iPad POS systems offer the perfect balance of power and simplicity. Theyre affordable, easy to use, and look great on your counter. Here are the best iPad POS options for 2025.
Why Choose an iPad POS?
- Lower Cost: Use hardware you may already own
- Intuitive Interface: Staff learns quickly
- Portable: Take payments anywhere in your store
- Modern Look: Sleek, professional appearance
- Regular Updates: Always improving with iOS updates
Best iPad POS Systems
1. Square – Best Overall iPad POS
Why we love it: Free to start, works on any iPad, no contracts. Squares iPad app is polished and powerful, with features for retail, restaurants, and services.
2. TouchBistro – Best for Restaurants
Why we love it: Built specifically for iPad and restaurants. Floor plans, reservations, and kitchen management all work beautifully on the tablet interface.
3. Lightspeed – Best for Retail
Why we love it: Advanced inventory management on an iPad interface. Great for stores with complex product catalogs.
4. Shopify POS – Best for Omnichannel
Why we love it: Seamless integration between online store and iPad point of sale. One inventory, everywhere.
5. Vend – Best for Multiple Registers
Why we love it: Easy to scale from one iPad to many across multiple locations. Cloud-based syncing works flawlessly.
iPad POS Hardware Youll Need
- iPad: iPad (9th gen) or newer recommended – $329+
- Card Reader: Square Reader ($0), Clover Go ($49), or similar
- iPad Stand: Enclosure or stand – $99-299
- Receipt Printer: Bluetooth or network – $199-399
- Cash Drawer: If accepting cash – $99-199
Total Cost Estimate
Budget Setup: Existing iPad + Square Reader = $0
Standard Setup: New iPad + Stand + Reader + Printer = $700-900
New to POS Systems?
Start with our quick guide for business owners
Get StartedFull Setup: All hardware + Cash Drawer = $1,000-1,500
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Last updated: December 2025
Quick Facts: General POS
Expert Tips for Choosing a POS System
Start with a Free Trial
Never commit to a POS system without testing it first. Most reputable providers offer 14-30 day free trials. Use this time to run real transactions, train your staff, and identify any workflow issues before signing a contract.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership
The monthly software fee is just the beginning. Factor in hardware costs, payment processing fees, add-on modules, support tiers, and potential early termination fees. A "$0/month" system might cost more than a $100/month system when you add everything up.
Prioritize Integration Capabilities
Your POS should connect with your accounting software, e-commerce platform, delivery apps, and loyalty program. Poor integrations lead to manual data entry, errors, and wasted time. Ask vendors about their API and native integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cash register simply records sales and stores money. A POS (Point of Sale) system is a comprehensive business management tool that processes payments, tracks inventory, manages employees, generates reports, and integrates with other business software. Modern POS systems provide data-driven insights that help you make better business decisions.
POS costs vary widely. Software ranges from $0-$200+ per month. Hardware costs $500-$2,000 for a basic setup. Payment processing fees are typically 2.3%-2.9% plus $0.10-$0.30 per transaction. Consider the total cost of ownership over 3 years, including add-ons and upgrades.
Some POS systems are processor-agnostic, allowing you to choose your payment processor. Others require you to use their integrated processing. Locked-in processing can be convenient but may limit your ability to negotiate rates. Always ask about processing flexibility before committing.
Data portability varies by provider. Most systems allow you to export sales history, customer data, and inventory lists. However, the format may not be directly importable to a new system. Always ask about data export options and consider this when choosing a POS.
Compare Top POS Systems
Square
Toast
Clover
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