Company

Our Score (out of 5)

Card Reader

Key Features

Easy setup, no monthly fees, free versatile POS

Developer-friendly API, low transaction fees

Flat-rate pricing, easy portability

Seamless Shopify integration, multichannel support

Fast payouts, flexible payment options

Why I chose Square

If you want an iPhone credit card reader that is affordable, has great features, and is hassle-free, Square is the best choice. It’s ideal for businesses that need more than basic payment processing but don’t want to deal with complicated setups or high fees.

Setting it up with your iPhone is simple — just connect the reader via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to accept chip cards, contactless payments like Apple Pay, and even old-school swiped cards with Square’s free magstripe reader.

You only pay 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction for swiped, dipped, or tapped payments, which is competitive and keeps things simple.

If you’re comparing Square to SumUp, which is later on this list, Square wins in terms of overall features and ease of use. While SumUp charges 2.6% per transaction with a $54 card reader, it doesn’t offer the same range of business tools that Square’s app does, like in-depth sales reporting or seamless integration with other business software. Plus, with Square, you get your first magstripe reader free, and their contactless and chip reader is just $59. SumUp may look more affordable at first glance, but Square’s broader functionality makes it more versatile, which speaks to its scalability.

Another advantage is that your money gets deposited into your bank account the next day, or you can use instant transfers (for a 1.75% fee) if you need the cash right away.

Finally, with APIs and a huge range of integrations, it connects easily to other business software like accounting tools or eCommerce platforms, giving you more control over your operations.

Why I chose Stripe M2

With effortless integration with your e-commerce operations, a smooth connection to your iPhone via Bluetooth, and the ability to accept EMV chip, contactless, and magstripe payments — all in one compact, lightweight device — Stripe M2 iPhone credit card readers can hang with the best of them. The setup is simple, and if you’re already using Stripe to handle online transactions, the Stripe M2 fits perfectly into your existing payment flow.

The real advantage Stripe M2 has over competitors like Square lies in its deep integration with online payments. Stripe M2 allows you to consolidate both your in-person and online transactions into one system. Its unified API means all your payment data is synced, allowing you to track everything from customer analytics to revenue. This type of integration is something Square, while strong for in-person payments, doesn’t quite match. 

When it comes to pricing, Stripe M2’s reader costs $59, similar to Square’s Contactless and Chip reader. 

Stripe charges 2.7% + $0.05 for in-person transactions, which is slightly higher than Square’s 2.6% + $0.10. However, if your business primarily operates online, Stripe’s 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction fee remains competitive across the board and allows you to scale your online business easily.

Another benefit is Stripe’s payout flexibility. You can receive your funds in as little as two days, with an Instant Payout option for a 1% fee, ensuring quick access to cash flow when needed. Square offers a similar Instant Deposit feature but at a 1.75% fee, making Stripe the more affordable option for immediate payouts.

For businesses focused on online sales, the Stripe M2 offers a unique advantage: it consolidates your payment processing tools under one umbrella, helping you stay organized without juggling multiple platforms. Square’s POS system offers great tools for retail businesses, but Stripe’s ability to handle complex e-commerce integrations with minimal fuss makes it ideal for companies that live in the online world.

Also read: Top Stripe Alternatives

Why I chose SumUp

SumUp caters to businesses of all sizes by offering a diverse selection of card readers, allowing business owners to pick the device that best fits their specific needs. The options include the SumUp Plus, a sleek Bluetooth-enabled reader, and the SumUp 3G, which operates independently of any phone connection, offering unmatched portability.

SumUp’s pricing model is simple and transparent. You pay 2.6% +  $0.10 per transaction for card-present payments, putting it in line with Square’s transaction fees. However, SumUp doesn’t charge any monthly fees, keeping operational costs low for small businesses and sole traders. While Square offers a larger ecosystem with its POS features, SumUp stands out for offering PIN-enabled mobile readers. 

SumUp’s app, though more basic than Square’s, still provides essential features for tracking sales and managing inventory. However, Square’s app is more advanced, offering integration with third-party tools and more detailed reporting features, which makes it better for businesses looking for in-depth analytics. Where SumUp excels is in keeping things simple — its app is focused on ease of use and quick transactions.

It also offers hardware options that adapt to your business needs at lower processing fees, making it a very valuable iPhone credit card reader for businesses looking to save on costs without sacrificing mobility.

Also read: Best Free POS Systems

Why I chose Shopify

The core reason Shopify outshines competitors like Square in e-commerce integration is its deep synchronization between the Shopify card reader and its online store. Whether you make sales in-person or online, Shopify automatically updates your inventory, customer data, and orders in real time across all platforms. This integration makes it the ideal choice for retailers with both a physical and an online presence, allowing you to manage all transactions from a single system without needing third-party apps.

Square, while a highly versatile and user-friendly option, its online store offerings are relatively basic compared to Shopify’s sophisticated e-commerce tools.

When compared to Square’s hardware, Shopify’s Tap & Chip Reader is similarly priced at $49 for the reader, though Shopify offers a charging dock for an additional $39, which can add convenience for businesses running multiple transactions in a day. Shopify’s hardware also integrates directly into its broader POS and e-commerce ecosystem. Square offers this functionality too, but many users find the Shopify integration experience to be more user-friendly. 

The Shopify app is designed to work hand-in-hand with the Shopify card reader and is iPhone-compatible, ensuring that all data is instantly available at your fingertips. The app also makes it easy to customize taxes, add discounts, and manage loyalty programs directly from your iPhone.

Shopify’s card reader is ideal for retailers who need to seamlessly manage both their online and in-person sales.

Why I chose CloverGo

Clover Go is engineered specifically for mobile use, offering Bluetooth connectivity that pairs effortlessly with iPhones. Its portable design, combined with a powerful rechargeable battery, ensures that users can accept payments on the go without worrying about battery life. 

Clover Go is widely available through major retailers and merchant account providers operating on the Fiserv network, making it a popular and widely-used solution. Though Square can also be purchased through retailers, Clover is the only option on this list that can work with many different processors. 

In contrast, Square Reader, Clover Go’s closest competitor, offers similar functionality but lacks some of Clover’s advanced security features, such as end-to-end encryption. And, of course, Square’s hardware can only be used with Square’s payment processing. 

Overall, the app itself is extremely highly rated, with a current 4.8 out of 5 rating on the Apple App Store. Only Square rivals Clover’s positive user reviews.