Compare Square hardware
A pocketable point of sale for table-side orders and payments, with a built-in barcode scanner.
Square Register
A fully integrated point of sale with built-in payments and two touchscreens.
Square Reader (2nd generation)
A simple way to accept chip and PIN, contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay
Accepted payments
Contactless
Chip
International credit cards
Interac debit cards
Contactless
Chip
Magstripe (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
International credit cards
Interac (tap, chip and PIN)
Contactless
Chip
International credit cards
Interac
Contactless
Chip
International credit cards
Interac
Contactless
Chip
Magstripe (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
International credit cards
Interac (tap, chip and PIN)
Contactless
Chip
International credit cards
Interac (tap, chip and PIN)
Power
Utilizes battery for cordless use
May also be used plugged into a wall outlet
Utilizes battery for cordless use
May also be used plugged into a wall outlet
Requires wall outlet or uses iPad-powered mode, which runs on the iPad’s battery.
Requires wall outlet or uses iPad-powered mode, which runs on the iPad’s battery.
Requires wall outlet
Battery or power by USB-C charging cable
Takes 20% more transactions on a single charge than Square Reader (1st generation)
Internet connection
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Ethernet (with Hub for Square Terminal, sold separately)
Via your iPad
Via your iPad
Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Via your phone or tablet
Compatible devices
No additional device required
No additional device required. Uses 2.25-inch (5.72-cm) thermal printer paper.
Requires USB-C compatible iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th generation), 11-inch iPad Air (M2, M3) and iPad Air (4th, 5th generation).
Requires USB-C compatible iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th generation), 11-inch iPad Air (M2, M3) and iPad Air (4th, 5th generation).
No additional device required.
Connects via Bluetooth to an iOS (16.0+) or Android (9.0+) device.
Device connection
No additional device required
No additional device required.
USB-C
USB-C
No additional device required.
Bluetooth LE
Enhanced connectivity (compared to 1st generation)
Compatible point-of-sale software
Square Point of Sale, which includes business solutions for restaurants, retail, services and beauty
Square Point of Sale, which includes business solutions for restaurants, retail, services and beauty
Square Point of Sale, which includes business solutions for restaurants, retail, services and beauty
Square Kiosk²
Square Point of Sale, which includes business solutions for restaurants, retail, services and beauty
Square Point of Sale, which includes business solutions for restaurants, retail, services and beauty
Square Point of Sale, which includes business solutions for restaurants, retail, services and beauty
Price
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