Stripe Reader S700 vs Zettle Reader 2: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?

Stripe Reader S700 and Zettle Reader 2 both score 4.0 of 5 in our 2026 UK review. Stripe Reader S700 runs Custom (Stripe pricing) on a stripe terms contract; Zettle Reader 2 runs 1.75% per transaction on a no contract contract. The right answer depends on your monthly card volume, sector and whether you already sit inside one of these ecosystems. Read both columns of the side-by-side, then read the "when X wins" sections below for the buyer-fit logic. If you want us to do the work, the quote form takes two minutes and gets you matched against our 80+ UK acquirer panel.

Side-by-side

As of 2026-04-26. Hardware specs and headline rates verified against each acquirer; bespoke rates apply above ~£20k monthly volume so verify before signing.
Stripe Reader S700 Zettle Reader 2
Manufacturer Stripe (BBPOS hardware)PayPal Zettle
Acquirer StripePayPal Zettle
Form factor Touchscreen handheld terminal with built-in receipt printerCompact card reader (pairs with phone or tablet)
Connectivity WiFi, 4G, BluetoothBluetooth (paired with mobile device)
Upfront cost £329£59 to £79
Rate Custom (Stripe pricing)1.75% per transaction
Contract length Stripe termsNo contract
Best for Existing Stripe online merchants; Tech-led businesses with developer resource; Hybrid online + in-personExisting PayPal merchants; Pop-up retailers, market traders; Sub-£8k monthly volume
Overall rating 4.0 / 54.0 / 5
Last reviewed 2026-04-262026-04-26

When Stripe Reader S700 wins

  • Tight Stripe integration (online + in-person on one stack).
  • Touchscreen UI with custom apps via Stripe Terminal SDK.
  • Strong hardware build.

Best for

Existing Stripe online merchants, Tech-led businesses with developer resource, Hybrid online + in-person.

Watch outs

  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Stripe rate negotiations not transparent for new merchants.
  • Software customisation needs developer time.

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

Stripe Reader S700 or Zettle Reader 2: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?

Stripe Reader S700 scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.0 of 5 versus 4.0 for Zettle Reader 2. That said, the right answer depends on what you trade. Stripe Reader S700 is the stronger pick for existing stripe online merchants, 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, Stripe Reader S700 vs Zettle Reader 2?

Stripe Reader S700 runs a stripe terms contract. Zettle Reader 2 runs a no contract contract. Headline transaction rates are Custom (Stripe pricing) for Stripe Reader S700 and 1.75% per transaction for Zettle Reader 2. Hardware cost on Stripe Reader S700 is £329; 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?

Stripe Reader S700 is the wrong answer for plug-and-play smb without developer time. 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 Stripe Reader S700 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.

Related

Get matched in two minutes

Tell us monthly card volume and trade. We match you against 80+ UK card-payment providers most likely to approve and beat your current rate, then stay your named account team for the life of the account.

Get quotes →

Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).