The ideal iPad POS system combines user-friendly software, robust features like inventory and customer management, payment processing, and seamless integration with hardware peripherals and other applications.
When choosing an iPad POS system, I recommend looking for solutions that fully leverage the iPad’s portability and ease of use. Based on my evaluation, the best iPad POS systems for businesses are:
Featured partners
I started by compiling a list of reputable iPad POS system providers known for their ease of use and customer satisfaction. Then, I evaluated each solution on the list based on several criteria, including pricing, POS software features, iPad compatibility, integration, and user experience.
iPad compatibility and hardware (20%)
I scored each iPad POS system based on its ability to work seamlessly with iPads, offering reliable performance and user-friendly operation. A high score required compatibility with the latest iPad models, availability of essential hardware like card readers and receipt printers, and durable, well-designed accessories for long-term use.
Payment processing and pricing (25%)
When evaluating iPad POS systems, I prioritized transparent pricing and competitive processing fees. I also considered the support for a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments. I also gave points to solutions with flexible plans and no hidden fees.
POS software features (25%)
I looked for systems that go beyond the basics, offering tools like advanced inventory management, CRM, employee tracking, and sales reporting. The top contenders impressed me with industry-specific features and their ability to sync seamlessly across multiple devices and locations—a must for any growing business.
Ease of use and integration (15%)
I focused on systems with intuitive interfaces that don’t require extensive training. I also checked for smooth integrations with third-party apps, such as ecommerce platforms, accounting software, and marketing tools, to ensure businesses can enhance their operations without extra hassle.
Customer support and user experience (15%)
I paid close attention to the quality of customer support, prioritizing systems with 24/7 availability and responsive, helpful service. I also dug into user reviews to get a sense of real-world experiences, ensuring the systems I recommend are as reliable as they claim to be.
The five iPad POS systems that get the highest ratings are included in this guide.
Best iPad POS Systems at a Glance
Company
Our Score (out of 5)
Monthly fee
Payment processing fee
Minimum hardware costs
4.62
$0
2.6% + $0.10
$0
4.58
$109
2.6% + $0.10
$0
4.53
$0
Depends on payment processor
$54
4.50
$5
2%
$0
4.48
$14.95
2.6% + $0.10
$199
Square: Best overall iPad POS system
Overall Reviewer Score
4.62/5
iPad compatibility and hardware
5/5
Payment processing and pricing
4.69/5
POS software features
4.50/5
Ease of use and integration
4.58/5
Customer support and user experience
4.23/5
Pros
- Free baseline POS software
- Zero upfront costs
- Unlimited iPads and users
- Omnichannel capabilities
Cons
- Limited customer support hours
- Paid add-ons for advanced features
Why I chose Square
Square stands out as the best overall iPad POS system because of its seamless blend of affordability, versatility, and user-friendly design. Unlike Lightspeed, Clover, and Shopify, Square offers free POS software, making it an accessible option for businesses with limited budgets. Its omnichannel capabilities and integration with its online store platform give it an edge over Loyverse, the other free system on this list.
I think Square is an excellent choice for small to mid-sized businesses across various industries, including retail, food service, and professional services, that need a reliable and feature-rich POS solution without a hefty price tag. Its free magstripe reader and Tap to Pay on iPhone feature allows you to accept in-person payments without any upfront costs. Although you can upgrade to paid plans, its basic POS system includes many free features such as inventory tools, customer relationship management, and reporting and analytics.
Toast offers its POS hardware at three pricing levels: Starter Kit, Point of Sale, and Build Your Own. Toast has changed these names a few times in the past year, so you might also know them as Starter, Growth, and Enterprise.
Despite the name change, the subscription structure remains virtually the same. Starter subscriptions best fit new and small bars and reduce upfront costs in favor of higher processing rates. The mid-tier is for mid-sized restaurants or those switching from another POS provider, and the Build Your Own tier is for larger businesses that need more customization.
Square POS
Square for Retail
Square for Restaurants
Square Appointments
Monthly fee
$0
$0 (free plan), $89 (Plus plan)
$0 (free plan), $69 (Plus plan), $165 (Premium plan)
$0 (free), $29 (Plus plan), $69 (Premium plan)
Card present rate
2.6% + $0.10
2.5-2.6% + $0.10
2.6% + $0.10
2.5-2.6% + $0.10
Card not present rate
2.9% + $0.30
2.9% + $0.30
2.9% + $0.30
2.9% + $0.30
Keyed in rate
3.5% + $0.15
3.5% + $0.15
3.5% + $0.15
3.5% + $0.15
- iPad-optimized interface: The Square POS app features an iPad-optimized interface designed for easy navigation, quick transaction processing, and seamless customization of menus and workflows.
- Offline mode: The iPad setup works seamlessly with Square’s offline mode, enabling businesses to accept payments even without an internet connection.
- Integrated hardware compatibility: Works seamlessly with Square’s iPad stands, card readers, and receipt printers.
- Omnichannel capabilities: The system features a seamless integration with Square Online for managing in-person and online sales in one system.
- Portability and mobility: The lightweight iPad setup allows businesses to take payments anywhere, ideal for pop-ups, food trucks, or flexible retail spaces.
- Free POS software: Includes sales tracking, inventory management, customer management, and reporting tools.
- Multiple payment methods: Credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and QR codes, with flat-rate processing fees.
- App integrations: Connects easily with third-party apps like accounting, ecommerce, and marketing tools.
Lightspeed: Best for inventory management
Overall Reviewer Score
4.58/5
iPad compatibility and hardware
5/5
Payment processing and pricing
4.06/5
POS software features
4.88/5
Ease of use and integration
5/5
Customer support and user experience
4/5
Pros
- Advanced inventory management
- 24/7 customer support
- Loyalty program
Cons
- Higher-priced monthly fee
- Add-on fee for additional terminals/registers
Why I chose Lightspeed
Lightspeed is the best iPad POS system for inventory management due to its advanced tools that allow businesses to track, categorize, and reorder stock efficiently, even across multiple locations. Unlike Square and Loyverse, Lightspeed offers robust features like vendor management and bulk item imports, making it particularly suited for retailers with large, complex inventories. Its built-in loyalty program and 24/7 customer support also provide a competitive edge over Shopify and Clover, which may require third-party add-ons or lack round-the-clock assistance.
I think Lightspeed is an excellent choice for mid-sized to large retail businesses, hospitality operations, or specialty stores that prioritize detailed inventory tracking and require scalable, professional-grade tools to optimize operations.
Monthly fee
Payment processing fee
Retail Basic
$109
2.6% + $0.10
Retail Core
$179
2.6% + $0.10
Retail Plus
$339
2.6% + $0.10
Restaurant Essential
$189
2.6% + $0.10
Restaurant Premium
$399
Custom rates
Additional terminal: $59 per terminal
Lower rates available with annual payment
- Advanced inventory management: Tools for bulk item imports, stock categorization, vendor management, and low-stock alerts.
- Multi-store support: Manage inventory, sales, and staff across multiple locations from a centralized dashboard.
- Omnichannel integration: Seamless eCommerce platform integration for unified online and in-store sales management.
- Loyalty program: Built-in tools to create customized rewards programs to boost customer retention.
- Detailed reporting and analytics: Real-time sales, inventory, and employee performance reports.
- Customizable features: Tailored solutions for retail, hospitality, and niche industries like golf courses.
- Payment processing: Supports Lightspeed Payments and third-party processors (with additional fees).
- 24/7 customer support: Round-the-clock assistance via phone, chat, and email.
- Employee management: Includes scheduling, time tracking, and performance monitoring tools.
- Third-party integrations: Connects with popular accounting, marketing, and CRM software for extended functionality.
Loyverse: Best for customer relationship management
Overall Reviewer Score
4.53/5
iPad compatibility and hardware
4.38/5
Payment processing and pricing
4.69/5
POS software features
4.63/5
Ease of use and integration
4.58/5
Customer support and user experience
4.24/5
Pros
- Free POS software
- CRM and loyalty program included in the free plan
- Choice of payment processor
Cons
- No online store
- No built-in payment processor
Why I chose Loyverse
Loyverse is the best iPad POS system for customer relationship management because it offers a free CRM and loyalty program, enabling businesses to track customer activity and reward loyalty without additional cost. Unlike Square and Shopify, which charge extra for loyalty features, Loyverse includes them in its free plan, making it especially appealing to budget-conscious businesses. Its flexibility to work with a variety of payment processors also gives it an edge over Clover and Lightspeed, which often require proprietary solutions.
I think Loyverse is an excellent choice for small businesses, such as cafés, boutiques, and salons, that prioritize customer engagement and retention while operating on a tight budget. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for businesses starting out or those with limited resources.
- POS software: $0 per month
- Employee management: $5 per month per employee
- Advanced inventory: $25 per month per store
- Integrations: $9 per month per store
- Free POS software: Provides core functionality for sales tracking, inventory management, and analytics at no cost.
- CRM tools: Built-in customer management features to track purchase history and customer profiles.
- Loyalty program: Included in the free plan, allowing businesses to reward repeat customers with points or discounts.
- Inventory management: Features stock tracking, low-stock alerts, and inventory history.
- Multi-store management: Allows centralized tracking of sales and inventory across multiple locations.
- Offline mode: Ensures the POS system works without an internet connection, syncing data when reconnected.
- Customizable receipts: Features digital and printed receipt options with branding capabilities.
- Third-party payment processing: Compatible with various payment processors for added flexibility.
- Add-on features: Advanced inventory, employee management, and integrations available for an additional fee.
- Multi-language support: Suitable for businesses operating in different regions with diverse language needs.
Shopify: Best for Shopify merchants
Overall Reviewer Score
4.50/5
iPad compatibility and hardware
5/5
Payment processing and pricing
4.06/5
POS software features
4.25/5
Ease of use and integration
5/5
Customer support and user experience
4.45/5
Pros
- Ecommerce and social media selling
- Integrated shipping tools and discounts
- Extensive app ecosystem
Cons
- Limited offline mode
- No industry-specific tools
- Higher plan is needed for additional log-in accounts
Why I chose Shopify
If you are a Shopify merchant, then the Shopify iPad POS system is the best one for you. It seamlessly integrates in-store and online operations so you can unify inventory, sales, and customer data across all channels. Its built-in eCommerce platform, social media selling capabilities, and integrated shipping tools give it a significant edge over systems like Square and Lightspeed, which require one or two third-party solutions for all those functionalities.
I think Shopify is an excellent choice for retail businesses with a strong focus on eCommerce or omnichannel selling, such as boutique shops, lifestyle brands, and direct-to-consumer operations looking to scale. Additionally, Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem allows businesses to customize their POS system with tools for marketing, accounting, and loyalty programs, making it one of the most versatile iPad POS solutions available.
Monthly fee
In-person processing fee
Online processing fee
POS Lite
$5
2.6% + $0.10
2.9% + $0.30
POS Pro
$89
2.6% + $0.10
2.9% + $0.30
Basic (Ecommerce)
$39
2.7%
2.9% + $0.30
Shopify (Ecommerce)
$105
2.5%
2.6% + $0.30
Advanced (Ecommerce)
$399
2.4%
2.4% + $0.30
*Shopify Ecommerce plans comes with free POS Lite.
- Unified sales channels: Combines in-store, online, and social media sales under one system.
- Built-in ecommerce platform: Seamless integration with Shopify’s robust online store tools.
- Omnichannel tools: Features like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and curbside pickup.
- Inventory management: Tracks inventory across all locations and syncs automatically.
- Customizable app ecosystem: Access to Shopify’s extensive app store for additional functionality, including marketing, loyalty programs, and accounting.
- Integrated payment processing: Uses its own payment processor Shopify Payments for use with its POS system.
- Customer management: Stores purchase history and customer profiles for better personalization and marketing.
- Shipping tools: Includes discounts on shipping rates and integrated shipping label printing.
- Analytics and reporting: Provides sales, inventory, and customer data insights in real-time.
- Hardware integration: Works seamlessly with Shopify’s branded POS hardware, including card readers, receipt printers, and cash drawers.
Clover Go: Best for mobile-first businesses
Overall Reviewer Score
4.48/5
iPad compatibility and hardware
5/5
Payment processing and pricing
4.38/5
POS software features
4.13/5
Ease of use and integration
5/5
Customer support and user experience
4.03/5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight proprietary hardware
- Simple and easy setup
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Higher-priced hardware
- Add-on fees for additional features
Why I chose Clover Go
Clover Go is the best iPad POS system for mobile-first businesses because of its compact, lightweight hardware and simple setup. Unlike competitors like Square and Lightspeed, Clover Go offers the flexibility to work with other payment processors, making it a versatile choice for businesses that prioritize mobility without being locked into a specific ecosystem. Its portability and ease of use make it a standout option compared to more feature-heavy systems like Shopify and Loyverse, which cater primarily to brick-and-mortar or omnichannel operations.
I think Clover Go is an excellent choice for service providers, market vendors, and small businesses that operate on the go, such as food trucks, pop-up shops, and event-based sellers. Its hardware is ideal for those who need a reliable, mobile payment solution that can adapt to various business needs.
Payments plan
Essentials plan
Monthly fee
$0
$14.95
Card present rate
2.6% + $0.10
2.6% + $0.10
Keyed-in rate
3.5% + $0.10
3.5% + $0.10
- Additional $11.95 per month for each additional device
- Compact hardware: Lightweight and portable card reader designed for mobility.
- Payment flexibility: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Processor agnostic: Can integrate with various payment processors, offering flexibility in choosing payment solutions.
- Cloud-based syncing: Sales and transaction data sync seamlessly with the Clover dashboard.
- Customizable payment options: Add tipping, tax calculations, and receipt customization directly in the app.
- Real-time reporting: Provides up-to-date sales and transaction insights.
- Quick setup: Simple pairing with iPads and minimal setup requirements.
- Scalable software: Works with Clover’s broader ecosystem for businesses looking to expand capabilities.
- Secure transactions: Built-in encryption and fraud protection tools to safeguard payments.
- Offline mode: Processes payments even when Wi-Fi or mobile data is unavailable, syncing later when reconnected.
Key features of iPad point of sale systems
An iPad POS system combines portability with advanced tools to simplify business operations. Here are the essential features to look for:
- Optimized app design: The POS software should take full advantage of the iPad’s touch screen and retina display, making it easy to navigate and use for smooth, fast transactions.
- Integrated payment hardware: Look for card readers or stands specifically designed for iPads to ensure stability and seamless functionality during transactions.
- Cloud-based flexibility: A good iPad POS system should store data in the cloud, allowing you to access sales reports, inventory updates, and customer information from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Customizable layouts: The interface should allow you to personalize the layout to quickly access frequently used functions, speeding up processes like order taking or item lookup.
- Portability: The lightweight design of an iPad makes it ideal for mobile businesses or in-store mobility, so the POS system should support features like table-side ordering or curbside pickup.
- Battery efficiency: Since iPads run on battery power, the POS software should be optimized to use minimal resources to extend the device’s runtime during busy shifts.
- Hardware compatibility: Aside from card readers and iPad stands, the iPad POS should easily connect with essential peripherals such as receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, and kitchen display systems.
- Offline mode: To keep operations running smoothly during internet outages, the system should include an offline mode that saves transactions and syncs them when you’re back online.
- User-friendly setup: An iPad POS system should offer a straightforward setup process to allow businesses to get started quickly without the need for technical expertise.
Benefits of iPad POS system vs traditional POS system
iPad POS systems offer a modern, flexible alternative to traditional POS systems. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits and how they compare:
Feature
iPad POS System
Traditional POS System
Portability
Lightweight and mobile, perfect for on-the-go sales.
Fixed location; not suitable for mobile businesses.
Cost
Lower upfront hardware costs; subscription-based.
High initial cost for proprietary hardware.
Ease of Use
Intuitive interfaces; quick setup and updates.
Can be complex and may require specialized training.
Scalability
Easily add features and hardware as business grows.
Limited flexibility; upgrades are costly.
Integration
Syncs seamlessly with ecommerce, CRM, and apps.
Limited integration options.
Cloud Access
Access data from anywhere with internet connectivity.
On-premises systems may lack remote accessibility.
Maintenance
Regular updates and backups handled automatically.
Requires manual maintenance and updates
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
No, Apple does not make its own POS system. However, many third-party POS providers, like Square and Lightspeed, offer software and hardware designed to work seamlessly with iPads and other Apple devices.
Yes, you can use your iPad with Square. Square’s POS app is designed to work seamlessly on iPads, allowing you to accept payments, track inventory, and manage your business from a single device. You can also pair your iPad with Square’s hardware, like card readers and stands, for a complete POS setup.
Yes, there are free POS systems available, such as Loyverse and Square. These systems typically offer basic features like payment processing, inventory management, and sales reporting without monthly fees. However, you may need to pay for hardware, payment processing, or premium features as your business grows.
The monthly cost of a POS system depends on whether you choose a traditional or iPad-based system. Traditional POS systems typically cost $100 to $300+ per month, with additional fees for hardware and maintenance. Cost-effective iPad POS systems like Square can start at $0 per month for basic functionality, with additional costs for payment processing and optional advanced features. Other systems, like Shopify or Lightspeed, may charge $60 to $150+ per month for premium plans.
Yes, an iPhone can be used as a POS with compatible apps like Square, Shopify, or Clover Go. These apps turn your iPhone into a mobile POS system, allowing you to accept payments, manage inventory, and track sales. You can also pair it with portable card readers and receipt printers for a complete setup.
