The 10 Best Ecommerce Point of Sale (POS) Systems Shortlist
Here’s your cheat sheet for the top 10 point of sale (POS) systems for ecommerce SMBs. Find the other 10 picks after our reviews.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
There are many important points along a customer's journey, tracing a line through your sales funnel that ultimately leads to them giving you money. While all very nice, the one where they hand you the cash seems pretty awesome to me—and that's the point of sale.
This point of sale, shortened nicely to POS, can be both physical and digital. When you're doing the online shopping thing, it's called an ecommerce POS.
If you just sell online, this is what you'll want. If you straddle the digital and real world of selling, you also want this.
We found some real gems for you, in either case.
Using our extensive retail and ecommerce experience, we’ve identified the top POS systems that don’t just process payments—they connect your storefronts, sync your inventory, handle mobile checkouts, and deliver real-time data to actually run your business.
These aren’t just tools—they’re growth enablers.
Why Trust Our POS Systems Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Ecommerce POS Systems for Small Businesses
Below, you’ll find a quick comparison of pricing for our top POS system picks. If you then click Compare Software below that, you’ll find a deeper comparison of all the other features.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for virtual terminal access | Free trial available | From $99/month | Website | |
2 | Best for B2B sellers | Free demo available | From $99/month | Website | |
3 | Best for multichannel sellers | 3-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best value for high transaction volumes | 3-month free trial | From $79/month | Website | |
5 | Best for seamlessly connecting FOH & BOH | Free demo available | From $69 /month | Website | |
6 | Best for scaling businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for high sales volumes | Free account available | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website | |
8 | Best customizable payment solutions tailored to specific business needs | Free plan available | From $13.95 plus 0.29% + 1.55% per transaction | Website | |
9 | Best payment processing services for SMBs | Free demo available | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website | |
10 | Best for customization | 15-day free trial + free demo | From $10/user/month (billed annually) + $20 base fee per month | Website |
The 10 Best Ecommerce POS Systems, Reviewed
OK, here’s the main event. Our top POS systems, complete with why we chose them, top features and integrations, and their pros and cons.
Payline Data offers a versatile payment processing solution that caters to both online and in-person transactions. Their services are designed to meet the needs of various business types, including ecommerce platforms and physical retail stores.
Why I Picked Payline Data: One reason I like Payline Data is their support for various payment methods, including ACH payments. This feature allows your customers to pay directly from their bank accounts, providing an alternative to credit card payments and potentially reducing transaction fees. Additionally, Payline Data offers virtual terminal functionality, enabling you to process payments without the need for physical hardware, which is particularly useful for remote transactions.
Payline Data Standout Features and Integrations
Features include inventory management capabilities that allow you to track stock levels in real time, customer loyalty programs to reward repeat customers, and detailed analytics and reporting tools to help you make informed business decisions.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Authorize.net, NMI, CardPointe, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ability to process various payment types
- No long-term contracts
- Support for high risk accounts
Cons:
- Hardware integration may require an additional investment
- ACH transfers are paid add-ons
Stax Pay provides integrated payment processing solutions for businesses, enabling seamless transactions and robust analytics. It helps businesses streamline their payment operations while gaining valuable insights to drive growth.
Why I Picked Stax Pay: Stax Pay offers robust solutions tailored specifically for B2B transactions, which are often more complex than B2C payments. Features like automated invoicing, support for large transactions, and ACH payments make it easier for businesses to manage their B2B payment processes efficiently. This specialization is particularly beneficial for companies dealing with high-value or recurring transactions.
Stax Pay Standout Features and Integrations
Features include advanced analytics and reporting tools, seamless integration with various business software, and a highly customizable platform that caters to specific business needs, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.
Integrations include popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, and online payment processors like Stripe and Square. Additionally, Stax Pay connects with Salesforce for customer relationship management, Netsuite for enterprise resource planning, and Zapier to enable automation with thousands of other apps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust B2B payment solutions:
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
Cons:
- Integration complexity for certain 3rd party tools
- Limited international support
Shopify POS is a popular ecommerce point-of-sale system for businesses that sell products online. But, these merchants can also use the system when considering selling in person, either temporarily during an event or permanently in a brick-and-mortar location.
Why I picked Shopify POS: When planning for the next growth stage of your ecommerce business, you might consider opening an in-person location where your customers can see and feel your products before buying. So, I wanted to kick start this list with Shopify POS because it’s able to handle multichannel sales and connect the inventory from all locations. If you only want to focus on online sales, Shopify POS has you covered because the platform provides integrations to help you sell on social media channels.
Shopify POS Standout Features and Integrations
Features include staff management tools that allow you to track each staff member’s performance and generate customized reports to match your staff training requirements for each team member. Shopify POS also provides a significant number of reports you can develop, such as cash flow, retail sales, discounts, products, and so on, that gives you actionable data to help you optimize short- and long-term operational strategies.
Integrations include connections with tools that will help you enhance your store’s processes and share information between applications, such as ApparelMagic, Ordoro, PartnerStack, PayPal, QuickBooks Commerce, ShippingChimp, Shopventory, SMS Storetraffic, Valigara, Zinrelo, and other software options. If you need to make custom integrations, you can use third-party applications such as Zapier or APIWORX, or Shopify POS’s API to make the connections you need.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple navigation
- Significant number of features
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not customizable
- No free plan
Payment Depot is a merchant services provider that specializes in offering businesses a transparent interchange+ pricing model for credit card processing. This approach is designed to help businesses save on transaction fees by providing a clear and straightforward pricing structure without hidden costs.
Why I Picked Payment Depot: Payment Depot offers a compelling solution for ecommerce POS systems, leveraging its subscription-based pricing and robust integration capabilities to create a cost-efficient and versatile platform for online businesses. The inclusion of a free payment gateway and virtual terminal capabilities, provided through partnerships like SwipeSimple, allows merchants to process payments online, via mobile, and over the phone without incurring additional gateway fees.
Payment Depot Standout Features and Integrations
Key features include subscription-based pricing, free payment gateway, virtual terminal through swipesimple, compatibility with pos systems like clover and vital select, user-friendly interface, support for mobile and ach payments, integration with major ecommerce platforms, no hidden fees, and dedicated customer support
Integrations include OpenCart, PrestaShop, 3dCart, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Zen Cart, NCR, Authorize.Net, PayTrace, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes
- User interface is straightforward and intuitive
- Comprehensive equipment offerings
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-volume businesses
- Limited to US-based, non-high-risk merchants
CAKE is an all-in-one restaurant POS that allows you to handle online ordering, in-house ordering, back of house, and process payments. It is a versatile POS system that helps you create better dining experiences.
Why I picked CAKE: I selected this system because of how versatile it is and the way it seamlessly connects your FOH and BOH. FOH staff can benefit from taking orders at both the POS and from tablets that facilitate mobility. They can even create QR codes for tables to manage their orders from their table and reduce wait times.
Meanwhile, BOH benefits from a mirror system that displays orders for them in the same way they come in. These orders will communicate if the order is a dine-in, to-go, or online delivery so they can handle it accordingly.
Finally, CAKE's self-service kiosk and gift card management capabilities will give your restaurant a whole new dimension and the ability to increase your revenue through different avenues.
CAKE Standout Features & Integrations
Features that I'd like to highlight are its loyalty program and kitchen display system. The loyalty program is great to help increase repeat visits from customers and this particular one does not require loyalty cards. Every time a customer registers, they will provide their email which will be the channel where they'll be receiving points and rewards information. I also had to highlight the kitchen display system as it provides an order management view for the kitchen that mirrors what has been ordered at the POS plus any online order that comes in. This will keep everyone in sync and serving orders FIFO-style.
Integrations are available with 15+ apps, including Quickbooks, Xero, 7shifts, Paytronix, Orca, Uber Eats, Doordash, and CheddrSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Connects FOH & BOH
- Reduces order errors
- Helps you reduce lines at the counter
Cons:
- Pricing only includes the first hardware terminal
- Loyalty program unlocks in PRO plan
Epos Now is a POS system designed for various sectors, including retail and hospitality. It delivers a suite of features aimed at centralizing business processes, from transaction handling and stock management to client relations and staff oversight. Epos Now is ideal for businesses seeking a flexible, adaptable, and easy-to-use solution that integrates effortlessly with online sales platforms.
Why I Picked Epos Now: As an ecommerce POS system, Epos Now stands out for its robust integration capabilities and features tailored specifically for online businesses. The platform enables seamless synchronization between physical and online stores, ensuring that inventory levels, sales data, and customer information are always up-to-date. This integration is crucial for businesses that need to manage multiple sales channels efficiently. Additionally, Epos Now is designed to scale with growing businesses, accommodating increased inventory and sales volume.
Epos Now Standout Features and Integrations
Features include advanced inventory management tools that offer real-time tracking and automatic stock adjustments across all sales channels, and comprehensive reporting and analytics, providing insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory performance.
Integrations include BigCommerce, Magento, Deputy, Workforce.com, APO, Worldpay, Deliveroo, Mr Yum, Hopt, QuickBooks, Xero, simpleERB, WooCommerce, Mailchimp, Shopify, Appointedd, PayPal, Stripe, Sage, Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time data synchronization
- Reporting and analytics for various metrics
Cons:
- Some integration limitations
- Set up can take some time
Helcim is a full-service merchant POS system that can handle high sales volumes for ecommerce brands.
Why I picked Helcim: What I believe makes Helcim stand apart from the other options on this list is its ability to handle large sales volumes. Helcim does this by offering competitive rates and discounts for ecommerce businesses with over $25,000 in card transactions. Helcim also provides extensive tools such as merchant accounts, payment gateways, invoicing, and other business management capabilities.
Helcim Standout Features and Integrations
Features include up-to-date inventory management with automated synchronization that helps you set up and manage your product inventory and understand that everything is accurate. Helcim’s reporting feature enables you to learn what your customers want with details such as sales trends, best-selling products, and other actionable insights.
Integrations include efficient connections with popular third-party applications to help integrate payments with your current systems. These integrations include tools such as Foxy.io, Great Exposure, QuickBooks, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Transparent pricing
- Responsive customer support
- No monthly payments
Cons:
- Not many integrations are available
- Complicated dashboard
Best customizable payment solutions tailored to specific business needs
Merchant One is a payment processing tool that specializes in direct credit card processing, providing businesses with a direct link to credit card networks for efficient transaction handling. With over 20 years of experience and serving more than 100,000 customers, Merchant One stands out as a reliable choice for businesses seeking a cost-effective and trustworthy solution for their payment processing needs.
Why I Picked Merchant One: Merchant One excels as an ecommerce POS system by offering seamless integration with online stores, supporting a wide range of payment methods to accommodate diverse customer preferences. It ensures transaction security through strict adherence to PCI DSS standards, protecting both merchant and consumer data. The system is designed for high approval rates, even for high-risk businesses, broadening access to reliable payment processing solutions. With dedicated account management, Merchant One provides personalized support, helping businesses optimize their POS setup and troubleshoot any issues swiftly.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations
Features include support for a wide array of payment acceptance channels, including in-store POS systems, online payments, mobile payments, and telephone payments. This versatility ensures businesses can cater to customers regardless of how they choose to shop, providing a cohesive payment experience across all sales channels. Plus, the platform offers detailed reporting and analytics features, giving businesses valuable insights into their sales trends, payment method preferences, and transaction history.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Payeezy Gateway, Payflow Pro, Paytrace Gateway, USAePay, Aloha, Micros, Maitre’D, 1ShoppingCart, BigCommerce, ecwid, Fishbowl, Magento, PrestaShop, Salesforce, and dozens more ecommerce platforms, shopping cart solutions, and sales enablement tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable payment solutions tailored to the specific needs businesses
- Dedicated account managers for each client
- High approval rates for high-risk businesses
Cons:
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Cost cosiderations for smaller businesses
Clover is a robust point of sale (POS) system designed to simplify transactions for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on efficiency and ease of use, it integrates seamlessly with payment processing, inventory management, and customer analytics, all in one streamlined platform. Clover's flexibility allows for customization according to specific business needs, making it a reliable ally in managing daily operations and enhancing customer experience.
Why I Picked Clover: Clover excels in offering a versatile and intuitive point of sale system that caters efficiently to various business needs. Its strengths lie in seamless payment processing, comprehensive inventory management, and insightful analytics, enabling businesses to streamline operations and make informed decisions. The system's adaptability allows for easy customization with apps and accessories, ensuring that it fits the unique demands of any business, from retail to restaurants. and Integrations
Clover Standout Features and Integrations
Features include its extensive app marketplace, which allows businesses to enhance their system's functionality by integrating a wide variety of third-party applications. From advanced inventory management tools to customer loyalty programs and beyond, Clover's open ecosystem supports a broad array of add-ons, enabling businesses to create a highly customized POS solution that caters to their unique needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Shopify, Gusto, Xero, WooCommerce, Square, Google Sheets, Slack, and TSheets.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive feature set
- Versatility and customization for all business types
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for advanced features
- Limited offline functionality
Zoho Creator enables ecommerce businesses to create custom point-of-sale processes without the need for an experienced coder or programmer.
Why I picked Zoho Creator: Zoho is a popular business software vendor that provides applications for many business aspects, and for the purpose of this article, I’ll be focusing on the Creator application. Under the Zoho Creator application, you can use the provided POS app from the App Deck to manage all retail sales data. Zoho Create is fully customizable with a drag-and-drop builder, allowing you to add new functionality and modules to fit your ecommerce needs.
Zoho Creator Standout Features and Integrations
Features include KPI tracking capabilities that will help you make informed decisions after keeping an eye on sales and best-selling products. Zoho Creator can also help you maintain proper inventory levels through its reordering process tools.
Integrations include connections with popular business management platforms to help you pass along vital information and sales data to improve efficiency. These include integrations with systems such as ActiveCampaign, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Pabbly Form Builder, QuickBooks, Salesforce, WordPress, Workato, and other software options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No code workflows
- Great for small businesses
Cons:
- Integrations are complex
- Customer support needs work
Other Options
The following are other ecommerce POS system options that are worth your consideration:
- Stripe
For international businesses
- Revel Systems
For loyalty programs
- Vend
For employee tracking and training
- Erply
POS feature set
- PayPal Zettle
For value for money
- ProMerchant
For next-day funding for merchant accounts
- Lightspeed Retail
For inventory management
- Clover
All-in-one POS system
- Square Point of Sale
For small businesses
- Hike POS
For lay-pay sales
Related POS Software Roundups
POS systems aren’t all the same, so you might want to consider the various types of platforms and software out there. Luckily, we’ve thought about that.
- Mobile POS Systems
- Retail POS Systems
- Small Business POS Software
- Integrated POS Systems
- Hardware Store POS Systems
Our Selection Criteria for Ecommerce POS Systems
Choosing the right ecommerce POS system is essential for businesses looking to manage both online and in-store operations seamlessly.
With so many options available, we’ve developed a framework to evaluate POS systems based on specific criteria to ensure they meet the needs of modern retailers.
Here’s the framework we use:
Core POS functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered among the best, a POS system must support these essential use cases:
- Real-time inventory management across multiple sales channels (online and offline).
- Smooth payment processing, including support for multiple payment methods (credit cards, mobile wallets, etc.).
- Integration with ecommerce platforms and third-party tools (like accounting software and CRMs).
- Comprehensive sales tracking and reporting to inform business decisions.
- Multi-location management for businesses operating from more than one physical store.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
We look for systems that offer unique features, such as:
- Omnichannel capabilities that link in-store, online, and social media sales.
- Customer loyalty and rewards programs to enhance repeat business.
- Advanced reporting and analytics for deeper business insights.
- Integration with popular shipping and delivery services.
- Mobile POS options for flexibility in physical locations.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
When evaluating usability, we assess:
- An intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface that reduces the learning curve.
- Mobile-friendly functionality for sales on the go.
- Minimal downtime and seamless workflow for faster transactions.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
We also look for smooth onboarding experiences, including:
- Access to training resources, tutorials, and customer support during setup.
- Interactive tools like setup wizards that streamline the onboarding process.
- Comprehensive guides for both new users and experienced staff.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Effective customer support is key, and we evaluate:
- 24/7 support through multiple channels (live chat, phone, email).
- Proactive options like dedicated account managers for larger businesses.
- Access to an online community or forum where users share solutions and best practices.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
Assessing value involves considering:
- Transparent pricing models with clear tier options.
- Plans that grow with your business, from startups to large enterprises.
- Inclusion of essential features in base plans without hidden costs.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
Lastly, we examine customer feedback, looking for:
- Positive experiences related to ease of use, reliability, and scalability.
- Success stories where the POS system improved business efficiency and sales.
- Overall customer satisfaction, especially regarding the system’s impact on operations and growth.
What is an Ecommerce POS System?
An ecommerce POS system is a tool that connects your online and offline sales, letting you accept payments, track inventory, manage customers, and monitor performance from one unified dashboard.
Unlike old-school registers, modern POS systems are cloud-based, mobile-ready, and built for omnichannel selling.
Whether you're running a Shopify store, a weekend pop-up, or a chain of brick-and-mortar shops, the right POS lets you:
- Accept payments via card, mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay), or platforms like PayPal.
- Sync inventory in real-time across physical and digital storefronts.
- Track customer behavior and sales performance with detailed analytics.
- Run transactions anywhere—at checkout, curbside, or at events—with mobile POS capabilities.
- See it all from a centralized dashboard that ties together your sales, customers, and products.
If you're serious about scaling your operations and delivering a seamless customer experience, your ecommerce POS system needs to do a whole lot more than just swipe a card.
How to Choose an Ecommerce POS System
Choosing a POS isn’t about grabbing the flashiest tool—it’s about finding the system that fits your workflow, scales with you, and doesn’t break when things get busy.
Here’s how to do it right:
Step | What to do | Why it matters |
---|---|---|
Get clear on your use cases | Are you selling in-store, online, via mobile—or all three? Define your sales channels and must-haves (e.g. curbside pickup, pop-ups, mobile wallets). | Too many POS systems promise everything. Anchor your search in what you actually need to avoid shiny object syndrome. |
Audit your existing tech stack | Make a list of your ecommerce platform, CRM, accounting tool, and shipping software. Know what needs to integrate seamlessly. | POS systems should work with your stack—not fight it. Clean integrations mean less manual work and fewer headaches later. |
Prioritize payment flexibility | Choose a system that supports credit cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and PayPal—plus options like buy now, pay later. | Payment flexibility = more conversions. Customers bounce fast if they can’t pay their way. |
Look for a unified dashboard | Find a system that pulls together in-store and online performance, inventory, and customer data in one place. | Visibility drives smarter decisions. No more toggling between tools to figure out what’s selling. |
Check mobile POS capability | Make sure the POS works on tablets or smartphones for events, curbside, or quick line-busting. | Selling shouldn’t be tied to a counter. Mobile POS unlocks revenue at markets, pop-ups, and more. |
Dig into analytics & reporting | Look for customizable reports on sales, staff, inventory, and customer behavior. Bonus points for real-time dashboards. | If you can’t measure it, you can’t optimize it. Your POS should deliver insights—not just receipts. |
Evaluate onboarding & support | How long does it take to get up and running? Is support 24/7? Do they offer training or a setup team? | Even the best POS sucks if you can’t use it. Great onboarding = faster ROI and fewer 3 a.m. Google searches. |
Pressure-test for scale | Choose a system that won’t fall apart as you grow. Think multi-location, high order volume, and SKU expansions. | Your POS should grow with you—not hold you back or force an expensive migration later. |
Trends in Ecommerce POS Systems for 2025
Ecommerce POS systems aren’t just evolving—they’re rewriting the retail playbook. Here are the trends shaping the systems smart sellers are betting on this year:
- Sustainability features hit the register. Digital receipts, carbon tracking, and low-waste workflows are becoming part of the standard package—driven by customer demand and brand values.
- AI powers real-time decisions. POS systems now use AI to forecast demand, automate reordering, and personalize promotions based on customer behavior—no data analyst required.
- Unified dashboards take over. Retailers are ditching siloed systems in favor of platforms that combine in-store, online, and mobile sales into a single command center.
- Mobile POS goes mainstream. Sellers want freedom from the counter. Mobile-first systems now enable full-featured checkouts at events, curbside, or anywhere customers are ready to buy.
- Flexible payment options become non-negotiable. Customers expect to pay with cards, mobile wallets, and platforms like PayPal or Afterpay. POS systems are responding with more built-in payment options and better processor integrations.
- Omnichannel inventory sync becomes table stakes. Real-time inventory syncing across channels isn’t a bonus—it’s expected. The new baseline is knowing exactly what’s in stock, everywhere, at all times.
- Faster ecommerce POS integration workflows. Retailers want speed. POS platforms now offer prebuilt ecommerce connectors, API flexibility, and no-code tools to get systems working together quickly.
- Advanced analytics are built-in. Forget exporting spreadsheets. Modern POS tools deliver customizable, real-time dashboards showing what’s selling, what’s stalling, and what your customers actually care about.
- Security gets stronger and more invisible. Tokenization, encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection are now baked into the best POS systems—keeping customer trust without slowing down the checkout.
Key Features of an Ecommerce POS System
A solid ecommerce POS system is mission-critical. Here’s what to look for if you want a system that actually supports growth, not just transactions:
- Inventory management that syncs in real time. Track stock across all channels and locations automatically, with low-stock alerts and auto-reordering to avoid sellouts or overstocking.
- Omnichannel selling across every touchpoint. Connect your online store, physical locations, social media shops, and marketplaces in one seamless platform.
- Flexible payment options for any customer. Accept credit cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), PayPal, gift cards, and BNPL—without clunky integrations.
- Customer and loyalty management tools. Build customer profiles with purchase history, preferences, and contact info. Use that data to run targeted promos and rewards programs.
- Mobile POS capabilities for selling anywhere. Use tablets or smartphones to complete transactions at events, curbside, or pop-ups with full functionality—not just a card swiper.
- Unified dashboard for total visibility. Manage in-store and ecommerce data in one place—from sales and returns to staffing and performance metrics.
- Detailed reporting and analytics built in. Get real-time sales, staff, and inventory insights without exporting a single CSV. Bonus for systems with customizable or predictive dashboards.
- Employee management baked into the system. Set role-based permissions, track hours, and monitor individual performance without needing a separate HR tool.
- Returns and exchanges that don’t wreck ops. Handle refunds, store credit, and multi-channel returns without the usual chaos or accounting nightmares.
- Security and compliance without compromise. Look for PCI-compliant systems with built-in encryption, fraud detection, and secure payment handling.
These features aren’t fluff—they’re the foundation for a POS system that actually helps you sell smarter, move faster, and scale without losing control.
Top Benefits of an Ecommerce POS System
An ecommerce POS system is more than a backend tool—it's your frontline operator for growth, scale, and customer satisfaction. Here's what the right system unlocks:
- Scalability that grows with you. Whether you’re opening new locations or adding SKUs, your POS should expand effortlessly—no need for messy migrations.
- Seamless omnichannel management. Sync inventory, orders, and customer data across ecommerce, in-store, mobile, and marketplace channels—all in real time.
- Frictionless customer experiences. Support fast checkouts with Apple Pay, PayPal, and more. Offer loyalty rewards and personalized service based on purchase history.
- Operational efficiency at every level. Automate inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and order processing so your team can focus on selling—not spreadsheets.
- Smarter, faster decision-making. Get access to real-time reports and dashboards that reveal sales trends, top products, and team performance at a glance.
- Flexibility to sell anywhere. Mobile POS tools let you ring up sales on the floor, at events, or curbside—with full access to inventory and customer data.
- Integrated customer and inventory management. Know what’s in stock and who’s buying it—then use that data to reorder smart, personalize offers, and avoid stockouts.
- Stronger cash flow and faster checkouts. Reduce cart abandonment with payment flexibility and faster processing—especially when customers are paying on the go.
- Built-in compliance and data security. Stay protected with encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection—without extra add-ons or IT headaches.
The result? A POS system that’s not just keeping up—it’s helping you move faster, serve smarter, and build a retail engine that’s built to last.
Cost & Pricing of Ecommerce POS Systems
Ecommerce POS systems come at a wide range of price points, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes.
The cost typically includes three main factors: hardware, software, and payment processing fees. Additional features or integrations may also affect pricing.
Factors affecting pricing
- Hardware requirements: Basic setups might include just a card reader and tablet, while more advanced setups need full registers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers.
- Software features: Pricing varies based on whether you need inventory management, employee management, CRM tools, or multi-location support.
- Payment processing fees: Rates usually range from 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction, with some systems requiring you to use their in-house processors.
- Scalability: Some POS systems offer scalable plans, allowing you to start small and add more features as you grow.
- Support and integrations: Integrating your POS system with ecommerce platforms, accounting software, or other tools can result in additional costs.
Common pricing tiers for POS systems
Here's a breakdown of typical plan options and their pricing for ecommerce POS systems, along with the type of business each plan best suits:
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0/month | Basic features like card payments, limited sales tracking. | Solopreneurs, pop-up shops |
Basic | $25 - $60/month | Basic inventory management, card processing, basic reporting. | Small businesses, startups |
Professional | $70 - $150/month | Advanced inventory, CRM tools, multi-location support. | Growing businesses |
Advanced | $150 - $300/month | Full reporting, omnichannel features, employee management. | Medium to large businesses |
Enterprise | $500+/month | Custom integrations, advanced analytics, priority support. | Large enterprises |
Additional costs
- Hardware costs: Ranging from $20 for basic card readers to over $3,000 for full POS terminals and self-service kiosks, depending on business needs.
- Installation fees: Can range from $0 to $1,000 depending on system complexity.
- Add-ons and integrations: Features like customer loyalty programs or online ordering systems can increase costs.
Payment processing fees
Most ecommerce POS systems charge transaction fees ranging from 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction, depending on the type of payment and processing provider.
Some systems, like Square and Shopify, offer free software but require you to use their in-house payment processing.
By understanding these pricing tiers and additional factors, you can choose the ecommerce POS system that best aligns with your business’s current needs and growth potential.
Ecommerce POS Systems FAQs
We tried our best at guessing what your burning questions on this topic may be and came back with what you see below. Hopefully, your answers have been obtained and your questions are no longer burning.
What’s the best ecommerce POS system for small businesses?
That depends on your setup, but we’ve seen Square POS work great for solopreneurs and side hustlers thanks to its free plan and intuitive design. If you’re already on Shopify, their POS is a no-brainer for syncing everything fast. Lightspeed is ideal if you’re planning to scale and want deeper reporting from day one.
Can I integrate a POS system with my existing ecommerce store?
You’d better. Most modern POS systems come with native integrations or API access for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento. If you’re not technical, choose a provider that offers plug-and-play setup or has a dedicated onboarding team to walk you through it. The goal? Real-time syncing without duct tape.
Do I need special hardware to run a POS system?
Not necessarily. Many ecommerce POS platforms run on tablets or smartphones, especially if you’re using mobile POS setups. Some might require barcode scanners, receipt printers, or cash drawers—but most offer flexible hardware bundles, so you only pay for what you actually need.
How does a POS system help with reporting and analytics?
The best systems don’t just spit out daily sales totals—they give you clear, real-time dashboards on what’s selling, who’s buying, and how your team’s performing. Bonus points for customizable reports, predictive analytics, and inventory insights that stop bad reorders before they happen.
How much should I expect to spend on a POS system?
Anywhere from free (yes, really) to over $500/month depending on your size and needs. Most small businesses land between $25 and $150/month for software. Add hardware ($20–$2,000+) and processing fees (1.5–3.5%) to get your full picture. Look for systems that scale with you—not ones that nickel-and-dime you on every feature.
What payment methods should my POS system support?
The more, the better. Look for systems that accept credit cards, debit, mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, PayPal, and even BNPL options like Afterpay. Payment flexibility removes friction and keeps carts from getting abandoned at the last second.
Other Payment Software Reviews
These software review lists may complement your search for POS software. I focused on software reviews for payment or payment-adjacent technologies, like fraud prevention or BNPL.
- Ecommerce Sales Tax Software
- Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) Platforms
- Mobile Payment Solutions
- Ecommerce Fraud Prevention Software
- Ecommerce Accounting Software
We Have a Great Point (of Sale) Here
We get it, there are tons of software decisions to make in this day and age. Your tech stack can make or break your ecommerce brand, especially as you test their limits by going and scaling your operations.
That's why we exist. We put the effort into finding cool tools, like ecommerce POS systems, to make your life easier. Life is already hard enough—decision paralysis shouldn't make things even tougher.
You'll certainly find the ecommerce POS solution you need in this post. Plus, you may find my puns a little funny. That's worth it, too.
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