Software Alternatives & Startups

Arc VS Square Contactless Reader

Compare Arc VS Square Contactless Reader and see what are their differences

Arc

This new web browser is going to kill Chrome

Rating
0 reviews
Square Contactless Reader

Accept Apple Pay + Chip cards, anywhere

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Arc should be more popular than Square Contactless Reader. It has been mentioned 77 times since March 2021.

social mentions
77 vs 10
Web Browsers popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
235 vs 33

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Arc
Square Contactless Reader
Website arc.net squareup.com
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Arc 5 features
Square Contactless Reader 5 features
  • Innovative Design
    Arc offers a sleek and modern interface that is different from traditional web browsers, prioritizing accessibility and user experience.
  • Enhanced Privacy
    The browser comes with strong privacy features, including tracker blocking and advanced security settings to protect users' data and browsing habits.
  • Performance Optimization
    Arc is built on a performance-optimized engine that ensures fast browsing speeds and efficient resource management.
  • Customizability
    Users can personalize their browsing experience with a variety of themes, extensions, and settings that cater to individual preferences.
  • Cross-Platform Synchronization
    Arc supports the synchronization of tabs, bookmarks, and preferences across multiple devices, providing a seamless experience for users who switch between desktop and mobile.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Extension Support
    Compared to more established browsers, Arc has a smaller library of compatible extensions, which might limit functionality for some users.
  • Learning Curve
    The unique design and features of Arc may require users to spend some time learning how to navigate and utilize the browser effectively.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some websites and web applications may not be fully compatible with Arc, potentially leading to rendering issues or functionality limitations.
  • Resource Intensive
    Despite its optimizations, Arc can be more resource-intensive compared to some other browsers, possibly impacting system performance on older or less powerful devices.
  • Maturity
    As a relatively new entrant in the browser market, Arc may lack the robustness and refinement that come with years of development and user feedback seen in more established browsers.
  • Ease of Use
    The Square Contactless Reader is simple to set up and use, making it accessible for small business owners without extensive technical knowledge.
  • Versatility
    The device accepts a wide range of payment methods including contactless (NFC) payments, chip card payments, and mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Portability
    Its compact and lightweight design allows business owners to easily carry it and accept payments on-the-go.
  • Security
    The Square Reader is designed with security in mind, featuring encryption to protect payment data and ensure safe transactions.
  • Affordable
    The price point of the Square Contactless Reader is relatively low, making it an economical option for small businesses looking to accept modern payment methods.

Possible disadvantages

  • Requires Internet Connection
    The device requires a stable internet connection to process payments, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Limited to Square Ecosystem
    The reader is integrated into the Square ecosystem, which might limit functionality for businesses that use multiple or different payment systems.
  • Transaction Fees
    As with many payment processors, Square charges a transaction fee on payments processed, which can add up for businesses with large sales volumes.
  • Battery Life
    While portable, the device relies on a battery which needs to be charged regularly, potentially causing interruptions if not managed properly.
  • Limited Offline Functionality
    Without internet, the Square Contactless Reader has limited functionality, potentially leading to service disruptions during power or connectivity outages.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Arc
Square Contactless Reader

Overall verdict

  • Arc is a solid and innovative web browser that has quickly gained positive traction among both casual users and professionals, particularly those looking for a feature-rich and privacy-focused browsing experience.

Why this product is good

  • Arc (arc.net) is considered a good choice by many users and tech reviewers because it offers modern features, a sleek and user-friendly design, and improved performance compared to some other browsers. Its focus on privacy, security, and customization, along with effective integration with various web services, makes it appealing to a broad audience. Regular updates and community feedback incorporation further enhance its reputation.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize privacy and security.
  • Individuals seeking a modern and customizable browser interface.
  • Professionals and tech-savvy users who value integration with web services.
  • People searching for an alternative to mainstream browsers with unique capabilities.

No analysis of Square Contactless Reader yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Arc 3 videos + Add
Square Contactless Reader 0 videos + Add

Arc Browser Review: 10 Reason Why YOU Should Switch!

More videos

  • - Intel Arc 2023 Revisit & Benchmarks: A770 & A750 GPU Updated Tests
  • - Please Buy Intel GPUs. - Arc A750 & A770 Review

No Square Contactless Reader videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Arc
Square Contactless Reader
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Arc and Square Contactless Reader. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Arc no reviews yet
Square Contactless Reader no reviews yet
  • The 7 best web browsers in 2025
    zapier.com · Oct 2024

    Arc comes equipped with plenty more productivity-focused tools, too. Its built-in universal search function allows you to instantly jump to a tab or find and execute a shortcut. Plus, you can have up to four tabs in a...

We have no reviews of Square Contactless Reader yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Arc 77 mentions
Square Contactless Reader 10 mentions
  • Nook Browser
    Because both are trying to be response to the death of Browser Company's Arc. (https://arc.net). - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • I tried 6 next-gen browsers - here's what I found
    Arc was first recommended to me by a fellow dev. It felt like the browser I was looking for but never quite found. The Browser Company released this trendsetter in 2023, and among the frontend and tech community it quickly became the new... - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • Arc vs. Dia: A Developer’s Take on Two Browsers from The Browser Company (Plus: How to Get Access to Both)
    Arc was first recommended to me by a fellow developer, and it immediately felt like the browser I’d always wanted but never quite found. I’m a sucker for clean interfaces, and as both a frontend developer and a designer, I notice the... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago

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  • selling my book at summer festivals
    - if your phone lacks the capacity to process cards - Square's card reader - affordable, simple to use. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Best alternatives to Square?
    I have this Square contactless/chip reader so if a customer doesn't have tap-to-pay they just insert their card. I do keep my old magstripe reader handy just in case. There have been a few times my contactless/chip reader didn't work for... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Square mag stripe reader
    I have this one - https://squareup.com/us/en/hardware/contactless-chip-reader. Source: about 4 years ago

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Alternatives to Arc and Square Contactless Reader

When comparing Arc and Square Contactless Reader, you can also consider the following products.