PayPal Here vs Square Point of Sale: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: Square Point of Sale — 8/10
Square Point of Sale wins on features and hardware accessibility with free readers and advanced reporting per CNET and Wirecutter. PayPal Here offers better fees for existing PayPal users and Venmo support. Square leads overall for most retail use cases based on 2025 comparisons from those sources.
See the interactive comparison →PayPal Here Overview
The PayPal Here is a compelling option in the Mobile POS System space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Lower per-transaction fee for PayPal users
- Seamless integration with PayPal ecosystem
Cons
- Higher hardware cost for advanced readers
Square Point of Sale Overview
The Square Point of Sale brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Strong inventory and reporting tools
- Wide acceptance of contactless payments
Cons
- Less direct tie-in to PayPal accounts
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the PayPal Here and Square Point of Sale stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The PayPal Here tends to lead in Lower per-transaction fee for PayPal users, while the Square Point of Sale stands out for Strong inventory and reporting tools.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the PayPal Here if…
- You want lower per-transaction fee for paypal users
- You want seamless integration with paypal ecosystem
Buy the Square Point of Sale if…
- You want strong inventory and reporting tools
- You want wide acceptance of contactless payments
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the Square Point of Sale. Square Point of Sale wins on features and hardware accessibility with free readers and advanced reporting per CNET and Wirecutter. PayPal Here offers better fees for existing PayPal users and Venmo support. Square leads overall for most retail use cases based on 2025 comparisons from those sources.
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PayPal Here or Square Point of Sale?
Square Point of Sale wins on features and hardware accessibility with free readers and advanced reporting per CNET and Wirecutter. PayPal Here offers better fees for existing PayPal users and Venmo support. Square leads overall for most retail use cases based on 2025 comparisons from those sources.
What are the scores for PayPal Here and Square Point of Sale?
PayPal Here scores 7.5/10 and Square Point of Sale scores 8/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the PayPal Here?
Lower per-transaction fee for PayPal users. Seamless integration with PayPal ecosystem.
What are the main advantages of the Square Point of Sale?
Strong inventory and reporting tools. Wide acceptance of contactless payments.
Is the PayPal Here worth the price?
The PayPal Here offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize PayPal's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
Get notified when prices drop
We'll alert you when PayPal Here or Square Point of Sale hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.