Choosing the right card reader is essential for small businesses that want to get paid quickly, reliably, and affordably.
Below, we’ve compared the UK’s most popular readers — SumUp, Zettle by PayPal, and Square — to help you make the right choice.
 SumUp Solo |
 Zettle Reader |
 Square Reader |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 (ex. VAT) | £89 (ex. VAT) | £19 (ex. VAT) |
| Transaction Fee | 1.69% | 1.75% | 1.75% |
| Setup | All-in-one touchscreen | PIN pad & mobile app | App + compact contactless pad |
| Best For | Retail & hospitality | Mobile services, hair & beauty | Market stalls, hobby sellers |
| Buy | Buy from SumUp | Buy from Zettle | Buy from Square |
A sleek touchscreen reader with no app needed.
Best for counter-top setups in cafes, salons, and shops.
PIN pad that connects to a mobile app.
Great for mobile professionals and beauty services.
Ultra-low cost with simple app-based setup.
Ideal for side hustles, markets, and minimal overhead.