A good POS system makes running a cafe or coffee shop smooth and stress-free. It keeps orders moving, tracks what’s selling, helps manage staff, and makes the daily grind easier to manage. For busy baristas and cafe owners, the right coffee shop point of sale system means better service, fewer mistakes, and more time to focus on the customers.
Best POS Systems for Cafes and Coffee Shops in 2025
⭐ Square: Best for small coffee shops
⭐ Clover: Best for fast, flexible countertop solutions
⭐ SpotOn: Best for customer loyalty tools
⭐ Lightspeed Restaurant: Best for complex menus and multiple locations
⭐ Epos Now: Best for budget-conscious cafes
Quick Comparison
| POS System | Standout Feature | Best For | Offline Mode | Loyalty Program Tools |
| Square | All-in-one, easy setup | Small coffee shops | ✅ | ✅ |
| Clover | Fast, flexible hardware | Quick counter service | ✅ | ✅ |
| SpotOn | Built-in marketing and loyalty | Growing coffee shops | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lightspeed Restaurant | Detailed menu and staff tools | Multi-location cafes | ✅ | ✅ |
| Epos Now | Budget-friendly pricing | Newly opened cafes | ❌ | ❌ |
Our Top Picks
We’ve narrowed it down to the best POS systems that fit the way coffee shops and cafes work. From quick-service tools to loyalty programs and easy setup, these picks are built to keep your business running smoothly behind the bar and at the counter.
Square: Best for small coffee shops
Free setup & no hidden fees
Create customer profiles in seconds Square is one of the most popular coffee shop POS systems available on the market. It’s simple to set up, easy to use, and doesn’t require a lot of upfront investment. For small cafes and coffee shops, Square covers all the basics—fast order-taking, tipping, menu management, and reporting—all from a tablet or phone. It also includes built-in payment processing and a free loyalty program, making it one of the best POS systems for coffee shops that want to start strong without overcomplicating things.
Key Features
- Intuitive interface with fast checkout and tipping
- Built-in payment processing (no third-party gateway needed)
- Free built-in loyalty program
- Mobile-friendly for tableside or counter service
- Real-time sales and inventory tracking
- Online ordering and pickup tools
- No monthly fees for basic plan
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No monthly fees for the basic plan
- Built-in payment processing
- Free customer loyalty tools
- Fast, user-friendly interface
- Works on iPad and mobile devices
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory features
- Customization options are basic
- Not ideal for high-volume, multi-location cafes
Who It’s For
Square is an excellent fit for small to mid-sized coffee shops that want a simple, affordable POS system without the hassle. If you’re just getting started or need something that works right out of the box, Square is a great option.
Clover: Best for flexible countertop solutions
Cloud-hosted & accessible from anywhere
Accept payments & track inventory Clover gives coffee shops a flexible, hardware-first POS setup that’s built for speed. Whether you’re serving a morning rush or running a sit-down cafe, Clover’s sleek terminals make it easy to take orders, accept payments, and manage modifiers without slowing down. It also supports add-on apps, so you can tailor it to your needs as you grow. It’s one of the best POS systems for cafes that want fast, reliable service with room to expand.
Key Features
- All-in-one countertop POS hardware
- Customizable quick-order buttons for speed
- Built-in offline mode
- Integrated gift card and loyalty program options
- Access to Clover App Market for extra tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
- All-in-one countertop POS hardware
- Customizable quick-order buttons for speed
- Built-in offline mode
- Integrated gift card and loyalty program options
- Access to Clover App Market for extra tools
Cons
- Monthly pricing depends on the reseller
- Some features require extra apps or fees
- Less flexibility if you don’t use Clover’s hardware
Who It’s For
Clover is ideal for coffee shops that want a fast, reliable POS with built-in hardware and a polished feel. It’s especially good for busy counters or cafes that want to scale without switching systems later.
SpotOn: Best for customer loyalty tools
24/7 support & low commission rates
Ability to build custom menus SpotOn is a solid choice for coffee shops focused on building repeat business. It comes with built-in tools for customer rewards, marketing, and feedback—making it easier to turn first-time visitors into regulars. It also offers flexible POS hardware and strong reporting features, which help cafes understand what’s working and where to improve. If your focus is on growth and engagement, SpotOn is one of the best cafe POS systems to help you get there.
Key Features
- Built-in loyalty and rewards system: Easily set up custom loyalty programs to keep regulars coming back and encourage repeat visits.
- Integrated email and SMS marketing tools: Send targeted promotions and updates to customers right from your POS dashboard.
- Flexible hardware options: Choose from a range of countertop and handheld devices to match your workflow and space.
- Detailed performance reporting: Track sales, popular items, and staff performance with real-time insights to guide business decisions.
- Customer feedback collection: Collect and manage reviews directly through the system, helping you improve service and retention.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful built-in loyalty and marketing tools
- Great for understanding and engaging repeat customers
- Clean interface that’s easy to train staff on
- Flexible setup works for a variety of cafe layouts
- Strong customer support and onboarding
Cons
- No offline mode—requires internet to function fully
- Higher monthly cost compared to simpler systems
- Setup can take time and usually needs a rep’s help
Who It’s For
SpotOn is a great fit for coffee shops that want to grow through customer loyalty and smart marketing. If building a base of regulars and staying connected with them is a big part of your strategy, this system is built for you.
Lightspeed Restaurant: Best for complex menus and multiple locations
Hassle-free online ordering
Kitchen display system Lightspeed Restaurant is designed for cafes that need more control behind the scenes. It’s great for spots with rotating menus, custom modifiers, or multiple locations that need to stay in sync. The system handles inventory, staff scheduling, and real-time reporting with ease. If your operation is a bit more layered—or growing fast—Lightspeed is one of the best cafe POS systems built to keep up.
Key Features
- Advanced menu and modifier management: Perfect for cafes with seasonal drinks, combos, or detailed customizations.
- Centralized multi-location management: Manage multiple cafes from one dashboard with consistent settings and data.
- Integrated staff scheduling and permissions: Handle roles, shifts, and access levels all within the POS.
- Detailed inventory tracking: Track ingredients, set reorder points, and monitor waste to reduce costs.
- Real-time analytics and reporting: Get clear insights into sales trends, labor costs, and performance across locations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent for cafes with complex or changing menus
- Scales well with multi-location setups
- Deep reporting and analytics
- Built-in staff management tools
- Strong inventory tracking for back-of-house control
Cons
- More expensive than basic POS systems
- Takes time to set up and configure properly
- Not ideal for very small or single-register shops
Who It’s For
Lightspeed Restaurant is a top pick for mid-sized to large cafes with detailed menus or plans to expand. If you need strong backend tools and want full control over your operations, this system delivers.
Epos Now: Best for budget-conscious cafes
100+ app integrations for your business
Business reporting available in real-time Epos Now is a solid pick for cafes looking for essential POS features without a hefty price tag. It covers the basics—sales tracking, order management, simple inventory—and works with a wide range of third-party payment processors. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of premium systems, it’s reliable, easy to use, and offers good value for smaller operations or new coffee shop owners.
Key Features
- Affordable monthly pricing: Great for cafes trying to keep startup costs low without giving up essential tools.
- Cloud-based access from any device: Manage your POS from a laptop, tablet, or phone, anywhere you have internet.
- Works with third-party processors: Offers flexibility to choose your own payment provider, which can help save on fees.
- Basic inventory and reporting tools: Enough to track sales and stock without overwhelming complexity.
- Customizable receipts and branding: Personalize the customer-facing side of your POS with your shop’s logo and info.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable pricing with solid core features
- Works with a variety of payment processors
- Easy to set up and simple to use
- Cloud-based for remote access and management
- Good entry-level option for new cafes
Cons
- Lacks built-in loyalty or marketing tools
- No offline mode available
- Limited customization for more advanced workflows
Who It’s For
Epos Now is a great choice for new or small coffee shops that need a reliable, low-cost POS system to cover the essentials. If you’re starting out and want a system that keeps things simple without cutting corners, this one fits the bill.
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Why a Great POS System Matters for Cafes and Coffee Shops
Running a coffee shop is more than pulling espresso shots and keeping the line moving. You’ve got a tight rhythm, slim margins, and a high-volume pace—plus a menu that changes, staff that rotates, and regulars who expect consistency. If your POS system can’t keep up, things get messy fast.
The right cafe POS system helps your team move smoothly and keeps your business running behind the scenes. Here’s what it should help you do:
- Speed up service: Fast transactions and easy order-taking during peak hours.
- Handle modifiers with ease: Custom milk, size, syrup, temperature—no mix-ups or delays.
- Track sales in real time: See what’s selling, when, and where—no guesswork.
- Manage staff and shifts: Simple time tracking and role-based permissions.
- Build loyalty: Reward regulars and keep them coming back with automated programs.
Things to Consider When Choosing a POS System for Your Coffee Shop
Not every POS system is built with coffee shops in mind. Some are made for retail, others for full-service restaurants. A good POS system for cafes should support the fast, focused environment of a coffee shop without adding extra complexity. Here’s what to look for:
- Speed and simplicity: Staff should be able to learn it in minutes and move quickly during rushes.
- Custom order handling: It should handle size, milk, add-ons, and modifiers with zero confusion.
- Reliable hardware: You need screens that work fast and don’t glitch when the line’s out the door.
- Offline functionality: A solid offline mode means you can keep serving even if the Wi-Fi cuts out.
- Loyalty and gift card tools: Keep customers coming back with points, rewards, or prepaid options.
- Inventory basics: You don’t need full restaurant-level tracking, but knowing when beans or cups are running low matters.
- Good support: When something breaks, you want help fast—ideally from people who understand cafe life.
Choose a coffee shop POS that works with your pace, not against it.
What POS Features Matter Most for Your Coffee Shop?
Small, single-location cafes
Need fast setup, quick learning curve, and tools for daily sales, basic inventory, and tipping.
Multi-location cafes
Need centralized menu control, shared reporting, and synced loyalty programs.
High-volume coffee shops
Need fast order flow, offline mode, and customizable buttons for quick service.
Cafes focused on customer loyalty
Need built-in rewards, marketing tools, and detailed customer profiles.
New or budget-conscious coffee shops
Need affordable pricing, easy setup, and just the core features to get going.
Different coffee shops, different needs. But the right POS system should match your style and help you grow, not hold you back.
The Bottom Line
Your POS system is the heartbeat of your coffee shop. It keeps the line moving, the orders clear, and the business on track. From taking orders and tracking inventory to rewarding regulars and managing staff, a good cafe POS system makes everything easier.
The best POS systems for coffee shops take the pressure off so you can focus on what matters: the coffee, the service, and the people. Pick the one that fits how you work, and everything else falls into place.
FAQ
Q: What is the best POS system for coffee shops?
A: The best POS system depends on your shop’s size and needs. Square is a solid choice for small or new cafes, while Lightspeed Restaurant is great for those with complex menus or multiple locations.
Q: Do cafes need a special POS system?
A: Yes. A general retail POS often doesn’t cut it for cafes. You need tools for quick order flow, modifiers, tips, and loyalty programs—all built for the fast pace of coffee service.
Q: What features should a coffee shop POS system have?
A: Look for fast checkout, custom drink modifiers, tipping, real-time reporting, basic inventory, loyalty tools, and offline mode.
Q: Can I use Square for my coffee shop?
A: Yes. Square is one of the most popular systems for small coffee shops because it’s easy to use, affordable, and covers the core features most cafes need.
Q: How much does a coffee shop POS system cost?
A: Costs range from free for basic plans (like Square’s starter version) up to around $150/month, depending on features and hardware.
Q: Can I use a retail POS for a cafe?
A: Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Cafes have specific needs, like fast custom orders and tipping, that general retail POS systems don’t handle well.
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