SAME CATEGORY. YOUR PRIORITIES.
Build a comparison.
Compare evidence, costs and trade-offs. Adjust the criteria to reflect your own workflow.
MAKE THE SCORE YOURS
What matters most?
Core capabilities carry 32 points; workflow depth carries 68. AI contributes the category-specific weight shown below within those totals. Change group priorities and see every contribution update.
How the score is calculated →Documented fit across available plans · unknowns shown as ranges · no customer ratings
| Features & decision context | Square74–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities32 / 32 pts10/10 checks with established status Workflow depth41.9–68 / 68 pts10/18 checks with established status |  Shopify73–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities29.6–32 / 32 pts9/10 checks with established status Workflow depth43.2–68 / 68 pts9/18 checks with established status |
|---|---|---|
| How AI changes fitSame priorities, with and without AI | 74–100 with AI77–100 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI | 73–100 with AI74–100 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI |
| Supplier website | Visit Square | Visit Shopify |
| Good fit for | Small operators connecting checkout and everyday business workflows. | Merchants seeking a shared catalog across online and retail channels. |
| Look more closely when | You want to compare software cost without considering processing and location fees. | You require all staff, advanced POS and custom checkout features in Basic. |
| Pricing snapshotDifferent billing units are not directly comparable | $0.00location/month Free $0; Plus $49/location/month; Premium $149/location/month, plus processing. Pricing source | $29.00store/month · billed annually Basic $29/month paid yearly or $39 monthly; POS Pro adds $89/month per location. Pricing source |
| Checkout & payment workflow 24% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityIn-person checkoutCreate an in-person sale and accept a connected payment. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Square POS provides checkout and integrated payment acceptance. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Shopify POS connects in-person checkout to the commerce platform. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityRefunds & returnsProcess refunds or returned sales through the supported POS workflow. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Square documents customer refunds and their effect on transfer activity. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts The Shopify POS app supports processing customer returns and refunds. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkPartial sale refundsRefund selected items or an amount below the original sale total.Ask for a demonstrationRefund one item and show the updated sale and refundable balance. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported7.2 / 7.2 pts Selected items or custom amounts can be refunded from an existing sale. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported7.2 / 7.2 pts POS supports selected-item or custom-amount refunds against the original sale. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkOffline sale recoveryCapture a sale or eligible payment offline and synchronize it after connectivity returns.Ask for a demonstrationDisconnect a terminal, record an eligible sale, then show synchronization. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported7.2 / 7.2 pts Eligible offline payments synchronize when connectivity returns; authorization may subsequently fail. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported7.2 / 7.2 pts Eligible offline checkout records synchronize after reconnection; payment limitations apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Inventory or menu management 16% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityProduct or menu catalogManage sellable items, variants, categories or menu modifiers. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Catalog and item-management tools are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Online and physical selling share a product catalog. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityStock or menu availabilityTrack retail stock or control the availability of restaurant menu items. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts The POS product documents inventory management. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts The platform documents shared inventory. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkLow-stock or availability alertsSurface a low-stock threshold or item-availability warning to staff.Ask for a demonstrationReach an item threshold and show the alert or availability warning. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish this specific workflow: low-stock or availability alerts. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts POS shows stock availability; inventory alert apps add direct low-stock notifications. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkStock adjustment historyInspect recorded inventory adjustments or stock movements for an item.Ask for a demonstrationAdjust an item quantity and locate the resulting movement record. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Inventory History records adjustment types including receipt, deduction and recount. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Inventory adjustments retain a product and variant history. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Staff & location controls 16% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityStaff access controlsGive staff or managers defined access to POS operations. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Staff-control scope depends on the selected bundle. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Advanced staff permissions require POS Pro. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityMultiple-location oversightOperate or report on more than one business location. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Advanced location controls depend on the selected bundle. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts POS Pro is priced separately per location for advanced retail controls. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkManager authorization for sensitive actionsRequire manager permission or an approval step for sensitive POS actions such as refunds.Ask for a demonstrationAttempt a restricted refund as a cashier and demonstrate manager authorization. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Refund actions require the relevant owner or team-member permissions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts POS permissions can require manager approval for returns and sensitive actions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkConsolidated location reportingCompare or aggregate sales across multiple business locations.Ask for a demonstrationShow combined sales and drill into a specific location. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish this specific workflow: consolidated location reporting. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish this specific workflow: consolidated location reporting. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Online & connected sales 12% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityOnline selling or orderingAccept orders through a connected online store or ordering channel. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Online sales are connected with in-person selling. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts The platform includes the online storefront channel. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityConnected catalog or order dataShare catalog, stock or orders between the POS and an online channel. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts The POS supports connected online and physical channels. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Shared catalog and stock connect online and in-person sales. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkOnline pickup fulfillmentHandle an online order through a pickup preparation and completion workflow.Ask for a demonstrationPlace an online pickup order and move it through preparation and collection. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Order Manager supports online order preparation, cancellation and fulfillment management. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts POS roles include preparing and completing pickup orders. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkReturn an online sale in storeProcess a return or refund of a connected online order from the store workflow.Ask for a demonstrationFind an online order at the POS and return one item. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4 / 4 pts Order Manager can refund connected online orders from the supported order workflow. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts The POS returns workflow can refund connected orders, subject to return permissions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| AI insights & assistance 14.5% base weight | ||
| Core capabilityAI questions about business resultsAsk AI questions using sales, stock or operating data. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Square AI answers questions from merchant business data; the product is labeled beta. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Sidekick uses store context for business assistance. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
| Core capabilityAI operational recommendationsReceive documented AI suggestions for reports, stock or other store operations. | Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Square AI provides business and neighborhood insights supporting operating decisions; beta labeling applies. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed Sidekick record does not specify a concrete POS operational recommendation. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkAI grounded in operating recordsAI uses the merchant actual sales, stock or business records in its response.Ask for a demonstrationAsk AI a stock or sales question and show the business data used. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Square AI analyzes actual merchant business data and refreshes saved data charts; beta labeling applies. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Sidekick analyzes actual store sales, customers, stock and order data. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkHuman control over POS AIReview proposed AI changes or control assistant access before operational changes take effect.Ask for a demonstrationShow an AI suggestion and where staff approve it or disable access. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–4 / 4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish this specific workflow: human control over pos ai. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Proposed order changes are applied only after staff review and click Update order. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source |
Depth checkRevert a promotion created with AIDemonstrate “Revert a promotion created with AI” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Revert a promotion created with AI” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
| Operational detail 17.5% base weight | ||
Depth checkPark and resume an unpaid basket on another deviceDemonstrate “Park and resume an unpaid basket on another device” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Park and resume an unpaid basket on another device” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Open Tickets saves an unpaid order so it can be edited and resumed on signed-in devices. US documentation; Open Tickets add-on; compatible Square POS hardware/apps; invoice limitations apply. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkApply quantity-based price breaks at checkoutDemonstrate “Apply quantity-based price breaks at checkout” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Apply quantity-based price breaks at checkout” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkDeduct container tare when selling by weightDemonstrate “Deduct container tare when selling by weight” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Deduct container tare when selling by weight” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkRoute items to separate preparation stationsDemonstrate “Route items to separate preparation stations” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Route items to separate preparation stations” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkAllocate tips by employee hours or roleDemonstrate “Allocate tips by employee hours or role” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Allocate tips by employee hours or role” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Eligible plans distribute tips using recipient, transaction, hours-worked or job-percentage rules. US; Shifts Plus or eligible Premium subscriptions; tip-distribution permissions and configuration required. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkInspect a gift card's balance and redemption historyDemonstrate “Inspect a gift card's balance and redemption history” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Inspect a gift card's balance and redemption history” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkRecord reasons for complimentary or voided itemsDemonstrate “Record reasons for complimentary or voided items” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate “Record reasons for complimentary or voided items” with a sample record; show the result, permissions and required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Configured reasons can accompany complimentary items and voided tickets and remain in reporting. US documentation; configure comp/void permissions and reasons in supported Square POS products. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
| AI usage and limits | Square AI provides business-data questions and insights; parts are labeled beta.
| Sidekick assists with commerce tasks and store context within Shopify.
|
| Additional costs to ask about |
|
|
| Integration shortlist |
|
|
| Research date | Oct 15, 2026 Full source record → | Oct 15, 2026 Full source record → |