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Shopify vs Square Online

Shopify and Square Online both help you sell online. Shopify is best for shops that plan to grow online; Square Online is best for cafés and shops using Square in store.

Feature Shopify Square Online
What it isOnline store platformSquare's online store builder, now called Square Websites
PricingFree trialFree plan
Free to startNoYes
Best forShops that plan to grow onlineCafés and shops using Square in store
Jobs it doesSell onlineSell online
Often used byShops and online storesCafés and restaurants, Shops and online stores

Why pick Shopify

  • Best for shops that plan to grow online

Shopify runs online stores with checkout, payments, shipping, apps and a point-of-sale option for physical shops.

Shopify on Cratepick

Why pick Square Online

  • Best for cafés and shops using Square in store
  • You can start for free (Shopify: free trial)
  • Often used by cafés and restaurants

Square's website builder (formerly Square Online, now Square Websites) creates an online store or ordering page connected to Square payments and point of sale.

Square Online on Cratepick

Questions people ask

Is Shopify or Square Online better for a small business?
It depends on the job. Shopify and Square Online both help you sell online. Shopify is best for shops that plan to grow online; Square Online is best for cafés and shops using Square in store.
Is Shopify or Square Online free?
Shopify: Free trial. Square Online: Free plan. Prices change, so check both sites before you sign up.

Other tools to sell online

  1. WooCommerce

    Store plugin for WordPress

    Best for: Shops that already run WordPress

    Free
  2. Gumroad

    Sell digital products

    Best for: Selling digital downloads

    Fee per sale
  3. EcomHint

    Store audit that lists what to fix first

    Best for: Online shop owners who get visits but too few sales

    Free plan
  4. EverAlice AI

    Turn one design into a ready-to-upload Etsy listing

    Best for: Etsy and digital product sellers listing new items often

    Free plan
  5. Link Mahal

    QR menus and WhatsApp ordering for Lebanese sellers

    Best for: Restaurants and small sellers in Lebanon taking orders on WhatsApp

    Free plan

Answers by Sampan