Buying a point-of-sale (POS) system isnโt so simple as shopping for one other product in your retail or restaurant enterprise. Quite a lot of thought and analysis goes into choosing the precise PoS software program, {hardware}, and options distinctive to your enterprise operations.
Whenever you assume youโve gotten figured every little thing out, the pricing will shock you. These methods have advanced pricing, protecting the price of software program, {hardware}, customers, transactions, and processing charges. If you happen toโre not conscious of those value overheads, such surprises can rapidly flip into shocks.
Wish to skip straight to the comparisons? Take a look at our pricing insights for high POS methods.
Letโs take a deep dive into the PoS system and weigh a number of the finest PoS options in the marketplace. By the tip, youโll know what drives their prices, the way to consider pricing buildings, and confidently negotiate with distributors.
What are the elements that affect POS system value?
A number of elements affect POS system value. Letโs break them down:
- {Hardware}: PoS methods want high quality bodily gadgets akin to terminals, card readers, printers, money drawers, and scanners. Investing in quick and sturdy {hardware} drives up the systemโs general value.
- Software program: A PoS system integrates varied software program to handle gross sales, stock, and buyer information. For instance, fee gateway prices. Firms spend on these integrations to ship a memorable buyer expertise (CX). Finally, the associated fee you pay accounts for these integrations too.
- Customization: PoS methods generally require modifications to match a enterpriseโs distinctive wants. Builders tailor options and stories to particular industries or practices, and these customized modifications enhance the pricing.
- Set up: Establishing a PoS system includes skilled set up and configuration. Technicians be sure that {hardware} and software program work collectively correctly; their experience often comes with an set up payment.
- Coaching: The employees should learn to use the PoS system effectively. Companies pay for coaching periods and supplies, which assist staff function the system appropriately and cut back errors.
- Assist: Ongoing technical assist and upkeep are vital for a easy operation. Distributors provide customer support, troubleshooting, and system updates that defend the funding, contributing to recurring prices.
POS system value and pricing fashions
POS methods are utilized in many companies, like retail shops, cafes, and eating places. Primarily based on the kind of enterprise, the way in which itโs used differs.
In a grocery retailer, barcode scanning {hardware} is linked to expedite billing and replace stock (by way of integration). In a restaurant or a restaurant, the PoS helps to enter meals orders, generate invoices, and file gross sales. Most significantly, it permits the kitchen employees to optimize the order queue.
Itโs one POS system with a number of use circumstances. Function and {hardware} necessities fluctuate primarily based on the use circumstances, and the pricing follows this variation.
Word: Primarily based on G2โs Grid Report, Quickbooks Level of Gross sales ought to ideally be the third software program on the record, nevertheless it has been discontinued. Subsequently, itโs not on the record.
POS system pricing mannequin and prices: What to anticipate
Software program |
Pricing mannequin |
Price |
Sq. Level of Sale |
Subscription-based pricing + processing charges + transaction charges |
Begins totally free and goes past $89 per thirty days. |
Shopify POS |
Subscription-based pricing + processing charges and per-transaction value |
Prices between $39โ$89 per thirty days. |
SpotOn |
Subscription-based plans (Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value) Plus, processing charges and per-transaction value |
Begins totally free and goes past $135 per thirty days. |
Heartland Retail |
Subscription-based pricing. First six months free |
Begins at $89 per thirty days. |
Stripe Terminal |
Flat price pricing |
Prices between $59 and $249, plus processing charges. |
ConnectPOS |
Subscription-based pricing |
Begins for free and goes past $89 per thirty days. |
How clear is POS system value, and the way a lot do they cost for implementation?
Owing to the POS systemโs pricing complexity, some distributors transparently showcase it on their web site, whereas some give a quote after understating the function requirement.
Primarily based on analysis, we discovered some distributors to covey pricing upfront, making it simpler to match prices. Conversely, some distributors maintained medium transparency, giving a ballpark for some plans and inspiring a purchaser to get in contact for the whole breakdown of prices.
Excessive transparency means pricing plans are listed upfront for simple comparability, whereas medium transparency supplies some particulars however requires contacting gross sales for full pricing. Low transparency signifies the product didnโt explicitly point out pricing, so weโve used third-party sources to share the prices under.
Right hereโs a fast breakdown of POS system value transparency and the related prices:
Software program |
Transparency degree |
Implementation + {hardware} prices* |
Sq. Level of Sale |
Medium transparency |
{Hardware} prices. Wherever from $149 to $799 per unit. |
Shopify POS |
Medium transparency |
{Hardware} prices vary from $219 to $999 per unit. |
SpotOn |
Excessive transparency |
Customized implementation and coaching prices of $1000, excluding {hardware} and transport fees. |
Heartland Retail |
Low transparency |
One-time setup payment ranging from $299 to $499, relying on the plan chosen. |
Stripe Terminal |
Low transparency |
{Hardware} prices are as follows:
|
ConnectPOS |
Low transparency |
Small companies usually anticipate implementation prices to vary from $1,000 to $5,000, whereas bigger enterprises could incur prices upwards of $50,000 or extra. |
*Implementation prices are bills incurred when introducing a brand new system, coverage, or course of into the enterprise. {Hardware} prices are bills incurred to arrange the required bodily gadgets to run the POS system.
Amongst these distributors, SpotOnโs pricing was extremely clear, making it simpler for consumers to plan their expectations and budgets.
POS System value insights: Components, surprising prices, and reductions
The common preliminary value of establishing a POS system ranges from $0 to $2000. The PoS software program alone can value you between $0 and $200. Various factors affect software program pricing for the main distributors in the marketplace. Letโs examine them out.
1. Sq. Level of Sale
- G2 score: 4.7/5 primarily based on 810 opinions
- Pricing plan: Free plan + processing charges starting from 2.6% + 10 cents to six% + 30 cents. The Plus plan is $89 per thirty days per location and offers you a reduced processing payment. Customized plans can be found on quote with customized processing charges.
- High options: Helps contactless, bank card, reward card, and computerized financial institution funds. Presents custom-made checkout and facilitates offline funds.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons akin to Afterpay, loyalty packages ($25), textual content message advertising, and full-service payrolls include their pricing.
- Sudden prices: Begins at $15 month-to-month for crafting and monitoring e-mail advertising campaigns throughout the Sq. POS system. If you happen to want to take up worker administration, it prices $5 per worker per thirty days.
- Advantages: Improved stock instruments and stories, automated buy orders, print barcode labels, and limitless worker time monitoring.
Sq. additionally affords a complete retail platform, Sq. for Retail. Itโs an all-in-one POS answer for retail manufacturers and affords extra superior options that assist retailers run their companies extra effectively. The free plan is accessible, and the plus plan prices $89 per thirty days per location. In Sq. for Retail, you get superior stock instruments and the flexibility to print barcode labels, amongst different issues.
Insights on Sq. Level of Sale primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 24 opinions submitted by the G2 person neighborhood for Sq. Level of Sale between September 6, 2024, and February 14, 2025.
- Pricing: 16.67% of customers appreciated Sq. Level of Saleโs pricing, usually highlighting its affordability and cost-effectiveness. In distinction, 4.17% of reviewers have been dissatisfied, with issues primarily revolving round excessive prices or surprising charges.
- Who makes use of it? Sq. Level of Sale is broadly adopted by companies of assorted sizes, with small companies making up the vast majority of customers. Practically 45.83% of reviewers come from corporations with 2-10 staff, whereas 29.17% are solo entrepreneurs. Mid-sized companies additionally discover worth within the platform, with 16.67% of customers from corporations with 11-50 staff. A smaller share of customers come from bigger organizations, with 4.17% every representing companies within the 51-200 and 201-500 worker vary.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Sq. Level of Saleโs strongest side is its ease of use, with 45.83% of reviewers praising its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Efficiency is one other appreciated issue, with 20.83% of customers noting its velocity, effectivity, and easy operation. Whereas reliability is talked about much less steadily, 4.17% of customers particularly commend its stability and dependability.
What G2 customers take into consideration Sq. Level of Sale pricing:
โI dislike the service charges and the completely different charges for every cost sort.โ
โ Sq. Level of Sale Overview, Future E.
Total, Sq. Level of Gross sales comes at a low entry value, however there are processing fees and separate prices for extra options. If we examine it with the typical PoS software program value, it provides a aggressive entry price.
2. Shopify POS
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 322 opinions.
- Pricing plan: $5 per thirty days starter plan for promoting on socials and a $89 per thirty days retail plan + Cost processing value ranging from 2.4%-5% plus 10-30 cents per transaction.$0.There are additionally superior plans starting from ~$25-$349 per thirty days with a further value of ~$80 per location. There are additionally reductions on annual funds alongside a 3-day free trial.
- High options: Omnichannel promoting, good stock administration, reporting and analytics, and extra funds.
- Components influencing pricing: Further options like additional stock places, precedence assist, additional employees accounts, and checkout capability affect the whole value of the software program.
- Sudden prices: These are prices of the POS terminal, money reader, receipt printer, or barcode scanner. Nonetheless, they depend upon if and the way you select to make use of them.
Insights on Shopify POS primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 19 opinions submitted by the G2 person neighborhood for Shopify POS between March 3, 2024, and February 21, 2025.
- Pricing: 5.26% of customers appreciated the affordability, whereas 10.53% expressed dissatisfaction, usually citing issues about excessive prices and the pricing construction.
- Who makes use of it? Shopify POS is a go-to selection for small and mid-sized companies, with 47.37% of customers coming from corporations with 11-50 staff. One other 36.84% come from small companies with 2-10 staff, and mid-sized corporations (51-200 staff) make up 10.53% of customers. Lastly, round 5.26% are solo entrepreneurs who additionally profit from the platform.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 26.32% of reviewers discover it easy to make use of, highlighting its intuitive structure and hassle-free navigation. 21.05% point out that it is quick and dependable, whereas one other 15.79% reward its function set, citing integrations, customization choices, and helpful functionalities that improve their expertise.
What G2 customers take into consideration Shopify POS pricing:
โNobody likes to pay transaction charges, however theyโre essential, so we will not keep away from them. In any other case, there is not something I dislikeโ.
โ Shopify POS Overview, Jamie Jesurun H.
Shopify POS software program affords a comparatively cheap base plan. The medium and higher-level plans additionally examine fairly to the typical POS software program pricing.
3. SpotOn
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 125 opinions
- Pricing plan: Subscription-based plans for eating places vary from $0 to $135, together with a customized plan with further options and a customized processing payment. Small companies can even select between a terminal system and a terminal system plus an internet site plan at $25 per thirty days and $90 per thirty days, respectively. Carries the identical processing charges as restaurant plans. Consists of a further $200 and $200+ setup payment of $175, respectively.
- High options: Reasonably priced {hardware} add-ons for in-person promoting and computerized offline performance with out an web connection.
- Components influencing pricing: {Hardware}, on-line ordering and supply, worker administration, visitor engagement, and reservations.
- Sudden prices: Thereโs clear pricing, and the corporate avoids hiding charges. Transaction charges apply, usually relying on the fee methodology. For add-ons, you have to pay additional.
- Advantages: Versatile {hardware}, native fee platform with auto-offline performance
Insights on SpotOn primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 48 opinions submitted by the G2 person neighborhood for SpotOn between November 7, 2024, and March 1, 2025.
- Pricing: 4.17% of customers appreciated the pricing, mentioning affordability or worth, whereas 2.08% expressed dissatisfaction, usually citing issues about value or pricing construction.
- Who makes use of it? SpotOn is very well-liked with small and mid-sized groups. 16.67% of customers come from small companies (2-10 staff), whereas 43.75% fall into the 11-50 worker vary, making it the most important group. Mid-sized corporations (51-200 staff) account for 33.33% of customers. Bigger organizations arenโt neglected both, with 4.17% from 201-500 staff and a pair of.08% from 501-1000 staff discovering worth within the platform.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: SpotOn makes a powerful impression with its ease of use, as 29.17% of customers discover it easy and intuitive to work with. Efficiency is one other space the place it delivers, with 25% appreciating its responsiveness and effectivity. Whereas fewer customers explicitly point out reliability, 2.08% acknowledge its stability in on a regular basis operations.
What G2 customers take into consideration SpotOn pricing:
โI heard that Toast affords a restricted quantity of assist earlier than charging. With Spot On, assist has been limitless. When the system is linked correctly, the one assist Iโve wanted is on my finish, like updating my menu or pricing, and so forth. They do all of it for you, in case youโre tremendous busy. Simply e-mail them, and earlier than you realize it, these modifications have been made.โ
โ SpotOn Overview, Podium F.
SpotOn is a bit bit on the premium value aspect of POS software program. Nonetheless, it does provide a free plan restricted to eating places.
4. Heartland Retail
- G2 score: 3.1/5 primarily based on 5 opinions.
- Pricing plan: Subscription-based plan beginning at $89 month-to-month or $80 per thirty days on a yearly plan per station. Funds and payroll value additional. A free trial of Heartland Retail can be obtainable.
- High options: Customizable reporting, adaptable menu administration with on-the-fly performance, and cellular fee system.
- Components influencing pricing: {Hardware} prices vary from $195 to $1895. Integrations and add-ons come at an additional value.
- Sudden prices: Interchange processing prices, service and regulatory mandates, and value-added companies (reward playing cards, immediate deposits, and so forth.) add to additional charges.
- Advantages: It affords an intuitive and customizable UI whereas facilitating simplified transactions with built-in fee choices.
Insights on Heartland Retail primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 198 opinions submitted by the G2 person neighborhood for Heartland Retail between February 26, 2018, and August 28, 2024.
- Pricing: 1.01% of customers had constructive suggestions on Heartland Retailโs pricing, highlighting affordability or worth, whereas 4.55% voiced issues, usually pointing to excessive prices or the pricing construction.
- Who makes use of it? The most important group of customers for Heartland Retail comes from corporations with 11-50 staff, making up 37.37% of its person base. Small companies with 2-10 staff observe intently behind at 29.29%, whereas 22.73% of customers come from mid-sized corporations with 51-200 staff. Bigger organizations are additionally represented, with 3.03% every from companies with 201-500 and 501-1000 staff, exhibiting the platformโs adaptability throughout completely different firm sizes.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 57.07% of customers recognize the instrumentsโs intuitive interface and easy performance. 17.68% of reviewers point out efficiency, noting its effectivity and responsiveness in every day operations. Reliability additionally will get a nod, with 3.03% of customers stating its stability and dependability.
What G2 customers take into consideration Heartland Retail pricing:
โItโs important to use Heartland as a fee processor, and you mayโt actually negotiate the price of the fee processing. It is a smaller worth for an all-in-one system, and their pricing is fairly honestโ.
โ Heartland POS Overview, Verified Consumer in Monetary Providers
The price of Heartland Retail is a bit bit greater than common retail POS software program pricing.
5. Stripe Terminal
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 15 opinions.
- Pricing plan: โConsists of transaction charges for each on-line and offline funds. Stripeโs on-line fee charges are 2.9% + 30 cents per accomplished cost. In-person funds are at 2.7% + 5 cents per transaction. There are {hardware} prices as well as.
- High options: No month-to-month software program charges or termination charges, 24/7 chat assist, and assist for greater than 135 currencies.
- Components influencing pricing: Customized area, {hardware}, and fee processing charges.
- Sudden prices: There are no hidden prices related to its normal pricing mannequin, however Stripe has different add-ons, akin to Stripe Billing, Stripe Join, and Stripe Radar, that add to the prices. Furthermore, additional charges may be charged for worldwide playing cards and foreign money conversions.
- Advantages: Fully customizable with a software program improvement equipment, affords Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV)-certified card readers, and offers aggressive pricing on transaction charges.
Insights on Stripe Terminal primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 15 opinions submitted by the G2 person neighborhood for Stripe Terminal between November 23, 2019, and August 11, 2022.
- Pricing: The pricing appears to divide opinions evenly โ 6.67% of customers point out it positively, whereas one other 6.67% spotlight it as a downside. Some discover it cheap, whereas others really feel it could possibly be higher.
- Who makes use of it? Stripe Terminal has a noticeable presence amongst small companies, with most opinions from corporations with 2-10 staff (46.67%) and 11-50 staff (26.67%). Bigger organizations additionally use it, as 13.33% of opinions come from corporations with 1001-5000 staff, whereas 13.33% are from solo customers.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Consumer suggestions highlights ease of use as a key energy, with 46.67% of opinions mentioning its easy interface and seamless performance.
What G2 customers take into consideration Stripe Terminal pricing:
โIt is a wonderful developer instrument with a predictable flat-rate pricing.โ
โ Stripe Terminal Overview, Verified person in Eating places
Total, Stripe Terminal will not be a complete POS. Nonetheless, it does function free software program that saves cash. The {hardware} can be cheaper, beginning at simply $59. Stripe Terminal is on the extra inexpensive aspect of the spectrum in comparison with the typical value of POS software program.
6. ConnectPOS
- G2 score: 4.8/5 primarily based on 19 opinions.
- Pricing plan: Subscription-based plans value between $39 and $89. Thereโs additionally an choice for an enterprise plan. Youโll be able to elevate a customized quote to get extra particulars on enterprise pricing.
- High options: Actual-time synchronization, availability of offline mode, customizable choices, and information safety.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-on options akin to foreign money converters and a number of checkout currencies can affect ConnectPOS pricing. Loyalty packages and employees administration options will be factored in as nicely.
- Sudden prices: It affords clear pricing, however customization comes at an additional value.
- Advantages: Simple {hardware} setup, assist for a number of fee choices, and availability of sturdy reporting instruments.
Insights on ConnectPOS primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 15 opinions submitted by the G2 person neighborhood for ConnectPOS between March 26, 2024, and February 20, 2025. โ
- Pricing: Whereas particular pricing particulars arenโt broadly mentioned within the opinions, 20% of customers really feel thereโs room for enchancment in value, with some mentioning {that a} cheaper price or diminished renewal charges would improve the worth.
- Who makes use of it? ConnectPOS is a well-liked selection for small companies, with 73.33% of customers coming from corporations with 2-10 staff. It additionally sees adoption amongst rising groups, as 13.33% of customers work in organizations with 11-50 staff. Whereas most customers come from smaller corporations, the platform additionally serves mid-sized companies (51-200 staff) and bigger organizations (201-500 staff), every making up 6.67% of the person base.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 13.33% of ConnectPOS customers say that the platform is simple to make use of. Efficiency stands out essentially the most, with 40.00% of reviewers praising its velocity and effectivity. Whereas reliability isnโt particularly talked about within the opinions, the robust efficiency suggestions means that customers typically discover the system reliable.
What G2 customers take into consideration ConnectPOS pricing:
โPricing would have been higher if it was cheaper.โ
โ ConnectPOS Overview, Binakadara J.
The ConnectPOS software program is cost-effective when in comparison with the typical value of a POS system.
POS system value: How do high options examine general?
This comparability reveals how quickly you possibly can anticipate ROI after implementing a POS system. The insights are from person opinions on G2 and are grouped to derive an general person sentiment.
Software program |
High quality of assist |
Meets requirement |
Ease of setup |
Sq. Level of Sale |
89% |
95% |
95% |
Shopify POS |
88% |
87% |
90% |
SpotOn |
88% |
92% |
92% |
Heartland Retail |
88% |
87% |
82% |
Stripe Terminal |
88% |
94% |
N/A |
ConnectPOS |
97% |
93% |
92% |
Make your negotiation stronger
These insights will enable you be ready for the pricing negotiations youโll have with distributors. Greater than that, it provides you a transparent technique to decode the advanced pricing affords by completely different POS distributors. Evaluating costs turns into extra easy and saves time youโd in any other case spend weighing your choices.
Let these insights assist vendor negotiations and enable you discover one of the best offers in your firm. Able to slim down choices and speak to distributors of your selection?
Join with the high POS distributors in the marketplace and enter negotiations confidently.