The best alternatives to square
Square’s shift to mandatory Shift4 payments has left many EU retailers searching for a way out—especially when that lock-in comes with rising transaction fees and no room to negotiate. If your margins are tight or you need inventory tools that go beyond basic stock counts, European alternatives offer more transparent pricing and deeper feature sets without forcing you into a single payment processor.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Square to a European POS system?
Square’s mandatory Shift4 integration removes payment processor choice, and its transaction fees are non-negotiable. European alternatives like Epos Now often allow you to pick your own acquirer, offer clearer pricing tiers, and include advanced inventory features such as matrix stock and multi-location tracking that Square handles more simply.
Are European Square alternatives GDPR-compliant and where is data hosted?
Most alternatives in our directory process data within the EU or EEA, offer a standard DPA, and hold ISO 27001 certification. Epos Now, for example, hosts its primary infrastructure in the UK and Germany, while Tillpoint uses servers in Ireland and the Netherlands.
How do I migrate my data from Square to a European POS system?
Square provides CSV exports for products, customers, and sales history. European alternatives like Epos Now and Odoo Point of Sale typically offer import tools or APIs to map these files into their systems. Some also partner with migration services that handle the mapping and validation for you.
Do European POS systems support the same payment methods as Square?
Yes, most support card payments via major acquirers, contactless (NFC), and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Unlike Square, they usually let you choose your own payment processor instead of locking you into a single provider.
Which European Square alternative has the best inventory management?
Epos Now and Odoo Point of Sale are frequently cited for their advanced inventory tools. Both support matrix stock (size/color variants), multi-location tracking, and purchase ordering. Epos Now also includes automated reorder points and supplier management.
Are European POS systems cheaper than Square?
Pricing varies, but European alternatives often have lower entry tiers and more transparent pricing structures. Instead of Square’s fixed transaction fees, many charge a monthly software fee plus interchange-plus rates from your chosen payment processor, which can work out cheaper for high-volume retailers.