Ingenico Move 5000 vs Ingenico Desk 5000: A Comprehensive Comparison of Payment Terminals in 2025
Written by Lee Hart
Choosing the right payment terminal for your business can make a big difference in how efficiently you serve customers. The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 are both popular options, but they serve different needs and business environments.
The main difference between these terminals is that the Move 5000 offers wireless mobility through WiFi, Bluetooth or 4G options, while the Desk 5000 is a stationary countertop solution designed for fixed checkout locations. Both terminals feature colour touchscreens and support contactless payments, but their design and functionality cater to different business models.
The Desk 5000 provides stability with optional features like a PCI-compliant privacy shield and Kensington lock for added security. Meanwhile, the Move 5000 excels in hospitality and retail environments where staff need to bring the payment option directly to customers, creating a more flexible shopping experience that isn't tied to the checkout counter.
Key Takeaways
- The Move 5000 offers wireless mobility via WiFi, Bluetooth or 4G, making it ideal for businesses needing payment flexibility, while the Desk 5000 serves fixed checkout locations.
- Both terminals feature strong security with peer-to-peer encryption and PCI compliance, though the Desk 5000 offers additional physical security options.
- The right choice depends on your business model—stationary checkouts benefit from the Desk 5000, while businesses requiring payment mobility should consider the Move 5000.
Overview of Ingenico Move 5000 vs Ingenico Desk 5000
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 are payment terminals with distinct features designed to serve different business needs. Their mobility, design, and functionality reflect their intended use cases in retail and hospitality environments.
Key Differences at a Glance
The primary distinction between these two models is mobility. The Move 5000 is designed for portability with wireless capabilities, making it ideal for businesses requiring payment processing throughout their premises. It features a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen with an ergonomic interface.
In contrast, the Desk 5000 is a stationary terminal meant for fixed checkout points. It comes with enhanced durability features, including an outer protective casing that shields it from spills and accidental drops.
Both terminals offer robust security features and are fully compliant with PCI regulations. They utilise Ingenico's peer-to-peer encryption technology to protect customer data during transactions.
Product Positioning and Target Users
The Move 5000 is specifically positioned for hospitality, high street and small merchants where mobility is essential. It enables transactions away from fixed checkout points, perfect for:
- Restaurants and cafés (tableside payments)
- Food delivery services
- Market vendors
- Pop-up shops
- Mobile service providers
The Desk 5000 thrives in fixed point-of-sale environments. Its robust design makes it suitable for high-volume retail settings where durability is crucial. It offers additional connection ports and optional security enhancements like a PCI-compliant privacy shield and Kensington lock.
Both terminals can enhance business operations, but choosing between them depends on whether mobility or fixed-position durability better suits your business model.
Design and Build Quality
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 terminals differ significantly in their physical construction to serve distinct business environments. Each model offers unique design elements that affect their suitability for different operational needs.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Ingenico Move 5000 features a compact, lightweight design optimised for portability. Its slim profile measures approximately 169 mm x 78 mm x 57 mm, making it easy to carry and handle during mobile transactions. The terminal weighs around 320 grams, allowing staff to use it throughout long shifts without fatigue.
In contrast, the Desk 5000 has a more robust design intended for fixed counter operations. It's slightly larger and heavier, with dimensions closer to 187 mm x 82 mm x 68 mm and weighing approximately 340 grams. This added weight provides stability when placed on countertops.
The Desk 5000's stationary nature allows it to include additional connectivity ports that wouldn't be practical on the Move 5000, accommodating more peripheral connections.
User Interface and Display
Both terminals feature colour touchscreens, but with subtle differences. The Desk 5000 offers a 3.5-inch colour display with slightly higher resolution, providing crisp visuals for fixed transaction environments. Its larger screen size makes it easier to navigate complex menu options.
The Move 5000 maintains the same 3.5-inch size but is optimised for visibility in various lighting conditions, essential for outdoor or variable environment usage. Both models support:
- Multi-touch capabilities
- Backlit displays
- Wide viewing angles
The keypads on both devices feature tactile buttons with good responsiveness, though the Desk 5000's keys may be slightly more prominent, supporting faster transaction inputs in busy retail settings.
Durability and Materials
The Move 5000 is designed with durability for on-the-go use, featuring impact-resistant materials to withstand occasional drops and bumps. It has reinforced edges and a more enclosed design to protect against dust and moisture during mobile operations.
The Desk 5000 comes with an outer protective casing, guarding against potential spills or accidental drops that might occur in fixed business environments. Its construction is particularly robust, engineered to endure consistent, heavy usage in busy retail settings.
Both terminals comply with industry durability standards, but the Desk 5000 offers additional security features, including an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield and Kensington lock mount for physical security when left unattended at a counter.
Features and Functionality
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 terminals offer distinct capabilities tailored to different business environments. Both devices provide robust payment processing solutions with several key differences in their technical specifications and operational features.
Connectivity Options
The Ingenico Move 5000 stands out with its versatile connectivity options designed for mobility. It supports 3G/4G cellular connections, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, making it ideal for businesses requiring payment processing on the go.
In contrast, the Desk 5000 primarily offers Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options, optimised for fixed-location usage. This wired approach provides consistent connection stability for busy retail environments.
Both terminals can connect to a merchant's point-of-sale system, but the Move 5000's multiple wireless options give it an edge for businesses needing flexibility. The Desk 5000's reliable Ethernet connection suits high-volume transaction environments where connection stability is paramount.
Touchscreen Capabilities
Both models feature colour touchscreen displays that simplify navigation and enhance the user experience. The Desk 5000 offers a slightly larger screen, providing more space for displaying transaction information and prompts.
The touchscreens on both devices support:
- Signature capture for credit card transactions
- PIN entry with secure encryption
- Interactive menus for easy navigation
- Customisable interface options for branding
The screens are designed with durability in mind, featuring scratch-resistant glass. Both models provide good visibility in various lighting conditions, though the Desk 5000 typically offers better visibility due to its fixed positioning and optimised viewing angle.
Payment Acceptance Methods
Both terminals support a comprehensive range of payment methods to accommodate diverse customer preferences. The Move 5000 and Desk 5000 accept:
- Chip and PIN transactions
- Contactless payments (NFC)
- Magnetic stripe cards
- Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
The devices process transactions with identical security protocols, including PCI-compliant encryption to protect customer data. Both terminals feature peer-to-peer encryption technology to ensure payment information remains secure throughout the transaction process.
The Desk 5000 offers an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield for added security in busy environments, while the Move 5000 emphasises quick processing to minimise transaction time for mobile business scenarios.
Mobility and Usage Scenarios
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 terminals serve different business environments based on their mobility features and power options. Each device offers specific advantages for different retail settings and transaction volumes.
Portable Versus Countertop Use Cases
The Move 5000 excels in scenarios requiring mobility. It's ideal for restaurants where servers process payments at tables, market vendors needing flexibility, or businesses that provide in-home services.
The device enables staff to bring payment options directly to customers, improving their experience and reducing queues. This portable option works well for pop-up shops and outdoor events where fixed payment points aren't practical.
In contrast, the Desk 5000 is designed for stationary checkout points. Its robust design makes it perfect for high-volume retail environments like supermarkets and department stores.
The Desk 5000 includes an outer protective casing that shields it from accidental spills and drops, making it more durable for busy checkout areas. It can be secured with a Kensington lock for added theft protection.
Battery Life and Charging
The Move 5000's battery performance is crucial for businesses relying on mobile payments. The device offers extended operational hours on a single charge, allowing for full-day use in most retail environments.
When battery levels run low, the Move 5000 can be quickly recharged, minimising downtime. Many businesses maintain charging docks or keep spare batteries available to ensure continuous operation.
In comparison, the Desk 5000 relies on mains power, eliminating battery concerns entirely. This constant power supply ensures uninterrupted service during peak hours.
For businesses concerned about power outages, the Desk 5000 can be paired with backup power solutions. Though less mobile than its counterpart, it can be configured with wireless connectivity options similar to the Move 5000, except for 4G capabilities.
Security and Compliance
Both the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 offer robust security features to protect sensitive payment data and meet regulatory requirements. These terminals prioritise customer data protection through advanced encryption technology and hardware safeguards.
PCI-DSS and Data Encryption
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 are fully compliant with the latest global and local PCI regulations, ensuring they meet stringent security standards for payment processing. Both devices utilise Ingenico's peer-to-peer encryption technology that keeps customer data secure throughout the transaction process.
The Move 5000 serves as a Point of Sale (POS) payment handheld device that processes credit and PIN-based debit card transactions securely in attended environments. It can also be desk-mounted according to installation requirements.
The Desk 5000 offers additional physical security options, including an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield that prevents shoulder surfing during PIN entry. It also features a Kensington lock capability for securing the terminal to counters.
Fraud Prevention Features
Both terminals support EMV chip and PIN transactions, which significantly reduce the risk of card-present fraud compared to traditional magnetic stripe payments. The devices authenticate cards properly, helping merchants avoid costly chargebacks from fraudulent transactions.
The terminals incorporate NFC technology for contactless payments, allowing for secure transactions without physical contact with the terminal. This reduces the risk of card skimming while providing a convenient customer experience.
For additional security, both models feature:
- Tamper-resistant hardware that deactivates if physical tampering is detected
- Secure boot process to verify terminal integrity before processing payments
- Regular security updates to address emerging threats
The Move 5000's mobility doesn't compromise its security features, maintaining the same encryption standards as its countertop counterpart whilst enabling payments anywhere within a business.
Software, Integrations, and Customisation
Both the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 terminals offer robust software capabilities with multiple integration options. Their flexible platforms allow merchants to customise their payment solutions according to specific business needs.
Supported Operating Systems
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 both run on Ingenico's Telium TETRA operating system. This platform provides a secure and reliable foundation for payment processing applications.
The terminals support multiple programming languages including HTML5, making application development more accessible for businesses with varying technical requirements. Both devices feature:
- Java-based application compatibility
- Linux kernel core technology
- Over-the-air software updates
The Telium TETRA OS includes built-in security features to protect sensitive payment data. It also allows for smoother transitions between different applications on the device, creating a more seamless user experience for both merchants and customers.
Integrations with POS Systems
Both Ingenico terminals offer extensive integration capabilities with various Point of Sale systems. The Desk 5000 can be set up in a semi-integrated environment, keeping software developers outside the scope of PCI compliance when building custom POS applications.
For configuration, merchants can:
- Access admin settings via the gear icon
- Select "Semi-Integrated" mode
- Toggle "Enable SemiInteg" to "ON"
- Choose appropriate communication types (Ethernet for Desk 5000, WiFi for Move 5000)
Both terminals support integration with major payment processors and gateways. They can connect to inventory management systems, accounting software, and customer relationship management tools through API connections.
Customisation Options for Merchants
The Ingenico terminals offer multiple customisation options to meet specific business requirements. Merchants can tailor the payment experience through custom receipt designs, branded welcome screens, and configurable payment workflows.
For the Desk 5000:
- Customisable interface layouts
- Configurable transaction types
- Receipt template personalisation
- Optional PCI-compliant privacy shield
For the Move 5000:
- Adjustable connectivity settings (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G)
- Battery optimisation configurations
- Custom application menu arrangements
- Flexible payment acceptance options
Both devices support merchant-specific applications that can be developed and deployed based on business needs. The terminals allow for parameter adjustments to accommodate different transaction types, currencies, and regional requirements.
Performance and Reliability
The Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 both deliver strong performance for businesses, but with some key differences. The Desk 5000 features a robust design that's built to withstand heavy usage in busy environments, making it ideal for high-volume transactions.
The Desk 5000 comes with protective outer casing that shields it from accidental spills and drops. This added protection contributes to its durability and reliability in fixed retail settings.
Both terminals process payments quickly, typically completing transactions in 3-5 seconds. They support the same payment methods:
- EMV chip cards
- Contactless payments
- Magnetic stripe cards
- Mobile wallets
The Move 5000 maintains consistent performance while on the move, with battery life that typically lasts a full business day on a single charge. Its 4G connectivity ensures reliable transactions even when away from fixed internet connections.
Both terminals are fully compliant with global and local PCI regulations, featuring Ingenico's advanced peer-to-peer encryption technology. This ensures customer data remains secure regardless of which terminal you choose.
The Desk 5000 offers additional security features including an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield and a Kensington lock for physical security. These features help prevent tampering and unauthorised access in busy environments.
For businesses with high transaction volumes, both terminals can handle hundreds of transactions daily without performance degradation.
User Experience and Ease of Use
Both the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 offer user-friendly interfaces designed to streamline payment processing. The key difference lies in how they're operated and where they can be used.
The Move 5000 features a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen with an intuitive interface that provides an excellent user experience. Its portable design allows staff to bring the payment terminal directly to customers, enhancing service efficiency.
The Desk 5000 also comes with a high-quality touchscreen interface but is designed for fixed locations. It includes an outer protective casing that shields it from accidental spills and drops, making it more durable for busy environments.
Accessibility Features:
- Both models offer clear screen visibility
- Responsive touch interfaces
- Simple navigation menus
- Customer-facing displays
The Move 5000 excels in environments where mobility enhances customer experience, such as restaurants and retail shops with floor service. It allows for enhanced customer engagement directly on the shop floor.
The Desk 5000 shines at fixed checkout points, providing stability and consistent performance. For added security, it offers an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield to protect customer data during PIN entry.
Both terminals process transactions quickly and support contactless payments, chip and PIN, and magnetic stripe cards, ensuring versatility regardless of which model businesses choose.
Pricing, Cost of Ownership, and Value
When comparing the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 terminals, pricing plays a crucial role in decision-making for businesses. The initial investment differs significantly between these two models.
The Ingenico Desk 5000 typically falls in the mid-range price category, with purchase prices ranging from £250-£400. Alternatively, businesses can opt to rent this model for approximately £15-£25 per month, making it more accessible for smaller operations with limited capital.
The Move 5000, while offering mobility benefits, sits in a similar price bracket to the Desk 5000. Both models are considered mid-range terminals costing between £400-£800, depending on specific features and configurations.
The Desk 5000 offers better long-term value for fixed locations due to its robust design and protective casing, which shields it from spills and accidental drops. This durability often translates to fewer replacements over time.
For mobile businesses, the Move 5000's value lies in its flexibility despite potentially higher maintenance costs. The ability to process payments anywhere with signal makes it perfect for truly mobile businesses, justifying any premium in cost.
Support and After-Sales Service
When choosing between the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000, understanding the support options available is crucial for business owners. Both devices offer comprehensive after-sales service, but there are some differences worth noting.
Ingenico provides dedicated support teams that can be reached through specialised contact forms on their website. This makes it easy to get help when you encounter issues with either device.
The support for both models includes technical assistance and troubleshooting. Representatives can help with everything from connectivity problems to software updates.
Important Update: Users should be aware that dial-up support for both devices will be ending on 1 September 2025. This may affect businesses still using dial-up connections.
For Move 5000 users, specific support is available for Wi-Fi setup assistance. This includes help with connecting to routers and networks, which is essential for the device's mobility features.
Both devices come with detailed reference guides that cover common questions and features. These guides are designed to be kept handy for quick reference during daily operations.
Chase Payment Solutions customers receive additional support options, including how-to instructions that can be accessed directly on the card reader's screen by pressing the grey Admin key.
Warranty terms are similar for both models, but it's advisable to check specific coverage details when purchasing either device.
Pros and Cons of Ingenico Move 5000
The Ingenico Move 5000 offers several advantages and disadvantages that businesses should consider before making a purchasing decision.
Pros:
- Mobility: The primary advantage of the Move 5000 is its portability, allowing merchants to take payments anywhere within their premises or on the go.
- Battery Life: It comes equipped with a robust battery, making it suitable for busy service environments like restaurants and mobile businesses.
- Connectivity Options: The device offers versatile connection methods including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G connectivity for maximum flexibility.
- Large Screen: The Move 5000 features a generous 3.5-inch touchscreen, providing an improved user experience compared to smaller models.
- Security: It maintains full compliance with PCI regulations and includes Ingenico's peer-to-peer encryption technology to protect customer data.
Cons:
- Durability Concerns: The portable nature means it lacks the robust outer casing of the Desk 5000, potentially making it more susceptible to damage.
- Battery Dependence: Requires regular charging, which could be problematic during extended periods of heavy use.
- Higher Cost: The mobility features typically result in a higher price point compared to fixed terminals.
- Size: The device is slightly bulkier than some competing mobile payment terminals, which might affect comfort during extended handheld use.
The Move 5000 is particularly well-suited for restaurants, bars, and mobile businesses where payment flexibility is essential to operations.
Pros and Cons of Ingenico Desk 5000
The Ingenico Desk 5000 offers several advantages for businesses that operate from fixed locations. This countertop payment terminal provides a robust solution for retail shops and cafés with permanent checkout counters.
One of the primary benefits of the Desk 5000 is its durable design. The terminal comes with a protective outer casing that shields it from accidental spills or drops, making it ideal for busy environments.
Security is another strong point of the Desk 5000. The device is fully compliant with the latest PCI regulations and features Ingenico's peer-to-peer encryption technology. It also offers optional security enhancements such as a PCI-compliant privacy shield and a Kensington lock.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction for high-volume usage
- Enhanced security features
- Reliable performance in fixed locations
- Protected against accidental damage
Cons:
- Lacks mobility unlike the Move 5000
- Limited to a single payment point
- Requires stable power connection
- Not suitable for businesses needing payment flexibility
The Desk 5000's stationary nature can be restrictive for certain business types. Restaurants or shops wanting to process payments throughout their premises may find the fixed position limiting.
Despite this drawback, the terminal's durability and advanced security make it an excellent choice for businesses with established checkout areas seeking reliability and customer data protection.
Which Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000 depends on your specific business needs. Both terminals offer reliable payment processing with strong security features, but they serve different operational requirements.
The Ingenico Move 5000 is ideal for businesses that require mobility. This wireless terminal allows staff to take payments anywhere, making it perfect for:
- Restaurants with table service
- Food delivery services
- Pop-up shops or market stalls
- Businesses with limited counter space
Its portable design includes WiFi and 4G connectivity options, enabling easy line busting capabilities during busy periods.
The Ingenico Desk 5000 shines in fixed-location settings. It features a more robust design with an outer casing that protects against spills and accidental drops.
This terminal works best for:
- Retail shops with dedicated checkout areas
- Service businesses with reception desks
- High-volume environments requiring durability
The Desk 5000 offers additional security features including an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield and a Kensington lock for physical security.
Consider your transaction volume and business environment when deciding. The Desk 5000's sturdier build makes it suitable for busy conditions, while the Move 5000 provides flexibility for businesses where mobility matters.
Both models support contactless payments and comply with global PCI regulations, ensuring customer data remains secure regardless of which device you select.
Conclusion
When deciding between the Ingenico Move 5000 and Desk 5000, business owners must consider their specific operational needs. The Move 5000 offers superior mobility with wireless connectivity, making it ideal for businesses requiring payment flexibility across locations.
The Desk 5000 provides robust design features with an outer casing that protects against spills and accidental drops. This durability makes it particularly suitable for high-volume, fixed-location environments.
Both terminals offer excellent security features with full compliance with PCI regulations. The Desk 5000 includes optional additional security elements like a privacy shield and Kensington lock.
For businesses with stable counter spaces such as retail shops or restaurants, the Desk 5000's wired connectivity provides reliable payment processing. It also manages counter space constraints effectively.
The Move 5000 shines in environments requiring payment mobility—think restaurants with table service, delivery businesses, or mobile vendors. Its wireless capabilities ensure transactions can occur anywhere.
The final choice depends on balancing mobility needs against durability requirements. Businesses should evaluate their payment processing patterns, customer flow, and physical environment before selecting either terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merchants using Ingenico terminals often have specific concerns about functionality, connectivity, and security features. These questions address key differences between the popular Move 5000 and Desk 5000 models.
What distinguishes the Ingenico Move 5000 from the Desk 5000 in terms of payment processing capabilities?
Both the Move 5000 and Desk 5000 offer similar payment processing capabilities, accepting the same types of cards and payment methods. The primary difference lies in their design purpose rather than processing ability.
The Desk 5000 features a more robust design with an outer protective casing that shields it from potential spills or accidental drops. This makes it ideal for high-volume, stationary checkout environments.
The Move 5000, as its name suggests, prioritises mobility while maintaining the same payment processing standards. It's optimised for businesses requiring payment flexibility throughout their premises.
Can the Ingenico Desk 5000 operate in wireless mode, or does it require a wired connection?
The Ingenico Desk 5000 is primarily designed as a countertop terminal with wired connectivity. It typically connects via Ethernet or dial-up connections for stable, consistent communication.
Unlike the Move 5000 which offers WiFi and 3G capabilities, the Desk 5000 focuses on reliable fixed-position connectivity. This makes it ideal for permanent checkout stations where consistent network access is available.
For merchants requiring wireless functionality, the Move 5000 would be the more appropriate choice as it's specifically designed for mobile payment processing.
How do users address communication failures on the Ingenico Desk 5000 across different communication modes?
When the Desk 5000 experiences communication failures, the first step is identifying which communication mode is failing. For Ethernet connections, users should check cable connections and network settings.
If using dial-up connectivity, verifying phone line connections and ensuring the correct dial prefix settings can resolve most issues. Some models may require reconfiguration of communication parameters through the settings menu.
Persistent communication failures might require contacting the payment processor's technical support team, as some issues may relate to server-side problems rather than the terminal itself.
What are the support options available for Ingenico Desk 5000 troubleshooting?
Merchants using the Ingenico Desk 5000 can access several support channels. The Global Payments help centre provides comprehensive user guides and troubleshooting resources specifically for Ingenico terminals.
Many payment processors offer dedicated telephone support lines for immediate assistance with terminal issues. Some providers also maintain online knowledge bases with common error codes and their resolutions.
For businesses with service agreements, on-site technical support may be available for hardware issues that cannot be resolved remotely.
In what ways does Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) differ between the Desk 5000 and the Move 5000 models?
The encryption capabilities between the two models are largely identical. Both the Desk 5000 and Move 5000 feature Ingenico's world-class peer-to-peer encryption technology to protect customer data during transactions.
Both terminals are certified and fully compliant with the latest global and local PCI regulations. The primary difference lies in physical security rather than encryption technology.
The Desk 5000 offers additional physical security features, including an optional PCI-compliant privacy shield and a Kensington lock that the Move 5000 doesn't typically include due to its mobile nature.
How can merchants resolve error codes that appear on Ingenico card payment terminals?
When error codes appear on Ingenico terminals, merchants should first consult the terminal's user guide, which contains explanations for common errors. Many payment processors provide quick reference guides for troubleshooting.
Network-related errors often require checking connection settings or restarting the terminal. For payment-specific errors, merchants may need to contact their payment processor as these can relate to account issues.
Hardware errors that persist after basic troubleshooting typically require contacting technical support or arranging for a replacement terminal if the issue cannot be resolved remotely.
About The Author
Lee Hart
