Best POS Systems for Coffee Shops and Cafes 2025
Last Updated: January 2025
Running a coffee shop requires speed, efficiency, and the right technology to keep up with the morning rush. The best POS system for your cafe can mean the difference between long lines of frustrated customers and a smooth-running operation that turns first-time visitors into loyal regulars.
We have tested and researched the leading POS systems specifically for coffee shop and cafe environments. From handling complex drink modifiers to managing tip distribution and loyalty programs, we have evaluated each platform based on what matters most to cafe owners in 2025.
Quick Picks: Best Coffee Shop POS Systems at a Glance
| POS System | Best For | Starting Price | Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square for Restaurants | Best Overall for Coffee Shops | Free ($0/mo) | 2.6% + $0.15 |
| Toast | Best for Growing/Multi-Location Cafes | Free starter; $69/mo | 2.49% + $0.15 |
| Lightspeed Restaurant | Best for Full Menu Management | $69/mo | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| Clover | Best Hardware Options | $14.95/mo | 2.3% + $0.10 |
| Shopify POS | Best for Cafes Selling Retail | $29/mo | 2.7% + $0.10 |
| TouchBistro | Best for Table Service Cafes | $69/mo | Varies |
| Loyverse | Best Free Option | Free ($0/mo) | Varies by processor |
What Coffee Shops Need in a POS System
Before diving into individual reviews, let us outline the essential features every coffee shop should look for in a POS system:
Must-Have Features for Coffee Shops
- Quick Order Entry: Fast transaction processing for high-volume rush periods
- Drink Modifiers: Easy customization for milk alternatives, sizes, extra shots, and specialty requests
- Tip Management: Flexible tip options including percentages and custom amounts
- Loyalty Programs: Built-in or integrated rewards to encourage repeat visits
- Inventory Tracking: Track perishables like milk, coffee beans, and pastries
- Mobile Ordering: Enable customers to order ahead for faster pickup
- Kitchen Display System: Send orders to baristas efficiently
- Employee Management: Clock-in/out, tip distribution, and scheduling
- Reporting: Sales by time period, popular items, and peak hour analysis
- Offline Mode: Continue accepting payments during internet outages
Nice-to-Have Features
- Delivery app integrations (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
- Self-service kiosk capabilities
- Customer-facing display
- Gift card programs
- Marketing automation
1. Square for Restaurants – Best Overall for Coffee Shops
Starting Price: Free ($0/month) | Processing: 2.6% + $0.15
Square for Restaurants has earned the top spot for coffee shops thanks to its unbeatable combination of zero monthly fees, comprehensive features, and ease of use. It is the go-to choice for small to medium-sized cafes that want professional-grade tools without the premium price tag.
Why Square Works for Coffee Shops
Square’s free plan includes everything a coffee shop needs to get started: menu management, order tracking, basic reporting, and integrated payment processing. The interface is designed for speed, allowing baristas to ring up complex drink orders quickly during the morning rush.
In 2025, Square added AI-powered insights and smart kitchen display systems (KDS) that help cafes predict demand and manage prep more efficiently. Real-time inventory sync means you will never run out of oat milk unexpectedly during peak hours.
Key Features
- Free POS Software: No monthly fees on the free plan
- Item Library: Pre-built templates for coffee drinks with easy modifiers
- Square Loyalty: Points-based rewards starting at $45/month
- Online Ordering: Free online ordering page for pickup orders
- Self-Kiosk Mode: Convert an iPad to a self-service kiosk
- Team Management: Clock-in/out, permissions, and tip reporting
- Kitchen Display System: Available on Plus plan ($69/month)
- Delivery Integration: Connect with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Basic POS, menu management, reporting, online ordering |
| Plus | $69/month/location | KDS, seat management, reopen closed checks, advanced reporting |
| Premium | $165/month/location | Custom pricing, dedicated support, advanced features |
Hardware Options
- Square Reader: $49
- Square Stand (iPad): $149 or $14/month
- Square Terminal: $299 or $27/month
- Square Register: $799 or $39/month
Pros
- Free to start with no monthly fees
- Intuitive interface perfect for fast-paced environments
- Excellent hardware options at various price points
- Strong loyalty program integration
- No contracts or cancellation fees
- 24/7 customer support on paid plans
Cons
- KDS requires paid plan ($69/month)
- Loyalty program is an additional $45/month
- Processing fees can add up for high-volume locations
- Limited customization compared to enterprise solutions
Best For: Independent coffee shops, small cafes, new businesses, and any cafe that wants to start with minimal upfront investment.
2. Toast – Best for Growing and Multi-Location Cafes
Starting Price: Free starter kit; $69/month | Processing: 2.49% + $0.15
Toast is an industry-leading restaurant POS that has become increasingly popular with coffee shops and bakeries. Built specifically for food service, Toast offers robust features that scale well as your cafe grows from one location to many.
Why Toast Works for Coffee Shops
Toast’s biggest advantage is its commission-free online ordering system, which is particularly valuable for cafes that rely heavily on mobile orders. The Mobile Order and Pay feature lets customers order from their phones while sitting in your cafe, reducing counter congestion.
The platform excels at handling multi-location operations with centralized menu management, employee scheduling, and consolidated reporting across all your cafes.
Key Features
- Commission-Free Online Ordering: Keep 100% of online order revenue
- Mobile Order and Pay: Customers order from their phones
- Toast Go Handheld: Portable device for line-busting
- Kitchen Display System: Real-time order routing to baristas
- Curbside Pickup: Built-in curbside and pickup management
- Loyalty and Gift Cards: Integrated rewards program
- Multi-Location Management: Centralized control across locations
- Employee Scheduling: Built-in staff management tools
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit | $0/month | Basic POS, cloud-based reporting, payment processing |
| Point of Sale | $69/month | Full POS features, menu management, reporting |
| Build Your Own | Custom pricing | Online ordering, loyalty, advanced features |
Hardware
- Toast Flex terminal: Starting at $799
- Toast Go 2 handheld: Starting at $409
- Toast Tap reader: Starting at $89
- Kitchen Display System: Custom pricing
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering saves money
- Purpose-built for food service industry
- Excellent multi-location management
- Reliable, restaurant-grade hardware
- Strong inventory and recipe costing tools
- Free starter kit available
Cons
- Must use Toast’s proprietary hardware
- Two-year contract required for some plans
- Add-on features increase costs quickly
- Higher hardware costs than Square
Best For: Growing cafes, multi-location coffee chains, and bakery-cafes that need robust online ordering and scalability.
3. Lightspeed Restaurant – Best for Full Menu Management
Starting Price: $69/month | Processing: 2.6% + $0.10
Lightspeed Restaurant is ideal for upscale coffee shops and cafes with extensive food menus. The platform excels at complex menu management, making it perfect for cafes that serve breakfast, lunch, and specialty drinks with numerous customization options.
Why Lightspeed Works for Coffee Shops
Lightspeed’s customizable interface allows you to organize your menu exactly how your baristas work. You can create quick-access buttons for popular drinks, organize modifiers by category, and build combo deals with ease.
The platform also offers flexibility in payment processing, unlike Square and Toast, you can shop around for the best rates from different processors while still using Lightspeed’s software.
Key Features
- Advanced Menu Builder: Complex modifiers, combos, and forced selections
- Customizable Interface: Design workflows that match how you operate
- Floor Plan Management: For cafes with seating areas
- Ingredient-Level Inventory: Track coffee beans, milk, and perishables
- Built-in Loyalty: Points program included on higher plans
- Delivery Integration: Connect major delivery platforms
- Payment Flexibility: Choose your own payment processor
- Advanced Reporting: Detailed analytics and performance tracking
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $69/month | Core POS, menu management, basic reporting |
| Plus | $189/month | Advanced inventory, table management, marketing |
| Pro | $399/month | Multiple locations, advanced analytics, API access |
Additional registers: +$59/month per register
Pros
- Highly customizable menu and interface
- Choice of payment processors
- Excellent for complex menus with many modifiers
- Strong built-in loyalty and marketing features
- Advanced inventory tracking for perishables
- Good reporting and analytics
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited hardware options
- Some users report occasional performance issues
Best For: Upscale cafes, coffee shops with extensive food menus, and locations needing advanced inventory management for multiple product types (roasts, pastries, merchandise).
4. Clover – Best Hardware Options
Starting Price: $14.95/month | Processing: 2.3% + $0.10
Clover stands out with its impressive range of hardware options, from compact handheld devices perfect for line-busting to full countertop stations. The system is particularly well-suited for coffee shops that want flexible, high-quality hardware with reliable payment processing.
Why Clover Works for Coffee Shops
Clover’s hardware is built for speed and durability in high-traffic environments. The Clover Flex is particularly popular with coffee shops, offering a portable device with built-in receipt printer that baristas can use for pay-at-the-table or line-busting during rush periods.
For coffee shops handling around 200 daily transactions, Clover’s tip management and employee tracking features help clarify earnings and simplify payroll.
Key Features
- Versatile Hardware: Multiple devices for different needs
- Fast Payment Processing: Quick transactions for high-volume periods
- Tip Management: Flexible tipping options and reporting
- Employee Tracking: Clock-in/out and performance monitoring
- Customer Engagement: Loyalty, gift cards, and marketing tools
- App Marketplace: Extend functionality with third-party apps
- Offline Mode: Continue processing during outages
- Detailed Reporting: Sales, inventory, and employee reports
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $14.95/month | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| Standard | $49.95/month | 2.3% + $0.10 |
| Advanced | $69.95/month | 2.3% + $0.10 |
Hardware Options
- Clover Go (mobile reader): $49
- Clover Flex (handheld): Starting at $599
- Clover Mini (compact station): Starting at $799
- Clover Station Duo: Starting at $1,799
Pros
- Excellent, durable hardware options
- Lower processing fees on Standard/Advanced plans
- 90-day free trial available
- Strong app marketplace
- Good tip management features
- Reliable offline mode
Cons
- Must use Clover’s proprietary hardware
- Some plans require three-year contracts
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Early termination fees may apply
Best For: Coffee shops wanting premium hardware, high-volume locations needing reliable equipment, and cafes that prioritize durability and speed.
5. Shopify POS – Best for Cafes Selling Retail Products
Starting Price: $29/month | Processing: 2.7% + $0.10
Shopify POS is the ideal choice for coffee shops that sell more than just drinks. If you retail coffee beans, merchandise, brewing equipment, or other products alongside your cafe operations, Shopify’s seamless integration between in-store and online sales makes inventory management effortless.
Why Shopify Works for Coffee Shops
Shopify’s biggest strength is its omnichannel capability. Sell a bag of coffee beans in your shop, and your online inventory updates instantly. Customers can browse your products online and pick them up in-store. This unified approach is perfect for coffee roasters and cafes with significant retail operations.
Key Features
- Unified Inventory: Sync stock between in-store and online automatically
- E-commerce Integration: World-class online store included
- Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store: Convenient for customers
- Product Variants: Manage sizes, roasts, and flavors easily
- Customer Profiles: Track purchases across all channels
- Marketing Tools: Email marketing and social selling
- Staff Management: Permissions and performance tracking
- App Ecosystem: 16,000+ apps for extended functionality
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | In-Person Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Shopify | $29/month | 2.7% + $0.10 |
| Shopify | $79/month | 2.5% + $0.10 |
| Advanced Shopify | $299/month | 2.4% + $0.10 |
POS Pro: +$89/month per location for advanced retail features
Pros
- Best-in-class omnichannel retail integration
- Excellent online store capabilities
- Huge app ecosystem for extended features
- Strong inventory management across locations
- No contracts or cancellation fees
- Great for building a brand beyond the cafe
Cons
- Lacks restaurant-specific features (no KDS, table management)
- Monthly fees regardless of sales volume
- Better suited for retail than pure cafe operations
- POS Pro adds significant cost for advanced features
Best For: Coffee roasters with retail operations, cafes selling merchandise and equipment, and any coffee shop with a significant online sales presence.
6. TouchBistro – Best for Cafes with Table Service
Starting Price: $69/month | Processing: Varies by processor
TouchBistro is a hybrid POS system that combines the benefits of local server-based processing with cloud data storage. It is particularly well-suited for cafes that offer table service and need more than just a counter-service POS.
Why TouchBistro Works for Coffee Shops
TouchBistro’s easy modifiers system is ideal for coffee shop operations where customers have specific requests like no foam, extra hot, or oat milk. Staff can add custom modifiers on the fly or use pre-configured common options.
The iPad-based system makes efficient use of limited counter space, and mobile functionality allows staff to take orders away from the counter during busy periods or for patio service.
Key Features
- Easy Modifiers: Perfect for complex drink customizations
- Hybrid System: Local processing with cloud backup
- iPad-Based: Compact footprint for small counters
- Table Management: For cafes with seating service
- 50+ Reports: Comprehensive analytics
- Customer Records: Track preferences and order history
- TouchBistro Loyalty: Points-based rewards ($99/month add-on)
- Ingredient-Level Inventory: Track perishable supplies
- Offline Capability: Runs on local server during outages
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | $69/month | Single terminal operations |
| Dual | $129/month | Two terminals |
| Team | $249/month | Growing operations, multiple staff |
| Unlimited | Custom pricing | Enterprise/multi-location |
Add-Ons
- Online Ordering: Starting at $50/month
- Reservations: Starting at $229/month
- Loyalty: Starting at $99/month
- Gift Cards: Starting at $25/month
Pros
- Excellent modifier system for drink customization
- Reliable offline capability
- Good table management for sit-down cafes
- Comprehensive reporting (50+ standard reports)
- iPad-based for compact counter setup
- 24/7 support available
Cons
- Requires long-term contract commitment
- Add-ons increase costs significantly
- Online ordering and loyalty cost extra
- Learning curve for new staff
Best For: Cafes with table service, operations needing reliable offline mode, and coffee shops that prioritize detailed reporting and customer relationship management.
7. Loyverse – Best Free Option
Starting Price: Free ($0/month) | Processing: Varies by processor
Loyverse offers one of the best completely free POS solutions on the market. While it lacks the advanced features of paid alternatives, it provides everything a small coffee shop needs to ring up sales, track inventory, and build customer loyalty without any monthly fees.
Why Loyverse Works for Coffee Shops
Loyverse excels for small teams and tight budgets. The interface is clean and built for speed, making it ideal for baristas who need to process orders quickly. The built-in loyalty program (Loyalty-Ocean) helps encourage repeat visits without additional monthly costs.
The software runs on any smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary hardware investments.
Key Features
- Free POS Software: No monthly fees for core features
- Built-in Loyalty Program: Free points-based rewards
- Menu Management: Create and organize drink menus
- Inventory Tracking: Basic stock management
- Sales Reports: Track performance and trends
- Multi-Device Support: Works on phones and tablets
- Payment Flexibility: Connect your preferred processor
- Open Tickets: Manage pending orders
Pricing
| Feature | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Core POS | Free |
| Loyalty Program | Free |
| Employee Management | $5/month per employee |
| Advanced Inventory | $25/month |
| Integrations | $9/month |
Pros
- Completely free core POS with no hidden fees
- Free built-in loyalty program
- Works on any smartphone or tablet
- Simple, speed-focused interface
- No contracts or commitments
- Good for testing before upgrading to paid solutions
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- No online ordering capability
- No delivery management
- Basic inventory (no ingredient-level tracking)
- May outgrow quickly as business expands
- Duplicate stock entry issues reported
Best For: New coffee shops on tight budgets, small operations, pop-up cafes, and businesses testing POS before investing in premium solutions.
Coffee Shop POS Comparison Table
| Feature | Square | Toast | Lightspeed | Clover | Shopify | TouchBistro | Loyverse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | Free | $69/mo | $14.95/mo | $29/mo | $69/mo | Free |
| Free Plan | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Online Ordering | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Add-on | No |
| Kitchen Display | Paid | Yes | Yes | Add-on | No | Add-on | No |
| Loyalty Program | $45/mo | Add-on | Included | Add-on | Via apps | $99/mo | Free |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Contracts | No | Yes | Monthly | Varies | No | Yes | No |
| Multi-Location | Yes | Excellent | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Yes | Limited |
How to Choose the Right POS for Your Coffee Shop
Consider Your Business Model
- Quick-service counter only: Square, Loyverse, or Clover Starter
- Counter + table service: TouchBistro, Toast, or Lightspeed
- Cafe + retail products: Shopify POS
- Multi-location chain: Toast or Lightspeed Pro
- Heavy online ordering: Toast or Square
Consider Your Budget
- $0/month: Square Free, Loyverse
- Under $50/month: Clover Starter, Square Free with add-ons
- $50-100/month: Toast, TouchBistro Solo, Square Plus
- $100+/month: Lightspeed, TouchBistro Team, Shopify POS Pro
Consider Your Growth Plans
If you plan to expand to multiple locations within the next few years, start with a platform that scales well (Toast, Lightspeed, or Shopify). Migrating POS systems later is possible but time-consuming and disruptive.
Final Verdict: Our Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Square for Restaurants offers the best combination of features, pricing, and ease of use for most coffee shops. The free plan includes everything you need to get started, and you can add features as you grow.
Best for Growing Cafes: Toast provides superior scalability and commission-free online ordering that makes it worth the investment for cafes planning to expand.
Best Budget Option: Loyverse is genuinely free and includes a loyalty program, making it perfect for new coffee shops testing the waters.
Best for Retail + Cafe: Shopify POS is unmatched for cafes selling coffee beans, merchandise, and equipment alongside drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free POS system for a coffee shop?
Square for Restaurants offers the best free POS for coffee shops, with comprehensive features including online ordering, inventory tracking, and team management at no monthly cost. Loyverse is another excellent free option with a built-in loyalty program, though it has fewer advanced features.
How much does a coffee shop POS system cost?
Coffee shop POS systems range from free (Square, Loyverse) to $299+ per month (Shopify Advanced). Most cafes spend $50-100/month on software, plus $100-800 on hardware. Processing fees typically range from 2.3% to 2.9% plus $0.10-0.30 per transaction. First-year total costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 including hardware and processing.
Do I need a kitchen display system (KDS) for my coffee shop?
A KDS is valuable for busy coffee shops with multiple baristas or separate drink and food prep stations. It eliminates printed tickets, reduces errors, and helps track order times. For small operations with one or two employees, paper tickets or verbal communication may suffice. Consider a KDS if you have three or more staff working simultaneously during peak hours.
Can I use an iPad as a coffee shop POS?
Yes, many popular coffee shop POS systems including Square, TouchBistro, Lightspeed, and Loyverse run on iPads. Using an iPad can save counter space and reduce hardware costs. You will need to pair the iPad with a card reader and optionally a cash drawer and receipt printer. Square Stand and similar mounts turn an iPad into a professional-looking checkout station.
Which POS is best for a coffee shop with online ordering?
Toast offers the best online ordering for coffee shops with commission-free orders that save money compared to third-party apps. Square also includes free online ordering pages. Both platforms integrate with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats for cafes that offer delivery. Toast’s Mobile Order and Pay feature is particularly useful for cafes where customers order from their phones.
How do I manage tips with a coffee shop POS?
All major coffee shop POS systems include tip management features. Customers can add tips via percentage buttons (15%, 20%, 25%) or custom amounts on the payment screen. The system tracks tips by employee and shift, simplifying tip pooling and distribution. Square, Toast, and Clover all generate tip reports for payroll processing and tax compliance.
What happens if my internet goes down during the rush?
Most modern coffee shop POS systems offer offline mode that allows you to continue taking payments during internet outages. Square, Toast, Clover, and TouchBistro all support offline payments. Transactions are stored locally and processed when connectivity returns. However, offline mode may have limitations on transaction amounts and you may not be able to look up customer rewards or gift card balances.
Ready to Upgrade Your Coffee Shop POS?
The right POS system can streamline your operations, reduce wait times, and turn one-time customers into loyal regulars. Start with the system that matches your current needs and budget, knowing that all these platforms allow you to add features or upgrade as your cafe grows.
Get started today:
- Read our full Square for Restaurants review
- Read our full Toast POS review
- Compare Square vs Toast head-to-head
- Use our POS comparison tool
This article was last updated in January 2025. Pricing and features change frequently. Always verify current information on official websites before making a purchasing decision.
