7 Best POS Systems in 2025

When I started looking into POS systems for my retail business, I was overwhelmed by how many options were out there.

Every platform claimed to be the “best,” but few were actually designed to work for my specific needs. That’s when I realized there’s no one-size-fits-all. What’s “best” depends on what type of business you run.

Some systems are perfect for traditional retail stores, while others shine in food service, pop-up shops, or ecommerce hybrids.

So I decided to break it all down and compare the seven most trusted POS platforms in the industry today:

Best POS Systems

1. Shopify POS: The Best Overall POS System
2. Square POS – The Most Popular POS System
3. TouchBistro – Best for Restaurants
4. Lightspeed POS – Best for Retail
5. Clover POS – Best for Flexibility
6. Toast POS – Best for Food Service
7. Zettle – Best for Pop-Up Shops
   

Choosing the Best POS System for Your Store

There are a lot of POS systems out there. And truthfully, not every one will fit your business.

Some are better for retail stores with lots of SKUs and multi-location setups. Others are great for mobile vendors who sell at events. If you’re in food service, your needs will be completely different—things like table management and tipping come into play.

What Should You Look For?

Here’s what I recommend focusing on when choosing a POS system:

• Sales Channels: Are you selling in-store only? Online too? Both?
• Business Type: Retail, restaurant, food truck, pop-up shop, or service-based?
• Inventory Needs: Do you have a lot of SKUs, or just a few?
• Team Size: Are you a solo entrepreneur or managing multiple staff?
• Budget: Do you want something free to start or are you ready to invest?

Even the hardware matters. Some systems run on iPads. Others offer full touchscreen terminals. Some are handheld and mobile. You’ve got to think about how you want your checkout process to feel for both you and your customers.

How We Chose These POS Systems

I looked at the most reputable and widely used POS platforms on the market today. These aren’t just random picks—they’re based on real-world usage, feedback from business owners, pricing models, and performance in retail and food environments.

Every system on this list has been evaluated based on:

• Ease of use
• Pricing and transaction fees
• Features and add-ons
• Hardware options
• Customer support
• Scalability for future growth

So whether you're running a boutique, managing a restaurant, or selling products at pop-up events, this guide will help you find the right system that fits your workflow.

The Best POS Systems in 2025 Reviewed

1. Shopify POS: The Best Overall POS System

I’ll be honest—if you're already using Shopify for ecommerce, there’s really no better option than Shopify POS.

It bridges the gap between your online store and your physical storefront so well that managing inventory, sales, and customer data becomes seamless.

Why I Recommend Shopify POS

Shopify POS combines your ecommerce and retail operations under one platform. You don’t need to jump between tools to manage stock or track orders.

Everything syncs automatically, which saves hours each week.

Here’s what really stands out:

• Seamless inventory sync: Real-time updates between online and in-store
• Multiple payment options: Accepts cards, contactless, gift cards, and Shopify Payments
• User-friendly interface: Easy for staff to learn and use quickly
• Customer profiles: Tracks purchase history and preferences

Pricing

Pricing depends on whether you're using the Shopify POS Lite or Pro version. POS Lite is included for free with any Shopify ecommerce plan, which starts at $39/month.

But if you’re managing a physical store or multiple locations, you’ll probably want Shopify POS Pro, which costs $89/month per location.

It unlocks features like staff permissions, advanced inventory management, and better reporting.

Transaction fees are 2.7% for in-person card payments using Shopify Payments, which is competitive and includes fraud analysis.

Plan	Monthly Price	Transaction Fees
Shopify POS Lite	Free (with Shopify plan)	2.7% per in-person transaction
Shopify POS Pro	$89/month/location	Same transaction fee applies

If you’re scaling or running multiple locations, the Pro plan gives you more control with custom staff roles, advanced reports, and smart inventory management.

2. Square POS – The Most Popular POS System

Square was the first POS system I tried when I opened my small shop. It’s free to start, incredibly intuitive, and works with just a phone and a card reader. It’s still the top pick for many small businesses, and for good reason.

Why Businesses Love Square POS

Square is built for simplicity. You don’t need to invest in fancy hardware right away. I just downloaded the app, ordered their reader, and I was ready to take payments within days.

What makes Square special:

• Free to use: No monthly subscription for the basic POS
• Hardware included: Free card reader with signup
• Built-in tools: Invoicing, inventory, CRM, and basic analytics
• App integrations: Works with thousands of tools for accounting, shipping, and marketing

Pricing

Square POS stands out for its pricing—the core software is 100% free. There’s no monthly fee unless you opt into advanced features or add-ons like loyalty programs or payroll.

Hardware is affordable and starts at just $49 for a basic card reader. Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, which is pretty standard for the industry.

If you process a lot of volume or need custom rates, you can reach out to their sales team.

Feature	Cost
Software	Free
Credit Card Processing	2.6% + 10¢ per tap, dip, or swipe
Square Stand	$149
Square Terminal	$299

It’s a great fit for boutiques, salons, or coffee shops—especially if you’re just getting started or working solo.

3. TouchBistro – Best for Restaurants

If you’re running a restaurant, café, or bar, TouchBistro is purpose-built for that environment. I wouldn’t recommend it for a clothing store or general retail, but it’s amazing for food service.

Why TouchBistro Stands Out

TouchBistro is designed to work even when your internet goes down. It’s a hybrid system—cloud-based, but it runs locally, so your operations don’t stop if your WiFi does.

What I like most:

• Built for restaurants: Table management, tipping, and menu customizations are all included
• Offline mode: Keeps you running even if your connection drops
• Integrated payments: Works with multiple processors and offers competitive rates
• Team management: Staff scheduling and payroll tools are included

Pricing

TouchBistro has a starting price of $69/month per terminal for the Solo plan, with higher-tier plans like Dual, Team, and Unlimited offering more features and multi-user support.

Hardware is sold separately and usually includes iPads, stands, printers, and card readers.

Processing fees vary based on your chosen payment processor (they integrate with several), so you’ll want to compare rates before choosing. Expect most setups to land between $100–$300/month depending on features and scale.

Plan	Monthly Price (per license)
Solo	$69
Dual	$129
Team	$249
Unlimited	Custom pricing

Each plan gives access to different features like loyalty programs, online ordering, and advanced analytics. It's not the cheapest, but it’s one of the best for restaurants that rely on speed and accuracy.

4. Lightspeed POS – Best for Retail

If your store handles a large inventory or you run multiple locations, Lightspeed is a serious contender. It’s one of the more powerful platforms out there for retail operations.

Why Lightspeed Works for Retail

Lightspeed POS system is tailored for complex inventory. I’m talking about serialized items, bulk importing, supplier management—the whole nine yards. If you’re selling 1000+ SKUs, Lightspeed is worth looking into.

Key features:

• Advanced inventory tools: Track variations, bundles, and reorder points
• Omnichannel selling: Connects online store with in-store seamlessly
• Built-in purchase orders: Order from vendors directly within the system
• Detailed reporting: See profit margins, stock levels, and trends in one dashboard

Pricing

Lightspeed is a premium retail POS and it's priced accordingly. Plans start at $89/month for the Lean package, which includes the basics for in-store sales.

If you need ecommerce integration, loyalty programs, or advanced analytics, you’ll want to upgrade to the Standard ($149/month) or Advanced ($269/month) plans.

The pricing may seem high, but for retailers managing complex inventories, it offers solid value. Hardware and payment processing rates are custom and depend on volume.

Plan	Monthly Price	Features
Lean	$89	Basic retail tools
Standard	$149	Ecommerce + accounting integrations
Advanced	$269	Loyalty + advanced analytics
Enterprise	Custom	High-volume businesses

Lightspeed is great for fashion, electronics, and any retailer that needs precision across thousands of products.

5. Clover POS – Best for Flexibility

Clover is one of the most adaptable systems out there. You can customize both the hardware and the software to fit your business model, whether you're running a retail shop, a small café, or a multi-service business.

What Makes Clover Flexible

You can mix and match their hardware setups—from handheld Flex devices to full-on registers. Plus, the Clover App Market lets you add features like time tracking, inventory management, and loyalty programs.

What I found useful:

• Custom hardware configurations: Choose from Clover Go, Flex, Mini, or Station
• Third-party integrations: Easily connects with QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and more
• Employee management: Track hours and access levels
• Customer engagement: Loyalty programs, gift cards, and customer feedback tools

Pricing

Clover’s pricing structure depends heavily on your hardware and merchant account provider. The software itself starts at $14.95/month, but most businesses go for a hardware-software bundle.

For example, Clover Flex costs $499 and the Clover Station is $1,699. You’ll also pay processing fees of 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction, which can be higher if you're on a third-party provider.

Clover’s flexibility comes with a bit more complexity on the pricing side, so it’s smart to go through a trusted reseller.

Hardware	Price
Clover Go	$49
Clover Flex	$499
Clover Mini	$799
Clover Station	$1,699

Processing Fees	Cost
In-person payments	2.6% + 10¢
Online payments	3.5% + 10¢

It’s ideal for businesses that want to grow into their POS system rather than switching later.

6. Toast POS – Best for Food Service

Toast is another POS made just for food businesses, but unlike TouchBistro, it’s built for fast-paced, multi-unit restaurants and chains. If you do delivery, takeout, and have a kitchen display system, Toast handles all of it.

Why Toast Works for Growing Restaurants

Toast is a cloud-based Android POS, which means you’re not locked into expensive Apple hardware. The tools it includes help reduce wait times, boost efficiency, and manage staff.

Toast stands out because of:

• Kitchen Display System (KDS): Orders go straight to the kitchen, reducing errors
• Integrated payroll: Run employee pay and taxes right from the POS
• Multi-location support: Manage multiple branches from one dashboard
• Loyalty & gift cards: Keep customers coming back

Pricing

Toast is built for scale, but its pricing is surprisingly flexible. The Starter Kit is technically $0/month, but that’s if you finance the hardware over time.

For full functionality, most restaurants go with the Essentials package, which starts at $165/month. If you're running multiple locations or need deep customization, they offer custom enterprise pricing.

Toast also charges processing fees averaging 2.49% + 15¢, but custom rates may apply based on your volume.

Plan	Monthly Fee
Starter Kit	From $0 (with hardware financing)
Essentials	From $165/month
Custom	Tailored for large restaurants

Hardware	Price
Toast Flex Terminal	$799
Toast Go 2	$409
KDS	$629

Toast also charges processing fees between 2.49% + 15¢ per transaction, depending on your plan and volume.

7. Zettle – Best for Pop-Up Shops

If you sell at markets, pop-ups, or events, Zettle is a fantastic mobile POS option. It’s easy to set up, lightweight, and doesn’t require a lot of commitment or upfront cost.

What Makes Zettle Great for Events

This is my go-to for temporary setups. It connects via Bluetooth, works with your phone, and accepts just about every major payment method. Plus, you can transfer funds directly to your PayPal account.

Zettle’s core features:

• Mobile-first design: Use your smartphone as your register
• No monthly fee: Pay only per transaction
• Inventory tracking: Manage a basic catalog easily
• Multiple users: Let team members sell with the same account

Pricing

Zettle keeps it simple—there’s no monthly fee for the POS software. You only pay per transaction, which is 2.29% + 9¢ for card payments.

Hardware is super affordable: their Zettle Reader 2 costs just $29, and additional tools like charging docks or receipt printers are optional.

For pop-up shops or seasonal sellers, this pricing model makes Zettle one of the lowest-risk POS options on the market.

Hardware	Price
Zettle Reader 2	$29
Charging Dock	$49

Transaction Fees	Cost
Card payments	2.29% + 9¢
PayPal QR Code	2.29% + 9¢

If you’re a vendor who moves around or sells occasionally, Zettle’s low-cost, low-maintenance approach makes it ideal.

Choosing the Best Point-of-Sale Solution

Now you’ve seen all of our top picks for the best POS systems on the market, all that’s left to do is make your choice.

There are tons of great options out there, but the right POS for you will depend on the kind of business you run and the features you need.

For a comprehensive retail POS system which combines in-person and online selling, we recommend Shopify POS as the go-to choice.

However, you can always consider Square if you want a budget-friendly solution with a free plan and low payment processing fees.

If you’re looking for restaurant POS systems, Toast and Clover may be excellent options. Remember, when choosing your solution, look at all the POS features available, from customer loyalty programs to analytics and reporting tools.

It’s also worth checking out any add-ons and integrations that might be available for your toolkit, so you can unify more of your business software.