Paddle vs Square(2026)
Paddle is better for teams that need handles all taxes globally. Square is the stronger choice if best in-person payment hardware. Paddle is paid (from 5% + 50¢ per transaction) and Square is paid (from 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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Paddle
Paddle acts as the Merchant of Record, handling global payments, taxes, and compliance so you don't have to.
Starting at 5% + 50¢ per transaction
Visit PaddleSquare
Square is a payment platform for both in-person and online payments, popular with retail and food businesses.
Starting at 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
Visit SquareHow Do Paddle and Square Compare on Features?
| Feature | Paddle | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | paid | paid |
| Starting price | 5% + 50¢ per transaction | 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction |
| Merchant of Record | ✓ | — |
| Global tax handling | ✓ | — |
| Subscription management | ✓ | — |
| Revenue recovery | ✓ | — |
| Analytics | ✓ | — |
| In-person POS | — | ✓ |
| Online payments | — | ✓ |
| Invoicing | — | ✓ |
| Inventory management | — | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | ✓ |
| Appointments | — | ✓ |
Paddle Pros and Cons vs Square
Paddle
Square
Should You Use Paddle or Square?
Choose Paddle if…
- •Handles all taxes globally
- •Works for individuals
- •No need for business entity
Choose Square if…
- •Best in-person payment hardware
- •Free POS app
- •Good for retail/food