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Square Terminal
20% off hardware
Requirements to qualify
on Square's website
Best POS Hardware
Calculate your monthly cost estimate
Input your business’s monthly transaction details and we’ll help you sort from the best valueProduct | Cost Estimate | Payment processing fees | Cost Estimate | Learn more | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Register Learn more on Square Register's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 5.0/5 Best for Countertop POS terminals | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Square Register's secure website |
Helcim card reader Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Credit card readers | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website | ||
Toast Go 2 | 4.0/5 Best for Mobile POS terminals | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0.00 Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan. | |||
Clover Station Duo Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Countertop POS terminals | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $49.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | ||
Toast Flex | 4.5/5 Best for Countertop POS terminals | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0.00 Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan. | |||
Clover Flex Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Mobile POS terminals | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0.00 and up. | Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | ||
PayPal Zettle Terminal | 4.0/5 Best for Mobile POS terminals | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.89% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
Square Reader Learn more on Square Reader's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Credit card readers | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Reader's secure website | ||
SumUp Plus Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Credit card readers | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.15 | $0.00 for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan. | Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | ||
POS Nation Freedom Hardware Bundle | Best for POS hardware bundles | N/A | $149.00 and up. | |||
Lightspeed Hardware Kit | 3.5/5 Best for POS hardware bundles | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $109.00 for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan. |
Our picks for
Countertop POS terminals
A point-of-sale terminal is the computerized device used to process payments. A countertop POS terminal may be a desktop computer, an iPad or tablet in a stand or a proprietary system, like our top picks below.
Square Register
on Square Register's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Clover Station Duo
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
and up.
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
- Has two screens.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
Toast Flex
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Free plan available for restaurants with one POS terminal.
- Live support is available by phone, email or chat.
- Offers 0% interest financing, subject to approval.
Cons
- Some features, like online ordering and the loyalty program, may cost extra based on the package.
- Cash drawer not included.
- Primarily for restaurants.
- One- to three-year contracts.
Our picks for
Credit card readers
Helcim card reader
on Helcim card reader's secure website
Pros
- Has volume discounts.
- Has robust POS software features.
- Includes countertop stand, but is also portable enough to use on the go.
Cons
- Processing rates may increase if monthly transaction volume drops.
Square Reader
on Square Reader's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Pros
- Has a compact design.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Doesn't swipe credit cards.
- Takes roughly two to three hours to charge.
SumUp Plus
on SumUp Plus' secure website
for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan.
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Our picks for
Mobile POS terminals
Toast Go 2
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Offers 24/7 support.
- Is versatile and durable.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Clover Flex
on Clover Flex's secure website
and up.
Pros
- Works with Bluetooth.
- Paid plans have good POS features.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
PayPal Zettle Terminal
Pros
- Free POS app.
- No long-term contract.
- Accepts all payment types.
- Includes barcode scanner and optional receipt printer.
Cons
- POS features offer less functionality than some competitors.
- Limited software integrations.
Our picks for
POS hardware bundles
Hardware bundles or kits typically include some of the following: POS terminal, receipt printer, barcode scanner and cash drawer. Bundles can make the hardware selection process quick and easy for businesses with simple setup needs.
POS Nation Freedom Hardware Bundle
and up.
Pros
- No long-term contract required with purchase of hardware bundle.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Less pricing transparency than some competitors.
Lightspeed Hardware Kit
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan.
Pros
- 24/7 support.
- Robust inventory management.
- Integrations for accounting, marketing, payroll and more.
- Free PCI compliance and fraud prevention.
Cons
- IPad or desktop not included.
- Higher cost for software, and no transparency on hardware cost.
- Annual contracts required for lower pricing.
- More expensive plans if you don’t use Lightspeed Payments.
