Top 6 Cheapest POS System in 2024: A Comprehensive Review

Finding the best POS machine with low charges can be difficult, mainly if your small business is under financial constraints. Besides affordability, various POS solutions focus on specific features, such as easy-to-use, simple, and intuitive. You can take time to determine what POS services suit your needs and demands. 

In this article, we’ll explore the Top 6 Cheapest POS Systems to help you make a suitable choice without breaking the bank. 

1. Cheapest POS System for Small Business: Take a Look.

A business POS system is the central hub where customers pay for goods or services. 

Fundamentally, a POS system consists of hardware such as cash registers, barcode scanners, receipt printers, credit card terminals, and software that processes payments, creates sales reports, and manages inventory, employees, and accounts.

To ensure precise stock tracking, the POS solutions record the transaction information, determine the total amount owed, process payment using cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile payments, and subtract from inventory levels once a consumer purchases.

For small businesses to find budget-friendly solutions, many affordable POS systems offer robust features at a low price. Here are some of the best and cheap POS systems:

• Shopify POS – Best for cost-efficient eCommerce with an iPad.
• Square POS – Best for lower monthly costs.
• Loyverse POS – Best for low-cost mPOS tablets and smartphones.
• Clover POS – Best for cheap restaurant software.
• Zettle by PayPal – Best for growing retail businesses.
• Epos Now – Best for affordable hospitality & retail POS system.

2. Top 6 Cheapest POS System Review: Our Top Picks.

We have created a summary table of the most important details so you can quickly understand and obtain a general idea of the inexpensive POS system.

Cheapest POS Systems	Starting price	Free trial	Free version	Hardware price
Shopify POS	$39/month	3 days	No	From $0 to $459
Square POS	Free	30 days	Yes	From $0.00 to $149.00+ with a free reader
Loyverse POS	Free	14 days	Yes	From $0 to $459
Clover POS	$14.95/month	No	No	From $49.00
Zettle by PayPal	No contracts or recurring fees. Charge per transaction by payment type.	No	No	From $29 to $99
Epos Now	$39/month	30 days	No	From $79 to $249

Let’s dive into details for the lowest fee POS system reviews.

2.1. Shopify POS – Best for Cost-Efficient eCommerce with an iPad.

 

Shopify is a cheap POS for small businesses that combines online and offline sales. Its iPad-friendly setup makes it convenient for businesses seeking mobility and a unified platform for eCommerce and in-store operations.

Shopify POS is an excellent choice for businesses already using Shopify for their online stores.

2.1.1. Shopify POS cost analysis

Plans	Starter (For selling on social)	Retail (For selling at retail stores)	Basic (For solo entrepreneurs)	Shopify (For small teams)	Advanced (As your business scales)
Monthly fee	$5	$89	$39	$105	$399
Card rates (online)	5% + 30¢	2.9% + 30¢	2.9% + 30¢	2.7% + 30¢	2.5% + 30¢
Card rates (in person)	5% + 0¢	2.6% + 10¢	2.6% + 10¢	2.5% + 10¢	2.4% + 10¢
Card rates (3rd-party payment providers)	5%	2%	2%	1%	0.6%
Hardware costs	from $0 to $459

Shopify POS integrates online and offline sales with no double subscription costs, offers scalability without redundancy, has low upfront hardware costs, and consolidates inventory and sales management tools, reducing unnecessary software solutions.

Here is an average monthly/annual spending that you should know:

🌟For small businesses:

• Monthly spending: ~$39 to $128 (including software and minimal hardware).
• Annual spending: ~$468 to $1,536 for software, excluding hardware and transaction fees.

🌟For larger setups with advanced features or multiple locations:

• Monthly spending: $89+ per location (POS Pro) plus Shopify plan fees.
• Annual spending: $2,028+ per location with the Advanced Shopify plan.

2.1.2. What makes Shopify stand out?

• Scalable pricing options: Shopify POS Lite comes bundled with all Shopify plans, starting at $39/month. This makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses already using Shopify for e-commerce.
• Transaction fees are lower with Shopify Payments, which can save businesses money over time.
• Unified platform: Eliminates the need for separate eCommerce and POS systems, reducing operational costs.
• Hardware compatibility: Works with affordable hardware options, including branded card readers and third-party devices, keeping upfront costs low. Businesses may avoid pricey hardware with its iPad compatibility.
• Omnichannel integration: Synchronizes online and in-store sales, enabling curbside pickup and local delivery services.
• Customizable checkout: Tailor the checkout process to match their branding and operational needs.

2.1.3. POS Hardware

 

Shopify POS works with many technology add-ons that improve the mobile-friendly system. Businesses can buy Shopify’s Retail Kit. It has a card reader, an iPad stand, and a document printer. This small and practical setup makes it perfect for mobile businesses and small stores. 

Businesses with hardware, like cash drawers or Bluetooth barcode readers, can connect to the system.

2.1.4. Payment methods

• Credit/Debit cards integrate with Shopify Payments for lower transaction fees.
• Mobile wallet payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
• Split payments.
• Gift cards.

2.1.5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Full Shopify eCommerce integration.
• Business-specific scalable price.
• Mobile-friendly iPad UI.
• Operators need little hardware.

Cons

• Advanced functions may require premium plans.
• Shopify Payments lowers transaction fees,
  limiting third-party payments.

2.1.6. Who can use Shopify POS?

• Retailers looking to integrate online and in-store operations cheaply.
• From small boutiques to multi-location retailers.
• Businesses seeking physical retail expansion while maintaining an online presence.

2.2. Square POS – Best for Lower Monthly Costs.

 

Square POS is the best cheap POS system for small businesses and startups looking to cut costs due to its flexibility. 

Unlike many POS systems, Square offers free POS system costs, making it accessible to businesses with tight budgets.

2.2.1. Square POS cost analysis 

Plans	Free	Plus	Premium
Monthly fee	$0	$69 – $89	Custom pricing
Processing rate (In person)	2.6% + $0.1	2.6% + $0.1	Custom processing rates.
Processing rate (Online)	2.9% +$0.3	2.9% + $0.3
Processing rate (Manually entered)	3.5% + $0.15	3.5% + $0.15
Mobile POS	+$20/mo. per device	+$20/mo. per device	Unlimited devices

• Hardware starts from $0.00 to $149.00+ with a free reader.

Square’s POS software is free. It offers no long-term commitment and affordable hardware options, allowing businesses to scale without monthly contracts or confusing tiered plans.

🌟Assuming $10,000 in monthly in-person sales for small businesses:

• Transaction costs: $10,000 × 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction ≈ $260/month.
• Hardware costs (One-time): $49 for a basic reader or $149 for a Square Stand.
• Add-ons (Optional): Square Loyalty ($45/month) or Square Marketing ($15+ per month).
• Estimated monthly spending: ~$260 (transaction fees) + hardware costs (one-time) = $260 – $300/month.
• Estimated annual spending: ~$3,120 (transaction fees) + hardware = $3,120 – $3,500/year.

Large businesses with higher sales volumes will see transaction fees scale, but no additional subscription fees unless they opt into premium features.

2.2.2. What makes Square stand out?

• Low, flat-rate transaction fees simplify budgeting by providing predictable costs. 
• No long-term contracts ensure businesses can scale or change their plans as needed.
• No monthly fees for free POS software: Free entry-level plan with essential POS functionalities, paying only for transaction fees.
• Mobile-friendly design: Square POS works on iPads and smartphones, letting businesses operate anywhere.
• Built-in payment processing: Square POS has its own system that eliminates third-party processors, reducing complexity and cost.
• Minimal hardware investment: Started with an iPad or smartphone and an affordable card reader.
• Customizable tools: Expand functionalities with optional paid features like marketing, payroll, real-time employee and inventory management.

2.2.3. POS Hardware

 

Square POS offers businesses the flexibility to choose devices based on their needs:

• Square Reader: A small mobile card reader for on-the-go transactions.
• Square Terminal: A standalone payment device for streamlined card transactions.
• Square Register: A full-fledged POS hardware setup with a customer-facing display.

2.2.4. Payment methods

• Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).
• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
• Gift cards.
• Split payments.
• Cash and checks.

2.2.5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Free essential POS software with no monthly subscription fees.
• Convenient iPad and smartphone setup.
• Built-in payment processing removes third-party services.

Cons

• The free plan has few advanced features; premium plans are expensive.
• High transaction fees for large businesses compared to competitors.

2.2.6. Who can use Square POS?

Square POS is ideal for many small businesses and startups, including retail shops, food trucks and cafes, pop-up shops, and service providers.

2.3. Loyverse POS – Best for Low-Cost mPOS Tablets and Smartphones.

 

Loyverse is the cheapest POS and mPOS for budget-friendly businesses. While advanced features come at a cost, the free version covers essential POS needs.

2.3.1. Loyverse POS cost analysis 

Pricing fees:

Plans	Loyverse POS — Point of Sale	Loyverse Dashboard	Loyverse KDS — Kitchen Display	Loyverse CDS — Customer Display
Pricing	Free	Free	Free	Free

Add-ons fees:

Add-ons (optional)	Employee management	Advanced Inventory	Integration
Monthly fee(14-day free trial)	$5 per employee	$25 per store	$9 per store

Loyverse offers no software subscription fees and dramatically lower entry costs. You only pay for add-ons as needed. 

Loyverse also offers flexible payment options and global reach, allowing businesses to negotiate lower rates with payment processors that support multiple languages and currencies.

🌟For small businesses:

• Core software costs: Free.
• Add-ons (optional): Employee and Advanced inventory management: $5 x 5 + $25= $50/month.
• Hardware costs (one-time): Existing devices (free) or basic receipt printer and barcode scanner (~$150–$250).
• Estimated monthly spending: $50 (add-ons) + transaction fees (varies by payment processor).
• Estimated annual spending: $600 (add-ons) + hardware costs (one-time).

🌟Medium-sized businesses require additional stores or devices that can scale with optional add-ons, keeping costs predictable and affordable.

2.3.2. What makes Loyverse stand out?

• Free POS Software: Loyverse POS offers free core features, including essential POS capabilities like sales tracking, inventory management, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer loyalty programs.
• Low-cost add-ons: Offer affordable advanced functionalities like employee management and accounting software integrations.
• No hardware lock-in: Work seamlessly on standard tablets and smartphones, eliminating the need for proprietary or expensive hardware.
• Mobile-first POS System: Designed for iOS and Android devices, it is an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing mobility and cheap setup costs. 
• Multi-store functionality: enables businesses to manage multiple locations without extra charges.
• Built-in loyalty program: A free customer loyalty program enhances customer retention, a feature often charged as an add-on in competing systems.

2.3.3. POS Hardware

 

• iPads and Android tablets/phones: Serve as the leading POS software running device.
• Receipt printers and Cash drawers are compatible with several Bluetooth and USB-connected models.
• Barcode scanners integrate with wired or wireless for faster checkout.
• Kitchen printers to streamline order preparation.

2.3.4. Payment methods

• Cash and Check payments.
• Credit and Debit cards.
• Third-party payment processors: PayPal, SumUp, and Worldpay.
• Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Split payments.

2.3.5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• The basic plan is free with no monthly subscription.
• Essential POS features for transaction tracking, CRM, and employee management.
• Multi-store functionality is free.

Cons

• Payment is needed for advanced features like accounting software integration.
• Low scalability for complex medium-to-large businesses.

2.3.6. Who can use Loyverse POS?

Loyverse POS is ideal for small businesses and mobile vendors who need the best POS machine with low charges and robust features, including cafes, coffee shops, small retailers, pop-up shops, and service-based businesses.

2.4. Clover POS – Best for Inexpensive POS Software for Restaurants.

 

Clover POS is the best POS machine with low charges for small businesses because of its simplicity, features, and reasonable price. It streamlines transactions and manages items and even customer connections from one platform.

2.4.1. Clover POS cost analysis 

Clover POS offers plans by business type.

Plans	Starter	Standard	Advanced
Monthly fee	$0 – $165 for 36 months	$125 – $225 for 36 months	$125 – $330 for 36 months
In-person transaction fee	From 2.3% + 10¢ to 2.6% + 10¢	From 2.3% + 10¢ to 2.5% + 10¢	From 2.3% + 10¢ to 2.5% + 10¢
Transaction fee (card information typed in)	3.5% + 10¢	3.5% + 10¢	3.5% + 10¢

• Hardware cost: from $49.00, it may apply based on your specific needs.

Clover offers scalable POS systems for businesses of all sizes without incurring unnecessary costs. The basic plan includes essential tools like payment processing, inventory management, and analytics, so it reduces the need for third-party integrations. It also offers an intuitive design for minimal training and labor costs.

🌟For small businesses:

• Starter plan: $14.95 per month × 12 = $179.40 per year.
• Hardware (one-time): Clover Go $49.
• Transaction fees: For $10,000 in monthly sales, 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction (~$260/month or $3,120 annually).
• Total monthly spending: $14.95 (software) + transaction fees (~$260) = ~$274.95.
• Total annual spending: $179.40 (software) + $3,120 (fees) + $49 (hardware) = ~$3,348.40.

🌟For medium-sized business:

• Standard plan: $44.95 per month × 12 = $539.40 per year.
• Hardware (one-time): Clover Flex $499.
• Transaction fees: For $25,000 in monthly sales, 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction (~$650/month or $7,800 annually).
• Total annual spending: $539.40 (software) + $7,800 (fees) + $499 (hardware) = ~$8,838.40.

2.4.2. What makes Clover stand out?

• Customizable app marketplace: Offer a modular marketplace for businesses to add only necessary features, minimizing unnecessary costs while enhancing the system’s usability. Features include inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and loyalty programs.
• Flexible pricing plans: Start at $0 to $9.95 monthly for a starter plan, allowing businesses to start small and upgrade as needed.
• Low payment processing rates: Partner with Fiserv to ensure competitive fees, especially for businesses with consistent transaction volumes.
• All-in-one solution: Integrate payment processing, inventory management, real-time transaction tracking, low-stock alerts, employee tracking, and reporting.

2.4.3. POS Hardware

 

• Devices: Clover Station, Clover Mini, and Clover Flex (portable device).
• iPad compatibility: While Clover has proprietary hardware, its mobile app runs efficiently on iPads for added flexibility.
• Accessories: Receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners are available for complete setups.

2.4.4. Payment methods

• Credit and debit cards.
• Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Gift cards.
• ACH and eCheck payments.

2.4.5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable, scalable software for growing businesses.
• Comprehensive app ecosystem for POS customization.
• Moveable solutions like Clover Flex.

Cons

• Unlike open-system hardware, proprietary hardware is expensive.
• Limited offline functionality, needs internet stability.

2.4.6. Who can use Clover POS?

Clover POS is ideal for small to medium-sized retail businesses, boutique shops, salons, and quick-service restaurants looking for a cost-effective yet feature-rich solution.

2.5. Zettle by PayPal – Best for Growing Retail Businesses.

 

Designed to fit small to medium-sized retail companies—especially those ready for expansion—Zettle by PayPal is a reasonably priced, user-friendly POS system. It offers payment processing and omnichannel capabilities, as shown by its connection with PayPal and eCommerce systems.

2.5.1. Zettle by Paypal cost analysis 

Due to no contracts or recurring fees, Zettle POS by PayPal charges per transaction by payment type.

Transaction types	Card (Same rate per transaction for major cards and mobile wallets)	PayPal QR Codes	Zettle Invoice	Payment Links
Fees	1.75%	2.5%	2.5%	2.5%

Hardware costs:

• Zettle Reader 2: $29 for the first device and $79 for additional ones.
• Bundles (e.g., Zettle Reader + Dock): $99.

Zettle offers affordable software for businesses processing small to moderate transactions with no monthly fees and a plug-and-play setup, minimizing setup costs and training time.

🌟For small businesses:

• Hardware (one-time): Zettle card reader $79.
• Transaction fees: For $10,000 in monthly sales: 1.75% per transaction (~$175/month or $2,100 annually).
• Total monthly spending: $175 (fees) + $0 (software) = $175.
• Total annual spending: $2,100 (fees) + $79 (hardware) = ~$2,179.

🌟For medium-sized businesses:

• Hardware bundles (one-time): Card reader + Dock $99.
• Transaction fees: For $25,000 in monthly sales: 1.75% per transaction (~$437.5/month or $5,250 annually).
• Total annual spending: $5,250 (fees) + $99 (hardware) = ~$5,349.

2.5.2. What makes Zettle stand out?

• Transparent pricing structure: avoid hidden fees and offer a simple, flat transaction fee.
• Affordable hardware: priced at $29 for the first device, with competitive rates for subsequent readers.
• No monthly subscription fees for basic POS functionality.
• Mobile-friendly POS for cost-effective setup on smartphones and iPads.
• E-commerce integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.
• Quick PayPal fund deposits for improved cash flow.
• Inventory management with low-stock alerts, real-time stock tracking, and product variant management.

2.5.3. POS Hardware

 

• Zettle Reader 2: Compact card reader compatible with iOS and Android devices.
• Dock for Zettle Reader: Provides stability and faster access for countertop use.
• Printer and Barcode Scanner Options.

2.5.4. Payment methods

• Major credit & debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AmEx).
• Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
• PayPal and Venmo.
• Gift cards.

2.5.5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Pay per transaction, no subscriptions.
• PayPal and major eCommerce platforms integrate easily.
• Affordable, compact hardware.

Cons

• Fewer advanced features than Clover or Shopify POS.
• Transaction costs can add up for high-volume businesses.

2.5.6. Who can use Zettle by PayPal?

Zettle POS is ideal for growing retail businesses, market stalls, pop-up shops, and service providers who need an affordable, portable POS system with reliable payment processing. Businesses using PayPal benefit from the integration’s fast and easy financial transactions.

2.6. Epos Now – Best for Hospitality and Retail POS System.

 

Epos Now provides an inexpensive POS system for restaurants, bars, and cafes. It supports iPads and tablets for efficient ordering and payment processes.

2.6.1. Epos Now POS cost analysis 

Epos Now offers two industry-focused types of EPOS: hospitality and retail.

Plans	Hospitality POS System	Retail POS System
One-time payment fee (for the complete system)	$999	$999
Monthly fee for software	$39	$39
Transaction fee	2.6% + $0.10	2.6% + $0.10

Epos Now offers flexibility for multiple industries, scalable and affordable subscription options, compatibility with existing hardware, and free training and support, avoiding unnecessary upfront expenses. The standard plan offers robust functionality, reducing operational downtime and external consultancy costs.

🌟For small businesses:

• Hardware (one-time): ~$999 for the full system.
• Subscription fees: $39/month per terminal = $468 annually.
• Payment processing: For $10,000 in monthly sales, 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction (~$260/month or $3,120 annually).
• Total monthly spending: $299 (subscription + fees).
• Total annual spending: $3,468 (subscription + processing) + $999 (hardware) = ~$4,587.

🌟For medium-sized businesses:

• Hardware (one-time): two-terminal system ~$1,998.
• Subscription fees: $69/month per terminal for Premium Plan (~$1,656 annually).
• Payment processing: For $25,000 in monthly sales, 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction (~$650/month or $7,800 annually).
• Total annual spending: $9,456 (subscription + processing) + $1,998 (hardware) = ~$11,454.

2.6.2. What makes Epos Now stand out?

• Flexible pricing options: start at just $39 per month, ensuring that small businesses can access professional-grade features without a hefty upfront cost.
• No long-term commitments: offer pay-as-you-go plans without long-term contracts, making it ideal for startups and seasonal operations.
• Low-cost hardware compatibility: support third-party hardware integration, allowing businesses to integrate existing equipment and reduce hardware expenses.
• Offer advanced inventory management, CRM tools, loyalty programs, and product variants for retail businesses.

2.6.3. POS Hardware

 

• Touchscreen terminals: Durable, user-friendly displays for fast transaction processing.
• Mobile POS: Fully compatible with iPads and smartphones, perfect for mobile sales environments.
• Receipt printers and Cash drawers: Essential for both retail and hospitality setups.

Besides, Epos Now supports a variety of hardware bundles, for example, The Complete Solution:

• A Pro-C15 terminal.
• An all-metal cash drawer.
• A thermal printer.
• Epos Now POS payments software.

2.6.4. Payment methods

• Credit & debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx).
• Mobile wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Payment gateways: Stripe, Square, and PayPal.
• Handles cash and checks efficiently.

2.6.5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Retail and hospitality-compatible functionality.
• Mobile-friendly cloud platform supports iPads and other devices.
• Comprehensive accounting, eCommerce, and delivery integrations.

Cons

• Advanced features need premium plans.
• Users report occasional customer support delays.
• Low offline capabilities.

2.6.6. Who can use Epos Now POS?

• Retail businesses looking for robust inventory and sales tracking.
• Hospitality operators aiming to integrate delivery and table management.
• Growing businesses require scalable and modular POS solutions.

3. How to Choose the Cheapest POS System.

Balancing affordability with essential features that support your business is important when selecting the lowest-fee POS system. 

Here are vital considerations to ensure you’re making the right choice:

3.1. Scalability

Pick a POS system that can grow with your business. Systems like Shopify POS and Square POS offer modular plans that you can upgrade as your needs expand.

3.2. Ease of use

An intuitive and simple interface is critical, especially for businesses with high employee turnover or minimal training resources. Solutions like Loyverse POS and Clover POS are known for their user-friendly dashboards, reducing the learning curve and enabling quick deployment.

3.3. Compatibility

Verify if the POS system supports the hardware you already have.

• For iPad and mobile-based operations, ensure seamless integration with existing devices. 
• Systems like Zettle by PayPal and Shopify POS are particularly effective for businesses running on smartphones or tablets, minimizing upfront investment in new hardware.

3.4. Hidden costs

Pay attention to transaction fees, monthly subscription plans, hardware costs, and the price of add-ons like customer loyalty programs or advanced reporting tools.

• Square POS has a free plan but charges 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
• Epos Now offers affordable software but may have additional costs for premium features.

4. Conclusion

Your company model and the features you give top importance will determine which is the cheapest POS system. While Shopify POS shines for affordable eCommerce, companies prioritizing low monthly fees, either Square POS or Loyverse. Whereas Clover POS is an excellent choice for quick restaurants, Epos Now suits hospitality and retail.

Follow our eComstart blog to update information about POS systems in the market quickly and precisely.

5. FAQs