HubPlate vs Square for Restaurants
Short answer: HubPlate is a flat $99 per month per location with everything included, runs on devices you already own, and is month-to-month. Square for Restaurants is a good fit for small or new restaurants that want a free starting plan and simple setup.
Side by side
| Compare | HubPlate | Square for Restaurants |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly software | 30-day free trial, then $1,188/year per location with setup waived and a website included, or $99/mo plus a one-time $249 setup. Everything included. | $0/mo Free, $49/mo Plus, $149/mo Premium per location. Kitchen display screens are an extra monthly fee per device. |
| Card processing | No HubPlate transaction fees. Card payments go through Stripe at Stripe's standard rate, and you can pass that fee to guests as a service charge. | 2.6% + 15¢ (Free), 2.5% + 15¢ (Plus), 2.4% + 15¢ (Premium) in person. |
| Hardware | Bring your own: Android app, or any iPhone, iPad or computer in the browser. Bluetooth printers and Stripe card readers. | iPad or Square hardware. |
| Contract | Monthly plan: month-to-month, cancel anytime. Yearly plan: paid once a year, runs to the end of the year if you cancel. | No long-term contract. |
Square for Restaurants figures are publicly reported prices, checked October 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Square for Restaurants before deciding. Sources: NerdWallet: Square for Restaurants review 2026, Fit Small Business: Square for Restaurants 2026.
Why owners look at HubPlate
- 30-day free trial, then one flat price per location. Online ordering, reservations, kitchen display, inventory, scheduling, payroll tools and reporting are included.
- No HubPlate transaction fees. Pass Stripe's card fee to guests if you choose.
- Use your own devices: Android app, or any iPhone, iPad or computer in the browser.
- Keeps taking orders when the internet drops and syncs when it's back.
- Local, founder-led setup and training (San Antonio area), plus Zoom and phone support.
Things to check with Square for Restaurants
- Processing is a percentage of every card sale, on every plan.
- Kitchen display screens and some advanced tools cost extra per device or require a paid plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does HubPlate cost compared with Square for Restaurants?
HubPlate starts with a 30-day free trial, then $1,188 a year per location with the setup waived and a restaurant website included, or $99 per month plus a one-time $249 setup. Everything is included on both plans. HubPlate charges no transaction fees; card payments go through Stripe at Stripe's standard rate, and you can choose to pass that fee to guests as a service charge. See the table above for Square for Restaurants's publicly reported pricing.
Do I need to buy new hardware to use HubPlate?
Usually not. HubPlate runs on the Android app or in the browser on any iPhone, iPad or computer. It works with Bluetooth receipt printers and Stripe card readers.
Can I switch from Square for Restaurants to HubPlate?
Yes. HubPlate can read your current printed menu from a photo to build your digital menu, and the founder helps with setup in person (San Antonio, Texas area) or over Zoom, plus phone support.
Is there a long-term contract?
No. HubPlate starts with a 30-day free trial, then is month-to-month and you can cancel anytime.
See it on your own menu
A free 20-minute demo with the founder. No pressure, no contract.