Apex Reader vs Clover Go
Apex Reader
apexonepayments.comClover Go
clover.comSide by side
| Figure | Apex Reader | Clover Go |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Mobile Payment Processing Software | 7.9 (#6) | 8.0 (#5) |
| Compatibility | The listed specifications require Bluetooth LE and iOS 14 or later or Android 10 or later. | The reader works with iOS 15 or higher and Android 9.0 or higher devices, with Bluetooth LE required for iOS. |
| Integrations | The page lists QuickBooks Online, invoicing and pay-by-link, SMS receipts, tip prompts, and multi-location reporting as platform features. | Clover offers native Android integrations, semi-integrations using SDKs, and Clover Go BYOD integrations for iOS and Android apps. |
| Payment methods | It accepts NFC contactless payments, EMV chip cards, and magstripe swipes, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. | The reader accepts chip, dip, and contactless payments, including Tap-to-Pay on iPhone, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. |
| Receipts | The Apexonepayments app sends branded receipts by SMS or email. | The system stores digital receipts, sends them by email or text, and tracks outstanding balances. |
| Security | The product page states that Reader is PCI PTS certified, uses end-to-end encryption, and keeps card data off the phone. | Clover Security Plus uses end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and a PCI compliance wizard, with additional breach-liability coverage. |
| Support | The Help Center says support is available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. | All Clover Go plans include 24/7 support. |
Plans
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.
Clover Go
Clover Go is a mobile point-of-sale system that pairs a portable card reader with a phone or tablet. It accepts chip, dip, and contactless payments, including Tap-to-Pay on iPhone and Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The app supports item changes, deferred payments, tipping, full or partial refunds, returns, and exchanges. It operates over Wi-Fi or cellular and can accept offline payments for later authorization. The reader works with iOS 15 or higher and Android 9.0 or higher; iOS requires Bluetooth LE. It cannot run on jailbroken or rooted devices. Digital receipts can be stored and sent by email or text, and outstanding balances can be tracked. All plans include 24/7 support. Clover Security Plus includes end-to-end encryption, tokenization, a PCI compliance wizard, and additional breach-liability coverage. Clover offers integrations through native Android options, SDK-based semi-integrations, and BYOD integrations for iOS and Android apps. Pricing is available on request. Qualified new merchants may receive no SaaS subscription fees during a 90-day trial of Clover Essentials or Services Growth plans.