Running an e-commerce brand and thinking of going offline? Or maybe you’re already selling in person and want a system that syncs better with your online store. Either way, choosing the right POS system is key to running a smooth operation—and making sure every sale, online or offline, tells the same story. 💳🛍️
Two of the biggest contenders in the game are Shopify POS and Square. Both are solid. But which one’s better for your e-commerce business in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Why Your POS System Matters More Than You Think
In today’s omnichannel retail world, your POS isn’t just a tool for ringing up sales—it’s:
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A data bridge between your online and offline operations
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A customer experience layer at your physical locations
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A source of first-party data that powers better ad targeting and segmentation
Especially if you’re running ads and managing campaigns through tools like AdsPolar, a POS system that integrates seamlessly with your ecommerce backend makes your marketing smarter and more efficient.
Shopify POS: Best for Online-First Brands Expanding Offline
If your business lives primarily online—and especially if you’re already using Shopify for your store—Shopify POS is a natural choice.
✅ Deep Integration with Shopify Store
Shopify POS works natively with your existing product catalog, inventory, order history, customer profiles, and discount codes. Every sale, whether online or offline, is updated in real-time.
Example: If a customer buys a shirt in your pop-up store, Shopify automatically adjusts inventory on your website and tags that customer’s profile for future retargeting.
✅ Unified Reporting and Omnichannel Tools
You get access to Shopify’s analytics dashboard, including breakdowns by sales channel, location, staff performance, and repeat customer behavior. For brands running multi-channel campaigns, this level of insight can directly feed into campaign segmentation.
✅ Customizable Checkout Experience
You can personalize receipts, set up staff permissions, and customize workflows—great for branded in-store experiences.
💰 Pricing
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Shopify POS Lite is included in all Shopify plans
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Shopify POS Pro: $89/month/location (adds advanced features like staff roles, smart inventory, in-store analytics)
Best for: DTC brands, pop-up shops, retail expansions already using Shopify
Square POS: Best for Brick-and-Mortar Stores Going Online
Square started in the physical retail space, so its POS is known for simplicity, sleek hardware, and a frictionless setup process.
✅ Plug-and-Play Hardware
Square's hardware is among the best in the industry—think contactless readers, full POS registers, and mobile terminals. For stores that prioritize fast, professional checkouts, it’s hard to beat.
✅ Free POS Software
Yes, completely free. You only pay transaction fees, making it appealing to small businesses or startups keeping costs low.
✅ Versatile for Multi-Business Environments
From coffee shops to boutiques to salons, Square has templates and features tailored for a wide variety of physical businesses.
💡 E-Commerce Capabilities
Square does offer online store integrations and even its own store builder. But if you're already running a full-featured e-commerce brand, Square’s online features may feel limited compared to Shopify.
💰 Pricing
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POS software: Free
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Square for Retail Plus: $60/month/location (adds inventory tools and advanced analytics)
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Hardware: Separate purchase (but excellent design)
Best for: Physical-first retailers, service providers, local shops expanding online
Key Comparison Table
| Feature | Shopify POS | Square POS |
| Native E-Commerce Integration | ✅ Deep Shopify sync | ⚠️ Basic unless using Square store |
| Offline Hardware | ✅ Good (3rd-party compatible) | ✅ Excellent, sleek design |
| Pricing | From $0 to $89/month/location | Free software, paid upgrades |
| Target Business Type | Online-first DTC brands | Offline-first SMBs |
| Reporting & Insights | Advanced (esp. with Shopify Plus) | Good for retail operations |
| Marketing Sync | Strong with Shopify ecosystem | Requires extra integrations |
How POS Choice Impacts Your Marketing & Ad Strategy
Here’s where it gets really interesting for ecommerce marketers and agencies:
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With Shopify POS, the customer data you gather offline is immediately usable in your Shopify segments. You can sync that with AdsPolar and retarget customers based on past purchases, product preferences, or even location-based behavior.
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With Square, you’ll likely need to connect via Zapier or third-party tools to sync offline data with your ecommerce CRM or ad platforms. It’s not hard—but it’s an extra step.
So if cross-channel marketing and audience targeting are core to your growth, Shopify POS offers a tighter loop.
Final Verdict: Which One’s Right for You?
It depends on where your business started—and where it’s going.
Choose Shopify POS if:
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You already run your store on Shopify
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You want real-time online/offline sync
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You need better integration with ad targeting and campaign automation
Choose Square POS if:
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Your brand started offline and is just getting into e-commerce
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You want great hardware with low upfront costs
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Your sales flow is simple, and you prioritize ease of use
One More Thing…
Your POS system isn’t just about transactions—it’s a strategic touchpoint that influences inventory, marketing, customer relationships, and profitability.
Pairing the right POS with a smart ad tech stack like AdsPolar gives your business the tools to scale smoothly across both physical and digital worlds—while keeping every customer journey connected.