Types of POS Systems

There are two types of POS systems: cash and card. Cash-based point-of-sale (POS) systems have been around for a long time, but the rise of credit cards has changed everything. Card-based POS systems allow you to process transactions with your mobile device or an app on your card terminal without ever having to take out any physical money from your pocket.

The “brands of pos systems” are different types of POS Systems. They can be either cash registers, or self-service terminals. The most common type is the cash register.

A point-of-sale (POS) system is a technology that enables companies to collect payments and manage their operations. Smartphones, tablets, mobile POS, card and chip scanners, touch displays, laptops, self-service kiosks, and terminals are just a few examples of POS devices. Barcode scanners, cash drawers, keyboards, and receipt printers are examples of other POS-related equipment.

Each form of POS has its own set of features that appeal to various sorts of businesses. POS systems are available in a variety of hardware and operating systems, with prices ranging from Each type of POS has features catering to different business types. POS systems, which range in price from $0 to around $100 per month, also have varying compatible hardware and operating systems. to roughly $100 per month.

Here’s a rundown of the many kinds and when they’re used:

Continue reading for more information on the many kinds of POS systems, including their benefits and drawbacks, cost, and popular solutions.

Try one of our guides if you’re searching for a POS that’s specialized to your industry:

POS Apps

Square is a free point-of-sale app available for iOS and Android phones and tablets. (Image courtesy of Square)

POS applications are cloud-based programs that can be downloaded onto any suitable mobile device, allowing you to view your POS data from anywhere. Some applications are cross-platform, while others are only accessible on Android or iOS. There are other iPad-only point-of-sale applications available.

They usually have fewer functionality than a full-fledged POS terminal, and new functions are usually charged separately. POS applications are still the most cost-effective sort of POS, and they’re also the most user-friendly.

Because POS applications are often less expensive than a comprehensive system, they’re ideal for new or small companies on a budget. They’re also perfect for individuals who sell at a lot of events or don’t have a fixed site. For professional service providers such as tradesmen who operate on the move, several POS applications integrate capabilities such as calendar and appointment-setting.

POS applications are often used for:

• New ventures
• Service providers on a small scale
• Sellers on the go

There are free POS programs available, as well as premium ones ranging from $30 to $150 each month.

The following are some of the most popular point-of-sale apps:

Square is a free point-of-sale tool that’s ideal for new and small companies (especially those who require an offline payment alternative), budget-conscious firms, and those that sell through mobile and other channels.

The cost of the POS app is: Fee for processing is waived: The rate begins at 2.6 percent plus ten cents. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Square POS review.

PayPal provides Zettle, a very simple free POS tool with minimal processing costs for receiving payments on the go. It’s perfect for companies who sell at international events, service providers and tradesmen, and companies that just require a basic point-of-sale system.

The cost of the POS app is: Fee for processing is waived: 2.29 percent + 9 cents is the starting point. For further information, go to: Check out our PayPal review.

Lightspeed is a point-of-sale system for shops (particularly multichannel and specialized stores), restaurants, and businesses that need cloud-based inventory management with an iPad app.

The cost of a POS app starts at about $60 per month. The processing cost begins at 2.6 percent plus ten cents. For further information, go to: Read our reviews of Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant.

Shopify is a point-of-sale (POS) software for iOS and Android that links in-store sales to a Shopify online shop. Merchants, as well as internet and multichannel retailers, will benefit from it.

Cost of POS: Included in your ecommerce package. Processing fee: 2.9 percent + 30 cents; select programs have cheaper rates. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Shopify POS review.

To discover the finest POS applications for your company, read our guide to the top POS apps.

Mobile Point-of-Sale Systems

Clover is a mobile point-of-sale system that comes with a variety of proprietary hardware alternatives, including Flex. (Photo courtesy of Clover)

A mobile POS (or mPOS) system is ideal for retailers or restaurants who want a more robust system than an app but still wish to process transactions from anywhere. Food trucks are available., service providers, and traveling shops, for example, are ideal candidates for a mobile point-of-sale system. Merchants that need to execute both online and in-person transactions would benefit greatly from these systems.

Mobile Point-of-Sale Systems are cloud-based and helpful for retailers and restaurants that want to boost associate presence on the floor and make the checkout experience more convenient for customers. In restaurants, for example, an mPOS might allow for tableside ordering or even payment. In retail, this can help you drive more sales so that customers don’t have to wait in line or seek out a register. Like POS apps, an mPOS can also come in handy for Food trucks are available. and event sales (such as markets, festivals, and similar off-site temporary retail opportunities).

In the same way as POS applications give flexibility in terms of mobility, mPOS systems do as well. The distinction is that a mPOS includes both hardware and software, while POS applications only pertain to the software.

In-store sales may be boosted with mobile point-of-sale systems, particularly as customers get more familiar with the payment method. In the United States, the average mobile transaction value is predicted to rise from $7,960.50 in 2021 to $11,755 in 2025.

An mPOS also does not restrict the software to a single app. While the majority of mPOS systems rely on iPads and the iOS operating system, certain mPOS companies, such as Clover and Square, provide unique hardware.

Typically, Mobile Point-of-Sale Systems are best for:

• Food trucks are available.
• Retailers that need to sell on the go or on the showroom floor
• Restaurants with a high number of customers that wish to speed up service by handing staff portable devices
• Markets and pop-up stores

You can find a few mPOS systems with no software fees, but most cost around $60 per month. Popular Mobile Point-of-Sale Systems include:

Clover is a mobile point-of-sale system for retail, restaurant, and service organizations that comes with a range of proprietary hardware solutions and can be set to process payments anywhere on the sales floor or in the dining area. It’s an excellent fit for organizations who have a reputable merchant services provider and retailers seeking for a Square alternative.

The cost of a POS system starts at $9.95 per month. Hardware prices range from $99 to $499, depending on whether you buy from a reseller. Fee for processing: For Register Lite, the rate is 2.7 percent plus ten cents; for Register, the rate is 2.3 percent plus ten cents. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Clover POS review.

The Square Terminal is a portable register with Square’s POS software pre-installed, as well as a built-in card reader and receipt printer. For linebusting, tableside or sales-floor service, curbside orders, and event sales, it may be utilized as a countertop register or on the move.

Hardware: $299 POS cost: POS cost: $0 Hardware: $299 Processing fee: 2.6% + 10 cents Learn more: Read our Square POS review Fee for processing: 2.6 percent plus ten cents For further information, go to: Take a look at our Square POS review.

Vend is a mobile point-of-sale system for merchants that runs on iPads and allows colleagues to help consumers throughout the shop floor (also has a mobile app for scanning inventory).

The cost of a POS system starts at $119 per month. iPad is required for operation. Vend does not have its own payment processing system; for more information, see: Take a look at our Vend POS review.

POS Systems with Touchscreens

Upserve is a restaurant and café touch-screen POS system. (Photo courtesy of Upserve)

A touch-screen POS system works on different types of touch screens, including tablets, smartphones, and computers. Some POS Systems with Touchscreens come with their own native touch-screen hardware in lieu of a third-party device.

Restaurant personnel may accept tableside orders and double-check that the orders are right using a touch-screen POS. Touch-screen software’s intuitive design makes it simple to use for both clients and staff.

For small enterprises in the food sector, a touch-screen POS is a terrific solution, both in terms of enabling consumers to make their own orders and having staff accept their orders using the device. Touch displays are often simple and straightforward to operate, particularly when working with a younger market that is used to utilizing tablets and smartphones.

Typically, POS Systems with Touchscreens are best for:

• Restaurants and high-volume retail outlets are examples of fast-paced companies.
• Any company that requires an easy-to-learn solution for its personnel.

While touch-screen POS hardware may cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, each terminal’s software costs between $50 and $200 each month.

Popular POS Systems with Touchscreens include:

Toast is a restaurant point-of-sale system with a touch screen. It’s perfect for those searching for a tableside ordering system with a kitchen display system that also handles seating and turnover.

The cost of a POS system starts at The cost of a POS system starts at POS cost: Starts at $0 per month; optional $499 installation fee Processing fee: Not disclosed Learn more: Read our Toast POS review per month, with a $499 installation charge as an option. Fee for processing: not disclosed For further information, go to: Take a look at our Toast POS review. per month, with a $499 installation charge as an option. Fee for processing: not disclosed For further information, go to: Take a look at our Toast POS review.

TouchBistro is a restaurant touch-screen POS with features for tableside ordering, table mapping, and employee management. It is ideal for smaller food service vendors, like Food trucks are available. and cafes.

The cost of a POS system starts at $69 per month. Processing fees vary based on the kind of company, card mix, and sales volume. For further information, go to: Take a look at our TouchBistro POS review.

Upserve is a touch-screen POS designed for restaurants and bars looking for an iPad POS with full reporting capabilities so they can manage customers with tableside choices, reservation management, and table mapping.

The cost of a POS terminal starts at $59 per month plus $60 per terminal. Processing fee: varies depending on the kind of cards used and the amount of money sold. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Upserve POS review.

Lightspeed provides POS solutions for retail and restaurants that may be used on tablets or laptops. Lightspeed’s inventory management and sophisticated reporting and analytics components set it apart. It’s also a one-stop shop with marketing, loyalty, ecommerce, and other add-ons.

The cost of a POS system starts at $69 per month for retail and $59 for restaurants. Fee for processing: 2.6 percent plus ten cents For further information, go to: Read our Lightspeed Retail or Lightspeed Restaurant reviews to learn more.

POS Systems on the Cloud

Lightspeed POS is a prominent cloud POS with retail and restaurant solutions. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Cloud-based software keeps track of transactions in real time, allowing you to view your data from any location with an internet connection. This is ideal for companies with many locations, such as restaurants, hotels, and merchants.

Data will sync to a centralized database (like temporary retail, so you can send that information back to your data HQ), giving you a holistic view of your business. Small businesses with multiple POS systems or even locations benefit from a cloud POS, as data will sync to a centralized database (like temporary retail, so you can send that information back to your data HQ), giving you a holistic view of your business. Many cloud-based POS systems also provide real-time inventory updates, which is useful for retailers that have many locations and need to keep track of stock levels.

Transactions at cloud point-of-sale (POS) take place in person, with payment processing taking place on the cloud. These are Wi-Fi-connected online POS systems that sync data to the cloud, which can subsequently be accessed from any compatible device.

A cloud POS usually comes with a comprehensive feature set. It’s a versatile sort of online POS system for any developing firm, albeit certain capabilities may demand extra payments. The majority of current POS systems are cloud-based, while some historical or free POS Systems that are Open Source are locally stored or license-based, meaning that the systems and data can only be accessed from a single device or local network.

Typically, POS Systems on the Cloud are best for:

• Businesses who need remote access to inventory, sales, or reporting data
• Businesses looking to save money on hardware
• Businesses looking for a more adaptable setup

Cloud-based POS systems cost anything from nothing up front to a few hundred dollars each month.

Examples of popular POS Systems on the Cloud include:

Lightspeed is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that caters to the retail and restaurant industries. Lightspeed’s sophisticated reporting and analytics modules, as well as inventory management tools that can be accessed from anywhere, are reasons why we suggest it.

The cost of a POS system starts at $69 per month for retail and $59 for restaurants. 2.6 percent + 10% processing charge For further information, go to: Read our Lightspeed Retail or Lightspeed Restaurant reviews to learn more.

Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale system for bigger restaurants that provides unified inventory and reporting. It’s ideal for full-service restaurants and supermarkets.

Cost of POS: It costs $99 per month to get started. Processing fee: varies depending on the kind of cards used and the amount of money sold. For further information, go to: Read our POS evaluation of Revel Systems.

Shopify is an online point-of-sale system for businesses that consolidates customer, order, and inventory data from both in-store and online transactions. It’s ideal for ecommerce and multichannel shops, as well as cross-channel inventory management.

POS cost: Free with your ecommerce service; $89 per month, per location, for usage in a brick-and-mortar shop. Processing fee: 2.9 percent + 30 cents; select programs have cheaper rates. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Shopify POS review.

POS Systems that are Open Source

Floreant is a free open-source restaurant point-of-sale system. (Photo courtesy of Floreant)

While at first glance it may seem cost-effective, an open source POS requires resources to run that can add up. It also requires more maintenance and updates over time. This is why POS Systems that are Open Source are ideal for larger enterprises or extremely tech-savvy small businesses.

Larger enterprises typically have more custom and unique needs, along with bigger budgets. For small businesses with technical and coding skills, POS Systems that are Open Source can be an attractive option because they are often a free or low-cost investment.

An open source POS system is built on software that small businesses can modify and customize to their needs. These POS systems require technical and development resources. You might also hear the term “open API” when discussing POS Systems that are Open Source. You can find some POS Systems that are Open Source for free, while others come with costs typically lower than other types of POS.

Typically, POS Systems that are Open Source are best for:

• Companies that want a highly tailored solution
• Enterprises or large organizations with a significant technology budget and/or development team

Examples of POS Systems that are Open Source include:

Floreant is a free, open source point-of-sale system for restaurants that may be customized or used straight out of the box. It’s ideal for both full-service and fast-food establishments.

Processing fee: Custom quoted POS cost

WallacePOS is a free, web-based, open source point-of-sale system for cafes and small businesses. Small to big enterprises, such as merchants and restaurants, will benefit from it.

Cost of the POS: None Fee for processing: N/A

Unicenta is an open source point-of-sale system designed for bigger retail, hotel, and speciality establishments, such as hardware and general stores.

Cost of the POS: None Fee for processing: N/A

POS Systems with Multiple Channels

Shopify is a multichannel point-of-sale system designed for shops and storefronts. (Image courtesy of Shopify)

Retailers who make both online and in-person sales need a solution to integrate and manage business data from one place. POS Systems with Multiple Channels are helpful for those that have both an online store and some sort of in-person selling component, be it temporary retail, event selling, or a brick-and-mortar store.

By synchronizing inventory levels across channels, they assist product-based enterprises in avoiding stockouts. This is particularly critical for retaining accurate company data when the borders between online and physical transactions become more blurred.

POS Systems with Multiple Channels can process transactions and integrate the data across multiple commerce channels. Advanced POS Systems with Multiple Channels work with retail and ecommerce sales, as well as social selling, third-party marketplaces, click and collect, and other commerce channels.

Typically, POS Systems with Multiple Channels are best for:

• Retailers and shops that sell both online and in-store
• Vendors of mobile devices looking to increase sales via social media or online commerce

Depending on the functionality you want, a multichannel POS might cost anywhere from The price for a multichannel POS ranges from free (to get up and running) to $100 to $200 per month, depending on the features you need. (to get up and going) to $100 to $200 each month.

Popular POS Systems with Multiple Channels include:

Shopify is an ecommerce platform and point-of-sale system that integrates with online marketplaces (such as Amazon and eBay) as well as social networking platforms. It’s ideal for ecommerce and multichannel shops, as well as cross-channel inventory management.

POS cost: Free with your ecommerce service; $89 per month, per location for brick-and-mortar shops. Processing fee: 2.9 percent + 30 cents; select programs have cheaper rates. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Shopify POS review.

Square POS connects with Square Online for centralized management that is best suited for a small business (like vendors, cafes, and Food trucks are available.) with multichannel sales.

Cost of POS: Free processing fee: 2.6 percent + 10 cents per transaction, 2.9 percent + 30 cents per transaction for online sales. For further information, go to: Take a look at our Square POS review.

POS Systems for Self-Service Kiosks

Toast is a POS system for restaurants that includes self-service and self-order kiosks. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Casual restaurants and cafes with simple menu options are a good fit for POS Systems for Self-Service Kiosks because they reduce lines and wait times. In the retail environment, they have popped up in the self-checkout you typically see in grocery stores. With this, shoppers can place direct orders, scan their own items, and pay for their entire order themselves—shortening the checkout period and giving customers more control over their experience. This is especially helpful for minimizing person-to-person contact.

POS Systems for Self-Service Kiosks are made so customers can place orders and pay for products and services themselves without the help of an employee. You typically see these as digital touch screens at restaurants and cafes, particularly fast food and fast casual businesses. Self-service kiosks help shorten lines and waiting time. Some even allow customers to process their own payments.

Typically, POS Systems for Self-Service Kiosks are best for:

• Restaurants with quick service
• Made-to-order and ready-to-eat foods are sold at markets, supermarkets, and cafés.
• Hoteliers that wish to accept room rates as a form of payment
• Airports and other restaurants where customers are pressed for time
• Tableside payments are ideal for high-volume businesses looking to reduce turnover times.

Self-service kiosks often cost $50 to $100 per month.

Popular POS Systems for Self-Service Kiosks for small businesses include:

Revel Systems is a point-of-sale system featuring a variety of hardware options, including self-serve and self-order kiosks. It’s perfect for full-service restaurants and supermarkets.

The cost of a POS system starts at $99 per month. Processing fee: varies depending on the kind of cards used and the amount of money sold. For further information, go to: Read our evaluation of Revel Systems.

Toast is a self-service or self-order kiosk POS for restaurants. It works well in full-service restaurants or cafés with a large number of customers.

The cost of a POS system starts at The cost of a POS system starts at POS cost: Starts at $0 per month; optional $499 installation fee Processing fee: Not disclosed Learn more: Read our Toast POS review per month, with a $499 installation charge as an option. Fee for processing: not disclosed For further information, go to: Take a look at our Toast POS review. per month, with a $499 installation charge as an option. Fee for processing: not disclosed For further information, go to: Take a look at our Toast POS review.

TouchBistro is a POS with self-service kiosks. It is ideal for cafes, quick-service restaurants, and Food trucks are available..

The cost of a POS system starts at $69 per month. Processing fees vary based on the kind of company, card mix, and sales volume. For further information, go to: Take a look at our TouchBistro POS review.

Different Types of POS Systems Have Different Features

Depending on the kind of company or scale of the platform, each POS system offers distinct characteristics. Retail POS systems, for example, will almost certainly include inventory management with product variations, while restaurant POS systems will include features to monitor client sitting. Some features are included in the base price, while others need an additional fee.

The following are some of the most important aspects of POS systems:

Retailers and restaurants both need to keep track of their inventory. Most POS systems allow you to input information about particular goods, such as price, retail markup, and quantity on hand. These systems also keep track of inventory when it is sold, keeping on-hand numbers current. Inventory capabilities like as low stock warnings and automatic purchase orders are available in more comprehensive POS systems. Others provide third-party inventory management software connectors.

CRM capabilities enable firms to use email marketing and other tools to build and nurture connections with customers and prospects. Most POS systems provide tools for creating customer profiles that include contact information and purchase history. Some POS systems include CRM capabilities built in, like as feedback gathering tools or loyalty programs. Most POS systems also link with CRM software from other parties.

If you have a team, effective staff management is critical. Individual employee logins or profiles with authorization levels are available in most POS systems. Additional capabilities including as time monitoring, scheduling, and basic communication platforms are included in some systems.

Every current POS can handle payments; it’s only an issue of choosing one that accepts a variety of payment methods. Consumers have more convenient options for paying for products and services as payment technology evolves. Cash is becoming more rare, with credit and debit cards accounting for 38 percent and 29 percent of all POS transactions, respectively. Merchants must have technology that can adapt to different payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, e-checks, mobile wallets, and digital currencies.

Almost every point-of-sale system includes basic reporting, such as sales statistics and totals broken down by day, week, month, and even time of day. Basic reports to manage inventory levels and sales by employee are included in most systems. Advanced reporting on product types or departments, inventory value, and stock reordering reports are included in more costly systems. Analytics tools in the most powerful POS systems enable organizations to produce bespoke reports and examine more comprehensive projections.

Conclusion

For small companies, there are a variety of POS systems to choose from. Depending on your business’s demands, you’ll likely employ two or more kinds of POS systems (such as a mPOS and a touch-screen POS). Many characteristics are shared by POS applications, mPOS, touch-screen POS, cloud POS, open source POS, multichannel POS, and self-service POS. Because of the differences in functionality, cost, and use cases, each has its own time and place.

The “types of pos marketing” is a term used to describe the different types of point-of-sale systems. The most common system is the cash register, but there are also credit card readers and mobile POS devices.

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