Quick comparison
The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.
| Product | Score | Highlight | Review |
|---|
| 1Lightspeed | 9.8Best Overall | Intuitive user interface and clean layout | Visit |
|---|
| 2Square POS | 9.5Great | Known for it's efficiency and minimal design | Visit |
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| 3QuickBooks POS | 9.3Very Good | Accept all payment types (contactless, mobile etc.) | Visit |
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| 4Revel | 9.0Very Good | Popular iPad point of sale system | Visit |
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| 5posnation | 8.8Very Good | Great all-in-one POS provider for retail stores | Visit |
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| 6Flagship | 8.7Very Good | Supports retail, mobile, and eCommerce businesses | Visit |
|---|
Our picks in detail
A closer look at the products on this list, with what we like and what could be better.
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
How we rank these products
Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:
- Features what the product does and how well it does it.
- Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
- Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
- Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.
This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is a POS system?
A POS (point of sale) system is the combination of software and hardware a business uses to take payments and record sales. It replaces the traditional cash register with a terminal, tablet, or computer connected to a card reader, receipt printer, and cash drawer. Most modern POS systems are cloud-based and also track inventory, staff, customers, and sales, so you can manage your business from one dashboard, including from your phone.
Why should my business use a POS system?
A modern POS system saves time, reduces errors, and gives you a clear view of your business. Key benefits include:
- Inventory management - stock updates automatically with every sale, with low-stock alerts.
- Sales reporting - real-time dashboards show top products, busy hours, and trends.
- Staff management - track hours, permissions, and sales per employee.
- Customer management - build customer profiles, loyalty programs, and targeted promotions.
- Faster checkout - shorter lines and fewer pricing mistakes.
- More payment options - accept chip and contactless cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, gift cards, and split payments.
How do I choose the right POS system for my business?
There is no one-size-fits-all POS, so start by answering these questions:
- Which features do I need, and is the system designed for my industry (retail, restaurant, salon, or services)?
- Is it fast and easy for staff to learn?
- What is the total cost, including software, hardware, and payment processing fees?
- Does it keep working offline if the internet goes down?
- Does it integrate with my accounting, e-commerce, and other tools?
- Can it grow with more locations and registers?
- Is customer support available when my business is open?
What hardware do I need for a POS system?
It depends on your business, but most setups include:
- Terminal or tablet: many POS systems run on an iPad, an Android tablet, or the provider's own all-in-one terminal.
- Card reader: accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments, including mobile wallets.
- Receipt printer: prints customer receipts; restaurants often add a kitchen printer or display.
- Cash drawer: usually connects to the receipt printer and opens on cash sales.
- Barcode scanner: speeds up checkout and inventory counts in retail.
Check that the hardware is compatible with your POS software before buying, or choose a bundle from the provider.
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
