Compare Square hardware
Square Reader (2nd generation)
A simple way to accept chip and PIN, contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Accepted payments
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Power
Utilises battery for cordless use
May also be used plugged into wall socket
Utilises battery for cordless use
May also be used plugged into wall socket
Battery or power by USB-C charging cable
Takes 20% more transactions on a single charge than Square Reader (1st generation)
Requires power socket
Requires wall socket or uses iPad-powered mode, which runs on the iPad’s battery.
Requires a wall socket or uses iPad-powered mode, which runs on the iPad’s battery.
Internet connection
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Ethernet (with Hub for Square Terminal, sold separately)
Via your phone or tablet
Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Via your iPad
Via your iPad
Compatible devices
No additional device required
No additional device required. Uses 57 mm x 35 mm thermal printer paper.
Connects via Bluetooth to an iOS (16.0+) or Android (9.0+) device.
No additional device required
Requires iPad (10th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), iPad Air 11-inch (M2).
Requires iPad (10th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th generation), iPad Air (4th, 5th generation), iPad Air 11-inch (M2).
Device connection
No additional device required
No additional device required
Bluetooth LE
Enhanced connectivity (compared to 1st generation)
No additional device required.
USB-C
USB-C
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 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
£99 + VAT¹
Interest-free instalment plans available¹
Square Kiosk app subscription not included. {: .color-gray}
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