Tablets Compatible With Square
Our team tested 21 tablets (across 14 brands) with Square and boiled it down to the top 4 winners.
Choose the wrong tablet and you could end up with errors and compatibility issues in the near future.
Picking a tablet for Square without testing is basically like gambling, it's anyone's guess.
Luckily, we've done the research for you.
Continue reading and we will show you the best Square compatible tablets available today.
Tablets & Devices Compatible With Square
It is important to note that if you decide to go with a Google Android device, you must be running the 4.0 version of Google Android or higher and have location services enabled.
The 4 Best Tablets To Use With Square
Quick Answer:
iPad Pro - Best from Apple platform
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ - Best from Android platform
iPad mini - Best Apple on a budget
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab - Best Android on a budget
The iPad Pro is the top pick for our Square compatible tablets, as it has the ability to run any application that you will find in the app store.
The dual-core A9X chip and quad-core graphics system are incredibly powerful, while the high-resolution retina display makes it very easy for users to see what's going on.
The iPad comes in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, and uses both Bluetooth and WiFi.
There are plenty of available POS options on the app store, though Square is the most popular of them all.
You can easily add other third-party adapters when using the iPad Pro, including keyboards, cash registers, POS stands, and much more.
One thing to note is that the first-gen iPad does not upgrade to the latest iOS, meaning you won't be able to connect wirelessly to the Square POS system. In this case, you will need to purchase a Square stand.
Turning your iPad Pro into an all-in-one point-of-sale system is easier than ever. Apple iOS is very user-friendly too. If your business is used to using most apple devices, then this will be an extremely easy integration for you.
It should also be noted that you can use Apple Pay when you're using the iPad Pro.
Pro's
Con's
If you're looking for a rugged tablet in the sea of Android devices that can handle the day-to-day madness that your business throws at it, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is a wonderful option.
Restaurants often appreciate this latest version of the Samsung Galaxy tablet, as it is one of the most durable and long-lasting out there.
Yes, there are plenty of Samsung Galaxy options out there that work for Square, though we believe this one is the best for multiple reasons.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab runs on Android and utilizes a high-speed A4 processor.
The battery life on this thing is impressive, as you can run it for up to ten hours. Plus, the battery is removable, enabling you to easily swap it out if it completely runs out of juice.
The Samsung Galaxy comes complete with an NFC chip, meaning the device utilizes Square contactless and chip reader-friendly technology. If a customer has a Samsung phone that they want to pay with, they can use Android Pay and Samsung Pay to do so. There is no need for them to ever slide their chip into the card reader!
Pro's
Con's
As you know by now, Square integrates seamlessly with Apple products.
The iPad Mini is an excellent choice for small businesses who don't want to fork a ton of money on an iPad Pro.
The iPad Mini, similar to the iPad Pro, comes with tons of storage space, giving you options for 16GB, 32Gb, 64GB, and 128GB.
However, the main difference between the two is the retina display, which is not as clear.
If you plan on dealing with a high volume, you will need to go for a higher storage capacity.
Businesses that use the iPad Mini can take advantage of Apple Pay, allowing customers to make Square contactless and chip reader-friendly payments.
Pro's
Con's
The Lenovo Yoga is one of the best budget-friendly Windows devices out there, perfect for those who want a tablet that is integrated with the Windows system.
This unique tablet comes with AnyPen technology, allowing you to use any pen or pencil that you want to take notes or make orders, perfect for those who hate having to keep track of a stylus.
This device also comes with a built-in kickstand, perfect for those who don't want to invest in a bulky stand for their counter space.
While it might not be the fastest tablet out there, it is a great choice for businesses on a budget.
Pro's
Con's
Devices That Square Does Not Support
As of now, there are many devices that the Square point of sale system does not support. The Square reader does not currently support Blackberry devices, except for the BlackBerry KEY2, as it is uniquely one of the compatible Android devices.
In our opinion, you'd be better off without a blackberry device at all, (even this Android device) if you want to run the Square card reader.
The Square reader also does not integrate with Amazon Kindle devices, even if you have some strange beta software versions that you want to try to get away with.
Lastly, Square was created to operate on phones, including Android devices and Apple devices. You cannot use it on a desktop or laptop, even if you have a headset jack.
Understanding the Square POS Platform
The Square point of sale app is simple to set up. When you download the Square app from the app store or Google Play, you'll receive a chip card reader for free. The beauty of Square is that they do not charge a monthly fee either!
The way Square makes its money is through payment processing. Every time you swipe a card through the magstripe reader, Square will get a percentage of the transaction.
While the Square reader is completely free, you will have to pay a one-time fee of $49 for access to one of their chip card readers.
The new reader processes transactions with chip cards, various phone payment types, and NFC and EMC payments. These chip card readers make use of Bluetooth technology called BLE (Bluetooth low energy). It should be noted that the new reader is not compatible with all devices. Square lists devices with officially tested compatibility on its website.
What If My Tablet Doesn't Have a Headphone Jack?
To accept magstripe-only cards, you need to have a headphone jack.
If you don't have a headphone jack that can accept the Square magstripe reader, then you will need to get a headphone jack adapter.
Final Thoughts - Which Tablet Works For You?
Finding a tablet that your chip reader works with does not have to feel like a challenge, as just about every tablet comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in. As you can see, there are plenty of options out there.
It truly comes down to your preferences.
In our opinion, the Apple iPad Pro is the best choice.
Apple devices integrate seamlessly with the Square program and the iPad Pro is the best new device in the lineup.
Tyler Connaghan
Contributing Author
