Buying a point-of-sale (POS) system isn’t so simple as shopping for one other product on your retail or restaurant enterprise. Numerous thought and analysis goes into choosing the suitable PoS software program, {hardware}, and options distinctive to your small business operations.
Once you assume you might have figured every thing out, the pricing will shock you. These techniques have advanced pricing, overlaying the price of software program, {hardware}, customers, transactions, and processing charges. For those who’re not conscious of those value overheads, such surprises can shortly flip into shocks.
Wish to skip straight to the comparisons? Take a look at our pricing insights for prime POS techniques.
Let’s take a deep dive into the PoS system and weigh among the finest PoS options in the marketplace. By the tip, you’ll know what drives their prices, consider pricing buildings, and confidently negotiate with distributors.
What are the elements that impression POS system value?
A number of elements affect POS system value. Let’s break them down:
- {Hardware}: PoS techniques want high quality bodily gadgets similar to terminals, card readers, printers, money drawers, and scanners. Investing in quick and sturdy {hardware} drives up the system’s total value.
- Software program: A PoS system integrates varied software program to handle gross sales, stock, and buyer information. For instance, fee gateway prices. Corporations spend on these integrations to ship a memorable buyer expertise (CX). In the end, the price you pay accounts for these integrations too.
- Customization: PoS techniques generally require modifications to match a enterprise’s distinctive wants. Builders tailor options and stories to particular industries or practices, and these customized modifications improve the pricing.
- Set up: Organising a PoS system includes skilled set up and configuration. Technicians be certain that {hardware} and software program work collectively correctly; their experience often comes with an set up charge.
- 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.
- Help: Ongoing technical assist and upkeep are crucial for a easy operation. Distributors provide customer support, troubleshooting, and system updates that shield the funding, contributing to recurring prices.
POS system value and pricing fashions
POS techniques are utilized in many companies, like retail shops, cafes, and eating places. Based mostly on the kind of enterprise, the way in which it’s used differs.
In a grocery retailer, barcode scanning {hardware} is linked to expedite billing and replace stock (via integration). In a restaurant or a restaurant, the PoS helps to enter meals orders, generate invoices, and report gross sales. Most significantly, it permits the kitchen employees to optimize the order queue.
It’s one POS system with a number of use instances. Function and {hardware} necessities range primarily based on the use instances, and the pricing follows this variation.
Be aware: Based mostly on G2’s Grid Report, Quickbooks Level of Gross sales ought to ideally be the third software program on the checklist, however it has been discontinued. Due to this fact, it isn’t on the checklist.
POS system pricing mannequin and prices: What to anticipate
Software program |
Pricing mannequin |
Value |
Sq. Level of Sale |
Subscription-based pricing + processing charges + transaction charges |
Begins without spending a dime and goes past $89 per 30 days. |
Shopify POS |
Subscription-based pricing + processing charges and per-transaction value |
Prices between $39–$89 per 30 days. |
SpotOn |
Subscription-based plans (Fastened month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value) Plus, processing charges and per-transaction value |
Begins without spending a dime and goes past $135 per 30 days. |
Heartland Retail |
Subscription-based pricing. First six months free |
Begins at $89 per 30 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 30 days. |
How clear is POS system value, and the way a lot do they cost for implementation?
Owing to the POS system’s pricing complexity, some distributors transparently showcase it on their web site, whereas some give a quote after understating the function requirement.
Based mostly 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 straightforward comparability, whereas medium transparency offers some particulars however requires contacting gross sales for full pricing. Low transparency signifies the product didn’t explicitly point out pricing, so we’ve used third-party sources to share the prices under.
Right here’s a fast breakdown of POS system value transparency and the related prices:
Software program |
Transparency stage |
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 expenses. |
Heartland Retail |
Low transparency |
One-time setup charge ranging from $299 to $499, relying on the plan chosen. |
Stripe Terminal |
Low transparency |
{Hardware} prices are as follows:
|
ConnectPOS |
Low transparency |
Small companies sometimes 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, SpotOn’s pricing was extremely clear, making it simpler for patrons to plan their expectations and budgets.
POS System value insights: Elements, sudden 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. Let’s verify them out.
1. Sq. Level of Sale
- G2 score: 4.7/5 primarily based on 810 evaluations
- Pricing plan: Free plan + processing charges starting from 2.6% + 10 cents to six% + 30 cents. The Plus plan is $89 per 30 days per location and provides you a reduced processing charge. Customized plans can be found on quote with customized processing charges.
- Prime options: Helps contactless, bank card, reward card, and computerized financial institution funds. Affords personalized checkout and facilitates offline funds.
- Elements influencing pricing: Add-ons similar to Afterpay, loyalty applications ($25), textual content message advertising and marketing, and full-service payrolls include their pricing.
- Sudden prices: Begins at $15 month-to-month for crafting and monitoring e-mail advertising and marketing campaigns inside the Sq. POS system. For those who want to take up worker administration, it prices $5 per worker per 30 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. It’s 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 out there, and the plus plan prices $89 per 30 days per location. In Sq. for Retail, you get superior stock instruments and the power to print barcode labels, amongst different issues.
Insights on Sq. Level of Sale primarily based on G2 evaluations:
These insights are primarily based on 24 evaluations submitted by the G2 consumer neighborhood for Sq. Level of Sale between September 6, 2024, and February 14, 2025.
- Pricing: 16.67% of customers appreciated Sq. Level of Sale’s pricing, usually highlighting its affordability and cost-effectiveness. In distinction, 4.17% of reviewers have been dissatisfied, with considerations primarily revolving round excessive prices or sudden 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. Almost 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 proportion 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 Sale’s 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 often, 4.17% of customers particularly commend its stability and dependability.
What G2 customers take into consideration Sq. Level of Sale pricing:
“I dislike the service charges and the totally different charges for every cost kind.”
– Sq. Level of Sale Evaluation, Future E.
General, Sq. Level of Gross sales comes at a low entry value, however there are processing expenses and separate prices for added options. If we examine it with the common PoS software program value, it provides a aggressive entry price.
2. Shopify POS
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 322 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: $5 per 30 days starter plan for promoting on socials and a $89 per 30 days retail plan + Fee processing value ranging from 2.4%-5% plus 10-30 cents per transaction.$0.There are additionally superior plans starting from ~$25-$349 per 30 days with an extra value of ~$80 per location. There are additionally reductions on annual funds alongside a 3-day free trial.
- Prime options: Omnichannel promoting, good stock administration, reporting and analytics, and extra funds.
- Elements influencing pricing: Extra options like further stock areas, precedence assist, further 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. Nevertheless, they rely on if and the way you select to make use of them.
Insights on Shopify POS primarily based on G2 evaluations:
These insights are primarily based on 19 evaluations submitted by the G2 consumer 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 considerations 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:
“Nobody likes to pay transaction charges, however they’re essential, so we will not keep away from them. In any other case, there is not something I dislike”.
– Shopify POS Evaluation, Jamie Jesurun H.
Shopify POS software program affords a comparatively cheap base plan. The medium and higher-level plans additionally examine moderately to the common POS software program pricing.
3. SpotOn
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 125 evaluations
- Pricing plan: Subscription-based plans for eating places vary from $0 to $135, together with a customized plan with extra options and a customized processing charge. Small companies also can select between a terminal system and a terminal system plus a web site plan at $25 per 30 days and $90 per 30 days, respectively. Carries the identical processing charges as restaurant plans. Contains an extra $200 and $200+ setup charge of $175, respectively.
- Prime options: Reasonably priced {hardware} add-ons for in-person promoting and computerized offline performance with out an web connection.
- Elements influencing pricing: {Hardware}, on-line ordering and supply, worker administration, visitor engagement, and reservations.
- Sudden prices: There’s clear pricing, and the corporate avoids hiding charges. Transaction charges apply, sometimes relying on the fee methodology. For add-ons, you should pay further.
- Advantages: Versatile {hardware}, native fee platform with auto-offline performance
Insights on SpotOn primarily based on G2 evaluations:
These insights are primarily based on 48 evaluations submitted by the G2 consumer 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 considerations about value or pricing construction.
- Who makes use of it? SpotOn is particularly widespread 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 biggest group. Mid-sized corporations (51-200 staff) account for 33.33% of customers. Bigger organizations aren’t not noted 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:
“I 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 I’ve wanted is on my finish, like updating my menu or pricing, and so forth. They do all of it for you, if you happen to’re tremendous busy. Simply e-mail them, and earlier than it, these modifications have been made.”
– SpotOn Evaluation, Podium F.
SpotOn is a bit bit on the premium value facet of POS software program. Nevertheless, it does provide a free plan restricted to eating places.
4. Heartland Retail
- G2 score: 3.1/5 primarily based on 5 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: Subscription-based plan beginning at $89 month-to-month or $80 per 30 days on a yearly plan per station. Funds and payroll value further. A free trial of Heartland Retail can be obtainable.
- Prime options: Customizable reporting, adaptable menu administration with on-the-fly performance, and cellular fee system.
- Elements 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, prompt deposits, and so forth.) add to further 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 evaluations:
These insights are primarily based on 198 evaluations submitted by the G2 consumer neighborhood for Heartland Retail between February 26, 2018, and August 28, 2024.
- Pricing: 1.01% of customers had optimistic suggestions on Heartland Retail’s pricing, highlighting affordability or worth, whereas 4.55% voiced considerations, usually pointing to excessive prices or the pricing construction.
- Who makes use of it? The biggest group of customers for Heartland Retail comes from corporations with 11-50 staff, making up 37.37% of its consumer base. Small companies with 2-10 staff comply with carefully 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, displaying the platform’s adaptability throughout totally different firm sizes.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 57.07% of customers respect the instruments’s intuitive interface and simple performance. 17.68% of reviewers point out efficiency, noting its effectivity and responsiveness in each day operations. Reliability additionally will get a nod, with 3.03% of customers mentioning its stability and dependability.
What G2 customers take into consideration Heartland Retail pricing:
“You must use Heartland as a fee processor, and you may’t actually negotiate the price of the fee processing. It is a smaller worth for an all-in-one system, and their pricing is fairly honest”.
– Heartland POS Evaluation, Verified Person 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 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: “Consists of transaction charges for each on-line and offline funds. Stripe’s 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.
- Prime options: No month-to-month software program charges or termination charges, 24/7 chat assist, and assist for greater than 135 currencies.
- Elements influencing pricing: Customized area, {hardware}, and fee processing charges.
- Sudden prices: There are no hidden prices related to its commonplace pricing mannequin, however Stripe has different add-ons, similar to Stripe Billing, Stripe Join, and Stripe Radar, that add to the prices. Furthermore, further charges is perhaps charged for worldwide playing cards and forex conversions.
- Advantages: Fully customizable with a software program improvement package, affords Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV)-certified card readers, and provides aggressive pricing on transaction charges.
Insights on Stripe Terminal primarily based on G2 evaluations:
These insights are primarily based on 15 evaluations submitted by the G2 consumer neighborhood for Stripe Terminal between November 23, 2019, and August 11, 2022.
- Pricing: The pricing appears to divide opinions evenly — 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 evaluations from corporations with 2-10 staff (46.67%) and 11-50 staff (26.67%). Bigger organizations additionally use it, as 13.33% of evaluations come from corporations with 1001-5000 staff, whereas 13.33% are from solo customers.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: Person suggestions highlights ease of use as a key power, with 46.67% of evaluations mentioning its easy interface and seamless performance.
What G2 customers take into consideration Stripe Terminal pricing:
“It is a wonderful developer instrument with a predictable flat-rate pricing.”
– Stripe Terminal Evaluation, Verified consumer in Eating places
General, Stripe Terminal is probably not a complete POS. Nevertheless, it does function free software program that saves cash. The {hardware} can be cheaper, beginning at simply $59. Stripe Terminal is on the extra reasonably priced facet of the spectrum in comparison with the common value of POS software program.
6. ConnectPOS
- G2 score: 4.8/5 primarily based on 19 evaluations.
- Pricing plan: Subscription-based plans value between $39 and $89. There’s additionally an choice for an enterprise plan. You’ll be able to elevate a customized quote to get extra particulars on enterprise pricing.
- Prime options: Actual-time synchronization, availability of offline mode, customizable choices, and information safety.
- Elements influencing pricing: Add-on options similar to forex converters and a number of checkout currencies can affect ConnectPOS pricing. Loyalty applications and employees administration options will be factored in as effectively.
- 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 evaluations:
These insights are primarily based on 15 evaluations submitted by the G2 consumer neighborhood for ConnectPOS between March 26, 2024, and February 20, 2025.
- Pricing: Whereas particular pricing particulars aren’t broadly mentioned within the evaluations, 20% of customers really feel there’s room for enchancment in value, with some mentioning {that a} lower cost or lowered 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 consumer base.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: 13.33% of ConnectPOS customers say that the platform is straightforward to make use of. Efficiency stands out essentially the most, with 40.00% of reviewers praising its velocity and effectivity. Whereas reliability isn’t particularly talked about within the evaluations, the robust efficiency suggestions means that customers usually discover the system reliable.
What G2 customers take into consideration ConnectPOS pricing:
“Pricing would have been higher if it was cheaper.”
– ConnectPOS Evaluation, Binakadara J.
The ConnectPOS software program is cost-effective when in comparison with the common value of a POS system.
POS system value: How do prime options examine total?
This comparability reveals how quickly you may anticipate ROI after implementing a POS system. The insights are from consumer evaluations on G2 and are grouped to derive an total consumer 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 provide help to be ready for the pricing negotiations you’ll have with distributors. Greater than that, it provides you a transparent approach to decode the advanced pricing affords by totally different POS distributors. Evaluating costs turns into extra easy and saves time you’ll in any other case spend weighing your choices.
Let these insights assist vendor negotiations and provide help to discover one of the best offers on your firm. Able to slender down choices and discuss to distributors of your selection?
Join with the prime POS distributors in the marketplace and enter negotiations confidently.