After testing both SpotOn and Clover POS across multiple retail environments, I’ve had hands-on experience with what each system actually offers — beyond the marketing buzz.
If you're trying to decide between the two, here’s the short answer:
Clover is better if you want sleek hardware with flexible apps and don’t mind slightly higher fees.
SpotOn is better if you want local support, lower transaction costs, and stronger customer service.
Both are solid, but one may fit your setup better depending on your needs. Let’s break it down.
SpotOn vs Clover: Quick Verdict
SpotOn – Best for local businesses wanting personal support and lower transaction fees
Clover – Best for sleek hardware and all-in-one restaurant or retail setups
I've used and deployed both pos systems for independent shops and quick-service businesses. Here’s what I found:
| Feature | SpotOn POS | Clover POS |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Starting Price | $0/month (with processing agreement) | $14.95/month |
| Payment Processing Fees | 1.99% + $0.25 (custom plans) | 2.3% + $0.10 (Register Lite) |
| Hardware Options | Android tablets + proprietary gear | All-in-one terminals |
| Best For | Restaurants, brick-and-mortar retailers | Small businesses, fast-service setups |
| Contracts | Month-to-month or 1–3 years | Often bundled with First Data contracts |
| App Market | Limited third-party integrations | Large app marketplace |
| Support | Local reps + 24/7 phone | 24/7 support, mostly remote |
Best for Pricing: SpotOn Wins
SpotOn offers more flexibility in pricing — especially for growing retailers that want low processing fees and minimal upfront cost.
It’s one of the few POS providers that tailors its rates based on your actual sales volume and business type.
That alone makes it a more approachable option for small businesses that want to scale without getting locked into a rigid pricing model.
SpotOn Pricing
SpotOn’s pricing is negotiable, and that’s a major advantage. You’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all contract.
Most small businesses I’ve worked with end up on rates around 1.99% + $0.25 per transaction, which is already better than industry averages.
Here’s what you get:
- Custom processing rates based on volume
- $0/month software fee if you sign up for their payment processing
- Option to upgrade to paid POS packages if you need restaurant tools or advanced reporting
- No long-term contract required, though custom quotes may involve commitments
- Hardware can be leased or purchased, depending on your budget
The base POS features are included even in the free plan, and most of the premium tools don’t add unexpected costs unless you scale up your system heavily.
Clover Pricing
Clover’s pricing is more fixed, and you don’t get as much room to negotiate—especially if you're going through a third-party reseller or merchant services provider like First Data (Fiserv).
The pricing structure looks straightforward at first, but monthly costs and processing fees add up quickly.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Register Lite | $14.95 | 2.3% + $0.10 |
| Register (Full) | $44.95 | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| Hardware | From $499 | Varies by model and provider |
You may also run into:
- PCI compliance fees
- Early termination fees
- Monthly minimum processing requirements
If you buy Clover hardware upfront, you're likely stuck with Fiserv unless you can find a provider that supports it independently.
This vendor-lock can cost you in the long run, especially if you want to switch processors.
The Verdict
SpotOn is the better choice for businesses watching transaction costs and needing flexible payment structures.
Clover’s monthly plans add up fast, especially for smaller retailers who don’t need all the bells and whistles. The ability to negotiate lower processing fees and avoid steep hardware or subscription costs makes SpotOn a safer bet for cost-conscious operators.
Best for Sales Features: Clover Edges Ahead
Clover’s POS system is highly adaptable, especially in retail and food service. It’s designed to handle more complex operations right out of the box, and the added flexibility from its app ecosystem gives it a noticeable edge.
Whether you're managing a fast-paced retail shop, a café, or a quick-service restaurant, Clover offers more tools to fine-tune your setup.
Inventory & Checkout Tools
Both SpotOn and Clover offer strong core features, but Clover goes a step further when it comes to customisation and interface quality.
- Both platforms support:
- Barcode scanning
- Bulk product imports
- Split payments
- Item variants and modifiers
- Real-time inventory syncing across devices
- Clover adds:
- Easier custom item creation and categorisation
- Product-level tax toggles
- Add-ons like age verification or upsell prompts via its app store
- Drag-and-drop menu building for restaurants
SpotOn keeps things simple and works reliably for general retail use, but when I tested Clover in a store with over 500 SKUs, it handled complex modifiers and product categorisation more smoothly.
SpotOn’s inventory tools are solid but can feel basic when your business starts growing.
Multichannel Selling
If you’re selling across online and offline channels, Clover has a real advantage.
| Feature | Clover | SpotOn |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify/BigCommerce Integrations | Yes | Limited |
| Online Ordering | Yes (via 3rd party apps) | Yes (built-in for restaurants) |
| Invoicing & Payment Links | Yes | Yes |
| Real-Time Sync | Yes | Yes |
- Clover integrates natively with Shopify, BigCommerce, and Ecwid, letting you sync inventory and orders across all platforms.
- SpotOn does offer ecommerce tools, but they're mainly tailored for restaurant menus and pickup/delivery workflows rather than full retail catalogues.
If you're running a mixed-channel business, Clover gives you far more control with less manual work.
Discounts, Loyalty, and Tax Settings
Both platforms support promotions, tax rules, and customer engagement features, but Clover makes it easier to manage these right from the terminal.
- SpotOn lets you run item-level and cart-wide discounts, track customer data, and apply tax rules by item or location.
- Clover makes loyalty enrolment faster with on-screen prompts and offers easy access to:
- Digital punch cards
- Custom tax rates per item or service
- Targeted promotions via add-ons
For busy storefronts, the ability to manage this without logging into a back-office portal is a real time saver. Clover’s loyalty app runs smoothly in-store and integrates directly with receipt printers and customer displays.
The Verdict
Clover wins for larger setups and custom needs.
If you’re running a busy shop and want fine-grained control, it’s got more tools ready to go.
From inventory workflows to loyalty programs, Clover’s built-in features and third-party apps let you shape the POS to match your exact operation. SpotOn gets the job done, but Clover gives you more room to grow and adapt.
Payment Processing: SpotOn Offers Better Margins
SpotOn gives you more room to negotiate fees and avoid hidden charges, which makes a real difference over time.
For small to mid-sized retail businesses, keeping payment costs predictable and transparent is key — and that’s where SpotOn pulls ahead.
Unlike providers that apply flat rates across the board, SpotOn can tailor your rates based on actual sales volume and industry type.
That flexibility, along with fewer surprises in the contract fine print, makes it easier to plan and protect your margins.
SpotOn
SpotOn works more like a partner than a processor. Their rates are often negotiated based on your business size and card mix, and you won’t be blindsided by add-on fees.
- Transparent pricing that often falls around 1.99% + $0.25 per transaction
- No monthly software fee if you process through SpotOn Payments
- No PCI compliance or hidden batch fees baked into the statement
- Early termination fees are typically low or waived altogether
- ACH and invoice payments are available, allowing lower-cost transactions
- Custom plans may include next-day funding or volume discounts
This makes it easy to start lean and scale without renegotiating every few months. I’ve seen retailers cut their payment costs by 15–20% simply by switching from a fixed-rate provider to SpotOn.
Clover (Fiserv/First Data)
Clover’s processing runs through Fiserv (formerly First Data), which means you're dealing with traditional merchant services contracts — and all the baggage that comes with them.
| Category | Clover Typical Terms |
|---|---|
| Swipe Fee | 2.3%–2.6% + $0.10–$0.30 |
| Monthly Fee | $14.95–$44.95 depending on plan |
| Early Termination | Often $295–$495 or more |
| Monthly Minimum | Common with resellers |
| PCI Compliance | Fee may apply annually |
| Chargebacks | $25–$35 per incident |
Some providers offer flat-rate pricing to simplify billing, but it usually comes at a higher cost, especially for higher-ticket retailers.
And unless you’re on Clover’s full Register plan, you may not get access to lower rates at all.
To make matters more complex, if you sign up through a third-party reseller (which is common), your fees may vary based on their own terms—not Clover’s.
The Verdict
SpotOn wins hands down for processing savings, especially over a 12-month period. It offers simpler contracts, fairer fees, and lower-cost alternatives like ACH billing.
If you're looking to keep your payment expenses predictable and avoid the pitfalls of long-term vendor lock-in, SpotOn gives you a cleaner deal.
Clover has strong hardware, but when it comes to merchant services, the pricing model can be tough to navigate without careful review.
Tools and Integrations: Clover Dominates
Clover’s App Market gives it a serious boost in flexibility.
Whether you're managing payroll, syncing inventory across platforms, or handling employee scheduling, Clover’s ecosystem gives you access to dozens of integrations designed to automate repetitive tasks and reduce manual work.
For businesses that rely on back-office software, accounting tools, or advanced restaurant operations, this makes a real difference.
The key advantage here is Clover’s open platform. It’s built to integrate with tools you’re probably already using—saving you the hassle of double entry or exporting data between systems.
Clover
Clover’s app marketplace is one of the best in the POS space for small business operations. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in food service or retail—chances are, there’s an app that fills the gap.
- 100+ available apps, ranging from basic utilities to full-scale business solutions
- Seamless integrations with:
- QuickBooks for accounting
- Mailchimp for email marketing
- Homebase for employee scheduling
- DAVO for automated sales tax filing
- Order Ahead, Grubhub, and Uber Eats for online food orders
- Restaurant tools include:
- Kitchen display systems
- Table mapping and floor plans
- Tip pooling and shift management
Apps can be installed directly from the POS dashboard or via the Clover web portal.
You can search by function—like “marketing,” “payments,” or “employee management”—and many apps offer free trials or freemium tiers to test before committing.
SpotOn
SpotOn has a more closed ecosystem, relying mostly on its own in-house tools rather than a large third-party marketplace.
While this helps with consistency and tighter control, it limits flexibility for businesses that need niche or advanced integrations.
- Limited third-party integration, mostly focused on key verticals like hospitality and services
- In-house solutions include:
- Marketing tools
- Loyalty program manager
- Review request and reputation tracking
- Online ordering for restaurants
- Appointment booking for services
- No open app market, which means fewer plug-and-play options for accounting, payroll, or HR
That said, SpotOn’s native tools are improving. For many small businesses, the built-in features are enough to manage core workflows without paying extra for add-ons.
But if you need to connect your POS to outside platforms, especially for retail or omni-channel selling, the options are still limited.
Comparison Snapshot
| Feature Category | Clover | SpotOn |
|---|---|---|
| App Marketplace | Yes (100+ apps) | No open app market |
| QuickBooks Integration | Native | Manual export |
| Online Ordering | Third-party & native | Native (restaurant-focused) |
| Employee Scheduling | Homebase, Shogo | In-house tool only |
| Accounting & Tax | Apps like DAVO, QuickBooks | Manual or via support |
The Verdict
Clover is the better choice if you want to plug into more tools and automate parts of your workflow.
The open app marketplace makes it easy to build a system that matches your specific needs—whether that’s syncing with your bookkeeper, automating tax payments, or managing a rotating staff schedule.
SpotOn covers the basics with its native tools, but lacks the broader ecosystem needed for full operational flexibility.
Analytics and Growth Tools: SpotOn Surprises
While Clover’s app range is wider, SpotOn delivers better out-of-the-box reporting.
For small retailers who need quick access to data without navigating third-party dashboards or juggling multiple apps, SpotOn is refreshingly straightforward.
Its reporting and marketing tools are built directly into the core POS experience, so you don’t need to layer on extras to get the insights that matter.
If your focus is on day-to-day performance, staff efficiency, or campaign tracking, SpotOn provides a more streamlined approach with less setup.
SpotOn
SpotOn’s built-in tools are surprisingly strong for a provider that’s traditionally been seen as a restaurant-first platform. Its reporting dashboard is customisable, easy to navigate, and gives you real-time visibility into your business.
- Real-time sales tracking across locations, devices, and time periods
- Custom dashboards for visualising sales by:
- Product category
- Staff member
- Payment type
- Discounts and comps
- Email marketing tools allow you to:
- Create and send promotions
- Schedule follow-up offers
- Target customers based on past visits
- CRM and loyalty features:
- Track customer visits and spend
- Create segmented lists
- Automate rewards or coupons
The best part is that all of this is accessible without needing any outside apps. You can log in from your POS, tablet, or desktop and drill into performance right away.
Clover
Clover’s reporting capabilities are solid, but many of its more advanced tools come through third-party apps, which can cost extra and require additional setup.
| Feature | Clover | SpotOn |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Overview | Yes | Yes |
| Real-Time Reporting | Limited (refresh delay) | Yes |
| Custom Reports | Via 3rd party apps | Included |
| Loyalty Tracking | Separate app | Built-in |
| Email Campaigns | Through Mailchimp or others | Native tool |
Clover does provide:
- Basic sales summaries by item, date, and employee
- Exportable CSV reports for deeper analysis
- Customer tracking via integrated apps like Clover Rewards
However, if you want granular views or marketing insights, you’ll often need to rely on external tools like Mailchimp, QuickBooks, or loyalty-specific platforms—each with its own learning curve and billing tier.
The Verdict
SpotOn takes this round. For most small retailers, its built-in reports are more practical and user-friendly.
You won’t need to piece together data from multiple apps, and you’ll get access to loyalty tracking, CRM tools, and email campaigns without spending extra.
Clover gives you more if you’re willing to build out your stack, but SpotOn keeps everything under one roof, which makes it easier to act on data fast.
Hardware and Setup: Clover Wins on Elegance
If you’re going for sleek design and all-in-one reliability, Clover’s hardware is hard to beat.
It’s polished, plug-and-play, and purpose-built for small businesses that want their point of sale to look as professional as it functions.
Everything from the screen layout to the integrated receipt printer is designed with a smooth front-of-house experience in mind.
SpotOn offers solid hardware too, but it leans more on practicality than presentation.
That’s not necessarily a drawback—especially if you're focused on cost—but the user experience isn't quite as refined.
Clover Devices
Clover gives you several hardware options that cater to different retail and hospitality setups, all designed with a unified look and feel.
Each device is preloaded with Clover’s POS software, so setup is quick and painless.
- Clover Station Duo: High-performance countertop system with dual screens (one for staff, one for customers)
- Clover Mini: Compact POS that works well in tight spaces but still packs full functionality
- Clover Flex: Handheld terminal for mobile payments, ideal for pay-at-table or outdoor sales
- Integrated Features:
- Built-in EMV, NFC, and magstripe readers
- Built-in receipt printer and barcode scanner on select models
- Seamless wireless sync between terminals
All of Clover’s hardware is built by Clover, which means fewer compatibility issues and easier support if anything goes wrong.
SpotOn Hardware
SpotOn takes a more modular approach. Instead of offering proprietary devices, it often uses Android tablets or partner-branded terminals combined with SpotOn software.
It’s functional and budget-friendly, but doesn’t offer the same level of finish or simplicity.
- Tablet-based terminals (often Android)
- Separate peripherals like:
- External receipt printers
- USB or Bluetooth barcode scanners
- External EMV card readers
- Mobile options exist, but usually require an app and third-party device pairing
- Setup often requires a local rep to handle initial install, configuration, and training
SpotOn’s flexibility can be useful if you want to reuse existing hardware or prefer to keep costs low, but the trade-off is a slightly more complex setup process and more variation in user experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Clover | SpotOn |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Hardware | Yes | No |
| All-in-One Terminal | Yes | No |
| Mobile Handheld Option | Clover Flex | App + device pairing |
| Built-in Receipt Printer | Yes (select models) | Often external |
| Setup Support | Plug-and-play | Typically via local rep |
The Verdict
Clover is the better pick if you want modern, unified hardware with minimal setup headaches. Everything is pre-integrated, visually polished, and ready to go out of the box.
For retail owners who value aesthetics, workflow speed, and reliable design, Clover delivers.
SpotOn can get the job done, especially if you're working with a tight budget or need custom setups—but expect a little more hands-on work during onboarding.
Ease of Use: Clover Edges Ahead
Both SpotOn and Clover are user-friendly once they’re up and running, but Clover pulls slightly ahead when it comes to onboarding, interface design, and day-to-day simplicity.
The layout, speed, and flow of Clover’s system make it easier for staff to learn quickly and avoid mistakes—especially in busy retail or food service environments.
Clover’s interface feels polished and intuitive, while SpotOn is functional but a bit more manual in spots.
This makes a difference if you’re constantly onboarding new team members or switching between roles throughout the day.
Clover
Clover is built with the idea that most users don’t have time to dig through manuals or backend settings.
It’s a touchscreen-first platform that runs smoothly whether you’re ringing up sales, checking reports, or assigning shifts.
- Out-of-the-box simplicity
- Hardware comes preloaded with the POS app
- Guided setup walks you through key steps: adding items, setting taxes, connecting printers
- Fast and responsive UI
- Button layout is clean, labelled clearly, and consistent across devices
- Staff can access key actions—refunds, modifiers, notes—with minimal clicks
- Role-based access control
- Set permissions by role to keep things streamlined for cashiers vs. managers
Even things like customer rewards or splitting payments are visually easy to follow, making checkout smoother for both employees and customers.
SpotOn
SpotOn is generally easy to use, but it requires a bit more initial guidance. Most installations involve a local rep or support call to walk you through setup.
While this can be helpful, it also means there’s more of a learning curve upfront.
- Initial setup usually done by a SpotOn rep
- Software needs to be installed and configured based on your business type
- Less intuitive out of the box for those unfamiliar with POS systems
- Backend can be slightly clunky
- Navigating between reporting, item setup, and CRM tools can take extra steps
- Some admin features are only available from the web dashboard, not the terminal
- Menu and layout customisation is more manual
- Staff switching between tasks (like order entry to refunds) can take longer
- Interface responsiveness may vary depending on the device used
SpotOn’s learning curve isn’t steep, but it’s more dependent on external support at the beginning.
Once set up, most staff will get the hang of it quickly—but it doesn't feel quite as fluid as Clover from day one.
User Experience Comparison
| Experience Area | Clover | SpotOn |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding | Guided in-device setup | Rep-guided install |
| UI Design | Clean, fast touchscreen interface | Functional but less polished |
| Speed & Navigation | Snappy and intuitive | Slight lag depending on device |
| Staff Training Required | Minimal | Moderate |
The Verdict
Clover wins for ease of use, especially for new staff who need minimal training.
Its layout is intuitive, actions are quick to access, and the guided onboarding means most teams can start using it without much outside help.
SpotOn does the job well once it's set up, but the initial experience is more hands-on, and daily navigation isn’t quite as seamless. For busy retail or food service businesses, the little time savings add up—making Clover a more efficient choice overall.
Loyalty, Marketing & CRM: SpotOn Stands Out
SpotOn offers stronger built-in marketing tools, without the need for third-party add-ons.
For small retailers who want to attract repeat customers and manage campaigns without juggling multiple platforms, this is a huge advantage.
Everything is already integrated—no extra subscriptions, no syncing delays, and no learning curves from external tools.
SpotOn
SpotOn keeps customer engagement front and centre by bundling its CRM, loyalty, and marketing tools directly into its POS dashboard.
- Marketing tools built-in:
- Send email campaigns right from the POS
- Automate review requests after purchases
- Customise offers based on spending habits
- Loyalty program integration:
- Enroll customers at checkout with phone or email
- Track points, rewards, and redemptions without needing a separate app
- CRM features:
- Detailed customer profiles with purchase history
- Tag customers by category or frequency
- Run targeted promotions to specific segments
All of this is managed from the same interface you use to ring up sales or check your reports—making it easy to track results and refine strategies.
Clover
Clover handles customer engagement well but splits the experience across apps. While Clover Rewards is a solid program, it’s not built into the core POS in the same seamless way.
You’ll also need to turn to third-party tools for more advanced marketing campaigns.
- Loyalty and marketing tools:
- Clover Rewards allows for basic points-based loyalty
- Email campaigns and newsletters require integration with Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar apps
- CRM is handled through add-ons or manually via customer notes
- Features often require:
- A separate login or dashboard
- Monthly app fees
- More setup and syncing between systems
This works fine for some, but for business owners who want marketing that “just works,” Clover’s approach can feel fragmented.
Comparison Snapshot
| Feature | SpotOn | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Email Marketing | Yes | No (3rd-party required) |
| Loyalty Program | Integrated with POS | Separate app (Clover Rewards) |
| CRM | Built-in with purchase data | Limited unless extended via apps |
| Segmented Promotions | Yes | With Mailchimp integration |
| Review Request Tools | Yes | No |
The Verdict
SpotOn wins for giving retailers more marketing tools right out of the box. Its built-in loyalty, CRM, and email automation mean you don’t need to build a custom stack to engage customers effectively.
Clover can handle similar tasks, but only with added setup and cost through external apps.
Support and Service: SpotOn Is More Personal
SpotOn offers local reps, which is rare in the POS space—especially helpful during setup or emergencies.
When you're running a busy retail or service business, having someone local you can call makes all the difference.
While Clover has 24/7 support, the experience depends heavily on which provider or reseller you're working with.
SpotOn
SpotOn is built around personal support, and they do a great job of being present throughout your POS journey.
- Dedicated onboarding team to get you set up with hardware, menu configuration, and training
- 24/7 phone and email support, plus text-based messaging in some areas
- Local reps available:
- Hands-on installation
- Troubleshooting in person
- Business reviews to adjust pricing or features
Their support doesn’t end after install, either. Most users I’ve spoken with have been able to schedule follow-ups or request help with updates months after go-live.
Clover
Clover offers decent support, but it’s more generic—and can vary depending on who sold you the system.
If you bought directly through Clover, you're likely talking to Fiserv support. If you went through a reseller, response times and help quality may differ.
- 24/7 phone support from Fiserv (merchant services team)
- DIY resources:
- Knowledgebase articles
- Setup guides and training videos
- Reseller-based support may include:
- Delayed ticket responses
- Different support tiers depending on your plan
This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means less consistency and more effort on your end if something goes wrong.
Comparison Table
| Support Feature | SpotOn | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Local Rep Support | Yes | Rare |
| Installation Help | In-person | Usually remote |
| 24/7 Phone Support | Yes | Yes (via Fiserv) |
| Dedicated Onboarding | Yes | Depends on provider |
| Troubleshooting Response Time | Typically faster | Varies |
The Verdict
SpotOn is the better option if you value human support and responsiveness. With local reps and dedicated help at each step, you’re not left figuring things out on your own.
Clover’s support is available around the clock, but it’s often less personal and more ticket-driven, especially if you're dealing with a third-party provider.
Final Verdict: SpotOn or Clover?
Here’s how I see it after real-world testing across multiple retail setups:
- Choose SpotOn if you're a service-based retailer, local shop, or hospitality business that wants:
- Lower payment processing rates
- Integrated marketing tools
- Personalised support with a local touch
- A more predictable long-term cost structure
- Choose Clover if you’re after:
- Sleek, unified hardware
- A wide app marketplace
- Touchscreen POS that’s ready out of the box
- Custom setups for multi-location or fast-paced retail
| Decision Factor | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Budget and Processing Fees | SpotOn |
| Hardware and Interface | Clover |
| Built-in CRM and Loyalty | SpotOn |
| Third-Party Integrations | Clover |
| Personalised Setup and Support | SpotOn |
If you’re a solo operator or a small team, SpotOn gives you more personal help and control over costs without needing extra tools or subscriptions.
But if you're scaling fast, need robust third-party integrations, or just want the cleanest-looking POS hardware on your counter, Clover might be worth the extra monthly spend.
Both systems are solid. It just depends on what you value more—hands-on support and simplicity, or feature depth and polish.
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