NEWJoin 2M+ software buyers|Get Weekly Insights, Trends & Expert PicksSubscribe free →

Spotsaas logo

Xero vs SumUp vs Square Point of Sale vs ShopKeep Comparison

Last updated:

Xero

4.7(4,199 reviews)

Starting at $3.75 /month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Medium Business

Xero software is a cloud-based accounting system that helps businesses manage their finances, run payroll, and save time so they can focus on growing their business. This single platform connects all your finances and in…

SumUp

4.4(9,413 reviews)

Starting at $0 /month

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

SumUp is a trusted financial technology company operating in 32 countries across three continents. We aid small business owners by making it quick, secure, and cost-effective to accept card payments online, in-app, and i…

Square Point of Sale

4.5(518 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Square Point of Sale, the ultimate choice for businesses searching for an easy-to-use POS system. With its user-friendly design, you can effortlessly process transactions, track customer purchases, and collect feedback f…

ShopKeep

3.0(187 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Medium Business
  • Small Business

ShopKeep is an easy-to-use, cloud-based iPad POS software. It's powerful enough for big businesses and light enough for small ones. There's rich reporting, customer analytics and integration with all the products you use…

Xero leads on user satisfaction with a 4.7-star rating across 4,199 reviews.

Xero vs SumUp vs Square Point of Sale vs ShopKeep — at a glance

FeatureXeroSumUpSquare Point of SaleShopKeep
Rating4.7 / 54.4 / 54.5 / 53.0 / 5
Reviews4,1999,413518187
Starting price$3.75 /month$0 /monthContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial Yes No No Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessMedium Business, Small Business
CategoryAccounting SoftwarePOS SoftwarePOS SoftwareRetail Software
Integrations14+ apps8+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), OnlineBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobalUSGlobal

Key differences between Xero and SumUp

  • Pricing: Xero starts at $3.75 /month, while SumUp starts at $0 /month.
  • Free trial: Xero offers a free trial; SumUp does not.
  • Target audience: Xero is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Medium Business, while SumUp targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • User satisfaction: Xero scores higher with a 4.7-star average.
  • Deployment: Xero supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; SumUp supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare Xero vs SumUp vs Square Point of Sale vs ShopKeep — and walk away knowing which one fits.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Accounting Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Free PDF comparison

Download this Xero vs SumUp vs Square Point of Sale vs ShopKeep comparison

Get the full side-by-side as a PDF — these picks plus the top Accounting Software tools, with verified ratings, pricing and features.

  • Side-by-side on pricing, features & ratings
  • Plus the category top 10, scored & ranked
  • Emailed to you — no on-screen download

No file downloads on screen — we email it to you. One-click unsubscribe anytime.

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Xero

Best for small businesses needing user-friendly, cloud-based accounting with strong support.

Choose if
  • You are a small business or professional services firm with up to 50 employees.
  • You want an intuitive interface with real-time collaboration for multiple users.
  • You value highly responsive and knowledgeable customer support for troubleshooting.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a large enterprise requiring complex, multi-entity accounting features.
  • You need extensive self-service options for advanced accounting processes without relying on support.

SumUp

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Square Point of Sale

Best for small to mid-sized retail and food businesses needing simple POS.

Choose if
  • You want an easy-to-use POS with quick transaction processing.
  • You need integrated inventory management and sales reporting.
  • You require mobile device compatibility and hardware like Square Terminal.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your business is a large enterprise needing extensive customization.
  • You require complex, multi-location inventory management capabilities.

ShopKeep

Best for small to mid-sized retail and hospitality businesses needing easy iPad POS.

Choose if
  • You want a simple, cloud-based iPad POS that works right out of the box.
  • Your business is a retail shop, restaurant, or salon with up to 200 employees.
  • You need quick setup with reliable performance and useful business analytics.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a large enterprise requiring complex POS customizations and hardware integrations.
  • You need consistently responsive customer service and guaranteed hardware compatibility.

Xero typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Medium Business. SumUp tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Xero software is a cloud-based accounting system that helps businesses manage their finances, run payroll, and save time so they can focus on growing their business. This single platform ... Read More about Xero

SumUp is a trusted financial technology company operating in 32 countries across three continents. We aid small business owners by making it quick, secure, and cost-effective to accept card ... Read More about SumUp

Square Point of Sale, the ultimate choice for businesses searching for an easy-to-use POS system. With its user-friendly design, you can effortlessly process transactions, track customer ... Read More about Square Point of Sale

ShopKeep is an easy-to-use, cloud-based iPad POS software. It's powerful enough for big businesses and light enough for small ones. There's rich reporting, customer analytics and ... Read More about ShopKeep

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $3.75 , monthly
  • Starts from $0 , monthly
  • Not Available
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

9.6/10

Not Available

9.2/10

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.65

(4199)

4.39

(9413)

3.02

(187)

Best Company Size

1-50 employeesSmall Business
1-50 employees51-500 employees
1-50 employees51-200 employees
Get pricing help

Where each option fits best

See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.

Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.

Strengths

Key strengths

Xero

  • Simplified Financial Management: With Xero, you can easily manage your business finances in one place. Users appreciate the intuitive dashboard that provides a clear overview of cash flow, invoices, and expenses at a glance.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Xero allows multiple users to access and work on financial data simultaneously. This feature builds collaboration among teams, keeping everyone aligned and current without emailing spreadsheets back and forth.
  • Automated Processes: Say goodbye to tedious manual entries! Xero automates recurring invoicing and bank reconciliation, saving you precious time that you can redirect towards strategic planning and growth initiatives.

SumUp

No key benefits available yet.

Best fit

Best fit

Xero

  • 1-50 employees
  • Accounting, Retail, Hospitality, Non-Profit, Professional Services
  • Accountants, Bookkeepers, Business Owners, Finance Managers, Operations Managers

SumUp

No best-fit guidance available yet.

ShopKeep

No best-fit guidance available yet.

Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

Xero

  • Users may seek alternatives to Xero due to its pricing structure, especially for small businesses or startups that require budget-friendly accounting solutions without compromising essential features.
  • Some businesses might find Xero’s interface challenging, prompting them to explore options that offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for their team members.
  • Companies with specific industry needs might find that Xero lacks certain tailored functionalities, leading them to consider alternatives that provide specialized features for their sector.

SumUp

No alternatives guidance available yet.

ShopKeep

No alternatives guidance available yet.

Software Demo

Demo

Need a second opinion?

Get shortlist help from a software advisor

Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.

Spotsaas advisor
Get shortlist help from a software advisor
  • Independent advice — matched to your business
  • Understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors
  • Free 15-min call with a software advisor.

Step 1 of 4

How big is your team?

We tailor recommendations to companies your size.

Trusted by teams at

How do Xero, SumUp, Square Point of Sale and ShopKeep Compare on Features?

Total Features

17 Features

14 Features

11 Features

24 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote

Compare Xero, SumUp, Square Point of Sale and ShopKeep on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

          Starting From

          • $3.75 , monthly
          • $0 , monthly
          • Not Available
          • Not Available

          Pricing Plans

          • Early

            $3.75

            /month

            • Send quotes and up to 20 invoices

            • Accept online invoice payments

            • Enter up to 5 bills

            Show more +

          • Growing

            $8.25

            /month

            • Unlimited invoices and quotes

            • Accept online payments

            • Enter and pay bills

            Show more +

          • Established

            $13.50

            /month

            • All Growing plan features included

            • 180-day cash-flow forecast

            • Advanced performance graphs

            Show more +

          • Not Available
          • Not Available

          Pricing Page

          Xero pricingSumUp pricingSquare Point of Sale pricing

          Pricing information not available

          Other Details

          Organization Types supported

          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers

          Platforms Supported

          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)

          Modes of support

          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

          • Available
          • Available
          • Available
          • Not Available
          Get help choosing

          Security & Compliance

          Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

          SOC 2

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          HIPAA

          ✗ No
          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          ISO 27001

          ✓ Yes

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🌐 Global
          🌐 Global

          Xero vs SumUp vs Square Point of Sale User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          4.5

          (based on 518 reviews)

          Rating Distribution

          4076

          207

          83

          70

          213

          7627

          626

          216

          191

          1389

          0

          0

          0

          0

          0

          77

          17

          8

          6

          79

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights Xero's ease of use and excellent customer support, though some users note challenges with initial support access and advanced features.

          What buyers like

          • Customer support quality
          • Ease of use
          • Automation of financial tasks

          Common complaints

          • Initial support accessibility
          • Complexity of advanced features for new users

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyer sentiment is positive across 10049 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

          What buyers like

          • Easy integration with accounting and eCommerce platforms
          • Supports both in-person and online payments
          • No monthly subscription required

          Common complaints

          • May not suit complex restaurant or enterprise setups
          • Limited advanced POS features (e.g., detailed inventory, loyalty)

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyers generally appreciate Square POS for its ease of use and hardware integration but note limitations in advanced features and pricing clarity.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Hardware integration
          • Inventory management

          Common complaints

          • Limited advanced features
          • Pricing transparency

          Buyer sentiment

          Users generally appreciate the ease of use and business insights but express frustration with inconsistent support and hardware issues.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Business analytics
          • Customer support availability

          Common complaints

          • Customer service inconsistency
          • Hardware compatibility problems

          Pros and Cons

          • Highly responsive and knowledgeable customer support

          • User-friendly interface with an intuitive dashboard

          • Effective automation of recurring invoicing and bank reconciliation

          • Initial difficulty connecting with support

          • Challenges for new users on specific features like payroll matching and batch payments

          • Supports multiple payment methods seamlessly.

          • Offers 24/7 access to financial data.

          • Cost-effective for small businesses.

          • May not scale well for larger businesses.

          • Transaction fees can add up.

          • User-friendly interface enabling quick transaction processing

          • Integrated inventory management and sales reporting

          • Mobile device compatibility and hardware options like Square Terminal

          • Limited advanced customization for complex business needs

          • Pricing details are not fully transparent and may require sales consultation

          • User-friendly interface providing valuable business insights

          • Easy setup and integration with online stores

          • Reliable system performance supporting small business growth

          • Inconsistent customer service quality causing delays

          • Hardware compatibility issues with printers and scanners

          Positive Reviews

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Negative Reviews

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Used Xero, SumUp, Square Point of Sale, or ShopKeep? Tell buyers what actually differs.

          Integrations

          Integration with other apps

          No Integration information available.

          No Integration information available.

          List of Customers

          Customers

          Coco cubano

          Coco cubano

          DHL

          DHL

          FLiXBUS

          FLiXBUS

          No Customers information available.

          No Customers information available.

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          Pasted image

          3 Screenshots

          Dashboard

          1 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          2 Videos

          video-0

          3 Videos

          Expand your shortlist

          Add another option to compare side by side

          Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.

          Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

          Frequently asked questions

          Which is better, Xero or SumUp?
          Xero edges out the other on user ratings (4.7 vs 4.4). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Xero and SumUp offer a free trial?
          Xero offers a free trial. SumUp does not.
          What is the starting price of Xero vs SumUp?
          Xero starts at $3.75 /month. SumUp starts at $0 /month.
          What are the top alternatives to Xero?
          Top alternatives to Xero include Zoho Books, Quickbooks, Sage Accounting (Sage One), Zoho Daybook, QuickFile.
          What are the top alternatives to SumUp?
          Top alternatives to SumUp include Square Point of Sale, ShopKeep, Lightspeed Retail, WePay, Square Payments.