SumUp Solo review: a standalone card reader with 4G that works without a phone

This SumUp Solo review looks at the standalone card terminal from SumUp, the payments company used by more than four million merchants. Unlike older SumUp readers, the Solo does not need a smartphone: it has its own touchscreen, a built-in SIM card with 4G and unlimited data, and accepts girocard, credit cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Based on SumUp's German product information, its fee structure and published owner feedback, we look at the design, payment features, printer options, fees and payouts, and we explain when the Solo is the right card reader for a small business and when a different SumUp device makes more sense.

Design and connectivity

The SumUp Solo is a compact, pocketable terminal with a clear touchscreen instead of a classic keypad-heavy design. It comes with a charging cradle, a USB-C cable, a sticker and stand showing accepted card types, and instructions. Colourful carry cases with a strap are sold as accessories.

Connectivity is its biggest strength. A SIM card with 4G and unlimited data is built in, so the Solo keeps working at a weekly market, on a delivery round or in a garden café without Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is also supported, and an offline mode helps bridge short gaps in coverage.

Payment methods: girocard, cards and wallets

For German businesses, girocard support matters, because many customers still pay with their bank card. The Solo accepts girocard alongside Visa, V Pay, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Discover, JCB and Diners Club, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Customers can tap contactless, insert a chip and enter a PIN, or pay with a phone or watch.

Key features on the device

Because the Solo works on its own, most everyday tasks happen on the terminal itself. You sign in directly on the device and can start taking payments without pairing a phone. Multiple terminals can be managed from one SumUp profile.

• Product catalogue on the touchscreen, ideal for up to about 50 items
• Saved quick prices for fast checkout of common items
• Sales overview and refunds directly on the device
• Tipping options that customers can skip
• Receipts by SMS, email, QR code or paper
• Connection to POS systems that support the SumUp Cloud API

Printer bundles: Solo with counter or mobile printer

SumUp sells the Solo on its own or in two printer bundles. The counter printer is designed for shops and also acts as the charging station, so the terminal sits in it between sales. The mobile printer is a light, pocket-sized thermal printer for markets and deliveries, and SumUp says it prints up to 800 receipts per charge.

If most customers are happy with digital receipts, the standalone Solo is enough; businesses that must hand out paper receipts regularly should budget for a bundle.

SumUp fees and payouts

SumUp offers two fee models in Germany. With pay-as-you-go there is no monthly fee and you pay a percentage per transaction, which suits businesses with low or seasonal card sales. The Payments Plus subscription charges a monthly fee in exchange for a noticeably lower transaction rate, which pays off at higher volumes. Payments made with a customer's personal SumUp card carry no fee for the merchant.

Payouts go to the SumUp business account by 7 a.m. the next day, including weekends and holidays, and come with a Mastercard for spending the money. If you prefer your existing bank account, transfers take one to two business days. The hardware itself is budget-priced, and SumUp offers monthly instalments on larger orders.

SumUp Solo vs Solo Lite and Terminal

The Solo Lite is SumUp's cheaper reader. It connects to your smartphone, which handles the checkout, and it has no touchscreen. It suits occasional sellers who always have a phone at hand. The Solo is the better choice when staff should take payments without their own phones or when mobile data is unreliable.

At the top of the range, the SumUp Terminal is a compact handheld POS system with extra features such as ordering at the table, aimed at busy restaurants and shops. Businesses that only need Tap to Pay can also accept contactless payments directly in the SumUp app on a smartphone.

Who is the SumUp Solo for?

The Solo is a great match for market traders, food trucks, cafés, hairdressers, beauty salons, tradespeople and pop-up shops that want a reliable, independent card terminal with girocard support. Owner reviews quoted by SumUp praise the easy setup, tipping options and fast connections. Larger retailers with extensive product ranges will be better served by a full POS system connected to the Solo or by the SumUp Terminal.

Key specs

Type

Standalone portable card terminal

Connectivity

4G SIM with unlimited data, Wi-Fi, offline mode

Display

Touchscreen

Payments

girocard, Visa, V Pay, Mastercard, Maestro, Amex, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay

Charging

USB-C cable and charging cradle included

Printing

Optional counter printer (doubles as charger) or mobile printer

POS integration

POS systems that support the SumUp Cloud API

Warranty

1 year, plus 30-day money-back guarantee

Alternatives to consider

• PayPal Reader: A touchscreen Bluetooth reader with one flat fee for all cards, but it needs a paired phone or tablet.
• SumUp Solo Lite: A cheaper SumUp reader for sellers who are happy to run checkout on their smartphone.
• Revolut Terminal: A portable POS terminal with built-in printer for businesses that already bank with Revolut.

Frequently asked questions

The SumUp Solo is one of the best card readers for small businesses in Germany in 2026. It works on its own with a touchscreen and built-in 4G, accepts girocard and every major wallet, handles tips and digital receipts, and can grow into a printer setup or a connected POS. Flexible fee models and next-morning payouts make it easy to start and scale. If you want a simple, independent card terminal for a shop, salon or market stall, the Solo should be at the top of your list.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.