# TLDR Review: Square Reader

*Published: 2025-03-01 | Updated: 2025-03-01 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/square-reader*

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## Product: Square Reader
**Brand:** Square

## Pros
- Easy and quick transition and pairing with mobile devices.
- Increases efficiency in checkout processes for businesses.
- User-friendly operation relieves initial nervousness.
- Simple setup process enhanced by the Square Point of Sale app's intuitive interface.
- Effective at processing payments without Wi-Fi, useful in dead zones.
- Support for both EMV and NFC payment technologies makes it versatile.
- Lightweight and compact design enhances portability.
- Offers lower transaction fees compared to older swipe-only devices.
- Excellent mobility and user experience for on-the-go professionals.
- Includes essential accessories like a USB charging cord and magstripe card reader.

## Cons
- Setup may require assistance, especially for iPhone connections.
- Unsupported cross-border card payments.
- May require time allocation for setup and updates before operation.
- Battery life concerns during extended periods without power.

## Bottom Line

The Square Contactless and Chip Reader offers an efficient, flexible, and user-friendly solution for mobile payment processing, particularly well-suited for small businesses or professionals on the go. Its ease of use, quick Bluetooth connectivity, and lower transaction fees make it a compelling choice. However, international users should consider its limitations with cross-border card payments. Overall, this device serves as a robust alternative to traditional payment systems with minimal setup hassle.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Easy and quick transition and pairing with mobile devices. | Setup may require assistance, especially for iPhone connections. |
| Increases efficiency in checkout processes for businesses. | Unsupported cross-border card payments. |
| User-friendly operation relieves initial nervousness. | May require time allocation for setup and updates before operation. |
| Simple setup process enhanced by the Square Point of Sale app's intuitive interface. | Battery life concerns during extended periods without power. |
| Effective at processing payments without Wi-Fi, useful in dead zones. |  |
| Support for both EMV and NFC payment technologies makes it versatile. |  |
| Lightweight and compact design enhances portability. |  |
| Offers lower transaction fees compared to older swipe-only devices. |  |
| Excellent mobility and user experience for on-the-go professionals. |  |
| Includes essential accessories like a USB charging cord and magstripe card reader. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| HPE Express | $25.00  | Check |
| Zunsnonline | $25.35  | Check |
| eMerchantAuthority.com | $39.00  | Check |
| Staples | $39.00  | Check |
| paywut.com | $42.00  | Check |
| BrookPad | $43.00  | Check |
| MSM | $44.59  | Check |
| Sam's Club | $44.98  | Check |
| Bonanza | $46.99  | Check |
| Amazon | $47.68  | Check |
| Lowes | $49.00  | Check |
| Square | $49.00  | Check |
| Apple | $49.95  | Check |
| Best Buy | $49.99  | Check |
| Instacart | $49.99  | Check |
| Office Depot | $49.99  | Check |
| Target | $49.99  | Check |
| BuildClub | $52.92  | Check |
| POS Fellows | $55.95  | Check |
| squareup.com | $59.00  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*