4 Best Self-Checkout POS Systems
Here are the pros and cons of self-checkout POS systems and our top recommended vendors.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
Lead Staff Writer
Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.
Self-service POS systems are showing up everywhere, from restaurants and boutiques to salons and spas. Following the COVID pandemic, more businesses have added self-checkout options to provide social distancing while increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
We evaluated over 20 POS systems to find the best POS systems for all types and sizes of businesses. If you’re considering a self-checkout solution for your business, keep reading. We’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of adding this technology to your business and provide our top recommendations for self-service POS systems.
Learn More About Our Top Picks
| Company | Best For | Next StepsBest For |
|---|---|---|
Lightspeed Restaurant
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Toast POS
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Revel POS
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KORONA POS
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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.
Table of Contents [hide][show]
- What Is A Self-Service POS System?
- The 4 Best Self-Service POS Systems
- Lightspeed Restaurant: Best Self-Checkout POS For Restaurants
- Toast POS: Best Android-Based POS For Self-Checkout
- Revel POS: Best Self-Checkout For Retailers
- KORONA POS: Best Self-Checkout POS For Events & Ticketing
- Which Self-Service POS Is Right For Your Business?
- Self-Service POS System FAQs
Table of Contents
- What Is A Self-Service POS System?
- The 4 Best Self-Service POS Systems
- How The Best Self-Service POS Systems Compare
- Lightspeed Restaurant: Best Self-Checkout POS For Restaurants
- Lightspeed Restaurant
- Why We Chose Lightspeed Restaurant For Best Self-Checkout POS For Restaurants
- Lightspeed Restaurant Pricing
- Lightspeed Restaurant Features For Self-Checkout
- Hardware Costs & Options
- Payment Processing Costs
- Contract Requirements/Warnings
- Toast POS: Best Android-Based POS For Self-Checkout
- Toast POS
- Why We Chose Toast For Best Android Self-Checkout POS
- Toast Pricing
- Toast Features For Self-Checkout
- Hardware Costs & Options
- Payment Processing Costs
- Contract Requirements/Warnings
- Revel POS: Best Self-Checkout For Retailers
- Revel POS
- Why We Chose Revel Systems For Best Self-Checkout POS For Retailers
- Revel Systems Pricing
- Revel Systems Features For Self-Checkout
- Hardware Costs & Options
- Payment Processing Costs
- Contract Requirements/Warnings
- KORONA POS: Best Self-Checkout POS For Events & Ticketing
- KORONA POS
- Why We Chose KORONA POS For Best POS For Events & Ticketing
- KORONA POS Pricing
- KORONA POS Features For Self-Checkout
- Hardware Costs & Options
- Payment Processing Costs
- Contract Requirements/Warnings
- Methodology
- Which Self-Service POS Is Right For Your Business?
- Self-Service POS System FAQs
What Is A Self-Service POS System?
A self-service point of sale system features hardware and software that a customer can use to manage their own orders. Customers can perform functions such as scanning items for purchase, buying tickets or paying admission fees, creating orders, and paying for products or services.
The type of POS system hardware and software you should get depends on what your business needs.
The Benefits Of Self-Service POS Systems
Self-service POS systems have moved beyond your local grocery chain. In fact, a PYMNTS survey on self-checkouts showed that 28% of consumers are more likely to shop at a non-grocery retailer if a self-checkout option is available. Additionally, the survey showed that 20% expressed interest in shopping at stores that were completely self-service.
Unsurprisingly, self-service options are becoming more popular with retailers and consumers alike. Here are some of the reasons why self-service POS systems are growing in popularity:
- Convenience: According to an NCR report on self-checkout, consumers like the convenience of self-service kiosks.
- Contactless Ordering & Payments: Self-checkout POS systems allow social distancing between customers and employees.
- Speed: Many consumers — especially those with smaller orders or a few items in their baskets — like that self-checkout saves time.
- Helps With Staffing Issues: Self-checkout can streamline many tasks, such as taking orders or ringing up customers, which is especially useful for understaffed businesses.
- Cuts Costs: Self-checkout POS systems are a more cost-efficient solution for growing businesses. This option is often much cheaper than hiring new employees.
- More Productive Staff: With self-checkout POS systems handling many tasks, staff members are free to focus on more productive activities.
The Drawbacks Of Self-Service POS Systems
Self-service POS systems have many great benefits, but there are also some issues to be aware of before investing in your own system. Some of the drawbacks of self-checkout systems include the following:
- Chance For Increased Losses: One ECR report on retail self-checkouts showed that self-service POS systems accounted for up to 23% of respondents’ unknown losses.
- Decreased Interaction: Although some consumers prefer to not interact with staff, other consumers feel that self-checkout makes the shopping experience more impersonal.
- Tech Difficulties: Consumers who aren’t tech-savvy may find that using self-checkout kiosks and hardware is difficult and confusing.
- Added Expenses: While self-service solutions can cut costs in some areas, purchasing hardware, paying monthly subscription fees for software, and maintaining equipment are all additional expenses.
The 4 Best Self-Service POS Systems
The best self-checkout POS systems are cost-effective, easy to use, and customizable to fit your customers’ needs. The best systems should include self-service features as well as the standard features you’d expect from a POS system. Here’s a look at our top four choices in self-checkout POS systems:
- Lightspeed Restaurant: Best Self-Checkout POS For Restaurants
- Toast POS: Best Android-Based POS For Self-Checkout
- Revel POS: Best Self-Checkout For Retailers
- KORONA POS: Best Self-Checkout POS For Events & Ticketing
How The Best Self-Service POS Systems Compare
| Kiosks | Custom Interface | Suitable For Retail | Suitable For Restaurants | Loss Prevention | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightspeed Restaurant | ||||||
| Toast | ||||||
| Revel | ||||||
| KORONA POS |
Lightspeed Restaurant: Best Self-Checkout POS For Restaurants
Pricing
$69-$399+/monthOnline Ordering
Essential plan and upEquipment Cost
$129-$519Pros
- QR code ordering and payments
- Self-Ordering Menu for table and counter service
- No contracts required
Cons
- Limited offline mode
- Moderate learning curve
Why We Chose Lightspeed Restaurant For Best Self-Checkout POS For Restaurants
We like that Lightspeed Restaurant simplifies the self-serve process for restaurants with Order Anywhere. With Order Anywhere, restaurant owners don't have to invest in extra equipment, and diners can order, pay, and even provide feedback from their smartphones by simply scanning a QR code -- no app downloads are required.
Owners can receive real-time transaction data and updates through their Lightspeed Restaurant POS. They can also choose how they set up their QR codes (for example, by table or by menu).
In addition to Order Anywhere, Lightspeed Restaurant boasts a number of other great features, including the Self-Order Menu app for tableside and kiosk ordering and payments, takeout options, delivery management, inventory management, advanced insights, and more.
Get Started With Lightspeed Restaurant
Toast POS: Best Android-Based POS For Self-Checkout
Pricing
$0-$165 plus custom planOnline Ordering
YesEquipment Cost
$0+Pros
- Android-based POS
- Self-ordering kiosks are easy to customize
- Advanced reporting
Cons
- Potentially lengthy payment processing contract
- It can only be used with Toast’s hardware
Why We Chose Toast For Best Android Self-Checkout POS
We like that Toast offers fully customizable self-service kiosks that improve efficiency in restaurant kitchens and dining rooms. Orders are sent to the kitchen in real time, allowing your staff to work to keep customers moving easily.
Adding and removing items is a breeze for restaurant owners and customers. Toast's kiosks even let customers sign up quickly and easily for restaurant loyalty programs.
Toast offers everything you'd want in a restaurant POS system as well as loads of great self-service features, including contactless payments, QR codes, and text message updates for customer orders.
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[/accordion]Revel POS: Best Self-Checkout For Retailers
Pricing
Quote-basedContract
Three-year commitment for lowest rateEquipment Cost
Call for quotePros
- Suitable for larger businesses
- Multistore capability
- Advanced reporting
Cons
- Pricing may be too expensive for smaller businesses
- Contract required for lowest pricing
Why We Chose Revel Systems For Best Self-Checkout POS For Retailers
One of the reasons we love Revel Systems is that it boasts plenty of features and is a great option for larger businesses and businesses with multiple locations. When it comes to self-checkout options, specifically, Revel also has a lot going for it.
Revel's Kiosk XT is suitable for retail shops and restaurants. This fully customizable system allows you to do everything from managing inventory and creating kiosk-specific menus directly from the kiosk to using your own branding for messages and promotions. Kiosk XT can be set up with your own identifiers (such as call names and numbers) to streamline operations while providing customers with an attractive and easy-to-use interface that improves the customer experience.
KORONA POS: Best Self-Checkout POS For Events & Ticketing
Pricing
$59-$69/monthContract
NoneEquipment Cost
Contact for quotePros
- Multilocation capability
- No long-term contracts required
- Competitive monthly pricing
Cons
- Limited inventory management
- Limited integrations
Why We Chose KORONA POS For Best POS For Events & Ticketing
We love that KORONA POS uses one of the most advanced self-service POS options on the market. With RFID technology, the KORONA self-serve kiosk makes it easy for customers to check out, cutting down on errors and duplicate scans while also adding additional security.
We also love the versatility of KORONA's self-checkout kiosks, which can be used in nearly any type of business. KORONA's kiosks work for restaurants and retail shops but can also be used for ticketing and admissions-based businesses, salons, and more.
Methodology
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing POS providers since 2012. Our writers have tested over 100 different point of sale systems, evaluating pricing, features, ease of use, customer service, and user reviewers. Read more about how we rate POS providers.
When comparing different POS software systems, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the depth of niche features offered, the price of hardware, and any associated payment processing fees. Our lists of the best providers include only apps we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points. The POS vendors we pick share qualities such as widespread availability, accessibility, user-friendliness, and reasonable pricing. We also look carefully at niche features, such as check-splitting, inventory management, eCommerce, loyalty programs, gift cards, and more.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the providers included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.
80+
Vendors evaluated
65+
Attributes assessed per vendor
20+
Features weighed
30+
Combined years of experience
Which Self-Service POS Is Right For Your Business?
Self-service kiosk POS systems are making their way into more businesses than ever due to increased customer interest and as a solution for challenges that business owners face. Self-checkout options gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and show no signs of slowing down, but is this the right option for your business?
Evaluate the pros and cons of self-checkout POS systems while keeping in mind your business’s unique needs. If you determine that a self-checkout POS system is worth exploring, do your research and check out demos and free trials to find the best POS system for your small business.
Self-Service POS System FAQs
Erica Seppala
Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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