Best Salon POS Systems of January 2026
Square, Clover, Lightspeed Retail and DaySmart have features and pricing especially suited for salons and spas.
Learn more Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
A salon point-of-sale (POS) system is the combination of hardware and software that helps facilitate customers’ payments and handle day-to-day operations, like employee management and marketing. Since hair salons revolve around appointments, these POS systems
The top POS systems for hair salons include:
Square Clover Lightspeed - DaySmart Salon: Best for salon-specific features.
Why trust NerdWallet
🤓
POS system providers, like Square and Clover, offer different POS software plans depending on your specific industry. The best options for salons typically fall under the “beauty,” “appointments” or “personal services” categories. Regardless, be sure to look for features or integrations that make online appointment booking painless for both employees and customers and clearly communicate your salon’s cancellation policy. Nerdy Tip
Sponsored partner picks for
| Product | Best for | NerdWallet rating | Payment processing fees | Monthly fee | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Square POS | Overall salon POS system | In-person: 2.6% + $0.15 Online: 3.3% + $0.30 | $0 and up. | on Square's website | |
 Clover POS | Customizability | In-person: 2.5% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0 and up. | on Clover's website | |
 Lightspeed Retail POS | Multi-location salons | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $109 for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $339 for Plus plan. | on Lightspeed's website | |
 DaySmart Salon | Salon-specific features | N/A | $29 Basic plan; $69 Deluxe plan; $199 Premium plan. |
Best overall POS system
Square POS
Best for Overall salon POS system
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 3.3% + $0.30
Online: 3.3% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Square's website
Pros
- Free plan option available.
- Offers helpful related services, like payroll, that integrate closely with its POS system.
- No long-term contracts or termination fees.
- All plans include a free online store.
Cons
- Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
- Complex industries might prefer a more specialized system.
Clover POS
Best for Customizability
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Free plan available if you’re only using a mobile card reader.
- 24/7 phone support.
- All restaurant plans include no-fee online ordering, and retail plans let you integrate with existing online stores.
- Offers a variety of plans tailored to six specific types of businesses.
- Can pair POS systems with third-party payment processors.
Cons
- Promotions require a three-year contract.
- May be subject to early termination fees if you use Clover as your payment processor.
- Online payment processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Lightspeed Retail POS
Best for Multi-location salons
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$109
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $339 for Plus plan.
on Lightspeed's website
Pros
- Includes detailed inventory management tools for creating product variants.
- No long-term contracts.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Generate unlimited barcode labels.
Cons
- No free plan options.
- Accounting integrations are only available in Core and Plus plans.
DaySmart Salon
Best for Salon-specific features
Payment processing fees
N/A
Monthly fee
$29
Basic plan; $69 Deluxe plan; $199 Premium plan.
Pros
- Free trial period.
- Variety of plans offering extensive functionality.
- Integrated payment processing.
Cons
- Does not sell hardware.
- Unlimited training and phone support not included with cheapest plan.
Sort by:
Best overall POS system
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 3.3% + $0.30
Online: 3.3% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Square's website
Pros
- Free plan option available.
- Offers helpful related services, like payroll, that integrate closely with its POS system.
- No long-term contracts or termination fees.
- All plans include a free online store.
Cons
- Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
- Complex industries might prefer a more specialized system.
Best overall POS system
Square POS
Best for Overall salon POS system
Best for Overall salon POS system
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 3.3% + $0.30
Online: 3.3% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Square's website
Pros
- Free plan option available.
- Offers helpful related services, like payroll, that integrate closely with its POS system.
- No long-term contracts or termination fees.
- All plans include a free online store.
Cons
- Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
- Complex industries might prefer a more specialized system.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Free plan available if you’re only using a mobile card reader.
- 24/7 phone support.
- All restaurant plans include no-fee online ordering, and retail plans let you integrate with existing online stores.
- Offers a variety of plans tailored to six specific types of businesses.
- Can pair POS systems with third-party payment processors.
Cons
- Promotions require a three-year contract.
- May be subject to early termination fees if you use Clover as your payment processor.
- Online payment processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Clover POS
Best for Customizability
Best for Customizability
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Free plan available if you’re only using a mobile card reader.
- 24/7 phone support.
- All restaurant plans include no-fee online ordering, and retail plans let you integrate with existing online stores.
- Offers a variety of plans tailored to six specific types of businesses.
- Can pair POS systems with third-party payment processors.
Cons
- Promotions require a three-year contract.
- May be subject to early termination fees if you use Clover as your payment processor.
- Online payment processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$109
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $339 for Plus plan.
on Lightspeed's website
Pros
- Includes detailed inventory management tools for creating product variants.
- No long-term contracts.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Generate unlimited barcode labels.
Cons
- No free plan options.
- Accounting integrations are only available in Core and Plus plans.
Lightspeed Retail POS
Best for Multi-location salons
Best for Multi-location salons
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$109
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $339 for Plus plan.
on Lightspeed's website
Pros
- Includes detailed inventory management tools for creating product variants.
- No long-term contracts.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Generate unlimited barcode labels.
Cons
- No free plan options.
- Accounting integrations are only available in Core and Plus plans.
Payment processing fees
N/A
Monthly fee
$29
Basic plan; $69 Deluxe plan; $199 Premium plan.
Pros
- Free trial period.
- Variety of plans offering extensive functionality.
- Integrated payment processing.
Cons
- Does not sell hardware.
- Unlimited training and phone support not included with cheapest plan.
DaySmart Salon
Best for Salon-specific features
Best for Salon-specific features
Payment processing fees
N/A
Monthly fee
$29
Basic plan; $69 Deluxe plan; $199 Premium plan.
Pros
- Free trial period.
- Variety of plans offering extensive functionality.
- Integrated payment processing.
Cons
- Does not sell hardware.
- Unlimited training and phone support not included with cheapest plan.
Jump to
Our picks for the best salon POS systems
Square
Best overall salon POS system
Why we like it: Square POS is one of the most streamlined, tech-forward POS solutions available. The Square POS app — which enables payment processing — can take on employee management, inventory tracking and automated sales reports. Square POS integrates with other merchant services in the Square universe, including Square Appointments customer relationship management Square POS review
- $0 for Square Free plan.
- $49 for Square Plus plan.
- $149 for Square Premium plans.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $59 for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $149 for Square Kiosk for self-serve ordering.
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $399 for Square Handheld portable POS system with built-in barcode scanner (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
- 2.6% plus 15 cents for in-person transactions with Free plan.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for online transactions with Free plan.
- 2.5% plus 15 cents for in-person transactions with Plus plan.
- 2.4% plus 15 cents for in-person transaction with Premium plan.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions with Plus and Premium plans.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
Clover
Best for customizability
Why we like it: Clover POS is a highly customizable, all-in-one POS system that can accept essentially every type of payment your customers use, including chip, swipe and contactless payments. Clover software is loaded with features that are particularly helpful for salon owners, including capabilities to manage employee shifts, measure employee performance through sales reports and offer customers tip options upon checkout. Clover also integrates with staff management apps like Gusto time tracking software Clover review
- $0 for Clover Go Starter, Retail Basic and Personal Services Basic plans.
- $29.95 for Clover Go Essentials, Professional Services Basic, Home and Field Services Starter and Standard plans.
- $84.95 for Retail Standard and Professional, Personal Services Standard and Advanced, and Home & Field Services Advanced plans.
- $89.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter and Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $104.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $109.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard and Quick-Service Dining Advanced plans.
- $129.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $199 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $349 for countertop card reader.
- $749 for Clover Flex mobile POS with receipt printer.
- $699 for slimmer Flex Pocket with no printer.
- $849 for Clover Mini POS.
- $799-$899 + $25 per month for kitchen display system.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,899 for Clover Station Duo.
- $3,499 + $34.95 per month for self-ordering kiosk.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Full-Service and Quick-Service Restaurant plans.
- 2.5% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on all Retail plans, Professional Services Standard and Advanced plans, all Personal Services plans and the Home and Field Services Advanced plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on the Home and Field Services Standard plan.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Lightspeed Retail POS
Best for multi-location salons
Why we like it: Lightspeed Retail POS is an all-in-one POS system for retail stores that accepts all major payment types. The software is designed to scale across multiple locations, so it can be a good option for salons and spas that are looking to expand. Lightspeed's system includes loyalty features, inventory management tools and reports and business data and insights. You can also customize your Lightspeed Retail POS by downloading compatible apps from Lightspeed's long list of software integrations. Read our full Lightspeed POS review
- $89 for Lean plan ($69 if billed annually).
- $149 for Standard plan ($119 if billed annually).
- $269 for Advanced plan ($199 if billed annually).
Pricing for Lightspeed's iPad and desktop hardware kits is quote-based. Individual hardware products are listed in Lightspeed's online store:
- $79 for Mobile Tap V2 card reader.
- $199 for iPad swivel stand.
- $329 for WisePOS E countertop reader.
- $429 for Lightspeed Lite Server for data backup and offline mode functionality.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
DaySmart Salon
Best for salon-specific features
Why we like it: DaySmart (formerly Salon Iris) is a salon POS software solution designed to streamline operations and securely accept payments. DaySmart is preloaded with an online booking interface, an employee management dashboard, two-way texting capabilities for easier communication with your clients and tools for targeted text marketing campaigns and reputation management. DaySmart also offers a QuickBooks integration, the ability to print payroll checks and a free 14-day trial.
- $29 for Basic plan.
- $69 for Deluxe plan.
- $199 for Premium plan.
No proprietary hardware available.
Integrated with software. Uses Clover Mini or Flex hardware to process chip, swipe and contactless payments. Fees are undisclosed.
How to choose a salon POS system
Here are some factors to think about when searching for the right salon POS system for your business.
- Payment flexibility. A good salon POS system enables you to accept and process a variety of payment types, including credit cards and digital wallets. It should also be easy to set up and have an intuitive interface. Most payments will likely be accepted in person after a hair appointment is finished, but if your salon requires customers to put down a deposit to reserve their appointment ahead of time, make sure your POS system allows for this functionality.
- Salon-specific features. Ideally, your salon POS system has industry-specific features or integrations for appointment scheduling, employee tracking and payroll. These help ensure your stylists and estheticians are getting paid in full and on time, and that your clients can easily sign up for appointments.
- Inventory tracking. This is a must for salons that sell hair products or accessories. If you sell just a handful of tried and true products, your inventory tracking capabilities don’t need to be fancy, but they should let you know when it’s time to restock your bestsellers.
- Loyalty programs. These programs, along with referral codes and other incentives, help keep clients coming back and show them how much you value their patronage. It’s not uncommon for POS system providers to charge extra for this feature.
- Mobile capabilities. A system with mobile POS readers is crucial if you or your staff members make house calls or work outside your main location. NerdWallet’s roundup of
mobile credit card readers - Fair pricing. Ultimately, the right salon POS system is the one with fees and hardware you can afford. And don’t forget to consider processing fees — most of our top picks use a flat-rate pricing model that’s easy to understand. Free trials and demos can also be helpful if you’re on the fence or between two products.
A version of this article was first published on Fundera, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.
Caroline Goldstein contributed to this article.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s point-of-sale systems provider ratings reward companies whose products and services are priced well and work in a variety of payment scenarios, among other criteria. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including cost, system capabilities, contract requirements, customer service and integrations and add-ons. Learn more about how we rate point-of-sale (POS) systems providers
These ratings are a guide, but services, hardware and pricing can vary widely from business to business and provider to provider. We encourage you to shop around and compare several providers.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines