Restaurant POS Comparison
Clover POS vs Square for Restaurants
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 POSSquare for Restaurants
Best for quick-service, cafes, and food trucks with a free plan and low-cost entry.
$0/mo (free plan)
Visit Square for RestaurantsQuick comparison
| Clover POS | Square for Restaurants | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0–$90/mo | $0/mo (free plan) |
| Processing fee | 2.3%–2.6% + 10¢ | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| G2 rating | 3.9 | 4.5 |
| Best for | quick-service, cafe, full-service | quick-service, cafe, food-truck |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | — |
Our verdict
Pick Clover if you run a full-service restaurant needing flexible hardware and are okay with a monthly fee starting at $0–$90. Its lower processing rates (2.3%–2.6%) can save money at higher volumes. Pick Square if you're a food truck or small cafe wanting zero monthly cost. The free plan and simple flat-rate pricing (2.6% + 10¢) make it ideal for low-volume or seasonal businesses.
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.
Square for Restaurants pros & cons
- Free plan available with no monthly fees.
- Includes KDS, loyalty, and online ordering.
- Handheld and offline mode support.
- Competitive processing rate of 2.6% + 10¢.
- Advanced features require paid plans.
- Limited customization for complex menus.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main pricing difference between Clover and Square?
Clover has monthly fees from $0–$90 plus processing at 2.3%–2.6% + 10¢. Square offers a free plan with processing at 2.6% + 10¢.
Do Clover or Square require long-term contracts?
Clover often requires a 3-year contract if financed through a reseller. Square has no long-term contracts; you can cancel anytime.
What hardware options do Clover and Square offer?
Clover offers multiple terminals (Flex, Station, Mini) with optional peripherals. Square provides a free magstripe reader and paid terminals like Square Terminal and Square Register.
Which is cheaper for a small restaurant?
Square is cheaper for low-volume restaurants due to its free plan. Clover can be cheaper for high-volume restaurants due to lower processing rates.