6 Best POS Systems In Canada For 2023
These POS companies operate in Canada and provide affordable, feature-rich software for Canadian businesses in various industries.
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Expert Analyst & Reviewer
UPDATED
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The best Canadian POS system for your business depends on your industry and specific feature needs. However, all the best POS systems have certain key attributes: transparent pricing, ease of use, integrated payment processing, and enough scalability to accommodate business growth.
Of course, the POS must also offer complete functionality and merchant services for Canadian businesses — you don’t want a scaled-down POS that’s missing key features or doesn’t have integrated payments for Canada.
Read on to learn about some of the top POS systems in Canada. These are highly rated, affordable point of sale systems for every type of business, from restaurants and retail to service-based companies.
Note that not all of these companies are Canada-based Canadian POS systems — most are US-based and international companies that offer services in Canada and may also have a presence in Canada.
Nevertheless, these are the best POS systems for small business merchants in Canada can use to run their businesses.
Learn More About Our Top Picks
| Company | Best For | Next StepsBest For |
|---|---|---|
Lightspeed Retail POS  | Best all-around. | Best all-around. |
Square POS  | Best free POS. | Best free POS. |
TouchBistro  | Best for restaurants. | Best for restaurants. |
Revel POS Systems  | Best for advanced features. | Best for advanced features. |
Clover POS  | Easiest to use. | Easiest to use. |
| Show More Options | ||
Shopify POS  | Best for in-person + eCommerce sales. | Best for in-person + eCommerce sales. |
| Show Fewer Options |
Read more below to learn why we chose these options.
Table of Contents [hide][show]
- Top POS Systems In Canada
- 1. Lightspeed: Best All-Around
- 2. Square: Best Free
- 3. TouchBistro: Best For Restaurants
- 4. Revel Systems: Best For Advanced Features
- 5. Clover: Easiest To Use
- 6. Shopify POS: Best For In-Person + eCommerce Sales
- Looking For One Of These Names?
- Finding the Best POS System In Canada For Your Small Business
- In Summary: Top POS Systems In Canada
Table of Contents
Top POS Systems In Canada
These are some of the best POS systems in Canada that are both affordable and feature-rich, with integrated payment processing in Canada: Lightspeed, TouchBistro, Revel, Shopify, Square, and Clover.
Note that some of these vendors only list their pricing in USD, while others list pricing in CAD.
1. Lightspeed: Best All-Around
Lightspeed Retail POS |
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Limited time offer. Sign up to Lightspeed by March 31st and get up to $1,500 in complimentary hardware. Claim this offer today.
Pros
- Integrated payments now available in Canada
- Retail and restaurant POS systems available
- Advanced inventory tracking and reporting
- Vendor and supply chain management tools
Cons
- Can get expensive if you want all the options
- Can’t take payments offline
Monthly Fees
Lightspeed fees start at $89 USD/month ($69 USD/month billed annually) for Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant. Add-ons such as a loyalty program, kitchen display systems, and customer display systems can be purchased for an additional monthly fee.
All Lightspeed plans come with one POS register. Extra registers cost $59/device/month.
Hardware Cost
You can purchase Lightspeed POS hardware for an iPad or desktop setup from Lightspeed’s website. Pricing is quote-based, so you will need to reach out to get exact pricing for your kit. You can also source hardware components yourself.
Payment Processing
Lightspeed offers integrated payment processing for Canadian merchants through Lightspeed Payments. Lightspeed Payments offers flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10 USD.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Though month-to-month plans are available, you will need to commit to Lightspeed for at least one year to get the best price. However, there are early termination fees if you cancel your Lightspeed account, and are dependent on how long your contract is. We recommend starting off with a monthly plan before committing to your POS software in the long run.
You will need to use Lightspeed Payments to get the lowest monthly subscription price.
You also need to verify to Lightspeed that you have received any Lightspeed hardware within five business days of receiving it, or the hardware will not be covered under the 30-day warranty (14 days for Apple products.)
Where Lightspeed Really Shines
Lightspeed has pretty much everything a Canadian company could want in a cloud POS. The sleek and easy-to-use POS comes with strong core functionality and especially shines as one of the best POS systems for inventory management. Lightspeed also offers advanced analytics, loyalty, eCommerce, vendor management, and industry-specific integrations, such as third-party delivery service integration.
As a bonus, this Canadian POS system is headquartered in Montreal and offers 24/7 Canada-based support. Notably, Lightspeed also stated in the Canadian version of its 2019 year-in-review that Canadian retailers who used Lightspeed grew their businesses more than six times faster that year compared to their competitors.
Get Started With Lightspeed Retail POS
2. Square: Best Free
Square POS |
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Get a free card swiper from Square at no cost when you create a free account. Claim your card reader.
Pros
- Free software plans for retail and restaurants
- Free online store
- Mobile and countertop POS options
- Easy flat-rate processing
Cons
- Must use Square as your processor
- Not for high-risk businesses
Monthly Fees
Square’s flagship Square POS app is completely free. Square also has free and paid versions of Square For Restaurants, Square For Retail, and Square Appointments — the paid versions of Square for Restaurants and Square for Retail are both $60 USD/month, and paid subscriptions to Square Appointments range from $50 to $90 USD/month, depending on how many staff calendars you have. Additionally, Square offers various paid add-ons, including marketing, loyalty, advanced team management, Square KDS, and others.
Hardware Cost
Square offers free magstripe readers (one per business) and $59 CAD contactless and chip readers that will connect to just about any mobile device. Other Square hardware options include a $199 CAD Square Stand for iPad, $299 CAD Square Terminal, or $899 CAD Square Register, all of which are available in Canada.
Payment Processing
Canadian merchants using Square pay 2.65% for all credit card sales and $0.10 CAD per INTERAC chip and PIN or tap sale. You must use Square credit card processing with the Square POS; there is no option to integrate an outside processor.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Square contracts are all month-to-month and can be canceled at any time. As for the downsides of using Square, the company has a payment service provider (PSP) model, which means merchants do not receive individual merchant accounts (Shopify uses this type of processing as well). Using this sort of service can occasionally lead to issues such as frozen funds and even sudden account terminations.
Where Square Really Shines
Square stands out when it comes to both the number and the quality of free features included. Square is by far the most advanced free Canadian POS system. Some of these free POS features include an online store, gift cards, a virtual terminal, Square Online Checkout, 6 AM-6 PM phone support, and other perks being added all the time. Even if you opt for a paid plan, Square still offers amazing value to budget-conscious Canadian merchants.
3. TouchBistro: Best For Restaurants
TouchBistro |
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Pros
- Intuitive, easy-to-use system
- Supports several Canadian payment processors
- Suitable for all restaurant types
- Locally-installed POS — doesn’t require internet
Cons
- Somewhat basic feature set (no add-ons/integrations)
- Some complaints about customer service
Monthly Fees
TouchBistro monthly fees start at $69 USD/month. TouchBistro encourages you to request a quote if you need more than one license. There are also various add-ons, such as gift cards ($25 USD/month), online ordering ($50 USD/month), and reservations ($229 USD/month) available for purchase.
Hardware Cost
TouchBistro uses iPad POS hardware. The hardware kits TouchBistro sells are quote-based, so you will need to reach out to determine the price for your business.
Payment Processing
TouchBistro supports several processing options for Canadian businesses, including Chase Merchant Services, Moneris, and others. TouchBistro also integrates with Square for processing.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Since TouchBistro works with a number of different payment processors, the terms of your merchant services contract with TouchBistro will depend in part on which integrated processor you choose. For example, some TouchBistro users online have stated on user review websites that they were incentivized to sign a two-year contract with TouchBistro and Chase.
Where TouchBistro Really Shines
TouchBistro is one of several iPad POS systems in Canada made specifically for restaurants. But among these systems, TouchBistro offers the best feature set at its price point for Canadian restaurants. TouchBistro can be used by any restaurant type, ranging from quick-serve to bars, coffee shops, and fine dining, with built-in features such as tableside ordering, menu management, restaurant staff management, and more. When it comes to one of the best restaurant pos systems, TouchBistro is a great option.
TouchBistro is highly affordable for smaller restaurants, and unlike many POS companies, TouchBistro doesn’t charge an additional monthly fee for its kitchen display system or customer-facing display. TouchBistro also includes free 24/7 support with office locations in Toronto and Vancouver.
4. Revel Systems: Best For Advanced Features
Revel POS Systems |
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Pros
- Excellent for quick-serve but can also support retail
- Several Canadian processing options
- Advanced POS features
- Full offline functionality
Cons
- Expensive for very small businesses
- May require a long-term contract
Monthly Fees
Revel advertises that its pricing starts at $99/month USD, with a two-terminal minimum and onboarding starting at $674. Note that this is just the starting price, and your monthly fee could be higher, depending on your feature needs.
Hardware Cost
Revel uses iPad POS hardware, and to purchase a kit, you will need to reach out to Revel for a quote. You can also source your own hardware.
Payment Processing
Revel integrates with several Canadian processors, including Chase Merchant Services, Global Payments, and Moneris.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Revel does offer month-to-month packages, but contract length varies depending on your particular agreement with Revel. Depending on your contract with Revel and your integrated merchant account, you may be required to sign a contract for one year or longer.
Where Revel Really Shines
Revel is not the cheapest POS, but it is one of the most advanced iPad POS systems in Canada. It includes advanced reporting, employee management, in-house delivery management, native online ordering, and a fully functional offline mode.
Revel also has numerous POS hardware options, such as caller ID boxes, a self-diagnostic hardware tool, and even a special adaptor that lets you plug your ethernet cable into an iPad for a more secure wired internet connection. Revel can be customized for any restaurant or retail business but is especially popular with quick-serve businesses, including enterprise brands like Cinnabon.
Get Started With Revel POS Systems
5. Clover: Easiest To Use
Clover POS |
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Pros
- Plug-and-play POS with minimal setup
- Minimal learning curve
- Works for any business type
- Sleek, attractive hardware
Cons
- Limited hardware options in Canada
- Pricing and terms vary depending on where you buy your system
Monthly Fees
Clover offers the following monthly software plans for merchants who buy their hardware upfront from Clover.com:
- Payments: $0/month (virtual terminal only, no hardware, higher payment processing fee)
- Essentials: $14.95/month
- Register: $44.95/month-$54.90/month
- Counter Service Restaurant: $44.95/month-$54.90/month
- Table Service Restaurant: $74.95/month-$94.85/month
Read our post on Clover POS costs to figure out how much you could be paying for Clover POS hardware and software.
Hardware Cost
In Canada, Clover offers just three devices: Clover Flex ($499 USD); Clover Mini ($799 USD); and Clover Station Duo ($1,799 USD). The Clover Go mobile reader and Clover Station Solo are not available in Canada.
Payment Processing
Payment processing fees for Clover depend on where you buy your system and which monthly plan you’re on. If you purchase from Clover directly, you may get the following flat-rate payment processing fees:
- Card-Present Transactions: 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction (Essentials plan); 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction (Register, Counter Service, Table Service)
- Card-Not-Present Transactions: 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction (all plans)
Card-not-present transactions include every transaction type that is not cash, check, or swipe/chip/tap card payment.
If your business generates a lot of revenue through online sales, find a different Clover merchant services provider or a different POS provider to get lower payment processing rates.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Numerous entities sell Clover, and the terms of your merchant services contract will depend on which bank, merchant services provider, or other types of vendor you purchase your system from. In some cases, merchants purchase a Clover POS from a shady merchant services provider without realizing they are also entering into an expensive long-term contract for payment processing.
Fortunately, if you purchase your Clover hardware through one of these best Clover resellers, you can get a month-to-month contract with transparent terms and fees.
Where Clover Really Shines
Clover shines in terms of its ease of use. It can be one of the best POS for retail options. Your hardware comes preloaded with apps representing each feature on the monthly software plan you’ve selected (for example, Register, Rewards, Discounts, Shifts, etc.). Follow the prompts to activate your system, and you can start ringing up sales. Navigating and using the system is intuitive for anyone who has used a tablet before, making the system super easy to train employees on and start selling with. If you should encounter an issue, there is an app that calls customer service right from your POS screen.
6. Shopify POS: Best For In-Person + eCommerce Sales
Shopify POS |
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Pros
- Affordable month-to-month pricing
- Multichannel selling features
- Integrated processing with Shopify Payments
- Canada Post shipping discount
Cons
- Can’t process payments offline
- Limited hardware availability through mid-2022
Monthly Fees
Shopify plans that include Shopify POS and a Shopify eComm website range from $29 USD/month to $299 USD/month, plus an additional $89 USD/month if you want to add Shopify Pro advanced features. Alternatively, you can accept mobile payments on the Shopify Starter plan for $5/month.
Hardware Cost
Shopify card readers start at $49 for a basic chip card reader. Shopify also sells retail hardware kits that include an iPad stand, card reader, and other accessories, but these are unfortunately sold out through June 2022 due to global supply chain issues; Shopify’s contactless card readers are also sold out through mid-2022.
Payment Processing
Shopify provides integrated in-house payment processing to Canadian merchants via Shopify Payments. Rates for in-person processing range from 2.4% to 2.7% + $0 CAD depending on your monthly plan level. In-person Interac debit rates for Canadian merchants are $0.10 across all plans. Online Canadian credit card rates range from 2.4% to 2.7% + $0.30 CAD.
Shopify also integrates with numerous other payment providers that can be used in Canada, but you will have to pay an additional transaction fee to use a payment provider other than Shopify Payments.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Shopify contracts are all month-to-month with no hidden fees; however, Shopify offers a 10% discount on annual plans and a 20% discount on biennial plans when they are paid upfront.
Where Shopify POS Really Shines
Shopify goes far and beyond just syncing your online and in-store inventories. This Canadian POS system offers selling options that combine online and brick-and-mortar sales with multichannel features, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS), buy in-store, ship to the customer, and browse in-store, buy online.
You can also manage and fulfill curbside pickup and local delivery orders placed online directly from your Shopify POS and print product QR codes customers can use to learn more about and purchase products they see in your store.
All of these features and others make Shopify one of the best POS systems Canada retailers can use for omnichannel sales.
Looking For One Of These Names?
Quetzal
Quetzal is a Canadian POS company that caters to fashion retail stores that sell items like clothing, shoes, and accessories. It’s a great niche system, but unfortunately, Quetzal is currently not accepting new customers. The Quetzal website also states that due to the labor shortage, there is no support at this time. We hope Quetzal can resume its services in the future, but it’s important to keep in mind that purchasing your POS from a super-small company can be risky.
eHopper
eHopper is often advertised as a “free POS system” that can support Canadian businesses. However, its free plan is quite limited — you can only have 50 products and 300 transactions per month—and the “free processing” (cash discount) model eHopper offers is not available in Canada. Thus, businesses looking for a free Canadian POS system would be much better served by a more feature-rich POS such as Square.
ePOS Now
ePOS Now is yet another of the many POS systems in Canada. ePOS Now offers a decent POS product, but the company is not very transparent when it comes to its terms and fees. Merchants are also encouraged to lease their POS hardware, which is kind of a red flag for a POS company. Even worse, ePOS Now also charges an extra monthly fee for customer support, another big no-no in cloud POS. Whatever your POS needs, plenty of other Canadian POS systems can provide a better deal.
Finding the Best POS System In Canada For Your Small Business
When shopping for a Canadian POS system, ask questions to make sure that whatever system(s) you’re considering includes the specific POS features you need for your unique business.
For example, you might need a system that integrates with QuickBooks Online Canada, a POS that accepts QR code payments, or a point of sale with appointment booking features.
In Summary: Top POS Systems In Canada
- Lightspeed Retail POS: Best all-around.
- Square POS: Best free POS.
- TouchBistro: Best for restaurants.
- Revel POS Systems: Best for advanced features.
- Clover POS: Easiest to use.
- Shopify POS: Best for in-person + eCommerce sales.
Nicolette Kier
Expert Analyst & Reviewer
As a small business owner, contributing writer Nicolette Kier has been sharing her knowledge on all things related to freelancing and eCommerce since 2019. She earned a BS in Physics and a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh.
View Nicolette Kier's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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