In terms of functionality, a typical POS system provides a way for businesses to accept payments made with credit cards, debit cards, and mobile devices. Best-in-class POS systems will include additional features, such as secure payment processing and integrated software that streamlines accounting and administrative tasks.
To find the right POS system, you should consider which features you need for your business – whether that’s simple transaction processing, accounting and invoicing capabilities, or inventory management functionality. On top of that, you should also think about how much you’re willing to spend on a POS system (including the hardware, software, rental fees, and payment processing costs).
Keep reading to get our picks for the best POS systems of 2022.
How did we choose these products?
The POS vendors included in this list were chosen based on an analysis of popular reviews combined with years of experience reporting on and writing about the payments space and its key players.
In terms of pricing, merchants can get a Square chip card reader for free, or pay $49 for a reader that also takes contactless payments. Square also sells the iPad-compatible Square Stand for $169, and the Square Register (which includes a display, a stand, and a customer-facing display for card and contactless payments) for $799 plus transaction and processing fees. Square charges a 2.6% transaction fee plus 10 cents for in-person payments. Manually entered card payments cost a bit more (3.5% plus 15 cents), as online and over the phone transactions demand a higher fee due to greater fraud risks.
Pros
Software add-ons make it easy to personalize for your businessMultiple hardware options (including a free reader)
Cons
Extra costs to accept mobile paymentsAdditional fees for manually entered card payments
Clover’s all-in-one POS system, Clover Station Solo, starts at $1,349 for the most comprehensive set of products. Clover Mini, another all-in-one POS system, sells for $749, and its Clover Flex card reader retails for $499. In terms of customer service, Clover offers free phone, email and web-based customer support to its existing merchants. Pros
All-in-one bundles available24/7 phone support
Cons
Doesn’t offer a free hardware product like some competitorsCan be expensive to get started
Pricing depends on the package or bundle you choose, and for the most part, the company requires a customer quote for exact pricing. For software, its basic retail POS service (called Lightspeed Lean) starts at $69 per month and its Lightspeed Standard plan starts at $119 per month. A Lightspeed Advanced plan starts at $199 per month. In terms of support, the company has a 24/7 support team and is reachable via phone, email and online chat. In November 2020, Lightspeed acquired rival POS provider ShopKeep, which offered an iPad-based point-of-sale system for retailers and restaurants. An earlier version of this list highlighted ShopKeep as one of the best POS providers for businesses. According to Lightspeed’s website, the company is still supporting existing ShopKeep merchants and updating ShopKeep’s software and hardware offerings. Pros
Cloud-based software runs on your existing hardware or Lightspeed productsHighly effective for inventory management
Cons
Requires a subscription feeHigher-tier plan needed for accounting software integration
Vend’s POS software is designed to work on various devices including Macs, PCs, and iPads, and is compatible with a range of third-party hardware, including receipt printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers. Vend does not run its own payment processing network and instead integrates with third-party systems including PayPal, Square, and CardConnect. In terms of cost, Vend offers a Lite plan for $99 per month (when billed annually), a Pro plan for $129 per month (when billed annually), and an Enterprise plan that requires a customer quote. Pros
Flexible plan optionsExcellent option for small retail businesses
Cons
Software-only product means that you’ll need to purchase third-party hardware for payment processingBasic plan doesn’t include certain software integrations
Shopify’s POS software can run either on Android or iOS devices, but the company also sells its own branded hardware for merchants, including a tap and chip card reader. A standard retail hardware bundle sells for $159. On the software side, Shopify POS Lite comes included with all Shopify plans. Otherwise, you’ll pay $29 per month for the Basic Shopify plan, which is designed for new ecommerce businesses with few in-person sales. There’s also the more robust mid-level Shopify plan for $89 per month, as well as the Advanced Shopify plan that starts at $299 per month. Shopify also offers 24/7 phone and email support for its merchant POS customers. Pros
Affordable plan options (especially for existing Shopify customers)Offers an easy way to integrate physical and online sales
Cons
Not suitable for businesses with many physical locationsBasic plan doesn’t include reporting functionality
Toast’s proprietary, ruggedized Android-based hardware suite includes a 14-inch terminal, a three-in-one payment processing device, and a terminal hub and printer. In terms of pricing, Toast offers new customers a zero-cost entry bundle that includes a Toast Flex POS terminal, a Toast Tap payment device and router and POS software. The Essentials plan starts at $165 per month and the Growth plan starts at $272 per month. Fees for each plan are charged per terminal and can include additional costs for desired software and hardware add-ons. Toast manages the payment processing for its customers and promises a flat, transparent rate that varies by customer and card mix. Toast is also regarded for its approach to customer support, which is available 24/7 via multiple channels. In addition, the company offers an implementation team that will configure and install Toast for customers. Pros
Built for all types of culinary establishments, including restaurants, bars, and food trucksFree starter kit option
Cons
Payment processing fees vary depending on your businessGift cards, loyalty program, and marketing features only included in highest-tier package
For offline payments, GoDaddy’s POS charges customers a transaction fee of 2.3% + 0 cents. For online payments, transactions are 2.3% + 30 cents, making it one of the most competitive and small business-friendly offerings out there. The service accepts all major forms of payments including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. GoDaddy also sells its proprietary POS terminals with the GoDaddy Smart Terminal for $249 and the GoDaddy Card Reader with Docking Station for $40, both of which offer sleek and modern designs with a slew of nifty features like chip and tap functionality, GoDaddy Mobile app integration, and long-lasting battery life. Pros
Transaction fees priced among the lowest on the marketIdeal for existing GoDaddy customers with WordPress and WooCommerce sites
Cons
Hardware sold separatelyBenefits an existing GoDaddy customer more than a new one
The Wix Retail POS hardware kits come with an HP terminal that is pre-installed with the Wix POS software, which Wix develops in-house and provides at no additional cost. Transactions are processed through Wix Payments via the Stripe Terminal card reader, with standard, fixed processing rates for in-person payments (2.6% per transaction + $0 USD). Wix sells its POS services in three different kits. The premium tier is equipped with HP hardware, including a terminal with customer display, cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer and the Stripe Terminal card reader for $750. The Retail Essentials bundle includes a tablet with customer display, Wix POS software, compact card reader and its charging dock and costs $550. The Wix Mobile Card Reader sells for $49. Pros
Lower processing fees than other POS providersFantastic inventory, fulfillment, and analytics integration for Wix customers
Cons
No free options availableNot as sleek as competitive products
In addition to NCR Silver, there are two NCR Silver Pro POS system bundles, which are designed specifically for restaurants: the Table Service Hardware Bundle and the Fast Casual & Quick Service Hardware Bundle. You’ll need to get in touch with an NCR sales representative to get specific pricing for your business. The company does not provide credit processing and therefore works with a range of third-party companies, which will add additional fees. In terms of support, NCR offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, chat, or text. Pros
Subscription costs include hardwareCloud-based software offers easy insight into sales, inventory, and more
Cons
Doesn’t support all third-payment processing providersImplementation not included in Silver Pro upfront costs
QuickBooks sells its POS software for a one-time, upfront cost. The Basic plan – which lets users sync with QuickBooks accounting software, accept payments, track inventory, create reports, and ring sales – starts at $960 and that does not include hardware. Additional plans with more functionality include the Pro plan, which costs $1,360 plus hardware, and the Multi-Store plan, which starts at $1,520. In terms of customer support, QuickBooks provides a variety of online resources but its phone support is limited to business hours Monday through Saturday. Pros
One-time, upfront cost might appeal to some business ownersStrong integration gives you comprehensive insight into your business finances
Cons
Only a good option if you’re an existing QuickBooks customerHardware sold separately
Which one is right for you?
There are a number of important factors to consider when comparing point-of-sale providers. For most business owners, it’s helpful to narrow things down to the essentials: Cost, hardware and software options, payment method coverage, payment processing options, hardware and software interoperability, and customer support.
But on top of that, you’ll also want a system that has extra features that are specific to your industry. For example, if you own a clothing store, you’ll likely want a POS that allows you to manage your inventory. Or, if you run a restaurant, you might look for a POS that lets you see how many tables you have open.
Helcim: $199 card reader, with no monthly fees and transparent credit card processing fees based on your businessTouchBistro: iPad required, with monthly fees starting at $69 and transparent credit card processing fees based on your business
