applicable.
• ACH payments: 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5.00 per transfer.
• Additional services: Stripe offers features like 3D Secure Authentication ($0.03 per lookup), chargeback protection ($15 per chargeback), and fraud prevention tools (varied fees).

Criteria for Evaluating POS Solutions

Evaluating a POS solution is a crucial decision for any business, as it directly impacts daily operations and customer experiences.

To ensure that you choose the right system, consider the following key criteria:

Functionality

Functionality should be one of the first considerations when evaluating a POS solution. Core features such as inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management (CRM) are essential for maintaining accurate records and smooth daily operations. Without these fundamentals, even the most advanced system will fall short.

Beyond basic features, it’s important to consider industry-specific functionality. Tools like age verification, appointment scheduling, or menu management can significantly impact efficiency depending on your business type. The right POS should support how your business operates—not force you to change your processes.

Pricing Structure

A clear and transparent pricing structure is essential when selecting a POS system. Costs may include monthly subscription fees, payment processing charges, hardware expenses, and additional fees for add-on features. Understanding the full cost upfront helps prevent unexpected expenses later.

Businesses should also consider how pricing scales over time. A solution that fits your budget today should remain cost-effective as transaction volumes increase or new locations are added. Predictable pricing makes long-term planning far easier.

Ease of Use

Ease of use directly affects how quickly your team can adopt a new POS system. An intuitive interface and straightforward setup process reduce training time and help employees feel confident using the system from day one. This minimizes disruptions during implementation.

A user-friendly POS also reduces errors at checkout and during inventory management. When staff can navigate the system efficiently, transactions are faster and customer interactions are smoother.

Integration Capabilities

Modern businesses rely on multiple tools to operate efficiently, making integration capabilities a key evaluation factor. A strong POS solution should connect seamlessly with accounting software, ecommerce platforms, marketing tools, and inventory systems. These integrations help eliminate manual work and data silos.

Application programming interface (API) availability further enhances flexibility and customization. With API access, businesses can extend functionality or build custom integrations as needs evolve, ensuring the POS remains adaptable over time.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is a critical component of any POS solution. Even the most robust systems may encounter technical issues, making responsive support essential for minimizing downtime. Access to knowledgeable support teams can make a significant difference during critical moments.

In addition to live support, self-service resources such as tutorials, documentation, and FAQs add long-term value. These tools empower teams to resolve minor issues quickly and independently.

Payment Processing Options

Payment processing flexibility is essential for meeting customer expectations. A POS system should support a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets. Offering multiple options helps reduce friction at checkout.

Processing fees should also be carefully evaluated. Competitive rates and transparent pricing help businesses protect margins while still delivering a convenient payment experience.

Security Features

Security should be a top priority when evaluating a POS system. Features such as data encryption, secure user authentication, and role-based permissions help protect sensitive customer and business information. Strong security safeguards reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches.

Compliance with industry standards and regulations further strengthens protection. A secure POS system not only protects data but also builds trust with customers and partners.

Scalability

A POS system should be able to grow alongside your business. Scalability ensures the system can handle increased transaction volumes, expanded product offerings, and additional locations without performance issues. This flexibility helps future-proof your investment.

Choosing a scalable solution reduces the need for costly system replacements as your business evolves. Instead, features and capabilities can be added as needed.

Customization Options

Customization allows a POS system to align more closely with your business needs. Features such as personalized dashboards, custom reports, and configurable workflows help teams focus on the information that matters most. This level of control improves efficiency and usability.

A customizable POS adapts to your operations rather than forcing rigid processes. This makes it easier to support unique workflows and business models.

Mobile Accessibility

Mobile accessibility is increasingly important for businesses that operate beyond a fixed checkout counter. A mobile-enabled POS allows staff to complete transactions from anywhere, improving flexibility and responsiveness. This is especially useful for pop-ups, events, and line-busting.

Device compatibility ensures the system works across smartphones and tablets. Mobile access enhances convenience for both staff and customers.

Reporting and Analytics

Robust reporting and analytics provide valuable insights into business performance. Real-time reports allow businesses to monitor sales, inventory levels, and employee performance as they happen. This visibility supports faster, more informed decision-making.

Custom reporting options further enhance strategic planning. By analyzing trends and patterns, businesses can identify opportunities for growth and optimize operations more effectively.

Hardware Compatibility

One of the first limitations businesses notice when evaluating Square alternatives is hardware flexibility. As operations grow, reliance on a single hardware ecosystem can become restrictive. Many Square competitors support a wider range of receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and payment terminals, allowing businesses to reuse existing equipment.

This flexibility reduces upfront investment and simplifies expansion. For businesses running multiple checkout formats, such as counters, kiosks, or mobile stations, hardware compatibility becomes a deciding factor when choosing the best Square alternative.

Customer and Loyalty Management

A POS system today plays a central role in customer relationships. Several Square alternatives for small businesses offer deeper customer profiles that track visit history, spending behavior, and engagement across channels. This allows businesses to move beyond basic transaction records and toward long-term relationship building.

Loyalty tools built directly into the POS help businesses reward repeat customers in meaningful ways. Compared to companies like Square that rely heavily on add-ons, integrated loyalty systems reduce cost and complexity while increasing retention.

Ecommerce Store Integration

As online and offline retail blend together, ecommerce integration has become essential. Many Square POS alternatives offer built-in connections with online stores, allowing inventory, pricing, and orders to stay synchronized in real time.

This prevents overselling, manual updates, and fulfillment errors. For businesses selling through multiple channels, choosing a Square alternative with strong ecommerce support ensures a consistent customer experience and operational clarity.

Built-In Marketing Automation

Marketing no longer needs to live outside the POS system. Several Square competitors include native automation tools that trigger messages based on customer behavior. These may include visit reminders, reward notifications, or follow-up messages after a purchase.

By keeping marketing tied directly to sales data, businesses avoid paying for multiple third-party tools. Compared to Square alternatives that depend on paid extensions, built-in automation offers better control and faster execution.

Setup, Training and Onboarding

Switching POS systems can feel disruptive, especially for teams already stretched thin. Strong Square alternatives focus heavily on onboarding through guided setup, staff training, and responsive support. This ensures teams adopt the system quickly without operational slowdowns.

Clear onboarding reduces checkout errors and builds confidence across staff. For businesses with multiple locations or high employee turnover, structured training becomes a major advantage when evaluating Square POS alternatives.

Customer Reviews and Market Reputation

Feature lists only tell part of the story. Real-world reviews reveal how POS systems perform under pressure. Many businesses researching Square alternatives rely on feedback related to system stability, support quality, and long-term reliability.

A strong market reputation signals ongoing investment and product maturity. When choosing an alternative to square, consistent positive feedback often reflects fewer disruptions and better support during critical moments.

Comparing Square Alternatives by Business Type

Not every POS system works equally well across industries. The best Square alternative often depends on how a business operates day to day and what challenges it faces.

Retail Stores

Retail businesses benefit from POS systems that offer strong inventory controls, customer tracking, and reporting depth. Many square competitors built for retail support advanced stock management, supplier tracking, and loyalty programs that encourage repeat visits.

These features help retailers reduce stock issues, plan promotions more effectively, and scale without switching systems later.

Food and Beverage and Snack Counters

Speed and simplicity are critical in food-focused environments. Square alternatives designed for snack counters and quick service locations prioritize fast checkout, easy menu navigation, and reliable payment processing.

These systems help staff move lines quickly during peak hours while maintaining accuracy. For food operators, operational speed often matters more than feature volume.

Liquor and Age-Restricted Retail

Age-restricted businesses require specialized functionality that many generic systems lack. Square POS alternatives serving liquor and regulated retail include age verification prompts, controlled product access, and compliance-focused reporting.

These features reduce human error and protect business licenses. For this category, industry-specific design is not optional; it is essential.

Why Choose a Square Alternative for Small Business?

Square remains a popular choice for small businesses due to its simplicity and ease of use. However, businesses may seek alternatives for several reasons. Common limitations include transaction fees that increase with volume, limited scalability, and the need for more specialized features tailored to specific industries.

Also, the competitive landscape of POS solutions presents numerous alternatives that cater to diverse business needs. Choosing a system that aligns with your long-term business goals is crucial for sustained success.

Rising Transaction Costs as Sales Increase

As sales volume grows, transaction-based pricing can quietly erode margins. Many businesses begin exploring Square alternatives when processing fees rise alongside revenue.

Several Square competitors offer more flexible processing options or integrated payment models that scale more efficiently. Over time, these differences can translate into meaningful savings.

Limited Scalability for Growing Businesses

What works for a single store may struggle at scale. Businesses often seek an alternative to Square when they need centralized reporting, multi-location controls, or advanced permissions.

Square alternatives built for growth support expansion without forcing system changes. This continuity helps businesses grow confidently without operational disruption.

Need for Industry-Specific Functionality

Different industries operate in different ways. Retail, food service, and regulated businesses all require unique workflows. Many companies like Square take a general approach, while alternatives focus deeply on specific verticals.

This specialization results in features that align more closely with real operational needs rather than generic use cases.

Advanced Inventory Management Requirements

Basic inventory counts are rarely enough for growing businesses. Advanced needs include case tracking, reorder automation, shrink visibility, and supplier management.

Square alternatives often outperform in this area by offering deeper inventory logic that reduces waste and improves purchasing accuracy.

Faster Checkout and Operational Efficiency

Checkout speed affects both customer satisfaction and revenue. POS systems optimized for quick scanning, intuitive interfaces, and stable hardware reduce queues and staff stress.

Many Square POS alternatives focus heavily on operational efficiency, ensuring that high-volume environments run smoothly even during peak hours.

Built-In Tools Instead of Paid Add-Ons

One common frustration with Square is its reliance on paid extensions for essential features. Many Square alternatives include inventory, loyalty, reporting, and marketing tools as part of the core system.

This reduces recurring costs and simplifies management. Businesses gain a clearer picture of expenses while avoiding fragmented workflows.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right POS system is a critical decision that can impact your business’s efficiency and growth.

Consider your long-term goals and explore alternatives like FTx POS. Designed with a modern edge, FTx POS offers an unrivaled suite of features, including advanced sales tracking, efficient inventory management, and a robust CRM platform that seamlessly integrates into your operations.

Act today and try FTx POS for FREE for qualifying merchants, plus get low processing fees and save thousands each month!

Remember, your POS system should be a tool that empowers your business, aligns with your vision, and supports your growth aspirations. The right choice can be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential.