List of Top 20 POS Software Companies in 2024

In today’s information age, the point-of-sale terminal (POS) has taken on a bigger role than simply crunching numbers and releasing receipts. Through a digital POS platform, users can view a restaurant menu and shop inventory, as well as simplify the order-taking process with their mobile devices. Some platforms even account for loyalty programs and online ordering, which is critical given the COVID-19 pandemic.

That said, the POS software market is filled with worthwhile options that offer solutions to various industries. From restaurants to retail stores, you will find platforms that streamline workflows and generate reports. Options are aplenty, thus shortlisting the most ideal products and providers can be a challenging task.

In this article, we listed the leading POS software companies for all types of users in any industry, business size, and budget. Upon reading, you will have an idea of the companies you can trust and do business with in the near future.

With the pandemic negatively affecting the retail industry, the relevance of POS systems comes into question. Many restaurants and retail stores have closed, forcing a lot of people to migrate to the online realm for their needs and wants. And online shopping statistics back this up, with 37% of consumers opting to buy goods online and 30% of diners choosing to order online from restaurants.

So, are POS systems obsolete? Not by a longshot. In fact, the market is even growing despite the crisis, which may come as a surprise for a lot of people. Industry experts analyzed the market and expect the retail POS market size to increase from $15.8 billion in 2020 to $34.4 billion in 2026. The reason for this is the booming interest in buying retail goods online.

The major drivers for growth in the global POS market are the increase in non-cash transactions, the need for POS on product deliveries, and the data visibility afforded by web-based POS systems. Also, more and more people are transacting via their mobile devices due to the pandemic.

As such, investing in a POS system is still a good idea. There’s an array of POS software companies offering products with robust features at cost-effective price points. A good example is the top 3 most popular POS software. Additionally, these POS solutions don’t require complex infrastructure and setup processes. Hence, they are more suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. With that, here’s our list of POS software companies to check out.

1. Toast POS

Toast POS is developed by Toast, Inc., a cloud-based restaurant software company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Created for US-based businesses, the software was launched in 2012 until it grew to become one of the most popular POS systems built for restaurant operations today. This software is designed for assisting guests, staff, and managers in the food and beverage industry.

Users can access the mobile POS system anywhere and at any time, as long as there’s an internet connection. The key facets of managing guest experience are accomplished in a single platform, which allows you to focus on attending to your guests. The system also integrates online ordering, labor and sales reporting, and gift card and loyalty programs. You may sign up for Toast POS free demo to determine if the software matches your workflows.

Toast POS

Try out Toast POS with their free demo

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Why should you choose Toast POS?

1. POS hardware for restaurants. Choose from a wide array of devices based on your restaurant needs. Select from a combination of bundles for 10-inch, 15-inch, and 22-inch terminals, built-in card reader, receipt printer, cash drawer, port switch, and Toast Go (pay-at-the-table functionality), among others.
2. User-friendly interface. Customize your workflow and menu look with ease. You can also enable employee permissions by role or individual user, select a schedule when a specific menu is available, and route items to each prep station.
3. Real-time sync. Using your tablet devices, updating the system is done in real-time. This includes adding an item to the menu, marking an out-of-stock item, and modifying the layout of menu buttons.
4. Self-service functionality. To expedite turning tables, your customers can use Toast tablets for ordering and paying at their table. They can even rate their customer experience and access their loyalty program profile directly from the platform.

2. TouchBistro

Developed by the Toronto-based software company TouchBistro, Inc., TouchBistro is an iPad-based restaurant POS system for managing restaurant processes even without an internet connection. Its main features include order taking, quick service support, payment processing, and floor plan, and table management.

Furthermore, it offers support for full-service restaurants. That means it also handles CRM and restaurant inventory, staff scheduling and management, and reporting and analytics.

Why should you choose TouchBistro?

1. Hybrid solution. It offers both cloud and local connections. The former enables you to access the system from any location while the latter eliminates the risk of the system crashing when your internet connection is out.
2. Industry-specific solution. Since it’s built specifically for restaurants, it offers features such as take-out and delivery handling, bill splitting, and customizable menu modifiers.
3. Flexible monthly plans. Plans are full-featured, and you only pay based on the number of licenses you’ll use.

3. Cova

Cova is a cannabis dispensary POS system developed by COVA for businesses in the cannabis industry. It offers everything your business may need to become more efficient and make more sales. Also, it has tools for ensuring that your company adheres to existing rules and regulations, generating compliant reports, and more. Hence, you can focus on growing your business without having to worry about costly legal repercussions.

Cova

Try out Cova with their free trial

Why should you choose Cova?

1. Designed for Cannabis Dispensary. Cova is tailored to handle the very specific and special needs of cannabis dispensaries.
2. Works offline. With Cova’s offline mode feature, you can keep your customer lines moving even when there’s no internet connection. Thus, your customers won’t have to wait or leave your retail store empty-handed.
3. Ensure compliance. With purchase limits alerting, age verification scanner, and hours of operation compliance tools, you can avoid breaking the rules or at least making operational missteps that could cost you your business license.

4. Helcim

Helcim is a robust, reasonably priced human payment solution for small and medium-sized businesses. Some of its key features are contractless and no-extra-charge access to Helcim’s array of tools, transforming any device into a payment tool, accepting in-person payments through any device, and easy invoicing.

Helcim users can enjoy unlimited access to a vast range of payment solutions with just one account. This includes online checkout, payment links, virtual terminals, SMS payments, card vaults, and QR codes. The best thing about this app is its transparency when it comes to pricing. It does not charge a monthly fee or mandate contracts. It also provides its users with automatic volume discounts.

Why should you choose Helcim?

1. Cost-efficiency. Its latest update is that it allows users to pass on their credit card fees when their customers settle payment through credit card, which helps merchants save more.
2. Subscription manager. Merchants can conveniently put up recurring payments and automate processing for such payments. This helps them save time on manually sending out and gathering client payments.
3. Reliability. Helcim offers different hardware to make payment processing hassle-free. The Helcim Smart Terminal enables businesses to accept mobile and card payments via Tap, Chip, and PIN. Then, Helcim Card Readers can be paired with mobile devices or desktops to easily accept payments.

5. KORONA

KORONA is a cloud-based POS that doesn’t only provide in-depth inventory management but also comes with employee management and retail security features. With its automated ordering capabilities, you can easily keep track of your stocks. You will know which items are still in supply and which ones you need to order soon; thus, helping you avoid overstocking and stockouts.

From the same POS, you can also access features for employee management such as work hours time tracking and employee permissions. Assigning certain roles and permissions to employees, like cashiers, for example, can give you more control over actions they can perform. These can include voiding, no sale tenders, and comping, among others.

KORONA POS

Try out KORONA POS with their free trial

Why should you choose KORONA?

1. On-access inventory. With its integrated inventory management feature, your staff can access information about your stock availability and promptly answer questions or inquiries from customers.
2. Complete employee management tools. These tools will help you address a variety of issues concerning human resources. You can monitor employee working hours, provide proper compensation and bonuses, and secure your business data with employee permissions.
3. Hardware integrations. KORONA integrates with popular business software, such as Quickbooks Online, bLoyal CRM, Magento, Alvarado, and WooCommerce.

6. Lightspeed Restaurant

Lightspeed Restaurant is a fully integrated POS platform that modernizes restaurant management and ordering systems. The platform allows users to set up a customized menu complete with high-resolution photos and detailed descriptions. This helps keep customers and servers informed of the ingredients of each dish, including allergens. Customers will be able to order tableside through the mobile POS or even on their phones for added convenience.

The platform offers various features for customer management. For instance, managers can create customer profiles so you can track regulars, their favorite items, and their order history. You can also add credit to customers’ accounts and assign orders to their tabs.

Why should you choose Lightspeed Restaurant?

1. Customized menus. You can use the platform to create a customized menu that you can update from anywhere. Your menus can include photos and descriptions to make it easier for customers to make their choice.
2. Mobile service. Through the software, you can set up a mobile POS to take orders and payments wherever customers are seated. Customers can order tableside, while servers can use the system to automatically send orders to the kitchen.
3. Multi-store capabilities. Through Lightspeed Restaurant, you can use a single platform to manage multiple locations. You can set up different menus for each location, but customer data can be shared across locations so you can improve customer service levels.

7. Vend

Vend company is founded in 2010 with headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. It offers a POS solution for retail management in the cloud. Its product, Vend, handles all your customer transactions—from processing payments to updating your inventory. Hence, all laborious retail tasks are streamlined, so users can focus their time and energy on running their business and taking care of their customers.

Why should you choose Vend?

1. Hybrid solution. It is available online, in-store, and in mobile for an overall retail solution. It also continues to work even when offline and syncs data when the internet connection is restored.
2. Partner integrations. Connect with popular retail tools with the open platform or develop custom extensions on its API. It has deep integrations with Apple, Shopify, Square, and Xero.
3. Simple, advanced tools. The system works on iPad, Mac, and PC. It is also fast and intuitive for any type of user.

8. Sapaad

Sapaad was developed by an industry-leading POS provider with a similar name. It’s a point-of-sale system that’s designed to allow you to quickly and efficiently serve customers of any type – dine-in, walk-in, home delivery, or take-away. While robust, its design is centered on ease and convenience, no matter the device it’s used in. The system is also adaptable to various business scenarios, making it a one-size-fits-all solution, regardless of the size of the business, the country it’s in, or the cuisine it specializes in.

Why should you choose Sapaad?

1. Your customers will appreciate how you can easily adapt to their taste since the system easily allows you to add various preferences, such as “extra spicy.”
2. Cost-efficient. Sapaad has a very scalable pay-as-you-go pricing model that would certainly suit your budget. There are no hidden fees or setup costs, either.
3. Multi-branches. The system grows with your business with just a click of a button. You can easily add new branches or franchises without having to scale your infrastructure. All of them can be managed under one administration as well.

9. Revel Systems POS

From Revel Systems, Inc. comes an intuitive iPad-based point-of-sale solution for merchants of all sizes, Revel Systems POS. It’s equipped with all the functions necessary for making businesses’ day-to-day operations easier and more efficient. The POS system is paired with other tools such as employee, inventory, and sales management. It also provides helpful insights through its reporting and analytics features. This ensures that you know which items to stock the most and which are gathering dust in the corner shelf.

You can use all the features for free for a period of time to see if the software matches your needs.

Why should you choose Revel Systems POS?

1. Robust inventory management. The system allows you to control every aspect of your item in your inventory, such as name, image, price, ingredients, and others. All items are also tracked in real-time.
2. iPad exclusive. Revel only runs on iPad to ensure that you get the maximum security and functionality befitting your business.
3. Hardware integrations. The Revel Systems POS can seamlessly connect with mobile printers and high-quality payment devices. There are also sleek stands that can comfortably hold your iPad.

10. Clover

Clover was launched in 2012 by Clover Network as a cloud-based Android point-of-sale platform. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. It was acquired by First Data Corporation, a global leader in the credit card processing industry, which means it’s locked into the large processor. The software is praised for its ease of setup process and aesthetic appeal.

Why should you choose Clover?

1. Robust app store and integrations. The App Marketplace is wide. Hence, you can adapt it to any industry and use it to handle any business process you have.
2. Various products. It has various products to choose from based on what you need—Clover Station (all-in-one POS solution), Clover Mini (for EMV chip and NFC payments), Clover Mobile (portable POS), Clover Flex (for countertops, in the aisle, or on-the-go) and Clover Go (smartphone-ready system).
3. Short learning curve. Employees only need short training as the product has functionalities that are clearly labeled and self-explanatory. All of its hardware also works seamlessly, which reduces guesswork when connecting them.

11. CAKE

CAKE is an intuitive and cost-friendly POS solution from Sysco, designed to help restaurants simplify their operation using features like customized workflows and table adjustments. It has an intuitive touch screen that allows users to master the platform in minutes. Furthermore, it is cloud-based and works on all devices, so you have a robust POS solution that’s accessible anytime and anywhere.

Why should you choose CAKE?

1. Robust hardware. The software comes with a flush, bevel-level screen, which makes it spill, dust, and crumb proof. It is also built with a 32GB solid-state hard disk drive, eliminating the need for a fan that can suck in gunk. It’s durable enough to be used in demanding restaurant environments.
2. Short learning curve. CAKE has a simple interface and its functionalities are self-explanatory and clearly labeled—no need for months of training.
3. Cake Guest Manager integration. CAKE POS’ integration with CAKE Guest Management can help you run your dining room seamlessly. With this integration, you will know when a table has been seated, when a check is printed, and confirm whether or not payment has been accepted.

12. Upserve

Developed by a US-based software company of the same name, Upserve is an all-in-one solution to help run and grow restaurants. It’s a combination of different functions under one platform. Aside from being a POS software, it can also handle payment, inventory, reservations, reports, and more. Thus, with Upserve at your side, you are treated to a tool that lets you manage costs, improve guest retention, and increase your sales, all of which ultimately lead to an increase in profits.

Why should you choose Upserve?

1. Easy splitting of payments. Upserve is capable of quickly merging, transferring, and splitting checks, be it through card and cash payments. The POS software will automatically calculate everything you need for this type of situation.
2. Training tool. The software has a feature called training mode, which your new hires can use to train and familiarize themselves with the system without disrupting your business operation.
3. Multi-location Management. Upserve is ideal for managing restaurants in different places. It allows operation managers to easily communicate with a group of general managers.

13. Square

Square is a POS software developed by Square, Inc. The company, based in San Francisco, California, offers financial services, mobile payment services, and merchant service aggregator. Its point-of-sale service aims to replace traditional cash registers and credit card terminals with a modern system.

The software takes care of processing payments (via cash, cards, and gift cards), swiping cards even without an internet connection, providing digital and printed receipts, handling real-time inventory management, and creating sales reporting and analytics. It also offers hardware and software specifically for your business need. The best way to know whether it suits your needs is by testing the software.

Why should you choose Square?

1. Available in two operating systems. Get more flexibility in choosing your operating system as it’s available on both Android and Apple.
2. Works with any business type and size. It’s built for SMBs and enterprises. While it specializes in retail, it also caters to other industries, such as food and beverage, bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, professional services, and health and fitness, among others.
3. Pay per transaction. The Square software is available for free, and you only pay every time you make a credit card processing. You can also add Square for Retail for advanced tools starting from $60/month/location. Hardware such as a register, stand, and a reader are also available at reasonable prices.

14. Poster POS

Poster POS is founded in 2013 by the US-based company of the same name. It’s a point-of-sale and inventory management tool developed for stores, restaurants, and cafes. This cloud-based solution lets you manage your business from anywhere in the world using its fully-functional back-office tool. It also offers a quick setup that only takes about 5 minutes, without additional training required.

Why should you choose Poster POS?

1. Compatible with any device. You can use the system on any device, whether it’s iPad and Android tablets or Windows, Linux, and macOS desktops.
2. Available offline. The system continues taking orders and printing receipts during temporary loss of internet connection and then syncs it to the cloud when the connection is restored.
3. Affordable pricing. Starting at $19/month, it offers one of the most affordable subscription plans for POS systems. As for the basic equipment setup, pricing starts at $500.

15. Miva Merchant

Miva, Inc. is an ecommerce shopping cart software that’s headquartered in San Diego, California. The company first released its catalog-based ecommerce product called KoolKat, which was renamed and now known as Miva Merchant. The platform is loaded with built-in features for storefront, checkout, and admin processes. Due to its advanced features, it has a moderate learning curve and suits large businesses better.

Why should you choose Miva Merchant?

1. ecommerce integrations. It integrates with plenty of ecommerce services such as Shipwire, MailChimp, and CloudFlare. The setup process with its partners is fast and easy.
2. Consistent updates. The platform is regularly updated to resolve previous bugs and introduce new features.
3. Customizable interface. The product is packed with features to let you customize the system according to your needs, including complex operations. It also has multiple design editors where you can save your own template.

16. QuickBooks POS

QuickBooks POS is developed and marketed by Intuit Inc., a business and financial software company. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company was founded in 1983 as a financial service geared towards small business owners. QuickBooks accounting software is robust, and integrating it with QuickBooks POS streamlines your point-of-sale and accounting processes.

Why should you choose QuickBooks POS?

1. Plenty of integrations. The product integrates with plenty of third-party apps such as Shopify, PayPal, Square, Insightly, and Constant Contact, among others.
2. QuickBooks integration. Since QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software solutions around, users who are using it can seamlessly integrate it with the POS system. This is a feature favored by medium and large companies.
3. Receipt customization. Completely customize your receipts like sales screens and item lists. It also saves receipts when the internet connection is down.

17. FastSpring

FastSpring is a Santa Barbara-based SaaS company founded in 2005. Its ecommerce platform is focused on providing an enterprise-level solution for selling products and implementing shopping carts for your digital business. It processes subscriptions and purchases across various platforms ranging from web, mobile, and in-app.

Why should you choose FastSpring?

1. Back-office management. It takes back-office operations away from your hands as the system handles online payments, payment processing, billing, VAT filing, and sales tax.
2. Omnichannel solution. Customer experience is tailored both in-app through the app store and on your website via an online marketplace.
3. Plenty of integrations. The product integrates with multiple solutions, ranging from affiliate marketing, email marketing, paid search, reporting and analytics, conversion optimization, CRM, licensing and DRM, and site builders.

18. Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is only one of the many CRM products offered by Salesforce.com, Inc. It’s a cloud computing company based in San Francisco, California, where it was founded in 1999. The tech giant’s POS product is built to deliver a seamless and personalized shopping experience for your customers across various channels like social, digital, mobile, and store. It brings a unified experience to mobile POS, digital commerce, and store operations.

Why should you choose Salesforce Commerce Cloud?

1. Salesforce integration. It has a deep integration with one of the top CRM products, which optimizes your customer service, marketing, and POS management.
2. Einstein’s AI capabilities. Personalization is robust with the product’s Einstein AI capabilities that enable personalized shopping experience, automation of tasks, and extraction of merchandising insights. This is achieved even without a data scientist.
3. Various products. The product suite offers various solutions catered to your needs, such as order management, in-store, and B2B ecommerce, among others.

19. Shopify POS

Shopify is a Canadian ecommerce company that made its name due to its robust ecommerce platform and retail POS systems. It was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. It is known as one of the most popular and major players in the ecommerce industry. Similar to its parent software, Shopify POS is an intuitive platform built solely for retail businesses.

Why should you choose Shopify POS?

1. Ease of use. Navigating the system is simple, and you can easily walk yourself around its front- and back-end features. It’s appealing for organizations with limited time and knowledge for training.
2. Plenty of compatible credit card processors. You get a wide array of choices when it comes to choosing a payment gateway. You can use its in-house merchant services processor. You also have the option of choosing another merchant for payment processing.
3. Affordability. It can be used as an add-on to your Shopify account or as a standalone solution with economical pricing. The subscription plans are scalable, and they are based on the features your business needs.

20. Erply

Erply was developed by an enterprise software company in Estonia in 2009. The product is focused on point-of-sale and inventory management for the retail industry. This cloud-based iPad-oriented software handles multi-store operations. Overall, it’s an easy-to-use solution for one-store SMBs and large corporate-run retail chains.

Why should you choose Erply?

1. Cloud POS with offline mode. Using best-in-breed technology, you can use the system with the benefits of cloud technology without fear of disruption in internet connection.
2. Open API. It provides its own set of APIs for users to integrate with any program they need for their business. This allows centralized management for crucial business processes.
3. Minimum hardware requirements. With the system’s compatibility with most hardware (iPads, tablets, desktops, laptops, and traditional touchscreen terminals, among others), you get to keep your existing hardware and avoid the costs of purchasing new ones.

What are the costs associated with implementing a POS system?

Implementing a POS system involves several costs, each impacting the overall investment:

• Hardware Costs: A POS system typically requires hardware like terminals, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers. The prices vary depending on the quality and brand. For instance, a basic terminal can cost a few hundred dollars, while advanced models might exceed $1,000.
• Software Fees: POS software costs can be a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription. Subscription-based models often range from $30 to $300 per month, depending on the features and the number of terminals. More comprehensive software with advanced capabilities will cost more.
• Setup and Installation: Some POS providers charge for the initial setup and installation, especially if the system is complex or involves multiple locations. These fees can range from $0 to several hundred dollars based on the service level.
• Training Costs: Businesses might need to invest in training staff to use the new system effectively. Training costs can vary based on the complexity of the software and the number of employees involved.

If Still in Doubt, Try the Top POS Companies First

Any of the platforms featured on this list stands as a worthwhile choice, particularly if it matches the special needs of your business. After all, many of them are highly rated not only by us but also by those who have leveraged the products. But at the end of the day, “20” may still be too big a list to easily make a decision on which software to purchase.

Therefore, if you’re still undecided, a safe choice would be our top pick, Toast POS. It’s a comprehensive restaurant management tool that streamlines workflows on receiving and taking orders as well as customizing menus. The platform also covers online purchases, which is ideal for dealing with customers stuck at home due to COVID-19. It even has a free trial for interested parties. For these reasons, the brand also came out on top of our list of best POS systems for restaurants.

However, if you wish to try other software solutions, you can browse through our list of Toast POS alternatives. This shortlist is comprised of similar competitive products but with somewhat more affordable pricing.

Key Insights

• Diverse Industry Applications: POS software solutions cater to various industries including restaurants, retail stores, and cannabis dispensaries, ensuring specialized features to meet specific business needs.
• Cloud-Based Solutions: Many leading POS systems are cloud-based, allowing for real-time updates, remote management, and seamless integration with other business tools.
• Offline Functionality: Several POS systems, such as Cova and TouchBistro, offer offline capabilities to ensure uninterrupted service even without an internet connection.
• Mobile and User-Friendly: POS systems like Toast and Lightspeed Restaurant offer mobile POS options and user-friendly interfaces, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Comprehensive Management Tools: POS solutions often come with comprehensive management tools, including inventory management, employee scheduling, and sales analytics, as seen in KORONA and Revel Systems.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Systems like Sapaad and Erply provide scalable solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes and offer flexible pricing plans to accommodate growth.
• Integration Capabilities: Many POS platforms, including QuickBooks POS and Shopify POS, integrate seamlessly with popular accounting, CRM, and e-commerce tools, facilitating streamlined business operations.

FAQ

1. What is POS software and why is it important for businesses? POS (Point-of-Sale) software is a system that manages sales transactions and various business operations, such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and sales reporting. It is important for businesses as it streamlines operations, improves customer service, and provides valuable insights through data analytics.
2. How do cloud-based POS systems benefit businesses? Cloud-based POS systems allow businesses to access their data from anywhere with an internet connection. This ensures real-time updates, easy remote management, and integration with other cloud-based business tools. It also reduces the need for extensive on-site hardware and IT support.
3. Can POS systems work without an internet connection? Yes, many POS systems, such as Cova and TouchBistro, offer offline functionality. This means they can continue processing transactions and other critical operations without an internet connection, ensuring business continuity even during network outages.
4. What industries can benefit from using POS software? POS software is beneficial for a wide range of industries including retail, restaurants, hospitality, and cannabis dispensaries. Each industry can leverage specific features tailored to their operational needs, such as menu customization for restaurants or compliance management for cannabis dispensaries.
5. What should I consider when choosing a POS system for my business? When choosing a POS system, consider factors such as industry-specific features, ease of use, integration capabilities with other business tools, scalability, cost, and the level of customer support provided. It’s also beneficial to look for systems with offline capabilities and mobile POS options if relevant to your business operations.

By Shaun Baker

With 5 years of experience in digital marketing and retail strategy under his belt, Shaun Baker is the resident eCommerce expert at FinancesOnline. A contributor to Entrepreneur, The Atlantic, and other business portals, he has spoken and written about various eCommerce subjects, from AI and headless commerce to the economics of Black Mirror’s “Fifteen Million Credits”. His (highly) opinionated pieces on the ebbs and flows of eCommerce as an industry remain both a dynamic resource of talking points and entertainment in itself.