Square vs Toast
Verdict
Both Square and Toast 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 | 4.4 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs | Restaurants & food service |
| In-person & online payments | ||
| Free POS software | ||
| Flat-rate fees | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Hardware ecosystem | ||
| Restaurant POS | ||
| Kitchen display system | ||
| Online ordering | ||
| Payroll & team | ||
| Loyalty & gift cards | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick Square if you prioritize Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs
Pick Toast if you prioritize Restaurants & food service
Square
Pros
- Great for in-person
- Transparent flat fees
- Free POS
Cons
- Less developer-flexible
- Funds holds for new accounts
Toast
Pros
- Built for restaurants
- All-in-one operations
- Strong hardware
Cons
- Restaurant-only focus
- Processing rates + hardware cost
Frequently asked questions
Is Square better than Toast?+
Both Square and Toast 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 Toast?+
Square starts at Free, while Toast starts at Free.