Square vs Shopify: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Square and Shopify 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 to try before committing
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Square is a payments and commerce platform for businesses
- • It provides payment processing, POS, and business management tools
Shopify
All-in-one commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need website builders features specifically
- • E-commerce platform
- • Online store builder
| At a Glance |  Square |  Shopify |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | Website Builders |
Rating | 82/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | Square | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingE-commerce Platforms | Website BuildersE-commerce Platforms |
How Square and Shopify Compare
Square
Payment processing and POS systems
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Shopify
All-in-one commerce platform
Paid · 92/100 score
Square is a payment processing tool. Shopify is in website builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Square has a free tier. Shopify is paid only.
Go with: Square
Want the highest-rated option?
Square: 82/100. Shopify: 92/100.
Go with: Shopify
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Shopify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Square is freemium. Shopify is paid. Square lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Square is a payment processing tool. Shopify is in website builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Shopify scores higher: 92/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Shopify
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
Square
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for payment processing
The Bottom Line
Shopify (92/100) is our pick. Square has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square or Shopify better?
Shopify scores 92/100 in our evaluation. Square is freemium and Shopify is paid.
What are Square and Shopify used for?
Square: Payment processing and POS systems. Shopify: All-in-one commerce platform.
What does Square cost vs Shopify?
Square is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Shopify is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.