The Best Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems for Retail Businesses

Whether you run a small boutique or a large retail store, your point-of-sale (POS) system does more than process payments. It can help you keep track of inventory, manage employees, monitor sales and give customers a smoother checkout experience. Choosing the right system can make a big difference in how efficiently your store runs.

We researched and compared dozens of the best POS systems to find the ones that work best for retailers. We looked at pricing, ease of use, hardware options, inventory management, mobile capabilities and other features that matter to retail businesses. Our top picks include options for independent stores, growing businesses and retailers that sell both online and in person.

A point-of-sale (POS) system combines hardware and software to help businesses process customer purchases. Think of it as a modern, computerized cash register. In addition to accepting credit card payments and other digital payment methods, POS systems record transactions, track sales and help retailers manage inventory.

The best retail POS systems go beyond basic checkout functions, offering tools for managing employees, tracking customer purchases and generating detailed sales reports. These features help business owners understand what’s selling, keep popular products in stock and make better decisions about their operations.

A retail POS system handles each step of the checkout process. When a customer is ready to make a purchase, the cashier scans the product barcodes or enters the items manually. The system calculates the total, including applicable taxes, and lets the customer pay with cash, a credit card or another accepted payment method.

Once the payment is complete, the POS system records the sale and generates a receipt, which can typically be printed or sent electronically as a digital receipt. It also updates inventory records automatically, so retailers can see what’s been sold and how much stock they have left.

Many retail POS systems offer additional tools for tracking sales, generating POS reports and managing employees. Business owners can also set up individual employee logins and permissions to control who can access certain features and information. For example, a cashier might be able to process sales and returns, while a manager has permission to adjust prices, view reports or manage inventory. These settings can be updated as employees take on new responsibilities.

A retail POS system does more than process payments. The right system can help you manage everyday operations, serve customers more efficiently and make better decisions about your business.

Here are some of the biggest benefits:

• Keep inventory organized and avoid stockouts. A retail POS system tracks product sales, stock levels and deliveries, giving you an up-to-date picture of what’s available. This helps reduce ordering mistakes and makes it easier to restock popular products before they sell out.
• Give customers a better shopping experience. Faster checkout and flexible payment options can make shopping more convenient. For example, a mobile POS system lets employees check out customers using an in-store tablet or mobile device instead of making them wait in line. Some systems also offer personalized promotions and loyalty rewards that encourage repeat visits.
• Make smarter business decisions. POS reporting tools help you see which products sell best, when your store is busiest and how customer purchasing habits change over time. You can use this information to adjust inventory, plan promotions and make more informed decisions about your business.
• Save time on everyday tasks. POS systems can automate tasks like calculating sales tax, tracking daily sales and updating inventory records. Many also integrate with the best accounting software and the best CRM software solutions, reducing manual data entry and giving you more time to focus on running your store.

The cost of a retail POS system depends on the software, hardware and payment processing services your business needs. Some providers, like Square and Helcim, offer free POS software, while others charge $20 to $200 or more per month. More advanced plans typically cost more, especially if you need detailed inventory management, employee management or tools for multiple locations.

Hardware is another expense to consider. A basic card reader may cost less than $100, while a complete checkout setup with a touchscreen register, barcode scanner, cash drawer and receipt printer can cost $1,200 or more. If you’re just starting out, you may be able to use a smartphone or tablet you already own, keeping your upfront costs low.

Don’t forget about payment processing fees, which apply each time a customer pays by card. Some providers also charge extra for features like customer loyalty programs, e-commerce integrations or additional registers. Before choosing a system, compare the total cost of the software, hardware, processing fees and any add-ons you’ll need.

A more expensive POS system may be worth the investment if it saves your employees time, helps prevent inventory mistakes or makes checkout easier for customers. The goal is to find a system that fits your budget while giving your business room to grow.

Choosing the right retail POS system takes more than comparing prices and features. You’ll want to find a system that works for your store today and can accommodate your needs as your business grows.

Follow these steps to narrow down your options.

1. Make a list of your business’s POS needs.

Start by thinking about how your store operates and what you need your POS system to handle. Do you sell online and in person? Do you have multiple locations? Are you struggling to keep track of inventory or manage employee schedules?

Make a list of your must-have features, such as barcode scanning, inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs or e-commerce integrations. Then separate those from features that would be nice to have but aren’t essential.

“The first step is to determine your ultimate business needs,” said Jason Schlichting, an account executive at ScanSource. “Consider if the software is customizable; if not, ensure the features offered meet the needs of your business. It’s important to determine what features are non-negotiable for your business to operate successfully.”

2. Compare POS systems that meet your requirements.

Once you know what you need, look for providers that offer those capabilities. Compare their software plans, hardware options and payment processing requirements. Pay attention to which features are included in the base price and which require an upgrade or additional fee.

Think about your future needs, too. You may not need advanced reporting or multilocation inventory management today, but switching POS systems later can be a hassle. Look for a provider that gives you room to grow without forcing you to pay for features you won’t use.

3. Check compatibility with your existing software.

Next, find out whether each POS system works with the business tools you already use. For example, connecting your POS system to your accounting software can save you from entering the same sales information twice. If you sell online, you’ll also want to know whether your inventory and orders can sync between your store and e-commerce platform.

Review each provider’s integrations and ask whether connecting your existing software requires additional subscriptions, third-party services or technical assistance.

4. Test the system before making a decision.

A POS system might look impressive on paper but still be frustrating to use during a busy shift. Take advantage of free trials or product demonstrations to see how the software works.

Try completing common tasks, such as processing a sale, issuing a refund, adding inventory and running a sales report. If possible, have a few employees test the system, too. Their feedback can help you identify problems before you’ve committed to a provider.

Ask about installation and training requirements as well. Some systems are simple enough to set up yourself, while others may require professional installation or help transferring your existing inventory data.

5. Find out what happens if the system goes down.

Even a short POS outage can disrupt sales, so it’s worth investigating how each provider handles technical problems. Ask about system reliability, offline payment capabilities and what happens to transactions if your business internet connection goes out.

You’ll also want to understand the provider’s maintenance and support policies, particularly if your store operates outside standard business hours.

“Warranty and maintenance should be strongly considered when purchasing a POS,” said Bart Collins, VP of strategic retail accounts at DecisionPoint Technologies. “A retailer’s ability to conduct transactions requires a much stronger sense of urgency than comparing warranty to consumer electronic devices.”

6. Review the total cost and support terms before signing.

Once you’ve narrowed your choices to two or three providers, request a complete breakdown of costs. Include monthly software subscriptions, hardware, payment processing fees, installation and any optional features you’ll need. Find out whether there’s a contract, what happens if you cancel and whether you’ll have to replace your hardware if you switch providers.

Don’t overlook customer support. Read customer reviews, check support hours and ask how quickly the provider responds to technical issues. If the provider offers a service-level agreement (SLA), review it carefully to understand what support you’re entitled to.

“Ensure [SLAs] support your business needs and look for dedicated account representatives,” Schlichting said.

With this information, you can compare your finalists based on what they’ll actually cost and how well they’ll support your store, rather than choosing solely on the advertised monthly price.

When comparing POS system features, you’ll want to look at both the software and hardware. The right combination depends on how your store operates, but these are some of the features we prioritized when evaluating retail POS systems.

Software features

• Inventory management: Look for tools that track stock levels as products are sold, alert you when items are running low and help you manage inventory across multiple locations. Some systems also track product variations, such as different sizes and colors, which can be especially useful for clothing and specialty retailers.
• Mobile POS capabilities: A mobile POS app lets employees process purchases from a tablet or smartphone, whether they’re helping customers on the sales floor or selling products at an event. This can help speed up checkout and give your staff more flexibility.
• Sales reporting: Your POS system should make it easy to see what’s selling, which products aren’t moving and when your store is busiest. More advanced systems can also track employee sales performance and compare results across locations.
• Payment processing: Make sure the system accepts the payment methods your customers prefer, including credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments. You’ll also want to compare processing fees and find out whether you’re required to use the provider’s payment processing service.
• Customer management: Some retail POS systems let you track purchase histories, manage customer profiles and offer loyalty rewards. These features can help you build relationships with shoppers and encourage repeat business.
• Software integrations: If you already use accounting, e-commerce or CRM software, check whether the POS system connects with those tools. Integrations can reduce manual data entry and help keep your sales, inventory and customer information consistent.

Hardware features

Retail POS hardware can be as simple as a smartphone and card reader or as extensive as a complete checkout station. Before choosing a provider, make sure it supports the equipment your store needs.

Common hardware options include:

• Card readers and payment terminals: Accept credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments at checkout.
• Barcode scanners: Speed up checkout and reduce errors by automatically adding products to a sale.
• Cash drawers: Keep cash payments organized and secure.
• Receipt printers: Give customers printed receipts and provide a backup when digital receipts aren’t practical.
• Touchscreen registers and customer displays: Make it easier for employees to process transactions and let customers review purchases before paying.

Some retailers may also need label printers, scales or other specialized equipment. If you’re considering a traditional cash register, compare its capabilities with those of a modern POS setup before deciding which is right for your store.

Our top picks aren’t the only options worth considering. Depending on your business’s needs, these retail POS systems may also be a good fit.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is worth considering if you want to build an online store while also selling products in person. In addition to its POS system, GoDaddy offers a website builder with customizable templates, online payment options and tools for selling through marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. You can manage products and orders from a central dashboard and sync inventory across supported sales channels, helping you avoid selling items that are no longer in stock. GoDaddy may be particularly appealing to smaller retailers that want to establish an online presence without managing several separate platforms. Learn more in our GoDaddy review.

Brilliant

Brilliant is another option for retailers that want flexibility in their POS hardware. The system uses Clover devices, including the Station Solo and handheld Flex, so businesses can choose a setup that works for their checkout needs. Brilliant also offers employee management tools that help retailers organize schedules, track labor costs and plan staffing around busy shopping periods. This can be particularly useful for stores with fluctuating traffic or seasonal staffing needs. Learn more in our Brilliant POS review.

Epos Now

Epos Now is a flexible POS option for retailers that want to choose their own hardware setup. The company offers touchscreen registers, tablet-based systems and its Pro+ mobile POS device, giving businesses several ways to handle checkout. Its retail software includes inventory management, sales reporting and employee management tools. Retailers can also connect other business applications through Epos Now’s integrations. As a business grows, it can add devices and features without having to replace its entire POS system. Learn more in our Epos Now review.

Wix

Wix is best known for its website builder (in fact, it made our list of the best website builders available), but it’s also a good option for retailers that want to manage online and in-person sales from one platform. Its POS system syncs inventory and sales information across channels, making it easier to keep track of products whether customers shop online or in your store. Wix offers both countertop POS hardware and mobile checkout options, including card readers manufactured by Stripe. In-person payments through its integrated POS system are processed by Wix Payments at flat rates. Wix also offers a 30-day return window for eligible POS hardware, giving retailers some flexibility if the equipment isn’t right for their store. Our detailed Wix review explains more.

To find the best retail POS systems, our team of sales experts and software analysts started by evaluating 112 platforms. We considered well-known providers alongside smaller companies and newer POS solutions that might be a good fit for retail businesses.

We narrowed our list by examining each system’s capabilities and comparing nearly 50 factors, including retail-specific features, payment processing options, pricing, ease of use, scalability and customer support.

From there, we selected 14 POS systems for a closer look before choosing our six top recommendations. Our research included vendor demonstrations, hands-on testing and customer reviews to see how each system performed and whether actual users had experiences similar to ours.

We weighted four main categories based on what matters most to business owners when choosing a POS system:

• Pricing (30 percent): We compared monthly subscription fees, hardware costs, payment processing rates and additional charges. We also looked at what each pricing tier includes to determine which systems offer the best value for retailers.
• Features (25 percent): We evaluated essential retail POS capabilities, including inventory management, payment processing, customer management, loyalty programs and integrations. We also considered advanced features, such as automated inventory monitoring, pricing tools and support for multiple locations.
• Ease of use (25 percent): We assessed how easy each system was to set up, learn and use for everyday retail tasks. Our evaluation included software navigation, hardware operation, customization options and mobile capabilities.
• Customer service (20 percent): We compared support channels, availability and plan restrictions, including whether phone support was offered with lower-priced plans. We also reviewed each provider’s online help resources and training materials.

Our research helped us identify the strongest retail POS systems overall as well as which providers were best suited to specific business needs. These findings informed the “Best for” designations throughout this guide.

To learn more about how we evaluate business products and services, see our editorial process.

Jeremy Bender contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.