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The right POS hardware depends on your business type, budget, and goals. This guide breaks down what you need (and what you can skip).
WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
Choosing POS hardware isn’t just about what looks sleek on your counter. It’s about finding the right tools to keep your checkout fast, accurate, and reliable.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of POS hardware, what each one does, and which pieces you actually need for your business. You’ll also learn how your hardware works alongside POS software to create a complete, efficient checkout system.
Table of Contents
The right POS hardware setup depends on your business type, budget, and workflow. What works for a retail store might not make sense for a restaurant or mobile vendor — and vice versa.
Your POS hardware and software work hand in hand. Even the best hardware won’t perform well if your software is slow, outdated, or missing key features. Choose reliable POS software first, then build your hardware setup around it to get the best results.
| Hardware Component | What It Does | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Runs POS software to process sales and manage transactions | $300 – $1,000+ |
| Tablet Stand | Holds and protects your tablet; may swivel or face customers | $100 – $300 |
| Credit Card Terminal | Accepts chip, tap, and swipe payments | $50 – $500+ |
| Receipt Printer | Prints customer receipts (some POS devices have one built in) | $150 – $800 |
| Barcode Scanner | Speeds up checkout by scanning items into the POS | $125 – $250 |
| Cash Drawer | Stores and organizes cash for transactions | $100 – $400 |
| Internet Connection | Keeps all POS components connected and synced | Varies by provider |
A complete POS hardware setup includes a few essential components, though many systems now combine multiple tools into one. For example, your card reader might also print receipts, or your tablet register might double as a customer display.
Here’s a breakdown of the hardware most small businesses use and what each piece does.
Not every business uses the same POS setup. Depending on your industry, you may need additional hardware to handle your unique checkout, ordering, or inventory needs. Here are some examples of specialized POS components used in different types of businesses. You can buy POS hardware directly from your provider or through third-party retailers, depending on your system. Avoid leasing your POS hardware if you can. Here’s why: If you can’t afford to buy your hardware outright, consider financing instead. A small business loan or equipment financing plan lets you spread out payments and own your hardware once it’s paid off. When shopping for POS hardware, think about how your setup will impact your customers’ experience. Do your customers prefer contactless payments like Apple Pay? Would service be faster if your staff could take orders tableside with handheld devices? You know your customers best, so let their needs guide your hardware choices more than anything else. Still need a POS system to pair with your hardware? Check out our guide on how to choose a POS system to find the best fit for your business. Ready to research vendors? Check out our POS quiz to narrow down your choices.
Industry-Specific POS System Hardware
Hardware Type
What It Does
Best For
Scale
Weighs products and sends totals directly to the POS for accurate pricing
Grocery stores, produce markets, frozen yogurt shops, laundromats
Mobile POS Device
Lets employees take payments or orders anywhere using a tablet or handheld terminal
Restaurants, bars, retail floor staff, food trucks
Kitchen Display System (KDS)
Digitally displays orders in the kitchen, replacing paper tickets and improving speed
Restaurants, cafés, bakeries
Digital Signage
Shows menus, specials, or promotions on digital screens that update in real time
Quick-service restaurants, breweries, cafés
Self-Serve Kiosk
Allows customers to browse, order, and pay without staff assistance
Fast-casual restaurants, coffee shops, self-checkout retail
Where To Buy POS Hardware
Leasing POS System Hardware
The Bottom Line On POS Hardware
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
Square POS is an intuitive and simple point of sale platform. It offers customizable tools and a variety of add-ons to fit your business needs and reach your goals.
Get Started
