Best Cloud-Based POS Systems: Top 5 You Can’t Miss

Gone are the days of being chained to a bulky register or relying on outdated software.

A powerful cloud-based POS system can give you a powerful helping hand to manage and operate your business from anywhere in the world. Today’s technology allows retailers to run their entire business with just a tablet or smartphone, offering unparalleled flexibility and ease of use.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best cloud-based POS systems for your needs? In this guide, we’ll highlight the top systems that can streamline your operations and improve your customer experience. The right POS system can make all the difference.

Let’s get it straight!

1. Best cloud-based POS systems: At a glance

In your mind’s eye, your store is running as a bustling and buzzy marketplace, where customers are lining up and eager to buy your products. But how can you (only you!) manage everything smoothly and effectively, from tracking inventory to processing payments? This overloaded mission is impossible.

This is where a cloud-based POS system shines.

 

A cloud-based POS (Point of Sale) system is a software solution that helps businesses manage sales transactions, inventory, and customer data. While traditional POS systems require physical hardware, cloud-based systems operate on remote servers, accessible through the Internet. 

In other words, with a stable internet connection, a cloud-based POS system can handle all the tedious tasks to make the grade for your business from anywhere. It’s like having a team of experts working for you, around the clock.

Here are some specific tasks this digital assistant is responsible for:

• Efficiently handle sales transactions, including cash, credit card, and mobile payments
• Track stock levels, set up alerts for low stock, and manage product information
• Store customer data, track purchase history, and personalize interactions
• Generate detailed reports on sales, inventory, and customer behavior
• Manage employee schedules, track labor costs, and control access to the system
• Connect with other business tools like accounting software, eCommerce platforms, and payment gateways

An excellent cloud-based POS system can help you make your noticeable mark in this entrepreneurial journey because it will provide:

• Efficiency: Streamline operations and reduce manual tasks.
• Flexibility: Adapt to changing business needs and scale easily.
• Cost-Effective: Lower upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
• Security: Protect your sensitive data with advanced security measures.
• Customer Satisfaction: Provide faster checkout, personalized service, and loyalty programs.

 

2. Best cloud-based POS systems: Our top picks

Now, it’s high time to find out the best cloud-based POS systems in the market. Let’s take a look at this overview before diving into a detailed review:

• Shopify POS: Best for e-commerce and retail
• Square POS: Best for appointment-based businesses
• Toast POS: Best for restaurants
• Clover POS: Best for customizable and scalable options
• Revel Systems POS: Best for online orders

2.1. Shopify POS: Best for e-commerce and retail

As one of the best POS systems for small businesses, Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is a cloud-based system expertly designed for retailers of any size to manage sales across various channels. In other words, all your retail operations – in-store and online – are integrated into one system. 

 

2.1.1. Pricing

As the best cloud-based POS system for retail, Shopify POS has a clear pricing structure:

	Shopify Basic	Shopify	Advanced Shopify
Subscription fees	$39/month	$105/month	$399/month
Transaction fees	– Online payments: 2.9% + $0.30 – In person: 2.6% + $0.10	– Online payments: 2.7% + $0.30 – In person: 2.5% + $0.10	– Online payments: 2.5% + $0.30 – In person: 2.4% + $0.10

Noted that you must sign up for a Shopify plan to use Shopify POS. In addition, to unlock more advanced POS features, you can choose Shopify POS Pro at $89/month/location.

Moreover, there are some Hardware fees:

• Retail kit: $219
• Barcode scanners: $229 to $329
• Label printers: $299 to $499
• Receipt printers: $299 to $369
• Cash drawers: $139 to $159
• POS Go (with case): $429

2.1.2. Features

As an all-in-one commerce solution, Shopify POS allows you to execute operational changes across all locations based on key data from a single system. By providing transparency and improving accuracy in every transaction, Shopify will unlock next-level service capabilities for your business.

• Cloud-based omnichannel sales: Sell products across your physical store, social media, and website through a unified system, from simple checkouts like buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) to complex scenarios like mixed-cart fulfillment.
• Inventory management system: Track stock levels across all channels, receive low-stock alerts, and conduct inventory counts from one central platform.
• Shopify Payments: Simplify transactions with Shopify’s built-in payment gateway that supports various payment methods, including offline processing when the internet is down.
• Returns and exchanges: Process returns and exchanges seamlessly while maintaining up-to-date inventory and transaction records.
• Third-party app integration: Expand functionality with apps for loyalty programs, logistics, time tracking, and more, allowing your system to grow with your business.

💡 For an expert breakdown of Shopify POS and its capabilities, check out our Shopify POS Reviews to learn about its inventory management, reporting tools, pricing, and how it integrates with both in-store and online sales.

2.1.3. Pros & Cons

2.1.4. Who should use Shopify POS

Shopify POS is a go-to ticket for:

• eCommerce businesses of all sizes
• Omnichannel retailers
• Retailers needing customizable solutions

2.2. Square POS: Best for appointment-based businesses

Best for	Best for appointment-based businesses
Score	4.6
Pricing	From $0 for the basic plan
Free trial	No free trial
Transaction fee	From 2.5%-2.6% + $0.30

Square POS is considered the best cloud-based POS system for many businesses, offering tailored systems for various business types, including retail, restaurants, and appointment-based services.

 

2.2.1. Pricing

Here is a breakdown of Square POS price:

Subscription fees:

	Free Plan	Plus Plan	Premium
Subscription fees	$0/month	From only $29/month	Custom price

Noted that the three additional products in the Plus plan are Square for Restaurant, Square for Retail, and Square Appointments.

Transaction fees:

• In-person transaction fee: 2.5%-2.6% + $0.30 
• Online transaction fee: 2.9% + $0.30 
• Card-on-file transaction fee: 3.5% + $0.15
• After-pay transactions: 6% + $0.30

Hardware fees:

• Contactless reader: $49
• Portable terminal: $299 
• Square terminal and stand: $799

2.2.2. Features

Square POS stands out by offering targeted, industry-specific solutions (e.g.: for restaurants, retails, appointments, and more). This cloud-based POS system is an end-to-end branding touchpoint between your business and your customers, allowing you to increase the speed of service and retain more profits.

• Online booking system: Make your appointment booking process quick and frictionless for your customers.
• Free booking website: Businesses receive a complimentary website where clients can browse services and book appointments without additional costs.
• No-show and cancellation fees: Implement charges for missed appointments or late cancellations to protect your revenue and encourage punctuality.
• Client loyalty programs: Build and maintain customer loyalty by offering programs that reward repeat visits.

2.2.3. Pros & Cons

2.2.4. Who should use Square POS

Square POS will be a have-it-all option for:

• Appointment-based businesses like salons, spas, or service providers
• Restaurants
• Multi-location enterprises

2.3. Toast POS: Best for restaurants

Best for	Best for restaurants
Score	4.2
Pricing	From $69/month
Free trial	No free trial
Transaction fee	From 2.5%-2.6% +From 2.49% + $0.15 (if you pay for hardware upfront)$0.30

Toast, as the best cloud-based retail POS in the restaurant industry, is a game-changer for food trucks, pop-up stands, or any business on the move.

 

2.3.1. Pricing

Let’s take a closer look at the transparent pricing plan of Toast POS:

Subscription fees

	Starter Kit	Point of sale Plan	Build Your Own Plan
Subscription fees	$0	$69/month	Custom price

Transaction fees:

• Starter Kit: 3.09% + $0.15
• Core Plan: 3.5% + $0.15
• Traditional pricing (Pay for hardware up front): 2.49% + $0.15

Hardware fees: Hardware and implementation vary depending on your specific hardware packages and installation needs:

• Handheld Starter Kit: $799.20
• Countertop Starter Kit: $1,024.20
• Guest Self-Service Starter Kit: $1,339.20
• POS hardware components: Terminals cost $800 – $2,000; Handheld POS cost $500 – $1,200; Credit card readers cost $100 – $400; Kiosks cost $1,500 – $5,000

2.3.2. Features

Toast POS makes running a small business smooth and hassle-free. It’s designed for business owners who need to be fast, flexible, and always on point. This cloud POS software is a tip-top choice for full-service restaurants, cafés, bars, and even food trucks. 

• Mobile payment options: Allow customers to easily pay with their mobile devices, making transactions fast and convenient.
• Durable restaurant hardware: Use hardware that’s built to withstand the demanding environment of a restaurant or food truck, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Real-time inventory tracking: Keep an eye on your stock levels in real-time, ensuring you never run out of key ingredients or products.
• Tailored business reports: Let you create reports tailored to your needs and make data-driven decisions to optimize your operations.

 

2.3.3. Pros & Cons

2.3.4. Who should use Toast POS

We are willing to highly recommend Toast POS to:

• Food trucks and mobile food vendors
• Small to medium-sized restaurants
• Service-based businesses

2.4. Clover POS: Best for customizable and scalable options

Best for	Best for customizable and scalable options
Score	3.8
Pricing	From $14.95/month
Free trial	No free trial
Transaction fee	From 2.3% + $0.10

Clover makes a difference in this market by allowing businesses to personalize their POS systems through third-party integrations. Clover allows you to handpick exactly the tools, services, and integrations you want from the start. This web-based POS system is all about giving you flexibility and control.

 

2.4.1. Pricing

Catering to the specific needs of different business types, Clover POS offers various software POS plans as below:

	Starter	Standard	Advanced
Full-Service Dining	$165/month	$220/month	$220/month
Quick Service Restaurant	$105/month	$145/month	$200/month
Retail Shops	$60/month	$135/month	$190/month
Professional Services	$0+ $14.95/month	$50/month	$125/month
Personal Services	$50/month	$95/month	$135/month
Home & Field Services	$0+ $14.95/month	$49+ $14.95/month	$50/month

• Transaction fees: 2.3% + 0.10 for card-present transactions; 3.5% + 0.10 for keyed-in transactions
• Hardware fees: Range from approximately $599 to $1799

2.4.2. Features

If customization and tailored solutions are what you are looking for, Clover POS might be the best cloud-based POS system for retail that can deliver in spades.

• Instant Reporting: Provide up-to-the-minute insights and reports on sales, performance metrics, and other key aspects of the business. 
• Online Ordering System: Include an online ordering feature that integrates with your website or app.
• Staff Management Features: Provide tools for scheduling shifts, tracking employee hours, and managing roles to ensure smooth operation by organizing staffing needs and automating payroll functions.
• Customizable Apps: Offer a variety of apps that can be customized to suit business needs (e.g.: managing online orders, handling reservations, loyalty programs, etc.)

 

2.4.3. Pros & Cons

2.4.4. Who should use it

Clover can hit a spot for:

• Businesses in need of customization
• Multi-location businesses
• Restaurants and food service businesses

2.5. Revel Systems POS: Best for online orders

Best for	Best for online orders
Score	3.7
Pricing	By quote
Free trial	Free demo available
Transaction fee	Custom price

Revel Systems POS is the best cloud-based POS that’s tailored to companies looking to optimize their online ordering operations. It is supposed to be the smart engine behind your operations to optimize your entire workflow.

 

2.5.1. Pricing

Revel Systems does not publish its price (some customers review that it starts at $99/month). However, you should contact their team directly for a quote.

2.5.2. Features

Revel Systems POS tool enables businesses to diversify revenue streams and deliver a better customer experience. Your enterprise cloud-based POS software can travel with you, so you can serve customers from anywhere.

• Always-On mode: Ensure that your business operations continue uninterrupted with offline transaction processing and local network support, even if your internet connection drops.
• Secure payments: Use PCI-compliant cloud technology and point-to-point encrypted payments.
• Customizable discounts: Allow you to create and apply customizable discounts during transactions, whether it’s for a promotional offer, a seasonal sale, or a loyalty reward.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics: Provide real-time insights into key business metrics such as sales, inventory, and customer behavior. 
• Drive-through management: Offer specific features to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the drive-through process like order routing, tracking, and monitoring to ensure fast service and error-free transactions.

 

2.5.3. Pros & Cons

2.5.4. Who should use it

These businesses might find Revel a fantastic choice:

• Small eateries, restaurants, or cafes
• Large multi-location operations
• Growing businesses

3. How to choose the suitable cloud POS for my business?

 

Before making the last decision on a perfect-fit POS system, you should ask yourself these questions. Let’s get a grasp on them!

3.1. Your needs & budget

• What industry do I operate in? (restaurant, retail, service-based, etc.)
• How many locations do I manage? (single location or multiple?)
• Do I need specialized features like online ordering or inventory tracking?
• What’s my budget? Have I considered monthly fees, hardware costs, and any additional charges for integrations or custom features?

3.2. Essential features

• What basic POS functions do I require? (order taking, payment processing, sales tracking)
• Do I need tools for inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer CRM?
• Will I benefit from online ordering or e-commerce integrations? (Especially for restaurants and retailers)

3.3. Cloud accessibility & security

• What industry do I operate in? (restaurant, retail, service-based, etc.)
• How many locations do I manage? (single location or multiple?)
• Do I need specialized features like online ordering or inventory tracking?
• What’s my budget? Have I considered monthly fees, hardware costs, and any additional charges for integrations or custom features?

3.4. Integration

• Does the POS offer API access for third-party plugins or a developer toolkit?
• Does the POS system integrate with my current payment processor?

3.4. Customer support 

• Does the POS provider offer 24/7 customer support through phone, email, or chat?
• Is there an online help center with FAQs, guides, and tutorials?
• Does the system offer training resources to help onboard my staff quickly?

By asking these powerful questions, you’ll be able to find the cloud POS system that helps your business reach a new height.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right POS system is a powerful step toward transforming your business. We hope that this 360-degree cloud-based POS review brings you valuable insights into some top-rated choices to find the best cloud-based POS systems that will let your dream take flight.

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5. FAQs