The 2024 Best Tablet POS System: All In Your Hands!

Acquiring the best tablet POS system is one of the simplest technological improvements that business owners can make, and investing in technology may open up a world of opportunities.

You can use your Android or iPad tablet as a portable point-of-sale system using tablet POS software. These devices can handle payments at off-site events, at the curb, or even shorten lineups at your business. Additionally, because tablet POS systems are straightforward, onboarding new staff is quick and simple.

With so many available, selecting the best POS system for tablets that is most appropriate for your company might be difficult. Thus, let’s examine five of the greatest choices and their subtle differences to help you make an informed choice. 

1. POS System For Tablet: A Quick Look

Tablet point-of-sale systems consist of many key parts that work together to simplify company processes.

The tablet is the system’s main part, serving as the main processing and sales data management interface. Most tablet systems come with easy-to-use, app-based POS software for managing customers, inventory, and sales.

Another essential component is payment processing hardware, such as card readers or contactless payment devices. Additional peripherals, including cash drawers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers, can be added to improve functionality and satisfy particular business needs.

The last component is connectivity. Wi-Fi and mobile data allow the system to function properly, even in dynamic circumstances. Together, these parts offer a complete solution for contemporary business management.

The best POS system for tablets provides advantages that improve customer satisfaction and corporate efficiency. Thanks to their mobility, employees can complete transactions anywhere on the corporate campus, reducing wait times and improving service effectiveness.

With its touchscreen feature and straightforward design, it takes less time for employees to become familiar with it. Integration with other corporate systems, such as customer relationship management and inventories, makes real-time data access possible, which enhances operational effectiveness and decision-making.

2. Best Tablet POS System: Our Top Picks

2.1. Shopify POS

2.1.1. Overview  

Shopify POS is the first choice on our list of the best tablet-based POS systems, but it offers many options for inventory management, analytics, and social networking.

One of Shopify POS’s strongest features is its e-commerce connection. This solution helps companies use a single platform to manage their in-person and online sales. It provides a flexible, customized checkout procedure and accepts several payment methods.

Newly enhanced inventory states offer comprehensive information on product availability at various locations, and enhanced staff management tools give you fine-grained control over sales tracking and employee permissions.

Additionally, Shopify has improved conversion rates and shortened buyer completion times by streamlining the checkout process to a single page.

2.1.2. Key features 

• Custom checkout for choosing from a variety of automated discounts and payment options.
• Intelligent tracking with automated synchronization and low-stock notifications.
• Electronic gift cards for simple sales and redemption.
• Online integration to synchronize sales from online and in-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
  • Tablet Stand: $149
  • 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 is a top option for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses because of its unmatched native e-commerce features, which are why it is listed as a top tablet POS system.

It integrates seamlessly with the e-commerce platform, offering a centralized solution for channel-wide sales, inventory, and customer data management. In addition, the system is excellent at managing inventories, including capabilities like purchase orders, demand forecasts, and comprehensive inventory reports (available with the Pro edition). 

2.1.5. Who should use it

Shopify POS is the best tablet POS system for small business that want to create smooth e-commerce integrations.

2.1.6. Pros & Cons

2.2. Magestore POS

2.2.1. Overview

Magestore POS offers businesses of all sizes a potent solution. The POS software provides many functions necessary to launch a profitable company. One of the best tablet-based POS systems available today, the firm has a track record spanning over 15 years and over 10,000 satisfied clients worldwide.

You may utilize a basic Magestore POS for Magento on an iPad, tablet, PC, or laptop at your place. Over time, you can progressively extend to more devices for more stores. As your eCommerce strength grows, you can request more capabilities to meet your needs regarding resource management, analytics, inventory, etc.

2.2.2. Key features  

• Order, customer, and inventory data synchronization across online and physical channels in real time.
• Monitoring inventories at one or more sites.
• Functioning on current gadgets like PCs and tablets.
• Creating client omnichannel loyalty programs.

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 

Magestore’s omnichannel sales tools are one of its main competitive advantages. Businesses can manage inventory and sales data in real time using Magestore POS, enabling sales across several platforms. Retailers needing to coordinate order management and stock levels between their physical locations and online stores may benefit from this.

This best tablet POS system for small business comes with a one-time purchase that includes all you need, including professional support, training services, expert advice, and a comprehensive point of sale.

2.2.5. Who should use it 

Magestore POS is the best for small businesses selling omnichannel and intends to expand with the store’s growth.  

2.2.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ Offline mode ✅ Unlimited online payment gateways ✅ Dedicated support ✅ Intuitive system for any need
Cons	❌ High upfront cost ❌ Need initial app installation

2.3. Loyverse POS

2.3.1. Overview

Loyverse POS is a mobile, cloud-based point-of-sale system that has gained popularity among small- to medium-sized retail firms. This best tablet POS system allows users to see sales information, manage client relationships, and manage inventories.

With Loyverse POS, consumers may sell goods straight from their iOS and Android tablets and smartphones. Orders from the platform may change immediately, and discounts can be applied. Customers can receive electronic or paper receipts, and users can provide refunds.

This best tablet point of sale system supports cash drawers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers. Users may make sales offline since the system will keep all data and sync it once it is connected to the internet again.

2.3.2. Key features  

• Hardware options include entire point-of-sale registers, payment terminals, and free chip and PIN card readers.
• Discounts are automatically applied to specific items, groups, and daily deals.
• Ordering at the table and seat management are available for sit-down restaurants.
• Providing a pay-at-the-door option to help you avoid paying transaction fees. 

2.3.3. Cost/fee 

• For users who choose not to utilize any add-ons, Loyverse POS is completely free. Yet, the system offers 3 optional paid add-ons (Unlimited sales history, Premium Support, and Advanced inventory) starting at $5/ month.
• Loyverse integrates with SumUp Air Card Reader, which costs 1% – 2.75% per transaction.
• Here’s a summary of Loyverse’s main hardware prices below:
  • Receipt Printers: from $325
  • Barcode Scanners: from $135
  • Cash Drawers: from $109
  • Tablets & Terminals: from $845
  • Tablet Stands & Mounts: from $149.95

2.3.4. Why we pick it 

This POS system is perfect for established businesses seeking to increase customer loyalty since tracking client transactions and managing loyalty cards is simple.

The program includes standard functions like inventory management and reporting and is accessible on iOS and Android smartphones. Although Loyverse doesn’t charge transaction fees, it doesn’t handle payments internally, so you’ll need to utilize a different provider for that service.

2.3.5. Who should use it

Loyverse POS is good for businesses focusing on establishing great customer loyalty.

2.3.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ Multiple payment gateways ✅ Free features for loyalty programs ✅ No transaction or monthly subscription fees
Cons	❌ No integrated payment processing  ❌ Integrations available for an extra fee

2.4. Lightspeed POS

2.4.1. Overview

Lightspeed POS, founded in 2005, is often praised as the best POS system for restaurants, retail stores, and salons. Its main advantage is inventory management.

With a single integrated platform, businesses can manage in-store and online sales and track stock levels in real time. This best tablet POS system’s new updates include enhanced e-commerce connectors, more sophisticated customer search capabilities, and improved shipping data synchronization with Lightspeed’s accounting software.  

However, because Lightspeed doesn’t have a free membership tier, its cost could be prohibitive for extremely tiny or recently formed firms. Additionally, several users have mentioned that there may be more UI customization options to meet their unique requirements.

2.4.2. Key features  

• Advanced inventory management that tracks stock levels in real-time and automatically adjusts them at various locations.
• Comprehensive reports that can be customized and exported for additional study provide comprehensive insights into sales, inventory, and customer behavior.
• Constructing thorough consumer profiles, tracking past purchases, and providing tailored marketing efforts are tools to improve client happiness and retention.
• Role-based access control, employee performance tracking, and instructional tools can enhance staff efficiency and security. 

2.4.3. Cost/fee  

• Lightspeed POS has 4 pricing editions, with the cheapest starting at $69/month. 
• Transaction costs start at 2.6% + $0.10 per In-person transaction or 2.6% + $0.30 per Keyed-in transaction.
• Here’s a summary of Lightspeed POS’s main hardware prices below:
  • Barcode scanners: $259
  • Receipt printers: $499
  • Cash drawers: $169
  • Black iPad Stand: $259
  • Smart Terminal with Printer: $529

2.4.4. Why we pick it 

Lightspeed’s inventory control system is notable. It offers easy management of product variants, automatic restocking, and real-time tracking.

Retailers who manage huge and diversified supplies across several locations need this degree of control and precision can opt for this best tablet point of sale system.

2.4.5. Who should use it

Lightspeed is good for businesses requiring advanced inventory management.

2.4.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ Outstanding tools for inventory management ✅ Powerful reporting tools ✅ Multi-location supports ✅ Custom sales workflows
Cons	❌ High fees ❌ Limited support to Android users

2.5. Square POS

2.5.1. Overview

With Square’s complete Point of Sale solution, tracking sales, managing inventory, and accepting consumer payments are all simple. Professional hardware and user-friendly software are included, so you can begin selling immediately.

If you own one, you may download Square’s point-of-sale (POS) software and begin making payments on your tablet or iPad. A free credit card reader to affix to your gadget is also available.

Besides, Square POS allows you to have a single hub to manage every element of your business effectively and provide quick and simple access to all the necessary data you want.

2.5.2. Key features  

• An add-on stand that transforms a tablet into a useful register (with an inbuilt card reader).
• A kitchen display system that allows orders to be tracked, managed, and completed from several sources on a single screen.
• Online appointment scheduling allows buyers to see available times.
• Software for self-checkout (users may purchase and pay online by scanning the QR code).

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
  • iPad stand (second gen) with built-in card reader: $149
  • Square stand kit: $579
  • Countertop POS Kit for Square Reader: $779
  • Square register kit: $1,269

2.5.4. Why we pick it 

The Square POS system is often regarded as an all-around option. The software is intuitive, user-friendly, and simple to set up. You may also pick which hardware to utilize and which features to activate, giving you many customization options. Additionally, because it’s so popular, many services are accessible to you in case you ever need assistance or support.

Thanks to its free website builder and card reader, this best tablet point of sale system provides reasonable solutions for companies looking to establish an online presence and accept credit card payments online, in person, or remotely.

2.5.5. Who should use it

Square POS is good for all businesses as it stands out as an all-around solution.

2.5.6. Pros & Cons

Pros	✅ Easy to set up and use ✅ Free software and card readers ✅ Strong inventory management features
Cons	❌ Unreasonable transaction fees ❌ Unexpected account terminations can cause irritation

3. Conclusion

Selecting the best tablet POS system is crucial for streamlining business operations and improving customer interactions. When every system is strong in its own right, Square excels at performing as a whole.

The choice of a tablet POS system needs to be guided by particular business requirements, operational settings, and expansion strategies. Whether running a busy restaurant, retail store, food truck, or little café, having the best tablet POS system may revolutionize operations, boost client happiness, and propel business growth.

Overall, we hope that our eComStart blog can help you to make informed decisions that will transform your business. Good luck!

4. FAQs