PAX A920 Pro vs Zettle Reader 2: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
Zettle Reader 2 edges this one in our 2026 UK review, scoring 4.0 of 5 against PAX A920 Pro on 3.8. Zettle Reader 2 runs 1.75% per transaction on a no contract contract; PAX A920 Pro runs Acquirer-dependent on a typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / iso contract. That said, the right answer still depends on monthly card volume, sector and ecosystem fit. PAX A920 Pro beats Zettle Reader 2 for hospitality, retail, salons via broker / iso. Read the side-by-side, then jump to the "when X wins" sections for the buyer-fit logic.
Side-by-side
| PAX A920 Pro | Zettle Reader 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PAX Technology | PayPal Zettle |
| Acquirer | Multiple (commonly used by Take Payments, Paymentsense, BoonPay, ISOs) | PayPal Zettle |
| Form factor | Android-based handheld with receipt printer | Compact card reader (pairs with phone or tablet) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth | Bluetooth (paired with mobile device) |
| Upfront cost | Bundled with merchant account (rental typical) | £59 to £79 |
| Rate | Acquirer-dependent | 1.75% per transaction |
| Contract length | Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO | No contract |
| Best for | Hospitality, retail, salons via broker / ISO; Acquirer-bundled deployments; Sector-specialist brokers (BoonPay, Take Payments) | Existing PayPal merchants; Pop-up retailers, market traders; Sub-£8k monthly volume |
| Overall rating | 3.8 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-04-26 | 2026-04-26 |
When PAX A920 Pro wins
- Widely deployed and well-supported.
- Android platform supports acquirer customisation.
- Receipt printer built in.
Best for
Hospitality, retail, salons via broker / ISO, Acquirer-bundled deployments, Sector-specialist brokers (BoonPay, Take Payments).
Watch outs
- Almost always rented (not bought), lock-in via acquirer contract.
- Performance depends on the acquirer app.
- Older units in deployment can show their age.
When Zettle Reader 2 wins
- Cheapest entry point for hardware (£59).
- PayPal ecosystem integration.
- No contract, no monthly fee.
Best for
Existing PayPal merchants, Pop-up retailers, market traders, Sub-£8k monthly volume.
Watch outs
- 1.75% rate uncompetitive above £8k monthly.
- Not standalone, needs a paired device.
- Settlement times slower than Dojo or SumUp.
FAQ
PAX A920 Pro or Zettle Reader 2: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
Zettle Reader 2 scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.0 of 5 versus 3.8 for PAX A920 Pro. That said, the right answer depends on what you trade. PAX A920 Pro is the stronger pick for hospitality, retail, salons via broker / iso, while Zettle Reader 2 is the stronger pick for existing paypal merchants. 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, PAX A920 Pro vs Zettle Reader 2?
PAX A920 Pro runs a typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / iso contract. Zettle Reader 2 runs a no contract contract. Headline transaction rates are Acquirer-dependent for PAX A920 Pro and 1.75% per transaction for Zettle Reader 2. Hardware cost on PAX A920 Pro is bundled with merchant account (rental typical); on Zettle Reader 2 it is £59 to £79. 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?
PAX A920 Pro is the wrong answer for no-contract economics. Zettle Reader 2 is the wrong answer for standalone use. 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 PAX A920 Pro and Zettle Reader 2?
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).