The verdict
Square takes it, 4–2 on rounds.
On the published figures and the independent review sites, Square takes 4 of 6 rounds. Treat that as a starting point and check the current figures on both pages, because prices and plans move.
Choose Square if…
- • You want Square's edge on what the software costs and how long you are locked in
Choose Shift4 if…
- • You want Shift4's edge on what it costs to get a card reader and who picks up when the till is down
Round by round
- Round 1What the software costsSquare winsShift45/10
$29.99/month
"Big Tech. Small Price." panel; "GET STARTED FOR $0" button
- $99, against $0
Source: dine.shift4.com ↗
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 2How long you are locked inSquare winsShift45/10
Not stated
Verified 2026-10-13 on official site.
- 3 years, against No contract
Source: posusa.com ↗
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 3What customers say on TrustpilotSquare winsShift45/10
1.4 out of 5
TrustScore from 450 reviews on Trustpilot
- 1.4 out of 5, against 3.7 out of 5
Source: trustpilot.com ↗
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 4What each card sale costsSquare winsSquare8/10
2.6% + 15¢ in person
Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
Source: squareup.com ↗
Shift45/102.75% + 15¢ standard rate
Shift4 Dine (ex-Revel/SkyTab) Table-Service Bundle, Standard Pricing (Build Your System)
- 2.75% + 15¢ standard rate, against 2.6% + 15¢ in person
Source: dine.shift4.com ↗
Square wins this round on what the published sources say.
- Round 5What it costs to get a card readerShift4 winsSquare5/10
Reader from $59
Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
- Reader from $59, against $0 upfront (reader in bundle)
Source: squareup.com ↗
Shift48/10$0 upfront (reader in bundle)
Shift4 Dine (ex-Revel/SkyTab) Table-Service Bundle, Standard Pricing (Build Your System)
Source: dine.shift4.com ↗
Shift4 wins this round on what the published sources say.
- Round 6Who picks up when the till is downShift4 winsSquare5/10
Mon-Fri 6am-6pm PT (24/7=Premium)
Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
- Mon-Fri 6am-6pm PT (24/7=Premium), against 24/7/365 support
Source: squareup.com ↗
Shift48/1024/7/365 support
Shift4 Dine (ex-Revel/SkyTab) Table-Service Bundle, Standard Pricing (Build Your System)
Source: dine.shift4.com ↗
Shift4 wins this round on what the published sources say.
Side by side
- Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
- in-person card sale
- the cheapest plan, per month
- weekday hours on the free plan, against 24/7 support
- Reader from $59, against $0 upfront for first device
- Premium $149/mo, against Point of Sale from $69/mo
- weekday hours on the free plan, against 24/7 phone support
- $99, against $0
- 3 years, against No contract
- 1.4 out of 5, against 3.7 out of 5
- 2.75% + 15¢ standard rate, against 2.6% + 15¢ in person