Square vs Clover: Your Guide to Features, Costs, Integrations, and More

Picking the right point-of-sale (POS) system can feel overwhelming. With so many features, costs, and integrations to weigh, the wrong choice could mean wasted time and resources. But don’t worry—you’re in the right place.

Square and Clover are two heavyweights in the POS world, each offering distinct benefits. But which one truly fits your business? That’s what we’re here to unpack. This guide breaks down the essentials so you can make an informed decision—one that supports your growth and streamlines your operations.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Features comparison: What tools and capabilities come with each system?
• Cost breakdown: How do Square and Clover stack up when it comes to upfront and ongoing expenses?
• Integrations: Which system is more flexible for connecting with the tools you already use?
• Ease of use: Which POS feels intuitive for you and your team?
• And much more!

In 2023 alone, over 60% of small businesses reported inefficiencies caused by poorly integrated tools. Don’t let that happen to you. By the end of this article, you’ll know which POS system is built to help you save time, money, and stress.

Tools and Capabilities of Square and Clover

When comparing Square and Clover, the differences in features can heavily influence which system suits your business best. Here’s a professional breakdown of their tools and capabilities to help you identify which system aligns with your needs.

Feature	Square	Clover
Payment Processing	Supports EMV chip cards, magnetic stripe, contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and QR codes. Fully PCI-compliant with tools for recurring payments and subscription management.	Accepts chip cards, magnetic stripes, and contactless payments. Supports multi-currency transactions. Payment options can be customized with apps from the Clover App Market.
Analytics and Reporting	Offers real-time reporting with visual dashboards. Tracks metrics like sales trends, customer behavior, and peak hours. Heatmaps and trend forecasting optimize decision-making.	Provides consolidated reports across multiple locations. Customizable dashboards with filters for employee performance, sales by location, and detailed customer insights.
Inventory Management	Tracks stock levels with automatic updates after transactions. Includes bulk CSV imports, item categorization, and low-stock alerts. Limited support for batch tracking or perishables.	Robust inventory tools, including SKU tracking, barcode generation, and multi-location syncing. Offers advanced inventory apps for batch tracking, item grouping, and real-time inventory adjustments.
Appointment Scheduling	Integrated with POS for service-based businesses. Allows customer self-scheduling, automated reminders, and staff-specific calendar syncing.	Not natively included but available through third-party apps in the App Market. Customizable to fit specific scheduling needs based on industry.
eCommerce Integration	Native tools for building online stores. Provides APIs for integration with platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify. Developer SDKs enable custom eCommerce solutions.	Integrates with eCommerce platforms via third-party apps. Open API allows businesses to connect with proprietary digital tools for tailored online shopping experiences.
Hardware Options	Portable readers (Bluetooth/USB-C), terminals with touchscreens, and all-in-one registers. Devices are plug-and-play, requiring minimal setup.	Wide variety: Clover Flex (portable), Clover Mini (compact), and Clover Station Duo (dual-screen for high-volume). Supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and LTE with cloud-syncing across devices.
Customer Engagement	Built-in CRM tools track customer purchase history. Integrates with email marketing apps for targeted campaigns and automated reminders.	Includes loyalty programs and customer feedback tools. Advanced apps enable granular segmentation for promotions and detailed purchase pattern tracking.
Multi-Location Support	Limited multi-location support; suitable for smaller setups.	Extensive multi-location management with centralized reporting, location-specific pricing, and synchronized inventory updates.
Industry Applications	Flexible enough for retail, food service, and professional services. Includes tools like tipping, appointment booking, and mobile checkout.	Tailored tools for restaurants (table mapping, menu customization) and retail (barcode scanning, advanced stock tracking). Can be further enhanced with specialized apps.

Square and Clover both offer powerful POS solutions, but their strengths cater to different business needs. Square shines with its simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking for an intuitive system with transparent pricing. It provides robust tools for payment processing, analytics, and appointment scheduling, along with built-in eCommerce capabilities that are developer-friendly for custom integrations. However, its inventory management and multi-location features are more basic, which might limit its appeal to larger businesses or those with complex setups.

On the other hand, Clover stands out for its flexibility and customization options. Its extensive App Market and industry-specific tools make it a strong choice for businesses that need a tailored solution. Clover’s advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and hardware variety cater to enterprises and businesses with unique requirements. Additionally, its customer loyalty programs and marketing tools allow for deeper engagement with customers, making it a comprehensive solution for growth-oriented businesses.

The choice between Square and Clover ultimately depends on your business’s specific operational needs and scale. While Square offers an accessible, all-in-one solution, Clover provides the customization and scalability required for more complex or expanding operations.

Understanding Costs for Square and Clover

Cost is often the deciding factor when choosing a POS system. Both Square and Clover offer flexible pricing structures, but they cater to different business models and budgets. Here’s a detailed look at how their pricing stacks up, including upfront costs, subscription plans, and ongoing fees.

Square’s Pricing Structure

1. Hardware Costs

Square provides affordable hardware options that are accessible for businesses of any size:

• Square Reader for Magstripe: Free for the first unit, with additional readers priced at $10.
• Square Reader for Contactless and Chip: $49, supporting tap, chip, and mobile wallet payments.
• Square Terminal: $299 for an all-in-one portable POS device with a built-in receipt printer.
• Square Register: $799 for a comprehensive setup with customer and employee-facing screens.

Square’s hardware is known for its plug-and-play simplicity, minimizing setup costs and time.

2. Software Subscription Costs

Square operates on a freemium model with optional paid plans:

• Free Plan: Includes POS features like payment processing, basic inventory management, and analytics.
• Plus Plan: $60 per month, per location, adding advanced features like team management, custom reports, and multi-location support.
• Premium Plan: Custom pricing tailored to businesses processing over $250,000 annually. Includes enterprise-grade features and dedicated account support.

3. Payment Processing Fees

Square charges transparent, flat-rate transaction fees:

• In-person payments: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
• Online transactions: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
• Keyed-in payments: 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction.

There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts, which makes Square a predictable choice for budgeting.

4. Additional Costs

Add-ons like payroll processing and marketing tools are available for additional fees. For example:

• Square Payroll: Starting at $35 per month + $5 per employee.
• Marketing Tools: Plans start at $15 per month.

Clover’s Pricing Structure

1. Hardware Costs

Clover’s hardware is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, but it comes with higher upfront costs:

• Clover Go: $49 for a mobile card reader with Bluetooth connectivity.
• Clover Flex: $499 for a portable device that supports payments, receipt printing, and inventory management.
• Clover Mini: $749 for a compact POS terminal with a touchscreen.
• Clover Station Solo: $1,349 for a standalone system with a 14” display.
• Clover Station Duo: $1,649 for a premium dual-screen setup ideal for high-traffic environments.

Hardware costs vary depending on the reseller, so pricing can differ.

2. Software Subscription Costs

Clover’s subscription plans are tiered and more industry-focused:

• Payments Plus: $14.95 per month, offering payment processing and basic tools like employee time tracking and reporting.
• Register Lite: $9.95 per month for businesses processing under $50,000 annually. Includes inventory management and CRM tools.
• Register Plan: $39.95 per month for businesses processing over $50,000 annually. Adds advanced inventory tracking, custom reporting, and multi-location support.

3. Payment Processing Fees

Clover’s payment processing fees are determined by the merchant services provider you choose, as Clover works through resellers. Rates typically range between 2.3% and 2.9% + 10¢ per transaction, but these can vary based on negotiated terms.

4. Additional Costs

Add-on features for loyalty programs, advanced inventory apps, and integrations from the App Market may incur extra monthly fees. The cost of these apps varies widely, with prices ranging from $5 to over $100 per month depending on functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Square offers a lower barrier to entry with affordable hardware and flat-rate fees, making it ideal for small businesses with limited budgets or those just starting out. Its free plan covers most basic needs, while advanced plans are reasonably priced. Businesses using Square POS also benefit from its free online store, which allows seamless integration with the system to help grow eCommerce sales alongside physical transactions.
• Clover requires a higher upfront investment in hardware but compensates with extensive customization and scalability. For businesses using Clover POS, its flexible pricing structure is advantageous for those who need tailored tools. However, it’s important to note that Clover often requires a separate merchant services provider, which can result in varying payment processing fees.

Choosing between these systems depends on your financial priorities. Square’s aggregated merchant account model keeps things simple, while Clover’s reseller approach may offer opportunities to negotiate lower fees. For businesses focused on reducing labor costs and operational inefficiencies, either system can serve as an excellent tool depending on their needs. Additionally, Square generally offers lower transaction fees for in-person transactions, whereas Clover’s payment processor fees may fluctuate based on the terms set by your provider.

Both systems have their strengths, but understanding these nuances will help you choose the POS that aligns best with your goals.

Flexibility of Integrations in Square and Clover

In today’s tech-driven business environment, flexibility in software integrations can make or break your POS system. The ability to connect seamlessly with existing tools can streamline operations, improve customer experience, and drive growth. Both Square and Clover offer integration capabilities, but they cater to different types of businesses. Let’s break down their strengths.

Square’s Integration Capabilities

Square has built a reputation for simplicity, and this extends to its integrations. Designed with small to mid-sized businesses in mind, Square offers a wide range of out-of-the-box connections:

• eCommerce Platforms: Square integrates directly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and BigCommerce. These connections ensure the smooth syncing of product catalogs, inventory levels, and sales data across your online and physical stores.
• Accounting Tools: Integration with tools like QuickBooks and Xero makes financial management straightforward, enabling automatic import of transaction data and reconciliation of accounts.
• Marketing and CRM: Square connects with services like Mailchimp and Constant Contact, allowing you to run targeted email campaigns based on customer purchase history.
• Developer-Friendly APIs: For businesses with unique requirements, Square offers APIs that support payment processing, inventory management, and custom eCommerce solutions. Its detailed documentation and SDKs simplify the development process, making it ideal for tech-savvy teams.

While Square excels in ease of use, it is best suited for businesses with standard integration needs. Its ecosystem is highly functional but may feel limited for companies with complex, enterprise-level requirements.

Clover’s Integration Capabilities

Clover stands out with its extensive customization options, largely thanks to its App Market. This platform offers hundreds of apps designed to meet the specific needs of various industries:

• Third-Party Apps: Clover supports integrations with popular tools like Gusto for payroll, Avalara for tax management, and Homebase for employee scheduling. The App Market allows businesses to mix and match apps to build a tailored solution.
• Industry-Specific Apps: For businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare, Clover offers specialized apps for table management, appointment scheduling, and inventory tracking. This adaptability makes it a favorite among niche industries.
• Multi-Location Tools: Clover’s integrations for managing multi-location businesses include centralized reporting and inventory syncing, ensuring consistency across all locations.
• Open API: Clover’s open API provides the flexibility to build custom integrations for proprietary tools. Businesses with internal software systems can develop connections to streamline workflows and maintain data integrity across platforms.

Although Clover offers more customization opportunities, the reliance on third-party apps can increase costs and complexity. Additionally, businesses need to carefully evaluate the quality and reliability of apps before implementing them.

Which System Fits Your Business Needs?

Square prioritizes simplicity and speed, making it the better choice for businesses with straightforward integration needs. It offers a polished set of tools and APIs that require minimal technical expertise to implement. Businesses looking to start accepting payments quickly will appreciate Square’s plug-and-play nature, which ensures smooth setup and immediate usability.

Clover, on the other hand, excels in adaptability. Its App Market and open API make it a powerful choice for businesses that need a highly customized POS system or operate in industries with specialized requirements. For businesses that need to accept payments across multiple channels while tailoring features to fit industry-specific demands, Clover is an excellent choice.

The decision comes down to your operational priorities. Square is ideal for quick deployment and simplicity, while Clover offers deeper flexibility for those ready to invest in tailored solutions.

Evaluating the Ease of Use in Square and Clover

A POS system’s usability can significantly impact how quickly your team adapts and how efficiently your operations run. Both Square and Clover offer intuitive designs, but their interfaces and workflows cater to different user preferences and operational styles. Here’s an in-depth look at how these systems handle ease of use.

Square’s User Experience

Square is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize a quick setup and minimal training.

• Setup Process: Square’s plug-and-play hardware and straightforward account creation make it easy for new users to get started. Once the hardware is connected, the software walks you through initial configurations like adding items, setting tax rates, and customizing receipts.
• Interface Design: The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, offering a clear view of sales, customer data, and inventory. Navigation is intuitive, even for users with little technical experience.
• Training Requirements: Training new employees on Square is simple. The system includes built-in tutorials and guides that help staff quickly learn tasks like processing sales, issuing refunds, or generating reports.
• Mobile Usability: The Square app extends its functionality to mobile devices, offering a similar experience whether you’re using a tablet, phone, or desktop.

Pros

• Quick and easy setup.
• Clean, intuitive interface ideal for small teams.
• Low training requirements for staff.
• Seamless experience across devices.

Cons

• Limited advanced features for complex workflows.
• Less customizable compared to Clover.

Clover’s User Experience

Clover balances ease of use with advanced functionality, providing a scalable system that adapts as your needs grow.

• Setup Process: While Clover’s setup process is straightforward, it often depends on the hardware configuration and features you choose. Businesses using multiple devices or specialized apps may require more time for setup compared to Square.
• Interface Design: Clover’s interface is modern and highly customizable. The touchscreen displays are responsive, with menus that can be tailored to prioritize the tools and tasks most relevant to your business.
• Training Requirements: While Clover’s flexibility is a major strength, it can result in a steeper learning curve for teams new to the platform. However, businesses with more complex needs will appreciate its adaptability.
• App Customization: The ability to customize workflows through Clover’s App Market allows businesses to streamline operations, but it also adds a layer of complexity that may require additional training.

Pros

• Customizable interface for industry-specific workflows.
• Flexible tools that scale with your business.
• Responsive and modern touchscreen displays.
• App Market enhances usability with tailored solutions.

Cons

• More time-intensive setup for complex configurations.
• Higher training requirements due to advanced features.

Which System Feels Right for Your Team?

Square is the go-to solution for businesses seeking a simple, intuitive system with minimal setup time. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized teams that need to start operating quickly without extensive onboarding.

Clover, on the other hand, offers a balance between usability and customization. It’s better suited for businesses with unique workflows or industry-specific needs, as long as you’re willing to invest the time in setup and training.

Why Square and Clover Users Should Pair Their POS System with CrownTV

Your POS system already helps you process payments and manage operations, but combining it with CrownTV’s digital signage solutions unlocks new opportunities to captivate your customers, boost engagement, and streamline workflows. Whether you’re using Square or Clover, CrownTV’s scalable dashboards and flexible hardware integrations make it the perfect complement to your business.

For Square Users

Square’s simplicity and versatility are unmatched, but pairing it with CrownTV takes your customer experience to the next level. Here’s how:

• Data-Driven On-Screen Promotions: CrownTV integrates with Square to display personalized promotions or product recommendations after transactions, leveraging the sales data your POS already tracks.
• Streamlined Multi-Channel Messaging: Sync your online and in-store branding by using CrownTV to display the same product catalogs and offers reflected in your Square-powered eCommerce platform.
• Enhanced Upselling Opportunities: Promote related products, deals, or limited-time offers on CrownTV screens based on real-time sales activity in Square.

Square users value simplicity, and CrownTV’s intuitive dashboard ensures effortless integration without disrupting your workflow.

For Clover Users

Clover’s customization options and industry-specific tools already give you a competitive edge. With CrownTV, you can amplify those benefits:

• Loyalty Program Visibility: Showcase customer-specific rewards, points, or incentives collected through Clover’s loyalty tools directly on your screens. This keeps engagement high and drives repeat visits.
• Menu and Inventory Syncing: Restaurants using Clover can sync their menus with CrownTV to ensure up-to-date pricing, daily specials, or live order statuses are instantly visible to customers. Retailers can showcase real-time inventory updates to drive sales of low-stock or trending items.
• Industry-Specific Applications: From table-mapping visuals in restaurants to appointment reminders in healthcare, CrownTV and Clover together create an enhanced operational flow for any industry.

Clover’s adaptability works hand-in-hand with CrownTV’s scalable solutions, allowing you to create a custom-fit integration that evolves with your business.

CrownTV’s Unique Value for Both Systems

Whether you use Square or Clover, CrownTV provides:

• Plug-and-Play Hardware: Easily pair CrownTV’s turnkey hardware with your POS system, simplifying the setup process.
• Scalable Dashboards: Manage screens across multiple locations with centralized control, mirroring your POS data for consistency.
• Customizable Content: Display what matters most to your customers—from sales insights and inventory data to seasonal promotions and branded visuals.
• Expert Support: Our professionals ensure smooth integrations and provide tailored solutions for your specific POS and signage needs.

Square and Clover users can both benefit from CrownTV’s digital signage solutions in unique and powerful ways. Whether you’re streamlining promotions, syncing inventory, or elevating customer engagement, CrownTV helps you get more out of your POS system. Ready to take your business to the next level? Let CrownTV make your POS system even smarter.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right POS System and Enhance It with CrownTV

Deciding between Square and Clover doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Both systems bring powerful features to the table, and the right choice depends on your business’s unique needs. Whether you prefer Square’s simplicity and predictable pricing or Clover’s customization and scalability, pairing your POS system with CrownTV’s digital signage solutions ensures you maximize its potential. Together, they can transform how you manage operations, engage customers, and grow your business.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered to help you make your decision:

• Features Comparison: Square excels in simplicity, while Clover offers unmatched customization and scalability.
• Cost Breakdown: Square is budget-friendly with flat-rate pricing, while Clover’s tiered plans are suited for businesses seeking tailored tools.
• Integration Capabilities: Both systems integrate well, with Clover’s App Market providing greater flexibility for industry-specific needs.
• Ease of Use: Square is ideal for small teams looking for an intuitive system, while Clover suits businesses that need advanced workflows.

By combining Square or Clover with CrownTV, you unlock a dynamic way to amplify your POS system’s value. From personalized promotions to real-time inventory displays, CrownTV helps you streamline your operations and capture attention like never before.

Choosing the right tools is key, but maximizing them is what drives success. Ready to take the next step? Let CrownTV help you elevate your business operations to the next level.