Top 6 Best POS System for iPad of 2024: A Full Review

If your company is mobile or does not require a sizable POS infrastructure, you should look at an iPad POS system. Though they use an Apple iPad instead, these function like full-size point-of-sale systems. High portability, simplicity of use, economy of cost, robust functionality, and flawless interaction with other corporate apps define the best POS system for iPad. Its small form allows cost-effectiveness, simple staff training, and easy transportation to all fit.  

Examining their features, cost, and general performance, this article ranks the top candidates for the best POS for iPad. We make sure you decide wisely what will propel the expansion and profitability of your company.

1. POS System for iPad Review at a Glance

An iPad-based POS system offers an affordable solution for businesses looking to simplify processes. These systems transform an iPad into a fully functional POS using mobile technology, providing flexibility, mobility, and powerful capabilities. They are cloud-based solutions ideal for tracking customer data, managing inventory, and processing sales, making them perfect for retail, hospitality, and service industries.

In addition to enabling in-store and online transactions, these systems track stock levels, manage customer purchase histories, and handle credit/debit card and mobile payments. iPad POS systems also offer insights into sales trends, employee performance, and inventory turnover, along with intuitive interfaces and affordable hardware.

2. Best POS System for iPad: Our 6 Top Picks

If you’re looking for the best iPad POS system, here are the top seven contenders that we will recommend to you:

• Shopify POS: Best for online retailers expanding into brick-and-mortar.
• Loyverse POS: Best for small businesses seeking simplicity and affordability.
• Square Point of Sale: Best for businesses just starting out.
• Magestore POS: Best for unique business workflows.
• Lightspeed Retail: Best for businesses with extensive inventory management needs.
• Toast POS: Best for restaurants and cafes looking for robust table management.

Now, let’s dive into an in-depth analysis of iPad POS platforms for 2024, complete with details on pricing, features, and more.

2.1. Shopify POS on iPads: Best for Multiple Channels Retailers

 

Particularly for companies using iPads for point-of-sale operations, Shopify POS is clearly among the most flexible mobile POS systems available. Shopify POS stands out because it can be easily integrated, is portable, and has an easy-to-use design that works perfectly for iPad users. 

2.1.1 Shopify POS Pricing

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 USD	$89 USD	$39 USD	$105 USD	$399 USD
Card rates (online)	5% + 30¢ USD	2.9% + 30¢ USD	2.9% + 30¢ USD	2.7% + 30¢ USD	2.5% + 30¢ USD
Card rates (in person)	5% + 0¢ USD	2.6% + 10¢ USD	2.6% + 10¢ US	2.5% + 10¢ USD	2.4% + 10¢ USD
Card rates (3rd-party payment providers)	5%	2%	2%	1%	0.6%
Hardware cost	from $0.00 to $459.00

2.1.2. Highlighted features for business types

Retail businesses: Staff using Shopify POS on an iPad may exhibit product catalogs, communicate with customers, and handle payments straight on the shop floor. Faster service made possible by mobility improves the in-store buying experience.

• Real-time tracking is done by using online and physical inventories.
• Accurate stock management depends on portable barcode scanning.
• Ability to immediately handle several payment forms on the iPad. 

Event-based businesses: Mobile POS systems shine in environments like trade shows, fairs, and pop-ups, where a traditional cash register isn’t feasible. Shopify POS helps businesses maintain a professional and efficient checkout process in these temporary setups.

• Offline sales processing to avoid disruptions during poor connectivity.
• Custom sales reporting for specific events or locations.
• Quick setup and teardown using iPad stands and mobile-friendly hardware.

Service providers: Shopify POS’s customer management tools streamline operations for businesses like salons, fitness studios, or repair services. The iPad doubles as a scheduling and payment terminal, minimizing overhead costs.

• Appointment bookings integrated with payments.
• Tailored receipts for services provided.
• Option for installment payment plans via third-party integration.

2.1.3. Hardware

Shopify POS supports a range of mobile-friendly hardware to extend the iPad’s capabilities. Businesses can choose setups based on their specific needs.

• Card readers: Shopify tap & chip reader for wireless payments.
• Receipt printers: Mobile and stationary choices fit with iPads.
• Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners enhance sales and inventory systems.
• iPad stands come in several designs, including stable and tiltable mounts.

2.1.4. Payment methods

• Credit/Debit cards.
• Shopify Payments for reduced transaction fees.
• Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
• Gift cards.
• Manual payment entry for cash and custom payment types.

2.1.5. Pros and Cons

2.1.6. Suitable for

Shopify iPad point of sale is suitable for businesses that operate across online and offline channels or those seeking to streamline their sales in a mobile-first environment. It’s best for small to medium-sized businesses that need a mobile-friendly, all-in-one option.

• Boutiques and small retail shops.
• Pop-up shops and markets
• Subscription-based or membership businesses
• Multi-location retailers
• Service-based businesses.

2.2. Loyverse POS: Best Free for Small Businesses Seeking Simplicity

 

Loyverse POS operates efficiently on iPads and mobile devices. It is an excellent mobile POS option for businesses seeking an easy-to-use, affordable, and simple solution. It is tailored for SMEs and provides robust features for retail, cafes, and service businesses optimized for mobile use. It makes transactions easier, keeps track of inventory, and takes care of customer interactions in one place.

2.2.1. Pricing

Package	Loyverse POS – Point of Sale	Loyverse Dashboard	Loyverse KDS – Kitchen Display	Loyverse CDS – Customer Display
Pricing	Free	Free	Free	Free

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

• Due to the lack of proprietary hardware, the hardware cost may be incurred based on your specific requirements.

2.2.2. Highlighted features for business types

Retail shops:

• Advanced inventory control allows one to monitor products, control stock levels, and provide sales reports. This guarantees that you always carry overstock items and highly sought-after goods.
• Receipt printing & emailing: Offers physical and digital receipts, ensuring customers get their proof of purchase, whether using a receipt printer or emailing it.

Cafes & bakeries:

• Order management: Easily take orders at tables or the counter by iPads and track them efficiently. You can even add notes for the customization of orders.
• Tipping and payments allow for fast processing of payments and provide the choice for tips, a necessary function for restaurants.

Beauty salons:

• Appointments and scheduling lets you schedule customer appointments with the POS iPads.
• Integrated loyalty programs let you keep customers by rewarding them for frequent visits or purchases.

2.2.3. Hardware

Loyverse POS integrates well with a variety of iPad-compatible hardware to enhance the functionality of your mobile POS setup.

• Card readers include those for contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Bluetooth receipt printers can print receipts for both in-person transactions and for order verification.
• Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners for fast checkout and inventory control
• Cash drawers can be integrated to manage cash payments securely.
• iPad stands: Many adjustable stands or secure mounts can keep your iPad at a convenient height for clients and workers.

2.2.4. Payment methods

• Credit/Debit cards via integrated payment processors.
• Mobile payments.
• Loyverse integrates with leading mobile-friendly payment processors such as SumUp and Zettle.

2.2.5. Pros and Cons

2.2.6. Suitable for

Loyverse POS is an iPad POS system for small businesses. Besides, it could be the best free POS app for iPad for small businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, mobile-friendly POS system.

• Retail stores (clothing, gifts, boutiques).
• Cafés, small restaurants, food carts, bakeries.
• Service providers (salons, spas, gyms, repairs).
• Market stalls, food trucks, event vendors.

2.3. Square Point of Sale: Best for Entrepreneurs and Startups

 

Small businesses often choose Square POS since it is fairly priced, easy to use, and features many capabilities. Those who must be able to carry it about will find it helpful.

Square POS is designed to excel on mobile devices. The app runs seamlessly on iPads, turning them into a fully functional POS terminal. It handles consumer contacts, inventory tracking, and transactions from one platform, simplifying the process.

2.3.1. Pricing

Square POS offers plans by business type for every business size: Restaurants, Retail (Clothing & accessories, Grocery & convenience, Home goods & furniture, Wine & liquor).

Plan	Free	Plus	Premium
Monthly fee	$0	$69 – $89	Custom pricing
Processing rate (In person)	2.6% + 10 cents	2.6% + 10 cents	Custom processing rates.
Processing rate (Online)	2.9% + 30 cents	2.9% + 30 cents	Custom processing rates.
Processing rate (Manually entered)	3.5% + 15 cents	3.5% + 15 cents	Custom processing rates.
Mobile POS	+$20/mo. per device	+$20/mo. per device	Unlimited devices

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

2.3.2. Highlighted features for business types

Service-based businesses:

• Appointment scheduling: Square POS allows service businesses to set appointments and manage schedules directly within the app, making it easy for both staff and customers.
• Customer management: Square offers customer profiles that let you track service history and payment preferences and even send reminders for upcoming appointments.

Food trucks & market stalls:

• Order management: Square allows servers to quickly take and manage customer orders on iPads, keeping track of orders in real time.
• Sales and reporting: Square’s in-depth reporting provides food businesses with actionable insights on what’s selling, customer preferences, and peak business hours.

Brick-and-mortar stores:

• Real-time inventory tracking: Square POS allows you to monitor your inventory levels on the go easily. The system syncs across all devices, ensuring real-time updates of stock levels as sales happen.
• Product variations: Easily manage different sizes, colors, or styles of products with iPads, which is especially useful for retail stores with a wide range of items.

2.3.3. Hardware

• Card readers: include the magstripe reader, chip card reader, and contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Wireless receipt printers let you print receipts from your iPad in-store or at a pop-up.
• iPad-integrated barcode scanners for retail firms to manage inventory and speed checkout.
• Cash drawers link with the POS system and open automatically when a sale is completed.
• Adjustable stands and mounts make your iPad-based POS system sturdy and easy for employees and customers.

2.3.4. Payment methods

Square supports all major payment types, including mobile wallets, credit cards, and installment payments via Afterpay.

2.3.5. Pros and Cons

2.3.6. Suitable for

Square POS is well-suited for new businesses or small-to-medium retailers across various industries, including:

• Brick-and-mortar, pop-up, and online retail.
• Coffee shops, tiny eateries, food trucks, and casual dining.
• Service providers (salons, spas, gyms, freelancers).
• Food trucks, market stalls, and mobile POS systems.

2.4. Magestore POS: Best for Customization

 

Magestore POS works as a Progressive Web App (PWA), ensuring smooth functionality on iPads even without an internet connection. It supports a mobile-first approach, allowing businesses to manage sales and inventory from anywhere. 

It’s ideal for businesses with complex operations. Its configurable character makes it perfect for companies with particular operating needs in retail and e-commerce.

2.4.1. Pricing

Magestore POS’s price differs for each business based on your business scale, unique needs, and goals. You have to contact Magestore for personalized quotes.

2.4.2. Highlighted features for business types

eCommerce retailers:

• Omnichannel experience: Businesses can offer a consistent shopping experience across online and physical stores. Orders, customers, and inventory are synced in real time, ensuring accurate data and an optimized workflow.
• Customization for product types: Whether you sell physical goods, digital products, or a mix of both, Magestore allows you to customize product displays, pricing, and categories, enhancing the shopping experience for your customers.

Multi-warehouse operation:

• Advanced inventory features: Magestore POS includes sophisticated features like multi-warehouse support, helping businesses with large operations manage stock efficiently. This is ideal for companies with various product categories or multiple locations.
• Real-time supply chain management: With its ability to track inventory in real-time, Magestore helps businesses prevent stockouts or overstocking by offering insights into demand patterns and trends.

Custom solutions:

• Flexible payment and checkout options: Magestore offers multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and custom payment gateways, all from your iPad.
• Customizable user roles: Manage different access levels for staff members so employees can only access the relevant features needed to complete their jobs.

2.4.3. Hardware

• The system works on iPads, turning them into full-featured point-of-sale stations.
• Barcode scanners: Scan products with your iPad via Bluetooth for fast checkout and accurate inventory tracking.
• Wireless receipt printers to print invoices and receipts from iPads.
• Cash drawers open automatically after a transaction for businesses that handle cash.

2.4.4. Payment methods

• Multi-currency support for international sales.
• Offline payments via cash, check, or debit/credit cards.
• Split and partial payments for flexibility.
• Store credits, reward points, and gift card payment options.

2.4.5. Pros and Cons

Pros	✅ It is highly customized to fit specific company requirements and is very flexible. ✅ Dependability offline guarantees business continuity. ✅ Complete payment flexibility supports several client options. ✅ Accurate and smooth omnichannel operations depend on real-time data synchronizing. ✅ Comprehensive sales and inventory reporting.
Cons	❌ Customizing significantly affects pricing; hence, tiny enterprises may incur more expenses. ❌ Calls for technical knowledge for integration and setting up.

2.4.6. Suitable for

Magestore POS works well for businesses needing custom workflows, such as furniture stores, large retail shops, and eCommerce businesses.

• Retailers with complex inventories.
• E-commerce retailers.
• Service providers.
• Wholesalers.

2.5. Lightspeed Retail: Best for Complex Inventories

 

Lightspeed Retail is a powerful iPad POS system for businesses with complex inventory and management requirements.

Lightspeed’s mobile POS app is fully optimized for iPads, allowing staff to assist customers with in-store browsing and checkout. Businesses can make different product versions through this shop POS system, give each one a unique serial number, and order more stock directly.

2.5.1. Pricing

Plan	Basic	Core	Plus
Monthly fee	$89 USD	$149 USD	$289 USD
Processing rate (In person)	2.6%+ $0.10	2.6%+ $0.10	2.6%+ $0.10
Processing rate (Online)	2.9% + $0.30	2.9% + $0.30	2.9% + $0.30

The hardware cost for Lightspeed’s iPad and desktop hardware kits is quote-based, from $79.00 to $429.00.

2.5.2. Highlighted features for business type

Furniture & home décor:

• Multi-location inventory control: With real-time syncing and updates, manage and transfer stock between locations using the iPad.
• Reorder alerts: Lightspeed helps business owners keep track of low stock, sending automatic alerts to reorder, ensuring continuous product availability.

Sports & hobby shops:

• Real-time reporting: Get sales data and analytics in real-time, providing a clear view of daily performance directly from your iPad.
• Sales forecasting: Use historical data to predict future sales trends and plan accordingly, optimizing stock levels and pricing strategies.

Pet stores & veterinary clinics:

• Employee scheduling: Create and manage staff schedules easily with the ability to view availability and manage shifts by iPad.
• Time tracking: Employees can clock in and out directly through the POS system, which integrates with payroll systems to streamline operations.

2.5.3. Hardware

• Work with iPads (iOS 12 or later), turning your tablet into a full-featured POS station for checkout, inventory management, and reporting.
• Bluetooth barcode scanners can be paired with your iPad to scan items fast during checkout.
• Wireless receipt printers make iPad invoice and receipt printing effortless.
• Cash drawers: For businesses that handle cash, Lightspeed integrates with cash drawers, which open automatically during cash transactions.

2.5.4. Payment methods

Supports credit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments via Lightspeed Payments or third-party processors.

2.5.5. Pros and Cons

Pros	✅ Excellent for managing extensive inventories. ✅ Robust eCommerce and omnichannel features. ✅ Free onboarding session for all new merchants. ✅ 24/7 and live chat support. ✅ Create unlimited barcode labels.
Cons	❌ Slightly steep learning curve. ❌ No free plan options. ❌ The lowest-tier plan doesn’t include e-commerce features.

2.5.6. Suitable for

Lightspeed POS is especially well-suited for large retailers, multi-location stores, and high-end boutiques where inventory management and operational efficiency are paramount.

• Fashion, electronics, and sports stores
• Businesses with many locations.
• eCommerce sellers.
• Furniture and gadgets are luxury items.
• Retailers focused on customers.

2.6. Toast POS: Best for Restaurants

 

Toast POS is the best POS system for iPad and is designed to fit the dynamic and particular needs of restaurants, cafés, food trucks, payroll, and online ordering. Toast’s iPad app transforms tablets into versatile tools for order-taking and processing payments directly at the table.

Whether you own a fine dining or fast-casual restaurant, Toast provides strong tools to improve operations simplification.

2.6.1. Pricing

Plan	Starter Kit	Point of Sale	Build Your Own
Monthly fee	$0 USD	$69 USD+	Custom pricing
Payment processing	One simple, flat rate	One simple, flat rate	One simple, flat rate

• Toast POS offers proprietary hardware for a basic kit at around $799.

2.6.2. Highlighted features for business types

Restaurants:

• Table-side ordering: Servers can use the iPad to take orders at the table and send them directly to the kitchen in real-time.
• Order modifications: Any changes to orders, such as special dietary needs or customer requests, can be easily adjusted directly from the iPad, reducing the chances of confusion.

Cafes:

• Online ordering integration: Toast seamlessly integrates with its own online ordering system, allowing customers to place orders for delivery or pickup through the website or mobile app.
• Promotions and discounts: Easily apply discounts, promotions, or meal bundles to attract customers, whether for dine-in or online orders.

Food trucks:

• Real-time sales data: View live sales data, track best-selling items, and monitor inventory levels right from your iPad so you can make immediate adjustments.
• Labor cost management: Analyze labor costs by comparing sales data with employee hours worked, ensuring your restaurant runs efficiently without overspending on wages.

2.6.3. Hardware

• Work with iPads (iOS 12 or later) in full-featured POS systems.
• POS terminals and registers are designed to withstand high-traffic environments.
• Wireless receipt printers for fast and efficient receipt printing.
• Cash drawers and Bluetooth barcode scanners make transactions easier.

2.6.4. Payment methods

• Chip, swipe, contactless, credit, debit cards.
• Mobile wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Split payments and choices for customizing tips.

2.6.5. Pros and Cons

Pros	✅ Complete features catered to cooking processes in restaurants. ✅ Services for integrated online ordering and delivery. ✅ Sturdy, restaurant-quality hardware resistant to spills and heavy use. ✅ Scalable solutions for big multi-location businesses as well as local eateries.
Cons	❌ More for hardware and premium features prices. ❌ Restricted usage beyond the sector of restaurants. ❌ The lowest-tier plan doesn’t include e-commerce features.

2.6.6. Suitable for

Toast POS is among the best free POS app for iPad and is particularly suitable for businesses in the foodservice and hospitality industries, including:

• Restaurants (fine dining, casual, or quick-service).
• Cafes and coffee shops.
• Bars and nightclubs.
• Food trucks.

Understanding the features, hardware, payment choices, pros, and disadvantages of these best iPad POS systems can help you pick the ideal solution for your business.

If you want a broader comparison of POS platforms, check out our full review of the best POS systems for small businesses.

3. How do you choose an iPad for your shop POS system?

iPad is an essential tool for setting up a mobile POS system. So, pick the right iPad to meet your needs; it will ensure smooth operation and maximize your store efficiency. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

1. Model compatibility

First, some mobile POS systems require specific models of iPad to work optimally since not all iPads are created equal.

• Most systems accept newer iPads, such as the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and the latest basic iPads. These models include updated operating systems and improved hardware performance.
• You should avoid using earlier iPads, such as the iPad Mini, or early-generation iPads, because they may not support modern POS functions or software updates.

2. Processing power.

The iPad’s processor determines how quickly it can handle multiple tasks, such as inventory management, payment processing, and customer interactions.

• The standard iPad with an A13 or A14 Bionic chip is sufficient for small businesses with fewer transactions.
• For complex operations, you can choose models with the A12 Bionic chip or higher, like the iPad Pro, to ensure smooth multitasking.

3. Storage capacity

POS systems frequently store apps, sales information, product photos, and offline transaction data.

• Choose 128GB of storage as a minimum need to avoid running out of space.
• Regarding more extensive needs, if you utilize media-heavy programs or handle large inventories, consider 256GB or more to minimize performance concerns.

4. Final Thought

Picking the best POS system for iPads can make your business run more smoothly. The six systems we looked at here are excellent choices for a wide range of business needs, whether you care most about inventory control, ease of use, or powerful reporting tools.

If you want to learn more about the POS system for iPad review and expert recommendations, follow our eComStart blog to update quickly and correctly.

5. FAQs