Looking for the most suitable POS cash register for small businesses in the US? Check out our article to see the best options in 2024!
Introduction
A reliable and efficient cash register is necessary for running businesses, especially retail and hospitality. With modern technology, cash registers have been transformed into great point-of-sale systems, helping to streamline transactions and improve business operations. They act as exceptional companions to your business.
This article will show you the top 8 best POS cash registers for small businesses in the US. It will also let you know how to choose the most ideal one. Ready to explore it? Scroll down now!
Table of Contents
8 Best POS Cash Register for Small Businesses in the US
Square
Square is an iPad-like POS system that is both modern and sleek. It has an intuitive design with a large touchscreen interface, making it very simple to use. It will enhance the customer experience with an optional customer-facing card reader and display, which can be attached to the mount or placed separately.
The system supports diverse payment methods, including credit, debit, contactless, chip payments, cash, and gift cards. In addition, you can create and send invoices directly from Square’s software. It also has an offline mode, so you won’t need to worry even if your internet drops.
Square is highly user-friendly, so adding items, processing payments, and handling refunds is easy. We recommend it as a comprehensive POS solution for small businesses, as it provides a complete suite of sales, payment, inventory, and business management tools.
Pros:
- Set up within a few minutes
- An affordable, comprehensive system
- User-friendly and easy to use
- Convenient payment and invoice support features
Cons:
- Need to purchase cash drawer separately
- It doesn’t support dual cash drawers on a single register
Pricing:
- Hardware cost: $799 with no setup fee
- No monthly fee
- Processing fee: 2.6% + 10 cents
Toast
If you are running a business in the restaurant industry, Toast is a great option for you. Toast is an Android-based POS system trusted by 112,000 restaurants. It features a cloud-based platform that provides extensive hardware options. They include all-in-one countertop kits with POS terminals, payment devices, and additional accessories like cash drawers. The cloud-based infrastructure ensures data security and accessibility, even allowing offline payment processing.
As it’s specifically designed for restaurants, Toast provides many features tailored to food service. It offers custom menu creation, tableside ordering with handheld devices, and detailed sales, labor, and inventory reporting. The software also supports restaurant managers with detailed operational control, with standout elements like touch-screen operation or built-in payment processing, making it a suitable choice among cash registers.
Pros:
- Live 24/7 customer service
- Restaurant-supporting order screens
- Google online ordering integration
- Unlimited employee log-ins
Cons:
- It doesn’t work on iOS devices
Pricing:
- Hardware cost and setup fee: Varies, depending on the packages
- Monthly fee: Start at $69/month
- Processing fee: Varies, depending on transaction sizes
Lightspeed
Lightspeed is an exceptional choice for multi-location businesses needing networked or cloud-based systems. The software provides robust inventory management and purchase ordering tools.
The system integrates in-store and online sales, allowing users to set up multiple registers connected through centralized software. With its real-time inventory tracking, purchasing management, and staff oversight across multiple locations, it simplifies your total business operation. Lightspeed operates on iPads or desktops and offers specialized software for retailers and restaurants.
Pros:
- Excellent inventory system
- A free onboarding session and 24/7 support
- Great integration capabilities
- Useful for businesses with many places
Cons:
- Require a deep learning curve
- Hardware pricing is not published
Pricing:
- Lightspeed Retail starts at $89
- Lightspeed Restaurant starts at $69
- Hardware cost: Quote-based
- Processing fees: 2.6% + 10 cents for card present; 2.9% + 30 cents for keyed-in
TouchBistro
Another POS cash register for food service businesses is TouchBistro. The software operates on iPads, providing a user-friendly platform with great features like menu management, customer relationship management, and detailed reporting.
TouchBistro’s hybrid deployment system combines cloud-based and local network functionalities, ensuring stability even without a strong internet connection. Its table management and customizable floor plans enhance operational efficiency by allowing staff to manage seating and table status in real time.
The software also excels in inventory management, providing real-time tracking and notifications for low stock levels. This helps to reduce waste and optimize order fulfillment. Its integrated payment solution allows various payment methods, including cash, card, and mobile payments.
Pros:
- An easy-to-use system
- Strong inventory tracking features
- Offer comprehensive restaurant-fit tools
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Cons:
- Printers and cash drawers are not built-in
Pricing:
- Monthly fee: Start at $69/month
- Hardware cost: Quote-based
- Processing fees: Quote-based
Clover
Clover is also favored among small to mid-sized businesses, especially in the retail and restaurant sectors. Clover provides many features and hardware options focusing on optimizing payment processing, sales, and inventory management. Businesses appreciate its intuitive interface, which allows them to set up and operate it easily.
Clover supports various payment methods, including chip cards, credit card swipes, Apple Pay, and contactless payments. It can also integrate with many software and services, such as accounting and inventory management tools, to further streamline business processes.
Pros:
- A user-friendly platform
- A wide range of hardware options
- Accept various payment methods
- Strong integrations with other apps and services
Cons:
- Long contracts and tricky pricing
- Customer support is inconsistent
Pricing:
- Monthly fee: Varies, depending on your business and packages
- Hardware cost: Varies, depending on your business and packages
- Processing fees: from 2.3% + 10 cents to 3.5% + 10 cents
SumUp POS
SumUp POS is an all-in-one POS system designed to streamline business operations. It enables servers to make orders, process payments, and access advanced features like reporting and stock control from a centralized location. Its hardware setup is customizable, meaning businesses can select only the necessary devices.Â
SumUp POS caters to a wide range of businesses. Quick-service restaurants benefit from fast menu changes to boost sales, while hair salons can leverage online booking and scheduling tools to enhance customer experience.
Pros:
- Free and easy onboarding
- Suitable for a broad range of businesses
- User-friendly interface
- Support various payment methods
Cons:
- It lacks an offline mode
Pricing:
- Hardware cost and monthly fee: Start at $99/month
- Processing fees: from 2.6% + 10 cents to 3.5% + 15 cents
POS Nation
Another highly-rated POS cash register is POS Nation. It serves over 10,000 customers across various industries. POS Nation has custom-built kits that enable businesses to select the precise combination of tools they need without unnecessary expenses. Its hardware options are extensive with many accessories.
Their top-of-the-line POS software integrates seamlessly with chosen hardware, enhancing the overall efficiency and functionality. POS Nation is appreciated for ease of use, scoring 4.5/5 on Capterra. It also provides comprehensive support resources, including in-person training, a robust support system, and an extensive library of learning materials for staff training.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Responsive and helpful customer support
- Many customization and integration options
- Comprehensive reporting
Cons:
- Limited cloud backup in standard packages
Pricing:
- Monthly fee: Starting at $69
- Hardware cost: $999
- Processing fees: 2-2.5%
eHopper
eHopper provides a comprehensive POS system designed to meet the needs of retail stores and restaurants. It includes a touchscreen monitor, a computer for running the POS software, a customer display, and a built-in receipt printer. Its interface is simple and intuitive, so users can easily navigate and manage.
Retailers and restaurants find eHopper’s system very useful because it handles everything from inventory to customer relationships. Even though the hardware and extra equipment can be expensive, eHopper’s many features make it a strong choice in the POS market.
Pros:
- Offer a free plan
- Work well for many types of businesses
- Accessible on multiple devices
- User-friendly and supports multiple payment options
Cons:
- The cash register, barcode scanner, and payment terminal are sold separately
Pricing:
- Monthly fee: Start at $10; Free plan available
- Hardware cost: Varies
- Processing fees: 2.5% +10 cents
What to consider when choosing POS Cash Register for your business
Essential features
The first thing you should look into when picking POS cash registers is features. You may identify the features you need first, then check if the system can accommodate your demands.
You should opt for the ones with inventory management, sales tracking, and reporting capabilities. Depending on your business, some advanced features like customer relationship management, employee management, and integration with accounting software can be further needed. You may also consider whether the POS systems provide mobile compatibility or if they allow different payment methods. These factors will help you enhance your business operations and efficiency.
Price
Cost is always an important matter, especially for small businesses. Cash registers’ prices can range from $0 at basic free versions to thousands of dollars. When considering, try to keep a balance between affordability and functionality.
In addition, you should consider both upfront costs and ongoing expenses to avoid unnecessary spending. They can be hardware purchases, software licensing fees, transaction processing fees, and maintenance contracts. Evaluate all of them under the system’s value proposition.
Scalability
Don’t forget to think about the growth of your business when choosing a cash register. If your business expands, the chosen system must accommodate its needs. Scalable systems might include cloud-based setups, modular hardware, and flexible pricing to fit your changing demands.
Ease of use
Most POS cash registers don’t require a high learning curve, but some are more user-friendly than others. Choosing an easy-to-use machine will help you minimize errors and improve efficiency, especially when you are looking for advanced models. Prioritize a system with a user-friendly interface, clear navigation menus, intuitive buttons, and customizable layouts. Features like touchscreen functionality and shortcut keys can make it easier to use and reduce training time for employees.
Technical support
Last but not least, you need to check the vendor’s technical support and maintenance services. Reliable technical support will help you resolve issues quickly and minimize downtime. When considering, look at the vendor’s customer support options. It would be great if they could provide 24/7 support and multiple contact channels such as phone, email, and chat.
Also, assess their available training resources like tutorials or user manuals. Good technical support enables you to keep your business running smoothly. Look for cash register providers with a reputation for excellent customer service and timely issue resolution.
Wrap Up
There are various options for POS cash registers for small businesses in the US. When it comes to choosing a proper one for your business, take time and consider carefully based on features, price, scalability, ease of use, and technical support.
The top 8 POS cash registers listed above can serve a wide range of businesses. Their exceptional features will help you streamline your business operations and improve efficiency. Let’s try if you find one suitable!