Square Reader vs Zettle 2: Which Is Best For Small Businesses in 2024

Usability & Third-Party Integrations

Square and Zettle both offer free POS software solutions with paid options available for retail and food and drinks businesses. The free versions of each POS offer the same basic features while the paid versions offer specialist tools for table management, stock, orders and other tools to help you run your business.

The Zettle POS looks newer and more up-to-date but the paid versions of Square’s POS are more intuitive and flexible.

Zettle supports dozens of integrations for Shopify, WooCommerce, Lightspeed, Xero and plenty of other software options but Square supports hundreds of integrations through its App Marketplace – the clear winner in this category.

Which has the best security & customer support?

Square and Zettle provide industry-standard security, including PCI compliance, and data protection protocols to keep you and your customers safe. You also get the same quality of customer service from both companies with email support and online documentation, plus phone support from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays from both companies.

Which is best for integrating with eCommerce platforms?

Zettle integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop and Shopware to support online stores but it doesn’t provide any native eCommerce features other than processing online payments.

Square is different. You can integrate with eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce but they also have their own ecommerce system which includes a payment gateway and online checkout. 

It’s not the most sophisticated eCommerce solution although it’s great for small businesses that primarily sell in-store but want the ability to sell online such as restaurants looking to support online orders.

Which is the cheapest card reader? 

The square reader is cheaper in terms of hardware but they both charge 1.75% per in-person transaction. Square also charges less for online card-not-present (CNP) transactions. 

Square vs Zettle FAQs

Are Zettle and Square easily scalable and can they follow my business growth?

For small businesses, both Square and Zettle will scale as you grow but the 1.75% transaction fees are relatively expensive compared to other merchant account providers. The trade-off is that these card readers are pay-as-you-go and require no monthly contract. 

So, if you open branches across the country, you’ll get a better deal elsewhere as a high-volume merchant – fill out our form for custom quotes if this applies to your business.

How quickly are funds deposited into my bank account via each card reader?

With Square, you should receive your funds the next working day while deposits can take up to two working days with Zettle.

What businesses are Zettle and Square most suitable for?

Both Square and Zettle are suitable for small businesses, primarily independent retail stores, food and drinks businesses or micro-businesses that need a mobile payment solution, such as food trucks or hairdressers visiting customers’ homes.

Square vs Zettle: Final Verdict

All things considered, Square offers a slightly cheaper package and provides key features if you need to take payments online or over the phone. 

The Square Reader is also the smallest, lightest and most portable card reader on the market. Zettle isn’t far behind and the quality of its hardware is noticeably higher than Square’s, even if it’s half a step behind on the software front.

Either way, these are two of the best mobile payment solutions for smaller businesses and you have to split hairs to find meaningful differences.