Choosing between Shift4 and SumUp for your business? Both are popular multi-industry solutions, but they serve different needs. Shift4 starts at Contact for pricing and is Payment processing and POS technology company, while SumUp starts at $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction and is Mobile card reader with simple pricing. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Shift4 vs SumUp
| Feature | Shift4 | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Enterprise | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions | Small businesses and mobile sellers |
Shift4 Overview
Shift4 is a payment processing and POS technology company serving hospitality, retail, and other industries. Owns POSitouch, Harbortouch, and other POS brands. Offers integrated payments and software.
Shift4 is offered by Shift4 (founded 1994) based in Allentown, PA. The system focuses on Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.
Key Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
- Enterprise Solutions
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
Shift4 Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
SumUp Features:
- Card Reader
- Mobile Payments
- Invoicing
- Payment Links
- Reporting
When comparing features, Shift4 stands out with End-to-end payments, 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 | Shift4 | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Mid-range to Premium | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
SumUp is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Shift4
Pros:
- Integrated payments
- Multiple POS brands
- Enterprise scale
- Payment innovation
Cons:
- Complex product lineup
- Custom pricing
- May be overkill for small businesses
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 Shift4?
Shift4 is ideal for Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. The system is particularly well-suited for Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.
However, Shift4 may not be the best fit for Very small businesses wanting simple solutions.
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 Shift4 and SumUp are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Shift4 if you’re Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Choose SumUp if you’re Small businesses and mobile sellers. SumUp has a higher user rating (4.3 vs 4.1). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.