Square vs Zettle: Which is the Best?

Square and Zettle are two giants in the payment processing world, known for their user-friendly card readers and comprehensive payment platforms.

In this article, I’ll offer a side-by-side comparison, shedding light on which to choose.

Square vs Zettle: My Verdict

For most small and medium-sized businesses, Square has a slight edge over Zettle. Their entry-level card reader is the cheapest on the market at just £19.  Striking the right balance between affordability and functionality, Square has a comprehensive range of advanced features, including optional add-ons and 3rd party integrations.

However, choosing the right payment system for your business depends on several factors, including the nature of your industry, turnover, and your customer’s payment method preference.

For example, Square offers a lower transaction rate of 1.4% + 25p for online payments made with UK-issued cards. However, if you accept online payments from non-UK cards, Zettle’s flat rate of 1.75% would offer better value for money.

Similarly, Zettle will provide bespoke rates for businesses that process at least £10,000 per year in card transactions. However, Square will only offer their custom rates if you have an annual turnover of at least £200,000. 

Despite these situations, Square remains one of the best entry-level payment systems on the market, backed up by class-leading software.

Square Reader vs Zettle Reader

Square’s Reader is the cheaper option, boasting the lowest market price for its ultra-portable design, and supports cheaper online payments for European cards. It’s ideal for mobile payments but lacks a physical keypad and support for JCB, UnionPay, Discover, and Diners Club cards.

On the other hand, the Zettle Card Reader 2 features a tougher build and, supports a wider range of payment options, including JCB and UnionPay. One notable downside is its lack of a virtual terminal, limiting phone payments.

Square stands out for its comprehensive software solutions, offering more flexibility and integration options through its App Marketplace. Zettle also integrates well with major platforms but Square’s native ecommerce features add significant value for businesses looking to expand online.

Security-wise, both ensure customer data protection through PCI compliance and encryption. Customer support is comparable, offering essential services without 24/7 availability.

In terms of costs, Square’s card reader and transaction fees are lower, especially for online transactions, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses prioritizing budget and flexibility. While both are scalable, high-volume businesses might find better rates elsewhere.

Ultimately, Square slightly edges out with its affordability, comprehensive features, and flexibility.

Square vs Zettle: Cost

Is Square or Zettle Cheaper?

Square generally offers better value for most businesses, but Zettle could be cheaper under certain conditions. Both have a 1.75% in-person transaction fee, but Square’s online transaction fee is lower at 1.4% for UK cards, making it more affordable for domestic online sales. However, Zettle’s 1.7% rate for international payments is more economical for businesses dealing heavily in overseas transactions.

Zettle also provides bespoke rates for businesses with an annual card turnover as low as £10,000, compared to Square’s £200,000 threshold for custom pricing. While Square requires additional payments for premium features like loyalty schemes and advanced team management, Zettle includes staff management without extra costs or advanced add-ons.

Both don’t charge for refunds or chargebacks, but Zettle offers limited chargeback protection up to £250 monthly, a potential downside for high-volume businesses.

In summary, Square is more cost-effective for small UK-based transactions and businesses processing less than £10,000 annually. For those with significant international sales or processing over £10,000 yearly, Zettle may offer better financial benefits.

Square vs Zettle: Hardware

Square offers a wider range of hardware options suitable for various business setups, including a comprehensive Register perfect for retail and hospitality, offering a blend of POS and payment systems that’s easy to set up.

For mobility, both Square and Zettle have similarly priced all-in-one POS terminals (£149 + VAT), but Square’s Terminal features Wi-Fi and Offline Mode for uninterrupted transactions, while Zettle’s terminal is designed for mobile use with included 3G/4G data.

Square’s card reader is also more affordable and pairs with a broader range of compatible accessories like scales and kitchen display systems, compared to Zettle’s more limited and pricier hardware choices.

Despite Zettle’s lower-priced bundled kits, Square’s extensive hardware options and accessories make it a more versatile choice for diverse business needs.

Square vs Zettle: Integrations

Best for Integrations: Square

Square offers far more 3rd party integrations than Zettle, making it a better choice if you want the convenience of managing your whole business from a single platform.

From delivery through Mr Yum to marketing with Mailchimp, Square offers an impressive range of integrations that allow you to expand your payment system and transform it into an all-in-one solution.

While Zettle offers some integrations with popular 3rd party software such as Xero, Shopify and Lightspeed, it doesn’t have the same range as Square, including no scheduling, inventory, loyalty or marketing integrations. 

Unless you need to integrate your payment system with Lightspeed or Shopify, Square is the more convenient choice. 

Square Vs Zettle Reviews

Square has a higher Trustpilot rating than Zettle, with 80% of reviewers rating it 5 out of 5.  Many customers have commented on Square’s “straightforward” set-up, “user-friendly” interface and “prompt” payment transfers. However, there have also been issues with customer service responsiveness and delayed fund transfers.

Zettle’s customers have given it an “average” score of 2.9, with only 59% rating it 5 out of 5. Some customers were “disappointed” with their service, commenting on issues with terminals, warranty problems and “high costs”.

However, others had a more positive experience, with “excellent” and “helpful” customer service”.

Square vs Zettle: Security Measures

Square surpasses Zettle in security features, offering more sophisticated protection. Both are PCI DSS compliant and encrypt customer data. Square differentiates itself with a proactive approach to fraud, including direct contact in case of suspicious activity and employing machine learning for improved fraud detection. Additionally, Square’s card readers feature a tamper-proof design that self-destructs if tampered with.

Square enables dispute management directly through its platform, handling bank communications and not charging for chargebacks, offering significant administrative savings. Zettle provides Transaction Protection for chargebacks up to £250 per month, excluding manual card entries.

Square vs Zettle: Customer Support

Square and Zettle offer similar customer support, with Square offering a slightly more comprehensive service.

Square and Zettle offer telephone support between Monday and Friday, 9 am and 5 pm. 

They also both provide one-to-one email assistance, with Square’s average response time faster than Zettles. 

Although both customer service teams offer messaging services through their websites, Square customers can also reach them via the Square app and social media channels. 

Similarly, Square and Zettle provide customer resources for general queries and simple troubleshooting. 

Whilst Zettle only has a Help Centre with easy-to-follow articles, Square offers a Support Centre, Quick Support resources built into the POS app and hardware, and a Seller Community that connects you to other businesses that use Square. 

Overall, Square offers customers more ways to contact the customer support team and is the best for customer support. 

Alternatives to Square and Zettle

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