Finding an affordable point of sale (POS) system can be tough, especially when you’re running a small business on a tight budget. In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Cheapest POS Systems for Small Businesses in 2025 to help you make a smart choice without breaking the bank. 

By the end of your reading, you’ll have a clear idea of which POS systems offer the best value for your needs—let’s get started!

POS System	Type of business	Pricing	Main features	Download
Shopify POS	Retail, ecommerce	Shopify POS Lite: Free (included with all Shopify plans) Shopify POS Pro: $89/month per location	Customizable checkout interface, flexible payment options, offline selling capability.	Get app
Square POS	All-purpose, retail	No setup or monthly fees; processing fees apply	Sales and inventory management, integrated payment processing, customizable checkout interface.	Get app
Lightspeed POS	Retail, restaurant, hospitality, and golf	Starts at $89/month when billed annually	Advanced inventory management, integrated eCommerce platform, customizable reporting dashboards.	Get app
Zettle by PayPal	Retail	No monthly fee; transaction fees apply	Mobile transactions, quick and user-friendly setup, and simple pricing structure.	Get app
Vendo POS	Retail and niche industries	Contact for details	Multistore management, customizable reporting, support wide range of hardware.	Get app
Epos Now	Specialty retailers, liquor stores	Starts at $39/month	Highly customizable system, advanced integrated inventory management, and third-party integrations.	Get app
TouchBistro	Restaurants	Starts at $69/month	Customizable tableside ordering, menu management, floor plan, and table management.	Get app
Clover	Restaurants and retail operations.	Starts at $14.95/month; transaction fees vary	All-in-one hardware solution, advanced reporting tools, and user-friendly interface.	Get app
Toast	Restaurants, quick-service, bars, and delivery	Typically starts around $69/month	Specialized food service, integrated online ordering, and real-time reporting.	Get app
eHopper POS	Restaurant	Free plan available; paid plans start at $14.99/month	Real-time access data, loyalty programs, CRM integration	Get app

1. Shopify POS: The Powerhouse of Retail Management

Shopify POS is an excellent choice of cheapest pos system for small business that either already use a Shopify ecommerce store or are planning to sell both online and in person. Having tested Shopify POS, I found its register features, customizable checkout interface, flexible payment options, and offline selling capabilities outstanding.

Pricing

• Shopify POS Lite: Free (included with all Shopify plans)
• Shopify POS Pro: $89/month per location

Key features

• Customizable checkout interface
• Flexible payment options (credit, debit, mobile wallets, gift cards)
• Offline selling capability.
• Detailed reporting and analytics
• Seamless integration with the Shopify ecommerce platform.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Easy to use and highly customizable – Robust omnichannel features for both online and in-person sales – Excellent customer support	– Offline mode may experience occasional glitches. – Not suitable for high-risk businesses

Hardware

• Tap and Chip Reader
• Countertop Kit
• Shopify Terminal

2. Square POS: The Versatile Solution

Square POS is one of the best point of sale systems for small businesses due to its affordable pricing, mobile capabilities, and comprehensive POS tools for various industries, such as retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses. After testing Square, I found its top-notch sales and inventory management features, offering real-time stock alerts, automatic reordering, and detailed sales reports. 

Pricing

• No setup or monthly fees
• The processing fee is 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction

Key features

• Sales and inventory management with real-time alerts
• Customer directory for personalized interactions
• Integrated payment processing with multiple payment options
• Customizable checkout interface
• Detailed sales and reporting tools

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Affordable with free software – Easy to use, with a simple setup – Mobile-friendly for on-the-go selling	– High payment processing fees for businesses with high volume – Lacks some advanced features compared to other POS systems

Hardware

• Square Terminal
• Square Register
• Square Stand
• Square Reader

3. Lightspeed POS: The Detailed Retail Expert

Lightspeed Retail is an ideal POS system for businesses with large or complex inventories, including specialty shops that need to manage custom orders. After testing Lightspeed, I found its advanced inventory management and sophisticated analytics platform to be especially valuable for businesses with intricate stock needs.

Pricing

• Starts at $89/month when billed annually (can vary by industry and features)

Key features

• Advanced inventory management with matrix and bundle options
• Integrated eCommerce platform for seamless online and in-store sales
• In-depth analytics and reporting tools for data-driven decision-making
• Customizable reporting dashboards
• Purchase order management with a built-in catalog

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Comprehensive inventory management – Powerful analytics tools24/7 customer support and onboarding	– The user interface can take time to learn – Pricing is on the higher end for small businesses – Limited shipping integrations

Hardware

• Terminals
• Card readers

4. Zettle by PayPal: The Portable Powerhouse

As one of the lowest-fee POS systems, Zettle by PayPal allows companies to accept card payments on the go with a low one-time card reader cost, and the pricing model is simple and transparent. I love its ease of setup and integration with PayPal, a major plus for small businesses, particularly those operating at multiple locations or pop-up events.

Pricing

• No monthly fee, transaction fees apply (typically around 2.29% + $0.10)

Key features

• Mobile transactions with the portable card reader
• Easy integration with PayPal services
• Quick and user-friendly setup
• Ideal for small businesses on the go (markets, pop-up events)
• Simple pricing structure with no hidden fees

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Affordable with low transaction fees – Simple to set up and use – Highly mobile for businesses on the move	– Limited scalability for larger businesses – Lacks advanced features compared to more robust POS systems

Hardware

• Zettle Card Reader
• Receipt Printer (optional)
• Docking Station (optional)

5. Vendo POS

Vendo POS is a robust and versatile POS system explicitly designed for multi-store retailers. This cheapest pos system for small businesses excels in managing multiple locations, allowing businesses to track inventory across different sites from a single dashboard in real-time. I found Vendo POS to be straightforward and simple to use, but it felt a bit limited if you need advanced features or customization.

Pricing

• Contact for details

Key features

• Multistore management with real-time inventory tracking across locations
• Built-in customer loyalty programs for tracking purchases and rewards
• Seamless eCommerce integration with platforms like Shopify
• Customizable reporting and analytics
• Support for a wide range of hardware and payment processors

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Excellent for businesses looking to scale and manage multiple locations – Integrates well with eCommerce platforms and other business software – Flexible with a range of add-ons for specific needs	– Higher price point compared to simpler POS systems – It may not be necessary for small businesses or those with only one location

Hardware

• Vend POS hardware bundles (receipt printers, barcode scanners)
• iPad, Mac, or PC devices for running the software
• Cash drawer and card reader (optional)

6. Epos Now: The Customizable Contender

Epos Now is an ideal cheapest point of sale system for businesses with extensive or intricate inventories, including specialty stores that need to handle custom orders. The software allows retailers to create product bundles, organize items with multiple variants, and manage purchase orders through an integrated catalog. 

I really liked how Epos Now allowed me to tailor almost everything to fit my business, though it did take a bit of time to figure out all the options.

Pricing

• Starts at $39/month

Key features

• Highly customizable system tailored to specific business needs
• Advanced integrated inventory management with stock-level alerts and automated reordering
• Third-party integrations, including payment processors, eCommerce platforms, and accounting software
• Easy-to-use interface with a straightforward setup process

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Customizable for various business models (retail, restaurants, etc.) – User-friendly and easy to set up – Excellent 24/7 customer support	– Lacks advanced analytics and reporting features. – This cheap POS system may not be suitable for businesses that need more complex inventory management.

Hardware

• POS terminal
• Receipt printer
• Barcode scanner

7. TouchBistro: The Restaurant Revolutionary

TouchBistro is a point-of-sale system specifically designed for the restaurant industry, offering a range of tools tailored to food service businesses, whether you’re running a quick-service venue or a full-service restaurant. From my experience,  its simplicity and functionality, particularly for tableside ordering and menu management, is a game-changer in streamlining restaurant operations.

Pricing

• Starts at $69/month

Key features

• Customizable tableside ordering
• Menu management with cost tracking
• Floor plan and table management
• iPad-based POS, easy setup
• Order and delivery management for both dine-in and takeout

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Easy to install and use with an intuitive iPad-based system – Cost-effective for small to medium-sized restaurants – Efficient tableside ordering and table management	– Inventory management requires manual updates to stay accurate – Best suited for high-volume, multi-register operations

Hardware

• Countertop Terminal Kit
• Tableside Terminal
• Kitchen Display Screen

8. Clover: The All-Inclusive Innovator

Clover offers a complete POS solution, combining hardware and software into one seamless system. With its flexibility and a wide array of features, this cheap pos system caters to diverse business needs, from retail stores to restaurants. 

Clover felt like it had everything bundled in one place, and I loved not needing third-party apps for most features, though the monthly cost was on the higher side.

Pricing

• Monthly software fee: Depends on the specific POS system
• In-person processing fees: 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction

Key features

• All-in-one hardware and software solution 
• Customizable with Clover’s App Market for tailored functionalities
• Advanced reporting tools providing insights into sales, inventory, and more
• User-friendly interface and easy setup process

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Complete POS system with integrated hardware and software – Flexible with customizable apps for different business types – Easy to use, even for beginners	– Contract terms and processing rates vary by reseller – Inventory management requires third-party integration

Hardware

• Clover Go
• Clover Flex
• Clover Compact

9. Toast: The Comprehensive Culinary Companion

Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for the food service industry, offering features designed to streamline restaurant operations, enhance customer service, and simplify inventory management. What I love the most is that it caters to restaurants, cafes, and other food businesses with specialized tools for menu management, tableside ordering, and real-time reporting. 

Pricing

• Typically starts at around $69/month

Key features

• Specialized food service features like tableside ordering, menu management, and ingredient-level inventory
• Integrated online ordering and delivery options for seamless business management
• Real-time reporting with detailed business insights

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Specifically built for food service businesses, making it a strong industry fit – All-in-one system that combines in-house and online orders – Detailed reporting and analytics to improve decision-making	– Can become costly with additional modules and hardware – It may not be ideal for non-food retail businesses

Hardware

• Countertop Terminal
• Handheld Mobile POS
• Guest Self-service Kiosk

10. eHopper POS

eHopper POS is an all-in-one platform designed to help businesses manage payments, inventory, customer relationships, loyalty programs, and eCommerce at an affordable price (a cheap point of sale system compared to other systems). Offering free credit card processing, a self-serve kiosk, and the ability to run on Android tablets, PCs, and mobile devices, eHopper is a versatile system ideal for retail sector (and restaurant businesses.

eHopper’s free plan was nice to get started with, but I felt the lack of advanced features would eventually make me upgrade if my business grew.

Pricing

• Free plan available 
• Paid plans start at $14.99/month

Key features

• eCommerce and in-store retail POS support, including a free online ordering website
• Self-serve kiosk and contactless digital menu for restaurants and retail
• Real-time access to sales data, inventory updates, and customer insights
• Restaurant-specific features like floor plans and table management
• Loyalty programs and CRM integration to retain customers

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
– Versatile platform supporting retail, restaurants, and eCommerce – No contracts or hidden fees, making it highly affordable – Easy-to-use interface with offline functionality – Real-time inventory and order management	– Available only to US customers – Limited advanced features for larger businesses with complex needs

Hardware

• Android Tablets
• Poynt Mobile Terminal
• Self-Serve Kiosk

How Much Does a POS System for Small Business Cost?

The cost of a POS system varies based on the type of business (here, we are mentioning about the small business), features needed, and provider, but it generally includes three main fees:

1. Hardware Fees

• Basic setups (mobile POS with a card reader) start at $50–$300 (e.g., Square, Zettle).
• Standard POS terminals with a touchscreen, receipt printer, and barcode scanner range from $500–$1,500.
• Advanced setups (self-checkout kiosks, multiple terminals) can cost $2,000–$5,000 or more.

2. Software Fees

• Free options: Square POS, Loyverse, Zettle (basic features with transaction fees).
• Paid software plans: Range from $20–$100 per month per terminal for more features (inventory, reporting, staff management).
• Enterprise-level POS: Can go up to $300+ per month for high-volume businesses.

3. Payment Processing Fees

• Most POS providers charge 2.5%–3.5% per transaction for credit/debit card payments.
• Some offer lower rates for high-volume businesses or custom pricing.
• Example: Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe and 3.5% + 15¢ for keyed-in transactions.

–> Total Estimated Cost

• Small businesses (basic setup): $50–$300 upfront + free software + transaction fees.
• Mid-sized businesses: $500–$1,500 for hardware + $50–$150/month software + transaction fees.
• Larger businesses: $2,000+ hardware + $150–$300/month software + custom transaction fees.

Here is a brief comparison of the total pricing of the 10 above cheapest pos system for small businesses:

POS System	Hardware Fees	Software Fees (Monthly)	Payment Processing Fees
Shopify POS	– Terminal: $349 – Card Reader: $49 – Countertop Kit: $219 – POS Go: $399	– Starter: $5 – Basic: $39 – Retail: $89 – Advanced: $299	– In-person: 2.4-2.7% + $0.10 – Online: 2.4-2.9% + $0.30
Square POS	– First Reader: Free – Additional Readers: $49 – Terminal: $299 – Register Kit: $729	Free basic plan	– In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 – Keyed-in: 3.5% + $0.15 – Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Lightspeed POS	Quote-based hardware bundles	– Basic: $89 – Core: $149 – Plus: $289	– Card-present: 2.4% + $0.10 – Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Zettle by PayPal	– First Reader: $29 – Additional Readers: $79	Free	– In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 – Keyed-in: 3.49% + $0.09
Vend POS	Quote-based hardware	– Lite: $99 – Pro: $129	Varies by payment processor
Epos Now	– Complete System: $249 upfront	– Standard: $39 – Premium: $69	Varies by payment processor
TouchBistro	Quote-based hardware	$25-$229	Varies by payment processor
Clover	– Terminal: $249-$499 – Complete System: $1,199-$1,699	$39-$69	– In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 – Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Toast	Quote-based hardware	– Starter: $69 – Growth: $165	Quote-based
eHopper	Quote-based hardware	– Essential: Free – Freedom: $17.49 – Restaurant: $19.99	Varies by payment processor

So, which is the ideal cheapest POS system for small businesses?

From my perspective, among the 10 good pos system for small businesses above, the Shopify POS system stands out as the most ideal and affordable option for small businesses, especially for those looking to scale their operations in the long run. 

Here’s why I believe Shopify POS is the best cheapest POS for small business:

• Affordable Pricing: Shopify POS is a cheap pos system that has a free plan and its paid plans start at just $39/month, making it easy on the budget.
• Hardware Integration: It works with many types of hardware, like barcode scanners and card readers, all in one system, so you don’t need to buy separate equipment.
• Easy to Use: Shopify POS is simple to set up and use, perfect for small business owners who want a quick and smooth setup.
• Scalable: As your business grows, Shopify POS grows with you, handling more sales and locations without any hassle.
• Many Apps: Shopify’s app store lets you add extra features like accounting or loyalty programs, giving you more flexibility.

Overall, Shopify POS is a great, affordable option for small businesses looking for a simple and reliable system.

7 Tips to Pick the Right Affordable POS System for Small Business

Choosing the right POS system is crucial for small businesses to run smoothly while keeping costs low. Here’s how to pick the right one for your needs:

1. Know Your Budget: Start by figuring out how much you can afford. Some POS systems have free plans, while others charge monthly fees. Make sure the system fits within your budget, including any setup costs.
2. Cost of a pos system for small business: Choose a POS system with clear, easy-to-understand pricing. Avoid the cheapest pos systems with hidden fees, like transaction or setup costs, which can add up.
3. Check for Essential Features: Make sure the POS has the basic features you need, such as sales tracking, inventory management, and payment processing. If you need more advanced features, check if the system allows easy add-ons.
4. Consider Hardware Needs: Some POS systems require extra hardware like card readers, printers, or barcode scanners. Choose a system that works with the equipment you already own or one that offers affordable hardware packages.
5. Ease of Use: The POS system should be easy to set up and use. Look for systems with user-friendly interfaces so you won’t need extra training or a steep learning curve.
6. Look for Support: Good customer support can save you time and trouble. Check if the system offers 24/7 support, either by phone, chat, or email, in case you run into any issues.
7. Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your business. As your needs expand, make sure the POS can handle more sales, multiple locations, and new features.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to find an affordable POS system that suits your business needs and helps you manage daily operations effectively.

Read more: Charges for POS Machines: Our Comprehensive Guide

Final words

We have finished checking the top 10 affordable POS systems for small businesses. My advice is to select an inexpensive pos system that fits your business size and type, offers essential features, and is easy to set up. Take your time and pick the one to help your business grow without breaking the bank.

FAQs

What is the most inexpensive POS system?
Square POS is one of the most inexpensive options, offering a free plan with basic features and no upfront hardware costs.

What is the best free POS system for small business?
Square POS and Loyverse are among the best free POS systems for small businesses, providing essential sales and inventory management features without monthly fees.

Is there a POS system for small business without monthly fees?
Yes, Square POS, Loyverse, and Zettle by PayPal offer free POS software with no monthly fees, but they charge transaction fees on sales.

Which POS is the cheapest?
Square POS is the cheapest overall, with a free plan and affordable hardware options.

What is the minimum POS?
A minimum POS includes a basic software system for processing sales and accepting payments, often using a tablet or smartphone with a card reader, such as Square or Zettle.

How much does a small business POS cost?
A cheap POS system for small businesses can range from $0 (free software like Square) to $100–$300 per month for advanced systems, plus hardware costs of $50–$1,000 depending on the setup.