Square vs PayPal: which should you pick in 2026?

Both are strong choices. The short answer: pick Square if you are in-person sellers and retail. Pick PayPal if you are reaching buyers who prefer PayPal.

SquarePayPal
In one lineCard readers, POS and online payments for physical businesses.The checkout button shoppers already trust.
PricingFree POS; 2.6% + 10c in personFrom 2.99% per transaction
Free tierYesYes
Best forIn-person sellers and retailReaching buyers who prefer PayPal
CategoryPayments & InvoicingPayments & Invoicing
Websitesquareup.compaypal.com

Square details PayPal details

Other options

StripeWise BusinessMelioBill.com