QuickBooks vs Square — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of QuickBooks and Square to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Square takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants. QuickBooks (4.2) is the better pick if you need us small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | QuickBooks | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.2(456) | ★★★★ 4.4(310) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $30/mo (Simple Start) | $29/mo (Plus) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, mac, windows | Web, iOS, Android, Hardware |
| Learning Curve | medium | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | US small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software. | Brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants |
| Verdict | recommended | Best POS Ecosystem |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | QuickBooks | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing and payments | — | |
| Expense tracking | — | |
| Bank reconciliation | — | |
| Financial reports | — | |
| Payroll (add-on) | — | |
| Tax preparation | — | |
| POS System | — | |
| Payment Processing | — | |
| Invoicing | — | |
| Banking | — | |
| Payroll | — |
QuickBooks
Pros
- ✓Most widely supported accounting software — every accountant knows it
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering invoicing through tax prep
- ✓Massive integration ecosystem
Cons
- ✕Pricing has increased significantly over the years
- ✕Interface can feel cluttered and dated
- ✕Per-user limitations on lower tiers are restrictive
Square
Pros
- ✓All-in-one ecosystem
- ✓Beautiful hardware
- ✓Easy to set up
Cons
- ✕Higher processing fees than dedicated processors
- ✕Account stability issues reported
- ✕Can freeze funds without warning
The Bottom Line
Both QuickBooks and Square are solid tools in the Accounting & Finance space. Square edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.2) and is the better choice for brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants. However, if you prioritize us small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software., QuickBooks is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.