Top 6 Apps like Square for Every Business
Why Businesses Look for Apps Like Square?
Digital payments and POS solutions are essential for smooth business operations. Square, launched in 2009, became popular for its simplicity, convenience, and reliability, serving over 4 million merchants worldwide. Despite its popularity, businesses often seek alternatives for lower fees, specialized features, or industry-specific tools.
Key Features of Square:
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Instant merchant account approval with zero upfront costs.
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Mobile POS app, basic industry-specific software and standard inventory tools.
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Standard invoicing, virtual terminal, omnichannel sales and shipping management.
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Starter team management plan and first magstripe card reader included.
Pricing, Upgrades & Payment Options
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Advanced plans start at $60 for restaurants, $89 for retail and $29 for appointments.
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Hardware costs begin at $10 for an additional magstripe reader and $49 for contactless readers.
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Payment processing supports multiple types, including healthcare and CBD industries.
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CashApp and Afterpay services provide additional payment flexibility for businesses.
Top 6 Best Apps like Square in 2025
The best apps like Square for 2025 that provide reliable payment methods, POS systems and practical business analytics are listed below.
Stripe:
Overall Score: 4.13/5
Stripe was also launched in 2011 as a tool that web developers find simple to combine with websites and online business applications. It offers advanced technologies like embedded finance, accounting automation and fraud detection. Setup may require basic coding knowledge, but it allows complete customization of checkout and POS workflows.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free merchant account with flexible payment options | Requires technical knowledge for setup |
| Advanced integrations for ecommerce, accounting, and marketing | Some add-ons incur extra fees |
| Strong fraud and chargeback management | Limited in-person payments via native app |
Stripe is also suitable when it comes to expanding business as it has 135 currencies in 47 countries and over 600 integrations with third parties.
Lightspeed:
Overall Score: 4.06/5
Lightspeed is a popular app like Square POS, geared for businesses that require comprehensive inventory control. Niche businesses such as jewellery, athletic products, bike shops and vape shops are supported. The technology effectively manages omnichannel sales and maintains track of ingredients, raw materials, spare parts and serial numbers. For companies that have outgrown simpler software, its integrated POS, hardware and e-commerce technologies make it a comprehensive solution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handles complex inventory and product matrices for niche businesses | Higher pricing compared to basic POS platforms |
| Offers highly customizable reports and analytics for performance monitoring | Limited shipping integrations |
| Works with third-party processors like Stripe, PayPal and Klarna | No free plans available |
Lightspeed suits those companies that appreciate the importance of detailed inventory control and trustworthy POS features.
Shopify:
Overall Score: 4.06/5
Shopify is another excellent alternative for companies interested in multichannel sales and e-commerce, among other programs such as Square. Its POS provides real-time data on sales, inventory and staff performance through the integration of social media, online stores and inventory. Shopify is appropriate for companies interested to transition from online to physical sales because it accepts both online and in-person payments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free POS software for basic in-person sales | Limited features in the free POS tier |
| Seamless integration with ecommerce and social channels | Requires a Shopify ecommerce plan for advanced options |
| Supports desktop, iPad and mobile devices | Charges fees on some third-party payment processors |
Shopify suits online sellers who would like to have a trusted platform through which they can expand ecommerce and manage their omnichannels.
Clover:
Total Points: 4.05 out of 5
Among other apps like Square, Clover is a top option for companies that want a variety of POS hardware and flexible payment acceptance. With contactless mobile readers, countertop registers and full-service dining systems, it supports retail, dining establishments and professional services. Clover gives companies access to a dependable point-of-sale platform with flexible hardware and software bundles while allow them to maintain their preferred payment processor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with multiple payment processors | Pricing varies based on payment processor |
| Sleek hardware ready out-of-the-box | Hardware can be expensive |
| Industry-specific software solutions | Software bundles can be complex |
Clover suits companies that desire hardware diversity and processor flexibility without having to trade off on POS functionality.
Toast:
Overall Rating: 4.05/5
Toast is one of the greatest apps like Square for fast-growing eateries that require restaurant-specific POS capabilities. It has sturdy hardware made for busy kitchens and enables ingredient-level inventory and delivery management. Restaurants on a limited budget can benefit from Toast's starting kit program, which enables businesses to purchase basic POS hardware with no upfront costs.
Pros
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free basic restaurant POS software with starter hardware | Limited basic POS software features |
| Easy-to-use platform with restaurant-specific features | Expensive add-on tools |
| Online ordering and delivery management included | Requires minimum 2-year contract for pay-as-you-go plan |
Toast is ideal for restaurants upgrading from Square with specialized POS features and flexible hardware solutions.
SpotOn:
Overall Score: 4.05/5
SpotOn is one of the best other apps like Square for retail businesses seeking a free POS with loyalty and omnichannel tools. Its low-cost paid plan provides inventory, marketing and ecommerce features, making it ideal for small businesses on a budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free POS plan with loyalty and marketing tools included | Transaction fees not disclosed for retail plans |
| Affordable paid plan with all-in-one retail management | Free plan includes only basic product catalogs |
| Supports omnichannel selling and online presence | Limited reporting options |
SpotOn is perfect for startups and small retailers looking for Square-like affordability without sacrificing key POS functionalities.
What to Consider When Choose a Square Alternative?
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Software and hardware for apps like Square POS must fit your objectives, financial constraints and potential for expansion. When you choose a solution, take customer experience, product types and sales volume into account.
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Analysis of hardware requirements should be done with special attention to card readers, terminals and mobile devices that effectively serve your business.
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Test the functionality of software applications such as marketing tools, reporting, inventory management to ensure that it matches your company in terms of size and type.
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Make sure that the information on the clients is secure and that transactions are easy through strong security measures and flexible payment systems.
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Owing to unexpected costs, compare prices, including subscriptions charges, hardware prices and rates of transactions.
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To simplify processes, seek connections to other technological systems such as accounting programs, loyalty programs and e-commerce sites.
Final Thoughts
The best Square substitute will depend on your company's objectives, size and financial constraints. Your company goals, size and budget will determine the optimal Square alternative. Toast suits restaurants, SpotOn is free point of sale retail, Clover is adaptable payment processing, Shopify is the e-commerce leader in the industry and Lightspeed is the best in inventory management.
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Assess the needs of your company prior to shifting so as to ensure that the POS is aligned on the growth and operational goals.
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To make an informed choice that effectively supports your everyday operations, compare costs, hardware and software features.
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To improve sales, analysis and customer satisfaction, look into custom solutions or integrations with your current systems.
Let’s build your business vision together. Learn more about Mobile app development services. For personalized guidance, Contact us at UrApp Tech today.
