Are you a multichannel eCommerce merchant looking to boost your operational efficiency? If so, choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system can be a game-changer. Given the vast array of options on the market, it’s crucial to select a solution that aligns with your unique business needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve rounded up the 11 best POS systems for small businesses in 2023. We’ve considered factors such as user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and value for money to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store, an online retailer, or a combination of both, we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up and let’s explore how the right POS system can help streamline your operations, drive customer satisfaction, and ultimately, elevate your sales.
Introduction to POS Systems for Small Businesses
Point of Sale (POS) systems are the hardware and software solutions that handle sales transactions, process payments, track inventory, and manage customer data in one unified platform. For small businesses—especially those juggling brick-and-mortar stores alongside eCommerce channels—a robust POS system can be the backbone of daily operations, driving efficiency and enabling data-driven decisions.
Investing in the *Best POS Systems for Small Businesses [2023] isn’t just about checking out with a card reader; it’s about unlocking features such as real-time inventory sync, integrated online ordering, loyalty programs, and advanced sales analytics. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the critical factors to consider when choosing a POS, then dive into our curated list of the 11 standout solutions for small, multichannel merchants in 2023.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a POS System
Understanding Your Business Needs
Every retailer and restaurateur has unique requirements. A café owner might prioritize table-management and kitchen display integrations, while a boutique clothing store could need advanced inventory variants (size, color) and tailored customer profiles. Before evaluating POS systems for small businesses, consider the following:
- Map out your sales channels: in-person, online, mobile pop-ups
- List integrations you need: accounting, eCommerce platforms, loyalty apps
- Estimate daily transaction volume and peak-hour load
Knowing these details upfront narrows your search to systems that truly fit.
The Cost of the POS System
POS pricing can be broken down into:
1. Hardware: Card readers, tablets, cash drawers, receipt printers
2. Software subscription**: Monthly or annual fees per terminal or user
3. Processing fees: Percentage plus per-transaction rates
4. Add-ons: Payroll, marketing automation, advanced reporting
Balancing cost and quality means choosing a vendor with transparent pricing and scalable plans. For instance, Square’s free-tier software is great for startups, but as you grow, you may need Lightspeed or Shopify—two of the most popular POS systems for small businesses—to handle larger inventories and omnichannel workflows.
Ease of Use
A user-friendly POS minimizes staff training time and reduces checkout errors. Look for:
- Intuitive, touchscreen interfaces
- Drag-and-drop menu/button layouts
- Cloud-based dashboards accessible from any device
When we implemented Shopify POS at a regional gift shop chain, staff onboarding dropped from two days to half a day, reducing labor costs and customer wait times.
Features and Functionalities
Critical functionalities for small businesses include:
- Inventory management: Stock levels, low-stock alerts, vendor orders
- Customer management: Profiles, purchase history, loyalty points
- Sales reporting: Real-time dashboards, custom reports, sales forecasts
- Multichannel syncing: Unified catalog and customer data across online and offline
These features empower you to make smarter reordering decisions, personalize marketing outreach, and identify best-selling items.
The 11 Best POS Systems for Small Businesses [2023]
POS System 1: Square POS
Overview
Square POS is a versatile, all-in-one solution ideal for startups and micro-retailers. It supports contactless payments, invoices, and basic inventory.
Key Features and Benefits
- Free core POS software with unlimited products
- Integrated Square Online store
- Built-in loyalty and gift card programs
- Robust reporting and real-time sales alerts
Pricing Details
- Software: Free
- Card reader: $49 (one-time)
- Processing fees: 2.6% + 10¢ per tap/dip/swipe
POS System 2: Shopify POS
Overview
Shopify POS is perfect for merchants who run an online store and want full channel unification. Inventory, orders, and customer profiles sync instantly between brick-and-mortar and eCommerce.
Key Features and Benefits
- Seamless Shopify integration (100+ apps)
- Omnichannel inventory and customer management
- In-store pickup, local delivery, and shipping labels
- Customizable checkout with Shopify Scripts
Pricing Details
- Lite: $9/month (offline POS features)
- Basic: $29/month + 2.7% in-person rate
- Advanced: $299/month + 2.4% in-person rate
POS System 3: Lightspeed Retail
Overview
Lightspeed Retail caters to growing specialty retailers requiring powerful inventory and purchasing features.
Key Features and Benefits
- Matrix inventory (size/color/style)
- Vendor purchase orders and receiving
- eCommerce integration via Lightspeed eCom
- Loyalty and gift card modules
Pricing Details
- Essentials: $69/month per register
- Standard: $99/month per register
- Advanced: $179/month per register
POS System 4: Clover POS
Overview
Clover is a flexible cloud-based POS with modular hardware and an extensive app marketplace.
Key Features and Benefits
- Customizable terminal options (Flex, Mini, Station)
- Over 200 apps for payroll, scheduling, and marketing
- Built-in EMV/NFC payments
- Automatic tax calculations
Pricing Details
- Register Lite: $9.95/month + 2.7% + 10¢
- Register: $39.95/month + 2.3% + 10¢
- Hardware bundles from $399
POS System 5: Toast POS
Overview
Designed specifically for restaurants, Toast POS handles tableside ordering, kitchen displays, and back-of-house operations.
Key Features and Benefits
- Offline mode to avoid downtime
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) and order routing
- Online ordering and delivery integrations
- Inventory tracking by ingredient
Pricing Details
- Software: $69/month per terminal
- Hardware: Starts at $899 per terminal
- Processing: Custom rates based on volume
POS System 6: Vend (by Lightspeed)
Overview
Vend is a retail-focused POS that excels in ease of use and multi-store management.
Key Features and Benefits
- Real-time inventory across outlets
- Layaway, returns, and exchange handling
- Loyalty integrations (e.g., Marsello)
- Offline mode and daily sales email reports
Pricing Details
- Lite: $69/month per register
- Pro: $119/month per register
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
POS System 7: Revel Systems
Overview
Revel offers a robust, iPad-based POS suited for both retail and restaurants, backed by high uptime guarantees.
Key Features and Benefits
- Advanced reporting suite
- Multi-location management with centralized menu/item control
- API for custom integrations
- Offline mode with auto sync
Pricing Details
- Starts at $99/month per terminal
- Hardware: From $1,000 per kit
- Payment processing: Custom rates
POS System 8: PayPal Zettle
Overview
PayPal Zettle is a budget-friendly POS solution for small pop-ups and side hustles, leveraging PayPal’s processing network.
Key Features and Benefits
- No monthly fees for core app
- Mobile POS for smartphones and tablets
- Simple catalog and sales reports
- Instant payouts to PayPal balance
Pricing Details
- Software: Free
- Card reader: $29 one-time
- Processing: 2.29% per transaction
POS System 9: NCR Silver
Overview
NCR Silver is an established POS system targeting small retailers and quick-service restaurants seeking reliable support.
Key Features and Benefits
- Employee management and time tracking
- Built-in marketing and CRM tools
- Offline capability
- In-depth loyalty program options
Pricing Details
- Sales: $49.95/month per register
- Restaurants: $79.95/month per register
- Hardware: Custom bundles
POS System 10: Epos Now
Overview
Epos Now delivers a scalable, cloud-based POS that’s easy to configure and supports multiple industries.
Key Features and Benefits
- Multi-site inventory and reporting
- Third-party app store for custom extensions
- Staff scheduling and payroll integrations
- Email/SMS marketing modules
Pricing Details
- Starter: $39/month per terminal
- Advanced: $69/month per terminal
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
POS System 11: TouchBistro
Overview
TouchBistro is a restaurant-specific POS that empowers table-service businesses with guest-centric features.
Key Features and Benefits
- Tableside ordering on iPad
- Floor plan management and split checks
- Integrated payments (TouchBistro Payments)
- Detailed sales and labor reports
Pricing Details
- Solo: $69/month per terminal
- Dual: $129/month for two terminals
- Unlimited: $249/month for unlimited terminals
Choosing the Right POS System for Small Businesses
Assessing Your Business Needs
Start with the criteria you defined earlier. Score each POS on how well it meets your must-have features—inventory complexity, omnichannel sync, restaurant-specific functions, or marketing integrations. If you run a hybrid retail/online operation, prioritize systems like Shopify POS or Lightspeed that seamlessly bridge your channels.
Considering Your Budget
Revisit your balance of upfront hardware costs versus ongoing subscriptions and processing fees. A free or low-cost entry-level system (Square, PayPal Zettle) may suffice initially, but fast-growing businesses often outgrow limited free plans. Allocate budget not only for POS terminals, but for essential add-ons (loyalty, payroll, advanced analytics) that fuel long-term growth.
Conclusion: The Best POS Systems for Small Businesses
Selecting the Best POS Systems for Small Businesses [2023] is a pivotal decision that impacts inventory accuracy, customer satisfaction, and overall profitability. By clearly defining your business needs, weighing total cost of ownership, and evaluating ease of use alongside key functionalities, you can pinpoint the right solution—whether you’re a café embracing online ordering or a boutique seeking omnichannel harmony. Armed with this guide, small business owners can confidently choose a POS system that scales with growth, delights customers, and streamlines operations across every sales channel.
Investing in the right POS system can revolutionize your small business operations. It’s not just about processing transactions; it’s about gaining a holistic solution that integrates your physical and digital sales channels, manages your inventory, processes payments, and analyzes sales data. A suitable POS system is a powerful tool that can drive efficiency, improve customer experience, and enable data-driven decisions. This guide has provided you with the critical factors to consider and the 11 best POS systems to consider for your small business in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features to look for in a POS system for small businesses?
The main features to look for in a POS system include sales transactions processing, payments processing, inventory tracking, customer data management, real-time inventory sync, integrated online ordering, loyalty programs, and advanced sales analytics.
How much does a good POS system cost?
The cost of a good POS system varies greatly depending on the features it offers. Some systems have a flat monthly fee, while others charge based on the number of transactions or terminals. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per month, per terminal.
How does a POS system benefit a small business?
A robust POS system can be the backbone of daily operations for a small business. It drives efficiency by handling multiple functions in one platform, enabling data-driven decisions, and syncing inventory in real-time between physical and online stores.
What is multichannel eCommerce and how does a POS system support it?
Multichannel eCommerce is a selling strategy that targets customers on multiple channels beyond a company’s website, such as physical stores, online marketplaces, and social media. A POS system supports this by integrating all these channels, making it easier to manage inventory and customer data.
Why is it important to choose a POS system that suits my business needs?
Different businesses have different needs. Understanding your specific needs will help you choose the right POS system for small businesses that streamlines operations, enhances customer experience, and ultimately increases profits.
We encourage you to take the time to understand your business needs and evaluate the offerings of each system. It’s an investment worth making, and the payoff can be monumental.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this guide. If you have any feedback or questions, please share them with us. And if you found this article helpful, make sure to share it with other small business owners looking for the best POS systems in 2023.