For most small businesses, I’d start with the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) because it accepts tap and chip payments in a compact reader that works with a phone or tablet. The Square Terminal is a stronger fit when you want a screen and receipt printing in one device, while the SumUp Solo suits sellers who prefer a standalone reader with a charging station. The main tradeoff is between a small, phone-dependent reader and a more self-contained terminal with a larger footprint. Older magstripe readers can suit limited situations, but they do not offer the same payment methods as contactless and chip models. Read on for the full comparison and recommendations by business type.
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Key Takeaways
- Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) is the most flexible starting point in this lineup because it supports tap and chip payments while keeping the setup compact.
- Square Terminal combines payment acceptance and receipt printing, making it a better fit for a fixed counter than the smaller phone-connected Square readers.
- The three Square magstripe readers are specialized for swipe payments; their connector differences—Lightning, USB-C, or headset jack—matter only if the device and payment setup support them.
- SumUp Solo and Dejavoo QD2 offer alternatives to Square’s phone-led setup, but buyers should check software, account, and connectivity compatibility before choosing a standalone terminal.
- SumUp Plus keeps a Bluetooth-reader format, so it suits sellers who value portability but still want to pair the reader with a compatible phone or tablet.
| Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) |  | Best Overall | Compatible devices: Android, iPhone | Power source: Battery powered | Connectivity: Bluetooth | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector |  | Best for Legacy iPhone Swipe Payments | Connectivity: Lightning connector | Compatible devices: iPhone and iPad | Operating system: iOS 10.0.2 or later | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Terminal Mobile POS Credit Card Machine |  | Best All-in-One Counter and Mobile Setup | Accepted payment methods: Major credit and debit cards | Receipt printing: Built in | Battery: Built in; designed to last all day | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe (USB-C) |  | Best for USB-C Magstripe Setups | Connection: USB-C | Payment type: Magstripe | Compatible devices: Apple devices with a Lightning connector (as listed) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack) |  | Best for Older Phones with a Headphone Jack | Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express | Device compatibility: Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack | Charging: No charging needed | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Handheld Portable POS Payment Terminal |  | Best for Tableside Service | Device type: Portable POS payment terminal | Functions: Payment acceptance, tableside ordering, barcode scanning | Payment methods: Major credit and debit cards | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SumUp Solo Credit Card Reader with Charging Station |  | Best for Standalone Mobile Checkout | Display: OLED touchscreen | Connectivity: Wi-Fi and mobile data via included SIM card | Charging: Charging station included | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader |  | Best for Phone-Based Selling | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Payment methods: Major credit and debit cards | App: Free SumUp app for smartphone or tablet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Dejavoo QD2 Mobile Wireless Payment Terminal |  | Best for EMV and Contactless Acceptance | Payment compatibility: Chip card, EMV, and NFC | Display: 2.4-inch color LCD with backlight | Memory: 192 MB (128 MB RAM / 64 MB DDR RAM) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation)
Contactless and chip acceptance make this the most versatile choice among the compact Square readers in this batch. It pairs by Bluetooth with an Android phone or iPhone, so a small business can take payments at a market stall, during a home visit, or anywhere a full counter setup is impractical. Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay keeps checkout convenient, while up to 24 hours of offline payment support can help when connectivity drops. Compared with the Square Terminal, this reader is easier to carry but depends on your own phone and does not include receipt printing. Its main tradeoff is that it needs a compatible mobile device, and the provided details do not specify a standalone screen or printer. Choose it for flexible mobile checkout rather than an all-in-one register.
Pros:- Accepts contactless and chip card payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Bluetooth pairing supports mobile checkout with compatible Android phones and iPhones.
- Offline payment support is listed for up to 24 hours.
- Includes fraud prevention and payment-dispute management.
Cons:- Requires a compatible Android phone or iPhone to operate.
- Does not have the built-in receipt printer offered by Square Terminal.
- The provided product details do not specify a standalone display.
Best for: Small retailers, market sellers, and mobile service businesses that already use an Android phone or iPhone and want contactless and chip payments.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need a self-contained checkout device or printed receipts, since this reader relies on a compatible phone and has no listed built-in printer.
- Compatible devices:Android, iPhone
- Power source:Battery powered
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Battery:1 included lithium-ion battery
- Offline payments:Up to 24 hours
- Payment types:Contactless and chip cards
- Digital wallets:Apple Pay and Google Pay
Our verdict“Choose this reader if you want flexible contactless and chip acceptance through a phone, and skip it if your checkout needs a built-in screen and printer.”
Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector
This compact reader is for a narrow job: taking magstripe payments through a Lightning connector on a compatible iPhone or iPad. The Square point-of-sale app adds practical tools such as tipping, discounts, signatures, digital receipts, and payment history, giving a small business more than a basic swipe attachment. Still, its card acceptance is limited to magstripe. That makes it a less flexible choice than the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation), which also handles chip cards and contactless payments. The Lightning connection avoids pairing a separate reader over Bluetooth, but it ties the setup to compatible iOS hardware. This pick makes sense for a business that already has that equipment and specifically needs swipe acceptance; businesses choosing a reader for broader day-to-day use should look elsewhere in the lineup.
Pros:- Connects directly through Lightning to compatible iPhones and iPads.
- Works with Square POS tools for tipping, discounts, signatures, and digital receipts.
- Payment history and sales tracking are available through the app.
- Lightweight design suits a simple mobile swipe setup.
Cons:- Accepts magstripe credit cards only, according to the provided product data.
- Requires a compatible iOS device with a Lightning connector.
- Payment and optional instant deposit fees may apply.
Best for: A small business with a compatible Lightning-equipped iPhone or iPad that needs a simple reader for magstripe cards and uses Square POS features.
Not ideal for: Businesses serving customers who expect chip or contactless checkout, or owners whose mobile devices lack a Lightning connector.
- Connectivity:Lightning connector
- Compatible devices:iPhone and iPad
- Operating system:iOS 10.0.2 or later
- Payment types:Magstripe credit cards
- Color:White
- Additional feature:Lightweight
Our verdict“Pick this for a compatible Lightning iPhone or iPad that needs magstripe acceptance, but choose a chip and contactless reader for broader checkout support.”
Square Terminal Mobile POS Credit Card Machine
The Square Terminal combines payment acceptance and receipt printing in one device, which can simplify checkout for a small shop that does not want to build a setup around a separate reader and phone. It accepts major credit and debit cards, and its built-in battery is designed for cordless use throughout the day. Chip processing takes about two seconds, so the terminal suits busy counters as well as staff who need to take payments around a store. Compared with the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation), it is more self-contained but less pocketable; the smaller reader depends on a phone and does not list receipt printing. The tradeoff is that the provided details give no specific battery runtime, and this is a larger device to carry than a basic reader. It fits businesses that value a ready-to-use checkout station.
Pros:- Combines payment processing and receipt printing in one device.
- Built-in battery is designed for all-day cordless use.
- Accepts major credit and debit cards.
- Chip card processing is listed at about two seconds.
Cons:- The provided details do not state a specific battery runtime.
- Less compact than a separate phone-paired reader for sellers who travel light.
- The product details do not specify which individual card or wallet types are supported.
Best for: Small shops and service counters that want card acceptance and printed receipts in one cordless device.
Not ideal for: Solo sellers who prioritize the smallest possible reader or want a setup that depends on their existing phone.
- Accepted payment methods:Major credit and debit cards
- Receipt printing:Built in
- Battery:Built in; designed to last all day
- Chip card processing time:About 2 seconds
- Payout timing:As soon as the next business day
- Use:At a counter or around a store
Our verdict“Choose Square Terminal for a small business that wants a cordless checkout device with printed receipts built in.”
Square Reader for Magstripe (USB-C)
This reader is a basic mobile option for businesses that want to take magstripe payments through a USB-C connection and use Square’s point-of-sale app. The app includes sales tracking, inventory management, tips, and digital receipts, which can give a small seller useful checkout and recordkeeping tools without a more involved terminal. Compared with the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation), it has a narrower payment role: the supplied information lists magstripe acceptance only. There is also a specification mismatch: the connection is identified as USB-C, while compatibility is described for Apple devices with a Lightning connector. Buyers should verify their device connection before choosing it. It is best suited to someone who has confirmed a matching device and only needs swipe payments; businesses seeking chip or contactless support should choose a different Square reader.
Pros:- Designed for mobile payment acceptance with the Square Point of Sale app.
- The app includes sales tracking and inventory management.
- Square POS supports tips and digital receipts.
- Funds are described as available as soon as the next business day.
Cons:- The compatibility details conflict: the connection is listed as USB-C, while compatible devices are described as Apple devices with Lightning.
- The provided payment information lists magstripe only.
- Requires using the Square Point of Sale app.
Best for: A small business that has verified it owns a compatible USB-C device and needs a simple Square app-based reader for magstripe payments.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need chip or contactless card acceptance, or owners who have not confirmed whether the listed USB-C connection matches their device.
- Connection:USB-C
- Payment type:Magstripe
- Compatible devices:Apple devices with a Lightning connector (as listed)
- App:Square Point of Sale
- Sales tools:Sales tracking and inventory management
- Customer-facing tools:Tips and digital receipts
- Payout timing:As soon as the next business day
Our verdict“Consider this reader only after confirming the connector fits your device and magstripe acceptance meets your checkout needs.”
Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack)
For a small business still using a phone with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, this reader offers a straightforward way to accept major card brands through Square POS without charging the reader. The app can track earnings and sales history, so it covers basic payment records alongside swipes. Its fit is narrower than the Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector: this one supports listed Apple and Android devices with a headphone jack, while the Lightning model is for compatible iPhones and iPads. Both are limited to magstripe in the supplied details, so neither offers the payment flexibility of the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation). The no-charge design keeps one small accessory task off a seller’s list, but the required audio jack is increasingly specific. Choose it only if your existing device has the matching port and swipe payments suit your customers.
Pros:- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
- Works with listed Apple and Android devices that have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
- Requires no charging.
- Square POS tracks earnings and sales history.
Cons:- Requires a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which limits device compatibility.
- The provided details describe magstripe acceptance only.
- Less flexible for current checkout needs than the Square contactless and chip reader.
Best for: A small business that already uses a compatible Apple or Android device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack for occasional swipe payments.
Not ideal for: Businesses with newer phones that lack a headphone jack, or sellers who need chip and contactless payment acceptance.
- Payment methods:Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
- Device compatibility:Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Charging:No charging needed
- App:Square Point of Sale
- Payment type:Magstripe
Our verdict“Choose this only if your existing business phone has a 3.5 mm jack and you need a no-charge magstripe reader.”
Square Handheld Portable POS Payment Terminal
The Square Handheld Portable POS Payment Terminal suits small restaurants and shops that need to take payments while moving around. It combines card acceptance, tableside ordering, and barcode scanning in one slim device, so staff can bring checkout to a customer or scan an item without carrying a separate scanner. Offline payments can help keep sales moving when connectivity drops, a capability not specified for the SumUp Solo. Its splash and dust resistance also fits busy shifts, though it is not described as drop-proof; the optional case adds protection at extra setup. Compared with the Square Terminal Mobile POS Credit Card Machine, this pick emphasizes a handheld, easy-to-carry form and barcode scanning. The tradeoff is limited battery detail: the listing says the battery lasts through use but gives no runtime, so I would not choose it based on a precise shift-length estimate.
Pros:- Combines payment acceptance, tableside ordering, and barcode scanning
- Supports offline payments
- Slim, lightweight design with a comfortable grip
- Resists water splashes and dust
Cons:- Protective case for accidental drops is optional
- No specific battery runtime is provided
Best for: Small restaurants, mobile sellers, and shop staff who need tableside payments or barcode scanning in a portable device
Not ideal for: Businesses that need a stated battery runtime or built-in drop protection, since neither is specified as standard
- Device type:Portable POS payment terminal
- Functions:Payment acceptance, tableside ordering, barcode scanning
- Payment methods:Major credit and debit cards
- Connectivity feature:Offline payments supported
- Durability:Resistant to water splashes and dust
- Battery:Long-lasting; runtime not specified
Our verdict“Choose this Square terminal if staff need a handheld reader for tableside service and barcode scanning, and can work with unspecified battery runtime.”
SumUp Solo Credit Card Reader with Charging Station
The SumUp Solo is suited to small businesses that want a portable touchscreen reader with its own connectivity options. Wi-Fi and mobile data through the included SIM let a seller take payments away from a fixed counter without relying on a paired phone, unlike the SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader, which works through the SumUp app on a smartphone or tablet. The included charging station gives the Solo a clear place to recharge between sales periods, while the touchscreen keeps payment interaction on the device. Setup does require registration through SumUp’s website or app, so it is not ready to use straight out of the box. The listing also gives no battery runtime or processing fee details. I’d favor it over a phone-dependent reader for market stalls or pop-up counters, but buyers should check those operating details before committing.
Pros:- Connects through Wi-Fi or mobile data via included SIM
- Portable touchscreen reader
- Charging station is included
- US-based phone, email, and chat support
Cons:- Setup requires registration through the SumUp website or app
- Battery runtime is not specified
- Payment processing fees are not specified
Best for: Market vendors and pop-up sellers who want a portable touchscreen reader with mobile data and an included charging station
Not ideal for: Businesses that want setup without online registration or need stated battery runtime and transaction fee details before choosing
- Display:OLED touchscreen
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi and mobile data via included SIM card
- Charging:Charging station included
- Portability:Portable
- Controller:Touch
- Processor count:1
- Setup:Registration through SumUp website or app
- Support:US-based phone, email, and chat support
Our verdict“Choose the Solo if you want mobile data and a charging station in a standalone portable reader, and are comfortable checking setup and processing details.”
SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader
The SumUp Plus is the simplest fit here for a seller who already carries a smartphone or tablet and wants a compact card reader to pair with it. Bluetooth connection and the free SumUp app keep payment tasks tied to a device the business may already use, unlike the touchscreen SumUp Solo, which handles interaction on the reader itself and includes mobile data. That phone-based setup can suit market stalls, service calls, and other small operations that value light gear. The tradeoff is that the reader depends on the paired device and app, so it is less self-contained than the Solo. The listing gives a transaction fee of 2.6% + 10 per in-person transaction but does not identify the currency for the additional 10. I’d verify that fee detail and app compatibility before making it the default checkout option.
Pros:- Accepts major credit and debit cards
- Connects by Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet
- Uses the free SumUp app
- Portable for taking payments on the go
Cons:- Requires a paired smartphone or tablet and the SumUp app
- Charges a fee on each in-person transaction
- The currency for the additional 10 in the stated fee is unspecified
Best for: Solo service providers and market sellers who already use a compatible smartphone or tablet for checkout
Not ideal for: Businesses seeking a standalone reader with its own mobile data or those unable to confirm the currency and full fee terms
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Payment methods:Major credit and debit cards
- App:Free SumUp app for smartphone or tablet
- Transaction fee:2.6% + 10 per in-person transaction; currency for 10 unspecified
- Use:Mobile card reader for payments on the go
- Device pairing:Smartphone or tablet
Our verdict“Choose the SumUp Plus if you already use a smartphone or tablet at checkout and have confirmed the transaction fee details.”
Dejavoo QD2 Mobile Wireless Payment Terminal
The Dejavoo QD2 offers a dedicated mobile terminal for small businesses that need both EMV chip and NFC contactless payments. Its 2.4-inch backlit color LCD gives staff a screen on the terminal itself, while the mobile wireless design supports taking payments away from a fixed checkout. Compared with the SumUp Plus, the QD2 is presented as a standalone terminal rather than a Bluetooth reader tied to a phone app. That distinction may suit a business seeking dedicated payment hardware, but the purchase comes with a significant setup dependency: a new SwyftPAY merchant account is required before shipping. The listing also says it is sold by a third-party reseller, which may matter to buyers who prefer to source hardware directly from its maker. I’d shortlist it only if its account requirement fits the business’s payment setup.
Pros:- Supports EMV chip card and NFC contactless payments
- Mobile wireless terminal design
- Backlit color LCD
- Terminal and power supply are included
Cons:- Requires a new SwyftPAY merchant account before shipping
- Sold by a third-party reseller rather than the manufacturer
- The listing does not specify transaction fees or battery runtime
Best for: Small businesses seeking a dedicated mobile terminal for chip and NFC contactless payments that are prepared to open a SwyftPAY merchant account
Not ideal for: Businesses that need to keep their existing merchant account or prefer to buy payment hardware directly from the manufacturer
- Payment compatibility:Chip card, EMV, and NFC
- Display:2.4-inch color LCD with backlight
- Memory:192 MB (128 MB RAM / 64 MB DDR RAM)
- Included:Terminal and power supply
- Merchant account requirement:New SwyftPAY account required before shipping
- Design:Mobile wireless payment terminal
Our verdict“Choose the QD2 if its EMV and NFC support fits your checkout and you are willing to open the required SwyftPAY merchant account.”
How We Picked
I compared these readers around the decisions small businesses face at checkout: which payment methods each device accepts, whether it depends on a phone or tablet, how portable it is, and whether it includes a screen or receipt printing. I gave more weight to devices that can handle common in-person payment methods and fit a wider range of selling situations. A compact reader can be a practical choice for a mobile seller, while a standalone terminal may reduce reliance on a separate device at a counter.
The ranking favors versatility and ease of matching a reader to a small business workflow. That puts the Square contactless-and-chip reader first, with terminal-style devices next for businesses that need a more self-contained checkout. Magstripe-only readers rank lower because they serve a narrower payment setup. Before buying, I’d also verify current compatibility, supported payment methods, and service availability with the provider, since these can depend on the phone, account, and region.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Credit Card Readers For Small Businesses
The reader itself is only one part of accepting payments. I’d choose around the way customers pay, where checkout happens, and what devices and services the business can support day to day.
Match Payment Methods to Your Customers
Start by identifying whether customers expect to tap, insert a chip card, or swipe. A magstripe-only reader narrows checkout to swipe payments, which can create friction for customers who prefer contactless or chip. For a new setup, supporting more than one common payment method gives you flexibility when a card or phone cannot be used in a particular way. Check the provider’s current rules for accepted cards and wallets as well as the reader’s capabilities; the device alone does not determine what your account can process. Avoid buying around a connector or old phone you already own until you confirm that the full payment setup remains supported.
Decide Whether Your Phone Belongs at Checkout
Phone-connected readers can keep equipment light and suit stalls, pop-ups, and service calls. They also make checkout depend on the phone’s battery, operating system, app, and connection, so a dead or unavailable phone can interrupt sales. A standalone terminal shifts more of the checkout task onto the payment device, though you still need to confirm how it connects and what happens during an outage. Consider who will operate the device and whether staff can use it without borrowing a personal phone. For a shared counter, a dedicated terminal may make responsibilities clearer; for occasional mobile sales, carrying a separate terminal may add needless bulk.
Plan for the Physical Checkout
Think through the customer’s path from presenting a card to receiving a receipt. A small reader can be easy to carry but may leave the phone screen doing much of the work. A terminal with its own screen can make the payment step more self-contained, and receipt printing can help businesses whose customers expect paper copies. That extra hardware needs a stable place, charging routine, and storage when the business closes. Before choosing, measure the counter or bag space and decide whether receipts are actually part of your workflow. Buying a larger device for features you rarely use can complicate a simple checkout.
Check Compatibility Before Committing
Compatibility includes more than whether a plug fits. Confirm that the reader works with your specific phone or tablet, the operating system version, the provider’s app, and your account in the country where you sell. Connector-based magstripe readers deserve particular care because a phone change can make an adapter necessary or leave the reader unusable. Also check whether the device is supported by the services you need, such as inventory tools or staff access. A compatibility check before purchase can prevent a reader from becoming stranded when you replace a phone or change how you take payments.
Compare the Full Cost of Running Payments
The device is one cost in a longer payment relationship. Review processing fees, any recurring software or service charges, replacement terms, and whether the provider requires a particular account or plan. Rates and terms may vary by region and transaction type, so compare the terms offered to your business rather than relying on a headline figure. A lower-cost reader can be a poor fit if its payment methods or software lead to extra work at checkout. Conversely, a more capable terminal may not earn its place for a business that takes only occasional payments. Estimate your likely transaction mix and operating needs before settling on a provider.
Choose for the Way You Sell
A single counter, a market stall, and a service business have different requirements even if they process a similar number of sales. Fixed locations can favor a dedicated terminal, while mobile sellers may care more about compact size and quick setup. If several employees take payments, check how the system handles staff permissions, handoffs, and sales records. Seasonal sellers should also ask how charging, storage, and account access work when the device sits unused. The common mistake is choosing by device size alone; the better choice is the one that fits the whole checkout routine, including busy periods and downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a contactless-and-chip reader or a magstripe-only reader?
I’d choose a contactless-and-chip reader for a new small-business setup unless your payment provider or a specific operating need calls for magstripe. It supports more ways for customers to present a card and avoids making swipe the only option. A magstripe reader can still make sense for a compatible legacy setup or a narrow use case, but check support and compatibility before relying on it. The Square magstripe models also use different connectors, so confirm the exact device connection before buying. For broad day-to-day use, the Square contactless-and-chip reader is the more adaptable pick in this lineup.
Can I accept payments if my phone battery dies?
With a phone-dependent reader, a dead phone can prevent you from completing a transaction through that setup. If checkout must continue when a personal phone is unavailable, consider a dedicated terminal such as the Square Terminal, SumUp Solo, or Dejavoo QD2, then verify its network and power requirements. Standalone hardware still needs charging and a working connection, so it is not automatically immune to interruptions. Ask the provider what offline payment options exist and what limits apply before counting on them. A backup phone or a clear charging routine may be enough for a small mobile operation.
Is a standalone terminal worth choosing over a phone-connected reader?
A standalone terminal can be worth it when you want checkout to happen on a dedicated screen or need features such as receipt printing. It can also make a shared counter easier to operate without tying up an employee’s phone. A compact Bluetooth or phone-connected reader is usually easier to carry and may suit occasional or mobile sales better. Compare the added hardware with your actual workflow: a terminal brings charging, storage, and connectivity needs of its own. Choose the format that removes the biggest source of friction for your staff and customers.
What should I verify before buying a reader for my phone?
Check the reader’s connector or wireless connection, supported phone models, operating system requirements, and compatibility with the provider’s current app. Then confirm that your account and region support the payment methods you plan to accept. For a connector-based reader, think ahead to your next phone upgrade and whether an adapter or replacement device would be needed. Do not assume that a matching port guarantees the reader will work with your payment app. If the provider cannot confirm compatibility for your exact setup, choose a model with a clearly supported connection.
How do I choose between Square, SumUp, and Dejavoo?
Start with the checkout format and payment service your business needs, then check local availability and account terms. Square has several form factors in this lineup, from compact readers to a terminal with receipt printing and a handheld POS device. SumUp offers both a standalone Solo and a Bluetooth reader, while Dejavoo is represented by the wireless QD2 terminal. These devices may differ in software, connectivity, and supported business tools, so compare those details with your existing systems before choosing. The best fit is the one your staff can use reliably and whose provider supports the way you sell.
Conclusion
For most small businesses, I recommend the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) as the best overall choice: it combines a compact format with chip and contactless acceptance. The Square magstripe readers are the value-oriented picks only for businesses with a confirmed swipe-based need and compatible devices; they are poor substitutes for broader payment support. For beginners who want a simple phone-connected setup, I’d start with the Square contactless-and-chip reader and verify app compatibility before ordering. If you want a more self-contained checkout, choose the Square Terminal for a counter and receipt printing, or the SumUp Solo if its service and charging-station format fit your operation. The SumUp Plus suits sellers who want a portable Bluetooth reader, while the Square Handheld and Dejavoo QD2 merit a closer look when your workflow calls for a dedicated mobile POS or wireless terminal.
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