Clover vs Simphony POS

PayPal

Stripe

Square Point of Sale

PayPal provides an end-to-end suite of tools that can integrate with a business's existing systems and service providers. Its network of shoppers and businesses provides AI-driven data insights to help businesses reach new customers and drive results.

Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform that enables businesses to accept payments online and in person. It offers a suite of APIs for payment processing, subscription management, fraud prevention, and financial services integration Stripe provides both developer-focused tools with extensive documentation and no-code solutions for businesses without technical staff.

Square Point of Sale is a POS solution for Android and iOS devices which includes tools for managing payments, digital receipts, inventory, reports, and more.

Owner

After 2 1/2 months of the issue not being resolved, horrendous communication and terrible customer service, I asked to return the device and a refund (I had not used the product once as I felt uncomfortable with the surcharge fee).

They downloaded an app not requested onto my account, they started charging me several hundred dollars each month, refused to try to refund, impossible to get through to the right department to correct, still charging me after I have cancelled all of my account and sold the equipment.

We were advised that we were 2 weeks out of our warranty expiration!

IT Consultant

I like clean and optimized web interface, customer database, invoicing module.

Clover is an all-in-one platform designed to help on and offline retailers, quick service restaurants, and other service businesses manage their point-of-sale operations, with secure payment solutions and reliable business management features

Access Controls/Permissions

Accounting

ACH Payment Processing

Activity Dashboard

Appointment Management

Barcode Recognition

Barcode/Ticket Scanning

Billing & Invoicing

Cash Management

Commission Management

Contact Management

Credit Card Processing

Customer Accounts

Customizable Reports

Data Security

Delivery Management

Discount Management

eCommerce Management

Electronic Payments

Electronic Signature

Employee Management

For Bars/Clubs

For Food Trucks

For iPad Devices

For Liquor Stores

For Restaurants

For Retail

For Salons and Spas

Gift Card Management

Inventory Control

Inventory Management

Item Management

Loyalty Program

Mobile Access

Multi-Location

Online Ordering

Order Management

Partial Payments

Payment Processing

Point of Sale (POS)

Point of Sale (POS) Integration

Pricing Management

Product Catalog

Real-Time Reporting

Receipt Management

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Restaurant POS

Retail Inventory Management

Retail Management

Retail POS

Returns Management

Returns Tracking

Sales Reports

Sales Tax Management

Scheduling

Separate Checks

Shopping Cart

SMS Marketing

Split Checks

Table Management

Third-Party Integrations

Tips Management

Touch Screen

Transaction History

Transaction Monitoring

Website Integration

Some reviewers find Clover’s initial pricing and competitive processing rates appealing, and they appreciate the value compared to other POS solutions. However, many users report high overall costs, confusing pricing, and expensive add-ons or hardware.

Value for money

By industry, Clover reviewers are most commonly professionals in retail (15%). The most frequent use case for Clover cited by reviewers is payment processing (54% of reviewers).

Clover

Web-based

Windows

iPad

Android

iPhone

Linux

Toast POS

Square Payments

Aloha Cloud

Shopify POS

Venmo

Square for Retail

Shopify

GlossGenius

Mindbody

Booker

authorize.net

Lightspeed Retail

Basic

Unexpected and unclear charges

Cancelled my contract without me asking then charge my bank $500 for early cancellation

I have been double-charged and it is very frustrating especially when I call and not a single person can tell me what I am being charged for.  

89% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s charges. Some users report frequent issues with battery and charging docks, leading to unexpected costs. Reviewers indicate that they were charged for replacements during warranty periods and faced duplicate or unexplained charges. Some reviewers find monthly fees for non-compliance and leased devices frustrating, and users think rate increases and upcharges for features are common. Reviewers say they experienced double charges, early cancellation penalties, and ongoing billing problems, making it difficult to manage expenses and trust the system.

Frequent connectivity problems

System is unreliable as they always have intermittent server issues.

Tasting Rooms Directory

I've had to plug in ethernet cables every week because they Wifi is not compatible, and have had to reset admin profiles due to shut out.

82% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s connectivity. Some users report regular WiFi incompatibility, requiring frequent resets and ethernet connections. Reviewers indicate that devices lose internet connection, experience slow performance, and have synchronization issues with third-party plugins. Some reviewers find the system unreliable due to intermittent server outages, and users think spotty connections disrupt daily operations. Reviewers say troubleshooting often involves long holds with support, and problems with Bluetooth and network compatibility are persistent, impacting their ability to use the platform effectively.

Unresponsive phone support

Constantly told they are working on it and will call us back, but you will never receive a call back.  

88% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s phone support. Some users report long wait times, disconnected calls, and lack of follow-up from support representatives. Reviewers indicate that communication is difficult, with inconsistent answers and unresolved issues after multiple calls. Some reviewers find it challenging to reach anyone with authority, and users think escalation processes rarely lead to solutions. Reviewers say they often receive no callbacks or email responses, and support staff seem unable or unwilling to address their concerns, leaving problems unresolved.

High and hidden fees

Could not afford the monthly billing fees which I was not forewarned about so got an NSF notice from my bank and was sent to collections.  

Clerk of Court

We were tricked to leasing a new machine that we never used due to Covid and now they want us to pay all of the fees over again to reinstate the account $199 plus $150.   If you are considering this company run the other way.

80% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s fees. Some users report expensive processing, transaction, and maintenance fees, often not disclosed upfront. Reviewers indicate that additional app fees and monthly charges make the system less affordable than expected. Some reviewers find early termination penalties and surprise deductions frustrating, and users think the cost of leasing equipment and handling fees is excessive. Reviewers say changing plans and rates lead to unpredictable expenses, and hidden fees are a recurring issue, making it difficult to budget and manage their business finances.

Widespread negative user sentiment

96% of reviewers feel negative about their overall experience with Clover. Some users report ongoing frustration, disappointment, and dissatisfaction with the system, describing it as a nightmare and the worst POS they have used. Reviewers indicate that their expectations were not met, and they consistently encountered problems that affected their business. Some reviewers feel the product is poorly designed and lacks redeeming qualities, leading them to regret their decision. Users think the negative experiences are pervasive, with many expressing strong warnings against using Clover.

Easy staff training process

Operations Manager

The POS tablets are very easy to use and train new staff on their operation.  

Office Manager

Also love that it is easy to train new staff members on how to process payments and do end of the day reporting.

86% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s training and learning curve. Some users say new employees learn the system quickly, often within a day or two, due to its intuitive interface. Reviewers appreciate features like training modes and self-explanatory layouts, which reduce the need for extensive instruction. Some reviewers find it simple to teach staff of varying ages and abilities, and users think minimal training is required for cashiers and technicians. Reviewers indicate that the ease of training helps their teams transition smoothly and improves overall staff confidence.

Efficient system navigation

Practice Manager

Clients comment all the time how quick and hassle less check out is and our older clients love how visible the screens are.

87% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s navigation. Some users report that the interface is straightforward, allowing them to easily access dashboards, reports, and manage multiple locations. Reviewers indicate that features like clear layouts, large readable screens, and intuitive app switching make daily operations smoother. Some reviewers find the online portal and website dashboard simple to use, which helps them quickly locate needed information. Users think the navigation-friendly design reduces training time and improves customer checkout experiences, especially for older clients who appreciate visible screens and easy-to-understand buttons.

Quick and simple setup

Executive Director

The ease-of-use alone and easy set up made it a perfect solution for my organization.

94% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s setup process. Some users report that installation is fast, often completed in under an hour, and instructions are clear. Reviewers appreciate the plug-and-play functionality, which requires minimal technical expertise. Some reviewers find creating menus and configuring devices straightforward, and users think the initial implementation is hassle-free. Reviewers indicate that easy setup helps them get their business running quickly, and the attractive hardware is simple to install. Some users say the process is user-friendly, even for those with limited technology experience.

Modern mobile device experience

Administrative supervisor 

Clover is easy to use and we have the device you can unplug it and walk to a consult room and it still works.  

Lead ABA Therapist

This product is very sleek looking and I love that I am able to access it from my phone.

87% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s mobile devices. Some users say the touchscreens are responsive and resemble smartphones, making them easy for staff and customers to use. Reviewers appreciate the portability of handheld devices, which streamline checkout processes and vendor events. Some reviewers find the wireless options convenient for moving between locations, and users think the sleek, modern design enhances their business’s image. Reviewers indicate that mobile access allows them to monitor orders and manage transactions efficiently, while the app marketplace offers customization for various business needs.

User-friendly platform

Office Administrator

It is easy to use and you can find apps for most things might need.

Engineer

Clover is an easy to use platform for both the costumer and company.

96% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s ease of use. Some users say the platform is straightforward for both staff and customers, making business operations fast and convenient. Reviewers appreciate the intuitive layout, which allows them to find items and details quickly. Some reviewers find the system user-friendly and hassle-free, and users think the experience is smooth and efficient. Reviewers indicate that Clover’s easy-to-use interface reduces adoption time and simplifies daily tasks, helping their business run more effectively without complications.

Optician

It keeps everything organized for you and it is quick for payment processing, financial management, sales, and inventory management!

It allows me to keep track of inventory and sales on a daily basis even when im away from the store.

Managing Director

As an event planner, having this option on site has made on site event payments a breeze for clients and guests.

Anything and everything

A duplicate charge caused by clover system during a service outage cannot be refunded—by me or by their support team.

The customers also like this machine, which allows them to use tap/Apple Pay and to manually enter their card information if they do not have their card physically with them

Overall I like Clover better than other payment processors for value, ease of use, and ability to maintain mobile payments - but know that if you're using them across many stations, you will need early controls!

Executive sous chef

It is not intuitive for example when searching for something if spacing or capitalization is off it will not find the item.

Manager

We had to type in the amount of the transaction which would sometimes result in an incorrect amount being charged to the client instead of connecting with our software to pull up the amount automatically.

Reports are always missing key details.   If you want a complete system, you will have to purchase many upgrade apps with high monthly fees, just to have the most basic of features.  

However they FAILED to finish that sentence (I did not know until 3 days later) that yes, my customer would transfer over into an app that I can see all of them BUT they would not integrate or come up in Clover.   AND all the new customers you get using Clover, will now become Clovers.  

I'm able to use it at any venue, in any weather condition, indoors or outdoors, no matter the occasion!

Hair dressing

I’ve been with clover for 2 years and I sold my business and they told me I either have to refer someone to them or pay the 500$ penalty which I got them a customer and they told me I’m good to cancel without any penalty and apparently that person charged he’s mind and canceled with them and got charged 250$ and they changed their mind and told me I have to pay 500$ so not fair

When making a sale it will apply it to the person that is logged in but sometimes the sale is split and there is no way to put two employees.

I give 1 star because I cant give 0 stars, be carefull with this company, I stopped working with them and paid everything, after 2 years the put me in collection and asking me for a payment I already did, I been with this for 2 years, every time they call me ask me for alot of paperwork and they said that I owe $700 dlls, I proof everything thing and now they get back with this, not happy about this.

Recepcionist

It is a very useful way of getting quick and small amount of money from the payment of our costumers. Before we were using a more convectional way of and it costed a lot and the online payments were always very late to arrive in my account but with Clover it is much easier.

A true lifesaver for a seamless payment process at events large and small.

It takes forever to enter data too unless you have them do it which they charge you for.

I wanna leave a review about you worker NAI or NAY, he was very root on the phone, I asked hen few times for confirmation email, he sad to me he can’t do that and I asked to transfer me to the Menager, also he did ignore me and put me on hold for long time and didn’t come back, terrible customer service and support!!!

It got to be the 6 month mark and their solution was to reset the device.

It processes funds quickly, and is relatively easy to navigate sales through singular machines.

However, the platform lacks important features compared to its competitors, and I’ve seen multiple clients migrate away from it.

Having a more digital point of sale helps with the customers as well when completing their sales.

The easy and look of the actual system, card reader, customer reader, receipt, and the sale screen was really nice and easy to work with.

I follow their steps and now we have 1 device that works and the rest do not!

pres

bucks for cancelling but i had to switch to another recorded line to give my bank info they already should have had

Events Coordinator

The login only remembers your log in for 2 weeks then you need a code and only gives you one user with a code

Admin

Furthermore using clover is very helpful when it comes to taking payments from small to large businesses, user friendly, cloud based, you can give certain rights to your users.

we need more internal information", "we have no record of your call" - despite having reference numbers and names of each person I spoke to.

Head of Product Development

The Clover POS system provides a comprehensive and flexible solution for managing various business operations.

I was looking for an up grade in systems BUT my customer had to transfer over to the new POS.  

i have had over 20 units throughout my business venture and I got to say, they are a ripoff.

Key Account Manager

Every machine needs to be programmed to one sole processor. If you switch then you have to buy a brand new one.

Founder

Works well as a basic POS platform but does not do what it claims it can do as far as inventory management.

I am a private event planner and Clover has been a game changer!

LLC Member

We use clover because they have the built in technology for cellular signal into there device.  

Server

The only minor issue I have noticed it connectivity issues on occasion but that is expected with POS systems and also may not be specifically related to Clover.

The second anything goes wrong you can’t rely on customer service.

Clover vs Simphony POS Comparison (2026)

Clover

Simphony POS

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives