Stripe Reader S700 vs Zettle Reader 2: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
Stripe Reader S700 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: Stripe Reader S700, 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing); Zettle Reader 2, 1.75% per transaction. Stripe Reader S700 is best for existing Stripe online merchants, 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: Stripe Reader S700 · Zettle Reader 2
| Compared on | Stripe Reader S700 | Zettle Reader 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Stripe (BBPOS hardware) | PayPal Zettle |
| Acquirer | Stripe | PayPal Zettle |
| Form factor | Touchscreen handheld smart terminal, 5.5in display, Android 10 (no built-in printer; external receipt printer via the optional dock or hub) | Compact card reader (pairs with phone or tablet) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet (via the £29 hub or £39 dock), Bluetooth for accessories | Bluetooth (paired with mobile device) |
| Upfront cost | £229 excl. VAT | £29 first reader, £69 each extra (ex VAT) |
| Rate | 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing) | 1.75% 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 | Existing PayPal merchants; Pop-up retailers, market traders; Sub-£8k monthly volume |
Price sources: Stripe Reader S700: Stripe UK pricing page, checked 2 October 2026; Zettle Reader 2: Zettle card reader 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 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
Stripe Reader S700 or Zettle Reader 2: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
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 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 Zettle Reader 2?
Contract: Stripe Reader S700, no contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms); Zettle Reader 2, no contract. Hardware: Stripe Reader S700, £229 excl. VAT; 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?
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 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 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.
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.