We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Square vs Dojo – compare card readers
Square and Dojo both offer a choice of 2 affordable card readers, but which one comes out on top when you put them head-to-head? We compare both card machine providers in this guide.
Square is one of the most popular card reader providers, and Dojo’s products are very well reviewed: which one is best for your business?
Square vs Dojo: provider overview
Both providers offer one mobile card reader and one suitable for countertop use: here’s how their ranges compare.
| Products | Square Reader, Square Terminal |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin |
| Alternative payment methods | Payment link,Over the phone |
| Apple Pay | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Requires connection to a phone or tablet | Yes |
| Battery life | Designed to last all day |
| Warranty period | 24 months |
| Products | Dojo Go, Dojo One |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin, Magnetic swipe |
| Alternative payment methods | Payment link |
| Apple Pay | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes |
| Connectivity | SIM card,WiFi |
| Requires connection to a phone or tablet | No |
| Battery life | 10 hours |
The Square Reader vs the Dojo Go: product overview
Let’s take a look at how these mobile-friendly card readers stack up against each other.
Square Reader
Dojo go
Compare rates and fees
One of the most important things to look at when you’re comparing card readers is the difference in the rates and fees each provider charges: not just the headline cost of each product, but the more ‘hidden’ fees too. For further explanations of the different charges you might come across in your research, use our handy guide.
The Square Reader and Dojo Go are both affordable options, but their pricing works quite differently.
For example, there’s no upfront cost for the Dojo Go, whereas the Square Reader is £19. However, this is because Dojo Go charges a monthly fee of £20 instead, so it will cost you more over time. On the other hand, the per-transaction cost is lower with Dojo Go, which charges 1.4% plus 3p, compared to Square’s 1.75%.
| Product |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Square Reader | Dojo Go |
| Contract | No contract | 1 month minimum |
| Initial cost | £19 | £0 |
| Monthly cost | £0 | £20 |
| Transaction cost | 1.75% | 1.4% + 3p |
| Transaction cost (card not present) | 2.5% | 1.8% + 3p |
| Settlement | 1 working day | 1 working day |
| Money-back guarantee | No | No |
| Chargeback cost | £0 | £0.50 |
Compare features
Price isn’t the only consideration: you also need to think about what the card reader can actually do and whether it meets the needs of your business. For example, are you happy with a card reader that will need to be attached to a phone or tablet, like the Square Reader, or would you prefer something standalone like the Dojo Go?
For a full insight into the different features you should look out for when comparing card readers, you can use our helpful guide.
| Product | | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Square Reader | Dojo Go |
| Networks |      | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | SIM card, WiFi |
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin | Contactless, Chip and Pin, Magnetic swipe |
| Alternative payment methods | Payment link, Over the phone | Payment link |
| Requires connection to phone or tablet | ||
| Battery life | Designed to last all day | 10 hours |
| Printer attached | ||
| Add ons |
|
|
Bottom line
The Dojo card readers have some features that Square can’t offer, and the lower transaction cost means Dojo could work out cheaper per month than Square, depending on your turnover. However, with Dojo you are tied into a contract for a minimum of 6 months (or a monthly rolling contract if the annual card turnover is over £150k) so if you prefer the flexibility of a pay as you go card machine, you might prefer Square. Compare the full range to decide on the best choice for your business.
Compare the Square and Dojo range
Table: sorted by transaction cost, promoted deals first
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