Clover vs Square POS (2025): Full Side-by-Side Comparison for Small Businesses

Choosing the right POS system is critical for small and mid-sized businesses that need to manage payments, track inventory, and grow online sales.
Clover POS and Square POS are two leading platforms, but they fit different types of businesses.

This complete Clover vs Square POS comparison explains the key differences in features, pricing, payment processing, hardware, and e-commerce support, helping you choose the best fit.

Quick Overview: Clover vs Square POS

Before diving deeper, here’s a quick side-by-side view of the key differences between Clover and Square:

✅ Choose Clover for premium in-store operations.
✅ Choose Square for flexible, mobile-friendly businesses.

4.6

Price – Starting from

Starter Retail

$13

/mo

For 36 months

Pros

• Attractive pricing 30-day trial at no cost
• Affordable hardware beginning at $49
• Feature-packed Ideal for businesses with an online presence

Cons

• You can’t apply for the POS online; it requires interaction with a sales representative
• Pricing information isn’t clear-cut

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4.3

Price – Starting from

Free

$0

/mo

+ processing fees

Pros

• No monthly payment
• Next-business-day transfers
• Inexpensive long-term option

Cons

• Not great for all industries
• Some performance issues

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1. POS Features Comparison: Clover vs Square

Choosing a POS system means understanding the available features. Let’s compare Clover POS and Square POS feature-by-feature:

✅ Clover good for restaurants, full retail stores, and healthcare clinics that need deep management tools.
✅ Square good for new businesses, food trucks, pop-up stores, and online retailers who need an easy setup.

2. Pricing and Payment Processing Fees: Clover vs Square POS

Understanding cost is critical for small businesses when comparing POS systems.

3. How Does Payment Processing Compare Between Clover and Square?

Payment processing fees can impact your bottom line — here’s how Clover’s merchant services compare to Square’s payment processing:

✅ Square POS is better for transparent, no-contract processing.

4. Hardware Options

Your business needs reliable hardware. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of Clover hardware and Square hardware:

Clover POS Hardware Options

• Clover Station Duo
  • Full-sized POS with dual screens (staff + customer)
  • Built-in receipt printer
  • Option to connect a cash drawer
  • Best for: Full-service restaurants, busy retail stores, healthcare offices

• Clover Station Solo
  • Single large touchscreen terminal
  • Integrated printer
  • No customer-facing screen
  • Best for: Quick-service restaurants, retail counters, mid-sized businesses

• Clover Mini
  • Compact POS device with a small touchscreen
  • Built-in printer and payment acceptance
  • Access to Clover App Market
  • Best for: Small shops, cafes, salons, boutiques

• Clover Flex
  • Handheld mobile POS
  • Accepts cards, prints receipts, tracks inventory
  • Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity options
  • Best for: Tableside ordering, curbside pickup, mobile businesses

• Clover Go
  • Bluetooth mobile card reader
  • Connects to smartphones and tablets
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Best for: Freelancers, pop-up shops, mobile vendors

Square POS Hardware Options

• Square Register
  • All-in-one touchscreen POS with customer-facing display
  • Built-in card reader and countertop setup
  • No extra tablet needed
  • Best for: Retail stores, fast-casual restaurants, cafes

• Square Terminal
  • Portable, battery-powered device
  • Accepts chip cards, magstripe, and contactless payments
  • Prints receipts directly
  • Best for: Cafes, mobile checkout, restaurants needing tableside service

• Square Stand
  • Stand that turns an iPad into a full POS system
  • Built-in card reader for payments
  • Swivel design for easy customer interaction
  • Best for: Small shops, quick-service counters, salons

• Square Reader for Contactless and Chip
  • Pocket-sized wireless reader
  • Accepts tap and chip payments
  • Works with smartphones or tablets
  • Best for: Mobile businesses, service providers on the go

• Square Magstripe Reader
  • Basic free reader for swiping magstripe cards
  • Connects via headphone jack or Lightning connector
  • Best for: New businesses starting with minimal equipment

5. Does Clover or Square Support E-commerce Better?

Selling online is now crucial. Let’s compare e-commerce features:

✅ Square POS is better if you want built-in e-commerce.

6. Merchant Processing Flexibility

How easily can the POS system grow with your business?

7. Which Industries Are Best Served by Clover and Square?

Different industries have unique requirements; here’s how each POS system aligns.

8. Customer Support and Help Resources

Getting fast help matters when running a business. Here’s the support side-by-side:

Pros and Cons of Clover POS vs Square POS

Conclusion

Both Clover and Square POS offer robust solutions tailored to different business needs.

• Choose Clover POS if you’re an established restaurant, retail store, or healthcare provider seeking high-end hardware and comprehensive features.
• Opt for Square POS if you’re a new business, mobile seller, or retailer looking for low upfront costs and flexibility to grow both online and offline.

Pro Tip: Consider your business’s growth trajectory over the next 1–2 years. Selecting the right POS system now can save time, money, and operational headaches in the future.

FAQ: Clover vs Square POS

What is better: Clover or Square POS?

It depends on your business type. Clover POS is better for established restaurants, retail stores, and healthcare offices needing premium hardware and full-service features. Square POS is better for small retailers, mobile businesses, and startups looking for flexibility, low costs, and e-commerce support.

Is Square POS free?

Yes, Square POS offers a free basic version with no monthly software fees.

Does Clover POS support e-commerce?

Clover POS does not have a built-in online store but supports e-commerce through third-party integrations.

What are Clover POS processing fees?

Clover POS processing fees typically average around 2.3% + 10¢ per swipe, but the rates can vary depending on the reseller.

Does Clover POS have monthly fees?

Yes, Clover POS requires a monthly subscription starting at $14.95, depending on your plan and business type.

Does Square POS have hidden fees?

No, Square POS uses flat, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts.

Can you use Clover POS without Fiserv?

In most cases, no. Clover POS is tied to Fiserv (or approved resellers) for payment processing.

Can you use Square POS offline?

Yes, Square POS supports offline mode for in-person transactions.

Does Square POS work for restaurants?

Yes, Square offers Square for Restaurants, a tailored POS solution with table management, menu customization, and online ordering.

Can Clover POS be customized for different industries?

Yes, Clover POS offers apps and hardware bundles customized for industries like restaurants, retail, and healthcare.