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9 Best Square Alternatives for Small Business (2026)
Nine Square alternatives, matched to each Square product and priced at $5,000 a month against Square's 2.6% + 15¢. Verified 5 November 2026.
Updated 5 Nov 2026 · 7 minCard machines in the US
Card machines compared for readers in the US, with local prices
1article on this desk
9companies compared
5 Nov 2026last confirmed
What we rank, and what it costs
See the full ranking
No. 1Helcim Card Reader$199 oncePrice verified, 5 Nov 2026
No. 2SumUp Card ReaderNo extra discount right nowSee why it ranks No. 2
No. 3PayPal Card Reader$29 for your first devicePrice verified, 5 Nov 2026
No. 4Stripe Reader M2$59 oncePrice verified, 5 Nov 2026
No. 5Helcim Smart Terminal$349 oncePrice verified, 5 Nov 2026
No. 6Shopify POS$25 a month on BasicPrice verified, 5 Nov 2026
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