Clover vs Square vs Valor vs PAX: which POS is right for you?

The 30-second version

• CloverA deep, app-extensible platform that scales from a handheld to a full restaurant or retail suite. Best when you want one system to run the whole business.
• SquareClean, simple, and a favorite for cafes, retail, and services — with a free entry plan and a beautiful experience.
• ValorAndroid smart terminals built for dual-pricing and surcharge programs from the ground up — a natural fit for zero-cost.
• PAXA dependable, flexible terminal range (compact to large dual-screen) on an app-based Android platform.

Clover — the all-in-one platform

Clover is more than payments: it's a full business-management system with inventory, employees, customers, and an app market, scaling from the pocket-sized Clover Go to the dual-screen Station Duo. It's a standout for restaurants (tableside Flex, the KDS, and kiosks) and for retailers that want deep inventory. Choose Clover when you want one platform to grow into.

Square — simple, clean, and quick to start

Square is beloved for its simplicity and design. The POS app is free to start, the hardware is sleek — from the Reader and Stand to the all-in-one Register — and it's a great fit for cafes, boutiques, salons, and service businesses that want to be up and running fast.

Valor — built for zero-cost

Valor PayTech makes Android smart terminals (like the VP550 and dual-screen VP800) engineered for dual-pricing and surcharge programs. If your priority is a dependable terminal that slots cleanly into a zero-cost setup — with virtual terminal and invoicing included — Valor is a strong pick.

PAX — flexible terminals, app-based

PAX offers a broad terminal range, from the compact E500 to the large dual-screen E800, running on the app-based PAXBiz platform. Choose PAX when you want a rock-solid, flexible terminal that fits nearly any counter and channel.

How to choose

Start with how you operate: a full-service restaurant leans Clover; a design-forward cafe or boutique often loves Square; a counter focused on dependable, zero-cost payments fits Valor or PAX. Remember that Clover and Square run on separate systems — you pick one ecosystem for your POS, while universal accessories (scanners, scales, label printers) work with either. The best way to decide is to compare them side by side — or tell me how you run your business and I'll recommend the exact fit.