Square and Dojo both offer a choice of 2 affordable card readers, but which one comes out on top when you put them head-to-head? We compare both card machine providers in this guide.
Square is one of the most popular card reader providers, and Dojo’s products are very well reviewed: which one is best for your business?
Square vs Dojo: provider overview
Both providers offer one mobile card reader and one suitable for countertop use: here’s how their ranges compare.
Products
Square Reader, Square Terminal
Payment methods
Contactless, Chip and Pin
Alternative payment methods
Payment link,Over the phone
Apple Pay
Yes
Google Pay
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Requires connection to a phone or tablet
Yes
Battery life
Designed to last all day
Warranty period
24 months
Products
Dojo Go, Dojo One
Payment methods
Contactless, Chip and Pin, Magnetic swipe
Alternative payment methods
Payment link
Apple Pay
Yes
Google Pay
Yes
Connectivity
SIM card,WiFi
Requires connection to a phone or tablet
No
Battery life
10 hours
The Square Reader vs the Dojo Go: product overview
Let’s take a look at how these mobile-friendly card readers stack up against each other.
Square Reader
Dojo go
Compare rates and fees
One of the most important things to look at when you’re comparing card readers is the difference in the rates and fees each provider charges: not just the headline cost of each product, but the more ‘hidden’ fees too. For further explanations of the different charges you might come across in your research, use our handy guide.
The Square Reader and Dojo Go are both affordable options, but their pricing works quite differently.
For example, there’s no upfront cost for the Dojo Go, whereas the Square Reader is £19. However, this is because Dojo Go charges a monthly fee of £20 instead, so it will cost you more over time. On the other hand, the per-transaction cost is lower with Dojo Go, which charges 1.4% plus 3p, compared to Square’s 1.75%.
Product
Product Name
Square Reader
Dojo Go
Contract
No contract
1 month minimum
Initial cost
£19
£0
Monthly cost
£0
£20
Transaction cost
1.75%
1.4% + 3p
Transaction cost (card not present)
2.5%
1.8% + 3p
Settlement
1 working day
1 working day
Money-back guarantee
No
No
Chargeback cost
£0
£0.50
Compare features
Price isn’t the only consideration: you also need to think about what the card reader can actually do and whether it meets the needs of your business. For example, are you happy with a card reader that will need to be attached to a phone or tablet, like the Square Reader, or would you prefer something standalone like the Dojo Go?
For a full insight into the different features you should look out for when comparing card readers, you can use our helpful guide.
Product
Product Name
Square Reader
Dojo Go
Networks
Connectivity
Bluetooth
SIM card, WiFi
Payment methods
Contactless, Chip and Pin
Contactless, Chip and Pin, Magnetic swipe
Alternative payment methods
Payment link, Over the phone
Payment link
Requires connection to phone or tablet
Battery life
Designed to last all day
10 hours
Printer attached
Add ons
Dock
Phone mount
Compatible with a range of third-party receipt printers and barcode scanners
Dojo Go stand
Bottom line
The Dojo card readers have some features that Square can’t offer, and the lower transaction cost means Dojo could work out cheaper per month than Square, depending on your turnover. However, with Dojo you are tied into a contract for a minimum of 6 months (or a monthly rolling contract if the annual card turnover is over £150k) so if you prefer the flexibility of a pay as you go card machine, you might prefer Square. Compare the full range to decide on the best choice for your business.
Table: sorted by transaction cost, promoted deals first
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Grace was a Finder writer specialising in credit and loans. She's been writing about personal finance for several years and enjoys helping consumers sort the facts from the fluff. See full bio
In this guide, we compare the most popular card reader products from SumUp and Barclaycard.
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