Which is Better, Zettle or SumUp?
Last Updated 10th of May 2025
6 minute readAre you trying to decide between Zettle or SumUp for your card payment processing needs? We’re here to help you make an informed choice. Both have their strengths, but which one is right for your business?
Zettle and SumUp both offer competitive services for card payments, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Zettle provides more advanced features and integrations, while SumUp offers lower transaction fees and simpler pricing.
Want to dive deeper into the differences between Zettle and SumUp? Keep reading to explore the features, costs, and benefits of each, so you can make the best decision for your business.
When comparing Zettle and SumUp, it’s essential to consider various factors, including transaction fees, features, ease of use, and customer support. Let’s break down each of these aspects to help you decide which one suits your needs better.
Wondering which payment system is right for your business? Find out if Zettle or SumUp is the better choice for you. Click the link below to compare.
Which is Better, Zettle or SumUp?
When it comes to mobile point of sale (mPOS) systems, businesses often consider Zettle and SumUp, two leading providers in the field. Both offer easy-to-use card readers that enable businesses to accept payments on the go. However, they have distinct features and benefits that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
Zettle, owned by PayPal, is known for its advanced functionality and customisation options. It offers a range of hardware options, from simple card readers to more sophisticated models. Zettle’s software provides detailed reporting tools, allowing business owners to track sales and inventory in real-time. It also supports a wide variety of payment methods, including mobile wallets and international card payments, which makes it suitable for businesses that want flexibility and advanced features.
On the other hand, SumUp is celebrated for its simplicity and ease of use. The SumUp card reader is compact, making it a great choice for businesses on the go, such as market stall owners or food trucks. SumUp also boasts low transaction fees, which can be appealing for small businesses or startups. While it doesn’t offer as many advanced features as Zettle, it’s a great option for those who need a simple and affordable solution for accepting card payments.
Zettle vs SumUp
The decision between Zettle and SumUp depends largely on the size and needs of your business. Let’s explore the key differences and benefits of each option:
Zettle is a more feature-rich mPOS system that provides several options for customisation. It allows businesses to integrate its tools into their existing operations, making it ideal for larger businesses or those looking to scale. Zettle’s mobile app provides extensive reporting features, including detailed insights into sales trends, customer behaviour, and inventory management. These insights can help business owners make more informed decisions and optimise their operations. Zettle also supports more advanced hardware options, such as receipt printers and barcode scanners, which can be a major advantage for businesses that require a more robust system.
Another notable feature of Zettle is its ability to integrate with other software, including accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. This makes it easier for business owners to manage finances and streamline their operations. Zettle is also highly secure, with encryption and fraud protection built into its system to protect both merchants and customers.
SumUp, by contrast, is perfect for smaller businesses that need a straightforward and affordable payment solution. Its simplicity is one of its biggest advantages, as there are fewer features to learn or manage. The SumUp app is user-friendly, and it only takes minutes to set up. SumUp charges a flat-rate transaction fee, making it easy for businesses to understand their costs upfront without worrying about complicated pricing structures. This is particularly appealing for new or small businesses that need to keep their overheads low.
While SumUp may not offer the same range of features as Zettle, it does support a wide variety of payment methods, including contactless payments, chip and pin cards, and mobile wallets. For smaller businesses, the ability to accept payments quickly and securely without additional hardware is a huge plus.
Key Differences Between Zettle and SumUp
| Feature | Zettle | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fees | Varies by location and payment method. Typically around 1.75% to 2.75% per transaction. | Flat rate of around 1.69% per transaction. |
| Hardware Options | Wide range, including more advanced models with additional capabilities like receipt printing and barcode scanning. | Simple card reader ideal for basic transactions. |
| Software Features | Advanced reporting, inventory management, and integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. | Basic software with essential features for simple payments. |
| Customisation Options | Highly customisable, suitable for larger businesses with specific needs. | Simple and straightforward, ideal for smaller businesses. |
| Security | High level of encryption and fraud protection. | Standard encryption and security measures. |
Which Is Best for Small Businesses?
For smaller businesses, SumUp is often the preferred choice. The simplicity of the system, coupled with low transaction fees, makes it ideal for entrepreneurs or businesses that do not require the advanced features offered by Zettle. The compact design of SumUp’s card reader means it is easy to carry around, making it a great option for businesses on the go, like food trucks, cafes, or market stalls.
The cost-effective nature of SumUp can make it easier for small businesses to start accepting payments without having to worry about large upfront costs or complicated pricing models. However, businesses that need more robust reporting tools, inventory management, or integration with other software may find Zettle more suitable, despite its higher fees.
Which Is Better for Larger Businesses?
For larger businesses or those with more complex needs, Zettle may be the better option. The ability to integrate with other software, along with its detailed reporting and inventory management capabilities, makes it a more versatile and powerful tool for business owners who require advanced functionality.
Zettle’s customisation options allow businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs, whether that’s through integrating with accounting software, using more advanced hardware, or having access to in-depth sales reports. These features can help businesses optimise their operations and improve efficiency, which is crucial for larger enterprises.
Ease of Use Comparison
Both Zettle and SumUp offer user-friendly apps, but they cater to different types of users. SumUp’s app is minimalistic, focusing on ease of use and quick set-up. It’s ideal for business owners who don’t want to waste time learning how to use complicated features. The SumUp card reader can be connected directly to your smartphone or tablet, and you can start accepting payments within minutes.
In contrast, Zettle’s app, while still user-friendly, offers a wider range of features, which can require a bit of learning. The system is designed to cater to more established businesses with more extensive needs, so it may take a little longer to get used to. However, once mastered, Zettle offers a higher level of flexibility and control over your business operations.
Transaction Fees
Both Zettle and SumUp offer competitive transaction fees, but SumUp tends to have slightly lower rates.
- SumUp: Charges a flat fee of 1.69% per transaction.
- Zettle: Charges 1.75% per transaction.
Although the difference is small, it can add up over time, especially for businesses with a high volume of transactions.
Features and Functionality
Zettle and SumUp both provide essential features, but Zettle offers more advanced tools and integrations, which might be beneficial for some businesses.
- Zettle: Offers robust features such as inventory management, detailed sales reports, and integration with various business tools like accounting software and e-commerce platforms.
- SumUp: Focuses on simplicity and ease of use, with essential features such as invoicing and basic reporting. SumUp is designed for businesses that need straightforward, reliable payment processing without the need for advanced features.
Ease of Use
Both Zettle and SumUp are known for their user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.
- Zettle: The setup process is straightforward, and the app is intuitive, making it easy to navigate through various features.
- SumUp: Also offers a simple setup and an easy-to-use app, which is ideal for quick, on-the-go transactions.
Hardware Options
The hardware options available from each provider can also influence your decision.
- Zettle: Offers a sleek, modern card reader that connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet. Zettle also provides a range of accessories, such as receipt printers and stands.
- SumUp: Provides several card reader options, including a compact, portable device that is perfect for businesses on the move.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is crucial for resolving any issues that may arise.
- Zettle: Known for its responsive customer support, which is available through phone, email, and live chat.
- SumUp: Also offers good customer support, but primarily through email and phone.
Choosing between Zettle and SumUp depends on your business’s specific needs. If you need advanced features, detailed reporting, and extensive integrations, Zettle might be the better option. However, if you’re looking for lower transaction fees and a simple, reliable card reader, SumUp could be the right choice.
Ready to choose between Zettle and SumUp?
Evaluate your business needs, compare the features, and decide which one aligns best with your goals. Whether you opt for Zettle’s advanced tools or SumUp’s simplicity, both are excellent choices for processing card payments.
FAQ
Do Zettle and SumUp require a contract?
No, both Zettle and SumUp do not require long-term contracts, providing flexibility for your business.
Can I use these card readers for online payments?
Yes, both providers offer solutions for accepting online payments, making it easy to manage both in-person and online transactions.
Are there any hidden fees?
No, both Zettle and SumUp are transparent about their fees, with no hidden charges. You only pay the per-transaction fee.
How quickly can I receive funds after a transaction?
Payment processing times vary, but generally, you can expect funds to be deposited into your bank account within 1-2 business days for both providers.
Which card reader is better for high-volume businesses?
Both Zettle and SumUp can handle high transaction volumes, but Zettle’s advanced features and integrations might be more beneficial for larger businesses.
What type of businesses are best suited for SumUp?
SumUp is ideal for small businesses, market traders, and mobile businesses due to its low fees and portability.
By understanding the strengths and differences between Zettle and SumUp, you can make an informed decision that best suits your business needs. Choose wisely and enhance your payment processing experience!