Modern customers don't think in channels—they expect to browse online, buy in-store, and return by mail seamlessly. Yet most retailers still manage their retail operations through separate point of sale (POS) systems, creating friction at every step.
True unified commerce brings your entire business into a single platform. That means one system for inventory management, customer data, and reporting across all channels. No more sync delays. No more data silos. Just smooth experiences that keep customers coming back.
In this guide, we'll show you how to choose a POS system that transforms your retail operations and sets you up for growth.
What is a POS company?
A POS company provides payment processing solutions for businesses. These range from basic systems that function as electronic cash registers to sophisticated platforms that handle multi-platform sales, analyze data, and build unified customer profiles.
POS systems fall into three different categories. Some traditional POS systems specialize in just one type, while others offer a hybrid of categories.
- Hardware systems include physical equipment like cash registers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners, which are traditionally used for in-store purchases.
- Software systems enable online businesses to process virtual payments and orders from customers anywhere.
- Integrated systems combine hardware and software, allowing businesses to handle in-store and online transactions through a single platform.
8 best POS companies
Below are some major POS vendors, with overviews of their systems and costs.
1. Shopify
Shopify stands out as the only unified commerce platform that natively connects your online store and point of sale system. While other providers require complex integrations and middleware, Shopify delivers a true single system for your entire retail operation.
Pricing is straightforward: Basic POS features come included with all Shopify plans, while POS Pro ($89/month) unlocks advanced retail capabilities. In-person payment rates start at 2.7% with no additional fees—ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes. Hardware starts at $49 for card readers.
The power of Shopify's unified approach shows in the numbers: retailers see 8.9% higher annual sales growth on average and reduce operating costs by up to 16%. This is because all your data flows through one system:
Key unified commerce features:
- Real-time inventory syncing across all channels
- Unified customer profiles that follow shoppers everywhere
- Unified reporting across online and in-store sales
- Smart product grouping for better inventory management
- Unlimited registers and support for up to 1,000 locations
- Built-in payment processing
- Staff management and permissions
- Integrated marketing tools
- Extensive hardware options
- Native omnichannel capabilities (buy online pickup in-store, returns anywhere, etc.)
- App store with 8,000+ integrations to extend your capabilities
“We use Shopify for everything, from sales reporting to making informed decisions on how we grow and scale the business,” says Phoebe Simmonds, founder and CEO of The Memo. “We’re able to understand our customers and their behavior online, but also in store, and we can connect the two seamlessly.”
2. Square
Square's point of sale software includes features like tracking customer appointments and scheduling employee shifts. Square retail POS systems primarily cater to food and beverage, apparel, and beauty stores. An app for clients lets shoppers use an iPhone to tap and pay for contactless services.
Square’s pricing:
- No monthly fee
- Costs 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
- Can become expensive for businesses with high transaction volumes
👉 Learn more about how Square compares to Shopify POS.
3. Toast
Toast POS is purpose-built for restaurants, coffee shops, and food service establishments, featuring spill-resistant hardware and specialized software that handles menu management, online ordering, and kitchen-to-server notifications.
Toast offers two main payment models:
- Pay-As-You-Go plan
- No upfront hardware costs
- Transaction fee: 2.99% + 15¢ per order
- Installation fees may apply
- Standard plan
- Hardware starts at $799
- Transaction fee: 2.49% + 15¢ per order
4. Lightspeed
Lightspeed offers POS systems for retail businesses, restaurants, and golf courses. It's an integrated cloud-based software that works both in-person and online.
Payment options include:
-
Basic service
- Transaction fee: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
- Monthly cost: $69 (annual billing) or $89 (monthly billing)
- Includes one cash register
-
Advanced plans
- Monthly cost: $119-$199 depending on features
- Same transaction fee structure
- Access to built-in reports for employee performance and sales analysis
👉 Learn more about how Lightspeed compares to Shopify POS.
5. Clover
Clover's cloud-based POS systems are aimed primarily at retailers, but can also be configured for restaurants, bars, and health care providers. Clover is known for its integration with third-party apps such as Mailchimp (for email campaigns), Docusign (for virtual document signing), and Time Clock (for employee scheduling).
Service plans
- Monthly rates start at $14.95
- Transaction costs start at 2.3% + 10¢ per sale
Hardware options
- Available through Clover or partner financial institutions (Citi, Wells Fargo)
- Mobile card reader: $49
- Countertop system with touchscreen: $1,799
👉 Learn more about how Clover compares to Shopify POS.
6. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is designed just for restaurants and bars. It works on iPads and helps with menus, staff schedules, table orders, split checks, and managing tabs. TouchBistro works with many payment systems, so you can choose how to handle credit cards and payments. It’s iPad systems usually cost less upfront than bigger specialized systems.
TouchBistro’s pricing:
- Starts at $69 per month for one device
- Extra costs for add-ons like online ordering or customer rewards
- Equipment costs vary depending on needs
7. Epos Now
Epos Now works for stores and restaurants, with cloud-based software that handles inventory, sales reports, and staff schedules. Businesses can add extra features like customer rewards or online ordering if needed.
The system works on Epos Now's hardware or compatible devices you might already have, giving you options for different setups. It also connects with QuickBooks and Xero to make bookkeeping easier.
Epos Now pricing:
- Starts at about $39 per month for the basic package
- Transaction fees vary based on which payment processor you choose
8. Lavu
Lavu is made mainly for restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, using iPads as the main device. It lets you customize menus, see sales reports as they happen, and manage your staff. Lavu also works with online ordering and delivery services, which is good for businesses wanting to sell beyond just in-person customers.
Lavu fees:
- Start at $59 per month for one terminal
- Equipment needs change based on how big and complex your business is
How to choose the best POS system
Cost
Figure out how many sales you expect, how many people will use the system, and what you can spend. This helps you pick the right payment plan.
POS companies charge in different ways. Most take between 2% and 3% of each sale, and some add extra fees like 10¢ per transaction.
If your average sale is on the larger side, you will probably get more for your money from POS companies that charge lower percentage fees. Flat fees will add up if your business has a large volume of small purchases.
📚 Read: POS System Costs Guide for 2025
Features
Different systems do different things. Some work on phones for food trucks or pop-up shops. Others are built for online stores. Look for systems that can connect all your sales channels, like your website, physical store, and mobile so that you can manage everything in one place.
Think about what your business needs today and might need as you grow, then make a list of must-have features before you start shopping around.
Hardware
Your POS needs the right tools to work smoothly. Consider what equipment you'll need, like card readers, receipt printers, or tablets. Some systems work with basic POS hardware, while others need specific devices. Choose hardware that fits your budget, but also consider how it looks in your space.
Scalability
As your business grows, your POS should grow with you. Look for systems that make adding new locations, users, or features easy. The best systems let you start small and add more capabilities without switching to a new provider later.
Support
When your POS system isn't working, you're losing money. Pick a provider that offers the support you need when needed. Check if they provide 24/7 help, how quickly they respond, and what kind of training they offer for your team.
Ease of use
Your team needs to learn the system quickly and use it efficiently. Look for clean, simple interfaces that make sense for your business. The best systems require minimal POS training and prevent mistakes.
Consider how easy it is to do common tasks like processing refunds, adding items, or closing out at the end of the day.
Run your entire retail operation with Shopify POS
While each POS system we reviewed offers unique advantages, Shopify POS stands out for businesses looking to unite their online and in-person sales. Its seamless integration with Shopify's ecommerce platform means you can manage inventory, track customer data, and view reports across all sales channels from one dashboard.
Shopify POS delivers a compelling mix of features, reliability, and ease of use. Plus, with 24/7 support and regular updates, it's clear we’re invested in helping merchants succeed across all channels.
POS company FAQ
How much does a POS system typically cost?
POS software companies usually charge between 2% and 3% of the purchase value of each transaction. Some POS software programs may also charge monthly fees ranging from $20 to $200—and in some cases, more. Buying POS hardware without subscribing to a software can add several hundred dollars—depending on the type of device—to POS system costs.
Can I use the same POS system for multiple locations?
Yes. Shopify POS Pro, for example, lets business owners use the same POS system for as many as 1,000 different store locations. Many other POS providers accommodate multiple locations, sometimes at an additional cost.
What types of businesses are best suited for POS systems?
Retail stores, restaurants, and ecommerce businesses are all well-suited for POS systems. POS systems are especially helpful for businesses that receive a large number of payments by credit card, either in-person or online.
