7 Best POS Systems for Tablets to Leverage Your Store Efficiency
By Sam Nguyen
5 Key factors to consider when using a Tablet POS
Here are the 5 key factors to consider when selecting a tablet POS.
Should You Opt for iOS Tablet or Android Tablet?
Your choice of operating system can greatly impact how you manage your business. Both Apple and Android platforms have their own advantages.
Apple iOS operating system is known for its intuitive user interfaces and robust security features. If your business puts a premium on data protection, you might find Apple’s stringent security policies appealing. However, Apple devices generally come with a heftier price tag.
On the other hand, Android offers a broader range of customization options and device choices, which can be a boon for businesses looking for a tailored solution on a budget. They’re also known for seamless integration with Google services. However, their open-source nature can sometimes lead to security vulnerabilities.
Hardware Options
Choosing your hardware is not just about picking the latest shiny device. It’s about picking something that will work for you day in and day out. You need a device that’s durable, can withstand the demands of your business, and has a good battery life.
Moreover, consider the peripherals that come along with your tablet POS. Some POS solutions come bundled with card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners. Others might require you to purchase them separately. This could significantly impact your overall costs.
Connectivity
Always consider the connectivity options of your tablet POS. Does it support both Wi-Fi and cellular data? Both options will provide you with a backup if one fails, ensuring your business operations continue smoothly.
User Experience
The best POS systems are intuitive and easy to navigate. Remember, your employees will be the ones using the system daily, so it’s essential that they find it user-friendly. Look for a POS tablet with an easy-to-use interface, a clear display, and quick response times.
Industry-Specific Features
Finally, look for a POS that’s tailored to your industry. Ensure your POS tablet caters to your industry’s unique needs:
- If you’re in the retail sector, inventory management features might be crucial.
- If you own a salon, appointment scheduling capabilities may be the most important.
- Restaurant owners might value robust order management and table layout features.
7 Best Tablet POS Systems of 2023
Shopify POS - Most Flexible Tablet POS
Why We Picked Shopify POS
Shopify POS has been on our radar as one of the best tablet POS systems. Its sterling reputation, coupled with its ongoing innovation to meet the evolving demands of entrepreneurs, lends it a significant edge. As we delve deeper, you’ll see how Shopify POS can address the needs of small to medium-sized businesses.
Pricing
Shopify provides a range of pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all scales, with prices beginning at $39 and extending up to $2000 per month.
Transaction fees vary depending on your subscription plan, with lower rates as you move up the tiers. Hardware costs also range depending on the kind of setup you need, making it flexible for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features
What truly sets Shopify POS apart is its host of powerful features tailored to meet the needs of today’s businesses:
- Unified Commerce: With Shopify POS, your physical and digital stores are seamlessly integrated, making inventory management and tracking effortless.
- Mobile POS: Shopify POS shines with its Mobile POS functionality for businesses that value mobility. You can process transactions anywhere within your store, enhancing the customer experience.
- Customer Profiles: Understand your customers better with Shopify’s customer profile feature. From buying habits to order history, you’ll have everything you need to provide personalized service.
- Staff Management: Assign tasks, track staff performance, and manage permissions easily with Shopify POS.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to use with an intuitive user interface.
- Offers robust analytics and reporting features.
- Seamless integration with other Shopify services.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons
- Some advanced features are only available in higher-priced plans.
Compatibility
Whether you’re an Android or an Apple aficionado, Shopify POS has you covered. The system is fully compatible with both operating systems, ensuring a smooth POS experience regardless of your preference.
Square
Why We Picked Square POS
Square POS is another great point-of-sale option for tablets. It caught our attention due to its user-friendly design, versatility, and strong emphasis on small to medium-sized businesses. As we delve into its features, you’ll understand why it might be a strong contender for your business’s needs.
Pricing
Square POS follows a transparent and competitive pricing structure, appealing to businesses of all sizes. Their subscription fees are based on the scale of your operations:
- Square for Retail Free: $0 per month
- Square for Retail Plus: starting from $29 per month
The transaction fees for Square are 2.6% + 10¢ for swiped, chip, or contactless payments.
Square also offers hardware kits, allowing you to choose what best suits your business.
Key Features
- Inventory Management: With Square POS, you can keep track of your inventory across all your locations, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by stock shortages.
- Customer Directory: This feature allows you to create customer profiles, track their purchasing habits, and offer personalized experiences.
- Team Management: Assign tasks, set permissions, and manage performance, all from your Square Dashboard.
- Offline Mode: Continue to take payments even when your internet goes down, a feature particularly useful for outdoor venues or locations with spotty internet.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Intuitive user interface.
- Versatile feature set suitable for a range of businesses.
- Good customer service and support resources.
- Offline mode allows for continued operation during internet outages.
Cons
- Some advanced features require additional subscriptions.
- High transaction fees for keyed-in payments.
Compatibility
One of the appealing aspects of Square POS is its compatibility with Android and Apple operating systems, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred platform.
Loyverse
Why We Picked Loyverse POS
Loyverse POS is on our list of the best tablet POS systems due to its cost-effective solutions and business-friendly features. Its dedication to supporting small and medium-sized businesses makes it an exciting contender.
Pricing
Loyverse takes an accessible approach when it comes to pricing, making it attractive to businesses on a tight budget. Their essential POS software comes for free. However, if you want to unlock advanced features, they offer additional paid services:
- Employee Management: $25 per employee per month
- Advanced Inventory: $25 per store per month
Transaction fees would depend on the payment processors integrated with your system. As for hardware, Loyverse provides compatibility with various devices, letting you decide your hardware investment.
Key Features
- Sales Analytics: Gain insights into your sales with detailed reports and make data-driven decisions to grow your business.
- Inventory Management: Keep track of stock levels in real-time, manage suppliers, and get alerts when your inventory runs low.
- Customer Loyalty Program: Build strong customer relationships with Loyverse’s in-built loyalty program that lets you reward repeat customers.
- Employee Management: Track your team’s performance and manage their roles and access levels (only available in the paid version).
Pros and Cons
As with any solution, Loyverse POS has its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Free version is available with a decent feature set.
- In-built customer loyalty program.
Cons
- Advanced features require a subscription.
- Lack of built-in payment processing, necessitating integration with third-party processors.
Compatibility
One of the noteworthy aspects of Loyverse POS is its broad compatibility. It works well with both Android and Apple devices so that you can operate it on your preferred platform.
TouchBistro
Why We Picked TouchBistro
TouchBistro has earned our attention with its emphasis on the restaurant industry, providing customized solutions for different food service environments. Its rich feature set and industry-focused approach make it worth considering for food and beverage businesses that rely on tablets to accept customer orders.
Pricing
TouchBistro follows a tiered pricing structure based on the number of licenses (terminals) needed, starting from $69 per month for 1 license.
Transaction fees would vary based on the payment processor you choose to integrate. As for hardware, TouchBistro offers its own hardware but also works with third-party devices, giving you the flexibility to determine your investment.
Key Features
- Tableside Order Management: Servers can take orders right at the table on their tablets, improving accuracy and speed.
- Menu Management: Easily customize and manage your menu items, categories, and modifiers to reflect changes in real-time.
- Inventory Management: Track ingredient-level inventory in real-time, helping to reduce waste and optimize your stock.
- Staff Management & Scheduling: Manage your team’s schedules, track hours, and analyze performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Designed specifically for the restaurant industry.
- Feature-rich with a strong focus on efficiency and accuracy.
- Offers its own proprietary hardware.
Cons
- Some features might be superfluous for non-restaurant businesses.
Compatibility
TouchBistro is available for download on Android and Apple devices.
Lightspeed
Why We Picked Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed’s strong commitment to scalability, comprehensive features, and focus on customer experience make it a great POS system for tablets and smartphones.
Pricing
Lightspeed provides a variety of plans, allowing you to choose one that suits your business best:
- Lightspeed Retail: Starting at $89 per month
- Lightspeed Restaurant: Starting at $69 per month
- Lightspeed Golf: Custom pricing
It’s worth noting that transaction fees are dependent on integrated payment processors. As for hardware, Lightspeed offers its own hardware kits but is also compatible with third-party hardware, giving you the freedom to control your investment.
Key Features
- Inventory Management: Track inventory in real-time, receive alerts for low stock, and manage vendor relations.
- Omnichannel Experience: Combine your physical store and online sales effortlessly for a unified business view.
- Customer Management: Build strong customer relationships by leveraging buying behavior and preference data.
- Detailed Reporting: Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions about your business.
Pros and Cons
Just like any other tool, Lightspeed comes with its pros and cons:
Pros
- Excellent inventory management capabilities.
- Strong integration with e-commerce platforms for omnichannel selling.
- Extensive reporting and analytics.
Cons
- The interface might be less intuitive compared to other POS systems.
- Advanced features can be expensive.
Compatibility
A strength of Lightspeed is its broad compatibility. It works with both Android and Apple devices so that you can choose your preferred platform.
Helcim Tablet POS
Why We Picked Helcim POS
Helcim’s dedication to providing transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and a robust set of features makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of businesses looking for an all-in-one table POS system.
Pricing
Helcim follows a unique approach to pricing. Instead of charging a monthly fee for software usage, they offer their POS software for free, making their money solely on the transaction fees, which start as low as 1.86% + 8¢ for in-person transactions. This pricing structure makes it an appealing option for businesses aiming to minimize upfront costs.
You can buy hardware directly from Helcim, with prices starting at $199 for a mobile card reader, or use compatible third-party hardware.
Key Features
- Inventory Management: Keep a keen eye on your stock levels and get alerts when it’s time to reorder.
- Customer Management: Store customer information, view purchase history, and more.
- Customizable Checkout: Personalize your checkout experience with custom fields, discounts, and tax settings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No monthly software fees.
- Excellent customer service.
- Transparent, competitive processing rates.
Cons
- Lacks industry-specific features found in some competitors.
Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, Helcim offers good flexibility. It operates seamlessly on both Android and Apple devices, allowing you to utilize your platform of choice.
Revel
Why We Picked Revel POS
Revel’s commitment to providing an intuitive user experience, robust feature set, and focus on specific industry needs makes it a compelling choice for many businesses that prefer using tablets for customer transactions.
Pricing
Revel offers a flat rate pricing model, with a standard package starting at $99 per month per terminal, plus a $674 starting fee for implementation and onboarding. Transaction fees cost 2.49% + 15 cents. For hardware, Revel offers its own POS hardware kits, but it also supports third-party hardware, allowing you to control your investment.
Key Features
- Inventory Management: Track inventory in real-time and receive alerts for low stock levels.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Collect and leverage customer data to personalize marketing and service.
- Employee Management: Schedule shifts, monitor performance, and manage payroll all in one place.
- Delivery Management: Manage delivery operations efficiently with integrated delivery solutions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Intuitive user interface.
- Comprehensive feature set suitable for various industries.
- Excellent customer service and 24/7 support.
Cons
- Higher upfront cost due to mandatory implementation and onboarding fees.
Compatibility
Revel POS is a great point-of-sale option for tablets out there. It offers robust compatibility and works seamlessly on Android and Apple iPads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
That’s our list of the best POS systems for tablets. We hope you have found a tablet POS system that works best for you.
