Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system is one of the most important decisions for small businesses and restaurants. Two of the most popular options, Clover and Square, offer powerful tools for payments, operations, and growth.
But while both platforms help businesses run more efficiently, they approach hardware, flexibility, and customization differently.
In this guide, we’ll compare Square vs Clover in a balanced way, focusing on strengths, ideal use cases, and key differences so you can choose the platform that fits your business best. We’ll also explore how tools like DAVO by Avalara integrate with either platform to keep sales tax management consistent regardless of your POS choice.
Clover vs Square: quick comparison
If you’re deciding between Square and Clover, here’s a high-level overview:
| Feature | Clover | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Customizable configuration | Quick and simple |
| Hardware | Multiple hardware models | Square-designed devices |
| Customization | App marketplace flexibility | Streamlined built-in tools |
| Pricing | Varies by reseller and setup | Transparent and predictable |
| Employee Management | Advanced workforce tools | Simple team management |
| Support | 24/7 phone support | Support varies by plan |
| Best For | Custom workflows and scalability | Simplicity and fast onboarding |
Both platforms provide strong POS functionality and support, including:
- Payment processing
- Inventory management
- Reporting and analytics
- Customer management tools
- Integration with third-party apps
The right choice depends on how much flexibility and customization your business needs.
Square POS: strengths and best use cases
Square is an all-in-one POS platform designed for simplicity and ease of use. Businesses can start accepting payments quickly with minimal setup, making it especially popular among small businesses, new entrepreneurs, and mobile vendors.
Square strengths
- Fast onboarding and easy setup
- Transparent pricing model
- Mobile-friendly payment tools
- Built-in reporting and inventory features
- Simple user interface
Businesses that benefit most from Square
- New businesses and startups
- Food trucks or pop-up shops
- Small retail stores
- Service-based businesses
- Owners looking for a straightforward POS solution
Square’s streamlined design helps reduce complexity, allowing business owners to focus on operations rather than system configuration.
Clover POS: strengths and best use cases
Clover offers a more modular ecosystem, allowing businesses to customize hardware and software based on their operational needs.
Clover strengths
- Customizable hardware options
- App marketplace for expanded functionality
- Advanced reporting capabilities
- Scalable system architecture
- Industry-specific solutions
Businesses that benefit most from Clover
- Restaurants with complex workflows
- High-volume retail environments
- Growing businesses needing flexibility
- Companies wanting deeper customization options
Clover allows businesses to build a POS setup that adapts as operational needs evolve.
Bottom line
Square is often a good fit for startups and small businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use POS system with built-in payment processing, ecommerce capabilities, and a quick setup process. Its free plan also makes it easy to get started with minimal upfront investment.
Clover may be a better choice for established businesses that want greater flexibility in hardware, payment processing, and system customization. Businesses that already work with a Fiserv-affiliated merchant services provider may also find Clover to be a natural fit.
Key differences between Square and Clover
Although both platforms handle core POS functions well, their philosophies differ.
1. Setup and ease of use
Square prioritizes simplicity and quick deployment. Businesses can often start using the system within minutes.
Clover offers more configuration options, which provide flexibility but may require additional setup time.
2. Hardware ecosystem
Square uses its own branded hardware designed for seamless integration.
Clover offers a range of devices and configurations, allowing businesses to choose hardware that fits specific operational workflows.
3. Customization and scalability
Square emphasizes built-in functionality with fewer customization requirements.
Clover provides a marketplace of apps and integrations, making it easier to tailor the system as businesses grow.
4. Pricing structure
Square is known for straightforward pricing, with software, hardware, and payment processing costs typically listed directly through Square. This can make budgeting easier for startups and small businesses when comparing Square vs Clover fees.
Clover pricing may vary depending on the reseller, hardware package, software plan, and payment processing setup. For businesses comparing Clover vs Square fees, that flexibility can be helpful, but it also means reviewing the full cost structure before choosing a system.
Square vs Clover for restaurants
Both platforms support restaurant operations, but their strengths differ.
Square for Restaurants works well for:
- Smaller restaurants
- Cafés
- Quick-service concepts
- Businesses wanting a fast setup
Clover is often preferred by:
- Full-service restaurants
- Multi-location operations
- Businesses needing customizable workflows
Square vs Clover for small businesses
Both platforms can work well for small businesses, but the better fit depends on how simple or customizable the POS setup needs to be.
Square may work well for:
- New businesses and startups
- Solo operators or small teams
- Mobile sellers, pop-ups, and service-based businesses
- Businesses that want straightforward pricing and a simple setup
- Owners who want built-in tools without much customization
Clover may work well for:
- Growing small businesses with more complex workflows
- Businesses that want more hardware flexibility
- Owners who need app integrations or industry-specific tools
- Businesses with specific payment processing preferences
- Teams that want a POS system they can customize over time
Square vs Clover for retail businesses
Retail businesses may choose based on operational complexity.
Square Retail is ideal for:
- Boutique shops
- New retail startups
- Businesses wanting simple inventory tools
Clover works well for:
- Established retail environments
- Stores needing customized integrations
- Higher-volume operations
Make your sales tax less taxing with DAVO.
Square vs Clover for online and in-person selling
Both platforms support businesses that sell through more than one channel, but they approach connected selling differently.
Square may work well for:
- Businesses that sell in person, online, or on the go
- Owners who want built-in ecommerce and online ordering tools
- Businesses that use invoices, mobile payments, or social selling
- Teams that want one connected system for storefront and online transactions
Clover may work well for:
- Businesses that want to connect POS hardware, software, and third-party apps
- Owners who already use specific e-commerce or operational tools
- Businesses that need a more customized setup for multiple sales channels
- Teams that want flexibility across in-person, online, and mobile sales
Sales tax management: why your POS choice doesn’t have to complicate compliance
One area many businesses don’t consider when selecting a POS system is how sales tax will be managed after transactions are processed.
Both Square and Clover help businesses collect sales tax at checkout, but business owners remain responsible for filing, paying, and managing compliance requirements.
This is where sales tax automation software like DAVO comes in.
How DAVO works with Square and Clover
DAVO integrates with both Square and Clover to automate the most time-consuming parts of sales tax management.
Instead of manually tracking liabilities, calculating payments, and filing returns, DAVO:
- Sets aside sales tax daily
- Files return automatically
- Pays taxes on time
- Reduces compliance stress for business owners
Because DAVO works with both POS platforms, businesses can choose the system that best fits their operations while maintaining a consistent approach to sales tax management.
Clover vs Square: which should you choose?
There isn’t a single “right” answer, only the right fit for your business.
Choose Clover if you want:
- Customizable workflows
- Hardware flexibility
- Scalable configuration options
Choose Square if you want:
- Fast setup
- Simplicity
- Built-in tools with minimal customization
Both platforms offer strong foundations for running a business, and with integrated tools like DAVO, managing sales tax can remain simple regardless of which POS you select.
Selecting a POS system should support how you operate today while allowing room for growth tomorrow.
Square and Clover both provide powerful solutions. The difference lies in how you prefer to manage customization, hardware, and operational complexity.
And no matter which platform you choose, integrating automated sales tax management can help ensure compliance stays consistent, accurate, and stress-free.
Ready to simplify sales tax, no matter which POS you choose?
Whether you choose Square for its simplicity or Clover for its flexibility, managing sales tax doesn’t have to add extra complexity to your workflow.
DAVO integrates with both platforms to automate the process, helping set aside sales tax daily, file returns, and pay on time so you can focus on running your business.
Best of all, you can try DAVO free for your first month and experience how automated sales tax management fits into your existing POS setup.
Frequently asked questions
What’s cheaper, Square or Clover?
Square may be easier to budget for because its software, hardware, and payment processing costs are typically listed directly through Square. Clover costs can vary by software plan, hardware package, provider, and payment processing setup, so the cheaper option depends on your business’s sales volume, transaction types, and POS needs.
Can you use Clover without a monthly fee?
Clover merchants can generally expect to pay a monthly software fee plus transaction processing rates. Costs vary by plan, hardware, and provider, so businesses should review the full pricing details for their specific Clover setup before choosing a system.
Does Clover charge per transaction?
Yes. Clover says its credit card processing rates include a transaction fee made up of a percentage of the amount charged plus a flat fee per charge.
Is Clover or Square better for a small business?
Square may be a better fit for small businesses that want a simple setup, straightforward pricing, and built-in tools. Clover may be a better fit for small businesses that want more hardware flexibility, app integrations, or a more customized POS setup.
Can you switch from Square to Clover or Clover to Square?
Yes, businesses can switch from Square to Clover or Clover to Square, but they should plan for hardware, software, payment processing, inventory, reporting, and staff training changes. If sales tax automation is part of the workflow, the business should also confirm that sales tax collection, filing, and payment processes stay accurate after the POS switch.
