What’s the Best POS System for Retail? Our Top 4 Picks

Long checkout lines. Inventory chaos. Frustrated customers. 

If you’re experiencing these problems and reading this blog, you’ve arrived at the right conclusion: You need a new point of sale (POS) system. 

But with so many POS solutions on the market, you may not have time to research your options, create a shortlist of the top systems, and thoroughly vet each provider. 

That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and curated this list of the best POS systems for retail. We’ll cover their key features, reviews, pricing, and why each option might be a good fit for your small business. 

Why Your Store’s POS System Matters

Before we explore the top retail POS system providers, let’s talk about why selecting the right one is so important. 

This powerful tool impacts nearly every aspect of your store’s operations. It processes your sales transactions, tracks inventory as it moves through your store, and helps you learn about your customers and their shopping habits. 

Your POS system should also help attract new shoppers to your store and boost your sales through features like a loyalty program, flexible promotions, and e-commerce integration. 

In short, investing in the best POS system for your retail store ensures smooth day-to-day operations and long-term growth. 

POS systems aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we’ve included solutions that will work regardless of your budget or where you are on your small business journey. 

1. Square: Best for Beginners

First on our list of the best POS systems for retail is Square. This user-friendly, all-in-one system is easy to get started with and includes the core features you need to run your store. 

Square’s sleek hardware and software allow you to process transactions, track your stock levels, and get insights into your sales trends. 

While Square charges extra for features like in-depth inventory management, advanced reports, and barcode label printing, this solution is a great option for new business owners who want just the basics. 

Reviews

Square’s customers seem overall happy with its features, rating it 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Here’s a snippet of one user’s review: 

“Square has been very easy to use, I'm pleased with the functions that it has and how it's helping me with my business.”

Pricing

Square’s most popular pricing option is $29 per month with the option to pay additional fees to unlock add-on features. 

2. eHopper POS: Best for Small Budgets

eHopper is another solid choice for business owners who are new to the retail scene or are looking for a budget-friendly solution. 

This provider’s main draw is their offer of free access to their software and free payment processing, which makes them a low-risk choice if you’re hoping to experiment with a POS system for the first time. 

As your business grows, however, you might opt for one of eHopper’s paid tiers to unlock features like customer loyalty, inventory management, and technical support. 

Reviews

eHopper’s users say it’s a good option for its price point, but many reviews note that users have had to move on to a more robust solution as their business grows. 

Overall, eHopper has earned a 4 star rating on Google. Here’s part of one positive review: 

“My business has thousands of inventory items, and I was looking for an efficient POS at a reasonable cost. After a year of using it, I am very happy with eHopper! Beginner friendly!”

Pricing

While eHopper’s most advertised pricing tier is free, they also offer several different paid options that allow you to access more features. 

3. Shopify POS: Best for E-Commerce

If e-commerce is a major source of revenue or you plan to shift your focus to online sales in the future, you should check out Shopify POS. 

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows small businesses to sell their products online effortlessly They also offer integrated POS software and hardware for in-store sales.

This option’s main appeal is that it makes omnichannel sales a breeze, but Shopify POS also includes essential features like inventory tracking and sales reporting. 

Reviews

Shopify’s customers rave about its e-commerce integration and ease of use, giving it a 4.4 star rating on G2. Here’s what one satisfied user had to say:

“A huge plus to Shopify is having a unified experience for customers, whether shopping online and returning in-store, or purchasing in-store to be delivered to their home. It helps create a one channel experience both for customers but also for the team working on it 24/7.”

Pricing 

Shopify’s in-store retail POS solution costs $89 per month, and their popular combined e-commerce and in-store package costs $109 monthly. 

4. POS Nation: Best All-Around

The last provider on our list of the best POS systems for retail is POS Nation. 

This option rises to the top for a few key reasons. First, it includes a comprehensive set of features like built-in customer loyalty, robust inventory management, and advanced reporting and analytics while still being user-friendly. 

Second, POS Nation offers top-notch 24/7 customer support — which gives you access to a team of experts dedicated to your store’s success. 

Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or taking the first steps on your small business journey, POS Nation will grow along with you. 

Reviews

POS Nation’s top-notch customer service and feature-rich software have earned them a 4.7 star review on Trustpilot. Take a look at this user’s review: 

“I have dealt with POS Nation for the last 10 years and they have the most outstanding service you can find. They have always gone beyond your typical company! Highly recommend.”

Pricing

POS Nation offers flexible pricing based on your business’ unique needs. Check out their build and price tool to get an instant, custom quote. 

Upgrade to the Best Retail POS System: POS Nation

Ready to take the next step on your journey to streamline your operations, improve your customers’ shopping experience, and make more sales? 

Then your next step is to see our POS software in action. During your live demo, one of our retail industry experts will walk you through POS Nation’s key features and explain how they can take your store to the next level. 

Schedule your personalized demo today to see what makes POS Nation the best option for your business.