The best point-of-sale (POS) systems do more than allow your business to accept payments from customers. These systems also help you manage sales, track inventory and improve daily business operations by offering numerous hardware options and feature-rich POS software. Transparent pricing, intuitive flows and access to live support are also important.
All of our picks for the best POS systems are chosen by our editorial team, who follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the right POS system for your company. We independently evaluate and rate POS systems, scoring them on system capabilities, cost, integrations and other features. View our full methodology.
Here are our picks for the best POS systems.
Best Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems for Small Businesses
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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 POS Learn more on Square POS's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Overall POS system | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Free plan; $60 Plus plan for retailers and restaurants. | Learn more on Square POS's secure website | ||
Clover POS Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for POS hardware | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | ||
Helcim POS Learn more on Helcim POS's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for High sales volumes | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Learn more on Helcim POS's secure website | ||
Lightspeed Retail POS Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Inventory management | 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 | ||
SpotOn Restaurant Learn more on SpotOn Restaurant's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Overall restaurant POS system | 1.99% + $0.25 | $25.00 | Learn more on SpotOn Restaurant's secure website | ||
TouchBistro Learn more on TouchBistro's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Food trucks | N/A Quote-based. | $69.00 and up. | Learn more on TouchBistro's secure website | ||
U.S. Bank Merchant Services | 4.0/5 Best for Bank POS provider | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 and up. | |||
PayPal Zettle | 4.5/5 Best for Mobile POS software | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.99% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
IT Retail | 3.5/5 Best for Grocery stores | N/A Quote-based. | $199.00 and up. | |||
Toast POS Learn more on Toast POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Restaurants doing dine-in and online business | 2.99% + $0.15 if you pay for hardware monthly; 2.49% + 15¢ if you buy upfront. | $0.00 Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available. | Learn more on Toast POS's secure website | ||
Loyverse | 4.0/5 Best for Customer loyalty | N/A Varies by processor. | $0.00 | |||
Stripe Terminal Learn more on Stripe Terminal's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for International businesses | In-person: 2.7% + $0.05 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 | Learn more on Stripe Terminal's secure website | ||
Lavu | 3.0/5 Best for Cash discount program | N/A Quote-based. | $59.00 and up. |
Our pick for
Shopify e-commerce users
Because users must have a Shopify e-commerce plan to use Shopify’s POS, this POS system makes the most sense for retailers that already use Shopify. The company offers a free POS software option with any of its paid e-commerce plans.
Shopify Retail POS
Learn more
on Shopify POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$15.00
POS Lite; $89 POS Pro.
Shopify’s POS system is well equipped to handle all the complexities that come with selling items via an online store. In all subscription tiers, you can set up an online shop and add products almost instantly, sell through multiple channels (including social media), connect with vendors, automatically email customers who abandon their carts, process payments at reasonable rates and make sales in 133 currencies and multiple languages. These features make Shopify one of the best retail POS options.
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 POS system
Square rises above competitors with a free version of its POS system that bakes in a great deal of functionality and for its transparent pricing, lack of a contract and hidden fees, and strong integrations with other hardware and software.
Square POS
Learn more
on Square POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Free plan; $60 Plus plan for retailers and restaurants.
Square’s point-of-sale system stands out with its transparent pricing, live support and many useful features. Unlike most systems, Square offers a free POS software option with no monthly charges. Because Square works on iPhones, Android devices and iPads, you can make sales on the go — for example, at a farmers market, trade show or music festival.
Pros
- Deep list of features.
- Free version offers a lot of functionality.
- Square offers helpful related services, like payroll, that integrate closely with its POS system.
Cons
- Can’t run on Windows devices.
- Complex industries might prefer a more specialized system.
Our pick for
POS hardware
Clover’s POS hardware may be priced higher than many of its competitors, but not without reason. The recognizable branded hardware is built to last and rests on a strong reputation of dependability.
Clover POS
Learn more
on Clover POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$14.95
and up.
Clover's POS system stands out with its durable and versatile hardware, with POS terminals that make it easy to accept orders at the counter or on the go. You also have the option to pair the hardware and software with a different merchant account, such as one from Wells Fargo, SunTrust, PNC, BBVA or Citi.
Pros
- Competitive flat rates for payment processing.
- Hardware performs well and is well designed.
Cons
- No free options.
- Pricing can be tough to understand.
Our pick for
High sales volumes
As a full-service merchant services provider, Helcim can essentially do it all for a business: payment processing, point of sale, invoicing and business management. Because it offers volume discounts, Helcim is especially cost-effective for businesses with high sales volumes.
Helcim POS
Learn more
on Helcim POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Helcim offers transparent, competitive pricing and an all-inclusive platform. It's not the most affordable option for businesses with low sales volumes, but it's an excellent choice for most other small-business owners.
Pros
- Provides payment processing services and POS software.
- 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
Inventory management
Lightspeed’s POS designed specifically for retailers offers several strong features, but it stands out particularly for its inventory management capabilities. The system is especially well suited for businesses with more than one location.
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.
The Lightspeed POS system’s inventory management capabilities are outstanding at every subscription tier and more comprehensive than those of its competitors. When entering items into your system, you can add plenty of information — such as a description, images, cost, manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), your selling price, tax and discount rules, tags, barcodes, stock-keeping units (SKUs), brands, categories and custom-built fields — which can be used to generate and filter results on reports.
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
Overall restaurant POS system
SpotOn Restaurant earns the top spot on NerdWallet’s list of best restaurant POS systems. Solutions are custom fit for your specific restaurant needs and numerous software integrations can round out your system. The company’s Restaurant Advisory Council provides regular feedback for continual improvement.
SpotOn Restaurant
4.5
NerdWallet rating Learn more
on SpotOn Restaurant's secure website
Payment processing fees
1.99% + $0.25
Monthly fee
$25.00
SpotOn’s monthly software fee and payment processing fees along with its ability to integrate with third-party hardware make this system an affordable and appealing option. SpotOn offers customizable add-on features such as a loyalty program and team management software. The company also has a strong reputation for its hands-on approach to customer support, from installation and training to 24/7 availability for assistance.
Pros
- 24/7 customer support via telephone.
- No long-term contract.
- Hands-on installation and training for an additional fee.
- Can integrate with third-party hardware.
Cons
- Quote-based hardware pricing makes it hard to compare total costs with other POS systems.
Our pick for
Food trucks
TouchBistro is a POS system designed specifically for food-industry businesses. With a wealth of restaurant-related features and the ability to easily take payments on the go — with or without an internet connection — it’s a particularly good choice for food trucks.
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.
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.
Our pick for
Bank POS provider
U.S. Bank Merchant Services offers payment processing and business bank accounts in addition to POS solutions, making it a one-stop shop for small businesses.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services
Monthly fee
$0.00
and up.
U.S. Bank offers business banking, payment processing and point-of-sale solutions for small businesses. The bank also offers Everyday Funding, which allows merchants to receive funds in their deposit account every day of the week, including weekends – not something you’ll find among many competitors.
Pros
- No long-term contracts.
- No cancellation fees.
- No PCI fees.
- Variety of monthly plans available, including a free option.
Cons
- No free trial period.
- No free setup help.
- Hardware costs are buried on website; you need to contact the bank directly for purchase pricing.
Our pick for
Mobile POS software
This all-in-one mobile POS and payment processing system is built for quick and easy setup and integrates seamlessly with many big names in business-related software. PayPal Zettle’s POS software is free, so business owners pay only for hardware and payment processing.
PayPal Zettle
Monthly fee
$0.00
PayPal's Zettle system stands out for its free software and no-contract business model, which takes some of the risk out of switching to a new POS system. Its hardware POS packages make it easy to set up quickly, and some decent (though limited) accessories are available.
Pros
- Solid core features.
- No monthly fees.
- No long-term commitment.
- Low initial costs.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- No add-on features available.
- Limited integrations.
- Funds are transferred to your PayPal account and not your bank account.
Our pick for
Grocery stores
As a grocery store POS system designed by grocers, IT Retail stands out with an expansive list of industry-specific features to cover a wide range of food retail businesses. While the system’s features and capabilities receive standout marks, NerdWallet gives it only 3.5 out of 5 stars due primarily to a lack of transparency around pricing and fees.
IT Retail
3.5
NerdWallet rating Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
$199.00
and up.
IT Retail has been in the business of building and selling grocery store POS systems for more than two decades. While its prices are higher and less transparent than some of its competitors, the company has built a POS system that includes all the features you’ll need to run your store, including a product lookup menu, wholesale sales functionality, customer loyalty programs and capabilities to accept all forms of payment, including EBT. The pricing structure is largely quote-based, but there is a pay-monthly option and two hardware bundle options with listed prices.
Pros
- System and features specifically designed for grocery stores.
- Accepts all payment types, including EBT, checks and gift cards.
- 24/7 tech support and training.
- Supports sales of regulated items like alcohol and tobacco.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- Prices that are disclosed run higher than some competitors.
Our pick for
Restaurants doing dine-in and online business
Toast lets customers integrate online ordering options with their existing Toast POS system. If your restaurant has multiple locations, customers can choose where they’d like to pick up their order.
Toast POS
Learn more
on Toast POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.99% + $0.15
if you pay for hardware monthly; 2.49% + 15¢ if you buy upfront.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available.
Toast makes scalable POS systems for quick-service and full-service restaurants, fine dining establishments, bars, cafes and food trucks. It offers a variety of hardware options including countertop terminals, handheld systems for taking orders tableside, self-serve ordering kiosks and kitchen display screens.
Pros
- 24/7 phone, email and chat support.
- Free plan available for restaurants with up to two POS terminals.
- In-house payroll software available.
- Online ordering is included in some plans.
- In-house delivery platform available.
- Built specifically for restaurants.
Cons
- A two-year contract is required.
Our pick for
Customer loyalty
Whereas some competitors only offer loyalty programs as an add-on, Loyverse includes one for free. You can use it to distribute scannable loyalty cards to customers, create point-based reward systems and offer discounts.
Loyverse
4.0
NerdWallet rating Payment processing fees
N/A
Varies by processor.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Loyverse is a free POS software product that works on iPhones, Android smartphones, iPads and tablets. While its free software may be sufficient for very small businesses, others can opt to pay for extra features, like employee management tools, advanced inventory tracking and integrations for accounting and e-commerce.
Pros
- Can be used for a variety of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, bars, grocery stores, retail stores and boutiques.
- Integrates with several payment processors, including SumUp and Zettle.
- Can be used with other payment processors without an integration.
- Free software includes a loyalty program, which most competitors offer as an add-on with additional cost.
Cons
- 24/7 live chat support is only available with paid add-on subscriptions.
- Not all features are available with the free version, including employee management and integrations into accounting and e-commerce apps.
Our pick for
International businesses
Stripe accepts payments in more than 135 currencies, making it a strong fit for businesses with global reach. Stripe Terminal is not a POS system but an integration that allows you to extend your online business to in-person sales. With some coding, it can be connected to your POS app.
Stripe Terminal
Learn more
on Stripe Terminal's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Stripe Terminal extends Stripe Payments functionality to become a full POS solution. Stripe can accept dozens of payment methods and more than 135 currencies. And its advanced developer tools allow you to create a checkout flow that feels custom, provided you know how to use them.
Pros
- No monthly, setup or termination fee.
- Pricing transparency.
- Competitive payment processing rates.
- Offers a few different card readers with a range of capabilities and pricing.
Cons
- Does not include a POS app or standard POS capabilities.
- Likely requires coding and developer expertise.
Our pick for
Cash discount program
Lavu makes iPad-based POS systems for different types of restaurants, from delis and coffee shops to full-service dining establishments. The company’s cash discount program helps business owners save on processing fees by passing some of the costs onto customers who choose to pay with cards instead of cash. Those who pay cash can skip the fees, so be sure your business is equipped to handle cash transactions.
Lavu
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
$59.00
and up.
All of Lavu’s plans let restaurant owners opt for “dual pricing” options that offer customers discounts for paying in cash instead of with a card. This can be a good option for businesses that want to encourage cash transactions or are concerned about payment processing fees adding up. However, Lavu’s payment processing rates are quote-based, which makes it difficult to estimate processing costs in the first place.
Pros
- Lets you pick and choose integration features.
- Highly customizable POS platform for those with programming skills.
- Dual pricing program can help decrease payment processing fees.
Cons
- Limited hardware options.
- Monthly software fees skyrocket if you choose not to use Lavu Pay for payment processing.
- Lack of payment processing pricing transparency.
Square: Best overall POS system
Types of businesses supported: Retail, food and beverage, professional services (beauty, health, repair, etc.) and custom-built options.
Why we like it: The Square POS system is an excellent option for small businesses that are looking for an easy-to-run, cost-effective POS. Square stands out among its competitors by offering a free version of its POS that contains a great deal of functionality, including sales tracking, inventory management and an offline mode to accept transactions without a Wi-Fi connection. Square also is transparent with pricing, doesn’t require contracts or charge hidden fees, and integrates with third-party hardware and software. Additionally, Square offers a free 30-day trial of its paid plan for both its retail and restaurant solutions; businesses owners can easily downgrade to the free software plan at the end of the trial with no additional fee or penalty. This is one of the most generous free trials offered by a POS provider, especially in the restaurant space, where it’s rare to find a free trial offer. Read our full Square POS review.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
- $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.
- 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.
PayPal Zettle: Best for mobile POS software
Types of businesses supported: Retail, service and e-commerce businesses.
Why we like it: PayPal Zettle’s POS software can be downloaded for free to your mobile device. With a card reader and the creation of a PayPal Business account, you can quickly have a basic POS up and running for your business. Zettle POS includes a payment processing system that accepts all transaction types — cards, digital wallets, QR codes and keyed — along with standard POS functions such as sales tracking and reporting and inventory management. Another plus is the system’s easy integration with popular accounting and e-commerce software including QuickBooks, Shopify and BigCommerce. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
Monthly POS software fee: $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.
- $249 for Store Kit Mini (screen terminal with card reader).
- $339 for Store Kit Portable kit with mobile card reader and printer.
- $499 for Store Kit Standard (adds 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).
Clover: Best for POS hardware
Types of businesses supported: Table service restaurants and cafes; counter service restaurants, cafes, diners and food trucks; and retail, service and e-commerce businesses.
Why we like it: Clover offers a lot of flexibility with its merchant processing. Its POS hardware does ring up at a higher price point, but it holds a strong reputation for quality design and dependable function. Add to that competitive flat-rate processing fees and affordable monthly software fees, and Clover makes for a solid choice for small business owners across every industry. Read our full Clover POS review.
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, 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.
- $54.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $64.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $69.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $84.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $99.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $114.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $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.
- 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.
Helcim: Best for high sales volumes
Types of businesses supported: Retail, service and e-commerce businesses.
Why we like it: Helcim is best known for payment processing, but its POS software isn’t something to gloss over — especially as it’s one of a few among the competition that works across both desktop and mobile, as well as Mac and Windows devices. Similar to Square, Helcim boasts no monthly or hidden fees and no contract, but it follows the interchange-plus pricing model for payment processing. Helcim offers competitive processing rates and offers discounted rates for businesses with $25,000 or more per month in card transactions, meaning it’s a particularly strong contender for businesses with higher sales volumes. Read our full Helcim review.
Monthly POS software fee: $0.
- $109 for a mobile card reader (with stand).
- $349 for a standalone terminal with built-in thermal printer.
- 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.
Lightspeed Retail: Best for inventory management
Types of businesses supported: Retail (apparel, bike, CBD, electronics, gift store, health, home decor, jewelry, pet, sporting goods, toy, vape, other).
Why we like it: Lightspeed Retail POS stands out for its top-notch inventory management features, which include cataloging and tracking functions that are especially useful for businesses with large inventories and multiple locations. Additional features include customer relationship management and loyalty programs, employee sales and performance tracking, and data analysis and reporting. And if your business requires more, Lightspeed offers an entire marketplace of app integrations. Read our full Lightspeed Retail 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:
- $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.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
Shopify: Best for Shopify e-commerce users
Types of businesses supported: E-commerce and in-store retail.
Why we like it: Shopify POS is an ideal system for retailers and e-commerce businesses. The free POS available with any of Shopify’s e-commerce plans offers a number of valuable features, including customer profiles and history, inventory tracking, automatic sales tax calculations, basic reporting functions and more. Business owners looking for additional functionality can purchase the POS Pro plan, which offers inventory forecasting, alerts when stock is running low and a suite of useful staff-related features, among other capabilities. And with Shopify Payments, which charges flat-rate processing fees, business owners can run their store and accept payments in one unified solution. Retailers will also appreciate Shopify’s transparent pricing as well as its customer support resources. Read our full Shopify POS review.
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).
- $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.
- 2.4%, 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.
SpotOn Restaurant: Best overall restaurant POS system
Types of businesses supported: Fine dining, casual dining, quick service, bar and nightclub, food trucks and custom-built options.
Why we like it: SpotOn’s monthly software fee and payment processing fees along with its ability to integrate with third-party hardware make this system an affordable and appealing option. SpotOn offers customizable add-on features such as a loyalty program and team management software. The company also has a strong reputation for its hands-on approach to customer support, from installation and training to 24/7 availability for assistance.
- $25 for base software, which includes email marketing, reporting and review management.
- $45 for online ordering.
- $65 for loyalty program.
- $100 for reservations and waitlist.
Quote-based.
- 1.99% plus 25 cents for standard credit and debit card transactions.
- 2.99% plus 25 cents for reward, international, corporate and keyed-in cards.
TouchBistro: Best for food trucks
Types of businesses supported: Restaurants (full service, fine dining, quick service and fast casual), food trucks, breweries and wineries, bars and clubs, cafes and coffee shops, and bakeries.
Why we like it: TouchBistro is a worthy contender in the restaurant POS space. Hardware that enables mobile and offline payments and software features such as menu scheduling, upselling reminders and low inventory alerts make TouchBistro an especially strong choice for a food truck business. The POS software comes with dozens of detailed reports to give you important business insights on everything from sales to customer behavior to staff performance. TouchBistro offers relevant add-ons such as gift cards and a loyalty program for an additional monthly cost. The company is not as transparent as some competitors with its pricing, and you will be bound to a long-term contract that’s not easy to terminate, but the 24/7 customer support it offers by phone, email and chat sets it apart from some other POS providers. Read our full TouchBistro 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.
Not disclosed. An iPad is necessary to run TouchBistro software. IPads, cash drawers, routers, printers, mini servers, keyboards and other accessories are available by quote only. You may also have the option to use your existing equipment.
Quote-based if you use TouchBistro Payments; can also choose from third-party payment processors.
IT Retail: Best for grocery stores
Types of businesses supported: General, corner, dollar and natural food stores; butcher shops, fish markets and co-ops.
Why we like it: IT Retail is built specifically for grocery and related store needs, and excels in its POS software design. The list of software features it offers is extensive and includes a function for wholesale sales, a customer loyalty program as well as capabilities to accept EBT transactions and support sales of highly regulated items such as tobacco and liquor. IT Retail’s POS app runs on a local server but regularly auto-syncs to the cloud so store data is always up to date and available across multiple locations and devices. Like many of the more industry-specific POS systems, IT Retail’s pricing is primarily quote-based, which is a large contributing factor to the company’s lower overall star rating. Were IT Retail to more readily share pricing information around payment processing fees, monthly software pricing and hardware costs as well as any additional fees that may apply, this strong POS system would likely receive a significantly higher score.
$199 a month for the IT Retail Flex plan. In addition to using the POS software, the Flex package allows you to essentially rent instead of buy your equipment.
- $1,499 for the IT Retail Freedom Standard hardware bundle, which comes with a touch-screen terminal, a cash drawer, a barcode scanner, an LCD customer display and a receipt printer.
- $1,999 for the IT Retail Freedom Premium hardware bundle, which includes all of the Standard bundle hardware plus a dual-arm mount for the customer display.
Fees are undisclosed; you need to sign a processing agreement.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services: Best bank POS provider
Types of businesses supported: In-person and online retail, bars, restaurants and personal, and professional services.
Why we like it: U.S. Bank is a merchant services provider that offers business banking, payment processing and POS solutions. In that way, it can serve as a solid option for a business that’s looking to consolidate all services under a single provider. It uses Talech and Elavon POS systems and accepts all major cards and contactless payment options. U.S. Bank’s processing rates are competitive and it offers a variety of software plans, all priced under $100 per month. With no long-term contracts, termination fees or PCI compliance fees, it stands apart from some on this list. U.S. Bank business account holders enjoy free same-day funding and a general funding schedule that allows for receipt of funds on any day of the week, weekends included.
- $0 for Mobile plan.
- $29 for Starter plan.
- $69 for Standard plan.
- $99 for Premium plan.
- $29 for each additional software license.
Sells a variety of hardware including full POS stations, handheld terminals and customer displays. You can purchase hardware outright or rent for a monthly fee. Monthly rental pricing starts at $20 for a handheld terminal.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person payments.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for keyed payments.
Toast POS: Best for restaurants doing dine-in and online business
Types of businesses supported: Restaurants (quick service, fine dining and full service), bars, cafes, and food trucks.
Why we like it: Toast’s POS systems can accommodate small restaurants and growing ones — especially those that want to build their online presence. Its online ordering add-on is customizable, meaning you can upload photos and change the color schemes and fonts. You can add your business to the Toast Takeout app to gain customers and use Toast Delivery Services to deliver orders. Built specifically for restaurants, Toast also offers spill-proof hardware that’s made to function among high heat and dust. Read our full Toast POS review.
- $0 for Quick Start Bundle.
- $69 for Core plan.
- $110 plus $4 per employee for Restaurant Basics plan.
- $165 for Growth plan.
- Custom plans available.
- $627 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $875 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,234 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- 2.99% plus 15 cents per transaction, if you choose pay-as-you-go option on hardware.
- 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.
Loyverse: Best for customer loyalty
Types of businesses supported: Grocery stores, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, retail shops and bars.
Why we like it: One of Loyverse’s most notable pros is its loyalty program, but that’s not the only feature that comes with its free base plan. Other free capabilities include basic inventory tracking, multi-location management, sales reports and barcode scanning. As for POS hardware, you can choose from a variety of third-party options from providers like Epson, Star and Citizen. Having multiple choices — as opposed to being limited to expensive proprietary hardware — can make it easier to stay within your budget.
- $0 for base POS software.
- $25 each for employee management and advanced inventory management.
- $9 for each third-party integration.
You can shop on the Loyverse website from a selection of hardware the company has tested for compatibility with its POS software. Prices are listed once you go into the Shop POS Portal. The company lists compatible options for both Android and iOS.
Through third-party payment processors.
Stripe Terminal: Best for international businesses
Types of businesses supported: Open application programming interface and ability to accept more than 135 currencies are primarily relevant to online sales.
Why we like it: Stripe Terminal extends Stripe Payments functionality for online businesses looking to add in-person payment capability. Because Stripe accepts all forms of payment — credit and debit cards, digital wallets, ACH transfers and even buy now, pay later options — in more than 135 currencies, it’s a solid option for online businesses that sell internationally. Stripe has a lot of customization options and some neat features that more tech-savvy business owners, or those with access to developers, may want to take advantage of. Read our full Stripe Terminal review.
- $0 for standard Stripe Connect.
- $2 per account for Stripe Express (for marketplaces) or Stripe Custom (the white-label option that allows businesses to customize the checkout process).
- $59 for Stripe Reader M2.
- $249 for BBPOS WisePOS E card reader.
- $349 for Stripe Reader S700.
- 2.7% plus 5 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.4% plus 30 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 4.4% plus 30 cents for international card transactions.
Lavu: Best cash discount program
Types of businesses supported: Restaurants, coffee shops and food trucks.
Why we like it: With so many restaurant POS systems on the market, Lavu stands out for its cash discount program. Customers who pay with cash save, while those who pay with card cover up to 99% of the resulting processing fees themselves. Its POS hardware selection is straightforward and iPad-based — you can add on cash drawers, kitchen display systems, iPad enclosures, card readers and printers to fit your restaurant setup.
- $59 for Starter plan with Dual Pay ($69 with Traditional Pay).
- $129 for Growth plan with Dual Pay ($139 with Traditional Pay).
- $279 for Optimize plan with Dual Pay ($289 with Traditional Pay).
Lavu's POS terminals use iPads, which can be bought through Lavu or elsewhere. Vault Pro iPad enclosures start at $190. Stands, rotation bases, receipt printers and cash drawers are sold separately.
Quote-based.
A POS system makes it possible for your business to accept payments from customers during the checkout process. It can take the form of a countertop register with a cash drawer or a handheld device with a credit card reader, depending on whether you need to complete sales on the go. The system includes the POS hardware itself and the software you use to enter item prices and collect data on your sales, inventory, returns, etc. Strictly online businesses usually do not need hardware.
Providers may offer their own hardware options, like POS terminals with customer displays, receipt printers and cash drawers. Or, in some cases, you can simply download POS software to an iPad or tablet for a simpler, more portable solution. Similar to POS hardware, POS software varies in complexity and may include features specific to your industry.
Learn more about what a POS system does
Dig into how a POS system works, how much it costs and what it should accomplish for your business.
» MORE: What is a point-of-sale system?
A POS system is made up of multiple components that vary in price. Often, you can get the entire system from a single POS system provider. You can expect to pay a monthly fee, along with payment processing fees and hardware fees. Ideally, companies should be transparent about each of these costs. Generally, you want to avoid early termination fees or long contracts that are hard to cancel without penalty. If payment processing comes bundled with your POS, make sure you understand the pricing first and can avoid PCI compliance costs and high chargeback fees.
Consider these four main costs to estimate your total POS system expenses.
- Software subscriptions: Many POS systems run on cloud-based software that requires you sign up for a monthly subscription. Some basic plans are free or start at $10 per month. Other plans are more expensive and cost upward of $199 per month. You might receive a discount by paying annually instead of monthly.
- Hardware costs: POS system providers might offer a free basic card reader that you can operate using a phone or tablet. In other cases, you might need proprietary hardware or a more robust POS terminal, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Other POS hardware items to consider include receipt printers, cash drawers, customer-facing displays and barcode scanners.
- Payment processing fees: Usually, a payment processor comes included with a POS system. Every time you accept a debit or credit card transaction, you’ll have to pay a transaction fee, usually around 2.5% to 3% of the transaction, plus 10 to 30 cents. Prices vary depending on the type of card and whether it’s being accepted in-person or online. Some processors use flat fees, so you pay the same rate for all in-person transactions, for instance. Others use interchange-plus fees, which means fees can vary depending on factors such as your industry and the type of card your client is using.
- Add-ons: If you want multiple registers or locations or exceed a certain amount in revenue each month, a basic plan might not cut it. Certain features, such as inventory management and loyalty programs, might cost extra.
» MORE: How much does a POS system cost?
Ultimately, the features you need depend largely on your industry. Here are several universal features to look for in a POS system, as well as some industry-specific capabilities you might consider.
- Online store options: Giving customers the option to make purchases or put in orders online can help bring you more business. Make sure your POS system accommodates all of your sales channels, whether they’re in-person, online or both.
- Reporting: Regardless of your industry, you want a POS system that can generate reports on your sales, so that you can see which items or services are most profitable for your business and popular among your customers.
- Robust customer support: While some answers might be easy to find online, it’s nice to be able to talk to someone who can help you troubleshoot when you need it. Look for live chat and/or phone support options and verify that they’ll be available during your business’s normal hours.
- Inventory management: Restaurants and retail stores need to keep track of how many items they have on hand and when it’s time to reorder. For a more detailed list of options, see NerdWallet’s picks for the best inventory POS systems.
- Multi-location management: You want to use the same POS system across all of your business’s locations, so that you easily track inventory, menus or service in multiple areas. Multi-location management also lets you set different prices and tax rules for each location, and run reports to see how each location is performing.
- Table or menu management: If you own a busy restaurant, this one is important. These features let you view the status of tables in your restaurant, see how long it takes to turn tables, update menus and track when you run out of certain items.
- Loyalty program: Although they typically cost extra, loyalty programs can help re-engage your customers with a point- or discount-earning system that gives them a reason to keep coming back. You can also use them to send custom discounts for birthdays and other special events.
Finding the right POS system for your business comes down to these key considerations.
Decide which POS software features you need
This will depend largely on what type of business you have, since many POS software plans are industry-specific. For example, restaurants may need table management and inventory management, while service-based businesses can benefit from the ability to schedule appointments. Decide which features are nonnegotiable for your business to help narrow your search. .
Choose compatible POS hardware options
Common hardware options include card readers, countertop terminals, handheld terminals, receipt printers and barcode scanners. Service-based businesses, cafes and restaurants that accept tips might also want a customer-facing screen with preset gratuity options. Not all hardware and software products are compatible with each other, so the easiest way to ensure compatibility is to find a POS provider with everything your business needs.
Calculate upfront and ongoing costs
Hardware will likely be your biggest upfront POS cost, and you’ll want to factor in per-transaction payment processing costs, too. Some monthly POS software subscriptions are free, but if you want a more robust feature set, expect to pay a fee. You’ll also want to look out for additional costs, such as setup and PCI compliance fees.
Pay attention to contract periods
Not all POS providers require you to sign a contract, which gives you the flexibility to switch systems at any time. However, some companies require you to commit for at least a year. While that isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, you’ll want to be sure that the product will work for your business in the long term. Read the “terms and conditions” carefully and seek out product demos so you can test functionality before committing.
Confirm it integrates with your accounting software
To ensure a smooth setup process, your POS software should also integrate with your accounting software, so that your books are always up to date. For more options, see NerdWallet’s choices for the best POS systems that integrate with QuickBooks.
Compared to traditional cash registers, POS systems typically have greater flexibility and include more business management features. Here are some of the advantages of going with the more modern POS option:
- Portability: Tablet-based POS systems can sit on the countertop, accommodate mobile businesses that make sales on the go, or let employees ring customers up from anywhere in the store.
- Robust feature sets: Many POS systems’ software plans go beyond basic sales tracking. They may include additional features like inventory management, employee time tracking and management, scheduling tools and customer loyalty programs.
- Seamless integrations: You can sync POS software to your accounting software to minimize manual data entry.
There’s no shortage of options when you’re comparing POS systems, and identifying main differentiating factors can help you quickly narrow down your choices. Here’s a handful of ways to describe different types of POS systems.
- Free vs. paid POS software: Chances are, you won’t get out of paying for processing fees or hardware. However, multiple POS system providers offer free POS software that includes the basics.
- Online vs. in-store POS system: Different POS systems accommodate different types of sales channels. Some specialize in e-commerce sales and even double as e-commerce platforms, while others focus more on in-person sales.
- Industry specific vs. universal POS system: Certain POS systems are made for a particular type of industry, usually restaurants or retail. Providers’ websites typically let you know which industries they target.
If you’d like to shop for POS systems by industry, check out NerdWallet’s picks for:
NerdWallet has also put together options based on POS hardware preferences.
Last updated on November 28, 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.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
A POS system is a combination of hardware and software that enables a business to accept payment for a transaction. Many POS systems, however, often do much more than process payments. They may have the capability to track inventory, manage employees, sync with popular payroll and accounting software, build customer profiles, offer loyalty programs and additional features.
An example of a simple POS system that’s quite common these days would be a credit card reader attached to a smartphone; this mobile POS system allows a transaction to be completed with the swipe of a card through a card reader and payment software accessed through the phone. An example of a more complex, feature-rich POS system would be a full set of POS hardware that includes a terminal, cash drawer, barcode scanner and receipt printer with accompanying software that enables business management.
A POS payment is taken at the time of a sales transaction. Payment may be made in person, using cash, a credit or debit card or a digital wallet, or online, depending on the specific setup of the business. If a card is used for payment, whether in person or online, the merchant will be charged a processing fee based on the card used, the issuing bank of the card and the payment processor’s own fee.
