10 Best POS Systems For Small Business In 2022
A POS isn’t just a point of sale system; it’s a hub of operations. The best POS system for small business gives you everything you need to keep your business running smoothly.

The best POS systems for small businesses balance functionality, flexibility, and affordability. However, we have found a ton of POS systems out there to choose from. So we have thoroughly researched all of the top point of sale systems on the market to come up with this list of the best point of sale systems for every business need.
Whether you own a retail establishment, restaurant, service-based business, or a business that doesn’t fit neatly into any one box, there is a good chance that at least one of the point of sale software systems on this list is the right fit. Keep reading to find the POS system for your specific business type, size, budget, and feature requirements.
Learn More About Our Top Picks
Other Featured Options:
- Toast POS:
- $0+/month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.49% - 2.99% + $0.15
- Runs on Android tablets
- Shopify POS:
- $9+/ month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.4%-2.7%
- Runs on iOS & Android
- Payment Depot Mobile:
- $10+/ month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
- Runs on iOS & Android
- Vend by Lightspeed:
- $99+/month
- Choice of several payment processors
- Runs on iPad, Mac, and Windows PC
- Loyverse:
- $0+/ month
- Choice of several payment processors
- Runs on iOS, Android, & Windows tablets
Read more below to learn why we chose these options.
Table of Contents
10 Best POS Systems For Small Business
The best POS systems for small business have robust tools suited to your specific industry with features including: employee management, inventory management, eCommerce options, reports, social media and other marketing tools, and more options when it is time to scale.
1. Revel Systems: Best For Advanced POS Features
Revel POS Systems |
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Pros
- Advanced iPad POS
- Adaptable to any industry
- Strong offline mode
Cons
- Long-term processing commitment
Revel Systems Pricing
Revel Systems POS monthly pricing starts at $99/month, billed annually, with a two-terminal minimum. There is also a $674 one-time implementation fee. Add-ons, such as online ordering, delivery management, kiosk ordering, multilocation management, and software integrations, are offered at a premium. However, Revel does not publicly disclose the pricing for those services.
Revel Hardware Cost
The iPad-based Revel POS hardware sold on Revel’s website is quote-based.
Payment Processing
Revel has an in-house flat-rate payment processing service called Revel Advantage, with a standard rate of 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction. You can also integrate an outside payment processor of your choice for an additional fee.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Revel’s $99/month package requires annual billing, with a three-year processing contract with Revel Advantage. Given the two-terminal minimum, this means you are committing to pay at least $2,376 upfront per year for the next three years (in addition to payment processing fees).
Where Revel Really Shines
Despite its steep price tag and long-term commitment, Revel Systems is arguably the most advanced iPad point of sale system out there, particularly for quick-serve (though many retailers use it too). Whether you need digital menu boards, self-order kiosks, caller ID integration, or all of the above, Revel has got you covered. With this very customizable system, it’s one of the best options for even very specific niches, such as a golf course pos.
Revel is one of the few cloud POS systems that can process payments offline and even has a proprietary wired Ethernet connection for iPad. As a result, Revel can handle any size business that needs a powerful and reliable POS system.
Get Started with Revel POS Systems
2. Clover POS: Best Out-Of-The-Box Features
Clover POS |
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Pros
- Plug-and-play, all-in-one POS
- Sleek, flexible hardware options
- Customizable to any industry
Cons
- Some Clover systems sold by sketchy merchant services companies
Clover Pricing
Clover pricing starts at $0/month for its payments-only plan. To get the full Clover POS feature set, most businesses will choose the $39.95/month Clover Register Plan, $39.95/month Counter Service Plan, or $69.95/month Table Service Plan, depending on your industry. The Clover POS feature set includes built-in apps for loyalty, promos, employee management, inventory, and more. Additional terminals on any plan are $9.95/month.
Clover Hardware Cost
Clover hardware starts at $99 for a Clover Go Bluetooth credit card reader, which pairs with your smartphone, but most businesses wanting a complete countertop POS will go with the $1,349 Clover Station Solo. Other hardware options include a portable Clover Flex for $499, a pint-size Clover Mini for $749, or a Station Duo for $1,699. You do not need to purchase any Clover hardware if you choose the “No Hardware” plan, which lets you process payments online exclusively.
Payment Processing
Clover plans purchased through Clover.com include built-in payment processing on all accounts, with in-person rates ranging from 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10, depending on your monthly software plan. However, Clover systems purchased elsewhere may have different payment processing fees.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
All Clover systems and associated contracts sold on the Clover website are month-to-month. However, numerous merchant services companies sell Clover point of sale systems with their own contracts and pricing. Some of these Clover providers may have expensive processing and restrictive, long-term contracts and hardware leases. Make sure you purchase your system from Clover directly or another reputable Clover provider.
Where Clover Really Shines
Clover is a one-of-a-kind POS system that is mobile, modern, and uniquely designed for small businesses. Clover is an ideal choice of POS if you want a plug-and-play POS with strong out-of-the-box features. Once you purchase your Clover system — you’ll buy your complete hardware setup as a package, complete with bundled software apps — you can get up and selling in minutes. You can also add additional features from a vast Clover app market to create a system perfectly tailored to you, whether you have a retail, quick-serve, full-service restaurant, or service industry business.
3. Lightspeed Retail: Best All-Around
Lightspeed Retail POS |
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Pros
- Made especially for retail businesses
- In-house eCommerce platform
- Strong inventory management
Cons
- It can get expensive if you want all the features
Lightspeed Pricing
Lightspeed Retail pricing starts at $69/month for the “Lean” plan, which includes the core Lightspeed point of sale software. You can upgrade to the $119/month “Standard” plan to get accounting and the built-in eCommerce features or the $199/month “Advanced” plan to add loyalty and analytics. Additional registers on any plan are $29/month/register.
Lightspeed Hardware Cost
Lightspeed sells iPad and desktop PC hardware kits as well as individual hardware components, all of which are quote-based.
Payment Processing
In-house processing with Lightspeed Payments is included on all plans. The rate is 2.6% + $0.10 for all tapped, inserted, and swiped payments. Manually keyed-in payments are charged at a rate of 2.6% + $0.30 (including online payments). Lightspeed optionally allows you to integrate an outside payment processor for an additional monthly fee.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
The above monthly subscription prices are for merchants using Lightspeed Payments with an annual contract; integrating an outside payment processor or paying month-to-month will incur a higher subscription price.
Where Lightspeed Retail Really Shines
Lightspeed Retail is easily the most powerful retail POS at its price point. As long as you’re willing to pay a bit extra for all the bells and whistles, Lightspeed has everything small-to-medium-sized retail businesses could need to sell and manage their business, with excellent customer support to guide you through it all. Lightspeed is the best POS system for any retail store that needs features, such as advanced inventory management, vendor purchase orders, built-in eCommerce, and a plethora of software integrations in case you want to make your system even more powerful.
Get Started with Lightspeed Retail POS
4. Square: Best Free
Square POS |
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Pros
- Feature-packed free plan
- Works for any industry
- Works on most mobile devices
Cons
- Account stability issues for some merchants
Square Monthly Pricing
Square POS is free ($0/month) with unlimited registers/devices. You can, however, purchase paid Square add-ons, such as advanced team management ($35/month/location), email marketing ($15+/month), and loyalty ($45+/month/location). Additionally, Square has dedicated point of sale systems for specific industries, including Square Appointments (for salons and other appointment-based businesses), Square for Restaurants, and Square for Retail, all of which offer free and paid plans.
Hardware Cost
Hardware prices range from $0 (just use your mobile phone and a free Square magstripe reader) to $1,668 for a complete Square Stand Restaurant Station kit. The kit includes an iPad, swiveling Square Stand with magstripe reader, portable Square Terminal ($299 when purchased separately), Square chip and tap reader, cash drawer, kitchen printer, and USB receipt printer.
Payment Processing
Square has built-in payment processing on all plans, charging a flat 2.6% + $0.10 per tap, dip, or swipe. Manually keyed-in card payments have a rate of 3.5% + $0.15, while online payments are 2.9% + $0.30.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Square’s month-to-month contract is ideal for any business that doesn’t want a long-term commitment. After signing up, you’re not even committed to using the POS at all, as there is no monthly minimum. A caveat is that Square has an aggregated merchant account model (i.e., businesses do not get their own dedicated merchant accounts), which can lead to withheld funds on transactions that Square’s algorithm flags as high risk or even sudden account termination for some merchants.
Where Square Really Shines
Square really shines when it comes to the number and quality of its free POS features. No other free POS offers free eCommerce, free employee management, free inventory management, and as many other free features as Square does — or at least, no other free POS executes these features quite as expertly as Square does. Simply put, you can’t find a better free POS than Square.
5. Lightspeed Restaurant: Best For Restaurants
Lightspeed Restaurant POS |
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Pros
- Can accommodate any type of restaurant
- Advanced digital ordering features
- Affordable starting price
Cons
- Limited offline mode
Lightspeed Restaurant Pricing
Lightspeed Restaurant fees start at $39/month (billed annually). Additional terminals are $34/month, and paid add-ons, such as a customer-facing display or self-order table menu, start at $12/month. Premium add ons, such as online ordering and delivery integration, start at $39/month.
Lightspeed Hardware Cost
Lightspeed Restaurant sells iPad POS hardware kits and individual hardware components, which are quote-based. You can also source your own hardware.
Payment Processing
In-house processing with Lightspeed Payments is included on all plans. The rate is 2.6% + $0.10 for all tapped, inserted, and swiped payments. Manually keyed-in payments are charged at a rate of 2.6% + $0.30 (including online payments). Lightspeed optionally allows you to integrate an outside payment processor for an additional monthly fee.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Lightspeed encourages annual contracts with Lightspeed Payments for payment processing. Restaurants that choose to integrate an outside payment processor or month-to-month billing will pay a higher monthly fee.
Where Lightspeed Restaurant Really Shines
Besides its strong core restaurant POS functionality, Lightspeed Restaurant has all the digital ordering features restaurants need to thrive in today’s world. These include third-party delivery service integration, as well as an in-house online ordering system for pickup or delivery, and an integrated eCommerce website to sell merch online. Restaurants can also let customers order and pay on their phones via QR codes or place orders from a self-order kiosk. Whether you own a food truck, a nightclub, or any other type of eatery, Lightspeed Restaurant has the tech-forward features you need.
Get Started with Lightspeed Restaurant POS
6. Toast: Best Customer Service
Toast POS |
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Pros
- Outstanding customer service
- Restaurant-grade Android hardware
- Advanced online and mobile ordering features
Cons
- Complicated pricing
Toast Pricing
Toast pricing starts at $0/month for the Pay-As-You-Go plan. However, since this plan comes with a high payment processing rate (2.99% + $0.15), most businesses should choose the $69/month core subscription ($59/month billed annually) or $165/month Essentials plan to include online ordering and delivery. There is also a Growth plan for $272/month, which adds gift cards, loyalty, and marketing. Handheld ordering devices are another $50/month per device, while a kiosk terminal or kitchen display system will set you back another $90/month and $25/month, respectively.
Toast Hardware Cost
Toast hardware starts at $0 if you choose a Starter Kit on the Pay-As-You-Go plan. The kit includes Toast’s proprietary Android-based Flex POS terminal, Toast Tap payment device, and router. Alternatively, you can pay for your Starter Kit upfront for $799. Pricing for other kit configurations and individual components is listed on Toast’s website.
Payment Processing
Toast payment processing on the standard plan is 2.49% + $0.15 for most in-person payments. Note that unlike the other providers on our list, Toast charges more to process American Express cards — 3.29% + $0.15, to be exact. It is not possible to integrate an outside payment processor to use with Toast POS.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Toast requires a two-year payment processing agreement. Similar to Clover, Toast hardware is proprietary and can’t be used with any other POS system if you decide you don’t like Toast. Make sure you have thoroughly read your merchant agreement so that you understand all the fees (including online processing fees, cancelation fees, and others) before you decide to commit to Toast.
Where Toast Really Shines
Toast’s features hold their own with pretty much any other restaurant POS system out there, even though it doesn’t follow the ubiquitous iPad POS model. Toast has also beefed up its digital ordering extras to include eGift cards, contactless delivery, and even a mobile delivery app. But most significantly, Toast has some of the best customer service that we’ve come across in our reviews. Toast has a thorough onboarding and training process, walking you through every step of setup, and it doesn’t end there. Even after you get up and going, Toast customer support is available 24/7/365 via call, email, or webchat.
7. Shopify POS: Best For In-Person + eCommerce
Shopify POS |
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Pros
- Syncs eCommerce and in-person retail sales
- Month-to-month plans with no long-term commitment
- Unlimited devices per location
Cons
- Complicated pricing
Shopify POS Pricing
Shopify plans start at just $9/month for a Shopify Lite mobile selling plan but can range up to $299/month for an Advanced Shopify plan. There is no fee to add additional register devices at the same location. Shopify also has a Shopify Pro add-on for $89/month, which includes staff roles and permissions and advanced omnichannel features.
Shopify Hardware Cost
Shopify POS hardware ranges from a $29 chip card reader that you can use with a mobile phone to iPad POS hardware bundles listed at $789 (not including the iPad). All Shopify hardware pricing is listed on Shopify’s website.
Payment Processing
Processing with Shopify Payments is included on all plans, or you can use an external processor for an additional fee. In-person payment processing fees for Shopify Payments range from 2.4% to 2.7%, depending on which plan you’re on. Online processing fees range from 2.4% to 2.9% + $0.30.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
All Shopify plans are billed month-to-month, which means there is no long-term commitment. Something to know about Shopify Payments is that it is powered by Stripe, which is a third-party payment processor like Square. So you will not have your own merchant account with Shopify and could potentially experience account instability, particularly if you own a high-risk business.
Where Shopify Really Shines
Shopify is especially known for its strong eCommerce functionality, as this retail system started as an eCommerce company that made it easy for retailers to sell online. Shopify POS provides a bridge between your online and in-person sales, effortlessly syncing your inventory across multiple channels. All Shopify plans on the Basic ($29/month) tier and up include your own Shopify online store and blog. Advanced omnichannel features, such as BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) and BORIS (buy online, return in-store), are included on all Shopify Pro plans.
8. SwipeSimple By Payment Depot: Best Basic Option For Mobile
Payment Depot Mobile |
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Pros
- Mobile POS
- It comes with your own merchant account
- Plans for low-volume and high-volume sellers
Cons
- Pared-down feature set
SwipeSimple Pricing
Payment Depot offers two pricing setups for SwipeSimple. For low-volume merchants, it’s $10/month with flat-rate pricing. For higher-volume businesses using SwipeSimple, Payment Depot offers $49/month membership pricing with interchange-plus rates.
SwipeSimple Hardware Cost
SwipeSimple can use a $25 Bluetooth card reader with an app installed on your smartphone or a PAX all-in-one terminal.
Payment Processing
Payment Depot offers both flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10 and interchange pricing, depending on your monthly plan.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Payment Depot has month-to-month contracts with no cancellation fees or monthly minimums. You can cancel your contract at any time on either monthly plan. You also get your own merchant account with Payment Depot, which provides greater account stability than you get with another mobile POS provider, such as Square or Shopify. Note that like Clover, SwipeSimple is also offered by other providers that have different contract terms than Payment Depot.
Where SwipeSimple By Payment Depot Really Shines
SwipeSimple by Payment Depot is the best basic mobile POS or Square alternative. The SwipeSimple app offers basic inventory management, reports, discounts, tips, digital receipts, and an offline mode, as well as 24/7 support and 24 to 48-hour deposits. But the main benefit of using SwipeSimple vs. other mobile POS is that you get your own dedicated merchant account. This makes SwipeSimple by Payment Depot the best choice for businesses that just need mobile payment processing with basic POS features.
Get Started with Payment Depot Mobile
9. Vend: Best For Inventory Management
Vend by Lightspeed |
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Pros
- Strong inventory management
- Choice of hardware setup and payment processor
- Features designed specifically for retailers
Cons
- No built-in eCommerce
Vend Monthly Fees
Vend has a very limited free plan, but it only includes support for 10 products and will not work for most businesses. Full Vend POS plans are $99/month for the Lite plan or $129/month for the Pro plan (both billed annually).
Vend Hardware Cost
Through its hardware partner POS Portal, you can purchase a complete Vend POS hardware bundle, including a 10.2″ iPad for $806.49 or a starter kit that you can use with your laptop or iPad for $694.99.
Payment Processing
Vend does not include built-in payment processing, but rather, the POS integrates with various partnered processors. In the United States, some payment processors you can use with Vend include Worldpay, PayPal, CardConnect, EVO, North American Bancard, TSYS, and Square.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
While Vend gives you the option of a month-to-month contract, you will pay an additional fee if you don’t purchase the annual contract — $20/month more on the Lite plan or an additional $30/month on the Pro plan. On the positive side, Vend does not require you to use any particular processor or hardware.
Where Vend Really Shines
Vend’s retail-centric inventory management makes this system a strong choice for stores with extensive inventories. Vend lets you add tags and photos to inventory items for easy searching and add items to themed bundles. You can also use the Vend Scanner app for iPhone to look up items from the shop floor or conduct mobile stocktakes. The system additionally includes automatic reorder points to refill stocks of popular items, multilocation inventory transfers, and inventory analytics to show you what’s selling and what’s not.
Get Started with Vend by Lightspeed
10. Loyverse: Easiest To Use
Loyverse |
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Pros
- Free POS with built-in loyalty
- Works with most mobile devices and payment processors
- Excellent ease of use
Cons
- Somewhat basic functionality
Loyverse Pricing
Loyverse POS is free ($0/month) and includes a free built-in loyalty program, a free kitchen display system option, and free customer-display functionality. There are three optional paid add-ons for Loyverse, including advanced inventory management, employee management, and software integrations (e.g., QuickBooks integration), all of which are offered at $25/month per store.
Loyverse Hardware Cost
For $439, you can purchase a complete mPOP™ Multifunction System from Loyverse’s website for use with iPad, Android tablets, and Windows tablets. You can also purchase individual POS components for iPad and Android tablet POS setups.
Payment Processing
To process payments with Loyverse, US merchants can choose from Worldpay, SumUp, Zettle by PayPal, and CardConnect. You can also use your own merchant service provider as a non-integrated payment option.
Contract Requirements/Warnings
Loyverse POS is completely free and month-to-month, with no requirement to purchase hardware or use a particular processor. If you choose to buy a paid add-on, you can select a month-to-month plan or an annual plan for a discount. It is easy to cancel your plan at any time.
Where Loyverse Really Shines
Being a relatively basic, free POS application, Loyverse is incredibly easy to use on virtually any device, from an iPhone to a Windows tablet. And even though Loyverse is not the most advanced POS system available, it provides an impressive amount of functionality considering the free price tag. Businesses in a variety of industries, from grocery stores to cafes to boutiques, find Loyverse to be a highly capable POS with built-in loyalty.
FAQs: Point Of Sale Software
In Summary: 10 Best POS Systems For Small Business
- Revel POS Systems:
- $99+/month
- Flat rate processing at 2.49% + $0.15
- Runs on iPad
- Clover POS:
- $0+/month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10
- Hardware options include Station, Mini, Flex, & Go
- Lightspeed Retail POS:
- $69+/month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
- Runs on iPad or Desktop PC
- Square POS:
- $0+/ month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
- Runs on iOS, Android, Square Terminal, Square Register
- Lightspeed Restaurant POS:
- $39+/ month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
- Runs on iPad
- Toast POS:
- $0+/month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.49% - 2.99% + $0.15
- Runs on Android tablets
- Shopify POS:
- $9+/ month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.4%-2.7%
- Runs on iOS & Android
- Payment Depot Mobile:
- $10+/ month
- Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
- Runs on iOS & Android
- Vend by Lightspeed:
- $99+/month
- Choice of several payment processors
- Runs on iPad, Mac, and Windows PC
- Loyverse:
- $0+/ month
- Choice of several payment processors
- Runs on iOS, Android, & Windows tablets
I own a small vape store. Monthly income typically runs between $10,000 – $ 24,000.
I am looking for something very simple. Sales, tax, inventory management.
Thankyou for any help.
Dannie Pilgrim
This comment refers to an earlier version of this post and may be outdated.
Hi Dannie,
I don’t know that we have reviewed any POS systems specifically for vape shop purposes, but I think you’d be in pretty good shape with Lightspeed or Vend. Reach out to them and see if they can meet your needs!
This comment refers to an earlier version of this post and may be outdated.