Best Open Source POS System (That’s Still Worth It in 2025)

Thanks to their flexibility and customization options, many businesses now choose open-source POS systems over traditional proprietary ones. If you are looking for the best open source POS system solutions that provide the best value for your money, you’re coming to the right place.

In this listicle, our team has tested and compiled the best POS open source options for different demands and budgets.

1. Best open source POS system: at a glance

Like traditional POS systems (also known as cloud-based POS systems), open-source POS systems help businesses accept payments, manage inventory, and include special features for different industries. However, what sets open-source POS systems apart from proprietary ones is that they offer greater flexibility. This means you can customize the POS system to the tailored needs of your business.

2. Best open source POS system: our top picks

After you understand what open-source POS systems are and their superior benefits, let’s check out the top solutions on the market for the time being. We will unbiasedly review them under all important factors– pricing, features, hardware, etc.

2.1. Odoo POS: Best for eCommerce and integration

If you are looking for a robust point of sale system that syncs inventory and customer data seamlessly with your online store, Odoo POS would be the optimal POS system software open source we highly recommend.

Thanks to Odoo POS’s diverse integration with Odoo’s eCommerce, CRM, marketing, and sales tools, you can centralize your business data efficiently within their open-source business apps.

2.1.1. Pricing

 

As one of the best free open source POS software choices, Odoo POS has a free forever plan with unlimited users for one of its apps only. If you want to unlock access to other Odoo apps (e.g. Sales, marketing, web, CRM, inventory, etc.), then you can subscribe to their two paid options:

	Standard	Custom
Monthly paid	$9.10/month/user	$13.60/month/user
Yearly paid	$7.25/month/user	$10.90/month/user

All the Odoo plans give you access to all of Odoo’s apps, email integration, database hosting, daily backup, and an admin center to manage Odoo’s POS and other apps. 

And if you don’t want to set up the whole ecosystem yourself, you can leverage Odoo’s implementation services like project management, data import, customizations, training, etc., from $200 to $8,000+, depending on the complexity of your request.

2.1.2. Features

• Strong integration: Odoo POS seamlessly connects with Odoo’s tools, allowing you to manage your operations in one place. For example, you can track product performance across all sales channels, launch targeted marketing campaigns based on purchase history, etc.
• Great compatibility: Odoo POS runs well on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This means you can use it on any device with a browser.
• Offline mode: Odoo’s POS system will work well even without an Internet connection. This is particularly helpful for stores or shops that often process payments outdoors.
• Built-in loyalty program: With Odoo POS, you can easily run a comprehensive customer loyalty program and track your customer’s points and rewards effectively across sales channels.

2.1.3. Hardware

 

Odoo POS runs on any device with a browser (desktops, laptops, tablets), so you can use your existing equipment or choose the best fit for your needs. To be more particular, your hardware choices can be:

• Desktops and laptops: Any computer running a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) can be used to access Odoo POS.
• Tablets: Android or iOS tablets with a browser are compatible with a more portable setup.
• Touchscreen monitors: Industrial touchscreen monitors for a more efficient and interactive point-of-sale experience.
• Barcode scanners: Any USB-based EAN13 barcode scanner, providing easy inventory and sales management.
• Receipt printers: Standard inkjet or laser printers for general printing needs or specialized receipt printers for a professional point-of-sale setup.
• Cash drawers: Compatible cash drawers that can be connected via the IoT Box for easy cash management at checkout.
• POS terminals: You can also use dedicated POS terminals designed for retail environments, which integrate easily with Odoo POS.

2.1.4. Payment method

With Odoo POS, you can accept various payment methods from your customers, including:

• Cash
• Bank transfers
• Credit and debit cards
• Checks
• Online payment with payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Razorpay 
• Gift cards and vouchers
• Loyalty points

The great thing about Odoo’s payment is that it supports split payments, enabling your customers to divide their payments across multiple methods with ease.

2.1.5. Who should use it?

Who should use it?	Who shouldn’t use it?
👍 Businesses already using or planning to use Odoo’s suite of tools. 👍 Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a customizable, open-source POS system. 👍 Retailers that require flexibility in payment methods.	👎 Businesses looking for a simple, plug-and-play POS system with minimal setup required. 👎 Businesses with complex or rapidly growing needs that require enterprise-level POS solutions.

2.1.6. Pros and cons

2.2. Floreant POS: Best for restaurants

This list would be incomplete without Floreant POS– one of the best open source POS system that is specifically developed for F&B businesses. This on-premise point-of-sale system offers several features that a restaurant, cafe, or bar needs to run their business effectively. 

To name a few, Floreant comes with kitchen displays and printers, table ordering, employee tip management, etc.

2.2.6. Pros and cons

2.3. UniCenta: Best for multinational businesses

Finally, UniCenta would be the last (but not least) solution we’d love to examine in this POS open source review. Supporting multiple languages, currencies, and various international payment processors, UniCenta would make perfect sense for retailers that have a presence in multiple markets.

2.3.6. Pros and cons

3. How do I choose the right open source POS system for my business?

In order to choose the best open source POS system that meets your feature demands and fits into your budget, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What is your niche? Some POS systems would be better for some niches than the other. For instance, if you specialize in restaurants, Floreant might be a more suitable choice than Odoo POS.
• How much are you willing to pay? Don’t let the cost of owning a POS system eat into your profit margin. So make sure you know the budget you’re willing to pay (both upfront and monthly)
• What are your must-have and nice-to-have features? Do you have any features that your businesses cannot live without or make your life easier? If so, ensure that the POS system you choose provides those exact features.
• Do you need special integration? Most open-source POS systems would provide API. However, it’s important to confirm with the POS providers on the tech stack you plan to bring along with.
• Do you have technical knowledge or resources? Lastly, an unpleasant characteristic of open-source POS systems is that they aren’t as intuitive as cloud-based ones. Hence, don’t forget to choose a solution you’re comfortable with using on a daily basis.

💡 Relevant reading: 7 Best POS Systems For Small Business Nobody Told You

4. Final Thoughts

Though they come with an initial learning curve, once you’ve got the hang of it, an open-source POS system would provide you with greater flexibility in how you want to run your business. 

Therefore, if you have technical resources or a tech-savvy business owner yourself, the eComStart team hopes you can pick one of the best open source POS system choices we recommended above. 

Feel free to visit eComStart.io to explore more free expert advice, tips, and tricks on all things eCommerce.

5. Frequently asked questions