In the battle of Helcim versus SumUp, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Helcim is particularly strong for Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing, while SumUp excels at Small businesses and mobile sellers. Whether you prioritize Transparent pricing or No monthly fees, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Helcim vs SumUp
| Feature | Helcim | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ | $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Interchange-plus | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | Yes | No |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Best For | Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing | Small businesses and mobile sellers |
Helcim Overview
Helcim provides interchange-plus payment processing with free POS software and card readers. Known for transparent pricing, no contracts, and volume-based discounts for growing businesses.
Helcim is offered by Helcim Inc. (founded 2006) based in Calgary, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Service, B2B.
Key Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
- Volume Discounts
SumUp Overview
SumUp provides mobile payment solutions and card readers for small businesses. Features simple pricing, no monthly fees, and easy setup for accepting card payments on the go.
SumUp is offered by SumUp (founded 2012) based in London, UK. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.
Key Features:
- Card Reader
- Mobile Payments
- Invoicing
- Payment Links
- Reporting
- No Monthly Fees
Feature Comparison
Helcim Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
SumUp Features:
- Card Reader
- Mobile Payments
- Invoicing
- Payment Links
- Reporting
When comparing features, Helcim stands out with Transparent pricing, while SumUp differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Helcim | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ | $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction |
| Pricing Model | Interchange-plus | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Budget | Budget |
| Free Trial | Available | Not available |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Helcim offers a free version, which is great for testing or small operations. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Helcim
Pros:
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing
- Free POS and card reader
- No contracts or hidden fees
- Volume discounts
Cons:
- Limited POS features vs competitors
- Processing only – not full POS
- US and Canada only
SumUp
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Simple flat-rate pricing
- Easy setup
- Portable
Cons:
- Higher per-transaction rate
- Limited POS features
- Basic reporting
Who Should Choose Helcim?
Helcim is ideal for Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, B2B.
However, Helcim may not be the best fit for Restaurants needing comprehensive POS features.
Who Should Choose SumUp?
SumUp is ideal for Small businesses and mobile sellers. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.
However, SumUp may not be the best fit for High-volume businesses where percentage fees add up.
Our Recommendation
Both Helcim and SumUp are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Helcim if you’re Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Choose SumUp if you’re Small businesses and mobile sellers. Helcim has a higher user rating (4.6 vs 4.3). Also, choose Helcim if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.