The 20 Best POS Terminals, Ranked & Reviewed for 2025
The Top 10 POS Terminals to Consider
Let’s see the big hitters here. These are the POS terminals we think are best and what they are great at:
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A POS terminal is the backbone of in-person retail—it’s how you process payments, track sales, manage inventory, and keep your business running smoothly.
If your current system freezes during rush hour, can’t handle contactless payments, or leaves you guessing which products are running low, it’s time for an upgrade.
I’ve managed inventory for a major retailer, run warehouse ops, and handled international shipping—so I know firsthand how the wrong POS system can bottleneck checkout, confuse staff, and create accounting headaches at month-end.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise to show you exactly which POS terminals deliver fast, reliable transactions, support every payment method your customers expect (from chip cards to digital wallets), and make real-time inventory management possible—without a steep learning curve or hidden fees.
Every recommendation here comes from hands-on testing and real operational experience, so you can trust you’re getting advice from someone who’s done the work, not just read the brochure.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing retail and ecommerce software since 2021.
As retail experts ourselves, we know how critical and 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.
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Comparing the Best POS Terminals, Side-by-Side
Now let’s quickly compare these top terminals based on pricing, trial info, and what they are best at.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for versatile POS options | Free trial available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for B2B sellers | Free demo available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for real-time inventory management | 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 omnichannel retail integration | 3-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for iPad POS systems | Free demo available | From $59/month + payment processing | Website | |
| 7 | Best for scalability | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for transparent payment solutions | Free account available | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website | |
| 9 | Best for low rates and fees | Free plan available | From $13.95 plus 0.29% + 1.55% per transaction | Website | |
| 10 | Best for ease of use | Free demo available | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website |
The 10 Best POS Terminals for Better Checkouts, Reviewed
Here are our detailed reviews of these top POS terminals, including the pros, cons, top features, and why we picked them.
Payline Data offers a range of point-of-sale (POS) systems designed to help your business accept payments in person.
Why I Picked Payline Data: I like that they offer a variety of countertop terminals, such as the Tetra Desk 3500/5000. These devices let you accept electronic card payments with or without connecting to a cash register or POS system. They handle payment processing, receipt printing, and settlement reporting from a single, secure device, supporting MSR, EMV, and NFC transactions. Another advantage is Payline Data's support for wireless terminals like the Clover Flex. These devices connect over WiFi or data plans, allowing you to process payments anywhere within your store or office.
Payline Data Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the ability to manage inventory across multiple locations, providing real-time updates on stock levels and sales activity. Additionally, Payline Data's POS systems offer customer loyalty programs, enabling you to implement rewards and promotions to encourage repeat business.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Authorize.net, NMI, CardPointe, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Support for high risk accounts
- Ability to process various payment types
- Access to various types of POS systems
Cons:
- Hardware integration may require an additional investment
- Initial setup may require familiarization with various services
Stax Pay is an all-in-one business management platform that simplifies payment processes for businesses, offering secure in-person and online credit card payment processing. Its unique selling point lies in its transparent pricing model, providing simplicity and clarity for cost visibility, making it the best choice for businesses looking to save on payment processing fees and make informed decisions.
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
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.
Stax Pay provides omni-channel support, enabling businesses to accept payments seamlessly across multiple channels—online, in-store, and mobile.
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:
- Limited support for international transactions
- Slight learning curve for new users
KORONA POS is a versatile and powerful point of sale system designed to cater to a wide range of businesses, including retail stores, quick service restaurants, and ticketing services. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, KORONA POS is a cloud-based solution that offers flexibility and scalability.
Why I Picked KORONA POS: I like that its real-time inventory management capabilities allow businesses to monitor stock levels in real-time, ensuring they can respond swiftly to changes in demand. Additionally, KORONA POS offers advanced features such as automated reordering and detailed inventory reporting, which help in maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing waste. The system’s reliability and accuracy in handling sales transactions further enhance its reputation as a robust POS terminal.
KORONA POS Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include customizable reporting tools that allow businesses to generate detailed and specific reports tailored to their needs, employee management features that enable tracking of staff performance and scheduling, and multi-location management for overseeing operations across different stores.
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:
- Supports multiple locations
- The POS software layout can be customized
- Detailed inventory management features
Cons:
- Each terminal requires a separate payment
- Reports could be more customizable
New Product Updates from KORONA POS
Automatic Email Receipts Now Available with KORONA POS
KORONA POS now offers an automatic email receipt feature for customer transactions. For more details, visit KORONA POS Manual.
Payment Depot is a POS and merchant services solution that's suitable to the needs of diverse business models in various industries. Its transparent interchange+ pricing model helps businesses of all sizes save on transaction fees, particularly those processing large volumes of payments.
Why I Picked Payment Depot: This platform offers a POS system for ecommerce, mobile, and physical payment terminals, which makes it flexible enough for all different kinds of companies. Retail businesses, services providers, restaurant and bar owners, and even healthcare companies can leverage their offering to better manage cash flows and payment processing.
Payment Depot Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the software's free payment gateway. This combined with its virtual terminal capabilities through partnerships like SwipeSimple allows merchants to process payments online, via mobile, and over the phone without incurring additional gateway fees.
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
- User interface is straightforward and intuitive
- Cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-volume businesses
- Limited to US-based, non-high-risk merchants
Shopify POS is a comprehensive, cloud-based POS terminal solution designed to unify in-store and online sales, catering especially to businesses leveraging Shopify for e-commerce.
Why I picked Shopify POS: As a POS terminal, Shopify POS stands out for its seamless integration with Shopify's e-commerce platform, offering a unified system for inventory, sales, and customer management across all sales channels. Its mobile checkout options help staff serve customers faster and check out anywhere in the store or curbside.
Additionally, Shopify POS offers multiple devices to accommodate any type of business, whether single or multi-store. Hardware includes tabletop terminals, card readers, POS terminals and its mobile device, POS Go.
Shopify POS Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that make this company stand out include its online inventory management which gives you the flexibility to pivot inventory to other locations or online based on performance. I also like its POS smart grid, which keeps your most-used apps, discounts, and products at your fingertips to speed up checkout.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo, ShipStation, DHL Express, UPS, and Canada Post.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive third-party app ecosystem for added functionalities
- Direct integration with Shopify Payments for streamlined transactions
- Unified commerce solution integrating online and offline sales
Cons:
- Limited to Shopify Payments in certain markets.
- Primarily beneficial for Shopify e-commerce users.
Lavu is an iPad point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for food businesses, including restaurants, bars, and cafes. The system is highly customizable and supports third-party app integrations, making it adaptable to different business needs.
Why I Picked Lavu: iPad POS systems are modern and efficient ways for restaurants to centralize their activities. I like that Lavu integrates various functionalities such as online ordering, inventory management, invoicing, and payment processing all in one place. Additionally, its MenuDrive feature allows restaurants to create and manage their online menus from anywhere.
Lavu Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include delivery management, allowing restaurants to manage food delivery services directly from their website, and reporting, which helps restaurant owners track business performance. Other features include loyalty program support, employee scheduling, and self-ordering kiosk features.
Integrations include Venga, SerVme, Mobi2Go, BevSpot Food and Beverage Management, Bite Kiosk, Hubworks Hostel Management, PayPal, Square Point of Sale, Paychex Flex, Marketman, Evergreen, Push Operations, Planday, DAVO, Fimble, and Actiondesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time reporting
- Inventory management capabilities
- Customizable POS features
Cons:
- Limited offline capabilities
- May be expensive when requiring additional features
Epos Now is a comprehensive POS system designed to meet the needs of retail and hospitality businesses. It offers a versatile range of hardware and software solutions that help businesses improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sales growth through features like transaction processing and reports and analytics.
Why I Picked Epos Now: One of the key reasons I selected Epos Now is its intuitive interface, which ensures that even staff with minimal technical experience can quickly learn and operate the system. Additionally, the cloud-based nature of the system allows business owners to access their data in real-time from anywhere. The system's scalability also means it can grow alongside your business.
Epos Now Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include inventory management, allowing businesses to track stock levels in real-time, and a customer relationship management (CRM) module that helps build and maintain strong customer relationships through detailed purchase histories. It also includes advanced reporting and analytics tools that provide valuable insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and overall business health.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, PayPal, Stripe, Sage, Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick transaction processing
- Interface is easy to navigate
- Good reporting features
Cons:
- Setup can be complicated
- Occasional system crashes
Helcim is a payment processing tool that offers businesses the ability to accept various forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, both in-person and online.
Why I picked Helcim: Helcim provides transparent pricing and is focused on delivering a comprehensive set of services for businesses to manage their financial transactions and customer interactions.
Helcim Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include services such as merchant accounts, POS systems, card readers, and an online payment platform that supports e-commerce transactions. POS terminals also support invoicing, inventory management, and customer management.
I also like how Helcim emphasizes transparent pricing with their Interchange Plus model and offer Level 2/3 processing to help businesses save on transaction fees.
Integrations include Xero Payments, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Foxy.io, and Great Exposure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Proactive in addressing fraud alerts
- Easy to set up and use
- Provides excellent customer service
Cons:
- Website can run slow
- Limited features for customizing invoices and receipts
Merchant One is a financial services tool that helps businesses to process various forms of payments, including credit and debit card transactions.
Why I picked Merchant One: Merchant One is a great tool for small businesses that require payment processing services, offering a variety of services with a $0.00 setup fee, terminal placement program, flexible equipment lease terms, and interchange plus pricing.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a secure online payment gateway for businesses to process transactions on the web, as well as mobile processing, which enables businesses to process payments using mobile devices. This is particularly convenient for operations that are mobile or attend events, such as food trucks.
I also like that the company offers Clover point-of-sale systems, which include features for managing inventory, engaging customers, and generating reports. Merchant One also ensures compliance with industry regulations for secure payment processing.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., American Express, Clover Network, Inc., Maitre'D, Paytrace Gateway, Payflow Pro, Payeezy Gateway, USAePay, and Aloha.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes advanced authentication and fraud prevention tools
- Offers a variety of credit card terminals and POS systems
- Provides a fast and easy approval process
Cons:
- Slow deposit times reported by some users
- Requires a three-year contract
Clover’s POS hardware is intuitive and easy to use, with a modern UI design.
Why I picked Clover: Clover’s Flex is a handheld POS system. That means you can accept payments, track sales, and place orders, all from the palm of your hand.
Clover Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to take all payment types, manage inventory, and use a loyalty program, all from a handheld device. Clover uses cloud storage, so your business data is available with you wherever you go.
I like that there’s minimal setup and training needed, so you can start using Clover’s POS as soon as you take it out of the box.
Integrations include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Clover has its own app market with hundreds of popular apps like Time Clock, Digital Loyalty, Payroll, and Stream. They also partner with integration services providers who can develop custom apps or integrations for your legacy systems as required.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple integration options
- Mobile devices that can hold an 8-hour charge
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- No free trial
Other Options
While the following POS terminals didn’t make it onto my top 10 list, these alternative options that I came across in my research are still worth considering if none of the above options jumped out as the right choice for you.
- Shopify
For e-commerce and retail
- Square
All-around POS terminal
- Toast
For durable hardware
- Lightspeed
For customization
- Revel Systems
For large restaurant chains
- CardPointe
For range of payment methods
- ProMerchant
For transparent pricing
- GoDaddy Poynt
Analytics features
- Heartland
For apparel and fashion retailers
- PayPal Zettle
Option with no monthly fee
Our Selection Criteria For POS Terminals
Here’s how I separate the real contenders from the POS terminal pretenders. Each category below gets a specific weight, so you know exactly what matters most when picking your next point of sale system.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
Every POS terminal needs to nail the basics. Here’s what I look for:
- Accepts all major payment methods. If it can’t handle EMV, NFC, and swipe, it’s off the list.
- Real-time inventory management. No more flying blind on stock levels.
- Reliable receipt printing or emailing. Customers want proof, and so does your accountant.
- Transaction data is easy to access and export. You shouldn’t need a PhD to pull a sales report.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
This is where a good POS terminal sets itself apart:
- Loyalty programs and gift card support. Drives repeat business and bigger carts.
- Integrated barcode scanner and touchscreen. Fast checkouts, fewer errors.
- Cloud-based access and mobile POS options. Run your shop from anywhere, not just behind the counter.
- PCI compliance and robust security. Protects your business and your customers.
Usability (10% of total score)
If your staff can’t figure it out by lunch, it’s not making the cut:
- Intuitive interface for both staff and customers.
- Easy setup and minimal training required.
- Responsive touchscreen and clear prompts.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
Getting started shouldn’t feel like a root canal:
- Clear documentation and setup guides.
- Dedicated onboarding support or resources.
- Migration tools for switching from your old POS device.
Customer support (10% of total score)
When things go sideways, you want answers fast:
- 24/7 support via chat, phone, or email.
- Extensive help center and community forums.
- Quick resolution times and knowledgeable reps.
Value for money (10% of total score)
You shouldn’t need to take out a loan for a decent POS solution:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Flexible plans for small business and multi-location retailers.
- Reasonable hardware costs for card readers, receipt printers, and accessories.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
Nothing beats real-world feedback from operators who’ve been there:
- Consistent high ratings on reliability and ease of use.
- Positive feedback on payment processing, inventory management, and reporting.
- Reports of ongoing improvements and responsive support.
What is a POS Terminal?
POS terminal software is the technology that runs your point of sale device, letting you process payments, track sales, and manage inventory in real time.
It connects your hardware—like card readers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers—to your payment processor and inventory management system.
Retailers and small businesses use POS terminal software to speed up checkout, accept every payment method (chip, swipe, tap, digital wallets), and get accurate reporting without jumping between tools.
If you’re tired of manual reconciliations, mismatched inventory, or terminals that choke on contactless payments, this is the upgrade that fixes the friction.
How to Choose Your POS Terminal
Choosing the right POS terminal isn’t about picking whatever’s trending or has the flashiest screen. It’s about matching your business needs, payment methods, and daily realities with a device that actually works for your team and customers.
Here’s how to make a smart, practical decision—without the headaches.
| What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| List your must-have features (e.g., contactless payments, barcode scanner, multi-store support) | Avoids wasting money on features you’ll never use or missing the ones you need every day. |
| Audit your current checkout process and pain points | Pinpoints where your existing POS system is slowing you down or creating errors, so you know what to fix. |
| Check hardware compatibility and integrations | Ensures the POS terminal works with your payment processor, inventory management software, and any mobile devices you already use. |
| Compare pricing—look at upfront costs, monthly fees, and transaction rates | Helps you budget accurately and spot hidden costs that can eat into your margins. |
| Demand a real demo (not just a video) and test with real transactions | Confirms the system is easy for staff to learn, works at your busiest times, and doesn’t choke on your payment mix. |
| Ask about support and upgrade paths | Makes sure you can get help fast and won’t be stuck with outdated hardware as your business grows. |
Features of Great POS Terminals
Your POS terminal needs a few things to make sure your customers stay happy and keep giving you cash. Here are the features to look for:
- Accepts every major payment method. Chip, swipe, tap, digital wallets, and mobile payments—no customer gets turned away.
- Real-time inventory tracking. Updates stock levels instantly as sales happen, so you always know what’s on hand.
- Integrated barcode scanner and receipt printer. Speeds up checkout and reduces manual entry errors.
- Cloud-based and mobile POS options. Access your sales and reports from anywhere—store, warehouse, or on the go.
- Built-in security and PCI compliance. Protects sensitive payment data and keeps your business out of hot water.
- Customizable user permissions. Control who can process refunds, access reports, or manage inventory.
- Seamless integrations. Connects with your accounting, ecommerce, and loyalty program tools.
Key Benefits of POS Terminals
And, here's what you get out of POS terminals that make the grade:
- Faster, more accurate checkouts. Shorter lines, happier customers, and fewer mistakes at the register.
- Better inventory control. Reduce stockouts and over-ordering with up-to-the-minute data.
- Flexible payment options. Take payments in-store, at pop-ups, or curbside—however your customers want to pay.
- Actionable business insights. Get clear reports on sales, inventory, and employee performance without digging through spreadsheets.
- Easier staff training. User-friendly interfaces mean new hires can get up to speed quickly.
- Improved customer experience. Offer loyalty programs, gift cards, and quick receipts to keep shoppers coming back.
- Scalable as you grow. Add new locations, devices, or sales channels without switching systems.
Cost & Pricing of POS Terminals
POS terminal pricing is all over the map, so it pays to read the fine print before you sign up. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you budget:
| Plan type | Average price | Common features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $100–$500 one-time or $15–$30/month | Basic payment processing, simple inventory, receipt printing | Small businesses, pop-ups |
| Mid-tier | $500–$1,500 one-time or $30–$80/month | Advanced inventory, barcode scanning, mobile POS, reporting | Growing retailers, multi-location shops |
| All-in-one/cloud | $1,000–$3,000+ setup or $80–$200/month | Omnichannel sales, loyalty programs, integrations, analytics | Established retailers, ecommerce, high volume |
| Custom/enterprise | Custom pricing | Multi-store support, dedicated account manager, custom integrations | Large chains, franchises |
- Transaction fees typically range from 1.5% to 3% per sale, depending on your payment processor and card type.
- Watch for additional fees: hardware rentals, software upgrades, PCI compliance, and support can add up.
- Some providers charge per terminal or per location—double-check if you’re planning to scale.
- Most vendors offer a free demo or trial, but hardware may require a deposit or purchase up front.
If you’re not sure what fits your business, start with a monthly plan and upgrade as you grow. Don’t get locked into a long contract unless you’re sure the system delivers.
POS Terminals FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about POS terminals:
Can a POS terminal work offline if my Wi-Fi drops?
Most modern POS terminals offer some form of offline mode, letting you take card payments and save transactions locally until you’re back online. Just know not all features—like real-time inventory updates or digital receipt emails—will work until you reconnect. Always check how your vendor handles payments and data sync during outages.
How secure are POS terminals against fraud and hacking?
A good POS terminal uses end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and PCI-compliant hardware to keep cardholder data safe. Look for regular software updates from your vendor and enable features like two-factor authentication for staff. If your provider can’t explain their security protocols in plain English, find one who can.
Do I need separate POS hardware for contactless and chip payments?
No—most up-to-date POS terminals handle EMV chip cards, NFC/tap-to-pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and magstripe all in one device. If your terminal doesn’t, it’s outdated. Upgrade before your customers or your bank force the issue.
Can I use a POS terminal for both in-store and mobile sales?
Absolutely. Many POS terminals now support both countertop and mobile operations—sometimes using the same software across iPad, Android, or dedicated handheld devices. Just make sure your provider doesn’t charge hidden fees for mobile access or extra hardware.
What kind of reporting should I expect from a modern POS terminal?
At minimum, you should get real-time sales summaries, product performance, and inventory movement. The best systems also break down sales by channel, payment method, and staff member, and let you export data to your accounting or ecommerce platform without a hassle.
How often should I update or replace my POS terminal?
Plan for a hardware refresh every 3–5 years, or sooner if your system can’t handle new payment methods, security updates, or integration needs. Don’t wait until it fails during Black Friday. If your vendor stops pushing software updates, it’s time to shop around.
Terminal Decision Time for Retail Pros
If your point of sale terminal is holding you back—slowing down checkout, bungling inventory, or making payment processing a daily pain—it’s time to upgrade.
The right POS system won’t just keep your lines moving and your numbers tidy; it’ll give you the control and insight you need to actually run your business, not just react to problems.
Pick a terminal that fits your real-world needs, supports every payment method your customers throw at you, and scales as you grow. Don’t settle for tech that’s stuck in the past. Your team (and your bottom line) will thank you.
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