A Clover alternative without a long hardware bundle.
Clover bundles its devices and software into one monthly payment over a set term. That is convenient, and it is also a commitment. Here is how it compares with software you run on your own tablet.
Who looks for a Clover alternative
Most Clover comparisons are about the bundle, not the features. Owners want to know what they sign up to before the first coffee.
- A 36 month bundle. Clover’s quick service bundles run from USD 135 a month for 36 months (Starter) to USD 245 (Advanced), or hardware up front plus a monthly fee.
- Credit approval. Clover states accounts are subject to credit approval.
- Keyed cards cost more. Card rates are 2.3% + 10¢ in person and 3.5% + 10¢ keyed in.
Clover and Timeo side by side
Clover facts are taken from its own pages on 9 November 2026. "Not stated" means we did not find it on the pages we checked, not that the product lacks it.
| Clover | Timeo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Bundles USD 135 to USD 245 a month for 36 months, or hardware up front plus a monthly fee | USD 29 to USD 49 a month per location (Basic, Advance, Team), the same whatever the client count |
| Hardware | Clover devices, included in bundles | Your own tablet or computer; Timeo Pro POS app |
| Card rates | 2.3% + 10¢ in person, 3.5% + 10¢ keyed | One off online payments and deposits go into your own Airwallex account, in your own currency; auto-renewing memberships charge cards through your own Stripe account |
| QR and online ordering | Included | Table QR ordering and pickup orders on every plan |
| Stock | Stock tracking included | Recipe stock, stocktakes and purchase orders from Advance (USD 39) |
| Sign up | Subject to credit approval | Every plan has a 7 day free trial with no contract. |
When Clover is the better choice
- You want new hardware with no cash up front. A Clover bundle spreads the device cost over the term. Timeo does not sell or finance terminals.
- You want one company for card terminals and software. Clover’s devices, processing and POS come from one provider, with published in person rates.
- Stock tracking on the starter bundle. Clover includes stock tracking. On Timeo, stock starts on Advance.
When Timeo is the better fit
- No term to sign. Timeo is month to month: USD 29 to USD 49 a month per location (Basic, Advance, Team), the same whatever the client count.
- Use the tablet you have. Run the POS in a browser or the Timeo Pro app; the kitchen display runs on any screen.
- Recipes, loyalty and gift cards. On Advance, drinks deduct their ingredients as they sell, and points, wallet top ups and gift cards work at the till.
Moving from Clover to Timeo
Before anything else, read your Clover agreement for the term and any early end terms. For the data, ask Clover for your item list and customers as spreadsheets, then:
- For retail items or a menu, open Catalog > Products and choose Import. Pick Generic CSV as the Import format, then Preview import and Apply import once the summary looks right.
- In Timeo, open Customers and choose Import customers. Choose CSV file (or paste the sheet), then Preview import. Timeo matches the columns, flags rows it cannot read, and matches people you already have by email, then phone. Nothing is saved until you confirm the plan.
- On Advance, link drinks and dishes to their ingredients: open Catalog > Products > Recipe BOMs, choose Import preview, paste rows with recipe, target variant, component, quantity and unit, then Run preview and Apply import.
- Add tables under Settings > Tables and use Print all for the QR codes.
Clover devices, sales history and card processing stay with Clover. If you would rather not do it yourself, our team can run the import and set up services as part of hands-on setup, which is quoted separately.
Questions about switching from Clover
- How long is a Clover bundle?
- Its quick service restaurant pricing shows bundles over 36 months, from USD 135 to USD 245 a month, or hardware paid up front plus a monthly fee.
- Is there a credit check for Timeo?
- No. Sign up online and start the free trial; after it you pay monthly or yearly, with no term. Every plan has a 7 day free trial with no contract.
- Can I use a Clover device with Timeo?
- We have not tested Clover devices with Timeo. Plan on a tablet, phone or computer you own.
- Does Timeo have table QR ordering?
- Yes, on every plan, with orders going straight to the kitchen display.
- What does Timeo cost in Malaysia?
- In Malaysia, Timeo is billed in ringgit: RM79 to RM119 a month, with FPX and DuitNow QR through your own Billplz account.
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Sources
Clover's own pages, checked on 9 November 2026.