Best Free POS Systems for 2025

DISCLAIMER: The “free POS software” options are recommendations designed to get you off the ground. While these programs are indeed “free” on the most basic levels or for limited times, it’s important to note that once the free trial period concludes, you will be required to pay for continued use. Additionally, if you use “Freemium” point-of-sale solutions, you must pay for more advanced features and functionality.

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Free POS systems can help you cut costs without cutting corners. Many providers now offer forever-free plans that include the core tools small businesses need with no monthly software fee.

You’ll still need to factor in other expenses like payment processing fees, add-ons, and hardware, which can add up if you’re not careful. But for many business types, a free POS system is a smart way to manage sales without paying monthly.

The best free POS options on the market today offer features like:

• Basic sales reporting
• Inventory management tools
• Support for online and in-person payments
• Mobile access and user-friendly dashboards
• Optional upgrades like loyalty programs or e-commerce integrations

These are our top picks for free POS systems: 

Best free POS systems in 2025

⭐ Square: Best for small businesses
⭐ Toast: Best free POS for restaurants and food service
⭐ Clover: Best for plug-and-play hardware options
⭐ Lightspeed: Best for growing retailers
⭐ GoDaddy: Best for online sellers
⭐ Rezku: Best for full-service restaurants
⭐ KORONA POS: Best for high-volume or multi-location businesses
⭐ FTS Retail: Best free POS for specialty retail
⭐ POS Nation: Best for hardware flexibility
⭐ Agiliron: Best for multi-channel sales

Quick comparison

	Square	Toast	Clover	Lightspeed	GoDaddy	Rezku	Korona POS	FTS Retail	POS Nation	Agiliron
Standout feature	All-in-one app with built-in online store	Restaurant-first POS with handheld ordering	Plug-and-play POS with easy setup	Retail inventory & analytics tools	POS built into e-commerce platform	Full-service restaurant POS with built-in table mapping	Multi-location & event-friendly POS	Free POS for vape and specialty retail	Flexible hardware + included software	POS + CRM for B2B and omnichannel sales
Free trial or forever free plan?	✅ Free plan available	✅ Free plan available	✅ Free plan available (via resellers)	Free 14-day trial	✅ Free plan available	✅ Free plan available	Free 14-day trial	✅ Free plan available	✅ Free plan available (basic version)	Free 14-day trial
Integrates with (hardware)	Square reader, register, iPad	Toast hardware only	Clover station, Flex, Mini	iPad, barcode scanners, receipt printers	GoDaddy smart terminal	iPads, card readers, kitchen printers	Windows-based terminals, card readers	Touchscreen terminals, barcode scanners	Compatible with many third-party devices	PC-based terminals, barcode scanners
Best for	Small retailers & mobile sellers	Restaurants & quick service	Counter service & hybrid retail	Growing retail businesses	Online-first sellers	Full-service dining spots	High-volume or niche retail	Niche & regulated retail stores	Retailers with existing equipment	Multi-channel B2B retailers

Our top picks

Square: Best overall free POS for small businesses

Square offers one of the most well-rounded forever-free POS systems on the market. It’s built for small business owners who want to accept payments, manage inventory, and view basic sales reports without paying a monthly fee. It’s also incredibly easy to set up, making it a great fit for retail shops, pop-ups, and mobile vendors. Hardware is optional, you can start with a phone and a free magstripe reader, but Square also offers its own registers and accessories if you want to upgrade.

Free plan details:
Square’s free POS plan includes tools for payment processing, inventory tracking, sales reporting, digital receipts, and a free online store. There’s no monthly fee, and you can accept payments in person or online. While advanced features like loyalty programs, advanced analytics, and team management require a paid upgrade, the free plan is more than enough for many small retail operations.

Free trial available?
No. Square’s core POS system is offered as a forever-free plan. Paid add-ons like Square for Retail or Square for Restaurants may offer a free trial separately.

Key Features

1. Accepts in-person and online payments with Square’s built-in processing
2. Includes inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer directory
3. Offers a free online store that syncs with your POS
4. Works with a free magstripe reader or optional Square hardware
5. Provides basic employee management and shift tracking
6. Mobile app available for iOS and Android
7. Integrates with third-party tools for marketing, delivery, and more

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Forever-free POS plan with solid features
• Easy to set up and use, even for beginners
• Free magstripe reader included
• Offers both online and in-person payment tools
• Scales well with optional upgrades and add-ons

Cons

• Transaction fees apply to all payments
• Advanced features require paid plans
• Limited phone support on the free tier

Who It’s For

Square’s free POS is a strong choice for retailers, solo entrepreneurs, and service providers who want a full-featured system with no monthly cost, specifically those looking for an easy, mobile-friendly setup that can grow with their business.

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Toast: Best for restaurants and food service

Toast offers one of the most restaurant-ready free POS plans on the market. Designed specifically for food service, it supports everything from table layouts to digital menus and kitchen printers. The free version includes tools that many food trucks, cafés, or small restaurants can use without paying a monthly fee. But keep in mind you’ll need to use Toast’s proprietary hardware, and payment processing is handled in-house.

Free plan details:
Toast’s Starter Kit includes a forever-free POS plan that covers order management, menu creation, basic reporting, and payment processing with no monthly software fees. The plan is limited to one terminal and has fewer customization options than Toast’s paid tiers, but it’s a strong starting point for single-location restaurants.

Free trial available?
Yes, if you’re interested in paid plans like Toast Essentials or Growth, you can request a demo or short trial through Toast’s sales team. But the forever free plan is available directly. 

Key Features

1. Accepts payments via card, tap, or mobile wallet with built-in processing through Toast.
2. Allows you to create and manage digital menus, including item modifiers and categories.
3. Includes a basic sales dashboard with daily summaries and performance insights.
4. Supports order management tools for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
5. Offers access to Toast’s hardware setup, including a starter terminal (additional cost).
6. Provides limited employee management features, including user logins and shift tracking.
7. Enables receipt printing and kitchen routing with compatible printers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Forever free plan available for single-location restaurants
• Built-in tools for menu, order, and payment management
• Designed specifically for food and beverage businesses
• Reliable hardware built for restaurant environments
• Access to Toast’s broader ecosystem if you upgrade later

Cons

• Requires use of Toast’s proprietary hardware
• Limited to one terminal on the free plan
• No access to advanced reporting or loyalty tools without upgrading

Who It’s For

Toast’s free POS is ideal for small restaurants, cafés, and food trucks that need a reliable, restaurant-specific system without paying monthly software fees  and don’t mind using Toast’s hardware.

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Clover: Best for plug-and-play hardware options

Clover’s POS system stands out for its sleek, all-in-one hardware and easy setup. Through select resellers, Clover offers a free software plan when you purchase or lease Clover hardware, giving small businesses access to core POS features without paying a monthly software fee. It’s especially useful for counter-service restaurants, cafés, or retail shops that want a polished, app-driven POS experience right from the setup.

Free plan details:
The Clover “Payments Plus” plan is a forever-free software option available through resellers when bundled with Clover hardware. It includes basic POS tools like item-level sales tracking, tax settings, customer receipts, and a virtual terminal. More advanced features (like inventory management and loyalty programs) are only available on paid plans.

Free trial available?
Yes, some resellers may offer a trial of paid Clover plans, but the forever-free “Payments Plus” tier is available directly when hardware is purchased.

Key Features

1. Basic point-of-sale functionality built into Clover devices
2. Accepts tap, chip, and swipe payments with built-in processing
3. Includes employee logins and permissions for team access
4. Digital receipts and tax settings included out of the box
5. Hardware options include Clover Flex, Mini, and Station
6. Works via Clover’s app-based system with real-time syncing
7. Some features depend on the reseller you choose

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Forever-free software plan available with hardware purchase
• Sleek, user-friendly hardware options
• Simple setup with minimal training required
• Built-in payment processing and digital receipts
• Great fit for countertop checkout or small restaurant setups

Cons

• Must purchase Clover hardware to access free plan
• Limited inventory and customization tools on free tier
• Features vary by reseller and hardware bundle

Who It’s For

Clover is a great fit for small businesses that want a clean, modern setup without the hassle. If you’re running a café, quick-service spot, or retail counter and want something that just works out of the box with no monthly software fees, Clover’s hardware-based free plan is worth a look.

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Lightspeed: Best for growing retailers

Lightspeed is known for its advanced POS features for retail businesses with larger inventories or multiple locations. While it doesn’t offer a forever-free plan, it does include a 14-day free trial of its full-featured POS, giving you a chance to explore premium tools like multi-store inventory management, custom reports, and e-commerce integrations before making a commitment.

Free plan details:
Lightspeed doesn’t offer a forever-free POS option. Instead, it provides a free trial of its paid plans, including access to advanced inventory tools, detailed sales reports, and built-in integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms. After the trial, you’ll need to subscribe to continue using the software.

Free trial available?
Yes, Lightspeed offers a 14-day free trial of its POS software with full access to all features. No credit card required.

Key Features

1. Advanced inventory tools for bulk editing, transfers, and low-stock alerts
2. Customizable product variants, categories, and supplier tracking
3. Sales reporting with built-in analytics and dashboards
4. E-commerce integration for syncing online and in-store sales
5. Employee permissions and shift management
6. Built-in payment processing with third-party options available
7. Cloud-based system accessible from desktop, tablet, or mobile

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 14-day free trial with full access to premium features
• Ideal for businesses with complex inventory needs
• Scalable for multi-store or high-volume operations
• Includes e-commerce and accounting integrations

Cons

• No forever-free plan
• May be more advanced than needed for very small businesses
• Requires paid subscription after trial ends

Who It’s For

Lightspeed is best for growing retail businesses that want to test a full-featured POS system before committing. If you manage large inventories or multiple locations and need advanced tools, the free trial offers a risk-free way to see if it’s the right fit.

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GoDaddy: Best for online sellers

GoDaddy is best known for domains and website building, but its POS system integrates directly with its online store tools, making it a smart pick for sellers who operate both online and in person. While there’s no separate POS-only free trial, GoDaddy offers a free website + store plan that includes built-in POS functionality for eligible users, so you can start selling without upfront software fees.

Free plan details:
GoDaddy includes POS capabilities in its free online store plan, which lets users sell in person using GoDaddy’s Smart Terminal (hardware purchase required). The system is built to sync your online and in-store inventory and supports product listings, order tracking, and simple checkout tools. To access more advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Free trial available?
Yes, the website builder and store tools are available in a free tier that includes basic POS features. Paid plans unlock more customization and marketing features.

Key Features

1. POS integrates directly with GoDaddy’s online store platform
2. Inventory sync between in-person and online sales
3. Accepts major cards and contactless payments via Smart Terminal
4. Simple order management tools for local pickup or delivery
5. Customer directory and receipt customization included
6. Comes with a mobile-friendly app and web dashboard
7. Hardware purchase required to use POS features

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Free store plan includes basic POS features
• Seamless sync between online and offline sales
• Easy to use for existing GoDaddy users
• Good for sellers who want a unified e-commerce/POS setup

Cons

• Requires GoDaddy hardware to process in-person payments
• Limited POS features unless you upgrade
• Not ideal for businesses without an online sales component

Who It’s For

GoDaddy is a solid choice for online-first sellers who want to add in-person checkout without switching platforms. If you’re already using GoDaddy for your site or store, the built-in POS tools can help you sell anywhere with no separate POS subscription required.

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Rezku: Best free POS for full-service restaurants

Rezku is a restaurant-focused POS with robust tools for dine-in operations, table management, and kitchen coordination. It offers a forever-free plan designed specifically for independent restaurants, bars, and cafés that want professional-grade features without the ongoing software cost. It’s iPad-based, making it easy to get started without proprietary hardware.

Free plan details:
Rezku’s forever-free plan includes menu building, table mapping, order management, and integrated payment processing. It supports single-location use and includes access to back-office reporting tools. While some advanced features like loyalty programs or online ordering require paid upgrades, the free plan covers the essential day-to-day needs of a full-service restaurant.

Free trial available?
No, Rezku’s core POS software is available as a forever-free plan. You can also schedule a live demo with their team to explore paid features.

Key Features

1. Table layout and seat-level order management
2. Menu customization with modifiers and pricing rules
3. Supports split checks and course timing
4. Cloud-based reporting with real-time sales data
5. Built-in payment processing with EMV and contactless support
6. Runs on iPads — no proprietary hardware required
7. Employee permissions and tip tracking included

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Forever-free plan designed for full-service restaurants
• Table mapping and order flow tools included
• Compatible with off-the-shelf iPads
• Built-in reporting and staff management features
• Upgrade path available for loyalty and online ordering

Cons

• Limited to one location on the free plan
• Some advanced features locked behind paid tiers
• Requires Rezku’s payment processing

Who It’s For

Rezku is ideal for independent restaurants, cafés, or bars that want a feature-rich POS with table service tools without paying monthly software fees. It’s especially useful if you prefer using iPads instead of proprietary terminals.

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KORONA POS: Best free POS for full-service restaurants

KORONA POS is built for speed and scalability, making it a strong fit for high-volume retailers, specialty shops, and businesses like restaurants that run multiple locations. While it doesn’t offer a forever-free plan, it includes a 14-day free trial so you can test its full feature set, including inventory tools, custom permissions, and multi-location syncing, before committing to a subscription.

Free plan details:

There’s no ongoing free plan with KORONA POS. However, the 14-day free trial gives you access to the platform’s full retail feature set, including multi-store inventory management, advanced reporting, and product bundling. After the trial, a paid plan is required.

Free trial available?

Yes, KORONA offers a full-featured 14-day free trial. No credit card required to get started.

Key Features

1. Advanced inventory management with real-time updates
2. Supports multiple locations and user permissions
3. Customizable promotions, discounts, and tax settings
4. Built-in sales and performance analytics
5. Integrates with payment processors of your choice
6. Works with standard POS hardware — no proprietary lock-in
7. Offline mode for uninterrupted checkout

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Full-featured free trial with advanced retail tools
• Ideal for multi-location or high-traffic businesses
• Flexible hardware compatibility
• No payment processing restrictions
• Detailed reporting and customization options

Cons

• No forever-free plan
• Can be more complex to set up than simpler POS systems
• Paid subscription required after trial ends

Who It’s For

KORONA POS is a great match for retail businesses with high transaction volume or multiple locations. If you need serious inventory control and want to test-drive a powerful system before paying, the free trial is a low-risk way to see what it can do.

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FTS Retail: Best free niche POS for specialty retail

FTS Retail offers a tailored POS solution specifically designed for niche markets like vape shops, cannabis retailers, smoke shops, and other specialty stores. It stands out for offering a forever-free POS plan with core functionality, and it’s built to support high-compliance industries that need specific tools like age verification and barcode-based inventory control.

Free plan details:

FTS Retail’s forever-free plan includes essential POS functions like inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and integrated payment processing. While some advanced features may require a paid upgrade, the free plan is fully usable for single-location specialty shops that need a straightforward, compliance-friendly system.

Free trial available?

Yes, FTS Retail offers access to a free trial and a demo, but the forever-free plan is available directly for eligible businesses.

Key Features

1. POS system tailored for vape, smoke, and cannabis retailers
2. Barcode scanning and inventory management tools
3. ID and age verification support
4. Cloud-based access with real-time syncing
5. Receipt printing, cash drawer, and scanner compatibility
6. Employee login and shift tracking features
7. Integrated payment processing

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Forever-free plan tailored for regulated industries
• Compliance tools like age verification built in
• Simple to use and easy to set up
• Includes essential POS tools without monthly fees
• Hardware-compatible with many retail setups

Cons

• Limited to one location and basic features on free plan
• Not designed for general retail or food service
• Some advanced features may require a paid plan

Who It’s For

FTS Retail is ideal for niche businesses like vape, CBD, or specialty shops that need a free POS system with compliance tools and solid inventory features. It’s built for simplicity, regulation support, and affordability.

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POS Nation: Best for hardware flexibility with free software

POS Nation is known for its flexible setup; you can use your own hardware or buy a complete POS bundle through them. While most of their plans are paid, they offer a forever-free software option with basic POS features, making it a solid choice for retailers who already have equipment and want to avoid monthly fees.

Free plan details:

POS Nation’s basic free plan includes essential tools like product management, transaction processing, and simple reporting. It’s ideal for businesses that want to reuse existing hardware. However, advanced features like loyalty programs, detailed analytics, and integrations require a paid plan.

Free trial available?

Yes, you can request a guided demo of POS Nation’s paid plans, but the free software is available as a standalone option with limited features.

Key Features

1. Free software compatible with third-party hardware
2. Basic sales, product, and employee tracking tools
3. Barcode scanning and receipt printing supported
4. Inventory tools for small to mid-size catalogs
5. Optional hardware bundles available
6. Built-in payment processing or third-party integrations
7. U.S.-based customer support included

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Forever-free software option available
• Works with most existing POS hardware
• Simple tools for everyday sales and inventory
• Great for businesses upgrading from cash registers
• Easy to scale with paid features if needed

Cons

• Free plan is limited in features and customization
• Not ideal for restaurants or e-commerce
• Requires setup and configuration on your own hardware

Who It’s For

POS Nation is a good match for small retailers who already have POS hardware and want to avoid paying monthly fees. If you just need the basics and prefer to build your own setup, this free software plan can help you get started without extra costs.

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Agiliron: Best for multi-channel sales

Agiliron is a powerful POS and inventory management platform built for businesses that sell across multiple channels, in-store, online, and wholesale. While it doesn’t offer a forever-free plan, it includes a 14-day free trial so you can test drive its full suite of features before committing. It’s especially valuable for B2B sellers or retailers juggling multiple sales streams.

Free plan details:

Agiliron doesn’t offer a free version, but its 14-day free trial provides full access to all major features, including POS, CRM, inventory tracking, and integrations with eBay, Amazon, Shopify, and more. After the trial, a paid subscription is required to continue.

Free trial available?

Yes, Agiliron offers a 14-day free trial with full feature access. No credit card required.

Key Features

1. POS, CRM, and inventory management in one system
2. Multi-location and multi-channel sales tracking
3. Integration with online marketplaces and accounting tools
4. B2B ordering portal for wholesale customers
5. Works on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices
6. Supports barcode scanning, printing, and custom SKUs
7. Centralized dashboard for order and customer management

Pros and Cons

Pros

• All-in-one system for retail, e-commerce, and B2B
• 14-day free trial with full functionality
• Built-in CRM and wholesale portal
• Integrates with major online platforms and marketplaces
• Scales well for growing businesses

Cons

• No forever-free plan
• More complex setup than most entry-level POS systems
• Paid subscription required after trial ends

Who It’s For

Agiliron is best for retailers or B2B businesses that need to manage multiple sales channels from a single system. If you’re juggling storefronts, online marketplaces, and wholesale orders, the free trial gives you a risk-free way to explore its full feature set.

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Is a free POS system right for your business?

Free POS systems can be a smart choice for many small businesses, especially those just starting out, operating on tight margins, or testing a new sales channel. If you’re not ready to invest in a full software package, a free option lets you hit the ground running without a monthly bill.

Free plans often include:

• Payment processing
• Basic inventory tracking
• Sales reporting
• Mobile or tablet-based checkout

These essentials are often enough for small retailers, food vendors, or service providers that don’t need deep customization or advanced analytics, at least not yet.

What you should consider with a free POS system

A POS without a monthly fee can save you money, but it’s not always zero-cost. Keep these trade-offs in mind:

• Higher per-transaction fees: Free POS providers often charge slightly more per payment than paid plans. It can add up if you do a high volume of sales.
• Hardware costs: Some free plans work with existing devices (like a phone or tablet), but others require you to purchase proprietary hardware.
• Feature limits: Expect fewer customization options, limited reporting, and restricted access to things like loyalty programs or e-commerce integrations.
• Support levels: Free users may get limited customer support or slower response times compared to paid tiers.

Business types that benefit most from free POS options

A free POS system can work well if your business:

• Is just starting and you want to test the waters
• Runs seasonal, pop-up, or mobile events
• Has low transaction volume
• Doesn’t need advanced features like CRM tools, integrations, or deep analytics
• Wants to try before committing to a long-term software plan

For these types of operations, a free POS offers flexibility, control, and minimal financial risk.

Some business types that often thrive on free POS software include:

• Farmers market or craft fair vendors
• Food trucks and small cafés
• Solo service providers (like hairstylists or tutors)
• Local retail shops with basic checkout needs
• Ecommerce sellers with light in-person sales

If you fall into one of these categories, starting with a free plan lets you run day-to-day operations while keeping overhead low.

What’s Better: Forever-Free POS or a Free Trial?

Both options can help you save money, but the right one depends on your goals, how you operate, and what kind of setup you need.

Forever-free POS systems

A forever-free POS system lets you use core tools without paying a monthly subscription. It’s a practical option for small businesses that want to avoid ongoing fees and don’t need advanced features.

What to know:

• You may pay higher transaction fees than with paid plans.
• Feature sets are limited. You’ll get the basics, but not much beyond that.
• Some systems require proprietary hardware, which comes at an upfront cost.
• Free plans typically include minimal customer support or customization.

This type of POS is best suited for single-location businesses, side hustles, or pop-up vendors that just need to process sales and track inventory without added complexity.

Free trials

A free trial lets you test the premium version of a POS system for a limited time — usually 7 to 14 days. During this window, you can explore everything from advanced inventory features to built-in loyalty programs and detailed analytics.

What to know:

• You get full access to all tools, with no restrictions.
• After the trial, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to continue.
• Setup can take time, so a short trial might feel rushed.
• Great way to evaluate value before investing.

This is ideal for growing businesses or those comparing multiple systems and wanting to make a confident, informed choice.

Which should you choose?

A forever-free plan gives you a lean, functional setup that’s budget-friendly and sustainable long-term, as long as you can live without the premium extras.
A free trial gives you a full picture of what a system can do, but you’ll need to decide quickly whether it’s worth the cost.

If you’re just starting out or working with a tight budget, a forever-free POS can be a solid foundation. If you’re planning to scale, sell across channels, or want deeper features, a trial can help you find a system that truly fits.

The bottom line

Free POS systems are a practical solution for many small businesses, but only if you’re aware of the trade-offs. You won’t pay a monthly fee, but you might pay more per transaction, or need to handle setup and integrations on your own. The key is knowing what you need now and what you might grow into later.

Be sure to weigh your options, compare providers, and choose a system that fits your business and your budget.