6 Best POS System for Small Business in 2024

Choosing the best POS system for small business can be an essential process for many merchants. Your “point of sale” system is crucial to processing and managing transactions in the retail world.

However, not all POS solutions are specially designed for smaller companies.

A leading POS solution will give you all the features you need to track and manage your sales, handle inventory, and ensure consistent business growth.

However, it will also offer simplicity and affordability if it was designed with small businesses in mind.

Today, we’re looking at some of the most reliable POS solutions for small business owners, to help you make the right choice for your company.

There’s no-one-size-fits-all strategy to choosing the best POS system. The right POS solution for you will depend on your specific business needs, the payment processing tools you use, and your strategy for growing your company.

We assessed the following solutions with a focus on functionality, ease-of-use, and affordability for small business owners.

What are he Best POS System for Small Business in 2024?

1. Shopify POS
2. Square POS
3. Lightspeed POS
4. SumUP
5. Clover POS
6. Zettle

1. Shopify POS

If you’re looking for a way to sync your in-store payments with your e-commerce company, Shopify POS could be the perfect solution for you.

Shopify POS one of the most popular omnichannel POS solutions on the market, offering access to a variety of sales channels and solutions.

The intuitive dashboard ensures you can manage your sales, track your inventory across platforms, and even manage employees in one convenient space.

Plus, Shopify has it’s own built-in payment processing solution, capable of accepting everything from gift cards, to Apple Pay and Google Pay, credit cards and debit cards.

With Shopify, you can integrate your software with a variety of hardware options and mobile POS systems. Plus, you can use the data you collect, alongside customer profiles to power marketing and sales strategies.

Pricing

Most Shopify plans come with the Lite version of the Shopify POS system included. You’ll need a Shopify ecommerce plan to access the basic service, starting at $39 per month for full online store functionality. However, there are transaction fees to consider too.

If you want to upgrade to Shopify POS Pro, you’ll pay $89 per month for each location.

2. Square POS

Another of our top picks for small business owners, the Square POS solution is one of the most popular options on the market. Square has earned a fantastic reputation for its excellent payment processing capabilities, high levels of security, and support for various payment options.

The Square platform supports over 2 million businesses worldwide, offering a combination of both hardware and software.

The company even offers specialized versions of its software for restaurants, food trucks, and different types of retail stores. Plus, you can build a free website with Square online if you want to leverage multichannel ecommerce.

Square’s technology includes inventory management options, team management tools, customer profiling solutions for tracking buyer data, and extensive reporting and analytics capabilities. Plus, it integrates with a wide range of online software solutions.

Square also offers a range of dedicated hardware options to choose from, including card readers for $49, POS terminals for $299, and the Square Register for $799.

Pricing

While the Square software is free to use, you will need to pay for any hardware you want to access, as well as transaction fees.

The company charges around 2.5% for most transactions, however, costs can vary depending on the type of payment and your customer’s location.

3. Lightspeed POS

If you’re looking for a flexible cloud-based POS system, Lightspeed POS could be the perfect option for you.

This constantly-evolving ecosystem is perfect for all kinds of businesses in the retail space. It offers an easy-to-use interface for beginners, as well as various robust features for sales.

Lightspeed’s POS can support multi-channel selling, so you can sell online and offline at the same time. There are marketing tools, such as Google ads integrations, so you can boost your sales. Plus, you can access the full ecosystem on your mobile device.

With Lightspeed, companies can take all kinds of payments at checkout, including contactless payments with the right hardware.

Plus, you can even use Lightspeed to set up appointments and bookings. To help streamline your business, Lightspeed makes it easy to track inventory, manage sales reports, and access a range of add-ons.

Pricing

Pricing for Lightspeed POS depends on your specific business needs. Prices start at $89 per month if you pay monthly for the “Lean” plan.

There’s also the “Standard” plan for $149 per month, the “Advanced” plan for $269 per month, and a custom-priced enterprise package.

If you pay annually for any of the packages, you can also access significant discounts.

4. SumUp

SumUp is an excellent point of sale system, which makes it easy to manage your business across a variety of environments. There are various different types of tools available for all kinds of stores, including plenty of hardware options to suit any business need.

With SumUp, you can access comprehensive tracking tools, and automate important actions like managing payments and tracking inventory.

There’s a mobile app so you can handle your store processes on the move. Plus, you can connect your online store to the system, and create unique payment links and invoices for customers.

SumUp offers excellent customer support for beginners, self-service tools, and fantastic end-to-end security and encryption.

There are also lots of ways to customize your POS system to suit your specific business model. That means whether you’re looking for retail or restaurant POS systems, SumUp has something to offer everyone.

Hardware options range from simple standalone card readers to more comprehensive registers and complete business kits.

Pricing

There are no subscription costs to pay for accessing SumUp software. However, there are transaction fees, starting at an average of around 2.5% for online transactions and payment links.

Card readers charge around 1.69% for each transaction, depending on your location.

5. Clover POS

Clover combines a range of features into one comprehensive platform, from credit card processing, to loyalty programs and gift cards.

Considered one of the most reliable tools on the market, Clover has a minimal learning curve, and lots of useful features.

Like many POS providers, Clover ensures its system integrates with a range of tools, such as QuickBooks and ecommerce platforms. It can also integrate with any barcode scanner, cash drawer, or cash register you might be using in your retail business.

Clover offers extensive reporting tools for tracking all kinds of transactions, online ordering features, and one-touch transaction options.

You can even set up simple solutions for tipping, refunds, and more. Plus, the versatile solution comes with relatively low payment processing fees, and a full warranty for all of the equipment you purchase.

If you’re running a professional service or restaurant business, Clover can also offer specific tools for your industry.

Pricing

Clover aims to keep business operations simple with a straightforward single price for all of your hardware and software.

However, there are no pricing packages available on the website. You’ll need to contact the team to access a quote for your specific needs.

6. Zettle

One of the most convenient retail POS systems available, Zettle is excellent for fast-paced business environments.

Since the platform is owned by PayPal, it’s considered one of the best point-of-sale solutions for those in search of reliability and scalability.

With Zettle, you can manage transactions both in-person and online at the same time, synchronize inventory across platforms, and experiment with a wide range of hardware options for cafes, stores, and more.

The omnichannel solution is easy to use on any mobile device or iPad, and it comes with excellent security built in for peace of mind.

The Zettle POS features also include access to comprehensive product libraries, and secure staff accounts, so you can manage your entire team.

Plus, there are various ready-made store kits available if you want to buy your hardware and software at once.

The Zettle POS app even allows you to take payments via iOS or Android if you want to keep hardware costs low.

Pricing

While you can access the POS software from Zettle for free, there are flat-rate transaction fees, as well as additional payment processing fees to consider.

Transaction costs start at around 2.29% in the United States, and there’s an online quotation tool to help you plan your costs.

Choosing the Right POS System for Small Businesses

The best POS system for small business will depend on your specific needs. There are various amazing options to choose from in today’s market, all with their distinct pros and cons to consider.

Fortunately, many of these tools allow you to get started for free, so you can explore the functionality yourself before committing to a specific plan.

Remember, the best POS solution should always make it easier to manage and run your online store. Think carefully about your business model, the integration options you need, and other factors before you make your decision.

It’s also worth looking for a solution that offers fantastic customer support, just in case you do encounter any technical issues.