POS costs include software fees, hardware, and payment processing. Some systems are free software with processing-only fees. This guide ranks every option by total first-year cost.
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1. Square POS - $0 Software
Square $0 Software
Square's POS software is completely free. You only pay 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. Free magstripe reader included. The cheapest way to accept card payments with a professional POS.
- Software: $0/month forever
- Hardware: Free reader; $49 contactless reader; $799 terminal
- Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 (tap/dip); 3.5% + $0.15 (keyed)
2. Loyverse POS - $0
Loyverse $0 - Free POS
Loyverse is a free POS app for iOS and Android with inventory management, sales analytics, and employee management. Use any Bluetooth receipt printer. Works with multiple payment processors.
- Software: $0/month - POS, inventory, analytics
- Paid add-ons: Employee management $5/mo; Advanced inventory $25/mo
- Processing: Use any processor (SumUp, Zettle, etc.)
3. Toast Starter Kit - $0
Toast $0 - Restaurants
Toast's starter kit includes free hardware and free software for restaurants. You pay higher processing rates (custom) but zero upfront cost. Best free option for food service businesses.
- Software + hardware: $0 upfront (pay-as-you-go)
- Processing: Custom rates (higher than standard)
- Features: Order management, menu customization, online ordering
4. Shopify POS Lite - $5/mo
Shopify POS $5/mo Start
Shopify POS Lite comes free with any Shopify plan. The Starter plan at $5/mo gives you a checkout link and basic POS. For a full in-store POS, the Basic plan at $39/mo adds a complete storefront.
- Starter: $5/mo - checkout links, basic POS app
- Basic: $39/mo - full online store + POS Lite
- Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 (Shopify Payments)
5. Clover - $14.95/mo
Clover $14.95/mo
Clover's Starter plan at $14.95/mo with a Clover Go reader ($49) is the cheapest entry to Clover's ecosystem. Premium hardware but higher monthly costs than free alternatives.
- Starter: $14.95/mo software + $49 Go reader
- Standard: $44.95/mo + terminal from $599
- Processing: 2.3% + $0.10 (in-person)
First-Year Cost Comparison
| POS | Software/Year | Cheapest Hardware | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | $0 | $0 (free reader) | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| Loyverse | $0 | $0 (use phone) | Varies |
| Toast | $0 | $0 (starter kit) | Custom |
| Shopify | $60 ($5/mo) | $49 | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| Clover | $179 ($14.95/mo) | $49 | 2.3% + $0.10 |
Bottom Line
Square is the cheapest overall POS - $0 software, free card reader, competitive processing rates. Loyverse is the cheapest standalone POS app if you want flexibility in payment processors. For restaurants, Toast's free starter kit eliminates upfront costs entirely.
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