Is Simple cheaper than Square?

For most businesses, yes. Simple's 2.39% flat processing beats Square's 2.6% + 15¢ per transaction on virtually every ticket over $2. Simple also includes loyalty, marketing, employee scheduling, and reports at no additional cost — features Square charges $15–$60/mo each for as add-ons.

How does Simple compare to Shopify POS?

Shopify's base POS is limited; the full point-of-sale experience requires POS Pro at $89/mo per location. To match Simple's built-in modules, most merchants also stack 5–7 apps (loyalty, appointments, delivery, time clock, tasks). Simple ships all of it in one plan starting at $39/mo — with a lower flat processing rate.

Can I migrate my data from Square or Shopify to Simple?

Yes. Migration support is included on every plan; the Large plan adds full white-glove onboarding — our team handles the full migration for you, including hardware setup, staff training, and go-live support.

Are these comparisons up to date?

All competitor pricing on this page is based on published rates as of July 2026. Rates and plan structures change frequently, so we recommend verifying current pricing directly with each provider before making a final decision.

Compare

See how Simple stacks up.

Honest, side-by-side comparisons — pricing, processing rates, and every feature. No spin, just the numbers.

Free Simple Compact ReaderNo contracts — month-to-monthNext-day & same-day funding availableNo hardware required — desktop, laptop, mobile, POS

Competitor data as of July 2026, based on published rates.

Simple vs Square

The free plan that gets expensive fast.

2.6% + 15¢ vs our 2.39% flat
Loyalty requires the $49/mo Plus plan
No tasks, forms, or support portal

Compare Simple vs Square

Simple vs Shopify

Great online store. A POS made of apps.

POS Pro adds $89/mo per location
5–7 apps needed to match Simple
CSM requires $2,300/mo Plus plan

Compare Simple vs Shopify

Simple vs Lightspeed

Deep inventory. Long contracts.

1–3 year contracts with early-termination fees
Loyalty gated behind $179/mo Core tier
Up to $400/mo penalty to use your own processor

Compare Simple vs Lightspeed

Simple vs Clover

Sold by 3,000+ resellers. Different price each time.

36–48 month contracts, termination fees up to remaining balance
3.5% + 10¢ on every card-not-present sale
Hardware locked to Fiserv — can't be reprogrammed

Compare Simple vs Clover

Simple vs SkyTab

"Free" hardware, 36-month Shift4 contract.

36-month processing agreement at 2.75% + 15¢
Termination fees documented up to $37,000+
Restaurants only — no retail, service, or appointments

Compare Simple vs SkyTab

Simple vs Toast

Full comparison coming soon.

Coming soon

Alternatives

Comparing beyond one platform?

Seven-option listicles with real pricing and honest trade-offs.

Best Square alternatives Best Shopify POS alternatives Best Lightspeed alternatives Best Clover alternatives Best SkyTab alternatives

Why Simple converts

Every plan includes what other providers charge extra for — or lock behind contracts.

Free hardware

Get a free Simple Compact Reader — mobile all-in-one Tap, Chip & Swipe.

No contracts

Zero long-term commitments, zero early-termination fees.

Month-to-month

Stay because you love it — cancel any time, no penalties.

Next-day & same-day funding

Get paid fast. Cash flow that keeps up with your business.

No hardware required

Runs on any desktop, laptop, mobile device, or POS terminal.

Why businesses switch to Simple

2.39% flat processing — no per-transaction fees

22+ built-in modules — no app stack

Unlimited registers on every plan

Dedicated Success Manager

Calculate your savings

Pick your current provider — see the real annual cost side by side.

Savings Calculator

Live math using verified July 2026 published rates.

Monthly card volume

$5k$50k$500k

Average ticket

Share of sales online20%

Locations

Which of these do you use?

Loyalty program

Text & email marketing

Staff scheduling & time clock

Appointments / online booking

Delivery dispatch (your own drivers)

E-commerce / online store

Task managementNot on Square

Forms & checklistsNot on Square

Expense tracking with live P&LNot on Square

Branded customer support portalNot on Square

Help center builderNot on Square

Swim lanes (service queues)Not on Square

Simple

Processing only

$11,472

per year

Square

Processing + feature add-ons

$16,608

per year

Annual total: processing + on-toggle feature costs. Base software shown below.

Simple software

Plans from $39/mo — every feature included

Square software

Free plan by default; $49/mo Plus and $149/mo Premium exist. Plus fee is counted above when a Plus-only feature is on.

You save

$5,136

per year vs Square

Not for sale at any price on Square

Task managementForms & checklistsExpense management with live P&LBranded support portalHelp center builderSwim lanesNative delivery fleet

Lock in 2.39% — Start Free Trial

Estimates based on published July 2026 rates and typical published app pricing. Courier fees (DoorDash/Uber) excluded for Square delivery. Your actuals may vary.

Quick comparison

The numbers that matter most.

Feature	Simple	Square	Shopify	Lightspeed	Clover	SkyTab
Entry price	$39/mo	$0 (limited)	$39/mo + $89/mo POS Pro	$109/mo	Varies by reseller	$29.99/mo
Processing rate (in person)	2.39% flat	2.6%	2.6%	2.6%	2.3–2.6%	2.75%
Per-transaction fee	None	15¢	10¢	10¢	10¢	15¢
Contract length	Month-to-month	Month-to-month	Month-to-month	1–3 years	36–48 months	36 months
Built-in modules	22+	Core only, add-ons paid	Core + apps	Core + add-ons	App Market	Restaurant core
Dedicated support	Included	Not offered	Plus only ($2,300/mo)	Higher tiers only	Via reseller	Not offered

See the full 30-row comparison on our pricing page →

Comparison FAQs

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