Buying a point-of-sale (POS) system isn’t so simple as shopping for one other product to your retail or restaurant enterprise. A number of thought and analysis goes into choosing the correct PoS software program, {hardware}, and options distinctive to your online business operations.
Whenever you assume you might have figured all the pieces out, the pricing will shock you. These techniques have advanced pricing, overlaying the price of software program, {hardware}, customers, transactions, and processing charges. In case you’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 high POS techniques.
Let’s take a deep dive into the PoS system and weigh among the finest PoS options available on the market. By the tip, you’ll know what drives their prices, methods to consider pricing buildings, and confidently negotiate with distributors.
What are the elements that influence POS system value?
A number of elements affect POS system value. Let’s break them down:
- {Hardware}: PoS techniques want high quality bodily gadgets equivalent to terminals, card readers, printers, money drawers, and scanners. Investing in quick and sturdy {hardware} drives up the system’s 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). In the end, the fee 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 entails skilled set up and configuration. Technicians be sure that {hardware} and software program work collectively correctly; their experience often comes with an set up price.
- Coaching: The employees should discover ways to use the PoS system effectively. Companies pay for coaching classes and supplies, which assist staff function the system appropriately and scale back errors.
- Assist: Ongoing technical help and upkeep are essential for a clean operation. Distributors supply customer support, troubleshooting, and system updates that defend 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 best way 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 file gross sales. Most significantly, it permits the kitchen employees to optimize the order queue.
It’s one POS system with a number of use circumstances. Function and {hardware} necessities range primarily based on the use circumstances, 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, but it surely 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 |
Price |
Sq. Level of Sale |
Subscription-based pricing + processing charges + transaction charges |
Begins without cost and goes past $89 monthly. |
Shopify POS |
Subscription-based pricing + processing charges and per-transaction value |
Prices between $39–$89 monthly. |
SpotOn |
Subscription-based plans (Mounted month-to-month value + per-employee month-to-month value) Plus, processing charges and per-transaction value |
Begins without cost and goes past $135 monthly. |
Heartland Retail |
Subscription-based pricing. First six months free |
Begins at $89 monthly. |
Stripe Terminal |
Flat price pricing |
Prices between $59 and $249, plus processing charges. |
ConnectPOS |
Subscription-based pricing |
Begins for free and goes past $89 monthly. |
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 check 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 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 degree |
Implementation + {hardware} prices* |
Sq. Level of Sale |
Medium transparency |
{Hardware} prices. Anyplace from $149 to $799 per unit. |
Shopify POS |
Medium transparency |
{Hardware} prices vary from $219 to $999 per unit. |
SpotOn |
Excessive transparency |
Personalised implementation and coaching prices of $1000, excluding {hardware} and transport fees. |
Heartland Retail |
Low transparency |
One-time setup price 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 count on implementation prices to vary from $1,000 to $5,000, whereas bigger enterprises might 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: Components, surprising prices, and reductions
The common preliminary value of organising 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 available on the market. Let’s verify 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 monthly per location and provides you a reduced processing price. Customized plans can be found on quote with customized processing charges.
- Prime options: Helps contactless, bank card, present card, and automated financial institution funds. Provides custom-made checkout and facilitates offline funds.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-ons equivalent to Afterpay, loyalty applications ($25), textual content message advertising, and full-service payrolls include their pricing.
- Surprising prices: Begins at $15 month-to-month for crafting and monitoring e-mail advertising campaigns throughout the Sq. POS system. In case you want to take up worker administration, it prices $5 per worker monthly.
- Advantages: Improved stock instruments and stories, automated buy orders, print barcode labels, and limitless worker time monitoring.
Sq. additionally gives a complete retail platform, Sq. for Retail. It’s an all-in-one POS resolution for retail manufacturers and gives extra superior options that assist retailers run their companies extra effectively. The free plan is accessible, and the plus plan prices $89 monthly 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 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 24 opinions submitted by the G2 consumer group 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 had been dissatisfied, with considerations primarily revolving round excessive prices or surprising charges.
- Who makes use of it? Sq. Level of Sale is extensively adopted by companies of varied 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 facet 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 clean 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:
“I dislike the service charges and the totally different charges for every cost sort.”
– Sq. Level of Sale Evaluate, Future E.
General, Sq. Level of Gross sales comes at a low entry value, however there are processing fees and separate prices for added options. If we evaluate it with the typical PoS software program value, it offers a aggressive entry price.
2. Shopify POS
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 322 opinions.
- Pricing plan: $5 monthly starter plan for promoting on socials and a $89 monthly 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 monthly 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.
- Components influencing pricing: Further options like further stock areas, precedence help, further employees accounts, and checkout capability affect the overall value of the software program.
- Surprising prices: These are prices of the POS terminal, money reader, receipt printer, or barcode scanner. Nevertheless, 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 consumer group 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 alternative 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 format 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 crucial, so we won’t keep away from them. In any other case, there is not something I dislike”.
– Shopify POS Evaluate, Jamie Jesurun H.
Shopify POS software program gives a comparatively cheap base plan. The medium and higher-level plans additionally evaluate moderately 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 extra options and a customized processing price. Small companies also can select between a terminal machine and a terminal machine plus an internet site plan at $25 monthly and $90 monthly, respectively. Carries the identical processing charges as restaurant plans. Contains an extra $200 and $200+ setup price of $175, respectively.
- Prime options: Reasonably priced {hardware} add-ons for in-person promoting and automated offline performance with out an web connection.
- Components influencing pricing: {Hardware}, on-line ordering and supply, worker administration, visitor engagement, and reservations.
- Surprising prices: There’s clear pricing, and the corporate avoids hiding charges. Transaction charges apply, sometimes relying on the fee methodology. For add-ons, you want to pay further.
- 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 consumer group 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 disregarded both, with 4.17% from 201-500 staff and a couple of.08% from 501-1000 staff discovering worth within the platform.
- Ease of use, efficiency, and reliability: SpotOn makes a robust 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 gives a restricted quantity of help earlier than charging. With Spot On, help has been limitless. When the system is linked correctly, the one help I’ve wanted is on my finish, like updating my menu or pricing, and so forth. They do all of it for you, in the event you’re tremendous busy. Simply e-mail them, and earlier than you already know it, these modifications have been made.”
– SpotOn Evaluate, Podium F.
SpotOn is somewhat bit on the premium value aspect of POS software program. Nevertheless, it does supply 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 monthly on a yearly plan per station. Funds and payroll value further. A free trial of Heartland Retail can also be obtainable.
- Prime 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.
- Surprising prices: Interchange processing prices, service and regulatory mandates, and value-added companies (present playing cards, on the spot deposits, and so forth.) add to further charges.
- Advantages: It gives 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 consumer group for Heartland Retail between February 26, 2018, and August 28, 2024.
- Pricing: 1.01% of customers had constructive 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 most important 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, exhibiting 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 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 declaring its stability and dependability.
What G2 customers take into consideration Heartland Retail pricing:
“It’s a must to use Heartland as a fee processor, and you’ll’t actually negotiate the price of the fee processing. It is a smaller value for an all-in-one system, and their pricing is fairly truthful”.
– Heartland POS Evaluate, Verified Consumer in Monetary Providers
The price of Heartland Retail is somewhat bit greater than common retail POS software program pricing.
5. Stripe Terminal
- G2 score: 4.4/5 primarily based on 15 opinions.
- 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 help, and help for greater than 135 currencies.
- Components influencing pricing: Customized area, {hardware}, and fee processing charges.
- Surprising prices: There are no hidden prices related to its commonplace pricing mannequin, however Stripe has different add-ons, equivalent to Stripe Billing, Stripe Join, and Stripe Radar, that add to the prices. Furthermore, further charges is perhaps charged for worldwide playing cards and foreign money conversions.
- Advantages: Utterly customizable with a software program improvement package, gives Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV)-certified card readers, and provides 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 consumer group 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 may very well 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 simple 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 Evaluate, Verified consumer in Eating places
General, Stripe Terminal will not be a complete POS. Nevertheless, it does function free software program that saves cash. The {hardware} can also be cheaper, beginning at simply $59. Stripe Terminal is on the extra reasonably priced 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. There’s additionally an choice for an enterprise plan. You possibly can increase a customized quote to get extra particulars on enterprise pricing.
- Prime options: Actual-time synchronization, availability of offline mode, customizable choices, and information safety.
- Components influencing pricing: Add-on options equivalent to foreign money converters and a number of checkout currencies can affect ConnectPOS pricing. Loyalty applications and employees administration options might be factored in as effectively.
- Surprising prices: It gives clear pricing, however customization comes at an additional value.
- Advantages: Simple {hardware} setup, help for a number of fee choices, and availability of strong reporting instruments.
Insights on ConnectPOS primarily based on G2 opinions:
These insights are primarily based on 15 opinions submitted by the G2 consumer group for ConnectPOS between March 26, 2024, and February 20, 2025.
- Pricing: Whereas particular pricing particulars aren’t extensively mentioned within the opinions, 20% of customers really feel there’s room for enchancment in value, with some mentioning {that a} lower cost or diminished renewal charges would improve the worth.
- Who makes use of it? ConnectPOS is a well-liked alternative 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 opinions, 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 Evaluate, 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 evaluate general?
This comparability exhibits how quickly you may count on ROI after implementing a POS system. The insights are from consumer opinions on G2 and are grouped to derive an general consumer sentiment.
Software program |
High quality of help |
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 offers you a transparent option to decode the advanced pricing gives by totally different POS distributors. Evaluating costs turns into extra easy and saves time you’d in any other case spend weighing your choices.
Let these insights help vendor negotiations and provide help to discover one of the best offers to your firm. Able to slim down choices and speak to distributors of your alternative?
Join with the high POS distributors available on the market and enter negotiations confidently.