Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Provides a comprehensive mobile POS system for accepting card and contactless payments on smartphones or tablets with inventory and sales tracking.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Offers seamless mobile point-of-sale integration with e-commerce stores for in-person sales, inventory sync, and customer management on iPad or Android.
- 3#3: Clover - Delivers customizable mobile POS hardware and software for payments, loyalty programs, and business management on Android devices.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Retail - Powers mobile POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration on iPad and Android tablets.
- 5#5: Toast - Specializes in mobile POS for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and payment processing on handheld Android devices.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Provides cloud-based iPad POS software for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, inventory, and employee management features.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - Offers iPad-centric mobile POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan tools, menu management, and integrated payments.
- 8#8: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty programs on smartphones and tablets.
- 9#9: PayPal Zettle - Compact mobile POS reader and app for quick card payments, invoicing, and basic sales reporting on iOS and Android.
- 10#10: SumUp - Affordable mobile card reader and POS app for solo entrepreneurs handling payments and receipts on smartphones.
These tools were carefully ranked by evaluating key factors such as feature versatility, reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across industries and business sizes.
Comparison Table
Mobile point-of-sale software streamlines transactions for businesses of all sizes. Our comparison table highlights leading tools like Square, Shopify POS, Clover, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, and more, helping readers identify features, pricing, and unique strengths to find their ideal fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Provides a comprehensive mobile POS system for accepting card and contactless payments on smartphones or tablets with inventory and sales tracking. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Offers seamless mobile point-of-sale integration with e-commerce stores for in-person sales, inventory sync, and customer management on iPad or Android. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Clover Delivers customizable mobile POS hardware and software for payments, loyalty programs, and business management on Android devices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Retail Powers mobile POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration on iPad and Android tablets. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Toast Specializes in mobile POS for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and payment processing on handheld Android devices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Provides cloud-based iPad POS software for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, inventory, and employee management features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro Offers iPad-centric mobile POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan tools, menu management, and integrated payments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty programs on smartphones and tablets. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | PayPal Zettle Compact mobile POS reader and app for quick card payments, invoicing, and basic sales reporting on iOS and Android. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | SumUp Affordable mobile card reader and POS app for solo entrepreneurs handling payments and receipts on smartphones. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
Provides a comprehensive mobile POS system for accepting card and contactless payments on smartphones or tablets with inventory and sales tracking.
Offers seamless mobile point-of-sale integration with e-commerce stores for in-person sales, inventory sync, and customer management on iPad or Android.
Delivers customizable mobile POS hardware and software for payments, loyalty programs, and business management on Android devices.
Powers mobile POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration on iPad and Android tablets.
Specializes in mobile POS for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and payment processing on handheld Android devices.
Provides cloud-based iPad POS software for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, inventory, and employee management features.
Offers iPad-centric mobile POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan tools, menu management, and integrated payments.
Free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty programs on smartphones and tablets.
Compact mobile POS reader and app for quick card payments, invoicing, and basic sales reporting on iOS and Android.
Affordable mobile card reader and POS app for solo entrepreneurs handling payments and receipts on smartphones.
Square
enterpriseProvides a comprehensive mobile POS system for accepting card and contactless payments on smartphones or tablets with inventory and sales tracking.
Free, fully-featured mobile app that enables instant POS setup on any iOS or Android device with offline capabilities.
Square is a leading mobile POS software solution that turns smartphones and tablets into full-featured point-of-sale systems for accepting card payments, managing sales, and tracking inventory on the go. It provides a free app with optional hardware like the compact Square Reader for contactless, chip, and swipe transactions. The platform supports offline processing, real-time analytics, e-commerce integration, and tools for appointments and payroll, making it ideal for mobile businesses.
Pros
- Free POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Intuitive mobile app that works offline and syncs automatically
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and delivery apps
Cons
- Transaction fees of 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person payments can add up for high-volume sellers
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for enterprise-scale operations
- Customer support primarily self-service with email/chat options
Best For
Small to medium businesses like food trucks, markets, pop-ups, and service pros needing a simple, portable POS without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free software and basic reader ($0-$59); pay-per-use transaction fees: 2.6% + 10¢ (contactless/chip), 3.5% + 15¢ (manual/keyed), with premium hardware and plans from $29/month.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOffers seamless mobile point-of-sale integration with e-commerce stores for in-person sales, inventory sync, and customer management on iPad or Android.
Real-time omnichannel synchronization between online and in-person sales, preventing overselling and unifying customer experiences.
Shopify POS is a versatile mobile point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with the Shopify e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to process in-person sales on iOS and Android devices. It provides real-time synchronization of inventory, customer data, and orders between online and physical stores, supporting omnichannel retail operations. Key functionalities include customizable checkouts, support for various payment processors, and compatibility with hardware like card readers and receipt printers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and sales tracking
- Flexible mobile app supporting iOS and Android with offline capabilities
- Robust analytics and reporting across all sales channels
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, limiting standalone use
- Additional costs for POS Pro features and hardware accessories
- Customization options can feel limited without developer help
Best For
E-commerce merchants using Shopify who need a reliable mobile POS for pop-ups, markets, or physical stores with omnichannel sync.
Pricing
Included in Shopify plans starting at $29/month (Basic); POS Pro add-on at $89 per location/month; transaction fees apply (2.4-2.9% + 30¢ online, lower in-person).
Clover
enterpriseDelivers customizable mobile POS hardware and software for payments, loyalty programs, and business management on Android devices.
Expansive App Market enabling thousands of third-party integrations for unique business needs
Clover is a versatile mobile POS system from Fiserv that combines hardware like the portable Clover Go reader and tablet-based stations with cloud-based software for payments, inventory, and sales management. It excels in mobile scenarios for retail, restaurants, and services with features like offline mode, contactless payments, and real-time reporting. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization, making it scalable for pop-ups to established businesses.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with 500+ integrations for tailored functionality
- Reliable mobile hardware options including compact Clover Go for on-the-go use
- Strong built-in tools for inventory, loyalty, and multi-location management
Cons
- Hardware and subscription costs can add up quickly for small operations
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
- Full features require stable internet, with limited offline capabilities
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, food service, or events needing flexible, customizable mobile POS with growth potential.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $49 for Clover Go; software plans from $14.95/mo per device (Register Lite to full plans); processing at 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Lightspeed Retail
enterprisePowers mobile POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration on iPad and Android tablets.
Omnichannel retail management that unifies inventory, sales, and customer data across physical stores, mobile POS, and online channels.
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing comprehensive inventory management, customer tracking, and sales processing across multiple channels. Its mobile POS app supports iOS and Android devices, enabling transactions on the go for pop-up shops, markets, or mobile vendors. The platform integrates e-commerce, offers real-time analytics, and supports multi-location operations for scalable retail needs.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time syncing across locations
- Seamless e-commerce integrations for omnichannel selling
- Reliable mobile app with offline mode capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers that add up for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Additional fees for hardware and some integrations
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses seeking integrated online and in-store sales with strong inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Lite), $109/month (Standard), $199/month (Advanced); annual billing discounts available, plus transaction fees and hardware costs.
Toast
enterpriseSpecializes in mobile POS for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and payment processing on handheld Android devices.
Toast Flex handheld for untethered, real-time order management and payments from any table
Toast is a cloud-based POS platform designed primarily for restaurants, offering powerful mobile POS capabilities via handheld devices and tablets for efficient floor service. It enables servers to take orders, process payments, and manage tables directly from the dining area, integrating seamlessly with kitchen displays and online ordering. The system also includes comprehensive back-office tools for inventory management, reporting, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like kitchen display system and online ordering integration
- Reliable mobile handhelds for fast table-side service
- Excellent reporting and analytics for operational insights
Cons
- Higher pricing with long-term contracts
- Limited flexibility outside restaurant environments
- Hardware ecosystem can increase upfront costs
Best For
Full-service and quick-service restaurants seeking an integrated mobile POS for high-volume table service.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$165/month per location plus hardware (~$500+ per device) and 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseProvides cloud-based iPad POS software for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, inventory, and employee management features.
Advanced real-time analytics and customizable reporting dashboard for data-driven business insights
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and bars, enabling mobile order processing, payments, and inventory management from any Apple device. It offers robust features like real-time reporting, employee management, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems for streamlined operations. The system supports multi-location setups and integrates with over 100 third-party apps, including accounting software like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set for hospitality with strong inventory and reporting tools
- Seamless cloud syncing and multi-location management
- Extensive integrations with popular business apps
Cons
- High subscription and hardware costs add up quickly
- Primarily optimized for iOS devices, limiting Android flexibility
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak issues
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail stores seeking a scalable, feature-rich mobile POS with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Core plan; higher tiers up to $249/month; plus 2.3% + $0.10 processing, hardware from $500+.
TouchBistro
enterpriseOffers iPad-centric mobile POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan tools, menu management, and integrated payments.
Interactive floor plan and table management for visual service optimization
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, leveraging iPad hardware for mobile order taking, payments, and table management. It provides comprehensive tools including inventory tracking, staff scheduling, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting to streamline full-service operations. With offline functionality and integrations for kitchen displays and third-party apps, it's built to handle the unique demands of foodservice environments.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like advanced table mapping and multi-course ordering
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Robust integrations with accounting, payroll, and delivery apps
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware with no Android support
- Pricing can be steep for smaller operations
- Occasional complaints about customer support response times
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes needing specialized hospitality tools and table management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per license for Starter plan, up to $165/month for Pro; additional costs for hardware, processing fees (2.9% + 30¢), and add-ons.
Loyverse
specializedFree mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty programs on smartphones and tablets.
Fully functional free plan with offline sync and unlimited users/items
Loyverse is a cloud-based mobile POS system tailored for small businesses, enabling sales processing, inventory tracking, customer management, and employee scheduling through intuitive iOS and Android apps. It supports offline transactions that sync automatically when connectivity is restored, making it reliable for mobile vendors. The platform offers additional modules for analytics, loyalty programs, and multi-store support via affordable add-ons.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with unlimited items and users
- Offline mode for reliable mobile use
- Quick setup and intuitive mobile interface
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations require paid add-ons
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support primarily via tickets and email
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, food trucks, and market vendors seeking a free, mobile-first POS for basic operations.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core POS; add-ons like Back Office ($5/location/month), Hardware Server ($10-25/month), and Restaurant module ($5-15/month).
PayPal Zettle
specializedCompact mobile POS reader and app for quick card payments, invoicing, and basic sales reporting on iOS and Android.
Deep integration with PayPal accounts for real-time payouts, balance viewing, and easy money movement without additional banking setup
PayPal Zettle is a mobile POS system that pairs a compact Bluetooth card reader with a user-friendly app on iOS or Android devices, enabling businesses to accept chip, swipe, contactless, and mobile wallet payments anywhere. It includes tools for inventory management, sales reporting, customer tracking, and invoicing, making it suitable for small-scale operations. Acquired by PayPal, it leverages the ecosystem for seamless fund transfers and multi-location support.
Pros
- Highly portable hardware with long battery life and quick setup
- No monthly subscription fees, only pay-per-transaction
- Seamless integration with PayPal for instant fund access and transfers
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory and analytics compared to full POS systems
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues reported by users
Best For
Small businesses, market vendors, food trucks, and pop-up shops seeking a simple, affordable mobile payment solution without ongoing costs.
Pricing
No monthly fees; in-person transaction fees start at 1.4% + fixed fee (varies by region/volume, e.g., 1.75% in EU/US markets); card reader free with qualifying volume or ~$29-$49 upfront.
SumUp
specializedAffordable mobile card reader and POS app for solo entrepreneurs handling payments and receipts on smartphones.
Ultra-compact Bluetooth card reader weighing just 50g for maximum portability
SumUp is a mobile POS solution that transforms smartphones and tablets into compact payment terminals via its Bluetooth-enabled card readers. It supports contactless payments, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and invoicing, with basic reporting accessible through its intuitive app. Designed for small businesses, it emphasizes portability and simplicity without requiring contracts or monthly subscriptions.
Pros
- No monthly fees or contracts, only pay-per-transaction
- Highly portable card reader for on-the-go sales
- Quick setup and user-friendly mobile app
Cons
- Limited advanced features like inventory management or employee tracking
- Transaction fees can be higher for premium cards (up to 2.5%)
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small businesses, sole traders, market vendors, and mobile service providers needing a simple, affordable payment acceptor.
Pricing
No monthly fees; 1.69% per transaction for most cards (1.49% for Tap to Pay), volume discounts available.
Conclusion
The reviewed mobile POS tools each bring unique strengths, but Square leads as the top choice, offering a comprehensive package for payments, inventory, and tracking. Shopify POS excels with seamless e-commerce integration, while Clover stands out for customizable hardware and business management features—making the top three strong options tailored to different needs.
Don’t miss the chance to enhance your business operations: Square’s all-in-one solution is a standout, so start exploring its features today to simplify payments, track sales, and grow efficiently.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison