HubSpot CRM (Free) vs Square POS: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of HubSpot CRM (Free) and Square POS — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Square POS wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7.1/10).
| Scored on | HubSpot CRM (Free) | Square POS |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 6 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 4 | 5 |
| Features | 8 | 9 |
| Base CRM | $0 | — |
| Marketing Emails | 2,000 per month | — |
| Reporting Dashboards | 3 included | — |
| Monthly Software Fee | — | $0 (Free tier available) |
| In-Person Swipe/Tap | — | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Online/Invoiced Sale | — | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Instant Transfer Fee | — | 1.75% per transfer |
HubSpot CRM (Free) in one paragraph
HubSpot Free is the gold standard for small businesses that need a professional-grade database without an upfront software bill, provided you can stomach the 'HubSpot' branding on your outgoing links.
Skip it if: Skip it if you have a zero-tolerance policy for 'Powered by HubSpot' logos or if you need immediate phone support to figure out how to use a computer.
Square POS in one paragraph
Square is the fastest way to accept credit cards without a monthly fee, but high-volume businesses will eventually outgrow its flat-rate pricing.
Skip it if: Skip it if you process over $25,000 per month or sell high-risk items like CBD, as you'll save thousands elsewhere and face fewer account freezes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, HubSpot CRM (Free) or Square POS?
On our five-axis scorecard, Square POS scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7.1/10). Square is the fastest way to accept credit cards without a monthly fee, but high-volume businesses will eventually outgrow its flat-rate pricing.
Who should skip HubSpot CRM (Free)?
Skip it if you have a zero-tolerance policy for 'Powered by HubSpot' logos or if you need immediate phone support to figure out how to use a computer.
Who should skip Square POS?
Skip it if you process over $25,000 per month or sell high-risk items like CBD, as you'll save thousands elsewhere and face fewer account freezes.