If you plan to start a business or grow an existing one, you will probably need to buy at least one card reader device or replace your old devices with newer models. For this purpose, the most important factor in choosing a quality card reader should be the credibility of the manufacturer brand. With a little online search and research, you will definitely hear the names of some brands more than others. Which brands are these? Which produce better products and are more worth the money? Lastly, how do their prices and quality levels compare? In this article, we will briefly and helpfully review the four top brands in the market to answer these questions; but first, let’s take a look at the types of card readers.
Introduction to Fixed and Portable Card Readers
Generally, card readers or POS terminals are divided into two types based on portability and internet connection methods: fixed and portable. We will briefly introduce both below.
What is a Fixed Card Reader?
A fixed card reader is a device connected to a power outlet via a cable, which charges it. Its internet and banking network connection are also typically through a telephone cable or via a modem using LAN or Wi-Fi. This device is usually suitable for stores that do not need to move the device frequently.
What is a Portable Card Reader?
A portable or wireless card reader does not require to be plugged into power and gets its energy from batteries. It connects to the internet via a SIM card. Some devices have two SIM card slots to ensure a stable connection. They can use SIM cards from all current operators in the country.
The Four Top Card Reader Brands in Iran
Considering factors like quality certifications, product performance, and user satisfaction, the four most reputable card reader brands in Iran currently are Newland, PAX, TOSAN Techno, and Morphan. We will introduce each of them below.
Newland Brand: Durable and Classic Card Readers
Newland Card ReadersManufactured in China, this brand has been active for over forty years in digital sales solutions, including card readers. Its main advantages include high build quality and design, excellent resistance to impact and moisture, fast transaction speeds, and a wide variety of models.
However, disadvantages of Newland include a complex user interface and relatively high prices. Especially because of import costs and exchange rates, more advanced products are either not imported or are priced much higher than similar Iranian products.
TOSAN Techno: Great Features at Reasonable Prices
TOSAN Techno is one of the few Iranian manufacturers of high-quality portable card readers. This company, mainly active in providing hardware and software solutions for digital banking, has produced various portable card readers that meet the needs of small and large businesses with different transaction volumes.
ToBuy TOSAN Techno Card ReadersOffering a wide range of products with touch screens, keypad options, and various processing powers, the most popular model is Techno P10; a powerful device with a quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and a high-quality HD touch display, all at an affordable price compared to similar foreign products. TOSAN Techno also offers products like Techno D300, designed for smaller businesses with limited budgets, which provide comparable processing power to more advanced models.
The majority of TOSAN Techno’s systems run on Android, but if you prefer an operating system like Linux, models like D230 can meet your needs. In terms of price, TOSAN Techno is likely the most cost-effective option among reputable card readers available in Iran.
Morphan Brand: An International Name with Advanced Features
An alternative foreign option is the Chinese brand MoreFun; one of the top three POS device manufacturers globally, with products available in advanced European and North American countries. Morphan’s card readers vary in features but generally offer very stable connections, advanced security, durable body design, and ergonomic shape.
Interestingly, Morphan is a relatively new brand with only about 10 years of activity, during which some models like h9, h9 Pro, mf919, and 10q have gained significant market share in countries including Iran. Features include Android or Linux OS, mostly touchscreen displays, support for magnetic and NFC cards, and a relatively high price point with somewhat complex user interfaces.
PAX: A Simple-to-Use Chinese Card Reader Brand
Currently, one of the best foreign card reader brands in Iran is PAX, a Chinese manufacturer with 25 years of global market presence. Key features include high variety, good build quality, ergonomic and lightweight design, and strong hardware functions in advanced models.
Popular models in Iran include S90, S915, S910, and D230. All support 4G network connectivity, with some like S910 having better hardware features. The S90 has a more traditional look and larger body, but if you prefer lighter devices, models like S915 and D230 are better options.
