Best POS Hardware of July 2025
To choose the right POS hardware for your business, consider which payment types your customers commonly use and whether you need to process transactions on the go, in store or both.
Point-of-sale (POS) hardware is a crucial component of many businesses’ POS systems
Why trust NerdWallet
Here are NerdWallet’s picks for the best POS hardware.
ADVERTISEMENT
Square
Square Terminal
NerdWallet Rating
Bonus Amount
20% off hardware
Requirements to qualify
Best POS Hardware
| Product | Best for | NerdWallet rating | Payment processing fees | Monthly fee | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Register on Square Register's secure website | Countertop POS terminals | In-person: 2.6% + $0.15 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | on Square Register's secure website | |
 Helcim card reader on Helcim card reader's secure website | Credit card readers | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0 | on Helcim card reader's secure website | |
 Toast Go 2 | Mobile POS terminals | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0 Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan. | ||
 Clover Station Duo on Clover Station Duo's secure website | Countertop POS terminals | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $50 and up. | on Clover Station Duo's secure website | |
Toast Flex | Countertop POS terminals | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0 Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan. | ||
Clover Flex on Clover Flex's secure website | Mobile POS terminals | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0 and up. | on Clover Flex's secure website | |
 PayPal POS Terminal | Mobile POS terminals | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 3.49% + $0.09 | $0 | ||
Square Reader on Square Reader's secure website | Credit card readers | In-person: 2.6% + $0.15 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | on Square Reader's secure website | |
 SumUp Plus on SumUp Plus' secure website | Credit card readers | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.15 | $0 for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan. | on SumUp Plus' secure website | |
 POS Nation Freedom Hardware Bundle | POS hardware bundles | N/A | $149 and up. | ||
 Lightspeed Hardware Kit | POS hardware bundles | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $109 for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan. |
Best POS Hardware
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn moreon Square's website
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Square Register
Best for Countertop POS terminals
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
on Square's website
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.3% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$50
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
- Has two screens.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
Clover Station Duo
Best for Countertop POS terminals
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.3% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$50
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
- Has two screens.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Free plan available for restaurants with one POS terminal.
- Live support is available by phone, email or chat.
- Offers 0% interest financing, subject to approval.
Cons
- Some features, like online ordering and the loyalty program, may cost extra based on the package.
- Cash drawer not included.
- Primarily for restaurants.
- One- to three-year contracts.
Toast Flex
Best for Countertop POS terminals
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Free plan available for restaurants with one POS terminal.
- Live support is available by phone, email or chat.
- Offers 0% interest financing, subject to approval.
Cons
- Some features, like online ordering and the loyalty program, may cost extra based on the package.
- Cash drawer not included.
- Primarily for restaurants.
- One- to three-year contracts.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0.4% + $0.08
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$0
on Helcim's website
Pros
- Has volume discounts.
- Includes colored countertop stand, but is also portable enough to use on the go.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Processing rates may increase if monthly transaction volume drops.
- No full POS register options to pair with.
Helcim card reader
Best for Credit card readers
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0.4% + $0.08
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$0
on Helcim's website
Pros
- Has volume discounts.
- Includes colored countertop stand, but is also portable enough to use on the go.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Processing rates may increase if monthly transaction volume drops.
- No full POS register options to pair with.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
on Square's website
Pros
- Has a compact design.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Doesn't swipe credit cards.
- Takes roughly two to three hours to charge.
Square Reader
Best for Credit card readers
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
on Square's website
Pros
- Has a compact design.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Doesn't swipe credit cards.
- Takes roughly two to three hours to charge.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.15
Online: 3.5% + $0.15
Monthly fee
$0
for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan.
on SumUp's website
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
- Can complete more than 500 transactions before having to recharge.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
SumUp Plus
Best for Credit card readers
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.15
Online: 3.5% + $0.15
Monthly fee
$0
for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan.
on SumUp's website
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
- Can complete more than 500 transactions before having to recharge.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Can opt for higher processing fees to cover the cost of the device.
- Can use it to ask customers for feedback on their experience.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Toast Go 2
Best for Mobile POS terminals
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Can opt for higher processing fees to cover the cost of the device.
- Can use it to ask customers for feedback on their experience.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Includes built-in receipt printer.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Can rent if you don’t want to commit to buying right away.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
- Hardware can be expensive.
Clover Flex
Best for Mobile POS terminals
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Includes built-in receipt printer.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Can rent if you don’t want to commit to buying right away.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
- Hardware can be expensive.
Pros
- Low in-person processing rates.
- Accepts chip payments and contactless payments made with PayPal, Venmo and QR codes.
- Can purchase with built-in barcode scanner and receipt printer.
Cons
- POS features offer less functionality than some competitors.
- Limited software integrations.
PayPal POS Terminal
Best for Mobile POS terminals
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.29% + $0.09
Online: 3.49% + $0.09
Online: 3.49% + $0.09
Monthly fee
$0
Pros
- Low in-person processing rates.
- Accepts chip payments and contactless payments made with PayPal, Venmo and QR codes.
- Can purchase with built-in barcode scanner and receipt printer.
Cons
- POS features offer less functionality than some competitors.
- Limited software integrations.
Payment processing fees
N/A
Monthly fee
$149
and up.
Pros
- No long-term contract required with purchase of hardware bundle.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Less pricing transparency than some competitors.
POS Nation Freedom Hardware Bundle
Best for POS hardware bundles
Payment processing fees
N/A
Monthly fee
$149
and up.
Pros
- No long-term contract required with purchase of hardware bundle.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Less pricing transparency than some competitors.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$109
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan.
Pros
- 24/7 support.
- Robust inventory management.
- Integrations for accounting, marketing, payroll and more.
- Free PCI compliance and fraud prevention.
Cons
- IPad or desktop not included.
- Higher cost for software, and no transparency on hardware cost.
- Annual contracts required for lower pricing.
- More expensive plans if you don’t use Lightspeed Payments.
Lightspeed Hardware Kit
Best for POS hardware bundles
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$109
for Basic plan, $179 for Core plan, $289 for Plus plan.
Pros
- 24/7 support.
- Robust inventory management.
- Integrations for accounting, marketing, payroll and more.
- Free PCI compliance and fraud prevention.
Cons
- IPad or desktop not included.
- Higher cost for software, and no transparency on hardware cost.
- Annual contracts required for lower pricing.
- More expensive plans if you don’t use Lightspeed Payments.
What type of POS hardware do you need?
The types of POS hardware you’ll need depend on the nature of your business. Although not every business requires all these hardware options, most businesses will need at least some of the following.
POS terminal
A POS terminal
The POS terminal is often one of the most expensive components of a POS hardware kit. You’ll either have to pay the price of an iPad or tablet or the more expensive price tag on a proprietary terminal.
Credit card reader
There are three different ways a credit card reader can take payment:
Consider how your customers like to pay when selecting a credit card reader. Most people have a card with a magstripe, but many customers now more commonly prefer the more secure EMV payment method. Others don’t carry a credit card at all and use only a digital wallet to pay for products.
There are other features to consider when picking out your credit card reader, such as the ability to print or email receipts, suggest tip amounts
» MORE: Best mobile POS systems
Some POS providers sell their own proprietary credit card readers (such as Square and PayPal credit card processing company
Cash drawer
Most businesses still need to accept cash payments, which means they need a cash drawer. The main thing to consider with a cash drawer is the locking mechanism, as you’ll want something that can’t be broken into. You’ll also want to find a cash drawer that is compatible with your POS software, as it should open every time you complete a cash transaction via a USB or Bluetooth connection. Other considerations are the size of the cash drawer and the number of slots and coin trays.
Barcode scanner
Businesses that carry lots of inventory need a barcode scanner to help them keep track of stock and expedite the checkout process. Similar to cash drawers, you can have a USB-enabled barcode scanner or a Bluetooth barcode scanner — just make sure it is compatible with your POS software. Popular barcode scanner brands include Zebra, Motorola and Socket Mobile.
Receipt printer
Although many POS providers now offer software that can send a text or email receipt to customers, it’s still necessary to offer a printed receipt option. Like barcode scanners and cash drawers, receipt printers can be connected to compatible POS software via USB or Bluetooth. Most receipt printers use thermal or ink printing. If you operate a food-service business, you may also want to invest in a kitchen printer, which syncs with your POS software to print tickets in the kitchen whenever an order is placed. Popular brands include Star Micronics and Epson.
Other POS accessories
Some additional products are specific to certain types of businesses. If you operate a restaurant, for example, you may also want to invest in a user-facing kiosk, digital menu board or kitchen display system
Explore more POS hardware options
For a deeper dive into specific types of POS hardware, see NerdWallet’s picks for:
How to choose POS hardware
When shopping for POS hardware, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind to ensure you get equipment that makes sense for your business.
POS system compatibility
POS hardware works in conjunction with POS software to allow your business to run transactions. But POS hardware does not work with all POS software. Typically, POS companies make software that is only compatible with certain types of hardware.
When shopping around for hardware, make sure you confirm which software it can integrate with. Your POS provider will normally sell all the hardware that is compatible with its POS software, but if you decide to buy from third-party vendors, you may run into some issues.
Price
The type of POS hardware your business needs will determine how much you pay. For instance, a basic credit card reader may be free or inexpensive, while a terminal with all the accessories could be several thousand dollars. If you need several pieces of POS hardware, look at bundling options to save money and always shop around — at both direct providers and third-party vendors — to make sure you’re getting the most competitive price.
» MORE: Best free POS systems
Usability
You’re going to be using your POS hardware a lot, so you need to find something that is easy to use and responsive to your business’s needs. For example, if you sell your wares primarily from events, pop-up shops or conventions, it might make sense to use a cloud-based POS system
Many POS providers offer a money-back guarantee on their POS hardware products — so you should feel empowered to try out their hardware risk-free. Also check to see what level of support they offer (ideally you want free 24/7 support). Some POS providers also offer on-site installation and training on how to use their products.
Learn more about industry-specific POS systems
Businesses in the following industries may need more specialized POS equipment. Here are NerdWallet’s top picks for industry-specific POS systems.