Mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems are a better fit for businesses that require selling and accepting payments on the go and brick-and-mortar businesses looking for a more flexible POS setup. These systems use handheld hardware and often come with POS software that is compatible with smart devices. However, as there is never a one-size-fits-all solution, business owners considering a mobile POS should look into compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability before signing up.
Top Mobile POS systems
Based on our evaluation, the following mobile POS systems offer the best solutions for a variety of business needs:
- Square: Best for small businesses and startups
- Toast: Best for full-service restaurants
- Shopify: Best for online businesses expanding into in-person sales
- Clover: Best if you have a preferred payment processor
- PayPal Zettle: Best for freelancers and occasional sales
- Loyverse: Best for small, quick-service restaurants
Company
Expert score
Monthly POS Fee
Mobile Hardware Cost
Mobile POS Software
Mobile Hardware Type
Square
4.27
$0–$89
From $0
Android, iOS
Android, iOS, Proprietary
Toast
4.12
$0–$165
From $0
Proprietary
Proprietary
Shopify
4.08
$0 or $89
From $49
Android, iOS
Android, iOS
Clover
4.02
$14.95–$185*
From $49
Android, iOS
Android, iOS, Proprietary
PayPal Zettle
3.9
$0–$30
From $29
Android, iOS
Android, iOS
Loyverse
3.89
$0–$25
Third party
Android, iOS
Android, iOS
*Based on Fiserv rates
Square: Best for small business and startups
Overall Reviewer Score
4.27/5
Pricing
4.69/5
Mobile POS Hardware
4.25/5
Mobile POS Software Features
3.75/5
Support & Reliability
3.13/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Average User Review Scores
4.8/5
Pros
- Free POS software and merchant account
- Comes with a free mobile card reader
- Easy sign-up and setup
Cons
- Expensive payment processing for large-volume business
- Account instability
- Must use Square’s built-in payment processing
Why I picked Square
Square is our overall top choice for mobile POS systems because of its affordability, ease of use, and scalable features. As an all-in-one system, each Square account comes with a free POS plan plus a free mobile card reader that makes it easy for new and small businesses on a budget to start selling and accepting payments.
Square is an all-in-one POS system for retail, restaurant, and service-type businesses. It offers a free POS app that can be used with compatible Android and iOS devices, as well as with Square’s standalone handheld smart terminals. Startups and small businesses love Square because of its easy setup and forever-free plan that allows users to start selling and accepting payments in a matter of hours.
Free POS plan
Square offers a forever-free point-of-sale software plan that’s also free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. It comes with inventory management, invoicing, CRM, virtual terminal, and website builder. Once business picks up, users can upgrade to paid plans that offer industry-specific POS software.
Variety of mobile POS hardware
Square’s range of hardware includes mobile card readers that are compatible with most iOS and Android smart devices. Square also offers a proprietary standalone, handheld POS terminal that can be used to sell and accept payments on the go.
Built-in payment processor
Every Square POS includes a built-in payment processor and comes with a free merchant account. This means that users are not required to go through the application process or submit documentation in order to start accepting payments.
Mobile app reviews
Square’s mobile POS is among the most highly-rated POS software in the industry. Reviews from both Android and iOS users gave Square a 4.8 out of 5, citing the app as reliable and easy to use.
The following are fees related to setting up and running a business with Square’s mobile POS:
- Monthly POS software fee: $0–$89
- In-person transaction fee: 2.6% + 10 cents
- Mobile POS hardware cost: From $0–$59 for mobile card readers to $299 or $27 per month for 12 months for a standalone smart POS terminal
- Chargeback fee: Waived up to $250/month
- Setup and installation fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
Toast: Best for full-service restaurants
Overall Reviewer Score
4.12/5
Pricing
3.75/5
Mobile POS Hardware
3.75/5
Mobile POS Software Features
4.25/5
Support & Reliability
5/5
Ease of Use
3.75/5
Average User Review Scores
4.2/5
Pros
- Industry-specific POS features
- Industry-grade proprietary hardware
- Offers starter kit for $0 upfront cost
Cons
- Starter POS software only ideal for single-location restaurants
- Must use Toast’s built-in payment processor
- Standard 2-year long-term contract
Why I picked Toast
We chose Toast as our most recommended mobile POS for full-service restaurants because of its available features. The handheld POS terminal can be used independently, so larger establishments that offer catering for special events or run high-volume food trucks can make use of Toast’s advanced restaurant management tools.
Toast is the leading name among restaurant POS systems. It comes with all the features that any full-service restaurant needs and offers a free starter kit plan. Users can choose between a desktop and a mobile setup with no upfront cost. Like Square, Toast’s mobile POS system includes a built-in payment processing feature; however, Toast’s mobile hardware option is limited to a proprietary standalone handheld POS terminal.
Starter kit options
For businesses on a budget, Toast offers a starter kit plan that comes with an option for zero upfront cost. Users get the basic software and industry-grade hardware (countertop or handheld) for free in exchange for a higher transaction rate.
Industry-specific POS software
All of Toast’s POS plan comes with its proprietary restaurant POS software. Toast’s software is known for its advanced inventory management tools, kitchen display system (KDS), menu and table management, payroll, and scheduling features.
Industry-grade hardware
Toast provides its own, proprietary, industry-grade hardware. The Toast handheld terminal is sleek and easy to use and comes with a built-in card terminal so users can accept payments anywhere.
Mobile app reviews
Because it offers its own POS hardware, Toast’s POS software is not compatible with Android or iOS devices. Instead, Toast received feedback on G2 and Capterra, where users say they find both hardware and software to be innovative and efficient.
The following are fees related to setting up and running a business with Toast’s mobile POS:
- Monthly software fee: $0–$165
- In-person transaction fee: From 2.49% + 15 cents to 2.99% + 15 cents
- Mobile POS hardware cost: From $0 to $627 + $69 per month for handheld startup kit
- Chargeback fee: $15
- Setup and installation fee: From $0, optional, custom quoted
- Cancellation fee: $0 but users will be expected to pay the remaining balance of their monthly fees for the remainder of the contract should they decide to cancel early
Shopify POS: Best for online businesses
Overall Reviewer Score
4.08/5
Pricing
3.75/5
Mobile POS Hardware
4/5
Mobile POS Software Features
4/5
Support & Reliability
4.38/5
Ease of Use
4.58/5
Average User Review Scores
3.75/5
Pros
- Leading ecommerce platform
- Omnichannel features
- Accelerated checkout option (Shop Pay)
Cons
- Charges commission for third-party payment processor
- Limited offline capabilities
- Poor rating for Android POS software
Why I picked Shopify POS
Shopify is an outstanding omnichannel POS and ecommerce platform with strong inventory, order fulfillment, and payment processing capabilities. Shopify’s free and paid POS options give users the flexibility to choose depending on the level of their in-person selling needs, making its mobile POS service a great choice for expanding businesses’ customer bases with in-person sales.
Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform for online businesses. It also offers POS software for users who intend to expand to in-person sales. Shopify’s omnichannel sales capability is popular among online retailers who participate in arts and crafts shows and regularly set up pop-up shops to widen their customer base. Like Square, Shopify POS comes with a built-in payment processor and a mobile POS software that’s compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Omnichannel sales
Shopify comes with omnichannel features that ensure sales from all channels are synchronized and updated in real time. Shopify mobile POS users can sell in person and manage everything from shipping to customer relationships.
Payment processing
Shopify Payments is built into every Shopify account, which makes it faster for users to start processing sales. With Shopify, users are provided a wide range of payment types and are also able to work with other payment processors for an additional fee.
Integrations
Shopify is equipped with a number of third-party integrations including for shipping, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and social media marketing and sales.
Mobile app reviews
Shopify’s mobile POS apps are more popular with iOS users than Android mainly due to connectivity issues.
The following are fees related to setting up and running a business with Shopify’s mobile POS:
- Monthly account fee: $0 or $89 (for Pro)
- In-person transaction fee: 2.4%–2.7%
- Mobile POS hardware cost: $49 (for tap and chip reader) and $399 (for Shopify POS Go)
- Chargeback fee: $15
- Setup and installation fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
Clover: Best if you have a preferred payment processor
Overall Reviewer Score
4.02/5
Pricing
3.44/5
Mobile POS Hardware
4.25/5
Mobile POS Software Features
4/5
Support & Reliability
4.38/5
Ease of Use
3.33/5
Average User Review Scores
4.7/5
Pros
- Affordable software plans
- Option to purchase hardware in installments
- Can process payments offline
Cons
- Little oversight over third-party resellers
- Hardware tied to merchant account
- Contract length depends on payment processor
Why I picked Clover
Existing businesses will eventually need to upgrade their POS software and hardware to keep up with its growing activities. Clover’s POS software and hardware make it possible for businesses to handle larger sales volumes and more complex inventories while keeping its preferred payment processor’s discounted rates and fees.
Clover is a POS software and hardware service provider owned by Fiserv. Like Square, Clover offers a range of hardware including a mobile card reader that can be paired with smartphones equipped with Clover’s mobile POS software. But what makes Clover stand out is its compatibility with a number of payment service providers. Users looking to upgrade their hardware but prefer to keep their current payment processor will find Clover the best option.
Flexible payment processor
A number of payment processors offer Clover as a POS hardware and software option. This is because Clover is compatible and can be programmed to work with most payment services providers. Note however, that once programmed, the hardware can no longer be reprogrammed to work with a different payment processor.
Variety of hardware devices
Clover is the closest to Square in terms of hardware variety. It offers a mobile credit card reader and standalone handheld POS terminal that works with Clover mobile POS software. However, the cost and payment terms for the hardware will depend on the payment services provider.
Read more: Square alternatives
Advanced inventory features
Clover’s POS software comes with advanced inventory management features. Omnichannel tools are built-in so sales from mobile, in-store, and online are synced and displays real-time data. The mobile POS has access to business reports and analytics for decision makers on the go.
Mobile app reviews
Reviews of Clover mobile POS and hardware are predominantly positive, however recent feedback complains about frequent app updates that make the system difficult to use.
The following are fees (based on Fiserv rates) related to setting up and running a business with Clover’s mobile POS:
- Monthly account fee: $14.95–$185
- In-person transaction fee: 2.3%–2.6% + 10 cents
- Mobile POS hardware cost: $49 (mobile card reader) or $599 (handheld POS, available for installment)
- Chargeback fee: Depends on payment processor
- Setup and installation fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: Depends on payment processor
Note that actual fees will vary depending on the payment processor programmed into the Clover hardware.
PayPal Zettle: Best for freelancers and occasional sales
Overall Reviewer Score
3.9/5
Pricing
4.38/5
Mobile POS Hardware
4.5/5
Mobile POS Software Features
3.75/5
Support & Reliability
3.13/5
Ease of Use
4.58/5
Average User Review Scores
3.05/5
Pros
- Free POS software and merchant account
- Offers one of the lowest flat-rate transaction fees
- First mobile card reader available at a discount
Cons
- Lacks industry-specific POS features
- Limited integrations and upgrades
- Low user review ratings
Why I picked PayPal Zettle
While it lacks industry-specific POS features, there are currently around 400 million consumers with a personal PayPal account. Freelancers and those that only sell occasionally such as to tourists, at farmers markets, and at art and craft shows can use PayPal Zettle to provide customers the option to pay for their in-person purchases using their PayPal wallets.
PayPal Zettle is PayPal’s POS software that replaced PayPal Here. The mobile POS software is free, compatible with both iOS and Android mobile devices, and comes with PayPal as a built-in payment processor. PayPal accepts all credit and debit card payments, including cards issued from other countries, and has one of the lowest in-person flat-rate transaction fees in the market.
Free POS software
PayPal Zettle’s POS software is equipped with inventory, customer, and employee management features. It also offers integrations with a number of ecommerce platforms. While not industry-specific, the POS app supports low-stock alerts, sell by units, and partial refunds.
Range of payment methods
PayPal offers a wide range of payment methods that include credit and debit cards, digital wallets, QR code payments, BNPL, cryptocurrency, and Venmo. Invoicing tools are also available for freelancers and gig workers.
Compatibility with ecommerce platforms
PayPal Zettle integrates with a number of ecommerce platforms including Shopify. This allows users who are primarily selling online but occasionally sell in person to widen their customer base to accept PayPal payments.
Mobile app reviews
PayPal Zettle received low ratings for its POS app. Users often compare the current card reader and app with PayPal Here and find Zettle unreliable (often disconnects) and lacking tools such as tipping.
The following are fees related to setting up and running a business with PayPal Zettle’s mobile POS:
- Monthly account fee: $0–$30
- In-person transaction fee: 2.29% + 9 cents
- Mobile POS hardware cost: $29–$79 (for mobile card reader), $199–$269 (for standalone POS terminal)
- Chargeback fee: $20
- Setup and installation fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
Loyverse: Best for small quick-service restaurants
Overall Reviewer Score
3.89/5
Pricing
4.38/5
Mobile POS Hardware
4.25/5
Mobile POS Software Features
3.5/5
Support & Reliability
3.13/5
Ease of Use
3.33/5
Average User Review Scores
4.75/5
Pros
- Forever-free POS software
- Flexible hardware and payment processing options
- Highly-rated POS software
Cons
- Integration capabilities for a fee
- Live support only for paid plans
- Separate sign-up with payment processor
Why I picked Loyverse
Some restaurants may not require the robust features of Toast and should not have to pay for tools that small establishments do not need. With Loyverse, small and new restaurants (and even food retailers) can start with a free industry-specific POS software with an option to upgrade its inventory tools for a small monthly fee.
Loyverse is a mobile POS software for restaurants and food-based retailers. Though not as expansive in terms of features, Loyverse is compatible with Worldpay, SumUp, and Zettle so users enjoy hardware and payment processing flexibility. The basic POS software is free and comes with a built-in kitchen display system ideal for small quick-service restaurants. Upgrades such as advanced inventory, employee management, and integrations are available for a fee.
Restaurant POS-specific features
Loyverse offers restaurant-specific features for production tracking, bar management tools, cash sales tracking, and employee management. The system even provides a KDS and loyalty management programs at no extra cost.
Free inventory management tools
Loyverse’s free inventory management features include ingredient-level inventory management, inventory tracking, low-stock notifications, production tracking, and more. Upgrades are also available for advanced features such as stock adjustments, inventory counts, and purchase orders
Flexible hardware and payment processor
With Loyverse, users can choose from a number of popular payment processing services such as PayPal Zettle, SumUp, and Worldpay. These payment processors provide their own hardware solutions, so users have the freedom to choose the hardware and transaction rates that work best for them.
Mobile app reviews
Loyverse’s POS app received high marks from its users, although the number of reviews is significantly low compared to other highly rated POS apps like Square. Users agree that the app is easy to use but could be more useful with customization features.
The following are fees related to setting up and running a business with Loyverse’ mobile POS:
- Monthly account fee: $0–$25
- In-person transaction fee: Depends on payment processor
- Mobile POS hardware cost: Depends on payment processor
- Chargeback fee: Depends on payment processor
- Setup and installation fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: Depends on payment processor
Benefits of mobile POS
Of the many POS system types, the mobile POS offers flexibility to both online and brick-and-mortar businesses.
Selling on the go
Not all businesses are online or tied to a brick-and-mortar shop. Some are freelancers, occasional sellers, and ecommerce merchants selling in-person to introduce their products who require a more portable/mobile POS system to reach more customers.
Faster checkouts for in-store customers
Brick-and-mortar shops can add a mobile POS as an extension of their checkout counters. This helps reduce customer wait times by accepting orders and payments tableside (for restaurants), curbside (for pickups), and anywhere around the store (for retailers).
Save with in-person transaction fees
In-person transaction fees are less expensive than when selling online or taking payments over the phone. With a mobile POS system, users who sell remotely can accept payments in person and enjoy cheaper transaction fees.
Added security on mobile smart device
Aside from your POS software and payment processor’s built-in security features, customers who pay with their smartphone are protected by additional biometric tools such as fingerprint and facial recognition.
Choosing the top mobile POS solution
The best mobile POS solutions should match your business requirements and available budget. It should also take into account the overall value for money of each provider.
Square ticks most of the boxes that small businesses and startups need, such as a free merchant account, out-of-the-box software and hardware, and an easy-to-use platform. It offers the most value out of a free POS plan, making it the best if you need a quick way to get your business off the ground.
For growing businesses, a versatile and scalable POS system is key. Shopify offers the best mobile POS for ecommerce merchants looking to expand their customer base via in-person sales. Clover’s compatibility with several payment processors makes it possible for businesses to upgrade their POS software and hardware seamlessly.
Meanwhile, PayPal Zettle offers the widest range of payment methods, including the ability for businesses to accept in-person payments from a customer’s PayPal account. Freelancers and seasonal sellers tend to benefit more from PayPal Zettle’s range of inventory and invoicing tools.
Lastly, if you are looking for industry-specific mobile POS solutions, you can always upgrade to Square’s industry-specific software, especially for retail. But for restaurants, Toast and Loyverse are the best budget-based alternatives.
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