9 Best Point of Sale (POS) Systems for Small Businesses in 2024

Every business needs a POS system of some sort, including small businesses. Whether you choose a countertop or mobile POS system, you will need to decide from a wide variety of tools with similar features. There are numerous options, so we’ve gathered the top ones.

What is a POS (Point-of-Sale) System?

A POS system, which stands for a Point-of-Sale, is a system that retailers use to process payments from customers and record sales. It comprises the computer, barcode scanners, card readers, and cash box drawer on the check-out counter. It includes POS software as well.

How do POS Systems Work

Whether using a POS system with mobile features or countertop POS system, the overall process is the same. The cashier scans the customers’ items via a barcode scanner, enters a code, or looks up the product in the POS system. The system automatically calculates the total to be paid by the customer, including taxes.

The customer pays the cashier, and the transaction is finalized on the POS system. Your customer will get a receipt, and the transaction will be stored in your records.

What to Look for in a POS System?

When looking for the right POS system for your small business, there are some common factors you can look at, no matter your industry. For example, the hardware that will support the software, types of payments processed, the inventory management solution, connectivity to your online store, or even integration with other systems you use, to name a few. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right POS system, but you can review:

The Hardware

Your first consideration when choosing a point-of-sale system will be the type of hardware you need. Start by deciding whether you prefer a mobile POS system or want a countertop one. From there, you will have to decide if you prefer standalone mobile POS systems or are happy with software that turns a smartphone or tablet into a POS system.

Other hardware to consider include the following:

• Credit card readers
• Cash drawers
• Barcode scanners
• Receipt printers

Types of Payments Processed

As a small business, you want to make sure you accept the types of payment that your customers prefer. This is one of the best ways to encourage them to buy from you. Nearly every POS system will at least accept cash and credit or debit cards. Remember that modern credit and debit cards use chip technology instead of (or in addition to) traditional magstripes. 

You should also consider getting a system that supports contactless payments, including tap-to-pay cards. Some of the best systems even offer innovative options, such as text-to-pay. Don’t forget to consider whether you can use it to offer gift cards as well.

Other Considerations

In addition to the hardware and the types of payments accepted, pay attention to the following features of mobile POS systems:

• Inventory
• Connectivity with your online store
• Reporting and analytics
• Personalization
• Technical support
• Employee management
• Integration with other systems you use

To figure out which of the above you need from mobile POS solutions, think about how your small business currently operates. For example, if you don’t have an online store or offer online ordering, you don’t need to look exclusively at mobile POS systems that support that functionality. Or if you are happy with the system you currently use for inventory management, you can skip that feature. 

The integrations are especially dependent on your business. After all, you know what software you use, so you can confirm that it integrates with your chosen mobile POS system. Pay especially close attention to integrations with accounting, inventory management, and CRM software. 

The 9 Top POS Systems for Small Businesses

With all of these factors in mind, take a look at some of the top POS systems for small businesses today.

1. Clover

Clover is one of the big names in POS systems and it offers various types of such hardware, including countertop and mobile POS systems. The vendor also offers a range of plans and a free trial. Conveniently, there is also a Clover App Market with plenty of integrations.

2. Hike

Instead of using its own hardware, Hike turns your tablet, smartphone, or computer into a POS system. Hike is another option combining online sales with in-store and on-the-go sales. It also integrates with Amazon Marketplace sales. This POS system includes inventory features, reporting, and gift cards. As your business grows, you can use the system’s built-in multi-store functionality.

3. Lightspeed

Lightspeed POS is scalable and compatible with EMV cards. It is also PCI-compliant and includes features for inventory management. This system stands out with its membership and loyalty tools.

4. PayPal Zettle

Zettle by PayPal is an offering from the of the most popular names in online payment processing. There is no free trial, but there also aren’t any monthly fees. The pricing model is pay-per-transaction, which makes it appealing to small businesses. You can also use it to accept payments via PayPal and Venom QR codes.

5. Podium

Podium uses convenient card readers to turn your smartphone or tablet into a mobile POS system, letting you accept payments anywhere. It also offers innovative payment methods you will be hard-pressed to find on other systems, such as text-to-pay. In addition to that, Podium stands out by connecting with the other Podium tools.

So, when a customer calls your team, their past purchases will show up on the system, giving you context for the conversation. The POS system also integrates with Podium’s review-collection feature, encouraging customers to leave a review after their purchase.

6. Square

Square is another major player in portable POS systems and offers various types of hardware. You can attach a card reader to your smartphone or tablet, get a mobile POS system, or choose a countertop model. It includes customer loyalty features as well as some marketing ones. Just be aware that you may not be eligible for a free trial.

7. Shopify

Shopify is mostly known as an e-commerce platform, but it also offers a POS system. You use it to convert your mobile device into a POS system and unsurprisingly, it integrates with other Shopify features. This makes it especially popular for stores with both physical and online presences.

8. Toast

Toast is a popular choice among restaurants, but other types of small businesses will want to look elsewhere. It has a full offline mode, can run payroll, and has tools to help you increase table turnover.

9. Vend

Vend has a conveniently simple interface and doesn’t limit your products. It also includes inventory management as well as analytics. But the cost can quickly add up, especially if you want more than one register and comprehensive software, as that requires subscribing to Vend’s most expensive plan.

Start Collecting Payments with Podium

Make the decision of which mobile POS system to use and select Podium. Podium lets you start collecting payments quickly and gives you the ability to accept payments via your customers’ preferred methods. You get standard options like cash and cards, but this is one of the rare mobile POS solutions that also lets you accept payments via text.

As a bonus, Podium’s mobile POS systems integrate with the other platforms’ features. Manage conversations and encourage reviews all in one place. This integration means that your team always has the context for a conversation when talking to clients, including the ability to view recent transactions. And because Podium uses card readers to turn smartphones into mobile POS systems, it is easy to scale up.

Ready to see what all the hype is about? Start a free trial of Podium today.