Apex Reader vs Beacon Payments Mobile Payments
Apex Reader
apexonepayments.com
Beacon Payments Mobile Payments
beaconpayments.comSide by side
| Figure | Apex Reader | Beacon Payments Mobile Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Mobile Payment Processing Software | 7.9 (#6) | 7.4 (#16) |
| Intended users | Apex describes Reader for mobile sellers such as food trucks, stylists, market vendors, and field technicians, including curbside, market, home-service, and pop-up sales. | Beacon names contractors, tradespeople, food trucks, mobile vendors, market sellers, and in-home service providers as use cases. |
| Payment methods | It accepts NFC contactless payments, EMV chip cards, and magstripe swipes, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. | The reader accepts EMV chip, contactless tap, and magnetic-stripe payments, including mobile wallets. |
| Security | The product page states that Reader is PCI PTS certified, uses end-to-end encryption, and keeps card data off the phone. | Beacon describes its mobile processing as PCI-compliant and protected by end-to-end encryption. |
| Support | The Help Center says support is available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. | Beacon advertises 24/7/365 U.S.-based technical support by phone at 877-986-4445. |
| What it does | Apex Reader is a pocket-sized Bluetooth card reader that pairs with an iPhone or Android phone to accept contactless, chip, and swipe payments. | Beacon pairs its app with a compact card reader to let merchants accept credit and debit payments on a smartphone or tablet. |
Plans
Beacon Payments Mobile Payments
- Mobile PaymentsPriced on request
In their own words
Apex Reader
Apex Reader is a pocket-sized Bluetooth card reader for in-person payments away from a counter. It pairs with an iPhone or Android phone and accepts NFC contactless payments, EMV chip cards, and magnetic-stripe swipes, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Bluetooth LE connectivity requires iOS 14 or later or Android 10 or later, and no separate data plan is required. The reader provides up to 12 hours of active use and charges through micro-USB. The Apexonepayments app can start a sale or retrieve one from an invoice, process refunds and voids, and add optional tax and tips. It sends branded receipts by SMS or email, while sales synchronize to the dashboard in real time. Reader transactions share a ledger with Apex Flex and Mini. Account activation takes under two minutes, with no setup fees or monthly minimums. Pricing is on request.
Beacon Payments Mobile Payments
Beacon Payments Mobile Payments has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.