Square Point of Sale
Turns a phone or tablet into a register for taking card, cash and contactless payments, with modes for different busines
by Block, Inc. · listed Oct 19, 2026
Quick verdict
A sensible default for small businesses that want to start selling quickly without a monthly bill. Just budget for per-transaction fees and the possibility of upgrading to a paid plan as you grow.
Best for Small businesses and sole traders who want a quick, low-commitment way to take payments and track sales
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 19, 2026. How we review
Square Point of Sale review
Square Point of Sale is the checkout app behind Square's payment system. It lets small businesses take payments by card, cash, digital wallet, QR code, payment link, Cash App Pay, gift card or tap-to-pay on the phone itself. You pick a mode that fits your business, such as retail, restaurants, appointments or invoicing, and the app adjusts its tools. It suits market stalls, cafes, salons, shops and freelancers who want a working register without a long setup.
Day to day, you build a sale from your item list, take payment, and send a receipt. Inventory, item variations and sales reports sync to Square's web dashboard, so you can check numbers away from the counter. Restaurant mode adds quick order entry and texts when orders are ready. Some features, like seat management and preauthorized bar tabs, only work on iPad. Hardware such as card readers and stands is optional but makes busy counters easier.
Why we picked it: You can start taking payments the same day with no monthly fee, and the app covers many business types without switching systems.
Watch out for: Square takes a fee on each card transaction, and some advanced features sit behind paid Square plans managed outside the app.
What we like
- No upfront cost to start taking payments
- Accepts a wide range of payment types, including tap to pay on the phone
- Separate modes for retail, restaurants, appointments and invoicing
- Inventory and sales reports sync with the web dashboard
- Available on both iOS and Android phones and tablets
What could be better
- Every card payment carries a processing fee
- Some restaurant features are limited to iPad
- More advanced tools require paid Square plans
- You are tied to Square as your payment processor
Questions about Square Point of Sale
Is Square Point of Sale free?
The app is free to download and use, with no monthly fee for the basic system. Square charges a fee on card transactions, and offers paid plans with extra features.
Do I need a card reader?
Not necessarily. Supported phones can accept contactless payments with tap to pay, but a Square reader or terminal helps with chip cards and busy counters.
Which devices does it run on?
It runs on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. A few restaurant features are iPad only.
Can it work offline?
Square supports an offline payments mode for card payments in limited situations, which are processed once you reconnect. Check Square's help pages for the current limits and risks.
What are the alternatives?
Shopify POS suits retailers already selling online with Shopify, while Toast and Clover are common choices for restaurants and businesses wanting dedicated hardware.
From the developer: how Square Point of Sale describes itself
Square Point of Sale (POS) is the all-in-one payments processing app designed for any business. Whether you’re a retail, a restaurant, or a service business, you’ll have all the features you need to run your business at your fingertips.
Select from multiple modes tailored to your industry to simplify business operations, to deliver exceptional customer experiences, and to boost your bottom line.
Take any payment Accept payments in person, online, or over the phone. Let customers pay with all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, digital wallets, QR codes, payment links, Cash App Pay, Tap to Pay on iPhone, and gift cards.
Get started quickly Whether you’re a new business or looking to switch your point of sale system, we make it fast and easy to get started. Receive recommendations for a POS solution that aligns with your business needs, ensuring you’re set from the start.
Choose your mode Access multiple POS modes equipped with unique settings, features, and functionalities for different business needs.
•For all businesses: Set up instantly to start taking payments and manage your business. - Free point-of-sale system - Real-time reports in Dashboard - Inventory management
•For restaurants: Access management tools designed for full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, and bars. - Quick order entry - Order-ready mobile text - Course and seat management (iPad only) - Preauthorized bar tabs (iPad only)
•For retail: Track inventory, customer orders, and sales effortlessly in-store or online. - Advanced inventory tools - Multichannel selling - Customer profiles
•For beauty: Simplify scheduling and appointments. - 24/7 online booking - No-show protection - Automated reservation reminders
•For services: Manage appointments, send invoices, and accept payments effortlessly. - Invoices and estimates - Contracts - Project management
Download the Square Point of Sale today and explore how Square can grow with you — from fostering customer relationships and managing staff to accessing advanced reporting and offering integrated banking solutions.
Disclosure: Some features are only available in the United States.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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