Point of Sale (POS) systems process payments, track inventory, and manage your business operations. This guide compares the best POS systems for 2025, covering features, pricing, and which system is best for restaurants, retail, and service businesses.
POS System Quick Facts 2025
- Software cost: $0 - $300+/month
- Hardware cost: $0 - $2,000+ (one-time)
- Processing fees: 2.3% - 2.9% + $0.10-0.30
- Key features: Payment processing, inventory, reporting
- Setup time: Same day - 2 weeks
Top POS Systems Compared
| POS System | Best For | Monthly Fee | Processing | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Small business | $0 - $60 | 2.6% + $0.10 | |
| Toast | Restaurants | $0 - $165+ | 2.49% + $0.15 | |
| Clover | Retail | $14.95 - $94.85 | 2.3% - 2.6% | |
| Shopify | E-commerce + retail | $39 - $399 | 2.4% - 2.9% | |
| Lightspeed | Multi-location retail | $89 - $289 | 2.6% + $0.10 |
Detailed POS Reviews
BEST OVERALL
Square
- Monthly fee: Free - $60/location/month
- Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 in-person
- Hardware: Free magstripe reader, $49+ terminals
- Best for: Small businesses, startups, mobile sellers
- Features: Payments, inventory, CRM, invoicing, online store
- Pros: No monthly fee option, easy setup, great ecosystem
- Cons: Limited customization, account stability issues
BEST FOR RESTAURANTS
Toast
- Monthly fee: $0 - $165+ (pay-as-you-go available)
- Processing: 2.49% + $0.15 (varies by plan)
- Hardware: Toast Go 2 handheld, terminals
- Best for: Restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks
- Features: Table management, kitchen display, online ordering
- Pros: Built for restaurants, offline mode, 24/7 support
- Cons: Long contracts, proprietary hardware
BEST HARDWARE
Clover
- Monthly fee: $14.95 - $94.85
- Processing: 2.3% - 2.6% (negotiable)
- Hardware: Clover Go, Flex, Mini, Station
- Best for: Retail, quick service restaurants
- Features: App marketplace, inventory, employee management
- Pros: Sleek hardware, customizable with apps
- Cons: Sold through resellers (quality varies)
POS Pricing Comparison
| POS System | Free Plan | Mid Tier | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | $0/mo | $60/mo (Plus) | Custom |
| Toast | $0/mo (limited) | $69/mo | $165+/mo |
| Clover | N/A | $54.95/mo | $94.85/mo |
| Shopify | N/A | $105/mo | $399/mo |
| Lightspeed | N/A | $89/mo | $289/mo |
Processing Fees Explained
| POS System | In-Person | Online | Keyed-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | 2.6% + $0.10 | 2.9% + $0.30 | 3.5% + $0.15 |
| Toast | 2.49% + $0.15 | 2.99% + $0.15 | 3.50% + $0.15 |
| Clover | 2.3% - 2.6% | 3.5% + $0.10 | 3.5% + $0.10 |
| Shopify | 2.4% - 2.9% | 2.4% - 2.9% | Same |
Features by Industry
Restaurant POS Features
- Table management: Floor plans, reservations
- Kitchen display: Order routing to kitchen
- Menu management: Easy updates, modifiers
- Tipping: Suggested tip amounts
- Online ordering: Pickup, delivery integration
Retail POS Features
- Inventory management: Stock levels, variants
- Barcode scanning: Fast checkout
- Purchase orders: Vendor management
- Multi-location: Centralized inventory
- E-commerce sync: Online + in-store inventory
Hardware Costs
| Device Type | Square | Toast | Clover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card Reader | $0 - $59 | $0 | $49 |
| Handheld | $299 | $409 | $499 |
| Terminal/Mini | $149 - $299 | $0 - $609 | $599 |
| Full Register | $799 | $1,024 | $1,349 |
| Kitchen Display | $399 | $389 | $499 |
How to Choose a POS System
- Identify your industry: Restaurant, retail, or service
- List required features: Must-have vs nice-to-have
- Calculate total cost: Monthly fees + processing + hardware
- Check integrations: Accounting, e-commerce, payroll
- Read reviews: User experience, reliability, support
- Request demo: Try before you commit
- Consider growth: Will it scale with your business?
FAQ
Can I use my own payment processor?
Some POS systems (Clover, Lightspeed) allow you to choose your processor. Others (Square, Toast) require their built-in processing.
What's the difference between POS and payment processor?
A POS system manages your entire business (inventory, employees, reports). A payment processor only handles transactions. Many POS systems include payment processing.
Do I need internet for POS?
Most modern POS systems have offline mode for card payments. The transactions sync when connection is restored. Cash transactions always work offline.