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With so many businesses now knowing what point-of-sale systems are and the value they bring, there are now more affordable options than ever. Businesses can choose to purchase or lease, and there are hundreds of customization options that can make your company’s next POS system into exactly what you need.

The exact cost of a POS system depends on what kind of software and hardware your business needs, as well as how much customization you’ll be doing. In addition, much of the cost variance comes from credit card processing rather than the hardware or software, especially for small businesses. 

Since there are so many options, discerning the differences can be challenging. To help, we’ve put together a list of the types of POS systems available, with general pricing information. We’ve also included applicable business types and a short list of suggested POS providers. Using this information, you can decide which option fits your budget and requirements.

Editor’s note: Looking for the right POS system for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

From our research, we know that when choosing POS software, you have choices that can cost as little as $10 to around $250 a month, depending on the features you want. A basic POS system with one card reader will be much cheaper than POS terminals spread across different points and multiple locations. Merchants can choose an on-premises POS system or cloud-based POS software. The latter is cheaper and more popular among merchants and restaurant owners. [Ready to purchase a POS system? Check out our reviews and recommendations of the best POS systems.]

Businesses that process payments in person, on the go, and tableside have several hardware devices to choose from. A basic POS station uses a tablet or touchscreen, credit card reader, receipt printer, and cash drawer to accept payments. Others only need a mobile card reader, while some require a variety of POS hardware spread across different locations. With POS hardware, you incur an upfront cost that can be as little as $20 to around $2,000, depending on your needs.

FYI: The total cost of your POS system depends on what features you need. The more complex they are, the more you should expect to pay.

Outside of POS hardware and software expenses, several other fees are associated with a POS system. Here’s a look at the big ones.

Whether you are a one-person retailer or have several stores, there is a POS solution for you. Depending on your needs and budget, you can do it on the cheap or spend a ton of money. With that in mind, here’s a look at the offerings available at different price points. [Read related article: Buying a Retail POS System? Here’s How to Choose the Right One]

Mobile payment processors provide you with a card reader that attaches to your mobile phone. Usually, the card reader is free and you pay per swipe. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering this type of POS system:

Here are some of the options for mobile payment processing: 

Applicable businesses: These systems are a great option for any small business, including farmers market and art fair vendors, small restaurants, freelance contract workers, and small retail shops or kiosks. However, they are most cost-effective for businesses that process less than $5,000 per month.

Bottom line: Mobile POS systems are great for small businesses that want to accept payments on the go. From Square to PayPal, there are many POS vendor options in this area of the market.

Tablet and online POS apps are increasingly popular. Upfront costs are minimal if you already own the hardware. 

These are some of the available tablet and online POS options:

Applicable businesses: This type of POS is often used by coffee shops, food trucks, boutiques, small and midsize retailers, professional service providers, salons, pet groomers, and quick- and full-service restaurants (integrated with a full restaurant POS for tableside ordering and payment processing).

Tip: When shopping for a POS system, make sure it has features and functionality geared toward your type of business. A POS that specializes in e-commerce isn’t ideal for a cafe, for instance.

These POS systems are most often touchscreen terminals with associated POS software, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers.

Clover is one option for an all-in-one POS provider, giving customers access to an array of affordable hardware. When you select this POS vendor, you get a one-stop shop for your processing needs. Our review of Clover found that you get fast credit card and digital payment processing; the ability to accept orders online, curbside, or via mobile devices; and easy-to-create loyalty programs, all for an affordable price.  

Applicable businesses: These systems are often scalable. One terminal would fit in a boutique, quick-service counter, large retail store, or full-service restaurant. Since these systems require a greater commitment, we recommend speaking with a consultant to tailor your solution to your business.

This option costs the most upfront, but it allows you to choose exactly what you want. In most cases, you can choose your own hardware, software and payment processing service to create a custom solution. In some cases, this type of POS allows you to continue working with your current credit card processor.

Applicable businesses: A traditional POS suits any business that has the startup funds for it and the desire to customize a POS solution. Some of these services are also helpful if you just need to add peripherals to your existing system. Most provide point-of-sale consulting should you require assistance.

Some POS vendors lure you in by offering so-called “free” POS terminals. But going the seemingly free route will often cost you more in the long run than if you’d just purchased the equipment. Typically, to get the deal, you must sign a contract for the POS vendor’s credit card processing service, which locks you in for one to three years. You’ll also be on the hook for a monthly maintenance or insurance fee in addition to the credit card processing fees and your POS monthly subscription rate.

Any business, whether it has a dollar in startup capital or thousands, can now easily acquire a POS system that suits its needs. Since price is mostly tied to credit card processing for small businesses, we recommend you pick out a few solutions that will work for you and then compare transaction rates and fees (including monthly, monthly minimum, PCI compliance, and gateway fees). Many services will even match competitors’ rates, so it is worth trying to negotiate; a few percentage points could save you thousands in the long run.