Clover vs PayPal Point of Sale

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)

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 users say Clover offers fair pricing for basic needs and reviewers appreciate competitive processing rates and affordable third-party apps. However, some reviewers feel extra costs, inflexible contracts, and expensive add-ons diminish overall value for money.

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 (55% 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

it is a total disaster, double charge came, and support saying no, you were charged just once

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.  

92% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s charges. Some users report being surprised by hidden or unexplained fees, including charges for non-compliance, device replacements, and services not received. Reviewers say they have experienced double billing, rate increases, and penalties for contract changes or cancellations. They find it difficult to get clear explanations from support regarding what they are being charged for, leading to frustration and distrust. Users indicate that these unexpected costs make budgeting and financial planning challenging.

Unreliable phone support

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

91% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s phone support. Some users report long wait times, frequent call disconnections, and a lack of follow-up from support representatives. Reviewers say they often receive inconsistent answers and struggle to reach someone with the authority to resolve their issues. They indicate that repeated calls rarely lead to satisfactory solutions, and communication barriers further complicate the process. Users feel unsupported and frustrated when seeking help by phone.

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.

81% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s connectivity. Some users report regular issues with WiFi compatibility, dropped internet connections, and system outages. Reviewers say these problems disrupt business operations, requiring frequent reboots or manual interventions. They indicate that troubleshooting connectivity is time-consuming and often unresolved by support. Users mention that unreliable connections lead to delays in transactions and can negatively impact customer service.

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.  

They sent me a new Clover system on top of the one already had, so they tried to charge me double monthly subscription fees.  

79% of reviewers feel negative about Clover’s fees. Some users report encountering numerous charges, including processing, maintenance, and unexpected add-on fees. Reviewers say that promised low rates are often replaced by convoluted pricing structures and expensive contracts. They indicate that fees for upgrades, early termination, and equipment leases are not always disclosed upfront. Users find the overall cost of ownership to be much higher than anticipated, making the system less affordable for many businesses.

Widespread dissatisfaction reports

95% of reviewers feel negative about their overall experience with Clover. Some users report persistent frustration, describing the system as disappointing and problematic from the start. Reviewers indicate that their interactions with the product and company have been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing regret over their decision to use Clover. They say that their business operations suffered due to ongoing issues, and some even characterize their experience as the worst they have had with a POS system.

Streamlined staff training

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 can learn the system quickly, often within a day or two, due to its intuitive design. Reviewers indicate that minimal training is required, which is especially beneficial for businesses with frequent staff changes. They appreciate features like training modes and straightforward processes for onboarding. Users find that the easy learning curve helps maintain smooth operations and reduces downtime.

Effortless system navigation

CSR 

The clover website is easy to use and navigate and the handheld is very easy to use, I received no training on it and was able to figure it out.

88% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s navigation. Some users say the interface is clear and organized, making it easy to locate features and manage reports. Reviewers indicate that dashboards and menus are intuitive, helping them access information quickly. They find that the layout supports efficient workflow, even for those new to the system. Users appreciate that navigation remains simple across both web and device platforms, allowing them to manage multiple locations or tasks without confusion.

Quick and simple setup

Practice Manager

Very easy to set up as well for someone with limited technology experience.

94% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s setup process. Some users report that installation is fast and uncomplicated, often requiring minimal technical knowledge. Reviewers say the initial configuration is guided by clear instructions, and they find it easy to add items or users. They appreciate that the hardware is ready to use out of the box, with many noting that the setup process saves valuable time. Users think the seamless setup allows them to get their business running without unnecessary delays or frustration.

Versatile mobile functionality

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 device capabilities. Some users report that the touchscreens are responsive and familiar, resembling smartphones or tablets, which eases adoption. Reviewers say the portability of devices allows for flexible use in various business settings, such as vendor events or tableside transactions. They appreciate the modern, sleek design and the convenience of wireless operation. Users find that mobile access improves efficiency and enhances the customer experience.

Intuitive everyday operations

Engineer

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

Food Services Manager

96% of reviewers feel positive about Clover’s ease of use. Users say the platform is straightforward for both staff and customers, making daily operations smoother. Some reviewers report that the interface is user-friendly, allowing them to quickly find items and complete transactions. They appreciate that the system is simple to adopt, with many noting that it is faster and more convenient than previous solutions. Reviewers indicate that the design helps reduce training time and confusion, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and focus on serving customers.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

Intuitive Coach

I chose to cancel them (and lose the $215) because I cannot be in Business with a company that doesn't have integrity, doesn't communicate major decisions that affect me (their merchant), and places the blame on me for not reading my monthly statement.

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

Member Services

It seems a bit "nearsighted" when it comes to taking tap payments, and is very picky about exactly where the card is tapped.

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.

They exhibit zero communication with their merchants, zero ability to resolve conflict, and most importantly, they lack integrity.  

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.

It also has saved us a ton of money with the credit card processing fee feature.

Clover vs PayPal Point of Sale Comparison (2026)

Clover

PayPal Point of Sale

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives