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Neither Clover nor Square is the right choice for every business. Square is easier to price-check because it publishes US plan rates and device prices; Clover’s costs depend on the seller, processing plan, and contract. Compare the actual workflow you need and the full written offer—not just a headline transaction rate.
This US-focused comparison uses vendor information reviewed on October 7, 2026. Prices and terms can change, and the comparison is not based on independent hands-on testing.
How do Clover and Square differ?
Square publishes tiered software plans, processing rates, and hardware prices. Clover’s official materials say its pricing and fees vary with business requirements, plan, provider, and agreement. That makes Square’s published figures easier to use as a starting point, but they do not establish which system will cost less for your transaction mix.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Both offer systems for businesses such as restaurants, retailers, and service providers. The practical decision is whether the product’s workflows, equipment, payment terms, and support match your operation. Square’s head-to-head page is authored by Square, so treat it as a list of comparison topics rather than neutral proof that one system is superior.
#1 Best Overall
- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
What does Square cost?
Square’s US pricing page lists the following processing rates, checked October 7, 2026. They are Square-published rates for the named plans and payment types, not a guaranteed rate for every merchant or transaction.
| Square plan | In-person tap, dip, or swipe | Online | Monthly subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 2.6% + 15¢ | 3.3% + 30¢ | No monthly subscription cost |
| Plus | 2.5% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | See Square’s current pricing page for plan terms |
| Premium | 2.4% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | See Square’s current pricing page for plan terms |
Square’s US pricing and plan details show that fees vary by plan. The Free plan has no monthly subscription cost; paid plans add features and lower the listed in-person rate. Your total also depends on payment channel, sales volume, paid add-ons, equipment, and any per-device charges. Restaurant setups that need kitchen displays or kiosks may incur additional costs. Square says businesses processing more than $250,000 annually may discuss eligibility for custom pricing; confirm terms directly with Square.
Rank #2
- With Square Handheld, you can accept payments, take tableside orders, or scan barcodes anywhere. With a slim design and comfortable grip, the POS is easy to carry in your palm or pocket. Square Handheld is designed to withstand water splashes and dust. Add an optional protective case for accidental drops. A long-lasting battery and offline payments let you keep selling.
- Slim, pocketable, and lightweight so you can accept payments wherever your customers are.
- Take tableside orders, bust lines, or use the built-in barcode scanner, all with one sleek device.
- A battery that can power through your shift and offline payments let you keep selling, even if your internet is down.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one simple rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts required.
How much does Clover cost?
Clover does not provide one universal price for every business. Its US POS overview says pricing depends on business requirements and transaction fees vary by plan and agreement; its FAQ says partners tailor plans and pricing to individual needs.
Request a written quote from the specific Clover seller or provider. Ask it to itemize software, processing by payment type, hardware, installation, add-ons, recurring charges, contract length, cancellation terms, and any lease obligations. Square-published comparisons may show Clover examples, but those are examples from a competitor-authored page, not a definitive Clover price list.
Rank #3
- A complete countertop point of sale — Combine dual responsive touchscreens, built-in POS software, and durable hardware for a fast, reliable checkout experience.
- Serve customers faster — Run smoothly through busy shifts, complex menus, and big orders with high-speed processing, memory, and responsive touchscreen displays.
- Accept every way they pay — Take all major cards at one simple rate, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. Receive funds as soon as the next business day.
- Handle real-world demands — Resist everyday spills, dust, and wear with a durable, IP54-rated design.
- Stay reliable through every rush — Maintain strong connectivity and consistent performance through your busiest hours.
Which hardware is available?
Square’s US hardware page listed these prices on October 7, 2026. They are vendor page prices observed on that date and may change.
| Square device | Listed price | Checkout use |
|---|---|---|
| Square Register (second generation) | $899 | Countertop checkout with customer-facing display |
| Square Terminal | $299 | Portable payment acceptance with receipt printing |
| Square Stand | $149 | Tablet-based checkout |
| Square Handheld | $399 | Mobile checkout |
| Square Reader for contactless and chip | $59 | Compact card reader |
See Square’s US hardware page for current product and offer details. Installment offers have eligibility and financing terms. Square says payment acceptance does not always require buying hardware: phone-based Tap to Pay and remote options such as invoices or payment links may work for some businesses. Check device compatibility and current terms.
Rank #4
- BPA and BPS Free (Phenol-Free) Thermal Paper: Our thermal paper is a heat-sensitive paper that is made with a special coating for inkless receipt printing without the use of chemicals such as Phenol. Each paper roll is inspected for quality before it is packed and shipped. To maintain the quality of this product, store in a cool dark place and avoid contact with oil, plastics, chemicals, and fat.
- For Any Business: Paper receipts are needed by every business including retail shops, restaurants, and even doctor's offices! The most popular type of POS system receipt paper printer is a thermal printer which etches the transaction details into the paper. Chances are if a receipt is printing thermal receipt paper is in use! The Paper Planet thermal printer paper rolls are all bright white for clear printing.
- More Prints Per Roll: Nothing is more frustrating than changing your POS receipt paper in the middle of a sale. Each roll of our thermal printer paper for Square Terminal POS system provides you with more prints per roll than standard receipt roll paper. Every roll also features a pink warning mark for when the roll is running low.
- Guaranteed To Fit Square Terminal: The rolls included in this credit card machine paper bundle are designed by Paper Planet to work perfectly with the Toast Square Terminal credit and debit card reader thermal receipt paper printer and provide clean, smudge-free printing every time.
- Know When To Replace: Every roll also features a clear pink warning mark near the end of the paper. This simple but important feature helps prevent unexpected runouts by giving staff a visual cue that it’s time to replace the roll.
Clover also offers POS hardware and software for restaurant, retail, ecommerce, and service businesses. A particularly important distinction is processor compatibility: Clover’s FAQ says, “While Clover POS devices may be purchased or leased from other entities, they cannot be used with other payment processors.” Before signing, establish who sells and processes the system, whether you own or lease each device, and what changing processors would mean for the equipment and contract.
Which one fits your business?
Consider Square first if public pricing and flexible entry matter
Square may be worth investigating first if you want publicly listed plans, a no-monthly-subscription starting option, phone-based payment possibilities, or hardware prices you can review before requesting a quote. This is an inference from Square’s published materials, not a finding that Square is cheaper or better for a particular business.
Best Value
- For Square Terminal Case Perfect fit: This storage bag is specially designed for square terminal, which collects credit card machine and all accessories together, ensuring its safety and reliability in any situation. Protective case for square terminal external size:8.2*6.8*3.2 inches(Case Only! Mobile POS and accessories not included) Note: Case designed for bare device only. Remove any protective cover before use to ensure proper fit!
- Multi-functional Structural Design for Square Terminal Cover: Travel case for square reader has well-planned internal space with 6 slots in total. Main slot is for square card reader, while 5 small slots are specifically designed for storing receipt paper rolls. This design allows each item to be stored separately, avoiding friction and collision damage, while also making storage and retrieval more convenient
- For Square Terminal Accessories Storage Premium materials: Made of high-quality material, carrying bag for square terminal credit card is sturdy, shock-resistant and drop-proof, which can protect your POS machine from scratches and dust. For square terminal container also absorbs external impact forces and ensures device safety
- Large capacity of Hard Case for Square Terminal: With zipper mesh pocket, for square receipt paper holder collects adapter, charging cables, and other accessories in one place. To prevent potential damage to credit card machine from these accessories, partition is designed inside storage bag to effectively separate. For square card reader case not only protects for square terminal, but also keeps accessories organized and easy to carry
- Portable & Lightweight: For square terminal printer paper pouch size is moderate, suitable for hand-carrying or placing in backpack. Sturdy handle design greatly enhances portability, making it an ideal choice for business professionals during business trips or daily office use. Storage bag for square terminal comprehensive protective design ensures POS machine can work stably and safely in various environments
Consider Clover if you want a provider-quoted package
Clover may be worth investigating if you prefer a POS package priced around your specific operation and have a provider whose written terms you trust. Provider-specific pricing does not establish that Clover is less expensive; compare the complete offer with an equivalent Square setup.
Match the workflow before comparing rates
List the operational requirements that affect your day-to-day work, then confirm the relevant function, plan, and cost with the vendor or provider:
- Restaurants: ordering, kitchen workflows, displays, and kiosks.
- Retail: inventory, barcode workflows, peripherals, and location count.
- Service businesses: appointment booking, invoices, and payment links.
- Online sellers: ecommerce functions and card-not-present payment costs.
- Growing businesses: multi-location needs, integrations, add-on costs, and data migration.
How can you compare the true cost?
Use your actual sales pattern rather than comparing one quoted percentage. A plan with a lower listed rate may not have the lower total cost once per-transaction fees, monthly charges, equipment, and contract obligations are included.
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- Gather the same assumptions for both offers. Use monthly sales, average ticket, card-present versus card-not-present mix, number of transactions, locations, devices, and required software.
- Request itemized written offers. Include processing rates for each payment type, subscription and add-on charges, hardware purchase or lease, installation, recurring charges, contract duration, cancellation, and equipment return or payoff requirements.
- Estimate processing expense by channel. Apply each quoted percentage and per-transaction fee to the relevant sales and transaction counts; keep in-person and online activity separate.
- Add non-processing costs. Include software, peripherals, paid features, installation, and any lease or financing obligations over the period you expect to use the system.
- Verify operational terms. Confirm support hours, onboarding, updates, outage procedures, integrations, device compatibility, and what happens if you change processor or add a location.
- Compare the same contract period. Calculate total expected payments over that period and review early termination and renewal terms before signing.
What to confirm before choosing
- The exact plan and features needed for each location.
- The effective cost for your card mix and average ticket, not just a headline rate.
- Whether devices are bought or leased, who owns them, and their processor restrictions.
- All recurring, add-on, installation, cancellation, and equipment-related charges.
- Support and integration commitments in the actual offer or agreement.
Vendor prices, fees, features, and partner terms are volatile; verify current details with Square or the specific Clover provider before committing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
