2023 Clover vs Square Comparison: Price, Features & Reviews

For the pricing category, Square beat Clover with an impressive 4.69 out of 5. Although the payment processing fees through Clover are competitive with Square’s, Square offers a free POS system, less expensive hardware options, and bulk discounts for high-volume sellers. Note, however, that many of Square’s advanced programs are add-ons and will cost you an additional monthly fee. Clover, in contrast, has higher monthly software fees but includes advanced features in all of its plans.

If you are a high-volume merchant, you may be able to get a Clover system through a different merchant service that offers interchange-plus rates or generally lower processing rates. Payment Depot, for example, is one of the cheapest credit card processors and a Clover POS reseller. Many of the advanced programs Square offers separately can be negotiated into the Clover plans as well.

In terms of hardware, Clover squeaks ahead of Square because it will update sales and inventory data in offline mode, whereas Square only handles payment processing if your internet goes out and syncs when you’re back online. Clover also offers a greater variety of systems and an excellent handheld POS device, Clover Flex, which makes it great for restaurant waitstaff taking tableside orders.

Clover hardware also has the advantage of working with different payment processors. That means you can shop for better rates, work with companies that offer interchange-plus financing, or, if needed, get a merchant service that works with high-risk merchants.

If you are a mobile seller or on a tight budget, Square is going to be a better solution. Square offers a better mobile app than Clover, which is compatible on both Android and iOS devices. Not only that, but Square also just introduced tap to pay on iPhone, so you can start selling without any hardware at all—just your mobile phone. Additionally, Square’s hardware is much less expensive than Clover’s with great monthly financing options.

While both Square and Clover score very well in the register features category, Square came out just ahead of Clover with a 4.5 out 5 in our evaluation. Both POS systems can accept all forms of modern payments (mobile, card, cash, invoice, check), have virtual terminals, and can conduct basic sales. But Square has more advanced features and an easier-to-use interface.

Square offers a greater number of customization options, can integrate with social channels without a third-party integration and manage BNPL payments, and includes more marketing tools—all things that Clover lacks. Additionally, Square has business management features that allow you to manage sales, track products, connect with customers, and view reports.

As our top pick for the best retail POS system, Square is ideal for newer and brick-and-mortar businesses that want a flexible, all-in-one POS and payment processor that is easy to use and includes all the register features you could need.

Square is a highly versatile and feature-rich system. (Source: Square)

If you are already working with another merchant account and want to keep processing transactions with them, then Clover is going to be your best bet, as it allows you to choose your own processor.

Additionally, Clover was designed for its own hardware (except for the mobile version, Clover Go), whereas Square is primarily meant for iOS and Android. So, if you want to purchase proprietary hardware, Clover will have more options. Finally, while Clover costs more, both in terms of upfront and ongoing costs (because it requires a monthly subscription), it has more advanced employee management features than Square.

In the management features category, Square edged out Clover with a 3.31 out of 5. For the most part, Square leads because, for every subcategory, it offers an in-house option that is preloaded or easily added to each Square POS account. Clover, on the other hand, requires third-party integrations to offer marketing outreach, payroll, ecommerce, and payments tools.

Square provides everything small businesses need to run their business on one easy-to-use platform that users can start selling with immediately. With Clover, businesses need to add third-party tools, leading to a more demanding management experience.

While Square offers a one-stop-shop for a complete POS solution, if there are certain providers that you want to use, Clover is a better choice for its wide array of integration options. You can even shop directly on Clover as you sign up, so everything is integrated when you get started.

Clover lets you choose from its integration partners as you sign up for your account. (Source: Clover)

Square is our choice for ease of use not only because you can do the setup yourself, but also the intuitive user experience, overall—for you, your customers, and your staff. While Square does not provide personalized assistance (like Clover does), users generally don’t need it, and the how-to section on Square’s website is thorough and includes illustrations and videos. Square’s mobile app also scored higher among users (and experts).

Square’s biggest ease of use drawback is its limited support hours, with live support available Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

If you have a large inventory with many modifiers or have multiple locations, then Clover—with its concierge-level installation and onboarding help—may be a better option for you. It also offers personalized help (though it may charge for it).

Overall, Square scored higher than Clover in the expert score section because of our experience using the software, its popularity, and the overall value it provides to customers. Clover also did well in these areas. However, it is more expensive than Square and requires more integrations (and leg work).

While needing to integrate with third-party platforms for things like ecommerce and marketing might mean more work, Clover also gives you the opportunity to choose your own providers. This, especially when it comes to payment processors, might actually allow you to save money, if you are a large enough company.

This depends on what you need. Square is better for small businesses that need an all-inclusive, affordable POS system with great mobile options and a user-friendly interface.

On the other hand, Clover gives you more opportunities to customize your POS system with third-party app integrations for things like your merchant account and ecommerce store. Clover does come at a higher price than Square, and the additional app add-on fees make it a more expensive solution. However, Clover is a great solution for larger, more complex businesses, especially those needing high-risk or interchange-plus processing.

With its free, industry-specific POS system, Square is a better option for quick-service restaurants and cafes. Clover, on the other hand, offers tools for managing a full-service restaurant.

Square is cheaper than Clover. Square starts at $0/month, while Clover starts at $60 for retailers and $90 for restaurants.