Square POS vs Wave: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Square POS and Wave — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: it's a tie on our scorecard — pick on fit, not score.
| Scored on | Square POS | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 9 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 7 | 9 |
| Customer support | 5 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 7 |
| 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 | — |
| Starter Plan | — | $0/mo |
| Pro Plan | — | $16/mo |
| Credit Card Processing | — | 2.9% + $0.60 |
| Full-Service Payroll | — | $40/mo + $6/employee |
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.
Wave in one paragraph
Wave is the gold standard for free accounting software, provided you are comfortable with self-service support and don't need complex inventory tracking.
Skip it if: You have more than 10 employees or require robust, human-led phone support for your daily banking and bookkeeping.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Who should skip Wave?
You have more than 10 employees or require robust, human-led phone support for your daily banking and bookkeeping.