Stripe Reader S700 vs SumUp Solo: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
Stripe Reader S700 and SumUp Solo 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: Stripe Reader S700, 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing); SumUp Solo, 1.69% per transaction. Stripe Reader S700 is best for existing Stripe online merchants, while SumUp Solo is best for sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls. 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: Stripe Reader S700 · SumUp Solo
| Compared on | Stripe Reader S700 | SumUp Solo |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Stripe (BBPOS hardware) | SumUp |
| Acquirer | Stripe | SumUp |
| Form factor | Touchscreen handheld smart terminal, 5.5in display, Android 10 (no built-in printer; external receipt printer via the optional dock or hub) | Portable standalone touchscreen terminal (no built-in printer; Solo Lite is the cheaper phone-paired version) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet (via the £29 hub or £39 dock), Bluetooth for accessories | 4G (free SIM), WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Upfront cost | £229 excl. VAT | £79 + VAT list price (SumUp often discounts it) |
| Rate | 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing) | 1.69% per transaction |
| Contract length | No contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms) | No contract |
| Best for | Existing Stripe online merchants; Tech-led businesses with developer resource; Hybrid online + in-person | Sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls; Low-to-medium volume (under about £15k monthly); Seasonal businesses |
Price sources: Stripe Reader S700: Stripe UK pricing page, checked 2 October 2026; SumUp Solo: SumUp card readers page, checked 25 September 2026.
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.
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.
Watch outs
- 1.69% is uncompetitive at higher volumes.
- No interchange-plus option.
- Locked to SumUp acquirer.
FAQ
Stripe Reader S700 or SumUp Solo: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
Stripe Reader S700 is the stronger pick for existing Stripe online merchants, while SumUp Solo is the stronger pick for sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls. If neither describes your business, the rate and contract rows in the table above will usually settle it.
What does each contract look like, Stripe Reader S700 vs SumUp Solo?
Contract: Stripe Reader S700, no contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms); SumUp Solo, no contract. Hardware: Stripe Reader S700, £229 excl. VAT; SumUp Solo, £79 + VAT list price (SumUp often discounts it). 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. 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 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 Stripe Reader S700 and SumUp Solo?
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.
Related comparisons
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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.