Square vs PayPal
Verdict
Both Square and PayPal are strong choices. Square edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Starting price | Free | Custom |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs | Stores wanting buyer trust |
| In-person & online payments | ||
| Free POS software | ||
| Flat-rate fees | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Hardware ecosystem | ||
| PayPal & Venmo checkout | ||
| Pay Later (BNPL) | ||
| Buyer & seller protection | ||
| Global currencies | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick Square if you prioritize Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs
Pick PayPal if you prioritize Stores wanting buyer trust
Square
Pros
- Great for in-person
- Transparent flat fees
- Free POS
Cons
- Less developer-flexible
- Funds holds for new accounts
PayPal
Pros
- Massive brand trust
- Boosts conversion
- Easy setup
Cons
- Higher fees
- Account holds can be frustrating
Frequently asked questions
Is Square better than PayPal?+
Both Square and PayPal are strong choices. Square edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Which is cheaper, Square or PayPal?+
Square starts at Free, while PayPal starts at Custom.