16 Best POS Terminals For Improved Sales Management In 2024
10 Best POS Terminal Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
With so many different point-of-sale solutions out there, figuring out which one is right for you is tough. You know you want faster and more accurate transactions, improved inventory management, enhanced customer service, and the ability to generate detailed sales reports but need to figure out which tool is best. I've got you! In this post I'll help make your choice easy, sharing my personal experiences testing dozens of different POS vendors and having researched these tools thoroughly, with my picks of the best POS terminal.
What Is a POS Terminal?
A POS terminal, or Point of Sale terminal, is a hardware and software system used in retail environments to process transactions. It typically includes a combination of a computer, payment processing hardware (like card readers), and software that allows businesses to complete sales transactions, manage inventory, and generate receipts.
POS terminals play a crucial role in modern retail operations, processing payments, recording sales, and managing inventory, providing a centralized system for efficient and accurate retail transactions.
Overview Of The 10 Best POS Terminals
I’ve summarized the key features that I think set these POS terminals apart, as well as any drawbacks or limitations to consider.
KORONA POS is a versatile and powerful point of sale system designed to cater to a wide range of businesses, including retail stores, quick service restaurants, and ticketing services. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, KORONA POS is a cloud-based solution that offers flexibility and scalability.
Why I Picked KORONA POS: I like that its real-time inventory management capabilities allow businesses to monitor stock levels in real-time, ensuring they can respond swiftly to changes in demand. Additionally, KORONA POS offers advanced features such as automated reordering and detailed inventory reporting, which help in maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing waste. The system’s reliability and accuracy in handling sales transactions further enhance its reputation as a robust POS terminal.
KORONA POS Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include customizable reporting tools that allow businesses to generate detailed and specific reports tailored to their needs, employee management features that enable tracking of staff performance and scheduling, and multi-location management for overseeing operations across different stores.
Integrations include QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, Mailchimp, and various payment processors such as PayPal, Stripe, Worldpay, Authorize.Net, and CardConnect.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple locations
- The POS software layout can be customized
- Detailed inventory management features
Cons:
- Each terminal requires a separate payment
- Reports could be more customizable
Stax Pay is an all-in-one business management platform that simplifies payment processes for businesses, offering secure in-person and online credit card payment processing. Its unique selling point lies in its transparent pricing model, providing simplicity and clarity for cost visibility, making it the best choice for businesses looking to save on payment processing fees and make informed decisions.
Why I Picked Stax Pay: Stax Pay offers robust solutions tailored specifically for B2B transactions, which are often more complex than B2C payments. Features like automated invoicing, support for large transactions, and ACH payments make it easier for businesses to manage their B2B payment processes efficiently. This specialization is particularly beneficial for companies dealing with high-value or recurring transactions.
Stax Pay Standout Features and Integrations
Key features include flexible payment options (credit card, ACH, and eCheck), advanced invoicing, recurring billing, and customizable payment plans. The platform also provides detailed reporting and analytics, integrated fraud prevention, and a user-friendly dashboard for managing transactions.
Stax Pay provides omni-channel support, enabling businesses to accept payments seamlessly across multiple channels—online, in-store, and mobile.
Integrations include popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce and HubSpot, and ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. Additionally, Stax Pay connects with payment gateways like Authorize.net and Stripe, as well as marketing tools like Mailchimp and Constant Contact.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with popular tools
- Advanced invoicing capabilities
- Flexible payment options
Cons:
- Limited support for international transactions
- Slight learning curve for new users
Payment Depot is a POS and merchant services solution that's suitable to the needs of diverse business models in various industries. Its transparent interchange+ pricing model helps businesses of all sizes save on transaction fees, particularly those processing large volumes of payments.
Why I Picked Payment Depot: This platform offers a POS system for ecommerce, mobile, and physical payment terminals, which makes it flexible enough for all different kinds of companies. Retail businesses, services providers, restaurant and bar owners, and even healthcare companies can leverage their offering to better manage cash flows and payment processing.
Payment Depot Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the software's free payment gateway. This combined with its virtual terminal capabilities through partnerships like SwipeSimple allows merchants to process payments online, via mobile, and over the phone without incurring additional gateway fees.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, and OpenCart. It also integrates with payment systems such as authorize.net and business management systems like Revel Systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive equipment offerings
- User interface is straightforward and intuitive
- Cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-volume businesses
- Limited to US-based, non-high-risk merchants
Shopify POS is a comprehensive, cloud-based POS terminal solution designed to unify in-store and online sales, catering especially to businesses leveraging Shopify for e-commerce.
Why I picked Shopify POS: As a POS terminal, Shopify POS stands out for its seamless integration with Shopify's e-commerce platform, offering a unified system for inventory, sales, and customer management across all sales channels. Its mobile checkout options help staff serve customers faster and check out anywhere in the store or curbside.
Additionally, Shopify POS offers multiple devices to accommodate any type of business, whether single or multi-store. Hardware includes tabletop terminals, card readers, POS terminals and its mobile device, POS Go.
Shopify POS Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that make this company stand out include its online inventory management which gives you the flexibility to pivot inventory to other locations or online based on performance. I also like its POS smart grid, which keeps your most-used apps, discounts, and products at your fingertips to speed up checkout.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo, ShipStation, DHL Express, UPS, and Canada Post.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive third-party app ecosystem for added functionalities
- Direct integration with Shopify Payments for streamlined transactions
- Unified commerce solution integrating online and offline sales
Cons:
- Limited to Shopify Payments in certain markets.
- Primarily beneficial for Shopify e-commerce users.
Lavu is an iPad point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for food businesses, including restaurants, bars, and cafes. The system is highly customizable and supports third-party app integrations, making it adaptable to different business needs.
Why I Picked Lavu: iPad POS systems are modern and efficient ways for restaurants to centralize their activities. I like that Lavu integrates various functionalities such as online ordering, inventory management, invoicing, and payment processing all in one place. Additionally, its MenuDrive feature allows restaurants to create and manage their online menus from anywhere.
Lavu Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include delivery management, allowing restaurants to manage food delivery services directly from their website, and reporting, which helps restaurant owners track business performance. Other features include loyalty program support, employee scheduling, and self-ordering kiosk features.
Integrations include Venga, SerVme, Mobi2Go, BevSpot Food and Beverage Management, Bite Kiosk, Hubworks Hostel Management, PayPal, Square Point of Sale, Paychex Flex, Marketman, Evergreen, Push Operations, Planday, DAVO, Fimble, and Actiondesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time reporting
- Inventory management capabilities
- Customizable POS features
Cons:
- Limited offline capabilities
- May be expensive when requiring additional features
Epos Now is a comprehensive POS system designed to meet the needs of retail and hospitality businesses. It offers a versatile range of hardware and software solutions that help businesses improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sales growth through features like transaction processing and reports and analytics.
Why I Picked Epos Now: One of the key reasons I selected Epos Now is its intuitive interface, which ensures that even staff with minimal technical experience can quickly learn and operate the system. Additionally, the cloud-based nature of the system allows business owners to access their data in real-time from anywhere. The system's scalability also means it can grow alongside your business.
Epos Now Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include inventory management, allowing businesses to track stock levels in real-time, and a customer relationship management (CRM) module that helps build and maintain strong customer relationships through detailed purchase histories. It also includes advanced reporting and analytics tools that provide valuable insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and overall business health.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, PayPal, Stripe, Sage, Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick transaction processing
- Interface is easy to navigate
- Good reporting features
Cons:
- Setup can be complicated
- Occasional system crashes
Helcim is a payment processing tool that offers businesses the ability to accept various forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, both in-person and online.
Why I picked Helcim: Helcim provides transparent pricing and is focused on delivering a comprehensive set of services for businesses to manage their financial transactions and customer interactions.
Helcim Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include services such as merchant accounts, POS systems, card readers, and an online payment platform that supports e-commerce transactions. POS terminals also support invoicing, inventory management, and customer management.
I also like how Helcim emphasizes transparent pricing with their Interchange Plus model and offer Level 2/3 processing to help businesses save on transaction fees.
Integrations include Xero Payments, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Foxy.io, and Great Exposure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Proactive in addressing fraud alerts
- Easy to set up and use
- Provides excellent customer service
Cons:
- Website can run slow
- Limited features for customizing invoices and receipts
Clover’s POS hardware is intuitive and easy to use, with a modern UI design.
Why I picked Clover: Clover’s Flex is a handheld POS system. That means you can accept payments, track sales, and place orders, all from the palm of your hand.
Clover Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to take all payment types, manage inventory, and use a loyalty program, all from a handheld device. Clover uses cloud storage, so your business data is available with you wherever you go.
I like that there’s minimal setup and training needed, so you can start using Clover’s POS as soon as you take it out of the box.
Integrations include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Clover has its own app market with hundreds of popular apps like Time Clock, Digital Loyalty, Payroll, and Stream. They also partner with integration services providers who can develop custom apps or integrations for your legacy systems as required.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple integration options
- Mobile devices that can hold an 8-hour charge
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- No free trial
Merchant One is a financial services tool that helps businesses to process various forms of payments, including credit and debit card transactions.
Why I picked Merchant One: Merchant One is a great tool for small businesses that require payment processing services, offering a variety of services with a $0.00 setup fee, terminal placement program, flexible equipment lease terms, and interchange plus pricing.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a secure online payment gateway for businesses to process transactions on the web, as well as mobile processing, which enables businesses to process payments using mobile devices. This is particularly convenient for operations that are mobile or attend events, such as food trucks.
I also like that the company offers Clover point-of-sale systems, which include features for managing inventory, engaging customers, and generating reports. Merchant One also ensures compliance with industry regulations for secure payment processing.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., American Express, Clover Network, Inc., Maitre'D, Paytrace Gateway, Payflow Pro, Payeezy Gateway, USAePay, and Aloha.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes advanced authentication and fraud prevention tools
- Offers a variety of credit card terminals and POS systems
- Provides a fast and easy approval process
Cons:
- Slow deposit times reported by some users
- Requires a three-year contract
Lightspeed lets you mix and match to create the POS setup you want.
Why I picked Lightspeed: They offer both an iPad POS hardware kit and a desktop hardware kit. Based on your business, you can decide if it makes more sense to have an iPad that you can remove from its stand and walk around the store with or, if you prefer, a securely mounted monitor.
Lightspeed Standout Features and Integrations:
Features of the iPad hardware kit include a LAN receipt printer, cash drawer, Bluetooth scanner, and iPad stand.
However, you should note that the iPad or payment terminal are not included in these kits. You can buy other individual accessories like POS terminals and mobile tap terminals separately.
I like that you can review your shipment history to see individual purchase orders and whether part or all of your order was received and look into any variances between purchase order amounts and the final invoice cost.
Integrations Xero, Shogo, and QuickBooks for accounting; Tenzo, RetailNext, and SMS Storetraffic for analytics; and Accumula, Kosmos eSync, and Restaurant365 for ERP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad use across retail, restaurant, and golf businesses
- Integrates with many other tools
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Lacks in-depth reporting
- Pricing is not transparent
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| KORONA POS | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Stax Pay | From $99/month | Website |
| Payment Depot | From $79/month | Website |
| Shopify POS | Plans start at $31/month | Website |
| Lavu | From $59/month + payment processing | Website |
| ePOS | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Helcim | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website |
| Clover | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website |
| Merchant One | From $13.95 plus 0.29% + 1.55% per transaction | Website |
| Lightspeed | From $99 per month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Options
While the following POS terminals didn’t make it onto my top 10 list, these alternative options that I came across in my research are still worth considering if none of the above options jumped out as the right choice for you.
Selection Criteria For POS Terminals
Here’s a short summary of the evaluation criteria that I used to determine the best POS terminals for this article:
Core Functionality
First, I evaluated and compared a wide range of POS terminals to see what basic functionality they had in common, and then made sure each terminal met these criteria before making it onto my shortlist.
- Accept customer payments
- Print or email receipts to customers
- Serve as a sales transaction summary
- Document transaction details
Key Features
To deliver the core functionality that I’ve outlined above, here are some key features that I think all modern POS terminals need to have
- Ability to process all types of card payments: Terminals should support customers swiping their card, inserting their card and entering a PIN, or tapping. Support for Google Pay and Apple Pay is also a definite plus.
- Customer loyalty and reward programs: This can be supported natively or through integration with third-party applications.
- Reporting and analytics: An all-in-one terminal should let you review this data without having to switch to a desktop.
- Security and compliance: End-to-end encryption is a must-have, especially when data is being transmitted wirelessly or stored in the cloud.
- Mobile accessibility: The ability to check on your business or accept payments while you’re on the road is a must-have feature for many businesses that don’t have a traditional storefront.
- Multi-store support: Larger businesses will need to have all of their POS transactions synced and stored in a central database. Terminals need a way to transmit their sales information back to the head office.
Usability
I prioritized POS terminals that would be quick and easy to set up and configure.
These devices are going to be used by people from all walks of life. It’s critical that they have user-friendly interfaces on the customer side, as well as intuitive workflows to minimize the learning curve for employees.
Value for Money
What you get for your money can vary widely with POS terminals. Your business size and industry will determine the caliber and type of system you need.
Small businesses likely want to minimize their upfront costs with an inexpensive terminal in exchange for fewer features. Larger companies probably won’t mind the higher upfront cost of a pre-configured, fully-equipped system.
POS terminal prices can range anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars.
A basic countertop terminal with simple functionality will be the cheapest, while an all-in-one POS system with more features will have a higher price tag.
To determine the total cost of using your POS terminal, you’ll also need to factor in transaction fees and monthly fees as well.
People Also Ask
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about POS terminals:
What different types of POS terminals are there?
- Countertop terminals are the traditional stationary POS terminal that you’d expect to find at a cashier or checkout counter.
- Mobile or wireless terminals typically have built-in barcode scanners and printers, which makes them ideal for delivery services, food trucks, and trade shows.
- Tablet-based systems use iPads or Android tablets as their primary interface and usually pair with accessories like card readers and wireless printers.
What POS terminal does Walmart / McDonald’s / Starbucks / Disney use?
- Most Fortune 500 companies have their own custom POS solution, rather than relying on external vendors.
- For example, Walmart uses SUSE Linux Enterprise Point-of-Service (SLEPOS), which is an open-source operating system for POS client devices.
- Disney uses a custom POS machine called the PX7 Retail Multilane Terminal. Starbucks uses Oracle Symphony, and McDonald’s uses NewPOS NP6.
How do I choose the right POS terminal for my business?
Selecting a POS terminal is a big decision, and you’ll need to look at several factors, including:
- What payment options does it support?
- Is this POS terminal scalable as your business grows?
- How easy is it to use?
- What other apps and softwares does it integrate with?
- What support and maintenance does the vendor provide?
Other Accounting and Finance Software Reviews
If you’re in the market for another business tool or software too, check out some of our other reviews:
Accounts Payable Automation Software
Credit Card Processing Companies
Conclusion
A good POS terminal helps to make the process of processing payments a fast and frictionless one.
After reading through the options I’ve presented here, hopefully, you have a better understanding of the different options and you’re closer to finding one that’s a good fit for your team.
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