Mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems give you the flexibility to process sales from a tablet, phone or other handheld device. Compared with countertop POS systems that let you process customer transactions from only one location, mobile POS systems provide additional convenience, whether you run a restaurant that accepts payments tableside or a retail store branching out beyond its brick-and-mortar location.
To choose the right mobile POS system for your business, consider your specific industry needs, as well as software, hardware and payment processing costs. Here are some of our top mobile POS system picks:
- Square: Best overall mobile POS system.
- Lightspeed: Best mobile POS system for retail.
- Toast: Best mobile POS system for restaurants.
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Best Mobile POS Systems
Calculate your monthly cost estimate
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helcim POS Learn more on Helcim POS's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.5/5 Best for High sales volume | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Helcim POS's secure website |
Square POS Learn more on Square POS's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Overall mobile POS system | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 and up. | Learn more on Square POS's secure website | ||
Shopify Retail POS Learn more on Shopify POS's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Online-first businesses | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $39.00 and up for e-commerce plans with POS Lite; Can upgrade to POS Pro for an extra $89. | Learn more on Shopify POS's secure website | ||
Clover POS Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Working with third-party processors | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0.00 and up. | Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | ||
Toast POS Learn more on Toast POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Restaurants | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0.00 Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan. | Learn more on Toast POS's secure website | ||
Lightspeed Retail POS Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | 3.5/5 Best for Retail | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $109.00 for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan. | Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | ||
TouchBistro Learn more on TouchBistro's secure website | 3.5/5 Best for Cafes and food trucks | N/A Quote-based. | $69.00 and up. | Learn more on TouchBistro's secure website | ||
PayPal Zettle | 4.0/5 Best for Alternate payment options | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 3.49% + $0.09 | $0.00 |
Our pick for
High sales volume
Helcim’s mobile hardware options — including a card reader and standalone, handheld terminal — along with its free POS software and volume discounts make it particularly appealing to high-volume businesses doing more than $50,000 in card sales monthly.
Helcim POS
4.5
NerdWallet rating Learn more
on Helcim POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Helcim’s interchange-plus payment processing is ideal for high-volume businesses that stand to lose more money using POS systems with flat-rate processing models. In addition to offering free POS software, Helcim sells two mobile POS hardware options: a card reader with a screen and PIN pad and a handheld terminal with a receipt printer.
Pros
- Transparent interchange-plus payment processing.
- Free POS software plan.
- Offers volume discounts for businesses whose monthly credit card volume surpasses $50,000.
- No contract required.
Cons
- Some hardware, like barcode scanners and cash drawers, are only available through a third-party provider.
- May not be ideal for low-volume businesses.
Our pick for
Overall mobile POS system
Square takes the cake, thanks to its free POS software app and free mobile card reader, which make it possible to start accepting card payments from anywhere almost instantly. You’ll just need to pay payment processing fees. If you’d like to upgrade your hardware, Square also sells a handheld terminal and chip/tap card reader.
Square POS
Learn more
on Square POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
and up.
Square offers an impressive POS system with pricing that is transparent and highly competitive. With options for zero monthly fees and a free magstripe card reader, it’s a good option for new small businesses.
Pros
- Offers free hardware and POS software with the option to scale up.
- POS software is designed to work well for in-person and online businesses.
- Pricing is competitive and transparent.
- Plans are month to month; you can cancel the service anytime at no cost.
Cons
- The hardware lineup is best suited for Apple devices, though it also works with Android devices.
- The free magstripe card reader doesn’t have the option to tap or dip a card.
Our pick for
Online-first businesses
Shopify’s built-in checkout portal and variety of sleek website themes are ideal for e-commerce businesses that make most of their sales online. The company sells mobile POS systems (a card reader and handheld terminal) for in-person sales, too.
Shopify Retail POS
Learn more
on Shopify POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$39.00
and up for e-commerce plans with POS Lite; Can upgrade to POS Pro for an extra $89.
Shopify’s e-commerce tools — like abandoned cart recovery and the ability to manage multiple online sales channels — make it a great choice for businesses that need a strong online presence. But Shopify also sells hardware for in-person sales. For mobile sales, you can choose between a simple card reader that connects to your smartphone or a more robust handheld device called Shopify POS Go.
Pros
- Offers a variety of tools for selling online.
- Competitive processing rates, which drop lower if you subscribe to higher-tier plans.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- POS Pro upgrade for brick-and-mortar locations can be expensive.
Our pick for
Working with third-party processors
If you want the freedom to use an outside payment processor — instead of your POS system provider — Clover is a great option. You can buy its hardware from a variety of third-party payment processors and resellers. Its mobile POS system hardware options include a handheld terminal and portable card reader that pairs with your smartphone.
Clover POS
Learn more
on Clover POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
and up.
Clover allows third-party payment processors to sell its hardware, giving businesses the freedom to choose their own credit card processing company. Its most basic software plan for the Clover Go card reader is free, making it a great mobile option for businesses that are starting out. Software plans with fuller POS functionality, including the ability to create items and track stock, start at $14.95 a month.
Pros
- Can pay for hardware in installments.
- Clover Flex prints receipts.
- Customer loyalty program available.
- 24/7 live support with software plans.
Cons
- No free hardware options.
- Accounting integrations only available through third-party providers.
Our pick for
Restaurants
Toast specializes in creating POS systems for restaurants specifically. The Toast Go 2 handheld terminal allows employees to take orders and cash customers out from anywhere in the restaurant. The mobile POS system has a 24-hour battery life and is spill- and drop-proof.
Toast POS
Learn more
on Toast POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Toast’s restaurant-grade POS hardware and low-cost pay-as-you-go payment processing plan with no upfront costs or monthly subscription fees make it a top option for mobile businesses that serve food.
Pros
- Free plan available with one or two POS terminals.
- 24/7 phone, email and chat support.
- Hardware is spill-resistant and built with restaurant-specific needs in mind.
Cons
- Contract required.
Our pick for
Retail
Lightspeed’s detailed inventory tracking system, which includes a built-in B2B catalog with product descriptions, is especially advantageous for retail stores that buy from several different suppliers and sell a wide variety of items. You can use its POS software on an iPad or purchase its handheld terminal.
Lightspeed Retail POS
Learn more
on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$109.00
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan.
Lightspeed sells a POS system tailored specifically to retailers. You can choose from a couple of types of card readers as well as more robust iPad hardware kits. It has e-commerce tools, 24/7 support and useful inventory management features.
Pros
- Includes detailed inventory management tools for creating product variants.
- Free one-on-one onboarding session for all new merchants.
- 24/7 phone and live chat support.
- Generate unlimited barcode labels.
Cons
- No free plan options.
- Lowest-tier plan doesn’t include e-commerce features.
- Charges termination fee and may require annual contract.
- Does not include a virtual terminal or offline mode.
Our pick for
Cafes and food trucks
Whereas Toast recommends restaurants use its proprietary hardware, TouchBistro allows them to turn their already existing iPads into mobile POS systems. The cost savings and mobility that comes along with this is particularly beneficial for smaller businesses in the food industry, like cafes or food trucks.
TouchBistro
Learn more
on TouchBistro's secure website
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
$69.00
and up.
TouchBistro is built just for restaurants and includes a wide variety of add-on features. As a hybrid POS system, it saves data locally in your iPad app and in the cloud, meaning you can complete most POS functions — across multiple devices — even during an internet outage. And when your system is running online, it’s syncing data in real time and can be accessed anywhere.
Pros
- 24/7 phone, chat and email support.
- Includes restaurant-specific features, like table and menu management.
- Optional profit management system provides tools for improving margins.
- As a hybrid POS system, TouchBistro can operate without the cloud. Offline capabilities include accepting payments, taking orders, editing menus and managing staff.
Cons
- Payment processing rates are quote-based, making them difficult to compare to the competition.
- Contracts are automatically renewed and can't be terminated early.
- No free plan options and charges setup fee.
- Ability to accept online orders costs extra.
Our pick for
Alternate payment options
PayPal Zettle sells a mobile card reader and handheld terminal, but its ability to accept Venmo and PayPal QR code payments is what really sets it apart from some of its competitors. If you sell mostly on the go and want to give your customers more payment options, Zettle is a solid option.
PayPal Zettle
Monthly fee
$0.00
PayPal Zettle offers a complete POS system at a low cost with no monthly fee or contract. In addition to taking payments — including ones from PayPal and Venmo — you can also manage inventory, watch sales and review reports.
Pros
- In-person transaction costs are low compared with other flat-rate options.
- Low-cost hardware and free software.
- Ability to pay with PayPal or Venmo gives customers additional payment options.
- No long-term contract.
Cons
- The all-in-one POS terminal doesn’t have a built-in printer.
- Funds are initially transferred to your PayPal account and not a bank account.
Square POS
Best overall mobile POS system
Why we like it: Square works well for a variety of business types, including retail and restaurants. It offers free software, and many of its hardware options work with the phone or tablet you already have, which can be helpful for new businesses looking to get started on a budget. Like the Clover Flex, the Square Terminal is an all-in-one device that includes an internal printer, but Square’s is $300 cheaper. Read our full Square POS review.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium and Square Restaurants Plus plans.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- $165 for Square Restaurant Premium plan.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail plan.
- $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).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
- 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.
Clover POS
Best for working with third-party processors
Why we like it: The mobile Clover Flex is an all-in-one device that includes an internal printer, which sets it apart from many other standalone POS devices. The economical Clover Go system lets you swipe, tap and dip cards with one small device — something Square’s smallest devices don’t do. The Clover card processing rate at higher plan levels is among the best flat rates, although it comes with a larger monthly fee. Read our full Clover POS review.
- $0 for Clover Go Payments, Retail Starter and Personal Services Starter plans.
- $14.95 for Clover Go Essentials, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
- $49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
- $59.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $69.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $79.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $89.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $109.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $129.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $199 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $279 for countertop card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with receipt printer and slimmer Flex Pocket with no printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $799-$899 + $25 per month for kitchen display system.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- $3,499 + $34.95 per month for self-ordering kiosk.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Toast
Best for restaurants
Why we like it: Toast is built specifically for the restaurant industry, which is evident in the details found throughout the hardware and software it offers. The mobile Toast Go 2, an all-in-one device, is designed to last all day without a recharge, is durable and spill-resistant, and works well in dim indoor settings as well as outdoors. It can process chip, swipe and contactless payments, and it makes sharing information with the kitchen easier with multiple-language support. Read our full Toast POS review.
- $0 for Starter Kit plan.
- $69 Point of Sale plan.
- Custom plans available.
- $799.20 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,024.20 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,339.20 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- 3.09-3.69% plus 15 cents per transaction, if you choose a pay-as-you-go plan.
- 2.49% plus 15 cents for card-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront.
- 3.50% plus 15 cents for card-not-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront.
PayPal Zettle
Best for alternate payment options
Why we like it: PayPal Zettle offers a well-rounded POS system that is low cost and doesn’t require a long commitment. Also, the system’s ability to accept payments via QR code for PayPal and Venmo can be a convenience for you and your customers. Payment processing fees are quite competitive, especially if you do a lot of in-person business. The POS app is free to download, and there’s no monthly fee or contract to use it — you just pay per transaction. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
$0.
- $29 for first card reader; additional readers cost $79. Price includes USB cable.
- $199 for terminal only.
- $239 for terminal with barcode scanner built in.
- $229 for Store Kit Mini (tablet stand with card reader and dock).
- $339 for Store Kit Portable kit with mobile card reader and printer.
- $479 for Store Kit Standard (tablet stand, card reader, dock and printer).
- $699 for Store Kit Plus (adds barcode scanner).
- 2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person and QR code transactions.
- 3.49% plus 9 cents for manual-entry card transactions.
- 2.99% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with card).
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with PayPal).
Lightspeed POS
Best for retail
Why we like it: Lightspeed’s best retail features are accessible by mobile app and can enhance your experience as a business owner. With its cloud-based software, you can check out customers on the spot, track sales and employee hours, and manage inventory on the go from your iPad. Read our full Lightspeed POS review.
Lightspeed offers three different plans for retail stores:
- $109 for Basic plan ($89 if billed annually).
- $179 for Core plan ($149 if billed annually).
- $289 for Plus plan ($239 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 stand or swivel stand.
- $299 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.
TouchBistro
Best for cafes and food trucks
Why we like it: TouchBistro offers a POS system that is built for different types of food businesses, including restaurants, cafes and food trucks. Its hybrid system will work even if Wi-Fi is down or spotty, making it ideal for offsite or mobile ordering. TouchBistro also has a customer relationship management system that can track customer preferences. It can be run from an iPad and integrated with pre-existing hardware. Read our full TouchBistro POS review.
- $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.
Quote-based.
Quote-based if you use TouchBistro Payments; can also choose from third-party payment processors.
Helcim POS
Best for high sales volume
Why we like it: On top of its interchange-plus payment processing rates, Helcim’s volume discounts could be a plus for businesses processing more than $50,000 in credit card transactions each month. And unlike some competitors’ card readers, Helcim’s reader includes a PIN pad, screen and countertop stand. You can also download its free POS app on a tablet or iPad. Read our full Helcim review.
$0.
- $99 for a mobile card reader (with stand).
- $329 for a stand-alone terminal with built-in thermal printer (or 12 monthly payments of $30).
- Interchange plus 0.4% and 8 cents per in-person transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per online or manually keyed transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- 0.5% plus 25 cents for ACH payments (capped at $6).
» MORE: Best free POS options
Shopify Retail POS
Best for online-first businesses
Why we like it: Shopify helps business owners build a solid foundation online, but it also offers POS software features and hardware options for stores that make sales in-person, whether it’s at a pop-up or permanent brick-and-mortar location. All plans include a free Shopify POS app, inventory tracking and 24/7 support. Read our full Shopify POS review.
Shopify e-commerce plans:
- $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.
- All e-commerce plans come with POS Lite for selling in-person. Upgrading to POS Pro for brick-and-mortar businesses costs an extra $89 per location.
Shopify’s alternative solutions for mainly selling in-person:
- $5 for Starter plan, which includes one POS Lite location.
- $79 (when billed annually) for Retail plan, or $89 when paid monthly; includes one POS Pro location.
- $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.
- 2.5%, 2.7% or 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- 2.4%, 2.5% or 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
A mobile POS system allows business owners to make sales with a portable card reader from anywhere, whether it’s tableside, at a pop-up event or in store. For a brick-and-mortar retail business, most sales will be done at the counter on a POS system with a terminal, cash drawer and receipt printer. Mobile POS systems are convenient for sales that happen anywhere else beyond the counter.
A mobile POS system includes the software that allows you to track sales and sync with the rest of your business software ecosystem and the mobile device hardware. Depending on your system, the POS hardware could be an iPad or iPhone, Android tablet or branded mobile device that you buy through the mobile POS provider.
If your business already uses a countertop POS system, then you’ll first want to explore the mobile POS options from that provider. Adding mobile functionality is typically straightforward: You’ll typically download your existing software onto a mobile device such as a tablet or purchase a mobile hardware package from the provider.
If you’re choosing a POS system for the first time, here are some other factors to think about before making a decision:
- Your industry. Restaurants that want to process sales tableside will require different features than retailers selling at pop-ups. POS system providers usually brand themselves as solutions for a particular industry.
- Software costs. If you need only the basics, look for a mobile POS system that offers a free software plan. And make sure to read the fine print to find out whether you’ll be locked in a contract.
- Payment processing costs. Payment processing costs vary from one mobile POS system to the next. Some integrate with third-party payment processing companies, while others only use their in-house option. Consider your sales volume and which types of payments you’d like to be able to accept.
- Hardware compatibility. Maybe you already have a tablet that you’d like to turn into a mobile POS system. Some mobile POS system providers are compatible with iOS and/or Android devices, but you’ll probably still have to buy a card reader. Other providers only offer their own proprietary hardware options. While the latter might be costly upfront, those devices often come with convenient features, like barcode scanners and receipt printers.
Last updated on July 25, 2024
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.
