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From contactless payments to online sales, point of sale (POS) systems improve the customer experience and make it easier for business owners to track inventory, sales, and employee performance. Moreover, your POS solution supports omnichannel experiences, which are seamless transitions between in-store, phone, and online sales.

In fact, 41% of retailers plan to upgrade or replace their POS, while 59% prioritize omnichannel experiences using their existing POS solution.  

With a wide variety of POS systems on the market, selecting the best one for your small business is challenging. We researched more than two dozen POS solutions and compared them side-by-side. We judged systems on their ease of use, hardware and software options, customer service, features, and pricing packages.

Square provides flexibility for small businesses and plenty of room to grow.

Robust free option for online sales

Expensive processing fees for businesses with high volumes

Free option lacks advanced features

Extra fee for a loyalty program

Founded in 2009, Square POS systems and devices are used in small businesses, from retail shops to diners. The platform’s versatility, combined with various pricing options, makes Square the best overall POS system for small businesses. 

Square offers three plans, all of which provide integrated payments. You’ll pay credit card processing fees of 2.9% plus $0.30 on the Free Plan and the Professional Plan charges the same rates, but costs $12 a month for extra features. The Performance plan also costs $26 for even more features, but charges the same fee for processing. Premium costs $72 and offers lowering processing fees of 2.6% + $0.30.

For most small businesses, you’ll want a Square register for $799. But the company also offers mobile square readers and iPad stands so you can customize your setup. All three plans come with standard features like: 

Select from popular Square plans such as:

Square also offers integrations with your small business software. Just head to your dashboard to connect your POS system with:

Get more from your services by adding extra services like loyalty, email marketing, and payroll programs. If you need help with your Square POS system, you can contact Square support via phone or email or get answers from the seller community or support articles.

Inexpensive software with everything a small business owner needs to run a company.

Credit card processing fees charged to customers

For nearly 15 years, eHopper has provided an affordable alternative to pricey POS software. Its low-cost plans give entrepreneurs access to customer and inventory management tools, making it a clear winner in our best value category. 

The eHopper POS system offers four plans, all of which include integrated credit card processing features. Currently, the merchant fees are passed to customers via a surcharge. With all versions, you’ll get features like:

Each of the four plans provides extra features, and the cost covers one POS system. The four programs are:

With eHopper, you can use existing hardware or Android tablets, iPads, Windows PCs, and Poynt terminals. But, eHopper offers a variety of hardware options for sale, including:

You won’t get many integrations with eHopper, but you can add an additional loyalty package to your plan. You can call, initiate a support ticket, or chat with customer service for help with your POS system. The company also offers an online knowledge base.

TouchBistro supplies restaurateurs with cloud-based analytics to boost their food and beverage sales.

Must use mostly Apple products

Customer support isn’t always responsive.

In business since 2010, TouchBistro offers software designed specifically for the restaurant industry. TouchBistro is our top pick for the best restaurant POS system with restaurant inventory management tools and restaurant-specific hardware.    

TouchBistro POS software licenses start at $69 per month. With a TouchBistro system, you’ll get various tools and features to support your operations, such as:

You can add services to get more from your restaurant POS, which are available through TouchBistro, including:

Choose your own hardware or buy from TouchBistro’s hardware partners for equipment such as:

TouchBistro integrates with many popular programs, including QuickBooks, Sage, and 7Shifts. 

If you run into problems, TouchBistro provides plenty of self-service options. You can also contact them via email, chat, and 24/7 phone support.

Trusted retail software that your employees will learn how to use in minutes.

Must buy the upper plan tp have comprehensive software

Gets costly when adding registers

Founded in 2010, Vend is a reliable provider of POS systems that are easy to use and compatible with many equipment types. With advanced inventory management and analytics, Vend wins our best POS system for retail.

Vend offers three plans that cover one register and one location, but you can pay to add extra registers and locations. All versions give you features that are easy to use and support your retail operations, such as:

All three plans give you API access, integrated payments, POS, and 24/7 support. An overview of the plans and prices:

You can choose from tons of hardware options or use your existing equipment. Vend offers bundles, and you can use Mac or Windows systems. This POS software integrates with nearly all credit card processing companies, along with top retail programs like:

Get the customer service your retail store needs with Vend’s responsive support systems, including 24/7 online or in-app live chat support, email, phone center, plus a full knowledge base.

Oversee in-store and online sales easily from your mobile dashboard.

No extra transaction fees above interchange rates

Abandoned cart recovery comes with every plan

Only 2 staff members can access the POS with the Basic plan

Since 2004, Shopify has provided e-commerce entrepreneurs with capable online shopping services that are easy for store owners to use and offer a pleasant digital customer experience. Its robust virtual features make it the best POS for e-commerce.

To use the Shopify POS system, you need to select a Shopify plan first. These programs cover your e-commerce website and blog, plus many features, ranging from $29 to $299 per month. Your Shopify plan determines your credit card processing fees: 

All plans include the Shopify POS Lite plan with features such as:

If you opt for the POS Pro version for $89 per month per location, you can take advantage of added features like:

Shopify offers tons of plug-and-play hardware, so it’s easy to customize your setup. Choose from complete retail kits, tap and chip card readers, and iPad stands. To get assistance, go through Shopify’s 24/7 support center or check out its vast knowledge base.

With advanced inventory tracking and a simple interface, ShopKeep by Lightspeed is a favorite among small business owners.

Basic package doesn’t include online payments.

Can only accept gift cards with upper plans or by purchasing an add-on

Founded in 2008 and acquired by Lightspeed in 2021, ShopKeep by Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system used widely by small retail stores, like specialty shops and cafes. However, its impressive inventory capabilities make ShopKeep the best POS for inventory management. 

ShopKeep offers three plans, which all come with one free credit card reader for eligible merchants. Credit processing is included, and you’ll pay one flat rate of 2.6% plus $0.10 per transaction. All plans offer many great features, including:

Ecommerce features are only offered in the Standard or Advanced plants. Each plan only covers one location. If you have multiple locations, you can contact the company for a custom plan.

To get the best prices, you’ll want to make one annual payment. You can pay monthly, but the cost is higher. Here are the plans:

ShopKeep sells equipment individually or as part of a kit. There is both hardware for desktop and iPad. For example, the retail kit comes with:

Customers can call, email, or look through the self-support resources.

Your point of sale (POS) system puts all your transaction data in one spot. Many programs provide tools to track inventory, manage employees, and see revenue data in real-time. POS solutions go beyond traditional registers to offer you various ways to accept payments from anywhere in your store. 

Small business owners use a POS system to better understand their sales trends, available inventory, and customers. Moreover, mobile solutions enhance the customer experience with quick checkout options and integrated customer programs.

Today you can build a POS system that works for your store, so you’re not limited to just a cash register. Typical hardware for small businesses includes: 

However, you can add self-service kiosks, mobile units, and customer displays to enhance the shopping and buying experiences.

Although retailers still rely on standalone systems, many prefer iPad solutions, which allow you to place the iPad on a secure stand or carry it throughout the store. Mobile units or self-service kiosks are especially crucial for curbside sales or contactless payments, so many business owners incorporate these types of units into their existing setup. 

Most POS systems place some or all features in the cloud. This gives you access to tools using different devices in your store or from home.

POS systems come with a hefty monthly cost, and if you’re starting new, you’ll also spend quite a bit on hardware. Many larger POS providers offer financing or payment plans for bundled hardware kits along with month-to-month payment options for your POS software subscriptions. Prices ranges consist of:

To find the best POS systems for small businesses, we reviewed several factors, including subscription prices and fees, hardware types and costs, payment processing options, and features. After searching through more than two dozen POS providers, we narrowed it down to winners in specific categories by the best POS systems for things like e-commerce, inventory management, and retail use.

Retail Consulting Partners. "2020 POS / Customer Engagement Survey."

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