A Clover POS alternative that leaves processing up to you.
Clover bundles Fiserv card processing, proprietary hardware and software, often sold through banks and resellers. POS2026 is software only: a browser-based subscription for retail stores that runs inventory, vendors, customer accounts and profit, while you choose your own payment processor.
The register should not decide who processes your cards.
In short
POS2026 is a Clover alternative for retail stores that want to choose their own payment processor and use hardware they already own. Clover merchants must use Clover's built-in processing, run it on Clover's own devices, and often sign contracts set by the bank or reseller that sold the system. POS2026 is a browser-based subscription and does not process payments.
This comparison comes from the POS2026 team, so weigh it accordingly. Clover has a wide range of well-made hardware and plans for retail, restaurants and service businesses, and for some stores it is a good fit. Here we explain where the two differ, especially on processing and contracts, so you can choose with your eyes open.
Clover details were checked on 5 November 2026. Clover's US retail pricing page did not load fully for us, so the US prices below are as shown for clover.com/pricing/retail in search results. The processing requirement comes from Clover's developer FAQ. Contract terms depend on who sells you Clover, so read your own agreement.
Side by side
POS2026 and Clover compared.
US prices in dollars. Processing and hardware are the biggest differences.
POS2026
Clover
Who sells it
POS2026, online at my.pos2026.com.
Clover directly, or through banks and resellers.
Software
A subscription billed through Stripe once the free trial ends. Plan prices are shown in the app.
Plans from Starter at $0 to Retail Growth at $84.95 to $104.90 a month (Clover retail pricing page, as shown in search results).
Payment processing
Not a payment processor. Use any processor and record how each customer paid.
Clover merchants must use Clover's built-in payment processing (Clover developer FAQ).
Card-present rates
None from POS2026. Your processor sets its own rates.
2.6% + 10¢ on Starter, or 2.3% + 10¢ on Growth (same source as the software prices).
Hardware
None sold. POS2026 opens in a web browser on a computer, laptop, tablet or phone, with a barcode scanner and receipt printer as options.
Proprietary devices such as Flex, Mini, Station and Compact, bought outright, financed over 36 months or rented. Compact is listed at $349 or $16 a month.
Contract
Cancel at any point in your subscription settings. A new account's first payment has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Set by whoever sells it. Expertsure's UK review (October 2026) reports that reseller terms vary and can run for several years; US terms were not verified.
Changing processor later
Change processor whenever you like; POS2026 is unaffected.
Clover hardware works only with Clover processing, so a new processor means new hardware.
Business types
Retail stores such as grocery, convenience, liquor, hardware and gift stores.
Retail, restaurant and service businesses, with an app market for extra features.
Clover information checked on 5 November 2026. US software prices, card rates and hardware prices are as listed for clover.com/pricing/retail in search results, because the page body did not load for us. The processing requirement is from Clover's developer FAQ, and contract observations are from Expertsure's UK Clover review (October 2026). Clover and Fiserv are trademarks of their owner. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Clover or Fiserv.
01 · Where Clover is strong
When Clover may suit you better.
Clover's hardware is its calling card. The range runs from handheld devices such as Flex and Flex Pocket to countertop systems such as Station and Mini, all built to work together. If you want purpose-built equipment with processing included, and you like having one company to call, Clover delivers that.
It also covers more business types than POS2026. There are plans for restaurants and service businesses as well as retail, an app market for extra features, and the option to buy through a bank you already work with. A store that also serves food, or wants table service, may be better served by Clover. For a wider look at the market, see our guide to the best POS system for small business.
02 · Where POS2026 differs
When POS2026 is the better fit.
With Clover, the hardware, the software and the processing come as a package. That is convenient until you want to change one part of it. Because Clover devices work only with Clover processing, finding a better card rate elsewhere can mean replacing the equipment too. POS2026 separates the two: the software runs your store, and your processor is your own choice.
Processing you can shop around for
Compare card rates from any processor without changing your POS. POS2026 does not process payments or take a cut of your sales.
Inventory and vendors
Stock levels, low-stock alerts and purchase orders to vendors in Stock and Purchase.
House accounts
Customers who pay later are tracked on the Due List, with due dates and reminders.
Profit after expenses
Record rent, payroll costs and other spending in Expense, then see your real profit in Loss/Profit.
Your team's language
More than 47 app languages, for stores where staff read another language more easily than English.
03 · Switching
Moving from Clover to POS2026.
Leaving Clover means planning around your processing agreement; our guide to switching POS systems covers the timing.
Start with the paperwork. Find your Clover agreement and check who you signed with, when it ends and what it says about leaving early. If your hardware is rented or financed, find out what you still owe on it and whether it has to go back.
Next, line up a new payment processor and card terminal, so you can keep taking cards on day one. Then start the POS2026 free trial, add your best sellers with their barcodes and prices, enter opening inventory and add your vendors. Run POS2026 alongside Clover for a few days, compare the totals, and switch when you are confident.
Questions
Common questions.
Straight answers for shop owners, based on what POS2026 actually does.
How much does a Clover POS system cost?
There are three parts: the software plan, the hardware and the processing. As listed in search results for Clover's US retail pricing page, plans run from a $0 Starter plan to $84.95 to $104.90 a month for Retail Growth, Compact hardware is $349 or $16 a month over 36 months, and card-present rates are 2.6% + 10¢ or 2.3% + 10¢. A bank or reseller may quote differently.
Can I use Clover hardware with a different processor?
Clover's developer FAQ says Clover merchants must use Clover's built-in payment processing, so Clover devices are not designed to work with other processors. POS2026 does not use Clover hardware; it runs in a web browser on your own computer or tablet.
How long is a Clover contract?
It depends on who sold it. Clover is sold directly and through banks and resellers, and the review site Expertsure reports, for UK resellers, that terms vary and can run for several years. Check your own agreement for the end date and any exit terms.
Clover vs Square: which is better for a small store?
Both bundle processing with their own hardware. Square has a free plan and advertises no contracts in the US; Clover has a wide hardware range and is often sold through banks. Our Square alternative page compares Square with POS2026.
Does POS2026 work for restaurants like Clover?
POS2026 is built for retail stores. It has no table management or kitchen display, so restaurants are usually better served by a restaurant POS, such as Clover's restaurant plans or Toast.
Is this comparison independent?
No. POS2026 wrote it. Some Clover prices come from search listings because the pricing page would not load for us, so please confirm them with Clover or your reseller.
