The best point-of-sale systems do far more than handle customer payments. These systems 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 when selecting your POS systems and software. Here are our top picks.
Our Nerdy picks for
Overall POS system
Square POSRestaurants
Toast POSInventory management
Lightspeed POSE-commerce
Shopify Retail POSHardware
Clover POSPOS software
PayPal ZettleBest Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems and Software
Product | Best for | Payment processing fees | Monthly fee | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Square POS Shop now on Square POS's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Overall POS system | 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 2.6% + 30¢ or 2.9% + 30¢ online, depending on plan. | $0 Free plan; $29 Plus plan; $79 Premium plan. | Shop now on Square POS's secure website |
Toast POS Shop now on Toast POS 2's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Restaurants | 2.99% + $0.15 | $0 Starter Plan. Essentials Plan also available | Shop now on Toast POS 2's secure website |
Lightspeed POS Shop now on Lightspeed POS's secure website | 3.5/5 Best for Inventory management | 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 2.6% + 30¢ online. | $69 $69 and up. | Shop now on Lightspeed POS's secure website |
Shopify Retail POS Shop now on Shopify POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for E-commerce | 2.70% in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online (Basic plan). | $0 POS Lite; $89 POS Pro. | Shop now on Shopify POS's secure website |
Clover POS Shop now on Clover POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Hardware | 2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% +10¢ in-person, depending on plan; 3.5% + 10¢ online. | $45 Starter and Standard plans; $54.90 Advanced plan when hardware is paid in full. Full-service plans available. | Shop now on Clover POS's secure website |
PayPal Zettle | 5.0/5 Best for POS software | 2.29% + 9¢ in-person; 3.49% + 49¢ online. | $0 | |
QuickBooks Desktop POS | 4.0/5 Best for QuickBooks Desktop integration | 2.7% in-person | $20/Month For lower processing rates | |
Stripe Shop now on Stripe Payments' secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Best POS for International Businesses | 2.7% + 5¢ in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online. | $0 | Shop now on Stripe Payments' secure website |
Our pick for
Overall POS system
Square POS
Shop now
on Square POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 2.6% + 30¢ or 2.9% + 30¢ online, depending on plan.
Monthly fee
$0
Free plan; $29 Plus plan; $79 Premium plan.
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, Androids and iPads, you can make sales on the go — for example, at a farmers market, trade show or music festival.
Our pick for
Restaurants
Toast POS
Shop now
on Toast POS 2's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.99% + $0.15
Monthly fee
$0
Starter Plan. Essentials Plan also available
Toast's restaurant-oriented POS system makes it easy to update menus, track table statuses, split checks, add gratuity automatically, apply various discount rules — say, for happy hour — take online orders, manage multiple locations, track employee performance and accept tableside payments.
Our pick for
Inventory management
Lightspeed POS
Shop now
on Lightspeed POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 2.6% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$69
$69 and up.
The Lightspeed POS system’s inventory management capabilities are outstanding at every subscription tier and more comprehensive than those of competitors. When entering items into your system, you can add plenty of information — such as a description, images, cost, manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP, your selling price, tax and discount rules, tags, barcodes, SKUs, brands, categories and custom-built fields — which can be used to generate and filter results on reports.
Our pick for
E-commerce
Shopify Retail POS
Shop now
on Shopify POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.70%
in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online (Basic plan).
Monthly fee
$0
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.
Our pick for
Hardware
Clover POS
Shop now
on Clover POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.3% + 10¢
or 2.6% +10¢ in-person, depending on plan; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
Monthly fee
$45
Starter and Standard plans; $54.90 Advanced plan when hardware is paid in full. Full-service plans available.
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.
Our pick for
POS software
PayPal Zettle
Payment processing fees
2.29% + 9¢
in-person; 3.49% + 49¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0
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.
Our pick for
QuickBooks Desktop integration
QuickBooks Desktop POS
Payment processing fees
2.7%
in-person
Monthly fee
$20/Month
For lower processing rates
The QuickBooks Desktop POS system allows sales, payments, inventory and customer data to sync with your QuickBooks Desktop account. The e-commerce integration feature automatically updates data and allows you to monitor all your sales channels including Shopify, Amazon, eBay and other online marketplaces.
Our pick for
Best POS for International Businesses
Stripe
Shop now
on Stripe Payments' secure website
Payment processing fees
2.7% + 5¢
in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0
Stripe Payments 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. Stripe users can accept in-person payments by integrating the company’s point-of-sale option, Stripe Terminal. But if you do most of your business in person, there are better options.
Square: Best overall POS system
Types of businesses supported: Retail, food and beverage, professional services (beauty, health, repair, etc.) and custom-built options.
Monthly POS software fee:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square POS Plus and Square Appointments Plus plans.
- $60 for Restaurant Plus and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Hardware:
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 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.
- $659-$1,479 for various bundles of stands, cash drawers, printers and card readers.
Payment processing: Varies by plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions (2.5% plus 10 cents with Retail Plus plan).
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions or invoices without a card on file.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions or card-on-file invoices.
Toast: Best POS for restaurants
Types of businesses supported: Fine dining, casual dining, fast-casual, bar and nightclub, cafe and bakery, and custom-built options.
Monthly POS software fee:
- $0 for Starter Kit plan.
- $69 for Point of Sale plan.
- $140 + $4 per employee for Restaurant Basics plan.
- $165 for Essentials plan.
- Custom plans available.
Hardware: Full restaurant setups begin at $799 in the Starter plan.
- $799 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $609 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $999 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
Payment processing:
- 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.
Lightspeed: Best POS for inventory management
Types of businesses supported: Retail (apparel, bike, CBD, electronics, gift store, health, home decor, jewelry, liquor, pet, sporting goods, toy, vape, other); restaurant (bar, cafe, full-service, hotel, quick-service, other); golf (multicourse, municipal, private, public, resorts, semiprivate, other).
Monthly POS software fee (retail):
- $89 for Lean plan ($69 if billed annually).
- $149 for Standard plan ($119 if billed annually).
- $269 for Advanced plan ($199 if billed annually).
Prices are higher if you don’t use Lightspeed as your payments processor:
- $119 for Lean plan ($99 if billed annually).
- $179 for Standard plan ($149 if billed annually).
- $299 for Advanced plan ($229 if billed annually).
Hardware: Undisclosed/quote only.
Payment processing:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction.
- 2.6% plus 30 cents for manually keyed transactions.
Shopify: Best POS for e-commerce
Types of businesses supported: E-commerce and in-store retail.
Monthly POS software fee:
To use Shopify POS, you also have to have a Shopify plan for e-commerce.
- $29 for Shopify Basic.
- $79 for regular Shopify.
- $299 for Shopify Advanced.
- $2,000 for Shopify Plus.
Once you have a Shopify plan for e-commerce, add either:
- $0 for Shopify POS Lite (free with all Shopify plans).
- $89 per location for Shopify POS Pro (free with Shopify Plus).
Hardware:
- $49 for Chipper 2X BT card reader or Tap & Chip card reader.
- $219 for Retail Kit.
- $399 for Shopify POS Go mobile device ($429 with case).
Payment processing:
- 2.4%, 2.6% or 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- 2.4%, 2.5% or 2.7% for in-person payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
Clover: Best 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.
Monthly POS software fee:
- $14.95 for Starter Retail, Starter and Standard Professional Services, and Home & Field Services plans.
- $44.95 for Standard Retail, Starter and Standard QSR, and Advanced Professional Services plans.
- $54.90 for Advanced Retail and Advanced QSR plans.
- $74.95 for Starter Full-Service Dining plan.
- $84.90 for Standard Full-Service Dining plan.
- $94.85 for Advanced Full-Service Dining plan.
Payment processing:
- 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.
PayPal Zettle: Best POS software
Types of businesses supported: Retail, service and e-commerce businesses.
Monthly POS software fee: Free.
Hardware:
- $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).
Payment processing:
- 2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person and QR code transactions.
- 3.49% plus 9 cents for manual entry card transactions.
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing transactions.
QuickBooks Desktop: Best POS for QuickBooks Desktop integration
Types of businesses supported: Online and in-store retail businesses selling jewelry, clothing, shoes, accessories, sporting goods, bicycles, furniture, hardware and other home improvement items.
Monthly POS software fee:
- $1,200 one-time fee for POS Basic.
- $1,700 one-time for POS Pro.
- $1,900 one-tine for POS Multi-Store.
Hardware:
- Pay as you go: 2.7% for in-person transactions; 3.5% per keyed transaction.
- Pay monthly: $20 per month; 2.3% plus 25 cents for in-person transaction; 3.2% plus 25 cents per keyed transaction.
- 1% for ACH transactions.
Payment processing:
- Pay as you go: 2.7% for in-person transactions; 3.5% per keyed transaction.
- Pay monthly: $20 per month; 2.3% plus 25 cents for in-person transaction; 3.2% plus 25 cents per keyed transaction.
- 1% for ACH transactions.
Stripe Terminal: Best POS 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.
Monthly POS software fee:
- $0 for standard Stripe Connect.
- $2 per account for Stripe Express (for marketplaces) or Stripe Custom (the white-label option).
Hardware:
- $59 for Stripe Reader M2.
- $249 for BBPOS WidePOS E card reader.
Payment processing:
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 2.7% plus 5 cents for in-person transactions.
- 3.4% plus 30 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.9% plus 30 cents for international cards or currency conversion.
Last updated on January 3, 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 good POS system should come with features that help you run your business. These can vary by industry. Some examples of features you might want to look for:
- 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.
- Multi-location 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.
Aside from useful features, you'll also want a system that has:
- 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 and can avoid 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.
- 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 have? Which are the fastest and easiest to set up? These details might not be your biggest deciding factors, but they might be important enough to help you make a decision.
Many POS systems are cloud-based software with monthly subscription fees that vary widely. Some basic plans are free or start at $10 per month; other basic plans start at $99 per month. In some cases, setup fees apply. However, to make use of that system, you might also need to pay for:
- 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. Some POS systems charge monthly fees to use rented terminals.
- Payment processing fees. Usually, a payment processor comes 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 you 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 be add-ons that cost extra.