Choosing the right handheld POS card reader with EMV support depends on your business model, transaction volume, and mobility needs. For those prioritizing versatility and affordability, the SumUp Plus Card Reader offers reliable card acceptance via Bluetooth, ideal for mobile vendors. If you need a more feature-rich device with a larger screen, the SumUp Solo provides a portable solution with a full touch interface and built-in mobile data. For businesses focused on contactless and chip payments, the Square Contactless and Chip Reader and its second-generation upgrade deliver enhanced security and connectivity. This guide compares these options, highlighting their strengths and limitations to help you find the best fit.
Key Takeaways
- The SumUp Plus is best for mobile vendors needing simple, Bluetooth-based card acceptance.
- The SumUp Solo excels for on-the-go businesses requiring a touchscreen interface and reliable mobile data.
- The Square Contactless and Chip Readers are ideal for secure contactless and EMV chip transactions with added convenience.
- Tradeoffs include transaction fees, device compatibility, and feature limitations depending on your business type.
- Prioritize connectivity options and security features based on your transaction environment and volume.
| SumUp Plus Card Reader, Bluetooth NFC RFID Credit Card Reader for Smartphone |  | Best for Mobile Vendors Needing Simple Card Acceptance | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Payment Types: NFC, RFID, credit and debit cards | App Compatibility: Smartphone and tablet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment Card Reader with Charging Station |  | Best for Mobile Businesses Needing a Full-Featured Device | Interface: Full touch-screen | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, mobile data | Includes: Charging station, free SIM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Contactless and Chip Reader |  | Best for Contactless and Chip EMV Payments | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown | |||
| Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) |  | Best for Enhanced Connectivity and Security | Connectivity: Enhanced | Payment Methods: Contactless, Chip, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Battery Life: Extended | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| handheld pos card reader emv | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| SumUp Plus Card Reader | Bluetooth |
| SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment | Wi-Fi, mobile data |
| Square Contactless and Chip Re | — |
| Square Reader for Contactless | Enhanced |
More Details on Our Top Picks
SumUp Plus Card Reader, Bluetooth NFC RFID Credit Card Reader for Smartphone
The SumUp Plus Card Reader stands out for its portability and straightforward Bluetooth connection, making it ideal for vendors who need to take payments anywhere. It accepts all major credit and debit cards via NFC, RFID, and traditional magnetic stripe, offering broad compatibility. Compared with larger devices, it’s more limited in scope, focusing solely on in-person transactions, and the transaction fee of 2.6% + 10¢ might be high for high-volume merchants. Still, its simplicity and lack of hidden fees make it a popular choice for small businesses or event vendors. It requires a smartphone or tablet to operate, which could be a constraint if you prefer a standalone device.
Pros:- Accepts all major credit and debit cards
- Highly portable and easy to use on the go
- No hidden fees or long-term contracts
Cons:- Transaction fee can be costly for high sales volume
- Requires smartphone or tablet to function
- Limited to in-person transactions only
Best for: Mobile vendors or small business owners who need portable, straightforward card acceptance.
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring advanced features like a touchscreen interface or offline payment capabilities.
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Payment Types:NFC, RFID, credit and debit cards
- App Compatibility:Smartphone and tablet
Our verdict“A reliable, portable option ideal for mobile vendors prioritizing simplicity over advanced features.”
SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment Card Reader with Charging Station
The SumUp Solo offers a more comprehensive mobile payment solution with its full touch-screen interface and support for mobile data via a free SIM card. Its built-in Wi-Fi and long battery life make it well-suited for businesses on the move that want a device resembling a small tablet. Compared to the Plus, it provides a more engaging user experience and more flexible connectivity options, but it requires setup via the website or app, which may be a hurdle for some. Its focus on card payments might limit options if you need broader payment types. The included charging station adds convenience but also increases upfront cost.
Pros:- Large full touch-screen interface
- Includes free SIM card and mobile data
- Reliable Wi-Fi connection and long battery life
Cons:- Requires registration and setup process
- Limited to card payments (unclear if contactless is supported)
- Higher upfront cost for device and accessories
Best for: Business owners who want a portable, feature-rich device with a large display and reliable mobile data.
Not ideal for: Those seeking a device with broad payment method support beyond card payments or prefer simpler setups.
- Interface:Full touch-screen
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, mobile data
- Includes:Charging station, free SIM
- Battery:Great capacity
Our verdict“A versatile, touchscreen device for mobile businesses that value a larger display and integrated mobile data.”
Square Contactless and Chip Reader
The Square Contactless and Chip Reader is designed for quick, secure contactless and EMV chip transactions. Its compatibility with multiple mobile devices makes it flexible, especially for businesses that primarily process contactless payments. However, the lack of detailed specifications and limited information about supported payment types could be a concern for merchants needing broader options. It’s a straightforward device that prioritizes security and ease of use, but it may fall short for businesses requiring offline payments or advanced features. Its simplicity makes it suitable for small to medium operations focused on contactless and chip cards.
Pros:- Supports contactless and chip card payments
- Easy to use with compatible mobile devices
- Secure transaction processing
Cons:- Limited information on compatibility
- No detailed specs might cause uncertainty
- Limited to contactless and chip payments only
Best for: Businesses that prioritize contactless and chip payments with a focus on security and ease of use.
Not ideal for: Businesses needing support for magnetic stripe, RFID, or offline payments.
Our verdict“A streamlined device for secure contactless and EMV chip payments, best suited for contactless-focused merchants.”
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation)
The Square Reader (2nd Generation) builds on its predecessor by adding improved connectivity, extended battery life, and support for multiple contactless payment methods including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Its robust security features, such as data security and fraud prevention, make it suitable for businesses processing high volumes or handling sensitive data. Offline payments support for up to 24 hours adds flexibility in areas with unreliable connectivity. Compared with the original, this model demands a compatible device but offers broader functionality and security enhancements, making it a strong choice for growing businesses.
Pros:- Supports multiple contactless payment options
- Extended battery life and improved connectivity
- Advanced security and offline payment support
Cons:- Requires compatible device
- Limited to contactless and chip payments
- Higher cost compared to basic readers
Best for: Business owners seeking a secure, versatile contactless/EMV device with reliable offline capabilities.
Not ideal for: Merchants primarily relying on magnetic stripe or RFID payments, or those with older hardware setups.
- Connectivity:Enhanced
- Payment Methods:Contactless, Chip, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Battery Life:Extended
- Security:Data security, fraud prevention
- Offline Payments:Up to 24 hours
Our verdict“A highly secure, feature-rich contactless and chip reader designed for businesses prioritizing security and offline functionality.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on key factors like compatibility, transaction security, portability, and ease of use. We compared products based on their connectivity options—Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile data—and their ability to support EMV chip, contactless, NFC, RFID, and other payment types. We considered user reviews, device durability, and integration with popular payment apps. Additionally, we evaluated cost aspects, including transaction fees and device price, to balance affordability with functionality. The goal was to identify devices suited for various business sizes and mobility needs, ensuring each option offers a clear advantage for its target user.
| handheld pos card reader emv | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| SumUp Plus Card Reader | Bluetooth |
| SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment | Wi-Fi, mobile data |
| Square Contactless and Chip Re | — |
| Square Reader for Contactless | Enhanced |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Handheld Pos Card Reader Emv
Choosing the best handheld EMV POS card reader involves balancing features like connectivity, payment support, security, and portability. The right device depends on your business size, transaction volume, and whether mobility or advanced security is your priority. Here, I outline key considerations to help you decide which features matter most and how different models address those needs.
Connectivity Options
Look for devices that match your operational environment. Bluetooth is ideal for mobile vendors working in various locations without Wi-Fi access, while Wi-Fi or mobile data support is better for businesses that need a stable connection at a fixed point or on the go. Enhanced connectivity can improve transaction speed and reduce errors, especially in busy settings.
Payment Method Support
Determine which payment types are essential for your customers. EMV chip and contactless payments are now standard, but some merchants also need magnetic stripe or RFID support. Devices like the Square Reader focus on contactless and chip, while SumUp offers versatile card acceptance, including RFID. Matching payment options to your customer base improves sales and reduces transaction failures.
Security and Offline Capabilities
Security features such as data encryption and fraud prevention are critical, especially for high-volume or sensitive transactions. Offline payment support allows processing payments without internet, syncing later when connected, which is vital in remote areas. Devices like Square’s second-generation model excel here, providing extended offline capabilities and robust security.
Portability and User Experience
Consider how portable and user-friendly the device is. Smaller, lightweight readers are easier to carry, but larger screens with touch interfaces can improve ease of use and reduce errors. Battery life also impacts usability, especially for all-day mobile operations. Devices with built-in screens and longer battery life tend to be better suited for frequent or prolonged use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do handheld EMV card readers support contactless payments?
Many modern handheld EMV card readers, including the Square Contactless and Chip Reader and Square’s second-generation model, are designed to support contactless payments via NFC technology. This includes popular services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets. If contactless payments are a priority, ensure the device explicitly supports NFC or contactless payment methods, as not all readers do.
Can these devices work without an internet connection?
Some devices, like Square’s second-generation reader, offer offline payment support for up to 24 hours, allowing transactions even when internet access is unavailable. However, most Bluetooth-based options like SumUp Plus require an active connection to a smartphone or tablet. Always check the offline capabilities if you operate in areas with unreliable connectivity.
Are transaction fees included in the device price?
Transaction fees are typically separate from the device cost. For example, SumUp charges 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction, which is standard for many mobile card readers. These fees are an ongoing expense based on sales volume and should be considered when evaluating the total cost of ownership. Some providers may offer lower fees for higher volume businesses or flat-rate options.
What is the best device for high-volume businesses?
For high-volume operations, security, offline capabilities, and reliable connectivity are crucial. The Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) offers extended offline payment support, robust security features, and supports multiple contactless methods. Its durability and secure data handling make it suitable for busy environments, but the overall choice depends on your specific transaction volume and security needs.
Are these devices compatible with all smartphones and tablets?
Compatibility varies by device. The SumUp Plus and Square contactless readers work with most smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth, but the SumUp Solo requires a compatible device capable of running its app and supporting its connectivity features. Always verify device compatibility with your existing hardware before purchasing to avoid integration issues.
Conclusion
For small businesses or mobile vendors seeking simplicity, the SumUp Plus offers a reliable, low-cost solution. If you need a full-featured device with a touchscreen and mobile data, the SumUp Solo provides greater flexibility. For merchants prioritizing contactless security and offline payment support, the Square Contactless and Chip Reader or its upgraded version stand out. Your choice should align with your transaction volume, security concerns, and how much mobility you need.
