PAX A77 vs Stripe Reader S700: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
PAX A77 and Stripe Reader S700 are both credible UK card-acceptance choices in 2026; the right one depends on your monthly card volume, sector and the ecosystem you already sit inside. Headline rate: PAX A77, acquirer-dependent; Stripe Reader S700, 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing). PAX A77 is best for mobile traders via ISO / broker, while Stripe Reader S700 is best for existing Stripe online merchants. Read both columns of the side-by-side, then 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 our broker partner works to return 2 to 3 matched quotes.
Side-by-side
Full reviews: PAX A77 · Stripe Reader S700
| Compared on | PAX A77 | Stripe Reader S700 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PAX Technology | Stripe (BBPOS hardware) |
| Acquirer | Multiple (UK ISOs and acquirers including Take Payments, Paymentsense and others distribute PAX hardware) | Stripe |
| Form factor | Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro) | Touchscreen handheld smart terminal, 5.5in display, Android 10 (no built-in printer; external receipt printer via the optional dock or hub) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth | WiFi, Ethernet (via the £29 hub or £39 dock), Bluetooth for accessories |
| Upfront cost | Bundled with merchant account (rental typical) | £229 excl. VAT |
| Rate | Acquirer-dependent | 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing) |
| Contract length | Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO | No contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms) |
| Best for | Mobile traders via ISO / broker; Counter-side acceptance where digital receipts are fine; Acquirer-bundled deployments wanting cheaper hardware than A920 Pro | Existing Stripe online merchants; Tech-led businesses with developer resource; Hybrid online + in-person |
Price sources: Stripe Reader S700: Stripe UK pricing page, checked 2 October 2026.
When PAX A77 wins
- Android platform supports acquirer customisation and third-party apps.
- Compact form factor; lighter and cheaper than the A920 Pro.
- Multi-network connectivity reduces downtime.
- Widely supported across UK ISO channel.
Watch outs
- Almost always rented (not bought), lock-in via acquirer contract.
- No built-in receipt printer.
- Performance and software experience depends entirely on the acquirer's app.
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.
- Standard published pricing, no negotiation needed to get started.
Watch outs
- Higher upfront cost at £229 excl. VAT.
- No cellular: Wi-Fi only unless you buy the hub or dock for Ethernet, or move up to the S710.
- No built-in receipt printer.
FAQ
PAX A77 or Stripe Reader S700: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
PAX A77 is the stronger pick for mobile traders via ISO / broker, while Stripe Reader S700 is the stronger pick for existing Stripe online merchants. If neither describes your business, the rate and contract rows in the table above will usually settle it.
What does each contract look like, PAX A77 vs Stripe Reader S700?
Contract: PAX A77, typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO; Stripe Reader S700, no contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms). Hardware: PAX A77, bundled with merchant account (rental typical); Stripe Reader S700, £229 excl. VAT. 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 A77 is the wrong answer for no-contract economics. Stripe Reader S700 is the wrong answer for plug-and-play SMB without developer time. If either of those describes your business, look at the side-by-side table for the alternative, or get a quote through our broker partner, which works to return 2 to 3 matched quotes from the 40+ card-payment providers we compare.
Can MerchantHQ help me choose between PAX A77 and Stripe Reader S700?
Yes. We are not tied to either acquirer. The 43 providers in our Card Acquirer Index cover the major fintech and bank acquirers in the UK. Tell us monthly card volume, sector and any ecosystem you are already inside (Stripe online, PayPal, Tide Business banking, NatWest banking), and our broker partner works to return 2 to 3 matched quotes for your business.
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Payments review: Derren Powell, payments and fintech specialist, formerly Vice President, Business Development (Merchants) at Mastercard. Independent reviewer; the MerchantHQ editorial team retains control of the final content.