How much time do you spend at your register? If you’re like most small business owners, it’s far too much! With a modern POS system, you can take back hours of your day by streamlining operations and automating time-consuming tasks. Then, instead of managing sales and inventory, you can focus on what matters—improving your business and creating a better experience for your customers. If you're wondering how to choose a point of sale system, it’s essential to consider factors like features, pricing, and ease of use to ensure it aligns with your business needs. In this article, we’ll examine the top POS systems on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your business.
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The POS Exchange's POS systems is a valuable tool for achieving your objectives. By automating processes, modern POS systems remove the complexities of running a business and create a smoother experience for you and your customers.

What are the Different Types of POS Software?

Legacy POS Systems: The Traditional Choice with Sticking Points

Legacy POS systems are the old school of POS systems. They are installed on-site, storing all your data on the premises. This means that if you want to access your reports or other information, you must be at your location.

These systems are usually more expensive than other options because of their associated hardware costs. They also require considerable training before your staff gets the hang of them, which can disrupt your operations. 

Comparing the Long-Term Costs and Benefits of Legacy vs. Modern Cloud-Based POS Systems

Furthermore, legacy POS systems need regular maintenance, which can increase their cost and may disrupt business operations. Although more affordable systems may exist, the long-term costs can be significant.

However, since all your data is stored locally in a legacy POS system, you don’t have to worry about internet outages hampering your business operations. 

Cloud-Based POS Systems: The Flexible Modern Solution 

Everything is going cloud-based today, from food safety management systems to POS solutions. Cloud-based POS systems are hosted on the cloud. This means all your data is stored and accessed remotely, so you don't need to pay for additional hardware.

Cloud-based solutions are usually easier to use and can be used on multiple devices, reducing the need for extensive staff training. The service provider also regularly updates the systems to offer more advanced features; you don't need to worry about maintenance costs or downtime.

The only downsides of cloud-based POS systems are that they're more vulnerable to data breaches than legacy ones and require an internet connection to function correctly. 

Mobile POS Systems: The New Way to Ring Up Sales

Mobile POS systems are cloud-based POS systems that run on smartphones. This means they can be operated from anywhere within a business, allowing sales associates or waiters to check inventory levels on the go and guide customers accordingly.

With multiple mobile POS systems operating in a store, customers can make mobile payments and don't have to wait in lines to complete their purchases, increasing the overall transaction rate of your business. This makes mobile POS systems ideal for restaurants and pop-up stores. 

Tablet POS Systems: The Alternative to Mobile POS 

Tablet POS systems are similar to mobile POS systems, with the only difference being that these sale systems run on tablets instead of phones. They excel in restaurants and retail stores, where staff must take orders and process payments while moving.

But once again, they're based on the cloud, which may not be secure enough for some businesses.

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Top 12 POS Systems for Small Businesses

1. Clover: The All-in-One POS System with Plenty of Options

Clover is a feature-packed, all-in-one POS solution that allows you to manage your business, including sales, payment processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and more, from anywhere. We found it an excellent option for many companies, particularly those seeking a wide selection of POS hardware and exceptional overall value. 

One advantage of Clover’s proprietary hardware is its easy setting up and using the system. When you take them out of the box, the devices are ready to use, and everything syncs seamlessly with the Clover dashboard.

From Mobile Solutions to Full POS Stations

If your hardware needs are minimal, you can start with the Clover Go card reader and upgrade to its full POS station as your needs expand. We love that you can use the Clover Go app to create orders, accept payments, and send text receipts, making it ideal for processing sales wherever your customers are. With many sector-specific packages, you can find a plan that meets your business’s needs.

‍Pros

• Clover has a wide variety of POS software and hardware options. 
• The vendor is highly regarded for its payment processing abilities and competitive transaction rates. 
• The POS software prioritizes cybersecurity, protecting user and customer data.

Cons

• Clover's numerous plan options can be overwhelming and confusing. 
• You cannot work with a third-party payment processor. 
• You cannot integrate non-Clover hardware. 

2. Toast: Restaurant POS Built for Tough Environments 

Toast is a food-and-beverage POS system with durable restaurant-grade hardware and accessories. The impressive hardware offerings include the handheld Toast Go, the Toast Flex register, and the Toast Kiosk. Various card readers and peripheral devices are also available, making Toast a prime destination for hardware-minded food business owners. Plus, you can get started with two terminals at no cost.

Toast’s POS solution can help busy restaurant owners easily accept payments and track sales. We found that the software has everything you need to manage your restaurant, including: 

• Front-of-house
• Back-of-house
• Guest-facing technology

We especially appreciate that Toast serves restaurants of all sizes, including: 

• Upscale eateries
• Casual dining establishments
• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Food trucks
• Cafes

Pros

• Toast's spill-proof hardware is designed to withstand a busy restaurant environment. 
• The Build Your option is excellent for new and established food businesses that prefer to customize their POS package. 
• User-friendly digital tools facilitate online ordering and contactless delivery.

Cons

• You must use Toast's native payment processor. 
• The vendor may charge cancellation fees. 
• The system isn't compatible with iOS devices. 

3. Lightspeed: A Feature-Rich POS for Retail and Restaurants 

Lightspeed is a leading POS provider for businesses in the retail and restaurant industries. It has an imposing set of features for retailers, including advanced loyalty and inventory management tools. Plus, with e-commerce capabilities, Lightspeed can enable your company to sell its goods online, whether through a: 

• Website
• Marketplace
• Even social media

We appreciate how easy it is to sync product catalogs between your brick-and-mortar and online store, monitor stock levels, and offer local pick-up and shipping with the Lightspeed platform. Thanks to customized reports, we like how businesses can gain insights and adjust their product offerings, sales strategies, and customer engagement tactics accordingly.

Pros

• With Lightspeed, you can track inventory across locations easily. 
• The customer loyalty program enables targeted offers and deals for select customers.
• Even the Basic retail plan includes 24/7 support.

Cons

• Lightspeed doesn't list hardware costs on its website. 
• While the vendor allows third-party payment processing, your preferred processor may not be compatible. 
• Newly launched retailers may find the cost prohibitive compared to Shopify and Square. 

4. Cake: The Restaurant POS With a Customer Focus 

Cake is our pick for the best POS system for restaurants that prioritize the customer experience because of the wide variety of diner-focused features the company offers. The guest management tools allow you to accept online reservations, set up a waitlist, and provide real-time status updates to waiting guests. 

Meanwhile, we like how you can improve service speed by offering tableside ordering, self-checkout, and even payments facilitated through QR codes. These functions enable you to provide exceptional service without hurting profits.

Is It the Right Choice for Your Needs?

Notably, all Cake plans come with complimentary POS hardware, which we find particularly valuable. Like Toast, the vendor provides devices built to withstand the messy, high-temperature environments in restaurants daily.

Pros

• Cake's POS system facilitates online ordering and curbside pickup. 
• The software is easy to set up and intuitive to use. 
• The 24/7 customer service includes phone support.

Cons

• There are recurring fees for additional POS devices. 
• The most appealing guest management features and loyalty tools are restricted to the top-level plan unless you pay an add-on fee. 
• Cake has the fewest integrations of all our top recommendations. 

5. Square: Best Free POS System for Small Businesses 

Square is the best POS option for small businesses thanks to its free plans for various business types. You must process payments through Square’s in-house service to use this no-cost platform. The vendor offers free mobile readers for new customers so that you can get started immediately. However, its other well-regarded POS devices, such as the Square Register and Terminal, are available for purchase.

Companies will appreciate the ability to use Square’s generalized POS solution or the opportunity to choose a POS package geared toward their sector, such as appointment-based businesses. We love that the software is increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools for creating realistic images for your business’s website.

Pros

• Square is one of the few providers that offers free POS solutions. 
• Even the free packages are incredibly comprehensive, with a laundry list of valuable features. 
• There are no chargeback fees.

Cons

• You must use Square's payment processor. 
• Existing users have had challenges contacting customer support and resolving issues. 
• The vendor is quicker to freeze funds or accounts than competitors. 

6. Shopify: Best for E-Commerce Businesses 

Shopify is best known for its e-commerce platform but also offers a comprehensive POS system. This solution is an excellent option for businesses that want to unify their online and in-person sales. While Shopify can work for all types of businesses, we found it ideal for e-commerce and retail-focused companies. 

In particular, the software is a good choice for anyone looking to take advantage of omnichannel features. For example, customers can place an order online and pick it up at the store thanks to Shopify’s convenient purchasing and order fulfillment tools.

Shopify's Starter Plan for Growing Businesses

Although Shopify’s free trial is relatively short, at only three days, the highly affordable pricing for the in-person Starter plan means businesses don’t have to make a significant financial investment as they continue to try the system and evaluate whether it’s the right solution for them. The packages are easily scalable if you want to access more robust tools and don’t mind the added expense.

Pros

• Shopify supports multiple sales channels, meeting customers where they are while allowing businesses to manage them through one platform. 
• The mobile app allows users to track sales and inventory while on the go. 
• You can integrate an existing online store with the Shopify platform.

Cons

• Businesses seeking comprehensive e-commerce tools will have to pay for a higher-tier plan. 
• If you opt for third-party payment processing, you may have to pay an additional fee. 
• There is a separate subscription fee for Shopify's POS Pro service. 

7. TouchBistro: Restaurant POS With iPad Functionality 

TouchBistro provides a full suite of restaurant-specific POS features, from mobile tableside ordering and self-service to an ingredient-based inventory tracking system. When demoing the platform, we found it simple to monitor table turnover, easily communicate recipe changes, and even create customer accounts to store information about your most loyal diners.

TouchBistro's Hardware Flexibility to Optimize POS Costs

We like that you can create an iPad POS system by running this mobile-friendly POS solution on an iPad, iPad mini, or iPad Pro. TouchBistro also supports third-party POS hardware, such as barcode scanners, cash drawers, and receipt printers. This helps keep your accessory costs down, although you’ll have to contact the company to see if TouchBistro is compatible with your current hardware.

Pros

• TouchBistro's drag-and-drop tools are ideal for managing and changing your restaurant's seating arrangements. 
• You can use TouchBistro Payments or a third-party processor. 
• The system works with third-party POS hardware, such as barcode scanners and cash drawers.

Cons

• The costs of TouchBistro can add up quickly if you opt for the extra features, many of which rivals include in standard packages. 
• There are relatively few integration options compared to competitors like Clover, which also serves restaurant businesses. 
• The system is only compatible with iOS devices. 

8. Helcim: Payment Processor With a POS System 

Unlike flat-rate payment processors that charge the same transaction fee across different types of credit cards, Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model. Your business saves when customers use a card with low interchange rates. Helcim also offers volume discounts if you process more than $50,000 monthly, a plus for high-volume businesses. The company also sells its intelligent terminal and mobile card reader if you need hardware to take payments in person.

Pros

• There are no monthly software fees. 
• No long-term contract or termination fees. 
• Offers volume discounts for businesses whose monthly credit card volume surpasses $50,000. 
• Interchange-plus processing rates can help businesses save money.

Cons

• Some hardware, like barcode scanners and cash drawers, are only available through a third-party provider. 
• There are no full POS register options. 

9. SpotOn: Free POS System for Small Businesses 

If you’re a small business that needs to get started with no upfront cost to your budget, SpotOn is where you want to go. Yes, Square can get you started with software, but hardware options will cost you money. 

SpotOn, on the other hand, will allow you to get started with software and hardware for nothing more than transaction fees. You’re essentially financing the hardware with transaction fees while paying no upfront or monthly fee.

SpotOn POS: Affordable, Customizable Solutions for Your Business Needs

SpotOn’s monthly software, payment processing fees, and ability to integrate with third-party hardware make this system an affordable and appealing option. SpotOn offers customizable add-on features such as a loyalty program and team management software. The company also has a strong reputation for its hands-on approach to customer support, from installation and training to 24/7 availability for assistance.

Pros

• Offers a free plan. 
• Restaurants can customize plans by adding loyalty programs, reservation capabilities, online ordering, or employee scheduling software. 
• 24/7 phone support. No long-term contract or termination fees

‍Cons

• Charges setup fee. 
• Offline mode includes the hidden cost of a router. 

10. SumUp POS: Affordable POS With Built-in Loyalty Programs 

SumUp’s POS plans can help businesses build and retain a customer base with a built-in loyalty program and automated marketing campaigns that make sending targeted offers to customers easy. From there, you can use the loyalty dashboard to measure success and track how many customers opted into or out of your marketing program.

Pros

• Free POS plans for card readers. 
• Automated marketing tools for sending customers targeted promotions. 
• Available in more than 30 countries 

Cons

• Online transaction rates are more expensive than some competitors. 
• POS system software requires a 12-month contract 

11. Lavu: Customizable Restaurant POS 

Lavu’s plans let restaurant owners opt for “dual pricing” options that offer customers discounts for paying in cash instead of with a card. This can be a good option for businesses wanting to encourage cash transactions or are concerned about payment processing fees. Lavu’s payment processing rates are quote-based, which makes it challenging to estimate processing costs in the first place.

Pros

• 24/7 phone and email support. 
• Highly customizable POS platform for those with programming skills. 
• Restaurants can set up timed menu changes, start customers’ tabs on one register, and cash them out at another. 
• A dual pricing program can help decrease payment processing fees.

Cons

• Lavu’s quote-based processing rates can make it difficult to estimate costs upfront. 

12. Epos Now: Affordable Option for Businesses With High Staff Turnover 

Epos Now is a solid option for businesses that regularly onboard and train staff and would instead handle employee management processes directly through their POS. Unlike most alternatives, Epos Now offers a dedicated training mode that helps starters access the system without risking POS data.

On top of how notably affordable Epos Now is in the long run, it’s also a respectable service. The software is easy to use and gives users access to the backend directly from the terminal to make changes on the fly, like price fluctuations and sales reports.

User-friendly POS System

Epos Now does come with some caveats, though. Our first-hand user testers found that, while the backend access was nice, the front-end functionality posed some customer management problems, like difficulty with order splitting. If you’re willing to endure some minor issues for no monthly charge, it’s worth it.

Pros

• Quick and easy setup 
• A simple interface makes it easy to train staff 
• Widely compatible with barcode scanners and receipt printers

Cons

• Lacks complexity in reporting 
• Paid customer support and no knowledge base 
• No kiosk option or CRM

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How To Choose the Best POS for Your Small Business

Budget: Don’t Break the Bank on Unnecessary Features

A small business budget can be tight, so avoiding overspending on a POS system is crucial. Many providers offer multiple plans that differ based on features and integrations. If you have limited means, only choose plans that provide your desired features. By avoiding packages with advanced capabilities like site-to-site communication and omnichannel selling, you can secure a package that benefits your business without overpaying for unnecessary functions.

Ease of Use: Choose a POS System with a Simple Interface

Selecting a POS system with a good user experience is essential, especially if you’re new to the software. We’d recommend considering systems with a simple, modern interface and training features to help recruits get to grips with the software.

Integrations: Look for a System that Works with Your Current Tools

If your business already uses specific software, you should only consider POS systems that can readily integrate. This will enable you to sync business data across multiple platforms and improve efficiency. 

Help and Support: Find a System with Reliable Customer Service

Every sale counts for a small business, so picking a system with reliable help and support options is an effective way to prevent technical disruptions. You should also ensure their channels are compatible with your needs, i.e., Would you instead access support through live chats or phone lines?

Your Industry: Choose a POS System Built for Your Business

A retail store won’t rely on the same features as a fast-food restaurant. Therefore, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your POS system, we recommend you select options designed with your industry specialism in mind. 

Book a Free Demo With POS Exchange To Learn About Our Customized POS System Solutions Today!

The POS Exchange delivers customized POS system solutions that help restaurants run better. Its tailored POS system solutions help businesses speed up checkouts by 30%, implement dynamic pricing, and manage customer reviews while reducing overhead. 

Perfect for full-service restaurants, pizza shops, coffee houses, and multi-location enterprises The POS Exchange offers end-to-end service, from brilliant consultation and interactive demos to local installation and 24/7 support. 

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