Compare the Best Point-of-Sale Systems
Provider | Starting price | Best features |
---|---|---|
Square Best point-of-sale system Why it’s best overall: Square is the best point-of-sale system because it offers extensive integrations, a free plan, and advanced tools. | Free |
|
Lightspeed Best specialized point-of-sale system | $69 per month |
|
Toast Best for restaurants | Free |
|
Clover Best for integrations | Free |
|
Shopify Best for e-commerce businesses | Free |
|
TouchBistro Best for small eateries | $69 per month |
|
Helcim Best for high-volume businesses | Free |
|
QuickBooks POS Best for QuickBooks users | Free |
|
Revel Best enterprise-level capabilities | $99 per terminal per month |
|
Epos Now Best stand-alone system | $39 per month |
|
What You Need To Know About Point-of-Sale Systems
What are the most important features of a POS system?
What’s the difference between POS and point-of-purchase (POP)?
What are the advantages of having a POS system?
What are some negatives of having a POS system?
What technology do you need for POS systems?
Who are the typical users of a POS system?
How I Rated the Best Point-of-Sale System Providers
My POS system provider ratings are based on weighted average scores in cost, niche functions, customer support, integrations or add-on features, and contract requirements. Learn more about how we tested POS providers.
- Cost: What are the costs for subscription, setup, or payment processing rates? How much does the hardware cost?
- Niche functions: Does the system work in virtual or mobile settings? Does it manage customers and loyalty programs, handle employee scheduling, and process multiple types of payments easily and inexpensively? Can it handle refunds and returns and provide more flexible order fulfillment options?
- Customer support: What customer support options do each POS provider offer? Do they have multiple customer service channels? Do they help businesses with their queries or problems outside business hours?
- Integrations and add-on features: Does the company offer starter packs with basic features and other tools as add-ons? Do they integrate directly with other business applications or software? Do they provide useful add-ons such as customer loyalty, email marketing, menu management, and gift card tools?
- Ease of cancellation: Can you easily cancel your POS contract and switch to another provider? Is the company user-friendly when setting up and using the POS system?
Learn more about our review methodology.