If you're running a retail store or an ecommerce shop, you’ve probably heard of Shopify POS. I’ve used and tested several POS setups, and Shopify’s options are among the most seamless for syncing your online and in-person sales.
But with multiple configurations, hardware add-ons, and subscription levels, it can be hard to figure out which Shopify POS system is right for you.
In this guide, I’m walking you through the best Shopify POS systems, who each one is for, and what you need to get started without wasting money on the wrong tools.
Let’s get into it.
What is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is a system that lets you sell products in person using Shopify's sales infrastructure. It connects your retail store with your online store, so inventory, sales, and customer data are all synced in one place.
There are two versions of Shopify POS:
- Shopify POS Lite – Included with all Shopify plans. Basic features like checkout, customer profiles, and inventory.
- Shopify POS Pro – $89/month per location. Adds features like smart inventory management, advanced reporting, and staff roles.
The idea behind Shopify POS is simple: unify online and in-store selling. So whether a customer buys online, in-store, or via local pickup, everything stays in sync.
Key Features of Shopify POS:
- Unified inventory across online and physical stores
- Mobile checkout via tablet or smartphone
- Integrated payment processing (Shopify Payments)
- Support for multiple locations
- Custom staff permissions
- Analytics and reporting
Who Shopify POS Is Best For:
- Retail stores already using Shopify for ecommerce
- Pop-up shops or in-person events
- Businesses that need inventory tracking across multiple channels
- Brands looking to offer local pickup or delivery options
If you’re starting from scratch and want an all-in-one system, Shopify POS makes a lot of sense. If you’re already on Shopify, it’s almost a no-brainer to add it for physical sales.
Why Your Retail Store Needs a Solid POS
When I started selling in person, I underestimated how important the POS system really was.
I thought I just needed a way to accept payments. But that was short-sighted. A bad POS will slow down checkout, confuse your staff, and break your inventory tracking.
With the right Shopify POS system, I was able to:
- Avoid overselling or stockouts
- See which items sold best in-store vs online
- Manage returns and exchanges without creating duplicate work
- Handle busy in-person events without bottlenecks
Common Problems With Basic POS Systems:
- Inventory is not updated across online and offline
- Limited support for returns, exchanges, or discounts
- Reports that don’t show full sales performance
- Poor integrations with ecommerce platforms
Why Shopify POS Solves These Issues:
- Real-time syncing with your Shopify store
- Unified customer profiles, whether they buy online or in-store
- Smart inventory forecasting
- Option to integrate with tools like Stocky, Smile.io, and QuickBooks
This kind of integration is powerful if you're running a hybrid business model.
You don’t want your physical store operating separately from your online presence—it creates too much manual work and too many opportunities for errors.
The 5 Best Shopify POS Systems (Ranked)
Here's a breakdown of the top POS systems available through Shopify.
I’ve ranked these based on features, ease of use, pricing, and compatibility with different types of businesses.
| POS System | Best For | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify POS Lite | Basic retail setups | Free with any Shopify plan | Unified checkout, inventory sync |
| Shopify POS Pro | Multi-location retail | $89/month per location | Staff roles, reporting, advanced inventory |
| Shopify POS + Tap to Pay | Mobile sellers, pop-ups | Free with Shopify plan | Accept payments on iPhone |
| Shopify POS + Star Micronics Kit | Brick-and-mortar stores | Varies by hardware | Includes receipt printer, cash drawer |
| Shopify POS + Third-Party Hardware | Custom setups | Depends on setup | Flexible hardware integration |
1. Shopify POS Lite
This is the default POS system that comes with every Shopify plan. It gives you just enough to sell in person without a big learning curve.
Pros:
- Free with Shopify
- Works with mobile devices
- Syncs with your online store
Cons:
- No staff management
- Limited reporting
- Not ideal for larger teams
Best for: small retail shops, solo sellers, or brands just testing out in-person selling.
2. Shopify POS Pro
This is where Shopify POS becomes powerful. You get all the features you need to run a full-scale retail operation.
Pros:
- Smart inventory management
- Staff permissions and roles
- Advanced analytics and sales reports
- Customer loyalty options
Cons:
- $89/month per location
- Requires Shopify plan (not standalone)
Best for: established retail businesses with multiple staff and store locations.
3. Shopify POS with Tap to Pay (iPhone)
Shopify launched Tap to Pay so you can accept card payments directly on your iPhone—no hardware needed.
Pros:
- No reader or hardware required
- Accepts major credit cards via iPhone
- Great for pop-ups or events
Cons:
- iOS only (no Android)
- No receipt printing
Best for: event sellers, mobile boutiques, or anyone on a budget.
4. Shopify POS with Star Micronics Hardware Kit
This is the full hardware solution. You can order a bundle directly from Shopify with everything pre-configured.
Includes:
- iPad stand
- Cash drawer
- Receipt printer
- Barcode scanner
Pros:
- Retail-ready setup
- Shopify supports this officially
- Reliable hardware
Cons:
- Cost upfront (~$500–$800 USD)
- Requires Shopify POS Pro for best results
Best for: full retail environments, fashion boutiques, or specialty stores.
5. Shopify POS with Third-Party Hardware & Integrations
If you already own POS hardware or want a more custom setup, Shopify allows many third-party integrations.
Compatible brands:
- Socket Mobile scanners
- Epson receipt printers
- Zebra label printers
This gives you more flexibility but can take more time to configure.
How to Choose the Right Shopify POS System
Choosing the right Shopify POS setup depends on your business size, staff needs, and how you sell.
Here’s a quick way to make the right decision:
1. How Big Is Your Operation?
- Solo Seller or Side Hustle → Use POS Lite or Tap to Pay
- 1–2 Locations → POS Pro with hardware
- 3+ Locations → POS Pro with advanced inventory + reporting
2. What’s Your Budget?
- Tight budget: Use Tap to Pay and avoid hardware costs
- Growing brand: Invest in a hardware kit and POS Pro
3. Do You Need Staff Management?
If you have employees, you’ll need features like:
- Role-based permissions
- Activity tracking
- Sales per staff member
That’s only available on POS Pro.
4. What Kind of Products Are You Selling?
- Clothing, shoes, or high-SKU items → Advanced inventory required
- Food or perishables → Need for expiration tracking, possibly third-party tools
- Services → Consider calendar or booking integrations
Real-World Results: Stats & Case Studies
Here are some real numbers from Shopify and brands using POS in the field:
- Shopify merchants who sell in-store and online see 30% higher revenue compared to online-only stores (Shopify internal data, 2024).
- 72% of Shopify POS Pro users reported faster checkouts and fewer errors after switching from basic POS systems (Shopify Merchant Survey, 2023).
- Fashion brand Livestock integrated Shopify POS across 5 locations and cut inventory errors by 60% while improving cross-sell rates in-store.
- Homeware brand Puebco used Shopify POS to support bilingual checkout in physical stores, improving customer satisfaction in international markets.
This tells me that Shopify POS doesn’t just “work”—it can actively increase revenue and reduce friction if you’re coming from a more fragmented setup.
Shopify POS Hardware: What You’ll Need
If you’re planning to run a retail shop with Shopify POS, you’ll probably want dedicated hardware.
Here’s what to consider:
Recommended Hardware:
| Hardware | Purpose | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iPad or iPhone | Main POS terminal | $300–$800 |
| Tap & Chip Reader | Accept card payments | $49–$99 |
| Receipt Printer | Print receipts | $200–$300 |
| Cash Drawer | Secure cash payments | $100–$150 |
| Barcode Scanner | Speed up checkout | $200–$250 |
You can buy these directly from Shopify or use compatible third-party options.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, start with just a phone and a Tap & Chip reader. You can always add more gear as your business grows.
Shopify POS Integrations Worth Adding
The default Shopify POS is solid, but you can take it a lot further with integrations.
Useful Add-Ons:
- Stocky: Inventory forecasting and vendor management
- Smile.io: Loyalty programs and rewards
- QuickBooks/Xero: Accounting and taxes
- Marsello: Email and SMS marketing tied to POS data
- Timely: Scheduling and appointment management
These can automate a lot of manual work and help you build deeper customer relationships.
Just remember, some of these tools come with extra monthly fees.
Final Take
I’ve tested a bunch of POS setups, and Shopify POS is one of the easiest systems to run if you’re already selling online or plan to.
It saves time, improves checkout, and helps you avoid stock issues.
If you're just getting started, Shopify POS Lite or Tap to Pay is a great place to begin. If you're scaling, POS Pro and the right hardware setup can make a huge difference.
Whatever stage you’re at, make sure your POS helps—not hurts—your ability to sell and grow.
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