Best POS Providers for 2025

We reviewed and evaluated several top-rated POS systems across 30+ key criteria, including ease of use, pricing, hardware options, and integration capabilities. Whether you’re running a retail shop, café, food truck, or service-based business, there’s a POS solution tailored to your needs.

Some of the best POS systems for small businesses start at around $0 to $29 per month, with premium solutions offering robust features like employee management, mobile checkout, and advanced analytics starting at $69 to $100+ per month. Whether you’re opening your first storefront or upgrading an outdated system, there’s a POS solution that fits your business model and budget.

This guide compares the top POS systems in terms of pricing, usability, features, hardware options, and support so you can confidently choose the right fit for your business.

What Is a POS System?

A Point of Sale (POS) system is the technology that handles your business’s sales process. It’s where transactions happen – whether in a physical store, online, or on the go. But modern POS systems are much more than just a way to ring up sales.

Today’s POS systems combine software and hardware to help small businesses manage daily operations more efficiently. Beyond accepting payments, they provide tools to:

• Record and manage sales from any location
• Keep track of inventory in real time
• Store customer information and purchase history
• Offer loyalty programs and discounts
• Analyze performance with easy-to-read reports
• Automate tax calculations and receipts

Whether you’re selling products, services, or both, a POS system can centralize your business activity and free up time so you can focus on growing.

How to Choose the Best POS System for Your Business

Choosing a POS system starts with knowing how your business runs day to day. Instead of looking for the “best” POS on paper, think about the one that will work best in your actual workflow.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Sales channels: Do you sell in-store, online, at events, or all of the above?
• Inventory needs: Do you sell lots of different items, or just a few key services?
• Customer experience: Do you need features like tipping, fast checkout, or appointment scheduling?
• Team size: Do you need tools to manage staff roles, shifts, or commissions?
• Budget: What can you invest in software and hardware? Are you okay with transaction fees?

A good POS system should match your workflow, be easy for your team to use, and scale with your business as it grows.

POS Software: What You Should Expect

POS software is the brain behind the sales system. It runs on your hardware and helps manage every transaction and interaction.

Here are some of the core features to look for:

• Sales tracking: Know what you sold, when, and to whom.
• Inventory tools: Add products, track quantities, and get low-stock alerts.
• Customer profiles: See order history, notes, and loyalty points.
• Employee management: Set user permissions, track sales by staff, and monitor hours.
• Integrations: Connect your POS with accounting tools, ecommerce platforms, and marketing systems.

The best POS software should be intuitive, reliable, and support the tools you already use.

POS Hardware: What You Might Need

The hardware side of your POS setup depends on how and where you do business. For some, a tablet and card reader are enough. Others may need a full countertop terminal.

Here are some common hardware components:

• Touchscreen display or tablet to run your POS app
• Card reader to accept chip, swipe, and contactless payments
• Receipt printer for customers who want a paper copy
• Cash drawer for handling cash transactions
• Barcode scanner for quick checkout in retail
• Kitchen display or ticket printer if you’re in food service

Choose hardware that fits your workflow, space, and budget. Many systems offer bundles so you can get started easily.

POS Features That Matter Most

The right POS features can help streamline your operations and improve the customer experience. What you need depends on your business type.

For Retail:

• Barcode scanning and product lookup
• Inventory syncing across locations
• Discount and return management

For Restaurants:

• Menu creation and modifier tools
• Order routing to kitchen or bar
• Tableside ordering and tipping

For E-commerce:

• Unified inventory across online and offline sales
• Online order tracking and fulfillment
• Local pickup and shipping options

For Mobile and Service-Based Businesses:

• Payment processing on the go
• Appointment or job scheduling
• Offline mode for areas without internet

If you’re running a pop-up or small service business, a simple POS system may be all you need. But if you’re managing staff, inventory, or multiple channels, make sure your POS can keep up.

Integration Capabilities

Many modern POS systems integrate with popular software like QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, and others, allowing for seamless data synchronization across platforms.

Look for POS platforms that integrate with:

• E-commerce platforms to sync products and orders
• Accounting software for real-time bookkeeping
• Payment processors to keep transactions secure and streamlined
• Marketing and CRM tools to build customer relationships
• Delivery and booking tools if you offer food service or appointments

The more your POS system can connect to your existing software stack, the less time you spend on manual work- and the more accurate your data will be.

How Does A Point-of-Sale System Work?

Point-of-sale systems help you efficiently charge your customers for their selected items, and process their payments. The foundation of most point-of-sale systems is a catalog of your products such as food items on a menu or the individual products in a retail store.

Touchscreen point-of-sale systems based around devices like iPads have become particularly popular. Manual entry and barcode scanning are also widely available.

POS systems typically include a means of taking and processing card payments. Some POS providers offer their own payment processing services. Others offer integrations with partner companies.

POS systems can do much more than this. For example, you may be able to feed sales data directly to your accounting system, utilize an inventory management system for robust tracking and data analytics, or send food orders straight to a cafe kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a point-of-sale system for a brick-and-mortar bookstore or the best POS system for restaurant use, it’s well worth considering exactly which features are a “must” for you.

Can I use a POS system for multiple locations?

Yes, many POS systems are designed to handle multiple locations, allowing centralized sales, inventory, and employee data management across all branches.

Best POS Software for 2025

Here’s a detailed comparison of the top POS systems for 2025 :

Lightspeed: Best for Retail Businesses

Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retailers with large product catalogs. It supports advanced inventory features like bulk imports, product variants, and supplier management. It’s particularly helpful for multi-location businesses that need centralized reporting and stock transfers.

Unique Features:

• Advanced inventory matrix and reorder points
• Built-in ecommerce tools
• Multi-location reporting
• Purchase ordering and vendor catalogs

A feature-rich POS that shines in retail settings. It’s best for businesses with large inventories and multiple locations. Lightspeed offers detailed analytics, multi-store support, and strong ecommerce integration. The setup takes time, but the tools are worth it for those managing complex operations.

Toast: Best for Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Trucks

Toast is purpose-built for food service businesses, offering tools designed to improve front-of-house and kitchen operations. From quick-service to full-service dining, Toast makes it easy to manage orders, track performance, and engage customers.

Unique Features:

• Tableside and self-service ordering
• Integrated kitchen display system (KDS)
• Built-in online ordering and delivery
• Restaurant-specific loyalty and marketing

Designed specifically for food service, Toast offers one of the most restaurant-friendly POS systems out there. It supports tableside ordering, tipping, kitchen displays, and online ordering. It’s intuitive for staff and great for both quick-serve and full-service restaurants.

Worldpay: Best for Businesses Focused on Secure

Worldpay is a payment-first POS provider known for secure transaction handling and robust payment infrastructure. It’s suited for businesses that prioritize global payment reach and compliance.

Unique Features:

• End-to-end encryption for secure payments
• Flexible integration options
• Advanced fraud protection tools
• Recurring billing support

Worldpay focuses on secure, scalable payment solutions. Its POS tools are best for businesses that prioritize reliable transaction processing and advanced payment options. It integrates well with many platforms and is a solid choice if payments are your top concern.

Clover: Best for Small to Midsize Businesses

Clover offers modular POS solutions with a wide range of sleek hardware, from handhelds to full terminals. Its app marketplace allows businesses to tailor the system to fit their workflows.

Unique Features:

• Wide range of hardware options
• App marketplace with 200+ add-ons
• Customizable interface and workflows
• Integrated payments and loyalty programs

Clover offers customizable POS systems with sleek hardware and an app-based interface. It’s ideal for small-to-midsize businesses looking for flexibility. With an extensive app marketplace and solid feature set, it works well across retail, food, and service industries.

Epicor: Best for Large Retail and Enterprise

Epicor provides a scalable POS solution for larger operations with supply chain needs. It includes features like inventory forecasting, warehouse integration, and omnichannel sales tools.

Unique Features:

• Enterprise inventory and forecasting
• Custom reporting and analytics
• CRM and ERP integration
• Supply chain management features

Epicor is built for enterprise-level operations. It’s a powerful system for large-scale retail, manufacturing, and supply chain businesses. While it might be overkill for very small shops, Epicor excels in customization and long-term scalability.

Square: Best for New Businesses and Solo Entrepreneurs

Square is a go-to choice for small businesses that want simplicity and mobility. Its free POS software offers essential tools for sales, inventory, and customer management.

Unique Features:

• No monthly fees for basic plan
• All-in-one mobile hardware options
• Free online store integration
• Real-time reporting and analytics

One of the most user-friendly systems on the market, Square is perfect for small businesses, especially those getting started. With no monthly fees for the basic plan, easy setup, and mobile capabilities, it’s a go-to for solopreneurs and small teams.

Shopify: Best for E-commerce Businesses

Shopify POS is designed to work hand-in-hand with Shopify’s ecommerce platform. It’s a top choice for retailers who sell through multiple channels and need unified inventory and customer tracking.

Unique Features:

• Seamless ecommerce + POS sync
• Unified inventory across all channels
• In-store pickup and returns for online orders
• Omnichannel sales tracking

Shopify’s POS is great for businesses that already sell online or want to. It seamlessly connects in-person and ecommerce sales, syncing inventory, customer data, and orders. It’s easy to manage and a smart choice for growing retail brands.

TouchBistro: Best for Restaurants

TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS made for restaurants. It allows servers to take orders tableside, manage tabs, and speed up table turnover while staying connected to the kitchen.

Unique Features:

• Offline functionality
• Floor plan and table management
• Menu engineering and food cost analysis
• Customer relationship tools

This POS is built for restaurants, cafes, and bars. TouchBistro supports tableside service, custom menus, and splitting bills. It runs on iPads and doesn’t require a constant internet connection, making it reliable and restaurant-specific.

Epos Now: Best for Hospitality Businesses

Epos Now offers cloud-based POS systems that are affordable and easy to implement. It’s a solid option for small businesses needing straightforward tools with flexible add-ons.

Unique Features:

• Budget-friendly hardware bundles
• Simple setup and onboarding
• Integration with accounting and marketing platforms
• Real-time multi-location insights

Epos Now offers a cloud-based POS for retail and hospitality. It’s easy to use, affordable, and offers great flexibility. With broad integration options and modular features, it’s a popular pick for growing small businesses on a budget.

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Why You Can Trust the Expertise of Sonary

At Sonary, we are committed to providing accurate and trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions. Our research process is meticulous, transparent, and guided by a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ensuring accurate, real-world insights.

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Unlike many other review platforms, we conduct in-depth evaluations of the software and services we feature. Our expert team tests and actively uses the tools we review to understand their features, performance, and value comprehensively. Our assessments are based on real-world use, giving you insights beyond surface-level descriptions. Our research methodology includes analyzing key consumer factors such as pricing, functionality, device usability, scalability, customer support quality, and unique industry-specific features. This hands-on approach and dedication to transparency mean you can trust Sonary to deliver regular, up-to-date content and recommendations that are well-researched and genuinely helpful for your business needs.

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How Much Does a POS System Cost?

The cost varies depending on the features and scale required. For small to medium businesses, software costs range from $39 to $89 per month, while hardware and installation can cost up to $1,500. Payment processing fees are typically around 2.7% per transaction.

Software Costs:

• Free plans are available with basic features – great for startups or solo businesses.
• Paid plans can range from $10 to $100+ per month, depending on features like inventory tracking, staff management, or multi-location support.

Hardware Costs:

• A basic setup with a mobile card reader might cost around $50 to $300.
• Full register systems with a touchscreen, printer, scanner, and cash drawer can run between $500 and $1,500.

Payment Processing Fees:

• Most systems charge a per-transaction fee, usually 2.5% to 3.5% per sale. Be sure to include that in your overall cost.

Tip: Start with a setup that fits your current needs and upgrade as your business grows. Most providers offer scalable plans and flexible hardware options.

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How To Use a POS System

Using a POS system involves several key steps, and although systems vary, the basics are the same:

• Product Catalog Setup: Upload your product or service catalog to the system, complete with descriptions, prices, and categories. This enables fast and easy product selection during checkout.
• Transaction Process: When a customer selects items, the POS system totals the cost, applies taxes and discounts, and processes the payment. Payment methods usually include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Inventory Management: As items are sold, the POS system automatically updates inventory levels, making it easier to track stock and reorder items when necessary.
• Customer Management: Many POS systems allow you to store customer details, track their purchase history, and manage loyalty programs, improving customer service and marketing efforts.
• Reporting and Analytics: POS systems generate reports that provide insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and employee performance, helping with strategic decision-making.

Benefits of Using a POS System

• Improved Efficiency: POS systems speed up checkout, reduce human errors, and automate back-end operations like inventory management and reporting.
• Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Stay updated on stock levels in real-time, avoiding stockouts or overstock situations and enabling automatic reorder alerts.
• Accurate Sales Reporting: POS systems generate detailed sales reports, allowing business owners to track performance, forecast demand, and make informed business decisions.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: POS systems help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering features like CRM integration, loyalty programs, and personalized promotions.
• Multi-Channel Integration: For businesses with both physical and online stores, multichannel POS systems ensure seamless integration of sales and inventory across all platforms.
• Employee Management: Track employee performance, sales, and time worked, allowing for better workforce management and insights into individual contributions.
• Increased Payment Flexibility: POS systems accept multiple payment types – credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets – offering convenience for customers.

How secure are POS systems?

Security in POS systems is paramount. Most systems are PCI-compliant and offer features like encryption, secure user authentication, and regular software updates to protect against data breaches.

Key security features to look for include:

• End-to-end encryption: This ensures that data is encrypted from the moment of capture until it reaches its final destination.
• Tokenization: This replaces sensitive data with unique tokens, reducing the risk of data breaches.
• Secure payment processing: Look for systems that offer robust security measures for processing payments.
• Compliance with industry standards: Ensure the system complies with standards such as PCI-DSS, which mandates stringent security measures.
• Regular security updates and patches: Choose a system that provides regular updates to address new security threats.

By considering these factors, you can find a POS system that meets your business needs while providing a secure and reliable payment processing solution.

Conclusion

A POS system is more than just a way to take payments – it’s a powerful tool to help you run your business day-to-day.

Keep it simple: choose a POS that matches your current operations but gives you room to grow. Start with the essentials, test the system with your actual workflow, and ensure it’s easy for your team to learn.

The best POS system is the one that saves you time, helps you make better decisions, and supports the kind of experience you want to deliver to your customers.

FAQ

Do POS systems support mobile payments?

Modern POS systems support various payment methods, including mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, providing flexibility and convenience for customers.

Is a cloud-based POS system better than a traditional one?

Cloud-based POS systems offer advantages such as remote access, real-time data updates, and reduced hardware costs. They are particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple locations or those requiring mobility.

What are the essential features to look for in a POS system?

Key features include inventory management, sales reporting and analytics, customer relationship management (CRM), employee management, and integration capabilities with other business tools.

What types of businesses benefit most from POS systems?

Retailers, restaurants, e-commerce businesses, and service providers can all benefit from POS systems, as they streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.