Restaurant POS Comparison
Clover POS vs ShopKeep (by Lightspeed)
A side-by-side look at pricing, fees, and features to help you pick the right system for your restaurant.
Clover POS
Best for quick-service, cafe, and full-service restaurants needing flexible hardware.
$0–$90/mo
Visit Clover POSShopKeep (by Lightspeed)
Best for cafes, quick-service, and food trucks needing affordable POS with offline mode.
$69/mo
Visit ShopKeep (by Lightspeed)Quick comparison
| Clover POS | ShopKeep (by Lightspeed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0–$90/mo | $69/mo |
| Processing fee | 2.3%–2.6% + 10¢ | 2.5% + 10¢ |
| Free plan | No | No |
| G2 rating | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Best for | quick-service, cafe, full-service | cafe, quick-service, food-truck |
| Handheld | ✓ | — |
| Kds | ✓ | — |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | — |
Our verdict
Pick Clover for full-service restaurants needing flexible hardware and lower processing rates for high volume. Pick ShopKeep for food trucks or cafes needing offline mode and simple, affordable pricing without long-term contracts.
Clover POS pros & cons
- Flexible hardware options for different restaurant types.
- Built-in loyalty and online ordering features.
- Offline mode ensures uptime during internet outages.
- Handheld POS for tableside ordering and payment.
- Processing fees can be higher than competitors.
- Contract terms may include early termination fees.
ShopKeep (by Lightspeed) pros & cons
- Offline mode ensures sales continue without internet.
- Built-in loyalty program to retain customers.
- Online ordering integration for pickup/delivery.
- Low starting price at $69/month.
- Processing fee of 2.5% + 10¢ is high.
- No free plan available.
- Limited advanced features for full-service restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pricing difference between Clover and ShopKeep?
Clover has no monthly fee for basic plans, but processing is 2.3%-2.6% + 10¢. ShopKeep is $69/mo with 2.5% + 10¢ processing.
Do Clover or ShopKeep require long-term contracts?
Clover often requires a 3-year contract for hardware. ShopKeep (Lightspeed) typically has month-to-month plans with no long-term commitment.
What hardware options do Clover and ShopKeep offer?
Clover offers multiple terminals (Station, Flex, Mini) with built-in payment processing. ShopKeep uses iPad-based systems with external card readers.
Which is cheaper for a small restaurant?
For low-volume cafes, ShopKeep's flat $69/mo may be cheaper. For high-volume, Clover's lower processing rates (2.3% vs 2.5%) can save more.