4 Best Mobile POS Systems of April 2023
Cost, flexibility and convenience are top considerations when taking payments from customers with a mobile point-of-sale system.
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Mobile point-of-sale systems allow you to process customer transactions on a tablet, phone or mobile device. The best systems include a combination of fair pricing, flexibility and advanced capabilities. When comparing options, it’s helpful to consider these three costs:
Software: Using a point-of-sale, or POS, system can mean paying a monthly subscription price, although the systems on our list offer free software options. Advanced plans and optional add-on features will cost extra.
Hardware: Some basic POS hardware, mainly card readers, are free or low-cost, while more advanced all-in-one devices can run a few hundred dollars or more.
Payment processing: In addition to the POS system itself, you’ll pay transaction fees for each payment that is processed.
Mobile point-of-sale systems allow you to process customer transactions on a tablet, phone or mobile device. The best systems include a combination of fair pricing, flexibility and advanced capabilities. When comparing options, it’s helpful to consider these three costs:
Software: Using a point-of-sale, or POS, system can mean paying a monthly subscription price, although the systems on our list offer free software options. Advanced plans and optional add-on features will cost extra.
Hardware: Some basic POS hardware, mainly card readers, are free or low-cost, while more advanced all-in-one devices can run a few hundred dollars or more.
Payment processing: In addition to the POS system itself, you’ll pay transaction fees for each payment that is processed.
Best Mobile POS Systems
Our pick for
Best overall
on Clover POS's secure website
Clover POS
Payment processing fees
2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
Monthly fee
$15$14.95 and up.
on Clover POS's secure website
Our pick for
Restaurants
on Toast POS's secure website
Toast POS
Payment processing fees
2.99% + 15¢if you pay for hardware monthly; 2.49% + 15¢ if you buy upfront.
Monthly fee
$0Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available.
on Toast POS's secure website
Our pick for
Overall cost and transparency
on Square POS's secure website
Square POS
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0Free plan; $29 Plus plan; Custom plan available.
on Square POS's secure website
Our pick for
Alternate payment options
PayPal Zettle
Payment processing fees
2.29% + 9¢in-person; 3.49% + 49¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0Our picks for best mobile POS systems
Clover
Our pick for: best overall
Software cost: Free and up.
Mobile hardware cost: $49 for Clover Go card reader, which works with your own phone or tablet. $499 for Clover Flex all-in-one device.
Payment processing cost: 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction for Clover Go and Flex Starter and Standard plans; 2.3% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction for Advanced plan; 3.5% plus 10 cents per online transaction.
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.
Toast
Our pick for: restaurants
Software cost: Free and up.
Mobile hardware cost: A terminal or handheld kit is included with the free plan at no cost. Printers, barcode scanners and other accessories offered for a fee.
Payment processing cost: Quote-based pricing.
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.
Square
Our pick for: overall cost and transparency
Software cost: Free and up.
Mobile hardware cost: First Square magstripe reader is free, then $10 each. $49 for Square contactless and chip card reader. $299 for Square Terminal all-in-one device.
Payment processing cost: 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction; 2.9% plus 30 cents per online transaction; 3.5% plus 15 cents per keyed-in transaction.
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 $200 cheaper. Read our full Square POS review.
PayPal Zettle
Our pick for: alternate payment options
Software cost: Free.
Hardware cost: $29 for first reader, then $79 each. $199 for terminal only or $269 for terminal with printer and docking station.
Payment processing cost: 2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person transactions; 3.49% plus 9 cents for manually entered card transactions.
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.
Last updated on October 25, 2022
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.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Mobile POS Systems of April 2023
- Clover POS: Best for Best overall
- Toast POS: Best for Restaurants
- Square POS: Best for Overall cost and transparency
- PayPal Zettle: Best for Alternate payment options
