Square vs ChowNow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Square and ChowNow comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Square
Payment processing and POS systems
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Square is a payments and commerce platform for businesses
- • It provides payment processing, POS, and business management tools
ChowNow
Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants.
Best for you if:
- • You need restaurant pos features specifically
- • Commission-free online ordering for restaurants.
- • Subscription-based model, not per-order commission.
| At a Glance |  Square |  ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | Restaurant POS |
Rating | 82/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Square | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingE-commerce Platforms | Restaurant POSOnline Ordering |
How Square and ChowNow Compare
Square
Payment processing and POS systems
Free tier available · 82/100 score
ChowNow
Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants.
Free tier available
Square is a payment processing tool. ChowNow is in restaurant pos.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Square
Want the highest-rated option?
Square scores 82/100. ChowNow is unrated.
Go with: Square
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Square
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Square is a payment processing tool. ChowNow is in restaurant pos. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Square
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ChowNow
- Better fit for restaurant pos
The Bottom Line
Square (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square or ChowNow better?
Square scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Square and ChowNow used for?
Square: Payment processing and POS systems. ChowNow: Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants..
What does Square cost vs ChowNow?
Square is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ChowNow is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.