Best Alternatives To Square – 8 Highly Recommended Choices

Square is a payment solution used by small to medium-sized businesses that want to accept a wide variety of customers’ payments. This payment processing solution is $49 and offers many helpful features that let you accept payments and transfer money in 1-2 business days. 

Although Square is a reliable and secure point-of-sale platform, there are cheaper alternatives with better reviews. Below are the eight best alternatives to Square that may offer lower fees and more helpful add-ons. 

Best Alternatives To Square

Before choosing a payment processing solution, it’s essential to identify your current professional status and career goals in the near future. For instance, if you’re a larger business looking for contactless payment options, a platform like SumUp may be the best suited for you. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to get money in your bank account faster than Square’s wait time of 1-2 business days, a quicker platform like PayPal Here might be the best pick. 

1. Paypal Here

PayPal Here is an app that lets you receive payments, track sales, create invoices, and much more. PayPal Here is suitable for your phone and tablet, making it easy to process payment from anywhere. 

Although there are a good amount of PayPal alternatives out there, and PayPal Here is similar to the card reader Square, there are a few key differences. Compared to Square’s $49 price, PayPal Here is $59.99. However, while Square deposits take 1-2 days to enter your bank account, PayPal Here transfers the money instantly. 

2. ShopKeep

If you run a business that needs cash drawer management, more discount options, payment solutions, and more, ShopKeep may be the best platform for you. Compared to Square, Shopkeep offers outstanding technical support and has better reviews overall. 

ShopKeep offers both a free plan and a monthly subscription. No matter what industry you’re in, this platform has been made for you, offering a wide variety of helpful features and add-ons. 

3. Clover

If you’re a small business that’s searching for more payment processing solutions, Clover may be the best platform for you. Although Clover is more expensive than Square, it offers more flexibility since more features come with the software.

While Square is one of the most popular platforms among small businesses and startups, Clover is geared toward small to medium companies and restaurants. By installing the Clover apps, you can make your software do more for no extra cost. This all-in-one solution is one worth looking into if you’re searching for a new payment solution. 

4. Shopify Lite

Shopify Lite is a powerful point of sale platform that offers a paid monthly subscription plan. If you’re a retail business, Shopify Lite has been made for you. This e-commerce solution lets you set up your online store and start accepting a wide variety of payments immediately. 

If you’re looking to build a web presence and accept a broad audience, Shopify Lite is the platform for you. While Square’s app is free, Shopify charges a monthly fee. That being said, Shopify accepts all forms of payment and lets you operate offline. 

5. Vital POS

If you want a POS solution that offers a more budget-friendly price than Square, Vital may be the perfect platform for you. If you’re a restaurant or retail company, Vital POS provides solutions that are best suited for your business needs.

Although Vital POS doesn’t offer commission management like Square does, it provides restaurant POS and various forms of training. 

6. SumUp

If you’re looking for a Square alternative with a better value, SumUp may be the solution. SumUp’s low price of just $19, less than half of Square’s, will let you accept chip, contactless, and swipe payments. 

SumUp’s payments will reach your account within 1-2 business days. This platform also offers a tipping feature. If you’re looking for remote payment solutions at a low cost, SumUp is the best pick for you. 

7. Helcim

If you’re a small to medium business, Helcim may be the perfect payment solution for you. Helcim provides credit card processing without any minimum monthly fees. If your company has a high monthly volume, Helcim offers many discounts that will allow you to scale. 

If your monthly transactions are on the lower end, Square, or another solution for smaller businesses, maybe a better platform than Helcim.

8. SwipeSimple 

SwipeSimple is a popular payment app and mobile reader that lets you track transactions, view your history, send invoices, and more. This mobile card reader is $99 and gives you touch-free ways to pay.

There are other small business POS systems out there, but with all the tools and features included, if you’re a small business then this platform may be the perfect fit for you. SwipeSimple offers easy-to-use technology that lets you accept contactless payments, store customer info, and more. 

Final Conclusions: Alternatives To Square

All in all, the eight Square alternatives above will allow you to accept more payment options from customers and transfer money quickly. While some of the platforms above are made exclusively for those looking for more payment solutions, others offer all-in-one software that will keep your business on top of finances for years to come.