There is no universal winner between Clover and Square. Square is easier to evaluate from its publicly listed US plans, processing rates, and hardware prices; Clover’s costs depend on the provider, plan, and agreement you are offered. The better fit turns on your business workflow, payment mix, device needs, and the written terms—not a single headline fee.
This US-focused comparison reflects vendor information reviewed on October 7, 2026. Prices, features, and terms can change; confirm them with the provider before signing.
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How do Clover and Square differ?
Both offer point-of-sale systems for businesses including restaurants, retail, ecommerce, and services. Square publishes plan and device information, while Clover pricing is tailored through its providers and agreements. That difference makes Square’s published rates a useful starting point for an estimate, but not a complete cost comparison. Clover requires a written quote for the specific business and setup.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Square’s pages describe industry-specific POS options and ways to take payments without buying hardware in every case. Clover’s official overview describes products for multiple business categories. Verify that the exact workflow, feature, integration, and plan you need is available before choosing either system. Square POS overview; Clover POS overview.
#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, and what are its POS fees?
Square’s US pricing page lists a Free plan with no monthly subscription cost and paid Plus and Premium plans with additional features and different published processing rates. The following rates are Square’s published rates observed October 7, 2026; they are not a guarantee of the fee for every merchant or transaction.
| Square plan | In-person tap, dip, or swipe | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 2.6% + 15¢ | 3.3% + 30¢ |
| Plus | 2.5% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Premium | 2.4% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ |
These figures are Square’s listed US rates for the named plans and payment channels, checked October 7, 2026. Square says processing fees vary by plan. Your total can also include paid add-ons, per-device charges, equipment, and other costs. Square says businesses processing more than $250,000 annually may discuss eligibility for custom pricing; this is not an assurance of a particular rate. Review Square’s current pricing and plan terms.
Rank #2
- 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.
Clover does not publish one universal fee in the reviewed material. Its US POS overview says pricing depends on business requirements and transaction fees vary by plan and agreement; its FAQ says partners tailor plans to individual needs. A Square rate table should not be compared with an assumed Clover rate. Ask the Clover seller for the complete offer, including processing and recurring costs.
How much does Clover cost?
The answer depends on the provider, business requirements, plan, and agreement. Request a written quote that itemizes software, processing, hardware, installation, add-ons, contract duration, cancellation terms, and any lease obligations. Ask how the quote treats card-present and card-not-present transactions, and whether pricing changes after an introductory period.
Rank #3
- Windows 11 PROFESSIONAL POS TERMINAL - Equipped with Intel Core i5 High-Performance CPU, 4 GB Memory, and 128 GB Hard Disk. It also offers versatile connectivity options, including two serial ports, four USB ports, an HDMI output, an audio input, a DC 12V power input, and an Ethernet port.
- SLEEK & COMPACT DESIGN - Volcora POS Terminal is designed to take up as little space as possible so you can focus on better utilization of the counter space. Our sleek yet heavy-duty metal base ensures the terminal is well-stabled while taking orders with style. Suitable for any business such as retail stores, quick service restaurants, dine-in restaurants, cafes, bars, and more.
- DUAL WIDE TOUCHSCREEN - Terminal comes with one 15.6" capacitive LCD touchscreen and one 11.6” capacitive LCD touchscreen for customer display, combined with 1366x768 high-resolution, makes it easy to read and touch with minimal effort. Our POS Terminals can also withstand over 15000 hours of screen time with little to no quality sacrifice.
- IN THE BOX - Volcora 15.6" & 11.6” Dual-TouchScreen Windows 11 Professional POS Terminal, Power Adapter, Registration Card, and User Manual.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY & SUPPORT - Simply unbox, and set up your POS terminal like a Windows tablet with ease. We do understand that additional support might be needed for non-tech-savvy users and our US Based Customer Service team is committed to help. Plus, all Volcora products come with a limited lifetime warranty so you can purchase with peace of mind.
Square’s comparison page includes example Clover prices, but it is authored by Square and those examples are not a definitive or universal Clover price. Confirm any quoted amount directly with Clover or the seller. Square’s Clover comparison page; Clover’s POS overview; Clover’s POS FAQ.
What hardware do the systems offer?
Square hardware
Square’s US hardware page listed these prices on October 7, 2026. They are vendor-listed prices observed on that date and may change.
Rank #4
| Device | Listed price | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Square Register (second generation) | $899 | Countertop checkout with customer-facing display |
| Square Terminal | $299 | Portable payment acceptance and receipt printing |
| Square Stand | $149 | Countertop setup using a compatible iPad |
| Square Handheld | $399 | Mobile checkout |
| Square Reader for contactless and chip | $59 | Compact card acceptance with a compatible device |
Prices and offers can change; installment offers have eligibility and financing terms. These prices do not establish marketplace availability or a third-party seller’s price. Check compatibility and the current vendor listing before buying. Square’s US hardware page.
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Square says some businesses can accept payments without a hardware purchase, including phone-based Tap to Pay and remote payments through invoices or payment links. Whether this works for you depends on device compatibility and current terms. Square POS overview.
Best Value
- 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.
Clover hardware and processor restrictions
Clover’s official FAQ states: “While Clover POS devices may be purchased or leased from other entities, they cannot be used with other payment processors.” That restriction makes the device and processing agreement a linked decision. Before committing, establish who sells or leases the equipment, who provides processing, who owns the device, and what happens if you change processors.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which system fits your business?
Consider Square if public pricing and flexible entry matter
Square may be worth investigating first if you value a published plan structure, want to start without a monthly subscription on the Free plan, or can use phone-based or remote payment options instead of buying a terminal. Those are conditional implications of Square’s published plans and capabilities, not independent test results. Check that your required features, add-ons, and devices fit the plan you select.
Consider Clover if you want a provider-quoted package
Clover may be worth investigating if you prefer a POS package quoted around your operation and have a provider whose written terms you trust. Provider-specific pricing does not establish that Clover will be cheaper or better. Review the processing, hardware, contract, and exit terms together.
Compare the day-to-day workflow
Write down the work your POS must handle before comparing quotes. For example, a restaurant may need ordering and kitchen workflows; a retailer may need inventory and barcode functions; a service business may prioritize appointments and invoices; an online seller may need ecommerce tools. Also list locations, user roles, integrations, and any required reporting. Confirm the exact feature and its plan or add-on cost with the vendor.
How to compare the total cost fairly
Use the same assumptions for both providers. A published rate alone does not show total cost: transaction channel, average ticket, monthly volume, equipment, add-ons, and contract terms all matter.
Quick Recap
- Describe your payment mix. Estimate monthly sales and transaction counts by in-person and online or other remote channels, along with average ticket size.
- List the required setup. Specify devices, accessories, locations, software features, installation, and integrations for the workflow you identified.
- Get Clover’s complete written quote. Request every processing rate and recurring or one-time charge, plus the contract period, cancellation terms, and equipment purchase or lease obligations.
- Model both offers on the same basis. Apply each provider’s stated fees to the same transaction mix, then add subscription, hardware, add-ons, installation, and contract costs over the period you expect to use the system.
- Verify operational terms. Ask about support hours, onboarding, software updates, adding devices or locations, data migration, and what happens if equipment fails or you leave. Confirm answers against the actual plan and contract.
What to verify before signing
- All transaction rates and the payment channels each applies to.
- Monthly software, add-on, per-device, installation, and other recurring charges.
- Whether equipment is purchased or leased, who owns it, and its processor compatibility.
- Contract length, cancellation process, early termination costs, and remaining lease obligations.
- Required features, integrations, locations, and any plan-tier restrictions.
- Support and onboarding terms that apply to your specific plan and provider.
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.
