Running a small business is tough. You’re juggling inventory, staff, customers, and more. A good Point of Sale (POS) system can take a load off your shoulders. It helps you track sales, manage stock, and even connect with online orders. But finding the right system? That’s where most people get stuck.
There are dozens of options out there in 2025. Some are built for food service. Others are better for retail or mobile businesses. A few try to do it all, and some actually can. To help you sort through the noise, we’ve rounded up the 10 best point-of-sales systems for small businesses this year. This list focuses on terminals that are reliable, easy to use, and packed with useful tools that don’t cost a fortune.
What to Look for in a POS System
Before we jump into the list, let’s break down what makes a POS system stand out. The best POS devices don’t just process payments. They help you run your business smarter. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Ease of Use: If it takes a week to train your staff, it’s too complicated. You want a clean interface and quick access to key features.
- Cloud Access: Most POS tools in 2025 are cloud-based. This means you can track sales and stock from any device, even when you’re away from the shop.
- Inventory Management: Whether you’re selling tacos or T-shirts, you need a clear view of what’s in stock. Good POS systems update inventory in real time.
- Integrations: Does it sync with your accounting software? Your eCommerce store? Your loyalty program? Those connections save you hours every week.
- Hardware Support: Some point-of-sale terminals run on iPads. Others need custom devices. Make sure the hardware fits your space and budget.
- Customer Support: Stuff breaks. You need a provider who answers the phone and solves problems fast.
- Transparent Pricing: POS fees can sneak up on you. Always check for hidden costs or long-term contracts.
Top 10 POS Systems for Small Businesses in 2025
We’ve picked point-of-sale terminals that cover different industries and needs. Retail, restaurants, mobile sellers — there’s something here for everyone.
#1. Square POS
Best for: Mobile sellers, pop-ups, and new business owners
Square is the most popular starter POS. It’s free to use, easy to set up, and works right from your phone or tablet. You only pay per transaction.
Why we like it:
- Super simple to start
- No monthly fee
- Free online store included
Watch out for:
- Limited tools for large stores
- Basic reporting
Pricing:
- Free plan. 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe
#2. Shopify POS
Best for: Online sellers with physical stores
Shopify POS connects your brick-and-mortar sales with your online store. If you already use Shopify for eCommerce, this is a natural fit.
Why we like it:
- All-in-one retail and online system
- Syncs inventory across channels
- Built-in marketing tools
Watch out for:
- Can get pricey as you scale
Pricing:
- Starts at $39/month + processing fees
#3. Clover
Best for: Food trucks, salons, and retail shops
Clover offers solid hardware with flexible software. It’s sold by different payment processors, so pricing can vary.
Why we like it:
- Lots of hardware setups
- Works offline
- App-based custom features
Watch out for:
- Can’t use third-party payment processors
- Locked into their hardware
Pricing:
- Starts at $60/month + hardware
#4. Toast
Best for: Full-service restaurants and busy cafés
Toast is designed just for food businesses. It runs on Android and comes with tools for tables, tips, orders, and menus.
Why we like it:
- Strong restaurant features
- Offline mode for busy nights
- Easy check-splitting
Watch out for:
- Can’t be used outside food service
- Requires Toast hardware
Pricing:
- Starts at $0/month with pay-as-you-go option
#5. Lightspeed Retail
Best for: Retail shops with lots of SKUs
Lightspeed is great for complex retail operations. It handles purchase orders, vendor management, and even rental items.
Why we like it:
- Deep inventory tools
- Barcode and scanner support
- Works with eCommerce
Watch out for:
- Not ideal for restaurants or services
- More features than some need
Pricing:
- Starts at $89/month
#6. Vend by Lightspeed
Best for: Small stores wanting a flexible, cloud-based system
Vend works with most hardware and supports custom receipts, loyalty points, and remote access. It’s good for scaling up over time.
Why we like it:
- iPad and desktop ready
- Easy to train staff
- Loyalty tools built-in
Watch out for:
- Now merging into Lightspeed’s main system
- Some users report slower updates
Pricing:
- Starts at $69/month
#7. Revel Systems
Best for: Multi-location stores or restaurant chains
Revel is enterprise-level POS, but still useful for mid-size businesses. It’s strong in both retail and food settings.
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- Solid reporting and analytics
- Supports self-serve kiosks
Watch out for:
- Setup can be complex
- Requires contract
Pricing:
- From $99/month per terminal
#8. QuickBooks POS
Best for: Businesses using QuickBooks Desktop
This one syncs directly with your accounting. It’s not as modern as some others, but it’s stable and works offline.
Why we like it:
- Tight integration with QuickBooks
- One-time purchase option
- No internet required
Watch out for:
- Outdated design
- Not cloud-based
Pricing:
- One-time fee, starting around $960
#9. PayPal Zettle
Best for: Side hustlers and low-volume sellers
Zettle is PayPal’s mobile POS. It’s a good fit for craft fairs, markets, or anyone selling on the go.
Why we like it:
- No monthly fee
- Lightweight card reader
- Links with PayPal account
Watch out for:
- Limited inventory tools
- Not for high-volume stores
Pricing:
- Free app. 2.29% + 9¢ per swipe
#10. TouchBistro
Best for: Independent restaurants and cafés
TouchBistro is built for food service and runs on iPads. It helps you track orders, split bills, and manage tables.
Why we like it:
- Made for small restaurants
- Menu and staff tools included
- Offline mode
Watch out for:
- iPad only
- No retail features
Pricing:
- Starts at $69/month
Final Tips Before You Choose
Don’t rush the decision. Choosing the right POS system can save hours every week. Think about how you sell, what you sell, and where you sell it.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need online and in-person support?
- Will I grow into this system over time?
- Does this work with the tools I already use?
Always try the free demo or trial. Walk through a full sales day using the POS. If it feels clunky now, it’ll be worse with real customers.
And don’t forget support. Fast help can save your business when something goes wrong.
At Pure Terminal, we help small businesses get their tech sorted. Point-of-sales systems are a big piece of that puzzle. If you’re stuck between options or just want a clean setup without the hassle, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today. We’ll help you choose, install, and train your team so you can focus on running your business.