Apex Reader vs Lopay
Apex Reader
apexonepayments.comLopay
lopay.comSide by side
| Figure | Apex Reader | Lopay |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 3 |
| Spec score · Mobile Payment Processing Software | 7.9 (#6) | 7.9 (#8) |
| Integrations | The page lists QuickBooks Online, invoicing and pay-by-link, SMS receipts, tip prompts, and multi-location reporting as platform features. | Lopay’s help center documents integrations with Xero and QuickBooks; its payment page also describes adding Lopay payment links to Intuit invoices. |
| Payment methods | It accepts NFC contactless payments, EMV chip cards, and magstripe swipes, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. | Its pricing page lists chip and PIN, contactless and wallet payments, NFC and wearables, Tap to Pay, payment links, subscriptions, donations, QR codes, invoicing, and refunds. |
| Security | The product page states that Reader is PCI PTS certified, uses end-to-end encryption, and keeps card data off the phone. | Lopay states that it is PCI DSS compliant and that payment data is encrypted and tokenized, with compliance independently verified by an accredited third-party assessor. |
| Support | The Help Center says support is available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. | Lopay lists in-app, email, and phone support, guided in-app onboarding, and access to more than 60 help articles. |
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.
Lopay
Lopay provides businesses with tools to accept in-person payments, collect money through payment links, and use point-of-sale features. Its listed payment methods include chip and PIN, contactless and wallet payments, NFC and wearables, Tap to Pay, subscriptions, donations, QR codes, invoicing, and refunds. The point-of-sale feature lets merchants organize products, manage stock, and check out on a smartphone or tablet. Payment links can collect deposits or payment for remote services, as one-time or recurring charges. Lopay documents integrations with Xero and QuickBooks, and its payment page describes adding payment links to Intuit invoices. A Lopay account can connect to one Xero organization; daily syncing requires a supported Xero plan and excludes Ignite and lower or free plans. Tap to Pay requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 16.4 or later, or Android 10 or later with NFC enabled. Lopay lists in-app, email, and phone support, guided onboarding, and more than 60 help articles. Its three listed plans have no monthly fee.