So you want to start accepting card and contactless payments, but you don't know which reader to buy? Below is a comparison of the SumUp Air Card Reader and the 3G Card Reader listing the features and advantages of each. It should help you choose the best card reader for your business.
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Name | Air Card Reader | 3G Card Reader |
Accepted payment methods | ![]() |
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Price | £29 / 39€ | £99 / 99€ |
Description | The SumUp Air is an easy-to-use card reader that connects with the SumUp App on your smartphone or tablet, to let you accept card and contactless payments. | The SumUp 3G is a hassle-free way of accepting card and contactless payments from anywhere with a cellular network, without needing a WiFi connection or a smartphone. |
Fees | No monthly fees No fixed contract Just pay per transaction. |
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Features | • Tipping • Send, share and print receipts • Sales history • Manage products • Manage employees |
• Tipping • Send receipts via email and SMS • Sales history • Manage products • Manage employees |
Common businesses | Taxi drivers, hair/beauty salons, and craftsmen. SumUp Air is a great all-round card reader. |
Retailers, café/restaurants, and deliverer. SumUp 3G is the card reader for you if you always have your hands full. |
Requirements | • SumUp App • Smartphone or Tablet with iOS 9.0/ Android 4.4 or higher • Bluetooth 4.0 (minimum) |
• Just the 3G Reader • Cellular network connection |
Connection type | Connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet. | Connects to 3G network via built-in data SIM card at no extra cost. |
Battery | 500 transactions on a single charge |
50 transactions on a single charge |
Charging | Micro-USB cable included | USB-C cable included |
Learn more about our pricing structure here and check out this article for shipping details.