Best POS System For Mobile: The 2024 Expert List

Mobile POS systems allow you to process sales using a tablet, phone, or portable device. Whether you own a restaurant that takes payments at the table or a retail business expanding outside its physical location, the best POS system for mobile offers more ease than countertop POS systems that allow you to conduct client transactions from a single place.

Market share for mobile phone point of sale systems is steadily rising compared to fixed cash register-style point-of-sale systems. It is obvious why mPOS is expected to have an equivalent market share by 2030.

Having said that, finding the right solution for your organization may be difficult because there are so many to choose from. We have examined and evaluated dozens of solutions to assist you in selecting the top mobile point-of-sale system.   

1. POS System For Mobile: A Quick Look

A portable point of sale system that runs on a smartphone, tablet, or other specific wireless device is a mobile point system, often known as mobile POS or mPOS. It usually comes with software for handling inventory, processing sales transactions, and processing several payments (such as cash, credit cards, or mobile payments).  

Mobile POS systems, which work with POS apps, are portable and convenient to carry around, in contrast to countertop POS systems.

There are several options because every company scenario is unique. But for the following reasons, you should require the best mobile POS systems:

• Flexibility in Layout: The absence of specialized registers due to mobile point-of-sale systems frees up floor area and improves customer experience in retail design.
• Better Customer Experience: Mobile point of sale (mPOS) systems shorten checkout lines and improve patrons’ in-store experience by enabling employees to process payments while on the go.
• Enhanced Mobility: Since mobile point-of-sale systems don’t require a set location, they’re perfect for businesses constantly on the go, including food trucks, coffee shops on wheels, and flower carts.
• Cost-effectiveness: mPOS solutions frequently come with inventory and customer management tools, eliminating the need for extra hardware and lowering costs related to traditional POS systems.

2. Best Mobile POS System: Our Top Pick

2.1. Shopify POS

2.1.1. Overview  

Shopify POS Go is the company’s first fully integrated mobile point-of-sale system, combining hardware and POS software into one portable device so you can manage your store’s daily operations, serve customers, and take payments. 

This best POS system for mobile stands out for its unified approach that helps businesses give consumers a consistent shopping experience wherever the transaction occurs.

For e-commerce companies that do most of their business online, Shopify’s integrated checkout gateway and selection of stylish website designs are perfect. The business also offers mobile POS systems for in-person sales, including a portable terminal and card reader.

2.1.2. Key features 

• Smooth integration with the Shopify online store platform.
• Enhanced capabilities for managing inventories across all sales channels.
• Custom branding, promotional materials, and receipts are just a few ways to personalize the online business and physical store.
• Access to the Shopify App Store.

2.1.3. Cost/fee 

• Shopify POS Lite, which is a part of your initial Shopify subscription costs, starts at $5/month or Shopify POS Pro at $89/month/location
• Transaction costs vary based on your subscription plans, starting at 5% + 0¢ 
• Here’s a summary of Shopify POS’s main hardware prices below:
  • A Chipper 2X BT card reader or Tap & Chip card reader: 49$
  • Retail Kit: $219
  • Barcode scanners: $229 to $329
  • Label printers: $299 to $499
  • Receipt printers: $299 to $369
  • Cash drawers: $139 to $159 

2.1.4. Why we pick it 

Shopify POS shines as a mobile point-of-sale system, offering a simplified, effective, and adaptable sales solution that lets companies sell anywhere and handle everything from a single platform.

With a single platform for inventory management, payment processing, and sales monitoring, it accommodates both offline and online sales. It interfaces with many business applications to manage operations efficiently and provides hardware solutions for quick checkout experiences.

2.1.5. Who should use it

Shopify POS is mostly suitable for businesses that utilize Shopify goods and are looking for ways to increase their online sales

2.1.6. Pros & Cons

2.2. Magestore POS

2.2.1. Overview

Magestore POS is your dependable partner for improving your omnichannel shopping experience. Regardless of your experience level, our system is designed to make your trip easier and boost your business.

This best POS system for mobile is designed to make your everyday tasks go more smoothly as soon as the store opens. Effective inventory management will guarantee that your items are always in stock and available to your clients through various channels.

Furthermore, Magento POS offers incredibly extensive options for inventory, promotions, and items. This makes it easier for you to manage the intricate integration of your offline and online systems and guarantees that all data moves smoothly between the two channels.

2.2.2. Key features  

• Sync orders, customer, and inventory data between your offline stores and website instantly.
• Streamline the whole checkout process, from adding items to the basket to facilitating customer logins.
• Enable you to process transactions even during a connectivity outage seamlessly.
• An integrated loyalty program promotes customer pleasure and repeat business.

2.2.3. Cost/fee  

• They don’t publicly display their pricing, so you must contact and get a quote from a Magestore business expert. However, according to our research, Magento POS has two versions: CE and EE, with EE starting at $2,599 and CE at $1,299. This is a one-time payment.
• No transaction fees
• Here’s a summary of Magestore’s main hardware, but no prices are displayed, so you need to contact them for precise numbers:
  • Receipt printers
  • USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners
  • Card reader
  • Cash drawer
  • Label printers

2.2.4. Why we pick it 

One of Magestore POS’s competitive advantages is its omnichannel sales solutions. It is a unified commerce solution for Magento retailers looking to grow and centralize their system.

You can deploy Magestore POS in your physical stores and utilize Magento for your online storefronts. This will streamline shop operations, collect all data, and give every operator access to the Magento Admin backend.

2.2.5. Who should use it 

Magestore POS is a good fit for merchants who want to centralize their omnichannel retail.

2.2.6. Pros & Cons

2.3. Toast POS

2.3.1. Overview

Toast is a popular name among restaurant POS systems all the features a full-service restaurant might want.  

Toast POS provides a beginning kit package with no upfront costs for businesses on a tight budget. In return for a greater transaction rate, users receive free industry-grade hardware (countertop or portable) and basic software.

Furthermore, this best mobile POS solution offers industry-standard, in-house-developed hardware. With its integrated card terminal and stylish design, Toast’s portable terminal allows customers to collect payments from any location conveniently.

2.3.2. Key features  

• Platforms for online ordering are smoothly integrated with the system.
• Strong inventory management and tracking features.
• Comprehensive reporting instruments.
• Many choices for managing gift cards and customer loyalty programs. 

2.3.3. Cost/fee 

• 1 free plan and 2 paid plans, starting at $69 per month
• Transaction costs start at 2.99% + 15¢ per transaction with the free version or 2.49% + 15¢ per transaction with the paid plan.
• Here’s a summary of Toast’s main hardware prices below:
  • $799.20 for the Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
  • $1,024.20 for the Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
  • $1,339.20 for the Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee) 

2.3.4. Why we pick it 

Because of its functionality, Toast is the mobile phone point of sale system we suggest for full-service restaurants. Larger enterprises that cater to special events or operate high-volume food trucks can utilize Toast’s sophisticated restaurant management solutions since the portable POS terminal can be utilized independently.

The POS package includes Toast’s best mobile POS software for restaurant, which includes menu and table management, payroll, scheduling, sophisticated inventory management tools, a kitchen display system (KDS), and payroll capabilities.

2.3.5. Who should use it

Toast POS is suitable for full-service restaurants seeking a flexible and scalable POS system to streamline operations and manage customer and employee profiles.

2.3.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ No upfront costs ✅ Features of POS systems unique to industries ✅ Proprietary hardware of the highest quality
Cons	❌ Starter POS software is only suited for restaurants with a single location ❌ Requires using Toast’s integrated payment processing; standard two-year term

2.4. PayPal Zettle POS

2.4.1. Overview 

PayPal Zettle is the best mobile POS solution that replaced PayPal Here. PayPal is integrated into the mobile POS software, which is free to use and works with iOS and Android smartphones.

PayPal Zettle’s best mobile POS software includes features for managing customers, employees, and inventory. The software offers sell-by-units, partial refunds, and low-stock warnings, although it is not industry-specific.

Credit and debit cards, digital wallets, QR code payments, BNPL, bitcoin, and Venmo, are just a few of the many payment options that PayPal accepts, in addition to invoicing tools.

2.4.2. Key features  

• Integrating with several ecommerce platforms. 
• Supporting a variety of payment options
• Good inventory control instruments
• In-depth analytics and sales reporting

2.4.3. Cost/fee  

• PayPal Zettle has no monthly fee and there are no plan tiers.
• Transaction costs start at 2.29% + 9¢ for card-present transactions or 3.49% + 9 cents for keyed-in transactions.
• Here’s a summary of PayPal Zettle’s main hardware prices below:
  • Mobile card reader: from $29
  • Card reader dock: $49
  • Standalone POS terminal: from $199

2.4.4. Why we pick it 

With no contract or monthly fees, PayPal Zettle provides a full point-of-sale system at a reasonable price.

Although it does not offer POS functionality particular to the sector, 400 million people use PayPal for personal use. Those who work as freelancers or who only infrequently sell to tourists, at farmer’s markets, or art and craft fairs can utilize PayPal Zettle to enable clients to pay with their Wallet while making in-person transactions.

2.4.5. Who should use it

PayPal Zettle is suitable for freelancers and those who only sell occasionally.

2.4.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ Free merchant accounts and POS software ✅ Flat-rate transaction costs are among the lowest ✅ No binding contract
Cons	❌ Lacks POS features unique to the industry ❌ Minimal upgrades and integrations ❌ A built-in printer is absent from the all-in-one POS terminal ❌ Money is not deposited into a bank account but into your PayPal account

2.5. Square POS

2.5.1. Overview 

Retail, restaurant and service-oriented enterprises can use Square, an all-in-one point-of-sale system. With a free POS app with Square’s portable smart terminals and compatible Android and iOS smartphones, Square is praised as one of the best mobile POS systems for small business.

It includes a virtual terminal, website builder, CRM, invoicing, and inventory management. Users can upgrade to paying subscriptions with industry-specific point-of-sale software as sales grow.

Additionally, Square provides a mobile, independent, proprietary point-of-sale terminal that allows users to sell and take payments.

2.5.2. Key features  

• A variety of payment methods are supported.
• Extensive reporting functionalities.
• Outstanding tools for managing employees.
• Compatible with many programs and apps from third parties. 

2.5.3. Cost/fee  

• Free
• Transaction costs start at 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe, dip, or tap or 3.5% + 15¢ per manually entered transaction.
• Here’s a summary of Square POS’s main hardware prices below:
  • Non-contactless card reader to fit iPhone/Android (you can get your first one free): $10
  • Contactless card reader for chip or Apple Pay: $59
  • Portable terminal: $299
  • Square stand kit: $579
  • Countertop POS Kit for Square Reader: $779
  • Square register kit: $1,269

2.5.4. Why we pick it 

Thanks to its expandable features, affordability, and ease of use, Square is our top pick for the best mobile POS systems for small business. Every Square account includes a free POS plan and a free mobile card reader, making it an all-in-one solution that makes it simple for startups and small companies on a tight budget to begin taking orders and processing payments.

Additionally, Square provides adaptable point-of-sale hardware that can be integrated into your counter configuration or utilized independently. It takes the shape of thin, light pills that are convenient to carry about the store.

2.5.5. Who should use it

Square POS is suitable for any new and small business seeking a free solution with great custom ordering options and a system that can expand with your business.

2.5.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ Free POS software and merchant account ✅ Quick and secure payments ✅ Easy sign-up and setup
Cons	❌ Expensive payment processing for large-volume business ❌ Limited withdrawal options

3. Conclusion

Businesses must select the best POS system for mobile since it affects everything from operational effectiveness to customer pleasure. The right solution must meet a business’s unique demands, such as transaction volume, industry type, and scalability.

Thanks to mPOS technologies, the world of commercial transactions is changing at an accelerating rate. Businesses that embrace this technological advancement will be better equipped to adjust to market changes and maintain their relevance and success in a digitally oriented economy.

Overall, we hope our eComStart blog can help you thrive in the recent competitive market. Good luck!

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