Best Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
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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 | ||
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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 | $5 POS Lite; $89 POS Pro. (Paid Shopify plan is required for POS use.) | 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 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 Hardware | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | ||
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 | Learn more on Stripe Terminal's secure website | ||
Helcim Learn more on Helcim'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 | Learn more on Helcim'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 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 Restaurants | 1.99% + $0.25 | $25 | 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 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 and up. | |||
PayPal Zettle | 4.5/5 Best for Software | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 3.49% + $0.49 | $0 | |||
IT Retail | 3.5/5 Best for Grocery stores | N/A Quote-based. | $199 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
on Shopify POS's secure website
$5
POS Lite; $89 POS Pro. (Paid Shopify plan is required for POS use.)
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
on Square POS's secure website
$0
Free plan; $60 Plus plan for retailers and restaurants.
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
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
on Clover POS's secure website
$15
$14.95 and up.
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
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
on Stripe Terminal's secure website
$0
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
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
on Helcim's secure website
$0
Pros
- Pricing is transparent.
- Offers all-inclusive platform.
Cons
- Potentially expensive 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
on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website
$89
for Lean plan, $149 for Standard plan, $269 for Advanced plan.
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
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
on SpotOn Restaurant's secure website
1.99% + $0.25
$25
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
on TouchBistro's secure website
N/A
Quote-based.
$69
and up.
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
$0
and up.
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
Software
This all-in-one 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
$0
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
N/A
Quote-based.
$199
and up.
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.
Square: Best overall POS system
- $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 software
- $29 for first card reader; additional readers cost $79. Price includes USB cable.
- $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 hardware
- $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.
- 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.
Stripe Terminal: Best for international businesses
- $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.
- 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.
Helcim: Best for high sales volumes
- $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 transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per 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
- $89 for Lean plan ($69 if billed annually).
- $149 for Standard plan ($119 if billed annually).
- $269 for Advanced plan ($199 if billed annually).
- $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
- $29 for Shopify Basic.
- $79 for regular Shopify.
- $299 for Shopify Advanced.
- $2,000 for Shopify Plus.
- $5 for Shopify POS Lite.
- $89 per location for Shopify POS Pro.
- $49 for Chipper 2X BT card reader or Tap & Chip card reader.
- $219 for Retail Kit.
- $399 for Shopify POS Go mobile device.
- 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 for restaurants
- $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.
- 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
- $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.
IT Retail: Best for grocery stores
- $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.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services: Best bank POS provider
- $0 for Mobile plan.
- $29 for Starter plan.
- $69 for Standard plan.
- $99 for Premium plan.
- $29 for each additional software license.
- 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.
What is a POS system?
Learn more about what a POS system does
How much does a POS system cost?
- Hardware. Some POS systems offer a basic card reader for free, and you may be able to operate it using a phone, tablet or desktop computer you already have. In other cases, you might need proprietary hardware that can cost hundreds of dollars. Some POS systems charge monthly fees to use rented terminals.
- 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. Pricing can vary widely. 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.
- More expensive plans or 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 features or loyalty program tools, might also be add-ons that cost extra.
What should a good POS system do?
- Inventory management. Keep track of how many items you have on hand and when you need to reorder.
- Table or menu management. 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.
- Multilocation management. Track inventory, menus or service in multiple areas, set different prices and tax rules for each location, and run reports to see how each location is performing.
- Loyalty program. Reengage your customers with a point- or discount-earning system that gives them a reason to keep coming back; be able to send custom discounts — for example, a discount for a customer’s birthday.
- Transparent pricing. You can expect to pay a monthly fee, along with payment processing fees and hardware fees. 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 pesky fees such as PCI compliance fees and high chargeback fees.
- Intuitive user flows. You want a system that’s easy to use and understand.
- 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.
How do I choose a POS system?
- Decide on the features you need. This will depend largely on what type of business you have. It might include items like the ability to manage tables and menus, track inventory or schedule appointments.
- Weigh functionality with upfront and ongoing costs. Once you have a handful of options that fit your needs, consider the costs. How much are the monthly service fees? What does the hardware cost? How much are the payment processing fees? Can you sign up without getting locked into a long contract? You might have to call some providers to collect quotes. Try free demos or watch videos of the software in action to get an idea of the user flows. Are they easy to understand? Would it work well with your specific business?
- Narrow your options. Which systems have the best customer service? Which ones might work with the hardware you already have? Which are the fastest and easiest to set up? These details might not be your biggest deciding factors, but they might be just important enough to help you make a final decision.