Comparison
Clover vs Square
We sell both, which means we have no reason to push you toward one. In practice the choice comes down to how much customization you need and how much you value everything living in one connected system.
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How they actually differ
01
Hardware range
Clover has more physical form factors. Square's range is tighter but well-considered.
02
Apps
Clover's marketplace is larger. Square's first-party tools cover more without add-ons.
03
Pricing model
Clover pricing runs through a merchant account. Square publishes flat rates.
04
Setup
Square is faster to start. Clover is more configurable when you need it.
05
Scaling
Both handle multi-location. Clover flexes further with vertical apps.
06
Ownership
Clover hardware is typically purchased through a dealer or bank.
Choose Clover when you need a specific answer
If your business has a requirement that generic software doesn't cover — an unusual inventory model, a niche vertical workflow, a specific integration — Clover's marketplace usually has something for it. That flexibility is its main advantage.
- Widest hardware selection
- Large third-party app marketplace
- Vertical-specific workflows
- Dealer relationship for support and pricing
Choose Square when you want one connected system
Square's strength is that payments, POS, online, appointments, loyalty, marketing, team and payroll are the same product. Nothing needs to be stitched together, and the pricing is published where you can read it.
- Transparent published rates
- Strong first-party feature coverage
- Fast to launch
- One customer and item record everywhere
The honest tiebreaker
If nothing in your requirements list points clearly at Clover, Square is usually the simpler path. If one must-have app or hardware piece only exists on Clover, that decides it. We'd rather ask three questions about your workflow than argue brands.
Where we stand
We're an authorized Clover and Square dealer, so treat this as an informed but interested opinion. Product names and trademarks belong to their owners. Features and pricing change — verify current details with each vendor before you buy.
What you get
Equipment at no cost, free setup, no long-term contract.
Every business we set up gets the same thing: the hardware they need at no cost to them, the configuration and training done for you, and a real person to call afterward — without being locked into a multi-year agreement.
01
No long-term contract required
Flexible month-to-month terms are available on both platforms. You stay because the system works, not because a three-year agreement says you have to.
02
Equipment at no cost to you
Terminals, stations, printers and readers provided at no cost while you process with us. The equipment stays ours — if you ever move to another provider, you simply send it back.
03
Free setup, on site or remote
Catalog and menu build, modifiers, hardware placement, permissions, reports and hands-on staff training. Included, not billed hourly.
04
Ongoing support with no hidden fees
A direct line to the person who configured your system. Menu changes, new hardware, new staff, a report that stopped making sense — no support tier to buy.
How the equipment works
To be straight with you: the equipment isn't a giveaway. We provide the hardware your business needs at no cost to you while you process with us, and it stays ours — if you ever decide to move to a different provider, you simply return it. We look at every business we work with as a partner, and we're invested in your success, not in locking you into a box you paid for. And yes, if you want your rates compared side by side with what you pay today, we'll do that too.
FAQ
Questions we get
Which is cheaper?
Depends on volume, ticket size and configuration. Square's rates are published; Clover pricing depends on the merchant account. We'll model both against your actual volume.
Can I move from one to the other later?
Yes, though hardware generally doesn't transfer. Plan the switch deliberately rather than mid-season.
Which is easier for staff?
Both are learnable in a shift. Ease of use comes far more from how the menu and permissions were configured than from the brand.
Do you make more selling one?
Our recommendation is based on fit. If we thought otherwise, you'd figure it out in month two and we'd lose the referral.
Free consultation
Get An Honest Recommendation
Tell us how your business runs. We'll come back with a straight recommendation — including telling you if what you already have is fine.
Prefer to talk? Book a 15-minute call. Based in Southeast Wisconsin. Working with businesses nationwide.
Equipment at no cost, free setup, no long-term contract.
- No long-term contract
- Equipment at no cost
- Free setup
- Ongoing support
Locally owned since 2000 · owner-run in Southeast Wisconsin. What’s included →
Related
Keep reading
Start with a conversation.
Tell us how your business runs. We'll help you figure out what actually fits — Clover, Square or a specific configuration of either.