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Square vs Zettle – compare card readers
Square and Zettle offer some of the smallest and most affordable card readers on the market, but who has the better products? We compare both card machine providers in this guide.
Square is one of the most popular card reader providers; PayPal’s Zettle has a similarly small, affordable range. Is that where their similarities end? We’ve uncovered the details about both card reader providers to help you decide which one might be best for you.
Square vs Zettle: provider overview
Two providers, each with a range of two cards: here’s what you need to know.
| 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 | Zettle Card Reader 2, Zettle Payment Terminal |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin |
| Alternative payment methods | QR code,Payment link |
| Apple Pay | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth,WiFi |
| Requires connection to a phone or tablet | Yes |
| Battery life | 100 sales |
| Warranty period | 12 months |
The Square Reader vs the Zettle Reader 2: product overview
Two providers: two card each. Here’s what you need to know.
Square Reader
Zettle Reader 2
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 the Zettle Reader 2 have identical transaction fees of 1.75%, but the upfront cost of the Zettle model is £29, compared to the Square Reader’s £19.
| Product |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Square Reader | Zettle Card Reader 2 |
| Contract | Pay as you go | No contract |
| Initial cost | £19 | £29 |
| Monthly cost | £0 | £0 |
| Transaction cost | 1.75% | 1.75% |
| Transaction cost (card not present) | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Settlement | 1 working day | 1-2 working days |
| Money-back guarantee | No | No |
| Chargeback cost | £0 | £0 |
Compare features
They’re very similar products: small card readers suitable for use on the go.
However, one big difference is in the battery life: while a fully charged Square Reader should keep going all day, the Zettle Reader 2 can only handle around 100 sales. A charging dock will set you back an extra £39.
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 | Zettle Card Reader 2 |
| Networks |      | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin | Contactless, Chip and Pin |
| Alternative payment methods | Payment link, Over the phone | QR code, Payment link |
| Requires connection to phone or tablet | ||
| Battery life | Designed to last all day | 100 sales |
| Printer attached | ||
| Add ons |
|
|
The bottom line
They’ll cost you less and they’ll last longer before needing to be charged: Square’s products win out as far as we’re concerned. Don’t just take our word for it, though: compare the full ranges below before you choose the best card reader for your business.
Compare the Square and Zettle range
Table: sorted by transaction cost, promoted deals first
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