Best point of sale systems
Do you want to go straight to the answer? The best point of sale system for most people is undoubtedly Square.
The era of traditional cash registers is far behind us. Modern point of sale solutions are flexible and offer a wide range of technical features.
This is the case when you are paid for the exchange of goods or services. Therefore, you want the transaction to benefit the customer, while also making things as easy as possible for your business.
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The capabilities of point of sale systems are seemingly unlimited today. They can track everything from your best-selling products to your most productive employees, and everything in between.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing point of sale software or purchase a brand new point of sale system for your startup, this guide will help you find the best one.
The 8 best point of sale systems
Point of sale solutions are not lacking in the market today. This wide range of choices can force you to narrow down your options.
Fortunately, I have done all the work for you. In the end, there are really only eight point of sale solutions that I feel good about recommending. I will show you the best ones, their main features, pricing options, and point out any potential drawbacks.
Some of these solutions are specific to a sector or stand out by a particular characteristic rather than another. But whatever your situation, I am sure that you will find what you need in the list below.
Square
100% free to download
Use your own device for point of sale
Serving as a credit card processor
Real-time analysis and reporting
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The square point of sale is sweeping the nation. This global brand appears to be the most common and recognized point of sale system in stores where I do the majority of my in-person shopping.
It's because Square POS software is so flexible. You can turn your own devices into a point of sale system without having to buy additional hardware.
If you wish to purchase equipment directly from Square, they offer you many different options
Square register
Square Reader for contactless and chip payments
Square magnetic stripe reader
A square position for contactless and chip
Square Terminal
It all depends on the type of business you have. For cafes or clothing stores, the register and stand-up terminal are the best options. But to accept payments on the go, you can turn your smartphone into a point of sale solution using the Square Reader for magstripe.
This versatility makes Square a popular choice for small business owners. Square is also a credit card processor, which saves you from having to integrate a third-party solution to accept payments.
Square is also known for the simplicity and transparency of its pricing. The software is 100% free to download and use. You will not pay any hidden fees or monthly fees. Regardless of the number of sales you process, your only cost is the transaction rate.
The square costs 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
It is worth noting that Square offers volume discounts for large businesses. If you process over $250,000 per year with an average order size of over $15, you can contact their sales team for a customized solution.
Square provides real-time analytics and reports. It is also easy for you to visualize, manage, track, modify, and update your inventory with this point of sale solution. Square creates customer profiles so you can better manage your customers.
One potential downside of Square is that it scales too quickly. Some users complain that their accounts have been put on hold for high transaction volumes, as the system has security protocols in place to protect against fraudulent charges.
Square is currently the best overall point of sale system. I recommend it to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even medium and large businesses.
Shopify
Starting from $29 per month
Ideal for online stores
Inventory management
Free with many plansShopify
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Shopify is one of the e-commerce platforms currently available on the market. If you are currently using Shopify to sell online, or if you plan to expand your retail stores into the e-commerce space, then you can opt for the Shopify point of sale system.
With Shopify POS, you can manage all your in-store and online sales in one place. It is much easier than using separate solutions.
Your inventory is updated and managed in real time across multiple sites for online and in-person sales. You can also manage transfers between sites and use Shopify for stock forecasting.
Shopify allows you to easily create loyalty programs with customer profiles and loyalty tools.
Avoid long queues with Shopify POS by accepting payments from anywhere in the store.
As your eCommerce and store solution will be connected to the Shopify point of sale, customers will have the option to return or exchange an online purchase at a local store.
The Shopify point of sale is included for free in the monthly cost of your Shopify plan. You will only pay an additional fee for processing fees.
Basic Shopify - $29 per month
2.7% for in-person transactions
2 personal accounts
Shopify - $79 per month
2.5% for in-person transactions
5 employee accounts
Unlimited number of employee POS codes
1-5 store locations
Advanced Shopify - $299 per month
2.4% for in-person transactions
15 employee accounts
Unlimited number of employee POS codes
Up to 8 stores
To sell online with dozens of physical stores, you will need to find something a little more advanced than Shopify. But Shopify is perfect for easy setup and for selling immediately online or in person in a handful of brick-and-mortar stores.
If you are currently using Shopify to sell online, using Shopify POS for in-store transactions is a no-brainer. I also recommend Shopify if you are looking for a new point of sale system and want to launch a new e-commerce store.
Lightspeed
Starting from $69.99 per month
The best for stock management
Ideal for retail stores
Use your own device
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Lightspeed is a point of sale system that is less well-known than other options on our list. But it remains one of the best in the field of inventory management.
The company offers point of sale solutions for retailers and restaurants. But for the purposes of this study, I will focus on the retail point of sale system. If you have a restaurant, use TouchBistro.
Lightspeed's inventory system allows you to save time with centralized purchasing catalogs integrated into the point of sale software. You can also sell in bundles and manage multiple product variations.
Follow unit costs, receive alerts for items with low stock, and even sell out-of-stock items that will be fulfilled upon arrival.
Lightspeed is ideal if your retail business requires special requests, such as custom items, work orders, reservations, and purchase orders. You can fulfill all of these requests directly from your point of sale.
This makes it a popular choice for small business owners in the following categories:
Bike shops
Jewelry stores
Golf equipment
Pet supplies
Interior decoration
Sports articles
Clothing
You can use Lightspeed with your own hardware from any device, regardless of the operating system. Lightspeed POS allows you to set up customer profiles for purchase history and lifetime value. You can also segment your customers into different categories.
You can choose from five different price levels, depending on the size of your business
Basic - $79 per month ($69 billed annually)
Start - $119 per month ($99 billed annually)
Basic - $139 per month ($119 billed annually)
Advanced - $189 per month ($169 billed annually)
Professional - $259 per month ($229 billed annually)
The integration of e-commerce begins at the Starter level, and the ability to connect your accounting software starts with the Standard plan.
For customer loyalty programs, you will need to upgrade to the advanced package. Analytics are only available for Lightspeed Pro.
Additional registers can be added for $29 per month, each. You can also use Lightspeed as a payment processor. They charge 2.6% plus $0.10 per transaction.
The biggest drawback of Lightspeed is that it doesn't have as many payment processing integrations as some of the other options on our list. This may be intentional, to convince you to use their processing system.
QuickBooks Point of Sale
Starting from 1,200
Unique flat rate cost
Integrates with QuickBooks
Point of sale equipment sold separately
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QuickBooks is a leader in accounting solutions for small businesses. Their impressive point of sale system is much less known.
Some point of sale software offer third-party integrations for synchronization with accounting software. But as you can imagine, the compatibility between QuickBooks POS and QuickBooks accounting is better than any of these integrations.
If you are currently using QuickBooks and are looking for a new point of sale system, you should be aware..
The advantage of using the same company for point of sale and accounting software is that your analysis and insights will be extremely accurate. Using QuickBooks POS can ultimately enhance your accounting process and your accounting service.
The pricing of QuickBooks point of sale is a bit unique compared to other options on our list. It is a one-time purchase and not a monthly or annual fee.
Basic - 1,200
Pro - 1,700
Multi-store - 1,900
Note: all POS material is sold separately.
There are advantages and disadvantages to this pricing structure. The initial cost is high, but it can save you money in the long run if you plan on using it for a certain period of time. The downside is that upgrading is not simple. If you started with the Basic software and want to purchase Multi-Store a year later, you will have to buy the new pack separately.
Overall, the QuickBooks point of sale system is a decent standalone product. It has all the basic features needed to process transactions in person. But I only recommend it to those of you who want the best possible integration with QuickBooks accounting software. The POS system has its limitations.
ShopKeep
Personalized pricing
Custom point of sale configuration
Can act as a payment processor
Exceptional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
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ShopKeep is another point of sale solution that is perfectly suited for small business owners. It is ideal for those of you who belong to the categories of quick service or retail, although it also offers solutions for restaurants.
The best thing about ShopKeep is its simplicity. If you have part-time staff or a high turnover rate, you will have no problem training new employees on how to use this software.
ShopKeep offers a personalized onboarding process, including customized point of sale configurations.
The software is designed to speed up your payment process, automate tedious business tasks, and set your company up for long-term success.
You will also have access to the ShopKeep mobile application, which will allow you to view real-time information on sales, inventory, and data, wherever you are. This way, you can easily keep an eye on your business even when you are not physically present on site.
ShopKeep benefits from exceptional support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
The downside of ShopKeep is that the pricing is not as transparent. Everything is tailored to your business based on the features, add-ons, and hardware you need. Therefore, you will need to contact their sales team to request a quote.
You will pay an additional fee for each additional listing, as well as for other features such as gift cards or third-party integrations.
Like Square, ShopKeep is also a payment processing company. However, just like with Square's point of sale plans, the pricing is not very transparent either. The rates are based on volume and sales.
The unique feature of ShopKeep is that the company provides funding to businesses looking to obtain loans. This merchant cash advance program is a way for companies to secure a loan in exchange for a percentage of their credit card sales.
Celebrate
Software starting at 99
The installation starts at 649 dollars
Advanced CRM functions
Revel offers point of sale systems for retail, restaurants, bars, and fast food businesses. Revel is a hybrid point of sale system that uses a combination of the cloud and your local network to store information. This means you don't have to worry if you lose connection. You can still process transactions.
If you are a small business owner with multiple sites, Revel has a centralized management system that standardizes everything across each site.
Revel offers you a wide range of hardware options, depending on the type of business you have and the layout of your store
Apple's iPads
iPad stands
Self-service kiosks
Barcode readers
Printers
Payment Devices
Networking
Cash drawer and cash register
Although other point of sale systems on the market encourage you to use your own devices, Revel strongly recommends buying hardware directly from them to ensure everything goes smoothly. This means an additional cost.
Speaking of pricing, Revel's point of sale software starts at $99 per month per terminal. This is a bit expensive compared to the competition, especially for a small business owner. Installation and onboarding start at $649. Contact their sales team for a quote on processing fees.
The contracts for Revel POS software are billed annually, with a minimum contract of 3 years. Therefore, you will not have the option to modify or cancel them in the short term.
The high prices of Revel are justified if you plan to take advantage of their CRM features. They offer tools to better understand customers, segment them, connect to marketing campaigns, manage appointments, etc.
This system is one of the best on the market in terms of managing customer loyalty programs from your point of sale software.
If you can afford the high monthly rates, installation fees, and computer equipment, Revel offers high-quality point-of-sale systems for small businesses. But price is a factor that cannot be overlooked, especially for a three-year contract.
Sell
14 days free trial
Starts at $99/month
Advanced analysis
Unlike other point of sale systems on the market today, Vend is a cloud-based point of sale solution. It does not require on-site server deployment, which is great for small business owners, although larger companies may find it a bit restrictive.
The advantage here is the consistency between the different platforms. The system is identical upstream, regardless of the hardware you are using.
Vend is a bit different from the other point of sale solutions on our list. They do not sell hardware and do not process payments.
You should rather use Vend to integrate third-party solutions for things like payment processing or other needs. But the advantage here is the simplicity of the software.
Vend is intended for small retailers. It is not intended for bars, restaurants, or food trucks.
Here is an overview of the plans and prices of Vend retail outlets
Lite - $119 per month (or $99 billed annually)
Professional - $159 per month (or $129 billed annually)
The Lite plan has a monthly revenue limit of $20,000. If you exceed this limit three times over a 12-month period, you will be upgraded to the Pro plan.
The Lite and Pro versions both come with a single register. Additional registers cost $59 per month or $49 per month with an annual plan.
Vend Pro offers additional features such as advanced analytics and reports, gift cards, promotions, e-commerce channels, multi-store point of sale management, and access to the API.
Large companies can request a customized solution with Vend Enterprise. This solution includes a dedicated account manager and personalized integration. But if you exceed the Pro plan, I will look elsewhere for a point of sale software.
Vend is perfect for small retail businesses with just one register. You don't have to buy expensive equipment, and the system is easy to use. Try Vend for free with a 14-day trial period.
TouchBistro
Starting from 69 dollars per month
Industry-specific POS solution
Ideal for restaurants and bars
As its name suggests, TouchBistro is a point-of-sale solution specific to the industry. They offer tools for full-service restaurants, bars, clubs, food trucks, breweries, and quick-service restaurants.
Here are some of the key features of TouchBistro:
Order on the table side
Reports and analysis
Table management
Payment processing
Staff management
Customer Relationship Management
Menu Management
Inventory management
TouchBistro is an all-in-one solution that allows you to set up self-ordering kiosks, a kitchen display system, and customer-facing takeout displays. It essentially provides everything you would need in a point of sale system if you are in the restaurant industry.
You can even integrate your point of sale with online ordering. Take reservations, set up a customer loyalty program; TouchBistro takes care of everything.
With TouchBistro, you have the option to use your own hardware and simply purchase the software. You can also combine the software and hardware with your plan. Let's look at each option.
Solo - 1 license
Software only - $69 per month
Bundle offer of software and hardware - $105 per month
Double Licenses - 2
Software only - $129 per month
Bundle offer of software and hardware - $209 per month
Team - Up to 5 licenses
Software only - $249 per month
Bundle offer of software and hardware - $359 per month
Unlimited - 6+ Licenses
Software only - $399 per month
Bundle offer of software and hardware - $539 per month
Note: all plans are billed annually.
TouchBistro offers exceptional customer support service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via phone and email. They also provide training services for large operations. Their staff consists of real food service managers, servers, and owners. They know exactly how to meet your needs and address your challenges.
Although TouchBistro is by far our top recommendation for restaurant point of sale software, there are a few points to keep in mind before getting started.
The system is not entirely cloud-based, so you will need to run it on a local network as well. It is therefore not best suited for those of you who operate with an unstable or unreliable internet connection. TouchBistro operates on an infrastructure based on Apple's. If you want an Android or Windows point of sale system, this is not the best choice for your restaurant.
How to find the best point of sale system
What makes a good point of sale system?
When evaluating potential options, you must take into account certain factors. This is the same methodology that I used when writing this guide. I will explain each element and its importance below.
Payment processing
First and foremost, your point of sale system should handle payments. Some options have integrated payment processors, while others have third-party integrations.
So, if you are currently using a payment processor and do not want to change, make sure to choose a point of sale system that can integrate with this company.
E-commerce capabilities
If you sell online or plan to sell online, you need to look for a point of sale system that integrates with your online store. Otherwise, you may encounter issues with aspects such as inventory management.
For those of you who only sell in-store but are considering getting into e-commerce, I recommend an all-in-one solution like Shopify. The Shopify point of sale is free with any Shopify e-commerce plan.
Configuration and ease of use
The best point of sale systems have a simple setup process. Some don't even require the purchase of hardware. It's as simple as installing software on your own device.
Other solutions require you to purchase the equipment directly through them. These configurations are generally a bit more challenging, but not always complex.
Once your point of sale is up and running, it is essential that the solution is easy to use for your staff. If you work in the restaurant or retail industry, there is a high likelihood that you have many part-time workers and a high staff turnover rate. Training and daily use of the cash register software should therefore be as simple as possible.
Inventory management
Most point of sale solutions offer some form of inventory management. Some plans are better than others. You may need to upgrade your plan in order to fully take advantage of the benefits of inventory tracking.
If you only have one website and do not sell online, this feature may not be so important for your business. But for those of you with a larger operation, good stock management is essential.
Equipment
Do you want to use your own hardware or purchase hardware when you buy a point of sale software?
Many factors come into play in this decision. Price could be one of them, but it is not always the case. The material can also have an impact on ease of use, which we have already discussed.
The type of equipment you use will also depend on the type of business you have. For example, if you run a cafe, you will probably want a customer-oriented point of sale terminal behind the counter. But other retail businesses may prefer a mobile point of sale that staff can use on the floor.
Industry and type of company
Some point of sale solutions are specific to an industry. For example, TouchBistro is the best choice for businesses in the restaurant sector. Lightspeed is the best choice for customized orders.
The size of your business is also an important factor in choosing a point of sale system. If you only have a small retail business with one register, Vend would be a top choice for you. But if you plan to expand with multiple registers and multiple locations, it is better to opt for a solution like Square.
The value of a point of sale system
Current point of sale systems do much more than just process payments. These systems allow you to run your entire business. You can:
Manage inventory and employees
Follow and analyze essential sales metrics
Integrate your point of sale with customer loyalty programs, email marketing tools, accounting systems, payment processors, e-commerce platforms, etc.
Access data from anywhere on a mobile phone
And while improving your business, a point of sale helps enhance the overall customer experience by speeding up your in-store sales process, eliminating manual tasks, and improving the accuracy of your reports.
Conclusion
The choice of the right point of sale software is crucial for the success of your business. These modern solutions do much more than just process payments.
What is the best point of sale system? It depends on what you are looking for. If you are not sure yet, use the comparison tool below to assess your specific needs.