The verdict
Square takes it, 5–3 on rounds.
On the published figures and the independent review sites, Square takes 5 of 8 rounds. Treat that as a starting point and check the current figures on both pages, because prices and plans move.
Choose Square if…
- • You want Square's edge on what the software costs and what it costs to get a card reader
Choose Clover if…
- • You want Clover's edge on who picks up when the till is down and trying it before you pay
Round by round
- Round 1What the software costsSquare wins
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 2Who picks up when the till is downClover winsSquare5/10
weekday hours on the free plan
Monday to Friday, 6am to 6pm PT on the free plan
- weekday hours on the free plan, against 24/7 phone support
Source: posusa.com ↗
Clover wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 3What it costs to get a card readerSquare wins
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 4How long you are locked inSquare winsClover5/10
36 months
when hardware is financed in the monthly price; buying hardware upfront avoids it
- 36 months, against No contract
Source: posusa.com ↗
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 5What customers say on TrustpilotSquare winsClover5/10
1.9 out of 5
TrustScore from 2,200 reviews on Trustpilot
- 1.9 out of 5, against 3.7 out of 5
Source: trustpilot.com ↗
Square wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 6Trying it before you payClover winsSquare5/10
30-day trial of Square Plus
Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
- 30-day trial of Square Plus, against 90-day trial (Essentials, promo)
Source: squareup.com ↗
Clover8/1090-day trial (Essentials, promo)
Starter software plan (Clover Go / Retail Basic system); trial = Essentials
Source: clover.com ↗
Clover wins this round on what the published sources say.
- Round 7Tracking stock on the starter planSquare winsSquare8/10
Not in Free (Plus and Premium only)
Square Free ($0/mo per location); Inventory tracking is ticked for Plus and Premium only
- Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
Source: squareup.com ↗
Clover5/10Item management not in Basic
Starter software plan (Clover Go / Retail Basic system); trial = Essentials
- Item management not in Basic, against Inventory tracking in Free plan
Source: clover.com ↗
Square wins this round on what the published sources say.
- Round 8What the top plan costsClover winsSquare5/10
Premium $149/mo
Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
- Premium $149/mo, against Services Growth $84.95/mo
Source: squareup.com ↗
Clover8/10Services Growth $84.95/mo
Starter software plan (Clover Go / Retail Basic system); trial = Essentials
Source: clover.com ↗
Clover wins this round on what the published sources say.
Side by side
- Square Free ($0/mo per location); trial = Square Plus
- in-person card sale
- the cheapest plan, per month; it varies by reseller
- weekday hours on the free plan, against 24/7 support
- Reader from $59, against $0 upfront for first device
- Premium $149/mo, against Point of Sale from $69/mo
- weekday hours on the free plan, against 24/7 phone support
- $14.95, against $0
- $199, against $59
- 36 months, against No contract
- 1.9 out of 5, against 3.7 out of 5