A Clover alternative for retail
Last reviewed 2026-08-05 · by the RetailPOS team
Clover is a solid retail platform with strong hardware. The friction owners cite is commercial: hardware often sold as a multi-year lease, processing locked to Fiserv at their rate, and many features priced as separate marketplace apps. Here is how RetailPOS compares — factually.
Why retailers look for a Clover alternative
Hardware lease. Clover hardware is frequently quoted at $0 down with a $60–120/month lease over 36 months — often $2,160–4,320 total for equipment you could buy outright for far less.
Locked processing.Payments are tied to Fiserv/First Data at their rate; you can't bring a processor you've negotiated.
App-by-app costs. Advanced reporting, customer engagement and employee management are often $10–50/month marketplace apps on top of the plan.
RetailPOS vs Clover for retail — factually
| RetailPOS | Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Use your own, buy once | Clover hardware, often leased |
| Card processing | Bring your own | Fiserv/First Data (locked) |
| Feature model | All features on every plan | Base plan + marketplace apps |
| Monthly pricing | $29–69/shop | $0–80/mo + app costs |
| Multi-store on base plan | Yes | Varies |
| Works offline | Yes | Limited |
When to stay on Clover
Clover's all-in-one hardware (station, mini, flex) is genuinely good, and if your bank or ISO bundled Clover with a processing deal you're happy with, there may be little reason to move. The case for switching is strongest when you want to own your hardware, choose your processor, and stop paying app-by-app for features.
Migrating from Clover
Export your items, inventory and customers from Clover, import into RetailPOS, and reconcile stock before go-live. The step-by-step is in the Clover migration guide.
Frequently asked
- Can I get out of a Clover hardware lease?
- That depends on your Clover/ISO contract terms, not on RetailPOS — check your lease. RetailPOS itself has no hardware lease; you run it on tablets and printers you own.
- Do I have to use Fiserv processing?
- Not on RetailPOS — it is bring-your-own-processor, so you choose your provider (e.g. Stripe) and negotiate the rate. Clover locks processing to Fiserv/First Data.
- Are features included or extra?
- On RetailPOS the feature set is the same on every plan; Pro raises limits rather than unlocking features. Clover sells many capabilities as separate marketplace apps.
Open your shop in 30 seconds.
No card. Free until your first 100 sales. Bring your own Stripe; keep your hardware.