Adyen for Platforms vs SumUp Solo: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
SumUp Solo edges this one in our 2026 UK review, scoring 4.2 of 5 against Adyen for Platforms on 4.0. SumUp Solo runs 1.69% per transaction on a no contract contract; Adyen for Platforms runs Interchange-plus pricing; bespoke on a bespoke, often year-long contract. That said, the right answer still depends on monthly card volume, sector and ecosystem fit. Adyen for Platforms beats SumUp Solo for £100k+ monthly card volume. Read the side-by-side, then jump to the "when X wins" sections for the buyer-fit logic.
Side-by-side
| Adyen for Platforms | SumUp Solo | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Adyen | SumUp |
| Acquirer | Adyen | SumUp |
| Form factor | Multiple terminals; mostly platform-bundled | Portable terminal with built-in receipt printer (Solo Lite is no-printer) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet, 4G (newer hardware) | 4G (free SIM), WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Upfront cost | Bespoke per merchant; typically platform-bundled | £99 to £149 hardware |
| Rate | Interchange-plus pricing; bespoke | 1.69% per transaction |
| Contract length | Bespoke, often year-long | No contract |
| Best for | £100k+ monthly card volume; Multi-currency / international flow; Platforms managing many sub-merchants | Sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls; Low-to-medium volume (<£10k monthly); Seasonal businesses |
| Overall rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-04-26 | 2026-04-26 |
When Adyen for Platforms wins
- Genuine interchange-plus transparency.
- Global multi-currency coverage.
- Strong dispute and chargeback handling.
- Enterprise-grade reliability.
Best for
£100k+ monthly card volume, Multi-currency / international flow, Platforms managing many sub-merchants.
Watch outs
- Premium pricing; not cost-effective sub-£100k monthly volume.
- Implementation requires developer resource.
- No off-the-shelf SMB product.
When SumUp Solo wins
- No contract, no monthly fee.
- Single transparent rate (1.69%).
- Hardware is well-built; battery life solid for a day of trading.
- Same-day or next-day settlement.
Best for
Sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls, Low-to-medium volume (<£10k monthly), Seasonal businesses.
Watch outs
- 1.69% is uncompetitive at higher volumes.
- No interchange-plus option.
- Locked to SumUp acquirer.
FAQ
Adyen for Platforms or SumUp Solo: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
SumUp Solo scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.2 of 5 versus 4.0 for Adyen for Platforms. That said, the right answer depends on what you trade. Adyen for Platforms is the stronger pick for £100k+ monthly card volume, while SumUp Solo is the stronger pick for sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls. If your business sits inside one of those use cases, ignore the headline rating and pick the right fit.
What does each contract look like, Adyen for Platforms vs SumUp Solo?
Adyen for Platforms runs a bespoke, often year-long contract. SumUp Solo runs a no contract contract. Headline transaction rates are Interchange-plus pricing; bespoke for Adyen for Platforms and 1.69% per transaction for SumUp Solo. Hardware cost on Adyen for Platforms is bespoke per merchant; typically platform-bundled; on SumUp Solo it is £99 to £149 hardware. Always verify the live commercials before signing because acquirer pricing moves and bespoke rates are common above £20k monthly volume.
Which is weakest for what?
Adyen for Platforms is the wrong answer for small smbs. SumUp Solo is the wrong answer for high-volume retail. If either of those describes your business, look at the side-by-side table for the alternative, or get a quote from our 80+ UK acquirer panel and we will surface the right shortlist.
Can MerchantHQ help me choose between Adyen for Platforms and SumUp Solo?
Yes. We are not tied to either acquirer. Our 80+ UK acquirer panel covers every major fintech and bank acquirer in the country. Tell us monthly card volume, sector and any ecosystem you are already inside (Stripe online, PayPal, Tide Business banking, NatWest banking). We match you against the providers most likely to approve and beat your current rate, then stay your named account team for the life of the account.
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Get quotes →Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).