How to Choose the Right Card Reader for Your UK Business
Choosing a card reader isn’t just about price — it’s about finding the right fit for your day-to-day setup. Whether you’re a mobile hairdresser, market stall seller, or shop owner, the right choice can speed up payments, simplify your workflow, and even impress your customers.
Here’s an in-depth comparison of the three most popular UK card readers — SumUp Solo, Zettle Reader, and Square Reader — with insights from real-world use and hands-on testing.
SumUp Solo
The SumUp Solo is a sleek, all-in-one touchscreen card reader that doesn’t need a phone or tablet to work. It connects directly to Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot and offers a truly standalone experience. We found setup to be quick, and the UI is intuitive — ideal for those who don’t want to rely on their phone for payments.
It’s a great choice for:
Retail counters
Cafés and bars
Independent stores
Traders who value minimal fuss
From our testing, the Solo impressed with its responsive screen and reliable performance. We also appreciated the clear transaction history and fast setup for daily use. However, it’s worth noting that if you need to print receipts, you’ll need to purchase an optional receipt printer.
Pros
- Standalone — no extra device needed
- User-friendly touchscreen interface
- Compact and portable
- Transparent 1.69% fee per transaction
Cons
- No built-in receipt printer
- Slightly higher upfront cost than app-based readers
- Limited functionality beyond payments
PayPal Zettle
The Zettle Reader by PayPal connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and is used in combination with the powerful Zettle app. It’s compact and stylish, and works especially well for on-the-go businesses.
In our tests, pairing was quick and the connection remained stable even in busy environments. The app itself is a major selling point — offering clear analytics, product inventory management, and tipping options. For mobile hairdressers, market traders, and beauty pros, this system works beautifully.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Quick, reliable connection via Bluetooth
- Accepts contactless, chip & pin, and mobile payments
- Easy-to-use Zettle app with detailed reports
Cons
- Requires pairing with a smartphone or tablet
- Higher transaction fee (1.75%) compared to some competitors
- No built-in receipt printer (digital receipts only)
Square Reader
The Square Reader is the most affordable of the three, coming in at just £19 (ex. VAT). It’s extremely compact and works seamlessly with the free Square Point of Sale app, which includes invoicing, inventory, and analytics.
During testing, we liked how easy it was to issue invoices and see real-time reporting. However, it lacks a screen or keypad — which can be off-putting for some customers — and does require you to operate everything from your phone.
It’s well suited to:
Hobbyists and pop-up stalls
Small service businesses
Anyone just starting out who needs affordability and simplicity
Pros
- Ultra-low upfront cost (£19 ex. VAT)
- Clean, minimalist design
- Free POS app with invoicing and analytics
- Fast deposits and no monthly fees
Cons
- Requires pairing with a smartphone
- No screen or keypad on device
- Limited support options in the UK
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right card reader depends on a few key factors:
Your budget: If you’re starting with a tight budget, the Square Reader gives you the most bang for your buck at just £19.
Your setup: If you don’t want to rely on a phone, the SumUp Solo is the best all-in-one solution. It’s also the most professional-looking in a customer-facing environment.
Previous payment systems: If you already use PayPal or want to integrate with it, Zettle makes sense and comes with a powerful app that many small businesses love.
Your business type: Mobile services like hair and beauty often choose Zettle, while physical shops lean toward SumUp Solo. Market stalls or new ventures may prefer Square’s affordability.
We’ve tested all three in real-world scenarios and spoken to dozens of business owners using them daily. There’s no single winner — only the one that’s best for you. The good news? All three are solid, trusted devices with no monthly fees.