With a POS app, business owners can streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and access real-time insights without bulky hardware or complex setups. Whether running a retail store or a food service business, the right POS app can significantly improve efficiency and profitability.
In this guide, I reviewed the top POS apps available on the App Sstore and Google Play, evaluating them for POS app features, scalability, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, security, and customer support. The best POS apps in 2025 are:
To identify the best POS apps for businesses of different sizes, I evaluated a curated list of reputable providers based on their features, compatibility, scalability, and user experience. Each app was scored using five key criteria: core functionality and features, scalability and integration, ease of use and accessibility, pricing and cost-effectiveness, and customer support and user experience.
Core functionality and features (30%)
POS apps were evaluated on essential tools like inventory management, employee tracking, CRM, and advanced reporting. Solutions with industry-specific features and robust customization options earned higher scores.
Scalability and integration (25%)
The ability to handle high transaction volumes, support multi-location operations, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems such as accounting software and CRM platforms was crucial. Apps offering extensive integration options and flexible APIs received top marks.
Ease of use and accessibility (20%)
Apps with intuitive interfaces, broad device compatibility (mobile, tablet, desktop), and features like offline mode scored highest. Flexibility to support both cloud-based and on-premise setups was also considered.
Pricing and cost-effectiveness (10%)
Transparent pricing, competitive processing fees, and affordable plans were key factors. Solutions offering free or low-cost hardware options and flexible contracts received higher scores.
Customer support and user experience (15%)
Support quality was evaluated based on availability, responsiveness, and user reviews. Systems with 24/7 support, detailed training resources, and positive customer feedback were rated highly.
The five POS apps with the highest scores are featured in this guide, offering businesses scalable, efficient, and reliable solutions for their operations.
My recommendations for the best POS apps are based on more than two years of experience reviewing and evaluating POS software, payment systems, and hardware for different industries and businesses. To score each provider considered, I did deep research and reviewed software and hardware specifications, performed hands-on testing of software and hardware when possible, and gathered feedback from real-life users.
Featured partners
Best POS apps at a glance
Product
Our score (out of 5)
Starting costs
Strengths
Shopify
4.59
- Software: $5 per month
- Hardware: $0 (Tap to Pay on
iPhone and Android)
- POS features
- Security
Square
4.55
- Software: $0
- Hardware: $0 (Tap to Pay on
- iPhone and Android)
- Ease of use
- Cost-effectiveness
Clover
4.41
- Software: $14.95 per month
- Hardware: $0 (Tap to Pay on
iPhone)
- Security
- Scalability & customization
Helcim
4.24
- Software: $0
- Hardware: $0 (Tap to Pay on
iPhone)
- Cost-effectiveness
- Scalability
PayPal Zettle
4.20
- Software: $0
- Hardware: $0 (Tap to Pay on
- iPhone and Android)
- Cost-effectiveness
- Ease of use
Shopify: Best for online and in-person sales
Overall Reviewer Score
4.59/5
POS features
5/5
Scalability & integration
4.69/5
Ease of use & accessibility
4.06/5
Pricing & cost-effectiveness
4.06/5
Security & compliance
5/5
Customer support & training
3.95/5
Pros
- Seamless integration of in-person, online, and social media sales channels
- Scalable tools designed for business growth
- 24/7 customer support
- Highly reviewed
Cons
- Limited offline features
- Customizations may require coding knowledge
Why I chose Shopify POS
I chose Shopify because it offers a seamless way to manage both online and in-person sales, which is essential for businesses with multiple sales channels. The platform is highly scalable, meaning it can easily grow with your business as your needs evolve.
With powerful features like customizable storefronts, detailed reporting, and an extensive app marketplace, Shopify allows you to tailor the system to fit your business perfectly. Compared to Square, Shopify excels in ecommerce-specific tools, making it a better fit for businesses with a heavy online focus or complex online store requirements.
The user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage daily operations. While there are costs for hardware, Shopify has a Tap to Pay feature that allows you to accept payments with compatible iPhones or Android mobile phones, eliminating the need to purchase card readers. Shopify’s flexibility and robust tools make it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to streamline operations and scale efficiently.
POS Lite
POS Pro
Monthly fee
Starts at $5
(included in all Shopify ecommerce plans)
$89
Card present processing fee
2.6% + $0.10
2.6% + $0.10
Card not present processing fee
2.9% + $0.30
2.9% + $0.30
Device
Price
Compatible iPhone or Android mobile device
Free
$49
$349
$149
- Omnichannel selling
- Inventory management
- Customer profiles
- Customizable checkout
- Employee management
- Sales analytics and reporting
- App integrations
- Loyalty programs and discounts
- Offline mode
- Multi-location support
- Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android
Play Store
App Store
Rating
3.8 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
What users like
- Easy to set up and use
- Real-time inventory update
- Works well at pop-ups, trade shows, events
- Contactless payment doesn’t work at times
- Easy to process payments
- Easy to use
What users don’t like
- App keeps disconnecting hardware
- App can be slow and buggy at times
- Other features are only available for US users
- Contactless payment doesn’t work at times
- Disconnects from the reader
- Lacks some essential features
Square: Best free, all-in-one POS app
Overall Reviewer Score
4.55/5
POS features
4.58/5
Scalability & integration
4.38/5
Ease of use & accessibility
4.69/5
Pricing & cost-effectiveness
4.69/5
Security & compliance
4.58/5
Customer support & training
4.28/5
Pros
- Free baseline POS software
- Zero upfront costs
- Highly-rate POS app
Cons
- Advanced features require add-on fees
- Limited customer support hours
Why I chose Square
I chose Square because of its simplicity and accessibility, which also helped it make our list of the best Android POS systems and the best mobile POS systems. It is highly suitable for businesses looking for a cost-effective, highly functional POS app. Its baseline POS software includes essential tools for managing sales, inventory, and customer engagement all in one place. Its seamless integration between online and in-person sales ensures you can handle multiple channels without missing a beat.
Compared to competitors like Shopify, Square stands out for offering a free baseline POS system that doesn’t require monthly subscription fees, making it ideal for budget-conscious businesses. The intuitive interface minimizes training time, while features like Square’s loyalty programs and marketing add-ons allow you to enhance customer relationships.
Plus, Square’s no-contract, flat-rate pricing provides transparency and allows new businesses to use a POS system with no upfront costs. For businesses that prioritize affordability without sacrificing essential features, Square offers an edge over many other providers.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Payment processing fees:
- Card present: 2.6% + $0.10
- Card not present: 2.9% + $0.30
- Keyed in: 3.5% + $0.15
Device
Price
Compatible iPhone mobile device
Fee
Free
$59
$299
$149
$799
- Streamlined sales and checkout
- Inventory management
- Customer directory
- Omnichannel selling
- Ecommerce integration
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
- Sales reporting
- Employee management
- Marketing tools
- Loyalty programs
- App marketplace
- Customizable interface
- Offline mode
Play Store
App Store
Rating
3.9 out of 5
4.8 out of 5
What users like
- Can take payments anywhere even with just mobile phones
- Lots of good tools are included in the free baseline POS
- Easy to use
- Keeps transactions organized
- Customers can see the price details
- Always able to accept a payment
What users don’t like
- Readers get disconnected at times
- Constantly asks user to log in
- Can be buggy on some devices
- Account freezes
- Payment transfers take time
Clover: Best for customizations
Overall Reviewer Score
4.41/5
POS features
3.75/5
Scalability & integration
4.69/5
Ease of use & accessibility
4.69/5
Pricing & cost-effectiveness
4.69/5
Security & compliance
5/5
Customer support & training
4.08/5
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace
- Simple and easy set up
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Higher-priced hardware
- Add-on fees for more advanced features
Why I chose Clover
I think Clover’s highly customizable POS application makes it a suitable solution for a variety of business needs. Its extensive app marketplace allows you to expand functionality beyond basic POS operations, allowing it to fit unique workflows. Clover’s robust hardware options also make it ideal for businesses needing flexible setups.
Compared to other providers, Clover’s app marketplace and hardware options provide more room for scalability. While pricing can be higher, the combination of flexibility, reliability, and features makes Clover an excellent choice for growing businesses seeking a versatile POS solution.
Payments plan
Essentials plan
Retail/Services Growth
Monthly fee
$0
$14.95
$84.95
Card present rate
2.6% + $0.10
2.6% + $0.10
2.5% + $0.10
Keyed-in rate
3.5% + $0.10
3.5% + $0.10
3.5% + $0.10
Device
Price
Compatible iPhone mobile device
Fee
$199
$279
$649
$799
$1,699
$1,799
- Sales management
- Inventory management
- Customer management
- Employee management
- Reporting and analytics
- App marketplace integration
- Scalable software
- Offline mode
- Customizable payment options
Play Store
App Store
Rating
4.7 out of 5
4.8 out of 5
What users like
- Quick and easy to set up
- Works great for multi-location
- Different hardware options
- Real-time sales view
- Sales view on Apple Watch
- Hardware is good
What users don’t like
- Pricing can be expensive
- Slow and unresponsive at times
- Interface is not very visually appealing
- Quirky and can be unreliable
- Glitchy inventory tools
- Some features disappear with updates
Helcim: Best for interchange pricing and automatic volume discounts
Overall Reviewer Score
4.24/5
POS features
4.17/5
Scalability & integration
4.38/5
Ease of use & accessibility
3.75/5
Pricing & cost-effectiveness
5/5
Security & compliance
4.58/5
Customer support & training
3.83/5
Pros
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Automatic volume discounts
- Simple POS with basic inventory tools
Cons
- No built-in customer loyalty program
- Limited hardware options
Why I chose Helcim
Businesses with increasing or high-volume transactions and wanting to save on processing costs will find Helcim the most suitable option. Its transparent interchange-plus pricing ensures competitive rates without hidden fees, making it easy to predict and manage expenses. Compared to other POS apps on this list, Helcim is the only one that offers interchange-plus pricing and automatic volume discounts. This also makes Helcim the best credit card payment app for growing businesses.
Helcim also stands out for its free features, including invoicing, recurring billing, and an integrated virtual terminal, which cater to both in-person and online sales. The platform’s scalability and flexibility allow it to grow with your business, while its intuitive interface ensures a smooth onboarding process for employees. With no long-term contracts and exceptional customer support, Helcim is an excellent choice for businesses that value cost savings, transparency, and operational efficiency.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Payment processing fees:
Processing volume
Card present rate
Card not present rate
$0 to $50k
Interchange + 0.40% + $0.08
Interchange + 0.50% + $0.25
$50k to $100k
Interchange + 0.35% + $0.07
Interchange + 0.45% + $0.20
$100k to $500k
Interchange + 0.25% + $0.07
Interchange + 0.35% + $0.20
$500k to $1M
Interchange + 0.20% + $0.06
Interchange + 0.25% + $0.15
$1M+
Interchange + 0.15% + $0.06
Interchange + 0.15% + $0.15
Device
Price
Compatible iPhone device
Fee
$99
$329
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Automatic volume discount
- Omnichannel selling
- Inventory management
- Customer management
- Multi-location support
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
- Gross payouts
Play Store
App Store
Rating
3.0 out of 5
2.6 out of 5
What users like
- Great rates
- Clean interface and easy-to-use
- Responsive and works well for payment processing
- Card reader works smoothly with the app
- Easy to send invoices via the app
- Easy to use
What users don’t like
- Constantly needs to be updated
- Lags occasionally and is glitchy
- Disconnects from the card reader
- Unusable
- Crashes at times
- Buggy
PayPal Zettle: Best simple mobile-friendly POS app
Overall Reviewer Score
4.20/5
POS features
4.38/5
Scalability & integration
3.75/5
Ease of use & accessibility
4.06/5
Pricing & cost-effectiveness
4.69/5
Security & compliance
4.58/5
Customer support & training
4.28/5
Pros
- Seamless PayPal integration
- Wide payment options
- Global reach
Cons
- Limited POS feattures
- Limited customizations
- Inconsistent customer support
Why I chose PayPal Zettle
I chose PayPal Zettle because it’s a straightforward and affordable solution for small businesses or those just starting with in-person payments. Its seamless integration with PayPal allows businesses to manage online and in-person transactions effortlessly, making it an excellent option for those who already rely on PayPal for ecommerce.
The system is easy to set up and use, with mobile-friendly hardware that works well for businesses on the go. While it doesn’t offer advanced POS features like some competitors, its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for businesses with basic needs or occasional in-person sales. PayPal Zettle’s global reach and ability to accept various payment methods provide additional versatility for small-scale and international transactions.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Payment processing fees:
- Card present: 2.29% + $0.09
- Keyed in: 3.49% + $0.09
Device
Price
Compatible iPhone and Android mobile devices
Free
$29 for the first reader,
$79 each for additional readers
$199
- Wide payment options
- Inventory management
- Sales reporting with real-time analytics
- Employee management
- Multi-currency support
- Customer relationship management
- Straightforward set up
Play Store
App Store
Rating
3.5 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
What users like
- Syncs with Shopify inventory
- Wide payment options
- Easy to use
- Coupon and discount feature
- Easy to use
- Responsive
What users don’t like
- Disconnects from the reader
- Difficult to sign in
- Buggy and stops working at times
- Glitchy in some devices
- Disconnects from devices
- Account holds
Key features of the best POS apps
When evaluating POS applications, it’s crucial to focus not only on the general key POS features but also on features that are specifically designed to ensure high performance, seamless connectivity, and ease of use across devices. Here are the key aspects to look for:
Device compatibility
A great POS app should work seamlessly across various devices, including iPads, Android tablets, and smartphones. Look for apps optimized for the latest operating systems to ensure smooth performance and avoid compatibility issues.
Reliable device connectivity
The ability to maintain stable connections with essential hardware, such as card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners, is critical. Top POS apps should support both wired and wireless connections (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Offline functionality
For businesses in areas with unreliable internet access, the best POS apps offer offline mode. This ensures you can continue processing transactions and syncing data automatically when the connection is restored.
Performance and speed
The app should be lightweight and responsive, capable of handling high transaction volumes without lag or crashing. Performance metrics like load times and real-time syncing are essential for ensuring smooth operations during peak business hours.
Customizable interface
A flexible interface allows you to tailor the app to your specific business needs. For example, customizable menus, quick-access buttons, and layouts suited to your industry can save time and simplify workflows.
Integration with peripheral devices
The best POS apps support seamless integration with peripherals like cash drawers, kitchen printers, and digital scales. Compatibility with a variety of brands and models ensures you can set up your system without limitations.
User-friendly design
A POS app should have an intuitive design that minimizes the learning curve for employees. Features like guided setup wizards, touch-friendly layouts, and clear instructions are essential for quick adoption.
Real-time data synchronization
The app should sync data across all devices and locations in real-time. This ensures accurate reporting and inventory updates, whether you’re operating one store or managing multiple locations.
Security features
Advanced security measures, such as PCI compliance, data encryption, and user access controls, are critical for protecting sensitive customer and business information.
Mobile accessibility
The ability to manage operations from a mobile device is vital for modern businesses. Look for apps with robust mobile versions that offer full functionality, including transaction processing, reporting, and inventory management.
Read more: Best POS System for Grocery Stores
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, your phone can be used as a POS with the right app and hardware. Many POS providers, like the providers on this list, offer mobile apps that transform your phone into a fully functional POS system. Depending on the provider, you may need additional hardware like a card reader or receipt printer, but some apps also support Tap to Pay functionality, allowing you to accept payments directly on your phone.
The cost of a POS system per month can vary widely depending on the provider, features, and hardware requirements. Basic POS apps often start at around $0–$30 per month, while more advanced systems with robust features like inventory management, analytics, and CRM tools can be higher per month. Some providers also charge additional fees for payment processing, hardware, or add-on services, so it’s essential to review the pricing structure carefully.
While not all small businesses require a POS system, having one can significantly improve efficiency and streamline operations. A POS system allows you to manage sales, track inventory, process payments, and generate reports all in one platform. It’s especially beneficial for businesses that handle multiple payment types, operate both in-person and online, or want to improve customer management. Even for small operations, a POS system can save time, reduce errors, and support growth.
While POS systems offer many benefits, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. These include the upfront cost of purchasing hardware and software, as well as ongoing subscription fees for certain services. Additionally, some POS systems may have a learning curve, requiring time for staff training. There is also the risk of system downtime, which could disrupt business operations, especially if there’s reliance on internet connectivity. Finally, while many systems offer a wide range of features, they may have unnecessary functionalities that could add complexity for businesses with simple needs.
