Shift4 vs Square:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Shift4 had more branded searches than Square among POS terminal brands in New Zealand. Shift4 had about 1,300 branded searches, while Square had 870. Shift4 made up 10.9% of all POS terminal brand searches we track, and Square accounted for 7.3%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about POS terminal brands, Shift4 appeared in four of the five answers and Square in two. Shift4 was mentioned before Square in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Shift4, about 49% more searches than Square
Who does AI mention more?
Shift4, mentioned in 4 of 5 answers, Square in 2
Who does AI recommend more?
Shift4, named ahead of Square in every answer
Follow Shift4 vs Square and get free monthly updates on what changed
By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy
Top POS terminal brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Shift4 was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Square was mentioned in two out of five: in one of the three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Shift4 was listed before Square in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
Eftpos NZ4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers- Shift44 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Verifone4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Windcave3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Square2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Lightspeed1 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Adyen0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about POS terminal brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which POS terminal brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best POS terminal brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best POS terminal brand in New Zealand for counter payments?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best pos terminal”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“eftpos terminal nz”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Shift4 or Square more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Shift4 and Square by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all seven POS terminal brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Shift4, Square. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Lightspeed | Windcave | Eftpos NZ | Shift4 | Square | Adyen | Verifone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 37.4% | 36.7% | 15.7% | 1.2% | 4.7% | 2.6% | 1.7% |
| Nov 2025 | 35.2% | 31.8% | 20.9% | 2.3% | 4.8% | 2.8% | 2.3% |
| Dec 2025 | 33.3% | 38.8% | 17.1% | 1.2% | 4.6% | 2.8% | 2.2% |
| Jan 2026 | 33.5% | 36% | 18.6% | 1.1% | 6.2% | 2.6% | 2.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 33.9% | 33.3% | 17.4% | 3.6% | 7% | 2.9% | 1.9% |
| Mar 2026 | 33.3% | 26.7% | 17.6% | 11.7% | 6.8% | 2.3% | 1.5% |
| Apr 2026 | 35.3% | 27.5% | 14.2% | 11.9% | 7.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% |
| May 2026 | 32.9% | 28.6% | 14.7% | 10.1% | 9.5% | 2.5% | 1.6% |
| Jun 2026 | 32.9% | 28.1% | 14.7% | 10% | 10.5% | 2.5% | 1.3% |
| Jul 2026 | 30.8% | 29.9% | 15.7% | 10.7% | 8.9% | 2.1% | 1.7% |
| Aug 2026 | 31.2% | 30.2% | 15.8% | 10.8% | 8.3% | 2.2% | 1.4% |
| Sep 2026 | 31.4% | 30.5% | 16% | 10.9% | 7.3% | 2.2% | 1.8% |
How has the Shift4 and Square comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- The lead changed hands 3 times in the 12 months ending September 2026: Shift4 took it in March 2026, Square took it in June 2026, Shift4 took it in July 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Shift4’s share of searches among POS terminal brands in New Zealand moved from 1.2% to 10.9%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 140 to 1.3K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Square’s share of searches among POS terminal brands in New Zealand moved from 4.7% to 7.3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 570 to 870.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand POS terminal brands in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Square lost share of searches among POS terminal brands in New Zealand, from 8.3% to 7.3%.
Shift4’s share of searches among POS terminal brands in New Zealand has gained ground for 3 months in a row, from 10% to 10.9% in September 2026.
How are branded searches counted?
9 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Shift4’s and Square’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among POS terminal brands
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.