Top 10 POS Software Companies 

Every business has different needs and budgets. Some POS software companies tailor their app’s features to specific industries. Meanwhile, some companies offer free plans with features that centralize a business’s operations. But what makes a POS software company stand out? 

As a POS software company, you’ll need to know what the best software providers prioritize in their POS apps. Continue reading to learn more about the top 10 POS software companies that should be on your radar. 

Square 

Caption: Square’s POS app includes a sales tracking and reporting feature [Image: Square Business Intelligence Dashboard]

Established in 2009, Square is one of the pioneers in mobile card reader technology. Its mobile app enables business owners to process in-person and online payments. In addition to its POS app, Square also offers hardware. 

Compatible operating systems: Android, iOS, iPadOS 

Square POS App Features 

Square offers a free version of its POS app. Business owners who want to try out the app’s features can benefit from features such as: 

• In-app payment processing 
• Online business website
• Item library for inventory management and sales tracking
• Invoice management
• Appointment scheduling 
• Staff calendar management 
• Checking and savings accounts management 

Even with its free plan, businesses can process payments and maximize the benefits of a POS system. Using the Square app, they can accept payments from major credit cards, cash, checks, and Square Gift Cards. In addition, Square provides each account’s first credit card reader for free. 

Square also has an offline payment feature. If there is no network connection, business owners can still process payments within 24 to 72 hours of the outage. 

Every payment processed through Square is encrypted. POS software companies like Square need to follow Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Through PCI Compliance, customer data is protected. Aside from this, businesses are also protected from fraud and data breaches. 

Industry-specific Features 

In addition to payment processing, a POS system is used for inventory management and streamlining daily operations. Industry-specific features enable business owners to find POS features tailored to their needs. Square offers these features for the following industries: 

• Food and beverage: item and menu management, split check processing, reservations management, close of day reports, order guide 
• Retail: Automatically-generated SKUs, inventory transfers, discounts and refund management, low-stock alerts
• Beauty: Online booking site, loyalty rewards program, recurring promotions, future booking reports, coupons
• Services: recurring invoice management, flexible payment scheduling, unlimited booking calendars, appointment deposits, multi-package estimates 

Square Hardware 

Business owners can centralize their POS system using Square’s POS software and hardware. This ability to streamline daily operations is one of the key factors POS dealers should consider when choosing POS hardware. 

Business owners can use their own smartphone or tablet for their POS software. However, additional hardware can further expand the functionality of their POS system. Square offers a wide selection of hardware such as: 

• Handheld POS system
• Credit card terminal
• Dual-screen POS register
• Magstripe or chip and contactless reader
• Receipt printer
• Barcode scanner 

Clover 

Caption: Clover’s POS software displays real-time sales reports [Image: Clover POS Station Solo]

Clover is an all-in-one POS software company. It provides comprehensive and customizable POS features and hardware for business owners. Its software and products are designed to support restaurants, service providers, retail stores, and healthcare businesses. 

Compatible operating system: Android

Clover POS Software Features 

Clover’s POS software plans vary per business type. Its software is already built into Clover’s hardware. There are three subscription options for business owners to choose from. 

Its processing fees start at 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction. Furthermore, payment processing fees and hardware inclusions vary depending on the subscription plan. Clover software subscriptions have a 36-month contract. 

The best POS software, like Clover, enables businesses to accept multiple payment types. These are the payments you can process through Clover POS: 

• Credit card payment
• Mobile wallet transactions
• PayPal 
• Venmo 
• Cash or check
• Invoices
• In-app payments 

Industry-specific Features 

Currently, Clover’s POS software is tailored to 6 business categories. It offers features to address unique business needs per category, such as: 

• Retail: Itemized order creation, real-time sales tracking, inventory management, employee shift management, tax reporting
• Full-service dining: Table mapping, bill splitting, tips, tableside ordering, online menu, inventory management, detailed sales reports, remote ordering, pick-up and delivery orders
• Quick-service restaurant: QR-code ordering, line busting features, remote ordering, online menu, inventory management, item-based cost tracking, sales reports 
• Professional services: Services catalog creation, appointment management, branded estimates, itemized invoices, client database, loyalty program 
• Personal services: Customer database, real-time sales reporting, loyalty program, promotions, inventory management, employee scheduling 
• Home and field services: Services catalog creation, email reminders, branded estimates, recurring invoices, detailed sales reports, client database, inventory management 

Clover POS Hardware

Clover also offers its own custom Android-based hardware. Some of its subscription plans already come with a selection of hardware. As a software company, guiding your customers on what hardware they’ll need simplifies the selection process for them. Here are some examples of Clover’s hardware options: 

• Handheld POS system
• Mobile credit card reader
• Receipt printer 
• All-in-one POS station

Helcim 

Caption: Helcim’s POS software enables small businesses to manage their inventory within the app [Image: Helcim POS Inventory Management]

Helcim designs its POS software to cater to small businesses in North America. It offers online and in-person payment processing features. This allows small businesses to access POS features even with a minimal budget. 

Aside from low initial costs, Helcim offers an app integration marketplace. These factors are important when you’re learning how to choose the best POS system for small businesses. 

Compatible operating systems: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

Helcim Software Features 

Helcim’s POS software is free. Its payment processing fees vary based on the monthly transactions. In-person and online payment processing fees also vary. Just like other top POS software companies, Helcim is PCI-compliant. 

Helcim’s POS software can be downloaded on Android, Apple, and Windows devices. Through Helcim, small businesses can enjoy features such as: 

• Online invoicing 
• Payment link sending
• Online checkout and e-commerce tools
• Recurring payment processing
• Business analytics
• API and developer tools 

Helcim Hardware 

While businesses can immediately use Helcim’s software on their devices, they can also purchase hardware. Helcim offers the following hardware options for an additional fee: 

• Payment terminal
• Card reader
• Tap to pay on iPhone

POS App Integrations 

Helcim provides an extensive app integration marketplace. Integrations enable businesses to expand the capabilities of their POS system. You can easily connect to programs for: 

• E-commerce
• Accounting
• Customer relationship management
• Project management
• Appointment scheduling 
• Enterprise resource planning 
• Inventory management

Developer Tools

Aside from this, Helcim offers API tools for developers. Software companies that enable their customers to customize programs to suit their needs make them stand out from their competitors. Helcim provides APIs for functionalities such as: 

• Payment processing (credit, debit, and ACH payments) 
• Smart Terminal connection
• Invoicing
• Customer information management 
• Card transactions

Lightspeed 

Caption: Lightspeed enables restaurants to input their floor plans into the software [Image: Lightspeed POS]

With over 20 years of experience, Lightspeed has been providing POS software to retail and restaurant businesses. Its cloud-based software can be accessed on computers and mobile devices. Lightspeed also offers its own POS hardware kits to address various business needs. 

Compatible operating systems: Android, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows

Lightspeed POS Software 

Lightspeed offers various subscription plans for retail stores and restaurants. Its retail subscription plans are priced based on the number of store locations and registers. On the other hand, its restaurant subscription plans have straightforward pricing. 

Lightspeed Retail POS Features

Lightspeed’s retail POS software uses cloud-based information syncing. This enables businesses to monitor inventory, track sales, generate business insights, and more. Here are some features included in Lightspeed Retail: 

• Inventory management
• Wholesale network
• Order catalog 
• Purchase order syncing 
• Loyalty program
• Integrations (accounting, e-commerce, and marketing)
• Custom reports and business analytics

An e-commerce platform is also included with the software. It also provides API access for further customization. These features allow Lightspeed users to tailor the software to their in-person and e-commerce operations.  

Once installed on an iOS or Android device, its POS app can be used as a barcode scanner. Furthermore, each subscription plan includes one cash register to help business owners get started with their operations. 

Lightspeed Restaurant POS Features

Lightspeed’s POS software for restaurants has customizable modules. Businesses can easily configure their menu, modifiers, stock information, and product options within the software. It also allows businesses to manage multiple locations using its mobile app. 

Restaurants select the type of payments (online and in-person) they’ll accept on Lightspeed. It also provides an AI solution for performance improvements and optimization. In addition to these, Lightspeed offers features such as: 

• Customizable floor plans
• Business insights
• Service pacing management
• Takeout and delivery order management
• Online ordering
• Contactless ordering

Lightspeed Hardware

Business owners can also customize their POS system with Lightspeed’s hardware. Restaurants can also purchase a kitchen display system (KDS) at an extra cost. Lightspeed’s hardware options include: 

• Cash drawer
• Bluetooth or USB barcode scanner
• Receipt printer
• Mobile payment terminal 

Customer Support

Top POS software companies like Lightspeed ensure their customers have access to reliable customer support. It provides 24/7 chat and phone customer support. Its subscription plans also include onboarding and professional assistance to help businesses get started with their software. 

Toast 

Caption: Toast enables business owners to manage their inventory and item prices [Image: Toast POS]

Toast’s POS cloud-based software is built for restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. It has a cloud-based platform and a mobile app for Android and iOS. Toast also has an offline mode that enables businesses to use their POS system even without an internet connection. Similar to those of other industry leaders, Toast’s payment processing features are PCI-compliant. 

Compatible operating systems: Android, iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Windows

Restaurant POS Features 

Toast’s restaurant POS software lets business owners manage their operations while strengthening their customer relationships. Restaurant owners who want to try Toast’s cloud-based POS software can do so for free. Businesses using the free tier can choose between a payment terminal and a handheld kit. They can access features such as: 

• Table and order management
• Digital menus
• Offline mode
• Mobile payments
• PCI-compliant payments 
• 24/7/365 customer support

Customizable paid subscriptions are also available. Restaurant owners can increase the functionalities of their POS software through these paid plans. These add-ons include: 

• Email marketing 
• Customer loyalty program 
• Online ordering
• Employee shift scheduling and timekeeping
• Payroll
• Accounting 

Retail POS Features 

The lowest subscription option for Toast’s retail POS software costs $90 per month. This includes access to the cloud-based software and their choice of POS hardware. Businesses using this subscription plan benefit from features like: 

• Basic inventory management 
• Barcode printing and scanning
• Offline mode
• Mobile payments
• Guestbook 
• Employee scheduling and timekeeping 

Business owners who need specific features should consider Toast’s Custom plan. They have access to all the features in the lower tier and can choose add-ons such as: 

• Low stock alerts
• Online ordering
• Delivery services
• Business website 
• Payroll
• Store management 

Toast IQ 

Toast’s AI assistant is called Toast IQ. It uses a business’s current data to generate suggestions, insights, and forecasts. Business owners can also input commands directly into Toast IQ, and they will be reflected in the software. As a software company, having an AI assistant in your app allows you to stay ahead of the curve. 

Loyverse

Caption: The Loyverse POS app displays a customizable menu screen [Image: Loyverse Restaurant POS]

Loyverse is a free POS app for Android and Apple devices. Restaurants, bars, retail stores, and service businesses are a perfect fit for the app’s features. Businesses can also access its help center for onboarding guides and video tutorials. These guides are available in 17 languages. 

Compatible operating systems: Android, iOS, iPadOS

Loyverse Software Features 

Despite being free software, Loyverse has a features-packed POS app. Businesses can easily access and customize sales dashboards on the app. These are the built-in features in each Loyverse account: 

• Customizable sales dashboard
• Sales tracking 
• Refund management
• Integrated payment processing (available in over 30 countries)
• Inventory management
• Kitchen display system
• Customer loyalty program

Add-ons

Businesses can enrich the capabilities of their Loyverse app using add-ons. These add-ons are available as monthly or annual subscriptions. Loyverse provides 24/7 priority customer support via chat for businesses, along with these features: 

• Unlimited sales history access
• Employee management 
• Advanced inventory management 

Loyverse Hardware

Loyverse has an extensive list of compatible hardware from third-party suppliers. Its recommended hardware includes barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, card readers, and more. Furthermore, some of these devices are made by some of the top POS hardware manufacturers. 

SpotOn

Caption: SpotOn’s restaurant POS system allows you to customize and manage your menu [Image: SpotOn Restaurant POS]

SpotOn offers customizable POS software so business owners can configure it to their needs. Its cloud-based POS solution has à la carte options for online ordering, loyalty programs, and more. Businesses with macOS or Windows devices can use SpotOn’s virtual payment terminal. SpotOn’s POS software caters to restaurants and small businesses.

Compatible operating systems: macOS, Windows (for virtual terminal) 

SpotOn POS Software Features 

SpotOn is an all-in-one POS solution. Each subscription plan includes its software and POS hardware. Furthermore, 24/7 customer support is available for businesses that use SpotOn’s software. 

SpotOn POS Software for Restaurants

SpotOn’s restaurant POS software has a free plan as well as paid subscription options. Restaurant owners can streamline their front and back-of-house processes using these features: 

• Online ordering
• Integrated payments
• Payment processing
• Customized table layouts
• Menu management 
• Sales reports 

POS hardware is also included in each plan. However, there are software implementation costs associated with customizing POS software. Businesses can also add customer-facing display screens, kiosks, kitchen display systems, and other hardware to their setup. 

SpotOn also offers à la carte features for businesses that require specific POS solutions. These features are charged separately. Its software can be upgraded to include these features: 

• Automated marketing
• Profitability analysis
• Restaurant website
• Employee management
• Waitlist and reservations management
• Kitchen display system
• Self-service kiosks

SpotOn POS Software for Small Businesses 

SpotOn’s small business POS software includes a handheld payment terminal. Its POS system centralizes payment processing, invoicing, and other business processes. There are no installation or setup fees for the payment terminal. 

SpotOn’s higher subscription tier includes a business website. Each SpotOn account includes the following features: 

• Integrated payment processing
• Offline mode
• Onboarding receipts
• Tip management
• Business reports
• Virtual terminal 
• Invoicing 

Korona POS 

Caption: Korona POS enables businesses to generate custom KPI reports to improve their performance [Image: Korona POS] 

Korona POS is built for retail stores, quick-service restaurants, amusement parks, museums, and similar businesses. This cloud-based software offers business owners an unlimited free trial and a personalized product demo. Furthermore, businesses can customize their POS features to suit their specific needs. 

Compatible operating systems: Android, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, macOS (cloud-based) 

Korona POS Software Core Features 

Korona POS offers a standard plan that includes core features every business needs. Businesses can also manage multiple store locations using the software. These core features are: 

• Unlimited users and sales transactions
• Customizable dashboard
• Checkout functionality
• Product database
• KPI reports
• E-commerce tools
• Manager tools 
• Promotions and discounts
• Gift cards

Its cloud-based operating system works on multiple devices and has API access. All Korona POS users benefit from 24/7 customer support.

Industry-specific Features  

Korona POS has software features tailored to restaurants, retail stores, and ticketing businesses. These are some of the advanced features per business category: 

• Retail store: Real-time sales reports, customer relationship management, loyalty program, automatic product reordering, inventory management 
• Quick-service restaurant: Theft prevention, table service display, automated promotional pricing, real-time sales reports, payroll, loyalty program
• Ticketing business (museums, amusement parks, and the like): Group rates, membership and special pricing, time-sensitive ticketing, membership integrations

Korona POS Hardware 

Korona POS’s hardware enables businesses to customize their POS system further. Its selection of hardware and peripherals ensures businesses have all the tools they need to centralize their operations. Its hardware selection includes: 

• Desktop POS terminal
• Mobile terminal
• Customer-facing display
• Receipt printer
• Card reader
• Barcode scanner
• Cash drawer 

Shopify POS 

Caption: Shopify POS enables retail store owners to centralize in-person and online operations [Image: Shopify POS for iPad]

Shopify POS is ideal for retail store businesses that need cloud-based software. It also centralizes in-store and e-commerce operations in a single platform. Its POS features can even support businesses with more than 1,000 store locations. Its focus on the retail industry reflects its deep understanding of how these businesses operate and what they need. 

Compatible operating systems: iOS, iPadOS, Android

Shopify POS Features

Shopify POS’s features centralize business operations while providing omnichannel selling capabilities. Despite these powerful features, Shopify’s platform is easy to use. Even its e-commerce platform requires minimal coding skills so business owners can easily use it. 

To enable retail stores to access real-time information, Shopify POS is cloud-based. Its subscription plans have monthly and annual paid subscription options. Each subscription plan includes tools for: 

• Order management
• Sales reports and analytics 
• Payment processing 
• E-commerce 
• Customer profile management 
• Returns processing 

Shopify POS also offers premium features to further support in-store operations. Business owners can enjoy advanced features such as: 

• Staff management 
• Customer preference tracking
• Retail analytics 
• Inventory management
• Customer value and loyalty reporting 
• Omnichannel selling 
• Professional retail reports 

Shopify POS Hardware

Shopify POS enables business owners to improve and customize their software through hardware. It also provides a list of compatible third-party hardware for business owners to choose from. Shopify POS’s hardware selection includes: 

• Receipt printer
• POS terminal
• Tap and chip reader
• Barcode scanner
• Cash drawer
• Tablet stand 

Epos Now

Caption: Epos Now provides real-time reports to help business owners make data-driven decisions [Image: Epos Now Retail POS Software] 

Since 2011, Epos Now has been providing POS solutions to businesses around the world. Its POS software is made for hospitality and retail businesses. Its available integrations enable businesses to customize their software to their needs. Epos Now offers 24/7 phone support to its customers. 

Compatible operating systems: iPadOS, macOS, Android, Windows (cloud-based) 

Epos Now POS Software Features 

Epos Now’s POS software is cloud-based and can be accessed on devices with an internet connection. In addition to customizable POS features, it also offers personalized customer support. Business owners can also access customer support services such as one-on-one onboarding and unlimited coaching sessions. 

After processing payments, the software generates real-time sales reports that are easy to understand. Aside from this, business owners can access features such as: 

• Payment processing
• Inventory management
• Order tracking
• Sales reports

App Integrations

More than 130 apps are available as integrations. By connecting to these apps, businesses can further streamline their operations. These integrations allow business owners to access features such as: 

• Accounting 
• Employee performance tracking
• Team management 
• Booking and appointments management
• Email marketing 

Epos Now Hardware

Epos Now also manufactures top-of-the-line POS hardware. Businesses can add functionalities to their POS system using its industry-specific hardware kits. It also offers hardware options such as: 

• Receipt printer
• Barcode scanner
• Card terminal 
• Kitchen scale
• Cash drawer
• USB swipe reader

Developing POS Software for a Business’s Success

The best POS software companies provide features that address a business’s specific needs. From customization options to app integrations, a business’s POS software should be tailored to its daily operations. Regardless of the budget, the top POS software companies ensure their app achieves a business’s goals. 

If you’re looking for high-quality POS hardware that can run your software, a Bimi expert can help you. Bimi has over 15 years of experience creating bespoke hardware for retail stores, restaurants, and various types of businesses. It offers POS systems powered by Android, Windows, or Linux. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you access industry-specific features in POS software built by the best POS companies? 

Yes, you can access industry-specific features in POS software built by the best companies. As a matter of fact, this is one of the factors that make them industry leaders. These companies often tailor their software’s features to specific industries like retail or service businesses. In doing so, business owners have access to features that suit their daily operations. 

For example, a POS software made for restaurants has features for front-of-house and back-of-house operations. These typically include menu customization, table management, online ordering, and a kitchen display system. 

2. Can you use POS software made by the top POS software companies for free? 

Yes, you can use POS software made by the top POS software companies for free. Most of these companies offer free trials for a limited time period. On the other hand, some companies offer free plans with robust POS features. This enables businesses to test the software without committing to long-term contracts. 

3. Do the best POS software companies offer their own hardware? 

Yes, most of the best POS software companies offer their own hardware. Most of these companies provide optional hardware such as receipt printers or credit card terminals. Meanwhile, some companies provide a list of compatible third-party hardware. Business owners can use this hardware to enrich the features of their POS software. 

Some companies offer an all-in-one POS software that includes its own hardware. This allows business owners to access the built-in software on their POS terminals. 

4. Do all POS software companies offer app integrations? 

No, not all POS software companies offer app integrations. The good news is that most of the best POS software companies do. They offer an extensive app marketplace that businesses can connect to. This provides additional customization options for businesses. 

In addition, app integrations allow businesses to streamline their POS software to other programs they use. By doing so, they don’t have to disrupt their current operations. 

5. How do the best POS software companies protect customer data? 

The best POS software companies protect customer data by complying with PCI standards. Through PCI compliance, they ensure customer data is encrypted and not stored in the POS software. This also protects businesses from fraud and data breaches. 

Without PCI compliance, businesses can face penalties and be blocked from accepting certain payment methods. Luckily, these PCI compliance features are already included in the features of the best POS software. 

6. Do all POS software companies offer 24/7 customer support? 

No, not all POS software companies offer 24/7 customer support. Most of the best POS companies offer 24/7 customer support through chat, voice, or other channels. Some companies also have an online knowledge base or help center with tutorials and guides about their software. 

Meanwhile, some POS software offers priority customer support to businesses using its premium subscription plans. This ensures their customers receive hands-on care, especially during onboarding. 

7. Do all POS software companies offer cloud-based apps? 

No, not all POS software companies offer cloud-based apps. Some POS software companies have apps that automatically sync across devices. On the other hand, cloud-based software synchronizes a business’s data through an internet connection. Some cloud-based POS software can be accessed through a web browser, while others have a dedicated app. 

8. Can you manage a business website using POS software built by the top companies? 

Yes, you can manage a business website using POS software built by the top companies. Some of the top POS software companies provide business websites and e-commerce features. Business website features are either included in the subscription plan or available as an add-on. 

These features allow a business to centralize in-person and online operations. By doing so, they can track and manage omnichannel sales within their POS software. 

9. Do all POS software companies provide appointment scheduling features? 

No, appointment scheduling features aren’t provided by all POS software companies. Most POS companies offer appointment scheduling features through paid add-ons or on their app marketplace. 

However, some POS software tailored for service businesses already includes appointment scheduling. Using software like this, businesses won’t have to worry about additional costs or customizing their system. 

10. Is offline mode offered by all POS software companies? 

No, not all POS software companies offer an offline mode feature. Typically, POS software needs an internet connection to process payments and automatically update business information. Some POS software companies allow businesses to access these features using an offline mode for a limited period. 

By offering an offline mode, these POS software companies prevent a business’s daily operations from being interrupted. However, having an Ethernet connection or mobile data is a good option to consider for continuous data syncing.