IPad point-of-sale systems allow small businesses to become more mobile and accept payments from anywhere. Just because a particular iPad POS system works for one business, however, doesn’t mean it’ll be suitable for another. The right solution will depend on what type of business you have, the hardware you’re pairing with the iPad (if any) and whether the majority of your sales happen in-store or on the go.
Here are our top picks for iPad POS systems.
Best iPad POS Systems for Small Businesses From Our Partners
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Input your business’s monthly transaction details and we’ll help you sort from the best valueProduct | Cost Estimate | Payment processing fees | Cost Estimate | Learn more | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shopify Retail POS Learn more on Shopify POS's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.0/5 Best for Shopify e-commerce users | In-person: 2.7% + $0.00 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $15.00 POS Lite; $89 POS Pro. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Shopify POS's secure website |
Square Stand Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Overall iPad POS system | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | ||
Clover Go Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Mostly mobile businesses | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0.00 Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan. | Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | ||
Lightspeed Retail POS Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Customer relationship management features | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $89.00 for Lean plan, $149 for Standard plan, $269 for Advanced plan. | Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | ||
TouchBistro Learn more on TouchBistro's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Restaurants | N/A Quote-based. | $69.00 and up. | Learn more on TouchBistro's secure website |
Our pick for
Shopify e-commerce users
Shopify Retail POS
Learn more
on Shopify POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$15.00
POS Lite; $89 POS Pro.
Shopify POS syncs directly with the Shopify e-commerce platform. However, Shopify does not offer free POS software, and the platform is retail-focused.Read Full Review
Pros
- Has good features for multichannel selling.
- Offers integrated, flat-rate payment processing.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- More e-commerce focused than other competitors.
Our pick for
Overall iPad POS system
Square Stand
Learn more
on Square Stand's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
The Square Stand uses an iPad as a screen, giving you the feeling of a register-style terminal without the high price. It also swivels so customers can see transaction details and accepts all types of credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and QR codes through Cash App.Read Full Review
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes, digital wallets and QR codes.
- Features a swivel screen so customers can see transaction details.
- Built-in reader for contactless and chip payments.
- Allows offline payments.
Cons
- Requires an iPad to use as a screen.
- Can’t scan barcodes on its own.
Our pick for
Mostly mobile businesses
Clover Go
Learn more
on Clover Go's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan.
This credit card reader by Clover works with phones and tablets via Bluetooth. It accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.Read Full Review
Pros
- Charges via standard USB charger.
- Uses passcodes for employees.
Cons
- Takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to charge.
- Requires a monthly fee for advanced POS features.
Our pick for
Customer relationship management features
Lightspeed Retail POS
Learn more
on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$89.00
for Lean plan, $149 for Standard plan, $269 for Advanced plan.
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system for retailers. It has strong inventory management capabilities and is a good match for more established small businesses with multiple locations. Newer small businesses with less complicated operations could be better served with a simpler, less expensive product.Read Full Review
Pros
- Built-in POS system and payment processing; in-house POS hardware available.
- Generate unlimited barcode labels.
- One-on-one onboarding and a dedicated account manager included with all plans.
Cons
- Lowest-tier plan doesn’t include e-commerce features.
- Longer-term contract required.
Our pick for
Restaurants
TouchBistro
Learn more
on TouchBistro's secure website
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
$69.00
and up.
For restaurants that haven’t warmed to the idea of a totally cloud-based POS system, TouchBistro is a solid option. It’s a hybrid POS, meaning it’s locally installed but data is still sent to the cloud. Although other cloud-based POS systems can accept payments in offline mode, the TouchBistro system will maintain additional capabilities, like real-time reporting, in a Wi-Fi outage.Read Full Review
Pros
- 24/7 phone, chat and email support.
- Built specifically for restaurants.
- Greater offline mode capabilities than many competitors.
Cons
- Contracts are automatically renewed and can't be terminated early.
Square Stand: Best overall
Monthly POS software fees:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail and Restaurant Premium plans.
Hardware cost:
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer.
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system.
Payment processing:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
Pros:
- Free software plan available, and it includes a wealth of features.
- Can finance hardware and pay in monthly installments. APR is 15%.
- No fees for early termination, PCI compliance or setup.
- Offers plans tailored to retail stores, restaurants and service-based businesses.
- Phone, email and messaging support with all plans; available 24/7 in paid restaurant plans.
Cons:
- Customer loyalty programs and email marketing tools are monthly add-ons.
Why we like it: Square Stand is a top-notch iPad POS system that’s scalable, convenient and promises no hidden fees. In addition to being a one-stop shop for payment processing, POS software and POS hardware, Square offers a variety of add-ons and plans. And its “shop now, pay over time” options, free online store builder and free POS software — which includes essentials like inventory management and employee time tracking — all lower the cost of entry for new small businesses. The company also offers its own in-house payroll software and payment processing, and business owners who don’t already own an iPad can buy one straight from Square’s hardware shop.
Clover Go: Best for mostly mobile businesses
Monthly POS software fees:
- $0 for Payments plan.
- $14.95 for Essentials plan.
Hardware:
- $49 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
Payment processing:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Pros:
- Free software plan available.
- Minimal hardware investment needed.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons:
- Inventory management and the ability to set discounts, tips, tax rates and employee logins aren’t included in the free software plan.
- Clover is sold by a number of resellers, so prices and contract terms could vary.
Why we like it: The free Clover Go app lets business owners accept payments, send receipts and track sales directly through a smartphone or tablet. Small businesses that would benefit from inventory management and need to set up employee logins, discounts, tips and tax rates might consider purchasing a software plan to use alongside the app. The product is ideal for businesses that already use Clover or operate mostly on the go.
TouchBistro: Best for restaurants
Monthly POS software fees:
- $69 for base plan.
- $25 for gift cards feature.
- $50 for online ordering feature.
- $99 for loyalty features or marketing features.
- $229 for reservations feature.
Hardware cost: Quote-based.
Payment processing: Quote-based for TouchBistro Payments.
Pros:
- 24/7 phone, chat and email support.
- Offers customizable plans for a variety of restaurant types.
Cons:
- Add-ons like customer loyalty programs and online ordering can get expensive.
- No free plans.
Why we like it: TouchBistro is an iPad POS system built specifically for restaurants. It offers customizable solutions for full-service restaurants along with food trucks, quick-service restaurants, bars, bakeries and coffee shops. The company’s core software plan includes inventory management, menu and table management, reporting, tableside ordering capabilities and staff management tools. Reservations, online ordering, digital menu boards and customer loyalty programs are available for an extra monthly fee. The system is a solid option for restaurants that need more functionality than other companies’ free plans have to offer.
» MORE: The best food truck POS systems
Lightspeed: Best for customer relationship management features
Monthly POS software fees:
- $89 for Lean plan ($69 if billed annually).
- $149 for Standard plan ($119 if billed annually).
- $269 for Advanced plan ($199 if billed annually).
Hardware cost:
Pricing for Lightspeed's iPad and desktop hardware kits is quote-based. Individual hardware products are listed in Lightspeed's online store:
- $99 for Chipper 2X BT card reader.
- $199 for iPad stand or swivel stand.
- $299 for WisePOS E countertop reader.
- $429 for Lightspeed Lite Server for data backup and offline mode functionality.
Payment processing:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
Pros:
- 24/7 phone, text and email support.
- Free onboarding session that includes live online training and one-on-one follow-up.
- Robust set of customer relationship management and inventory management features.
Cons:
- No free plans.
- Annual contracts required for lowering pricing.
- Add-ons such as accounting integrations and customer loyalty programs cost extra in restaurant plans.
Why we like it: Lightspeed’s CRM tools let businesses create customer profiles, offer discounts to regulars, record each customer’s purchase history and explore shopping trends. The product is a good fit for restaurants and retail stores that know how to use this type of data to grow and better appeal to their audience. The company’s inventory management tools are also notable. Businesses can create product variants, assign unique serial numbers to products and order new stock directly through the POS system.
» MORE: See the best mobile POS systems
Shopify: Best for Shopify e-commerce users
Monthly POS software fees:
To use Shopify POS, you also must have a Shopify plan for e-commerce:
- $29 for Shopify Basic when billed annually (or $39 when paid monthly).
- $79 for regular Shopify when billed annually (or $105 when paid monthly).
- $299 for Shopify Advanced when billed annually (or $399 when paid monthly).
- Custom pricing for Shopify Plus.
Once you have a Shopify plan for e-commerce, add either:
- $15 for Shopify POS Lite.
- $79 per location for Shopify POS Pro when billed annually (or $89 when paid monthly).
Hardware cost:
- $49 for Tap & Chip card reader.
- $219 for Tap & Chip countertop kit (iPad not included).
- $299 for Shopify POS Go mobile device.
- $349 for Shopify POS terminal.
- $459 and up for POS terminal countertop kits.
Payment processing:
- 2.4%, 2.6% or 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- 2.4%, 2.5% or 2.7% for in-person payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
Pros:
- Low payment processing rates.
- Can pay for Shopify Retail Stand in installments.
- 24/7 email, chat and phone support.
- All plans include a free online store for your business, shipping discounts, the ability to print shipping labels and an abandoned cart recovery tool.
Cons:
- Must pay separately for a Shopify e-commerce plan.
- Basic and Shopify software plans limited to two and five staff accounts, respectively.
Why we like it: Like Lightspeed, Shopify’s iPad POS system lets businesses create customer profiles and save order histories in all plans. Shopify really stands out, however, because of its e-commerce perks and relatively low processing rates. Businesses that do most of their sales online, particularly those that already use Shopify, will benefit the most from its shipping discounts, online marketplaces and ability to add an unlimited amount of products and variants in your POS.
Maddie Shepherd contributed reporting to this article.
Last updated on August 1, 2023
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.
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