Mobile point-of-sale systems allow you to input customer orders and process transactions on a tablet, phone or proprietary mobile device. When comparing options, it’s helpful to consider three common costs:
The best options include a combination of fair pricing, advanced device capabilities and flexibility.
Software: $9.95 per month and up.
Mobile POS hardware:
Payment processing:
Why we like it: The is an all-in-one device that includes an internal printer, which sets it apart from many other stand-alone POS devices that don’t. The Clover Go lets you swipe, tap and dip cards with one small device — something Square’s smallest devices don’t do. Card processing rates for Clover Essentials are in line with other providers while Clover Register rates are among the best, though it comes with a higher monthly fee.
Software: Free and up.
Mobile POS hardware: Quote-based pricing for Toast Go 2.
Payment processing: Toast provides potential customers with custom pricing, which includes payment processing costs. The rates depend in part on your restaurant model (like a bar or restaurant).
Why we like it: is built for a specific industry — restaurants — which is evident in the details found throughout the hardware and software it offers. Its all-in-one device, the Toast Go 2, was designed to last all day without a recharge and works well in dim indoor settings as well as outdoors. It can process card transactions up to three times faster than the original Toast Go, and it makes information sharing with the kitchen easier with multiple-language support and notifications sent to servers to let them know their tables’ food is ready to go.
Software: Free and up.
Mobile POS hardware:
Payment processing:
Why we like it: works well for a variety of business types, including retail and restaurants. It offers free software and many of its hardware options work with the phone or tablet you already have, which can be helpful for new businesses looking to get started on a budget. Like the Clover Flex, the Square Terminal is an all-in-one device that includes an internal printer, but Square’s is $200 cheaper.
Software: Free.
Mobile POS hardware: Zettle card reader: $29 for first reader, then $79 each.
Payment processing:
Why we like it: PayPal Zettle’s ability to accept payments via QR code or Venmo can be a convenience for you and your customers. The pricing is competitive, especially if you do a lot of in-person business. The POS app is free to download, and there’s no monthly fee or contract to use it — you just pay per transaction. Zettle is new to the U.S. as of 2021 and over time, it will replace Here as PayPal’s POS system and payments platform for in-person transactions.
This post was originally published on Nerd Wallet
