Top POS System for Small Business: Compare Features, Pricing, and Integrations

Choosing a POS system for your small business feels a lot like picking a business partner. It's the backbone of your daily operations, from ringing up sales to managing your team and inventory. You need something that's reliable, that doesn't keep customers waiting, and grows with your business.

We know you're looking for more than just a way to process payments. Today's POS systems can transform how you run your business, saving you time on everything from inventory tracking to team management by incorporating essential POS features.

And if you're already using a POS, check out how it integrates with Homebase to streamline your scheduling, time tracking, and payroll.

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Compare the best POS systems for small businesses

Your POS system should work as hard as you do at running your business. The good thing is that today’s cloud-based systems do way more than just process payments. They streamline sales transactions, manage inventory, and keep your team organized.

Here's our breakdown of the top contenders:

Square POS

Square dominates the small business POS market for good reason: it removes almost every barrier to entry. With no monthly fees and simple flat-rate pricing, you can start taking payments today and scale up features as you grow. 

Their free POS systems includes everything from marketing tools to payroll services, making them ideal for startups and small retailers.

• Best for: New businesses, small retailers, cafes, mobile vendors
• Starting price: Free software + 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
• Key features: Free basic POS, contactless payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, offline mode

Want to make your Square POS work even harder? Thousands of businesses use Homebase with Square to turn their sales data into smarter scheduling and simpler payroll. See how the integration works or jump right into our setup guide to learn how it works.

Shopify POS

For retailers who sell online and in-store, Shopify POS is the bridge that connects everything. It's the only system that truly unifies your in-person and online inventory, customer data, and sales reporting so you can sell across multiple sales channels without awkward workarounds. 

Plus, it synchronizes seamlessly with Shopify's powerful e-commerce platform for your online sales.

• Best for: Retail stores with online presence, omnichannel sellers
• Starting price: $29/month + 2.7% per transaction
• Key features: Unified inventory, multichannel selling, customer profiles, abandoned cart recovery

Running both online and in-store teams? Connect Shopify POS with Homebase to manage your entire retail workforce in one place. Explore the integration or dive into our setup instructions to get started.

Clover

Clover stands out for its flexibility and app marketplace. Think of it as a smartphone for your business—the basic system is solid, but you can customize it with apps for everything from appointment booking to loyalty programs without relying on costly add ons. This makes it adaptable for almost any type of small business.

• Best for: Retail stores, service businesses, quick-service restaurants
• Starting price: $69/month + 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction
• Key features: Customizable app marketplace, contactless payments, customer engagement tools

Speaking of apps that make your life easier, Clover merchants love how Homebase handles their team scheduling and time tracking right from their POS. Check out what's possible or follow our quick integration guide to learn more about how it works.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed offers two specialized versions of their POS: one for retail and one for restaurants, each equipped with industry specific features. Both pack enterprise-level features into a system that can handle complex operations for smaller businesses. Their detailed inventory management and robust reporting tools are particularly impressive for businesses ready to scale up.

• Best for: Growing retailers, full-service restaurants, specialty shops
• Starting price: $69/month (retail), $79/month (restaurant)
• Key features: Advanced inventory, purchase order management, detailed analytics, vendor catalog integration

Take your Lightspeed system even further by adding Homebase's staff management tools. See the possibilities or jump into our integration walkthrough to see what it would take to connect your account.

PayAnywhere

PayAnywhere keeps things refreshingly simple with straightforward pricing and basic functionality. It’s particularly good for businesses that need free POS systems for basic payment processing without the complexity of a full-featured POS system.

• Best for: Mobile businesses, small retailers, service providers
• Starting price: Free + 2.69% per transaction
• Key features: Mobile card reader, basic inventory, simple reporting, instant funding

Using PayAnywhere? Add Homebase to handle all your team management needs. Learn about our integration or follow our setup guide to get going.

This overview covers the most popular POS systems, but there's more to consider for your specific business needs. Our complete guide to POS systems in 2025 dives deeper into pricing comparisons, hardware options, and specific features to help you make the best choice.

Key features to look for in a POS system for small businesses

Every business needs something different from their POS system, but certain essential POS features are universal game-changers. Here's what to look for when comparing POS features:

Fast and reliable payment processing

Your POS system needs to handle payments quickly and securely, with a reliable payment terminal that automatically transfers sales data to reduce manual entry errors. It’s the foundation of your daily operations. 

Look for systems that accept all major payment types (credit, debit, mobile payments, contactless) and keep processing even if your internet goes down. The best systems also offer competitive processing rates and next-day deposits to help your cash flow.

Inventory management (real-time and multi-location)

Modern POS systems should do more than just count items. Look for features like automatic reorder points, real-time stock updates across locations, the ability to sync inventory, and variant tracking (size, color, style). 

The right inventory system prevents stockouts, reduces waste, and saves hours of manual counting.

Mobile or tablet compatibility

Today's customers expect checkout flexibility – whether that's line-busting during rush hour or paying at their table. Mobile POS capabilities let your team process sales, check inventory, and access reports from anywhere in your store or restaurant with a mobile device. 

Plus, tablet-based systems often cost less than traditional terminals.

Customer loyalty tools

The best POS systems help you turn one-time buyers into regulars. Look for built-in features like digital receipt collection, purchase history tracking, and customizable loyalty programs. 

These tools help you understand buying patterns and reward your best customers automatically.

Team and shift tracking

Your POS should make team management easier, not harder. Look for systems that track employee performance, manage tips, and monitor labor costs in real time. 

Even better, choose a system that integrates with dedicated scheduling tools like Homebase to streamline your entire operation.

Reporting and dashboards

Data is only valuable if you can understand and act on it. The best POS systems offer clear, actionable reports on sales history, sales trends, inventory movement, and team performance. Look for customizable dashboards that show you exactly what you need to know, when you need to know it.

These features form the foundation of a solid POS system. But, remember, you don't need every bell and whistle right away. Start with the features that solve your biggest daily challenges, then scale up as your business grows. The best POS providers offer tiered plans that let you add functionality when you're ready.

Choose a POS system that works with your business type

Success means having industry specific features built for your specific challenges, not settling for a one-size-fits-all solution. Here's what to look for in your sector:

Restaurants and cafes

Whether you run a quick-service spot or full-service restaurant, your POS needs go beyond basic transactions. Restaurant-specific features like table mapping, split checks, and kitchen display systems keep your front and back of house in sync. Look for systems that handle modifiers smoothly and integrate directly with your kitchen printers.

Retail stores

Retail success depends on inventory management and customer relationships. In a retail business, your POS should track stock across multiple locations, manage purchase orders, and handle returns smoothly. The best retail systems also include features like customer purchase history and integrated e-commerce options for expanding online.

Salons, spas, and service providers

Service businesses need strong appointment scheduling and customer relationship management features. Your POS should handle online booking, track client preferences, and manage recurring appointments. Look for systems that can process deposits for bookings and handle multiple service providers' schedules.

Mobile and pop-up businesses

Flexibility is key for mobile businesses. You need a POS that works reliably on a mobile device, processes payments offline, and doesn't require bulky hardware. Seek out systems with good battery life, compact card readers, and cloud-based backup of all your sales data.

While each business type has unique needs, they all share one common thread: The right POS system should feel like it was built specifically for your industry. Take time to evaluate systems that specialize in your business type, they often include features that generic POS systems miss.

How much does a POS system cost?

Let's talk about what you'll actually pay for a POS system, including payment processing fees. It's more than just that monthly subscription fee you see advertised.

Software pricing

Think of POS software like Netflix plans. You've got your basic, standard, and premium tiers. Basic plans (often free) handle everyday transactions and provide basic functionality, while premium tiers ($100+/month) give you the fancy stuff like detailed analytics and advanced inventory tools. 

Start with what you need now and level up when your business demands it.

Processing fees

Here's the big one, the slice of every sale that goes to your POS provider as payment processing fees. Most charge between 2.3% and 2.7% plus a few cents per swipe. It might not sound like much, but it adds up fast. Some providers cut better deals for debit cards or high-volume businesses, so don't be shy about negotiating if you're processing a lot of payments.

Hardware costs

A basic setup with POS hardware, including a tablet, card reader, and receipt printer, runs about $600. Want the whole package with multiple terminals? That could hit several thousand. The good news is that most providers offer bundles or payment plans to make it manageable.

The sneaky stuff

Nobody likes surprises on their bill, especially costly add-ons. Watch out for setup fees, charges for connecting other apps, and early termination penalties. These hidden costs can blow your budget if you're not careful. Always ask "What else?" when discussing pricing.

Making it worth it

Here's why POS costs can be worth every penny: advanced features like faster checkouts keep customers happy, better inventory tracking prevents waste, and automated tasks free up your team. Plus, good reporting helps you spot trends and make smarter decisions. 

The right system doesn't just cost money, it also helps you make more of it.

How to integrate your POS system with Homebase

Connecting your POS with Homebase unlocks a whole new level of team management. Here's what happens when these systems work together:

Time clocks that sync with sales

Your team can enjoy quick access and clock in and out right from your POS terminal, no separate time clock needed. Better yet, their hours sync automatically with your sales data, so you can see exactly how productive each shift was. It's like having a birds-eye view of how your labor costs line up with your revenue.

Auto-populate timesheets for payroll

Say goodbye to manual time entry and spreadsheet headaches. With seamless data migration, your POS talks to Homebase and your timesheets practically fill themselves out. Tips, commissions, and regular hours all flow into one place, making payroll prep a breeze instead of a chore.

Track team performance and labor costs in real time

Want to know if you're properly staffed for that lunch rush? When your POS and scheduling work together, you can see how your labor costs stack up against your sales as they happen. Spot trends, adjust schedules on the fly, and keep your labor costs right where they should be.

Setting up these integrations usually takes just a few clicks. And if you ever need help, our support team is ready to walk you through it. After all, your time is better spent running your business than wrestling with technology.

Choose your POS system wisely

Choosing the right POS system is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Focus on the features that matter most to your business today and make sure your choice can grow with you tomorrow. Whether you're running a bustling restaurant, a retail shop, or a mobile business, there's a POS solution that fits your needs and budget.

Remember that your POS system can do more than just process payments, especially when connected to tools like Homebase. By linking your sales data with scheduling and payroll, you'll save hours of admin work and make smarter decisions about running your business.

Ready to see how Homebase works with your POS? Check your system compatibility or chat with our team to learn more.
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FAQs about POS systems for small businesses

What's the best POS system for my type of business?

The best sale system depends on your specific needs. Square is great for new businesses, Toast excels in restaurants, Shopify POS works well for retailers with online stores, and Clover offers flexibility for various business types. Consider your must-have features and budget when choosing.

Can I use a POS system without a long contract?

Yes! Many modern POS providers offer month-to-month services. Some, like Square, even have free POS system plans and provide basic functionality with no commitment. Just watch out for hardware leases, which often require longer terms.

Does Homebase work with my existing POS?

Homebase integrates with many popular POS systems and POS hardware, including Square, Toast, Clover, Lightspeed, and more. Check our integrations page to see if yours is compatible.

Can I run a POS system on my tablet or phone?

Most modern POS systems offer mobile options, allowing you to transform any mobile device into a point-of-sale system. Many businesses use tablets as their main terminals and phones as backup devices. Just make sure you have reliable internet and a backup cellular connection for critical operations.