ConnectPOS vs Square POS stand among the leading systems that many retailers look at when planning a new setup. Retailers often feel stuck choosing between the two systems as they weigh cost, growth plans and daily work. In this guide of ConnectPOS, we will compare both systems to help you find which option fits your path forward.
Highlights
- This POS review compares ConnectPOS vs Square POS and shows how each system supports a different growth path for retailers.
- ConnectPOS supports larger catalogs, real-time sync and multi-store control, while Square focuses on simple payments for small shops.
- ConnectPOS fits growing and omnichannel retailers. Square fits new sellers that want a quick, low-cost start.
Overview of ConnectPOS
ConnectPOS supports growing retailers that need clear control across store counters, warehouses and online channels. You get one system that keeps every order and stock update aligned in real time. This helps you avoid the messy gaps that slow teams when channels expand fast.
Stores pick ConnectPOS when they want steady sync and simple workflows that keep staff confident during busy hours. We often see teams breathe easier once they stop switching screens or fixing small data mistakes. The system keeps the day moving without forcing you to change how you sell.
Features:
- Real-Time Inventory Sync: Every sale, return or stock transfer updates right away. This helps your team avoid stock mistakes that cause missed orders or long checks at the counter. NielsenIQ reports that empty shelves cost U.S. retailers about $82 billion in missed sales in 2021. So, real time stock data also protects revenue, not just speed at the counter.
- Omnichannel POS Connection: ConnectPOS links to Shopify POS, Magento POS, BigCommerce POS and WooCommerce POS. Products, orders and customer details stay aligned between channels without extra steps.
- Custom POS Layouts: You can shape the screen to match your selling style. Staff move faster when buttons and flows match what they do every day.
- Strong Report & Analytics: Clear sales and product reports help you spot trends early. Managers get simple views that support quick decisions.
- Customer Loyalty and Profiles: Purchase history, points and notes stay in one place. You can run rewards or targeted promotions without jumping between tools. A Statista study shows that 53% of U.S. shoppers name cashback style rewards as one of their favorite loyalty benefits. Clear profiles and points in your POS help you design offers that people really like to use.
- Order Management Tools: Click and collect, in-store pickup and backorders stay accurate across locations. This helps stores keep a smooth experience for online and in-store customers.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Strong stock control for retailers that run big catalogs or many stores.
- Layouts match real selling patterns so staff move faster.
- Clear reports guide daily and weekly planning.
- Loyalty tools help you build repeat customers.
Cons:
- Some tools may feel heavy for very small shops.
- Bigger setups sometimes need guided onboarding for new teams.
Overview of Square POS
Square POS suits small shops, cafés and sellers that want quick setup with minimal cost. Many owners choose it when they only need light inventory control and simple payments. The system keeps daily work easy for teams that prefer a straightforward tool.
You often see Square in pop-ups or food trucks because the setup takes only a few minutes. Sellers can start taking payments without learning a long list of settings. The focus stays on speed, not deep retail control.
Features:
►►► Optimal solution set for businesses: Multi store POS, Next-gen POS, Inventory Management Software (MSI), Self Service, Automation, Backorders
- Simple Inventory Tools: Basic tracking helps small teams stay aware of stock levels. Low-stock alerts support quick restocking for short product lists.
- Integrated Payments: Square Payments is built in, which keeps fees predictable for new sellers. Card rates stay flat and easy to understand.
- Fast Setup with Square Hardware: Square Stand and Square Terminal work right away. They suit small counters, kiosks and mobile setups.
- Online Store Builder: A free online store helps sellers list items and take orders. Stock sync stays light but steady.
- Basic Customer Tools: Customer details, notes and digital receipts stay in one place. This supports small shops that want simple follow-ups.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Free plan helps new sellers start without pressure.
- Hardware feels simple for teams and easy to place on small counters.
- Online store tools come with no extra charge.
Cons:
- Inventory tools feel limited for multi-store or growing retailers.
- Sellers must use Square Payments with no alternative gateways.
- Add-ons for loyalty or marketing increase the total monthly cost.
ConnectPOS vs Square POS: Full Comparison
Retailers often compare ConnectPOS vs Square POS when they feel their system no longer keeps up with daily work. You might see delays at checkout or stock updates that come too late. These small issues build pressure fast, so we guide you through the real differences that shape your experience.
We break each point into clear sections so you can see how each system fits your store.
Ease of Use
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS keeps the layout simple for teams that move fast on the floor. Buttons stay clear, and the flow guides staff through checkout, stock tasks and order steps without confusion. This helps new staff catch up quickly, even in busy stores. Many teams say they feel more relaxed when the screen matches the way they already work.
Square POS: Square POS feels easy from the first tap. Many small sellers use it because the system stays light and simple. Daily tasks move fast, and the clean menu helps new staff learn quickly. This suits cafés, kiosks or pop-up shops that depend on speed rather than deep retail tools.
Read more: An Expert’s Checklist When Considering POS Systems for Pop Up Shops
Inventory Depth
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS supports large catalogs with many variants, colors and sizes. You get multi-store stock control, warehouse tracking and bulk edits for big updates. This keeps item data clean when your store grows. Retailers with long SKU lists often pick ConnectPOS because it keeps the whole catalog steady without extra spreadsheets and works like dedicated inventory management software.
Square POS: Square works well for small teams with short product lists. Stock levels update in a clear way, but the system does not go deep into variant or warehouse control. This can be limiting once you add more shelves or new locations. The simplicity feels nice at the start but may slow you later.
Omnichannel Performance
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS keeps online and in-store data connected in real time. Your team can run click and collect, in-store pickup and even return or exchange online orders without extra steps. This creates a calm flow for your shoppers. Many retailers rely on this when they want one system that connects every channel across their eCommerce POS setup.
Square POS: Square supports simple online orders through its built-in tools. The flow works well for small shops that want a basic online presence. Yet multi-store syncing and advanced order actions can feel limited. This becomes clear when your customers expect more options across locations.
Hardware Compatibility
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS works on iPad, desktop and mobile POS, so your team can pick devices that fit the store. You can also connect scanners, printers and cash drawers that you already own. This saves time and cost, especially when you need a mix of fixed counters and mobile setups.
Square POS: Square works best with its own hardware like the Square Stand or Square Terminal. The setup feels quick and tidy, which helps small shops open fast. But choices stay limited, and switching devices later can be harder. Many teams accept this trade-off because they want simple hardware with no extra steps.
Payment Flexibility
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS connects with many payment gateways. This helps you pick the provider that matches your fee structure or local market. You can run split payments and other methods that support different customer habits. Retailers that care about fee savings often choose ConnectPOS for this reason.
Square POS: Square POS stays locked to Square Payments. The flat rates feel easy to understand, but you cannot switch to another processor later. This suits new sellers that want simplicity but limits stores that want to negotiate lower fees as they grow.
Scalability
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS acts as a Next-gen POS so stores can grow without losing control. You can start with one location and scale to many without changing your workflow. The system supports large catalogs, custom staff roles and complex operations that often appear when your business expands. You also keep one clean flow for stock, orders and customers even as your team grows. Many retailers feel more confident once they see the system handle busy days without slowing down.
Square POS: Square POS fits small teams that want a simple setup. The system works well for one location or a light retail load. Yet limits start to show when you add more stores or more items. Catalog growth, staff roles and channel expansion can feel tight over time. Sellers who reach this stage often start looking for deeper tools to keep everything steady.
Reporting
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS gives you real-time dashboards, product summaries and multi-store comparisons. These views help you read trends early so you can act fast. You see what sells, what slows down and which store needs attention. This kind of detail supports managers that want data to guide weekly or monthly plans. Many brands use these reports to shape staffing, stock flows and promotions.
Square POS: Square POS gives clean simple reports that work well for small teams. You can check daily totals, item lists and basic trends. This helps new sellers understand their performance without heavy tools. Yet growing retailers often want deeper layers, especially when managing more than one location. The basic structure can feel limited once your business grows in size or complexity.
Customer Tools
ConnectPOS: This CRM POS includes loyalty, customer profiles, purchase history and promotions inside one system. These tools stay active across online and in-store channels. This helps you give consistent rewards and tailored offers to returning shoppers. Stores that want to build repeat visits often rely on this system. You can see clear patterns that help shape your promotions or service style.
Square POS: Square gives simple customer notes and digital receipts. To run loyalty or marketing, you need paid add-ons. This works for small shops that want basic follow-up tools. Yet stores aiming to build deeper customer programs often look for a system with stronger built-in control.
Support
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS supports retailers with 24/7 help, guided onboarding and account managers for bigger setups. Many teams appreciate having someone who understands their system and their goals. This kind of support keeps daily work calmer, especially during busy seasons or when adding new locations.
Square POS: Square offers long support hours and clear self-serve guides. Many small sellers feel comfortable with this because they need quick answers rather than long sessions. Still, there is no dedicated account manager for most plans, which can matter once your setup becomes more complex.
Best Fit for Each System
ConnectPOS: ConnectPOS suits mid-market retailers, growing brands and multi-store sellers that want real control across every channel. It keeps stock, orders and customer data steady even at scale. This makes it a strong fit for apparel POS, electronics stores POS, beauty and other fast-moving other industries.
Square POS: Square POS fits solo sellers, cafés, food trucks, kiosks and small boutiques that want a simple start. It helps you take payments fast and handle light inventory without stress. Many early-stage sellers stay with Square until their catalog or locations grow beyond what the system can support.
ConnectPOS vs Square POS: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Criteria | ConnectPOS | Square POS |
| Ease of Use | Simple onboarding. Clear workflows across retail floors, warehouses and online channels. Staff move fast with a smooth layout. | Very easy for new users. Good for quick setups and small teams that need a simple tool. |
| Inventory Depth | Strong variant tracking. Multi-store stock. Warehouse and transfer control. Bulk edits for large catalogs. | Basic tracking. Works for small shops with light stock. Limited tools for chains or fast-moving items. |
| Omnichannel POS Flow | Real-time sync across online and stores. Click and collect. In-store return and exchange for online orders. | Good for simple setups. Strong online builder, but fewer tools for complex retail journeys. |
| Hardware Compatibility | Works on iPad, desktop and mobile. Supports barcode scanners, printers and cash drawers. Easy to mix old and new devices. | Tight with Square hardware. Simple to set up, but fewer choices for custom setups. |
| Payment Flexibility | Works with many gateways. Lets you pick what fits your fees and markets. Split payments built in. | Locked to Square Payments. Flat fees. No option for outside processors. |
| Scalability | Built for growth. Handles many locations, large catalogs and custom staff roles. | Ideal for small and early-stage sellers. Limited for chains or heavy retail operations. |
| Reporting | Real-time reports. Strong retail insights. Multi-store data in one place. | Clean basic reports. Enough for simple shops, but not deep enough for complex setups. |
| Customer Tools | Loyalty, profiles, history and promotions all inside one system. Works across online and in-store. | Loyalty and marketing sold as add-ons. Good for casual use, but limited depth. |
| Support | 24/7 support. Onboarding help. Dedicated account care for larger setups. | Extended support hours. Self-serve guides. No dedicated account manager for most plans. |
| Best Fit | Mid-market retail, multi-store chains and brands that sell online and in-store. | Small shops, pop-ups, cafés, food trucks and sellers that want a simple start. |
ConnectPOS vs Square POS: Pricing Comparison
Pricing often shapes your long-term strategy, especially when your store grows. You want a setup that stays steady without surprise costs. That is why we break down both systems clearly so you can see where each one stands. We also share how we view these differences when guiding retailers toward the right path.
ConnectPOS uses a simple tiered model that starts at $49 per register, which keeps planning easy as you scale. Each tier adds tools that matter once your store moves beyond basic selling. You can choose the plan that fits your size, your catalog and the way your team works.
- Standard Plan – $49/register: Includes core POS tools, order management, payment support, real-time sync and 24/7 support.
- Advanced Plan – $79/register: Adds quotes, carts, gift cards, shipping tools, loyalty and second screen features.
- Premium Plan – $99/register: Includes stock transfers, multi-source inventory, multi-currency, omnichannel tools and advanced discount rules.
- Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing: Tailored for large chains with 100+ stores. Includes onboarding, account management and API guidance.
These tiers give you room to grow without rebuilding your system each time your business expands.
Square POS Pricing
Square attracts many small sellers with its Free Plan at $0 per month. You only pay processing fees, which helps new shops start quickly. Once you need more structure, you move into paid plans with upgraded tools.
- Square POS Free – $0/month: Basic POS and online store.
- Square POS Plus – $29/month: Adds advanced staff tools and deeper reporting.
- Square POS Premium – $89/month: Adds better analytics, stronger online site tools and onboarding help.
Square’s pricing works well for simple setups or light product catalogs.
Payment Processing Fees
Processing fees often become one of the biggest monthly expenses. This is where the two systems separate clearly.
ConnectPOS connects with many gateways. Fees depend on the gateway you choose, so you can pick the provider that gives lower rates in your region.
Square uses fixed fees:
- 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person sales
- 2.9% + $0.30 for online sales
- 3.5% + $0.15 for keyed-in payments
Stores that process high volumes often feel these fees more strongly.
Multi-Location and Inventory Costs
Square’s free plan works well for one-location shops. Once you add more stores or need deeper inventory tools, the price climbs because each upgrade adds separate monthly fees. This matters when you plan to grow.
ConnectPOS pricing stays predictable across many locations. The cost per register remains fixed, which helps multi-store retailers keep spending under control.
Long-Term Value
Square is the cheaper way to start, especially for new or small shops. You get a solid basic setup without monthly fees.
ConnectPOS becomes the smarter long-term choice for mid-sized and growing retailers. Its fixed pricing supports multi-store control, variants, loyalty, transfers and strong reports without stacking extra charges each time your business grows.
Strengths & Limitations of ConnectPOS vs Square POS
You can see a clear split when comparing how each system handles real retail challenges. ConnectPOS focuses on depth, while Square focuses on speed. This gives you two different paths depending on how you sell and how fast you plan to grow.
Where ConnectPOS is stronger:
ConnectPOS supports complex retail work across many locations. You get strong variant controls, real-time stock sync, custom workflows and full omnichannel actions. Fashion, electronics, cosmetics and lifestyle brands often pick it because their catalogs grow fast and need tight control. Larger teams also appreciate how custom roles guide daily work.
Where Square is stronger:
Square shines when you need mobility, a clean layout and a very low startup cost. Small cafés, food trucks, kiosks and weekend markets often choose it because they can start in minutes. The light setup and simple tools help small teams focus on selling without learning extra steps.
Gaps or limitations for each system:
ConnectPOS may feel heavy for very small shops that only need basic checkout. You get many tools that might sit unused at the beginning.
Square can feel limiting once you add more product variants or open a second location. Many shops outgrow its inventory controls and payment restrictions the moment their sales increase.
Best choice by business type:
- Fashion and footwear: ConnectPOS
- Electronics and accessories: ConnectPOS
- Cosmetics and beauty: ConnectPOS
- Omnichannel brands: ConnectPOS
- Cafés, food trucks, pop-ups: Square POS
- Single-location boutiques: Square POS
Which POS Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on how you sell today and how you expect your business to grow. Square gives you a simple start when you just need payments, light stock tracking and quick setup. It works well if you run a small space or shift between markets.
ConnectPOS fits retailers that plan to grow into multi-store or omnichannel selling. You get real-time sync, deeper inventory tools, loyalty, custom workflows and the freedom to pick your payment gateway. These strengths matter once your catalog expands or when you want online and in-store activity to move together.
If your goal is long-term growth, ConnectPOS will support that journey more naturally. If you want a light setup for early-stage selling, Square POS keeps things simple without adding cost.
FAQs: ConnectPOS vs Square POS
1. Which POS is better for multi-store retail, ConnectPOS or Square POS?
ConnectPOS fits multi-store retail better because it handles real-time sync, stock transfers, large catalogs and complex workflows. Square POS works best for small shops that do not need deep multi-store control.
2. Does ConnectPOS work with more payment gateways than Square POS?
Yes. ConnectPOS works with many gateways so retailers can pick the provider that fits their fees. Square POS uses only Square Payments, so there is no option to switch.
3. Which system offers stronger inventory tools?
ConnectPOS has stronger tools for variants, warehouses, bulk edits and multi-location stock. Square POS covers basic tracking for small item lists.
4. Is Square POS really cheaper than ConnectPOS?
Square POS has a free plan, so it is cheaper at the start. ConnectPOS costs more but includes stronger retail features that help mid-sized and growing stores in the long run.
5. Which POS is better for omnichannel selling?
ConnectPOS is built for full omnichannel retail. It supports click and collect, online to store sync and unified orders. Square POS supports simple online orders but has fewer advanced flows.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between ConnectPOS vs Square POS comes down to how far you want your retail journey to go. Square gives you an easy start when you need quick payments and light tools. ConnectPOS gives you room to grow with stronger inventory control, real-time sync and full omnichannel support. You want a POS that fits where your business is heading, not just where it stands today.
If you plan to scale, ConnectPOS is ready to guide you through every step. Contact us to explore how your store can move faster, stay organized and serve customers with confidence.
►►► Optimal solution set for businesses: Shopify POS, Magento POS, BigCommerce POS, WooCommerce POS, NetSuite POS, E-Commerce POS
