Clover Mini Review: V3 Pricing, Features & Pros vs Cons

Updated January 2026 • Verified Q1 2026

The Clover Mini (V3) is a compact countertop POS with an 8″ touchscreen and built-in receipt printer. It’s a solid device — but how you buy it matters more than the hardware itself. Clover is sold through hundreds of resellers, which means pricing, contracts, and support quality vary wildly depending on who you sign up with.

At $849 upfront (or $45-$180/month on a 36-month contract), the Mini isn’t cheap. And unlike Square, you can’t just buy the hardware and walk away — you’re locked into a payment processor and often a multi-year contract.

This review covers what the Clover Mini actually costs, what to watch out for, and whether it’s worth it for your business.

Pros vs. Cons

Clover Mini Pricing

Clover Mini pricing depends on whether you buy upfront or finance, and which software plan you choose.

Hardware Cost

Software Plans (Monthly)

Payment Processing Fees

Note: Rates vary by reseller. Some offer interchange-plus pricing for high-volume businesses. Always get rates in writing before signing.

⚠️ Critical Warnings Before You Buy

36-Month Contracts Are Standard

Most Clover plans require a 36-month commitment. Breaking early triggers termination fees — often $500 or more, calculated based on remaining months. Read the fine print carefully.

Hardware Is Locked to Your Processor

Unlike Square (which you can cancel anytime), Clover hardware is tied to your payment processor. If you want to switch processors, you typically need to buy new hardware. You cannot reprogram a Clover device for a different processor.

Reseller Roulette

Clover is sold through hundreds of independent sales organizations (ISOs). Some are reputable; others use aggressive sales tactics, hidden fees, and bait-and-switch pricing. Common complaints include:

• Rates higher than quoted
• Unexpected monthly fees appearing after signup
• “Free” hardware tied to expensive leases
• Difficulty reaching support or canceling

Pro tip: Buy directly from Clover.com or a bank like Wells Fargo if possible. Avoid third-party resellers offering “free” hardware — the cost is usually hidden in higher processing rates or lease terms.

Watch for Hidden Fees

Beyond the advertised rates, watch for:

• PCI compliance fees ($99+/year)
• Statement fees
• Chargeback fees ($25-30 per dispute)
• App marketplace fees (many apps cost $10-50/month extra)
• Early termination fees

Clover Mini Features

Hardware Specs

Software Features

• Inventory management: Categories, labels, modifiers, variants
• Employee management: Timesheets, permissions, shift tracking
• Reporting: Sales by item, hour, employee; exportable data
• Virtual terminal: Take payments over phone or send invoices
• Loyalty program: Built-in rewards (free on Standard+ plans)
• App marketplace: 400+ apps for accounting, scheduling, marketing
• Offline mode: Continue taking payments during internet outages

Accessories

Clover Mini works with:

• Cash drawer (~$109)
• Barcode scanner
• Kitchen printer
• Weight scale
• Customer-facing display (tethered second Mini)

What Users Say

Based on reviews from Capterra, GetApp, and Trustpilot:

✅ What users like:

❌ Common complaints:

Clover ratings:

• GetApp: 3.9/5 (461 reviews)
• Capterra: 3.9/5
• Trustpilot: 2.4/5 (2,000+ reviews)

The hardware gets good reviews. Most complaints are about contracts, resellers, fees, and customer support.

Clover Mini vs. Alternatives

Choose Clover Mini if: You want an all-in-one device with built-in printer and don’t mind a contract.

Choose Square Stand if: You want no contracts, lower upfront cost, and simplicity.

Choose Toast if: You’re a restaurant and want industry-specific features.

Who Clover Mini Is For

✅ Good Fit

• Retail stores needing inventory management
• Quick-service restaurants and cafes
• Service businesses (salons, repair shops)
• Businesses wanting sleek, professional hardware
• Those comfortable with multi-year contracts

❌ Not Ideal For

• Businesses wanting no contracts (use Square instead)
• Budget-conscious startups
• Anyone who wants to switch processors later
• Full-service restaurants (consider Toast)

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict

The Clover Mini V3 is excellent hardware — compact, professional, with a built-in printer and all the features most small businesses need. The problem isn’t the device; it’s how Clover is sold.

The reseller model creates a minefield of variable pricing, hidden fees, and inconsistent support. The 36-month contracts and early termination fees lock you in, and the hardware can’t be reprogrammed for another processor if you want to switch.

If you go with Clover, buy directly from Clover.com or a reputable bank, pay upfront for hardware if possible, and get all rates and fees in writing before signing anything.

For businesses that want simplicity and flexibility, Square is often the better choice — no contracts, transparent pricing, and you can cancel anytime. But if you specifically want Clover’s hardware and app ecosystem, just go in with eyes open.

About the Author

Jason Feemster
POS systems expert and founder of POSUSA.com, a trusted industry resource since 2011. With over a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing point-of-sale systems, he helps business owners choose solutions that actually fit their needs.