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
Mobile
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Mobile
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Mobile
Contactless
Chip and PIN
Mobile
Power
Battery or power 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 outlet or uses iPad powered mode, which runs on the iPad’s battery.
Internet connection
Wi-Fi or Ethernet (with Hub for Square Terminal, sold separately)
Via your phone or tablet
Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Via your iPad
Compatible devices
No additional device required. Uses 57 mm x 35 mm thermal printer paper.
Connects via Bluetooth to an iOS (15.0+) or Android (7.0+) 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).
Device connection
No additional device required.
Bluetooth LE
Enhanced connectivity (compared to 1st generation)
No additional device required.
USB-C
Compatible point-of-sale software
Square Point of Sale
Square for Restaurants
Square for Retail
Square Appointments
Square Point of Sale
Square for Retail (with an iPad)
Square for Restaurants (with an iPad)
Square Appointments
Square Point of Sale
Square for Restaurants
Square for Retail
Square Appointments
Square Point of Sale
Square for Restaurants
Square for Retail
Square Appointments
Price
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