Clover vs. Square: Differences, pros and cons in 2024 (2024)

Two of the best POS systems, Clover and Square, each offer its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While both offer features that allow businesses to accept credit card and mobile wallet payments, each differs in price and the type of hardware provided. You will also have to keep transaction fees, customer support options and software integrations in mind when choosing a system.

To ensure you find a POS that’s the right fit, take the time to compare Clover vs. Square features, including the pricing.

Clover vs. Square: Quick overview

These two payment processors offer a streamlined way to accept payments. However, Square offers a free plan, whereas Clover charges a monthly fee (even though it advertises a free plan).

Processing fees for Clover are slightly lower and businesses looking for a rewards program may be pleased to find that it’s included automatically. While Square offers one, you’ll need to pay an additional fee per month.

When it comes to software options, Clover has multiple tiers available. Square has different tiers for the type of business you have, like retail or restaurants. Clover mostly offers integrations for retail establishments and restaurants. Square offers integrations for restaurants, inventory tasks and marketing tasks.

The option to have a rewards program for loyal customers comes for free with any Clover system. For Square, pricing starts at $45 per month, depending on the number of loyalty visits your business has.

Pricing and fees

Verdict: Square

Clover pricing and fees

Although Clover has lower payment fees overall, their online and in-person payments depend on the type of monthly pricing structure you choose. The Starter and Standard tier charges higher transaction fees compared to the Advanced tier. Plus, your monthly fee depends on the type of industry you are in, as that will determine the hardware you will need.

Clover also charges a $25 chargeback fee when a transaction is disputed or found fraudulent.

Square pricing and fees

Although Square does have slightly higher transaction fees compared to Clover, it makes up for it by offering a $0 monthly fee tier. Other tiers also have lower monthly fees, even if you include hardware in your costs.

Square also doesn’t have a chargeback fee, which could save you some serious money if you’re found to have multiple fraudulent transactions.

Hardware features

Verdict: Tie

Square comes out slightly ahead because it offers more options for its card readers, which you can connect to your mobile device. Plus, you can use a compatible iPad and attach it to the Square stand to start accepting payments in person. However, Clover also offers many options to create your own custom solution, which can be useful if you’re experiencing growth.

Clover hardware features

Clover offers the following hardware options:

• Clover Go: This machine is Clover’s portable credit card reader, which customers can insert or tap their credit card. You can even accept mobile wallet payments through the device.
• Clover Mini: Businesses can use this smaller POS system to accept credit card and mobile wallet payments. Customers can also opt for a printed receipt using the built-in printer.
• Clover Flex: Clover Flex is a handheld system that doesn’t require you to use your mobile phone. It is its own handheld all-in-one device that accepts payments.
• Clover Station Solo: Considered an all-in-one POS, you can use the Clover Station Solo to accept credit cards, mobile wallet payments and cash. There is also a receipt printer.
• Clover Station Duo: This machine offers a screen for the business and one for the customer to see what is happening during the transaction process. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. A cash drawer and receipt printer are also included.

Square hardware features

Businesses can choose from different hardware options, including adding as many devices as needed. Depending on your needs, Square can also help you to come up with custom bundles which can include cash drawers, stands and card readers.

Hardware options include:

• Magstripe card reader: Users can get their first reader for free, which plugs into their mobile device.
• Contactless and chip card reader: You can connect wirelessly to this device to accept credit card, debit card and mobile wallet payments.
• iPad POS or Square stand mount: Square provides different types of mounts depending on where or how you want to accept payments.
• Square Terminal mobile card reader: This all-in-one device allows you to accept credit card, debit card and mobile wallet payments without having to use your personal mobile device.
• Two-screen Square register system: This is Square’s fully integrated POS system, with one screen for the customer and another for the employee to conduct transactions.

Software features

Verdict: Tie

Both Clover and Square allow its users to customize it to their needs. Plus, each offers its own set of integrations, either of which may be a great fit for many types of retail, service and restaurant businesses.

Clover software features

Clover’s software varies depending on the plan you choose and the type of transactions you have for your businesses. For instance, Payments or Payments Plus is the company’s entry-level plan, whereas the Register plan is software for businesses who want a full POS solution.

Each has the ability to customize to your preferences, such as choosing what goes on the bottom of receipts. Clover has several app integrations that may be useful if your business needs to evolve.

Square software features

Square offers many features businesses from most industries can use, including the ability to:

• Access reports.
• Handle chargebacks.
• Keep track of customer loyalty programs.

Like Clover, Square also offers different app integrations to help you run your business more efficiently, such as connecting to bookkeeping, marketing and inventory tracking software.

Customer service

Verdict: Square

Square comes in slightly ahead because of the ability to speak to customer service through live chat. Plus, the website also offers an online resource library for some DIY troubleshooting.

Clover customer service

To receive assistance, you can log into your Clover account to select the help function. Help is available through messaging and by phone. Clover also personalizes information so you have access to tutorials and other resources based on your Clover system.

Square customer service

The Square Support Center offers different online resources to help you troubleshoot your device or answer any questions you may have. Otherwise, you can contact a representative through live chat or phone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

Final verdict

Winner: Square

Square overall is a great fit for those looking for a solution that’s budget-friendly and has a more transparent pricing structure. The company also offers more ways to reach customer service representatives, which could be useful depending on your preferred method of communication.

That being said, Clover’s hardware options are also worth taking a look at. Although you need to pay a monthly fee, the slightly lower transaction fees may be worth the upfront costs.

Who is Clover best for?

Clover is a great fit for businesses that need a robust solution to keep track of customers and inventory. It’s also a great fit for businesses looking for other features, such as customer loyalty tools included with a monthly payment plan.

Who is Square best for?

Square is a great fit for smaller businesses who want a more budget-friendly solution — the lowest tier is free. That way, the business can monitor whether it’s worth it to upgrade to a paid solution and more advanced hardware solutions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)