Choosing between Clover and Square is one of the most common decisions small business owners face. Both are industry-leading POS systems, but they serve different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which is right for your business.
Quick Comparison: Clover vs Square
| Feature | Clover | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $14.95/mo | $0/mo (Free) |
| Processing Fee | 2.3% + 10¢ | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Hardware | Proprietary only | Works with iPads |
| Contract | Varies by reseller | No contract |
| Best For | Established businesses | New/small businesses |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
Pricing Breakdown
Square Pricing
- Free Plan: $0/mo – Basic POS, unlimited devices
- Plus: $29/mo – Advanced features, team management
- Premium: $79/mo – Custom rates, dedicated support
- Processing: 2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online
Clover Pricing
- Essentials: $14.95/mo – Basic countertop POS
- Register: $49.95/mo – Full-featured retail
- Counter Service: $54.95/mo – Quick-service restaurants
- Table Service: $84.95/mo – Full-service restaurants
- Processing: 2.3% + 10¢ (varies by reseller)
When to Choose Square
Choose Square if you:
- Want to start for free with no monthly fees
- Need flexibility to use existing iPads/tablets
- Value simplicity and ease of setup
- Run a small business or side hustle
- Want to avoid long-term contracts
- Need strong e-commerce integration
When to Choose Clover
Choose Clover if you:
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- Want sleek, professional hardware
- Need lower processing rates (through negotiation)
- Value a large app marketplace
- Run an established business with higher volume
- Want modular hardware that scales
- Need specialized industry features
Our Verdict
For most small businesses, Square wins. Its free tier, no contracts, and ease of use make it the safer choice. However, if you value premium hardware and can negotiate good processing rates, Clover is worth considering.
