The 23 Best POS Systems To Effectively Manage Cash Flows, Ranked & Reviewed for 2025
The Top POS Systems You Should Be Considering
Let’s do the shortlist to get us started here. These are our favorite POS systems with their ideal use cases.
You’re here because you need a POS system that actually improves retail operations—not just one that processes payments.
This guide ranks the best POS platforms based on what matters most to operators: real-time inventory accuracy, unified sales across channels, actionable reporting, and integrations that work without a tech headache.
We break down which systems solve real problems—whether you’re managing multiple stores, running ecommerce, or just want your team to stop wrestling with outdated hardware.
No sales fluff—just clear answers to help you pick the right tool for how you actually work.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
Comparing the Best POS Systems, Side-by-Side
Real quick before we go on into the reviews, let’s see each POS tool in a handy chart to compare pricing and trial info.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for ease of set up and use | 30-day free trial | Free plan available plus 2.6% + 15¢ per transaction | Website | |
| 2 | Best for B2B sellers | Free quote available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for real-time inventory management | Unlimited free trial available | From $59/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for high-volume businesses in various industries | 3-month free trial | From $79/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for ecommerce businesses | 3-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for customization | Free demo available | From $59/month + payment processing | Website | |
| 7 | Best for hardware bundles | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for multi-location inventory | Free demo available | From $89/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for high-volume businesses | Free account available; only pay on transactions | From 1.58% + 6¢ per transaction plus hardware costs | Website | |
| 10 | Best all-in-one system for small businesses | Free demo available | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website | |
| 11 | Best for direct credit card processing | Free quote available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 12 | Best for Small Restaurants | Free demo available | From $69/month | Website | |
| 13 | Best for customer loyalty programs | Free demo available | From $99/mo | Website | |
| 14 | Best for order management | Free demo available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 15 | Best for customer loyalty programs | Free account; just pay for processing fees | From 0.15% + 8¢ per transaction plus hardware costs | Website | |
| 16 | Best for a highly customizable POS solution | Free quote available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 17 | Best all-in-one system for restaurants | Free demo available | From $69/mo | Website | |
| 18 | Best low-cost option for retail | Free plan available | From $14.99/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 19 | Best for complex menus and inventory | Offers a free starter plan | From 2.99% + $0.15 | Website | |
| 20 | Best for PayPal users | Free app download available | Pricing upon request | Website |
The Best POS Systems, Reviewed
Here’s my list of the top 10 POS software systems for 2025.
I’ve summarized the main selling points of each tool and covered their features and supported integrations, to make sure your tech stack can support the POS system.
In case you want to compare POS systems and are more of a scanner than a reader, I’ve made a quick pros & cons list as well.
Founded in 2011, Square is a payment processor and point-of-sale system offered by Block, the technology company behind TIDAL, Afterpay, and Cash App. Square started out as a simple and inexpensive way for small businesses to accept credit and debit cards, but it’s now a POS option for larger businesses as well.
Why I picked Square: Known for its simplicity and ease of use, Square is a good way for any business to get a POS system up and running. And, because there are no setup fees and you can use your own device as a virtual terminal, it costs nothing to start using Square.
Square Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the ability to set up and sell through an online store, as well as selling through Facebook and Instagram. As your business grows, you can add on tools for loyalty programs, managing your cash drawer, and even payroll.
Integrations include Zapier, Quickbooks, Groupon, Drupal Commerce, Wix, WooCommerce, Uber Eats, Xero, Linktree, Bookkeep, and Ovation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No contracts
- Hardware at a range of price points
- Easy to get started
Cons:
- Incompatible with Windows OS
- Rates too high for large sales volume
New Product Updates from Square
Square Expands Financial Tools and Bitcoin Features
Square has introduced enhanced accounting tools and expanded Bitcoin capabilities, helping sellers gain better financial visibility and flexibility. These updates make it easier to track every transaction and diversify savings. For more information, visit Square's official site.
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Stax Pay is a powerful point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for B2B sellers. It offers a range of features and integrations to streamline payment processing and enhance business operations.
Why I Picked Stax Pay: Stax Pay stands out for B2B sellers due to its tailored solutions that address the unique needs of business-to-business transactions. It offers flexible payment options, advanced invoicing capabilities, and seamless integration with accounting software, making it easier for businesses to manage large volumes of transactions and complex payment terms. Additionally, its robust reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into sales performance, helping businesses make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
Stax Pay Standout Features and Integrations
Key features include flexible payment options (credit card, ACH, and eCheck), advanced invoicing, recurring billing, and customizable payment plans. The platform also provides detailed reporting and analytics, integrated fraud prevention, and a user-friendly dashboard for managing transactions. With its robust API, businesses can easily integrate Stax Pay into their existing systems and workflows, ensuring a seamless payment experience for both the business and its customers.
Integrations include popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce and HubSpot, and ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. Additionally, Stax Pay connects with payment gateways like Authorize.net and Stripe, as well as marketing tools like Mailchimp and Constant Contact.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with popular tools
- Advanced invoicing capabilities
- Flexible payment options
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for new users
- Limited support for international transactions
New Product Updates from Stax Pay
Stax Processing: New End-to-End Payments Platform
Stax Payments introduces Stax Processing, an end-to-end payments platform offering an integrated transaction lifecycle and direct card network access. For more information, visit Stax Pay's official site.
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KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for small to medium-sized businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and niche markets like wineries and amusement parks. It offers a range of features like advanced inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and ecommerce integration.
Why I picked KORONA POS: I particularly like its advanced inventory management capabilities. It offers real-time tracking, automated reordering, and detailed reporting, ensuring businesses maintain optimal stock levels and reduce waste. The system's ability to handle complex inventory tasks, such as managing multiple locations and variations of products, provides a seamless and efficient operation for retailers.
KORONA POS Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include self-checkout kiosks, ticketing services, employee management, customizable user permissions, automated purchase orders, stock alerts, multi-store management, promotional tools, CRM features, offline mode, and secure data encryption.
Integrations include QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, Mailchimp, and various payment processors such as PayPal, Stripe, Worldpay, Authorize.Net, and CardConnect.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed inventory management features
- The software layout can be customized
- Supports multiple locations
Cons:
- Reports could be more customizable
- Each terminal requires a separate payment
New Product Updates from KORONA POS
KORONA POS Enhances Reporting Tools for Better Tracking
KORONA POS has updated its reporting tools with new grouping, columns, and time-tracking features to improve data visibility across discounts, stock, and cancellations. For more information, visit KORONA POS's official site.
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Payment Depot is a POS and merchant services provider that offers a transparent interchange+ pricing model. This helps businesses of all sizes save on transaction fees. The company's clear, straightforward pricing structure helps you avoid hidden costs, thereby better managing your cash flow.
Why I Picked Payment Depot: This platform's subscription-based pricing makes it a compelling choice for high-volume businesses. It offers a POS system for ecommerce, mobile, and physical payment terminals, making it flexible to various industries and business models. Whether you're a retail, service, restaurant or bar, or healthcare company, you'll be able to leverage their offering to better manage your cash flow and payment processing.
Payment Depot Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include a free payment gateway, as well as the tool's virtual terminal capabilities provided through partnerships like SwipeSimple. This allows merchants to process payments online, via mobile, and over the phone without incurring additional gateway fees. The software is also compatible with POS systems like clover and vital select, and offers a user-friendly interface.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, and OpenCart. It also integrates with payment systems such as authorize.net and business management systems like Revel Systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive equipment offerings
- Cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes
- User interface is straightforward and intuitive
Cons:
- Limited to US-based, non-high-risk merchants
- Not ideal for low-volume businesses
Shopify is an e-commerce platform with more than 20,000 online stores. It allows individuals and businesses to build digital storefronts and catalogs, manage and process orders, and collect payments. While the company is best known for online shopping, its POS system can also process in-person transactions.
Why I picked Shopify POS: For entrepreneurs and small businesses, building a Shopify store is a way to start earning revenue without the expense of a brick-and-mortar storefront. When those businesses want to expand to pop-up stores or permanent locations, the Shopify POS is an easy way to make the transition.
Shopify POS Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a customizable POS home page, where you can keep your most-used modules at the forefront. Shopify also touts its advanced inventory management and precise staff permissions feature.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Zapier, Hubspot, Buffer, Quickbooks, Xero, ShipStation, Etsy, SKU IQ, ShipHero, and Klaviyo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Order management tools
- Mobile transactions
- Online store builder
Cons:
- Limited hardware
- Designed for e-commerce
Lavu promotes itself as a restaurant POS system made by restaurant people. Along with the POS, Lavu also sells MenuDrive (a marketing and online ordering tool) and Sourcery (an invoice and bill-pay tool).
Why I picked Lavu: With their open API and menu of add-on features, Lavu allows you to build the POS system you need and customize it to fit your business.
Lavu Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include team management and inventory management, along with real-time reporting. While Lavu can process mobile wallets like Apple Pay, it also has a cash discount program designed to reduce the fees you pay for processing debit and credit cards.
Integrations include 7shifts, Bento Box, Quickbooks, Restaurant365, Yelp, WISK.ai, TableUp, TipHaus, Paychex, Open Table, and Doordash.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Barcode scanning
- Inventory management
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- No free option
- Contract required
Epos Now is a POS and business management software designed to meet the needs of modern retail and hospitality businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that helps manage sales, inventory, customer relationships, and employee performance. The platform is user-friendly, scalable, and customizable.
Why I Picked Epos Now: The platform excels in delivering real-time inventory management, detailed sales analytics, and comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) tools. For me, one of its standout features is its range of hardware bundles that include everything a business needs to get started, from touchscreen terminals to receipt printers and barcode scanners. These hardware solutions are seamlessly integrated with the software, ensuring a cohesive user experience.
Epos Now Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include advanced reporting and analytics tools that provide deep insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory levels. Additionally, the employee management module helps businesses optimize their workforce by simplifying scheduling, tracking hours worked, and monitoring performance. Another significant feature is the real-time data synchronization across multiple locations.
Integrations include Workforce.com, APO, Worldpay, BigCommerce, Magento, Deputy, Deliveroo, Mr Yum, Hopt, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Shopify, Appointedd, simpleERB, WooCommerce, PayPal, Stripe, Sage, Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored features for retail and hospitality businesses
- Reporting on multiple metrics
- Interface is easy to navigate
Cons:
- Occasional system lag
- May take time to set up
ShopKeep, now part of Lightspeed, is a versatile POS system built for retailers, restaurants, and specialty shops. It combines payment processing, inventory tracking, and analytics in one intuitive platform that works both in-store and online.
Why I picked ShopKeep: I picked ShopKeep because it balances ease of use with deep operational control. You can track inventory across multiple locations, accept a wide range of payments, and manage staff schedules without needing separate systems. I also like that it includes ecommerce tools, so you can reach online customers without changing your POS setup. Its data-driven insights help you see what’s selling and when to reorder, keeping operations running smoothly.
ShopKeep Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include advanced analytics and customer insights that highlight sales trends and buying behavior, customer-facing displays that make checkout transparent and engaging, and built-in accounting tools that simplify your bookkeeping. These features help you manage every part of your business from one dashboard.
Integrations include MailChimp, QuickBooks, AppCard, Stax, Bookkeep, Womply, CDGcommerce, QuickBooks Online Advanced, and eCard Systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics and marketing insights
- Comprehensive inventory management tools
- Efficient multi-method payment processing
Cons:
- Some inventory functions need improvement
- Occasional software glitches reported
Helcim is a POS system and payment processing platform that emphasizes fee and rate transparency. They use an “interchange +” model. Interchange is the 1-3% that businesses have to pay to banks to move funds. This empowers businesses to choose the best payment processing rate they can find, to which Helcim makes only a small addition.
Why I picked Helcim: Along with their lack of setup and cancellation fees, Helcim’s pricing structure rewards you for selling more. That means that when you sell more products, you keep more and more of the profits. For high-volume businesses, the savings add up.
Helcim Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the ability to process partial payments or deposits, as well as automatically create customer profiles that you can edit and add notes to. You can send invoices and email customers for continued engagement.
Integrations include Quickbooks, Foxy.io, WooCommerce, Magento, and Great Exposure. While pre-built integrations are few, Helcim does offer an API for customization.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app
- Virtual terminals
- User permissions
Cons:
- Very few integrations
- Requires 3rd party hardware
Launched in 2012, Clover is a cloud-based point-of-sale system and hardware collection which can be purchased directly or through a number of resellers. Along with credit and debit cards, Clover supports Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Why I picked Clover: Clover combines three important parts of business operations (point-of-sale, payment processing, and hardware) into one attractive system.
Clover Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include both virtual terminals and a wide range of hardware options. Clover also offers real-time reporting and sales analytics, which you can access anywhere from the Clover Go mobile app.
Integrations include Time Clock by Homebase, Thrive Inventory, BigCommerce, stockIt, Easy Labels, Magento, Yelp, and Paychex.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Customer loyalty program
- Rapid deposits
Cons:
- Poor customer service reviews
- Complex pricing
Merchant One is a financial service provider that offers a suite of tools for businesses to process electronic payments. They provide a variety of point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment solutions, and online payment gateways to accommodate different business models and transaction environments.
Why I picked Merchant One: The POS systems offered by Merchant One come with features such as inventory management, sales reporting, and customer relationship management tools. These systems are intended to help businesses conduct sales transactions efficiently while providing insights into sales data and inventory levels.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include support for a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, electronic checks, and mobile payments. Merchant One also offers encryption technology, tokenization, and compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements to protect sensitive customer data.
Integrations include Clover Network, Inc., First Data Corporation, USAePay, Paytrace Gateway, Payeezy Gateway, Authorize.net, Aloha, Micros, Payflow Pro, and Maitre'D.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Various hardware options
- 24/7 customer support
- Fast and easy setup
Cons:
- Occasional slow deposit times
- Includes an early termination fee
Initially an app to connect restaurants and customers for starting and splitting a tab, Toast is now a restaurant POS system that enables both online and in-person transactions. Used by more than 70,000 restaurant locations, they offer POS solutions for single locations, small chains, and enterprise brands.
Why I picked Toast: With integrations for food delivery apps and an online ordering page that’s directly tied to the POS, Toast enables small and local restaurants to expand their sales channels. And because the starter plan has no monthly fee, it’s an affordable option for tight budgets.
Toast Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include 24/7 support across phone, email, and web channels for all subscriptions. While the system is cloud-based and can be accessed anywhere, it also has an offline mode to avoid unexpected interruptions.
Integrations include Doordash, Uber Eats, 7shifts, CrunchTime, Homebase, Hotschedules, Punchh, Restaurant365, Sauce, and Grubhub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24/7 customer support
- Pay-as-you-go hardware option
- Online ordering page
Cons:
- Must use Toast’s payment processor
- Charges for canceling and changing plans
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS system that has been serving restaurants and retail stores since 2010. Its security and flexibility make it popular with multi-location businesses and enterprise chains.
Why I picked Revel Systems: While a few of the other POS systems on this list allow you to implement some sort of loyalty program, Revel Systems takes it a step further. Its loyalty program enables personalized email and SMS marketing and promotes program membership within the POS.
Revel System Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include inventory management and a sophisticated analytics and reporting suite. Revel Systems also has a unique solution to complex orders (like coffee drinks). With Conversational Ordering, employees can ring in items the way the customer orders to avoid repeating details. And “Always On Mode” allows you to continue taking card payments if the internet is interrupted.
Integrations include CrunchTime, Deputy, HotSchedules, Ovation, Restaurant365, Thanx, Wisely, Punchh, Quickbooks, MarketMan, and Homebase.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers self-serve kiosks
- Enterprise restaurant management
- Inventory management
Cons:
- Poor customer service reviews
- High price point
Talech is a point-of-sale tool that streamlines orders, payments, inventory, and customer data for small businesses across in-store, mobile, and basic online flows—helping teams move faster at the register and see what’s selling, where, and when.
Why I picked Talech:
Talech fits operators who need strong, restaurant-style order management—tables, courses, and position-based splits—plus real-time inventory and straightforward payments. It supports common hardware (readers, scanners, drawers, printers), captures customer data at checkout, and offers always-on support, which matters when staff turnover or late-night issues hit.
Tradeoffs are real: the interface takes getting used to, and ecommerce depth lags more omnichannel-heavy suites—so if headless commerce or complex online catalogs are mission-critical, you may want to pair Talech with a richer ecommerce stack.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include table and course management with split checks by position, real-time inventory tracking with barcode printing and alerts, digital receipts and tipping, employee permissions and time tracking, multi-location management, appointment booking and online ordering, and robust analytics and reporting.
Integrations include Paychex, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, Mailchimp, Flipdish, Checkmate, Deputy, HubWorks Retail Task Management System, Eat App, Toast, and Upserve.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides solid analytics and reporting on sales, inventory, and customer behavior.
- Tracks inventory in real time with barcode printing and configurable alerts.
- Handles tables, courses, and position-based check splits for efficient order management.
Cons:
- Ecommerce support is limited compared to more omnichannel-focused platforms.
- Interface can be challenging to navigate and train on.
Payline Data offers a range of point-of-sale (POS) systems designed to enhance your business's in-person transactions. By partnering with top brands like Clover, NCR, Oracle/Micros, and Vend, Payline provides solutions that cater to various operational needs.
Why I Picked Payline Data: With systems like Vend, you can track stock levels in real-time, ensuring you always have the right products available for your customers. This capability helps prevent stockouts and overstocking, optimizing your inventory management. Another benefit is the support for customer loyalty programs. Payline's POS systems enable you to implement rewards programs, gift cards, and targeted email campaigns, fostering repeat business and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Payline Data Standout Features and Integrations
Key features include employee management tools that allow you to monitor staff performance and manage schedules effectively. Additionally, the systems offer detailed sales reporting, providing insights into your business's performance to inform decision-making. Secure payment processing is also a key feature, ensuring that all transactions are protected to maintain customer trust.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Authorize.net, NMI, CardPointe, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No long-term contracts
- Ability to process various payment types
- Support for high risk accounts
Cons:
- Initial setup may require familiarization with various services
- Hardware integration necessitates additional investment
ProMerchant is a service provider offering tailored point of sale (POS) system solutions designed to fit the unique needs of various businesses. By focusing on delivering personalized service, robust security measures, and comprehensive support, ProMerchant helps businesses streamline their sales processes, enhance customer service, and improve overall operational efficiency. Their commitment to customization allows for a POS system that not only meets the specific requirements of each business but also integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, ensuring a smooth transaction experience for both businesses and their customers.
Why I Picked ProMerchant: As a point of sale system provider, ProMerchant excels in delivering solutions that are highly customizable to each business's specific needs, ensuring that every client receives a POS system that enhances their operational efficiency and customer service. The company's focus on security, reliability, and support makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to upgrade their sales processing capabilities. ProMerchant's systems are designed to handle transactions smoothly, integrate with various payment methods, and provide valuable sales insights through comprehensive analytics.
ProMerchant Standout Features and Integrations
Features include robust security measures that safeguard both transactional and customer data, providing businesses and their customers with peace of mind regarding their information's security. Additionally, ProMerchant's comprehensive reporting and analytics feature delivers detailed insights into business performance, enabling informed decision-making and facilitating growth.
Integrations are made possible via their flexible API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with e-commerce and accounting software.
- Advanced security and fraud protection measures.
- Customizable solutions tailored to business needs.
Cons:
- Integration capabilities can vary, potentially limiting some businesses
- Customization might lead to complexity in setup
TouchBistro is a restaurant management system that offers a POS system, as well as kitchen display systems, gift card management, reservations, and marketing tools. Founded in 2010, it’s now used in more than 29,000 restaurants.
Why I picked TouchBistro: This platform gives restaurants a diverse tool set specific to their needs. Instead of juggling a POS system, a reservation platform, a time clock, a payroll system, and a loyalty app, you can manage it all in TouchBistro.
TouchBistro Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include sophisticated table and floor management for hosts and servers. Along with simple POS terminals, TouchBistro also offers customer-facing displays, cash registers, card readers, and receipt printers.
Integrations include Xero, Restaurant365, Quickbooks, Sage, Square, Chase, 7shifts, WISK.ai, MarketMan, and Bevchek.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Add-ons for growing businesses
- Email, chat, and phone support
- Table management
Cons:
- Contract required
- Not for retail businesses
eHopper is a POS system that promotes itself as an all-in-one business management solution for small businesses. Along with in-person, online, and self-service capabilities, it offers a basic e-commerce site, CRM, and loyalty app.
Why I picked eHopper POS: eHopper gives a wide set of tools to retailers for a relatively small investment. The system is device agnostic and offers barcode scanning, transaction tax management, and cash management.
eHopper POS Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a built-in customer relationship management (CRM) system, allowing you to maintain customer profiles and purchase histories, as well as implement loyalty programs. eHopper users can also customize receipts, both print and digital.
Integrations include PayPal, WooCommerce, Quickbooks, Mailchimp, Authorize.net, and Google Analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers surcharging and cash discounts
- Organized, intuitive interface
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Few integrations
- Limited reporting
Aloha Cloud is the most recent iteration of the Aloha POS system, made by NCR Corporation. With more than 100,000 restaurants using Aloha, the name is sometimes used interchangeably with “POS.” The cloud-based version offers a mobile app and helps your restaurant manage in-person and online orders.
Why I picked Aloha Cloud: Aloha Cloud is incredibly popular among restaurants because it’s designed with their needs in mind. As someone who worked in the service industry throughout college, I really appreciate how much focus Aloha puts on the employees’ user experience, making it easy for servers to manage large, complex menus. And management can streamline inventory by managing it in the same system.
Aloha Cloud Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a consistent user interface across devices so employees can work quickly on any hardware. Aloha Cloud also has an employee portal for submitting availability and time off requests, which is something I would have really loved to have during my time working in restaurants. Aloha also offers a kitchen display system to eliminate paper tickets and streamline back-of-house operations at restaurants.
Integrations include 7shifts, HotSchedules, DoorDash, Stax, CrunchTime, Quickbooks, AllianceHCM, QSROnline, and SailPlay Loyalty.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Barcode scanning
- Inventory management tool
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Pricing is not transparent
PayPal emerged as a digital wallet for shoppers in 1998 and now offers online and offline transactions in 202 countries. Their POS system, PayPal Zettle, brings the payment trailblazer to in-person transactions.
Why I picked PayPal Zettle: Like Shopify, PayPal is a fundamental tool for lots of small businesses. For PayPal users, Zettle brings the same speed and flexibility to in-person sales and gets funds into your account faster.
PayPal Zettle Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the ability to bulk upload thousands of products to your catalog, as well as manage inventory for both online and offline purchases. Zettle touts the speed of its card readers and the ability to deposit funds in your PayPal account in just minutes.
Integrations include Quickbooks, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and SalesVu.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable hardware
- QR payments
- No monthly fees
Cons:
- Few integrations
- Not designed for restaurants
Other POS System Options
Along with my recommendations above, here are a few more POS options that are worth considering:
- GoDaddy
For ecommerce features
- IT Retail
For grocery stores
- CardConnect
For integrations and customization
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. For specific industry needs like beauty businesses, you might also want to explore specialized salon management software. 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 POS Systems
When we evaluate POS systems, we don’t just look at who has the shiniest touchscreen or the lowest transaction rate. We’re looking for the tools that make real retail life easier—from frontline speed to back-office sanity.
Here’s how we broke down the scoring across seven key categories:
Core POS system functionality (25% of total score)
This is the non-negotiable stuff. A POS should do the job well—and not break under pressure.
- Handle transactions smoothly. Tap, chip, swipe, split payments—your POS needs to move as fast as your customers do.
- Keep inventory synced in real time. No more awkward “let me check the back” moments when your online store already sold it.
- Support multichannel selling. In-store, online, mobile, curbside—your POS should keep it all in sync.
- Offer clear, useful reporting. Daily sales, product trends, and staff performance should be one click away, not buried in a spreadsheet.
- Work even when the Wi-Fi doesn’t. Offline mode isn’t optional—your store can’t go down with your internet.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
These are the power tools that make a POS system more than just a glorified calculator.
- Built-in CRM and loyalty tools. Track customer habits and reward them for sticking around—without duct-taping tools together.
- Employee management capabilities. Manage schedules, sales tracking, and role permissions from the same dashboard.
- Mobile and kiosk-ready. Your POS should go where your customers are—not keep them tied to a counter.
- Ecommerce and accounting integrations. Plays nice with Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, and your existing stack.
- Data security you can trust. End-to-end encryption, PCI compliance, and tokenized payments shouldn’t be “nice-to-haves.”
Usability (10% of total score)
Because your frontline team isn’t trying to solve a puzzle every time they ring up a sale.
- Intuitive design and layout. A new hire should be able to learn it during lunch.
- Fast system performance. Lags at checkout kill sales—and patience.
- Role-based user access. Managers need different views than cashiers. Your POS should get that.
- Minimal training required. If it takes a manual to figure out how to do a return, that’s a red flag.
Onboarding and support resources (10% of total score)
What happens after you buy matters just as much as what’s in the demo.
- Setup guides that don’t suck. Step-by-step instructions, videos, or interactive walkthroughs make rollout smoother.
- Migration help. Moving your data shouldn’t require an in-house IT wizard.
- Ongoing training materials. Give staff resources they can actually use—not just a PDF from 2014.
- Helpful live support. You want real humans when things break, not an endless loop of chatbot replies.
Customer support (10% of total score)
Because you will run into issues. The question is: will someone actually help?
- Multichannel availability. Phone, email, live chat—you shouldn’t have to send a carrier pigeon.
- 24/7 access. Retail hours don’t end at 5 p.m., and neither should your support.
- Competent reps. Not just someone reading off a script—someone who can solve the actual problem.
- Reliable documentation. Good support starts with a searchable knowledge base that actually answers your questions.
Value for money (10% of total score)
POS systems are an investment—but you shouldn’t feel like you need a finance degree to understand the pricing.
- Clear, honest pricing. No buried fees, mystery surcharges, or required upgrades just to access basic features.
- Scalable for growth. Whether you’ve got one store or ten, your POS should keep up without doubling your costs.
- Features that justify the spend. Are you saving time, reducing errors, or increasing sales? If not, why are you paying for it?
- Hardware flexibility. Use your own devices, lease from the vendor, or buy a bundle—it should work your way.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
You don’t need thousands of five-stars—you need the right kind of feedback from retailers like you.
- Consistent user satisfaction. We look for recurring praise or pain points across platforms, not just cherry-picked testimonials.
- Detailed use cases. The best reviews mention what kind of business they run—and what the tool actually helped with.
- Indications of vendor responsiveness. Do they fix issues and update features, or ghost their customers post-sale?
- Feedback from your industry. A rave review from a café owner might not help a fashion retailer. We look for relevance.
What is a POS System?
A POS system is the hardware and software that lets you process sales, manage inventory, and keep your retail operation running—whether you’re at the counter, online, or anywhere in between.
Today's POS does far more than take payments: it tracks stock in real time, connects your online and in-store sales, manages staff access, and gives you the data to make better decisions with retail management software.
If your POS can’t keep up, you’re not just losing efficiency—you’re leaving money on the table.
How to Choose a POS System
Choosing a POS system is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about making sure your next tool actually makes your life easier. Here’s how experienced operators approach the decision, step by step:
| What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Identify your pain points | Pin down exactly what’s broken—slow checkouts, inventory headaches, disconnected online and in-store sales—so you can focus on solutions, not shiny distractions. |
| Map out your users | Decide who will use the system and what they need to accomplish. This will keep you from overpaying for features your team will never touch. |
| List required integrations | Your POS has to play nice with your accounting, loyalty, inventory, and ecommerce tools. If it doesn’t connect, it’s just another silo. |
| Define success metrics | Know what “better” looks like for you—faster transactions, fewer errors, tighter stock control—so you can measure if the system actually delivers. |
| Test with real workflows | Don’t fall for the demo. Run your own sales, returns, and daily closeouts on the system before you sign anything. |
| Dig into the pricing | Look past the sticker price for hidden fees, hardware lock-ins, or onboarding costs. A cheap POS that nickels-and-dimes you isn’t a bargain. |
| Talk to real users | Reach out to other operators—real-world feedback will flag issues and surface strengths you won’t find in a marketing deck. |
Pick the system that fits the way you actually work—not the way a vendor hopes you’ll work.
The Top POS System Trends to Watch
The days of treating your POS like a fancy cash register are long gone. In 2025, it’s expected to run point on operations, customer engagement, and even marketing.
Here’s what’s shaping the next generation of POS systems—and why it matters.
- AI is getting personal. Smart POS systems are tapping into AI to recommend products, flag customer buying patterns, and even suggest upsells in real time—no creepy robots required.
- Cloud-based is the new default. Forget clunky legacy installs. Retailers are choosing cloud-based POS for anytime access, simpler updates, and way easier scaling across locations.
- Contactless isn’t optional anymore. Tap-to-pay, digital wallets, and mobile payments are table stakes. Customers expect frictionless checkout—especially the ones in a rush.
- Omnichannel isn’t a buzzword—it’s baseline. Leading POS systems are syncing in-store and online inventory, orders, and customer data so you can actually deliver on that “shop anywhere” promise.
- Security is stepping up. Biometric logins, encryption, and tokenized payments are becoming standard—because one breach can do serious brand damage.
- POS is going green. Digital receipts, paperless reporting, and low-power hardware are trending, and not just for the planet. Customers like to shop with businesses that share their values.
- Self-checkout is going mainstream. Whether it’s a kiosk, tablet, or mobile checkout option, retailers are finding that DIY checkout cuts lines and boosts throughput.
- Social selling is built in. POS tools are starting to link up with social platforms like Instagram and TikTok so you can move inventory straight from the feed.
- Data is finally driving decisions. Smart retailers are using POS analytics to track everything from product performance to staff productivity—and tweak strategies fast.
- Voice is creeping in. It’s still early days, but voice-enabled POS features (like reordering or accessing quick stats) are showing up in more tools, especially for fast-paced environments.
POS systems are no longer just a tool—they're the connective tissue of your retail operation. The best ones are evolving into the operating system for your entire business.
Key Features of POS Systems
POS software isn't one-size-fits-all—but there are a few must-haves that separate a smart, scalable system from one that just slows your team down. These are the core features we look for when evaluating whether a POS is built for modern retail.
- Real-time inventory tracking. Keeps stock levels updated across every channel—so what sells online is instantly reflected in-store (and vice versa).
- Integrated payment processing. Supports all the usual suspects—credit, debit, mobile wallets, contactless—without needing a third-party workaround.
- Omnichannel order management. Lets you fulfill, refund, and track orders across physical stores, ecommerce platforms, and marketplaces, all from one dashboard.
- Customer profiles and purchase history. Automatically builds a database of who’s buying what, making loyalty programs and targeted offers way easier.
- Promotions, discounts, and loyalty tools. Run deals without duct tape—support BOGOs, auto-applied discounts, and points-based rewards directly from the POS.
- Multi-location management. Manage pricing, stock, sales, and staffing across multiple stores without logging into five different systems.
- Mobile and tablet support. Run transactions on the sales floor, at events, or curbside—wherever your team needs to be.
- Role-based staff permissions. Give team members access to what they need—and nothing they don’t.
- Offline mode. Keeps the register running even if the Wi-Fi takes a break (because of course it goes down on the busiest day of the week).
- Built-in reporting and analytics. Surface useful insights, not just dashboards for show—track top-sellers, margins, employee performance, and more.
If your POS doesn't have at least most of these features, it might be time to start shopping for the best POS terminals.
Benefits of POS Systems
A good POS system isn’t just a checkout tool—it’s a growth engine. The right one can improve everything from sales velocity to inventory visibility to the way your team works.
Here’s what the best POS systems help retailers pull off:
- Faster, smoother checkouts. Reduce wait times and keep customers moving with quicker transactions and fewer tech hiccups.
- Improved inventory accuracy. Know exactly what you have, where it is, and when to reorder—no more guessing or overstocking deadweight items.
- Stronger customer retention. Use built-in CRM and loyalty tools to keep customers coming back (and spending more when they do).
- More informed decisions. Get real-time sales data, product performance reports, and staff metrics to guide smarter choices—not gut feelings.
- Omnichannel consistency. Sync inventory, pricing, and orders across every sales channel so customers get a unified experience, no matter where they shop.
- Operational efficiency. Save time by automating manual tasks like end-of-day reports, stock transfers, and discount rules.
- Better team management. Track staff performance, set permissions, and streamline scheduling from one place—without micromanaging.
- Higher profit margins. Combine tighter inventory control, smarter sales data, and faster workflows to boost revenue and reduce waste.
The best POS systems do more than process payments—they give you control, visibility, and leverage to grow faster (without growing pains).
Costs & Pricing for POS Systems
POS pricing can be all over the place. Some tools are “free” until you need to print a receipt, while others cost more than your lease. The key is knowing what you’re actually paying for—and what sneaky add-ons might show up later.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical pricing tiers you’ll see:
| Plan type | Average monthly cost (per location) | Common features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic sales processing, limited inventory, minimal reporting | Pop-ups, food trucks, side hustles |
| Basic | $29–$59 | Expanded inventory, basic CRM, support for digital payments | Small shops and new ecommerce brands |
| Standard | $60–$129 | Advanced reporting, real-time sync, mobile POS, better analytics | Growing brands with multiple sales channels |
| Premium | $130–$249 | Loyalty integrations, predictive insights, robust user permissions | Multi-location retailers, high-volume stores |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | API access, custom workflows, dedicated support, complex integration support | Large retailers with custom needs |
Additional cost considerations
POS vendors love to keep the fine print… well, fine. Here’s what else might show up on your invoice:
- Hardware costs. Tablets, barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers—it adds up fast. Expect $300–$2,000+ depending on your setup.
- Payment processing fees. Most POS systems charge between 2.0%–3.5% per transaction. And yes, those decimals matter when you’re doing volume.
- Implementation and onboarding. Some systems offer DIY onboarding; others charge for setup, training, or custom configuration.
- Add-ons and integrations. Want loyalty tools, advanced analytics, or seamless ecommerce sync? That might mean tier upgrades or à la carte pricing.
- Contract terms. Month-to-month pricing is flexible, but long-term contracts often come with better rates—and early termination fees.
- Support tiers. Basic chat support is usually free. If you want 24/7 phone support or a dedicated account rep, expect to pay more.
Pro tip: Don’t just compare sticker prices—compare what’s included at each level. A $79/month POS might actually be cheaper than a “free” one once you factor in processing fees and feature gaps.
Point of Sale System FAQs
Still have questions about POS systems? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What kind of hardware do I need for a POS system?
You’ll need a tablet or touchscreen terminal and a card reader at minimum—anything else depends on how you run the shop.
Got a counter? Add a receipt printer and cash drawer. Running tableside or a pop-up? Slim it down to a phone and a mobile card swiper.
Most POS companies want to sell you shiny new gear, but plenty work with hardware you already have. Always double-check before shelling out.
What’s the difference between a POS system and a payment processor?
A POS system rings up sales, tracks inventory, and arms you with reports that make your bookkeeper smile. A payment processor is just there to move the money from your customer’s card into your bank account.
You need both—but don’t always have to buy them together. Sometimes bundling means simpler fees and fewer logins, sometimes it’s a trap. Always read the fine print.
How hard is it to switch POS systems?
If you’re organized, not as bad as you’d think. The big hurdles: moving customer and inventory data cleanly, retraining staff who’ve used the old system since dial-up, and making sure you can still run a shift if things go sideways.
Tip: Do your migration when you’re slowest (never right before Black Friday), and keep the old system running in parallel till you’re sure everything works.
Do I need a POS if I’m already using ecommerce software?
Yes, if you run any in-person sales. Ecommerce platforms are great at online, but most can’t handle receipts, cash drawers, or split payments in a store.
A good omnichannel POS syncs inventory and customers across both, so what you sell online and offline is always in lockstep.
Can I use the same POS across multiple locations?
Most modern POS systems can handle multiple stores—just don’t assume it’s plug-and-play. You’ll usually pay a little extra per location. The best systems let you watch sales by store, shift inventory between shops, and keep your whole messy operation under one login. Ask for details before you choose; small print here can cost you down the line.
How do POS systems handle offline mode or internet outages?
The right POS won’t leave you stranded if the Wi-Fi dies mid-sale. Look for systems that process offline—storing transactions locally until the connection’s back, then batching things up.
You’ll lose live reporting and card verification in the moment, so use some extra care with big-ticket sales and always run a daily reconciliation once you’re back online.
What integrations should my POS system support for retail?
Start with the must-haves: accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), ecommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce), and your loyalty or CRM tools. Then check if it plays nice with email marketing, employee scheduling, and your favorite inventory app.
If you’re stuck exporting spreadsheets, you’re wasting time. Go for systems with robust integrations—your bandwidth will thank you.
Can I use my own hardware with a POS system?
Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t—it all depends on the vendor’s fine print and which features you want running. Tablets and printers you already own often work if the software supports them; payment terminals are trickier, since card networks can be picky.
If keeping old gear matters, ask the vendor upfront and avoid expensive surprises on install day.
Point of Sale, On Point.
If your current POS system makes your team want to scream into a barcode scanner, it might be time for a breakup.
Whether you're running a general retail store or need specialized features like those found in salon POS systems, the right solution should enhance operations, not hinder them.
The good news is that you've got options—and not just the "we promise this is revolutionary" kind.
Real tools that are built for real businesses, with the features, pricing, and flexibility to keep things moving (and margins intact). We've ranked and reviewed top Square alternatives to help you find the perfect fit.
Whether you’re slinging sneakers, selling lattes, or shipping candles from your garage, there’s a setup that won’t make you cry during inventory counts.
So go forth. Choose boldly. And may your receipts always print straight the first time.
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