Best Overall Pick
4.9
Lightspeed
- 24/7 expert support
- Anytime data access Cloud-based POS management software
- Serves a wide variety of businesses
Competitive Rates
Great for Restaurants
4.8
Toast
- Restaurant only
- Portable POS handhelds
- Starts at $0/month
Loyalty Programs
4.75
Cake
- Fast real time payment processing
- Loyalty Programs
- Contactless and QR code payment options
Best Rates
4.7
Merchant One
- Great Rates
- Wide Variety of Hardware options
- Easy Set-up and 24/7 Service
Cards and NFC Payments
4.65
Square
- Accept Chip Cards and NFC Payments
- Payment dispute service
- Competitive Rates
Real Time Integration
Cards and NFC Payments
4.6
Finix
- High Volume Merchant Friendly
- Flexible Pricing
- Real Time Integration
Editors Choice
4.6
North Payments
- Low transaction fees
- Month-to-month service agreements
- Simple Fee Structure
Top10POS Process
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The right match for your business
Top 10 POS matches you with the perfect fit for your business by comparing the top POS companies.
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Editor's Pick
These are our pick for the best POS systems:
- 24/7 expert support
- Anytime data access Cloud-based POS management software
- Serves a wide variety of businesses
What is a POS system
A POS (Point of Sale system) is the hardware and software that businesses use to process sales transactions, manage customer orders, and keep track of inventory. It's essentially where a customer makes a payment for products or services, and the business records the sale.
Components of a POS System:
Hardware:
Terminal
Computer or tablet where the transaction is processed.
Card Reader
Process credit and debit card payments.
Receipt Printer
Print out customer receipts.
Barcode Scanner
Scan product barcodes, speeding up the checkout process.
Cash Drawer
Store customer cash payments.
Software:
Transaction Processing
Handle sales, refunds, and exchanges.
Inventory Management
Track stock levels and update inventory as items are sold.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Store customer information, purchase history, and loyalty programs.
Reporting
Generate sales reports, track performance, and analyze customer behavior.
Employee Management
Track staff sales, shifts, and manage user permissions.
Types of POS Systems:
1. Traditional/Legacy POS
These are usually on-premise systems that require specific hardware like a desktop terminal and are often used by large businesses or restaurants.
2. Cloud-based POS
These systems can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity, such as tablets or smartphones. They offer more flexibility and are popular with small businesses, retail stores, and cafes.
Benefits of a POS System:
Efficiency
Speeds up transactions and reduces errors.
Data Tracking
Provides insights into sales trends and inventory levels.
Customer Experience
Streamlines the checkout process and supports loyalty programs.
Security
Secures payment information, especially with EMV (chip) card technology.
POS systems are used in a wide variety of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and service-based industries.
