Square and Zettle offer some of the smallest and most affordable card readers on the market, but who has the better products? We compare both card machine providers in this guide.
Square is one of the most popular card reader providers; PayPal’s Zettle has a similarly small, affordable range. Is that where their similarities end? We’ve uncovered the details about both card reader providers to help you decide which one might be best for you.
Square vs Zettle: provider overview
Two providers, each with a range of two cards: here’s what you need to know.
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
Zettle Card Reader 2, Zettle Payment Terminal
Payment methods
Contactless, Chip and Pin
Alternative payment methods
QR code,Payment link
Apple Pay
Yes
Google Pay
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth,WiFi
Requires connection to a phone or tablet
Yes
Battery life
100 sales
Warranty period
12 months
The Square Reader vs the Zettle Reader 2: product overview
Two providers: two card each. Here’s what you need to know.
Square Reader
Zettle Reader 2
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 the Zettle Reader 2 have identical transaction fees of 1.75%, but the upfront cost of the Zettle model is £59, compared to the Square Reader’s £19.
Product
Product Name
Square Reader
Zettle Card Reader 2
Contract
No contract
No contract
Initial cost
£19
£59
Monthly cost
£0
£0
Transaction cost
1.75%
1.75%
Transaction cost (card not present)
2.5%
2.5%
Settlement
1 working day
1-2 working days
Money-back guarantee
No
No
Chargeback cost
£0
£0
Compare features
They’re very similar products: small card readers suitable for use on the go.
However, one big difference is in the battery life: while a fully charged Square Reader should keep going all day, the Zettle Reader 2 can only handle around 100 sales. A charging dock will set you back an extra £39.
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
Zettle Card Reader 2
Networks
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth, WiFi
Payment methods
Contactless, Chip and Pin
Contactless, Chip and Pin
Alternative payment methods
Payment link, Over the phone
QR code, Payment link
Requires connection to phone or tablet
Battery life
Designed to last all day
100 sales
Printer attached
Add ons
Dock
Phone mount
Compatible with a range of third-party receipt printers and barcode scanners
Charging dock for £39
Zettle Reader 2 (additional reader) for £59
Bottom line
They’ll cost you less and they’ll last longer before needing to be charged: Square’s products win out as far as we’re concerned. Don’t just take our word for it, though: compare the full ranges below before you choose the best card reader 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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Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
