PAX A77 vs Zettle Reader 2: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
PAX A77 and Zettle Reader 2 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; Zettle Reader 2, 1.75% per transaction. PAX A77 is best for mobile traders via ISO / broker, while Zettle Reader 2 is best for existing PayPal 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 · Zettle Reader 2
| Compared on | PAX A77 | Zettle Reader 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PAX Technology | PayPal Zettle |
| Acquirer | Multiple (UK ISOs and acquirers including Take Payments, Paymentsense and others distribute PAX hardware) | PayPal Zettle |
| Form factor | Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro) | 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) | £29 first reader, £69 each extra (ex VAT) |
| Rate | Acquirer-dependent | 1.75% per transaction |
| Contract length | Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO | No contract |
| 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 PayPal merchants; Pop-up retailers, market traders; Sub-£8k monthly volume |
Price sources: Zettle Reader 2: Zettle card reader page, checked 25 September 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 Zettle Reader 2 wins
- Cheapest entry point for hardware (£29).
- PayPal ecosystem integration.
- No contract, no monthly fee.
Watch outs
- 1.75% rate uncompetitive above £8k monthly.
- Not standalone, needs a paired device.
- Settlement times slower than Dojo or SumUp.
FAQ
PAX A77 or Zettle Reader 2: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
PAX A77 is the stronger pick for mobile traders via ISO / broker, while Zettle Reader 2 is the stronger pick for existing PayPal 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 Zettle Reader 2?
Contract: PAX A77, typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO; Zettle Reader 2, no contract. Hardware: PAX A77, bundled with merchant account (rental typical); Zettle Reader 2, £29 first reader, £69 each extra (ex 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. 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 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 Zettle Reader 2?
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.