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Is Square Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Best POS Ecosystem
Square: The easiest way to start accepting payments in person.
Rating★ 4.4/5
Starting price$29/mo (Plus)
Best forBrick-and-mortar businesses and restaura
CategoryAccounting & Finance
Who Square Is Worth It For
- ✓Brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants
- ✓All-in-one ecosystem
- ✓Beautiful hardware
- ✓Easy to set up
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for pure saas businesses with no physical sales
- ✕Higher processing fees than dedicated processors
- ✕Account stability issues reported
- ✕Can freeze funds without warning
Is Square Pricing Fair?
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | Free POS software (2.6% + $0.10 per tap) |
| Starter | $29/mo (Plus) |
| Pro | $69/mo (Premium) |
| Enterprise | Custom |
Pricing verified March 2026.
How Square Compares
| Square | Ramp | Stripe | Mercury | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29/mo (Plus) | Free | 2.9% + $0.30/txn (Standard) | Free |
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.5 |
| Verdict | Best Corporate Card | Recommended | Recommended | |
| Free Tier |
AICores Verdict on Square
The easiest way to start accepting payments in person. The ecosystem is massive — POS, banking, payroll, all in one. Processing fees are higher than negotiated rates but the convenience is unmatched.
AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square worth the money?▼
The easiest way to start accepting payments in person. The ecosystem is massive — POS, banking, payroll, all in one. Processing fees are higher than negotiated rates but the convenience is unmatched.
Is there a free version of Square?▼
Yes, Square offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $29/mo (Plus) and include additional features and capacity.
What are the best alternatives to Square?▼
Ramp, Stripe, Mercury are the top alternatives. Ramp is best for startups and mid-market companies wanting modern spend management and has a 4.8 star rating.
Who should NOT use Square?▼
Square is not ideal for pure saas businesses with no physical sales. Common drawbacks include: Higher processing fees than dedicated processors. Account stability issues reported.