{"id":470258,"date":"2022-11-29T11:16:08","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T11:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=470258"},"modified":"2024-01-11T13:50:24","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T13:50:24","slug":"square-vs-zettle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/card-readers\/square-vs-zettle","title":{"rendered":"Square vs Zettle – compare card readers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Square is one of the most popular card reader providers; PayPal\u2019s Zettle has a similarly small, affordable range. Is that where their similarities end? We\u2019ve uncovered the details about both card reader providers to help you decide which one might be best for you.<\/p>

Square vs Zettle: provider overview<\/h3>

Two providers, each with a range of two cards: here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>

\"Square\"
<\/figure>
\n \n
Products<\/th>Square Reader, Square Terminal<\/td><\/tr>
Payment methods<\/th>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td><\/tr>
Alternative payment methods<\/th>Payment link,Over the phone<\/td><\/tr>
Apple Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Google Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/th>Bluetooth<\/td><\/tr>
Requires connection to a phone or tablet<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Battery life<\/th>Designed to last all day<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty period<\/th>24 months<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div><\/div>
\"Zettle\"
<\/figure>
\n \n
Products<\/th>PayPal Card Reader, PayPal Terminal, PayPal POS<\/td><\/tr>
Payment methods<\/th>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td><\/tr>
Alternative payment methods<\/th>QR code,Payment link<\/td><\/tr>
Apple Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Google Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/th>Bluetooth,WiFi<\/td><\/tr>
Requires connection to a phone or tablet<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Battery life<\/th>100 sales<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty period<\/th>12 months<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Square Reader vs the Zettle Reader 2: product overview<\/h3>

Two providers: two card each. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>

\"Square
<\/figure>

Square Reader<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"Zettle
<\/figure>

Zettle Reader 2<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div>

Compare rates and fees<\/h4>

One of the most important things to look at when you\u2019re 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 \u2018hidden\u2019 fees too. For further explanations of the different charges you might come across in your research, use our handy guide<\/a>.<\/p>

The Square Reader and the Zettle Reader 2 have identical transaction fees of 1.75%, but the upfront cost of the Zettle model is \u00a349, compared to the Square Reader\u2019s \u00a319.<\/p>

\n \n
Product<\/th>\"Square<\/a><\/td>\"PayPal<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Product Name<\/th>Square Reader<\/td>PayPal Card Reader<\/td><\/tr>
Contract<\/th>No contract<\/td>No contract<\/td><\/tr>
Initial cost<\/th>\u00a319<\/td>\u00a349<\/td><\/tr>
Monthly cost<\/th>\u00a30<\/td>\u00a30<\/td><\/tr>
Transaction cost<\/th>1.75%<\/td>1.75%<\/td><\/tr>
Transaction cost (card not present)<\/th>2.5%<\/td>2.5%<\/td><\/tr>
Settlement <\/th>1 working day<\/td>1-2 working days<\/td><\/tr>
Money-back guarantee<\/th>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Chargeback cost<\/th>\u00a30<\/td>\u00a30<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div>

Compare features<\/h4>

They\u2019re very similar products: small card readers suitable for use on the go. <\/p>

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 \u00a339.<\/p>

For a full insight into the different features you should look out for when comparing card readers, you can use our helpful guide<\/a>.<\/p>

\n \n
Product<\/th>\"Square<\/a><\/td>\"PayPal<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Product Name<\/th>Square Reader<\/td>PayPal Card Reader<\/td><\/tr>
Networks<\/th>\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/td>\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/th>Bluetooth<\/td>Bluetooth, WiFi<\/td><\/tr>
Payment methods<\/th>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td><\/tr>
Alternative payment methods<\/th>Payment link, Over the phone<\/td>QR code, Payment link<\/td><\/tr>
Requires connection to phone or tablet<\/th><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/tr>
Battery life<\/th>Designed to last all day<\/td>100 sales<\/td><\/tr>
Printer attached<\/th><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/tr>
Add ons<\/th>
  • Dock<\/li>
  • Phone mount<\/li>
  • Compatible with a range of third-party receipt printers and barcode scanners<\/li>
    <\/ul><\/td>