Discover the Best Options for POS for Free: Top Software Solutions Reviewed

Finding a reliable POS for free can be a game-changer for small businesses. With so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out which one fits your needs. This article breaks down some of the best free POS software solutions available today, helping you make an informed choice without breaking the bank. Let’s explore these systems and see what they have to offer!

Key Takeaways

Square provides a robust free POS option with low transaction fees.
Clover offers a 30-day free trial to test its features.
Lightspeed allows a 14-day trial to explore its e-commerce capabilities.
Shopify has a short free trial and is great for online sales integration.
GoDaddy includes useful e-commerce tools in its free trial period.

1. Square

Okay, so Square. Everyone’s heard of it, right? It’s like the OG of simple POS systems. I remember when they first came out with that little white square reader that plugged into your phone. Changed the game.

Square is known for being super user-friendly, which is a big plus if you’re not exactly a tech whiz. It’s free to get started, which is awesome, but they do take a cut of each transaction. Think of it as the cost of doing business, especially when you’re just starting out.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Easy setup – like, seriously easy.
Good for small businesses and startups.
Accepts pretty much every payment type you can think of.

I’ve seen so many small businesses thrive using Square. It’s not just about taking payments; it’s about having a system that grows with you. The analytics are pretty decent, too, giving you a snapshot of what’s selling and what’s not.

Square integrates payments, inventory, analytics, and even CRM into one place. It’s pretty powerful. They also have a bunch of hardware options, from basic readers to full-on registers. You can even let your customers use Afterpay’s BNPL service with no extra cost to you. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward, reliable POS solution. Square provides an all-in-one solution for payment processing, inventory management, and sales tracking. It features built-in analytics and customer loyalty tools, making it a comprehensive platform for businesses.

2. Clover

Clover is a popular POS system, especially for restaurants wanting to integrate marketing with their point of sale. It’s a cloud-based system offering both hardware and software solutions. It aims to help retail, restaurants, service, and even e-commerce businesses. But, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The Clover POS system can get pretty expensive, which is something to keep in mind.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Clover brings to the table:

Team management: Manage shifts, track sales and tips, and set employee permissions.
Integrations: Works with Yelp, QuickBooks, and MailChimp.
Customer engagement: Send email campaigns directly from the POS.
Payment methods: Accepts credit/debit cards, chips, and mobile wallets.
Hardware: Offers mobile, portable, and countertop devices.

Clover’s pricing for quick service restaurants starts at $90/month and goes up to $175/month for full-service plans. So, while it has a lot to offer, make sure it fits your budget.

3. Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a solid choice, especially if you’re running a medium to large business. It’s also a good option for smaller businesses that are anticipating growth. Lightspeed offers a range of features that can help streamline operations and manage inventory effectively.

I remember when my friend, Sarah, was looking for a new POS system for her boutique. She was torn between a few options, but ultimately went with Lightspeed because of its robust inventory management tools. She said it made a huge difference in keeping track of her stock and preventing over- or under-ordering. It’s been a game-changer for her business.

Here are some of the things that make Lightspeed stand out:

Inventory Management: Lightspeed excels in this area, offering detailed tracking and reporting.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Helps you keep track of customer data and personalize interactions.
Reporting and Analytics: Provides insights into sales trends and business performance.

While it might not be completely free, it’s worth exploring their pricing plans to see if it fits your budget. You can find more information about Lightspeed’s pricing on their website. It’s a dependable point-of-sale system.

4. Shopify

Shopify is more than just an e-commerce platform; it’s a payment facilitator with some pretty solid POS tools. They give you a short three-day free trial, but here’s the kicker: you can snag a 90-day trial for just $1 a month. That’s a sweet deal to really test things out.

Shopify is a great option if you’re already using Shopify for your online store.
It seamlessly integrates your online and in-person sales.
They have a wide range of hardware options, from basic card readers to full-blown cash registers.

One thing to keep in mind is that while Shopify offers a lot, some users have reported issues with the Shopify POS system, citing bugs and less-than-stellar customer support. So, it’s worth doing your homework and reading reviews before fully committing.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

Integrated platform: Combines online and in-store sales.
Hardware: Offers various options like card readers and registers.
Add-ons: Features for email marketing, loyalty programs, and team management.

5. GoDaddy

Okay, so GoDaddy. You probably know them for domain names and website hosting, but they’ve also got a POS system. It’s worth a look, especially if you’re already using their other services. It’s like keeping everything under one roof, which can be pretty convenient.

GoDaddy’s POS is pretty straightforward. It’s designed to be easy to use, which is a plus if you’re not super tech-savvy. It handles basic sales transactions, inventory management, and customer data. It’s not the most feature-rich option out there, but it covers the essentials. If you’re running a small business and need something simple, it could be a good fit.

One thing to keep in mind is that GoDaddy’s POS is more integrated with their other services than some of the other options on this list. This can be a good thing if you’re already using GoDaddy for your website and hosting, but it could be a drawback if you’re not. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Think about how well it fits into your existing setup. If you’re starting from scratch, it might be a good option to consider. If you’re already using other services, it might be more trouble than it’s worth.

GoDaddy’s POS is a solid choice for small businesses that need a simple, integrated solution. It’s not the most advanced system out there, but it’s easy to use and covers the basics. If you’re already using GoDaddy for your website and hosting, it’s definitely worth considering. If not, you might want to explore other options.

Here’s a quick rundown of what GoDaddy POS offers:

Basic sales transactions
Inventory management
Customer data
Integration with GoDaddy’s other services

If you’re looking to set up an online store, GoDaddy might be a good place to start, especially if you want to keep everything in one place.

6. Epos Now

Epos Now has been around since 2011, when its founder needed a reliable and affordable POS system for his bar and couldn’t find one. Now, they help over 30,000 businesses across three continents. Epos Now’s POS solution caters to a wide range of industries, from retail shops to hospitality businesses.

Epos Now offers a 30-day free trial, so you can test out their versatile hardware and flexible POS software. You can also read an Epos Now review to learn more about its integrations.

Here are some of the features Epos Now offers:

Real-time reporting on sales, staff, and stocks.
A wide range of integrations, allowing you to connect your POS solution to accounting software.
One-on-one onboarding to reduce setup time.
User-friendly UX, making the system easy to understand and use.

Epos Now is currently running an offer where you can get both software and hardware components for an upfront cost. For monthly pricing, you’ll need to request a quote from their website.

7. Vend

Vend is another option to consider when looking at POS systems. It’s designed to be user-friendly, especially for retail businesses. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers.

Vend is known for its intuitive interface and robust features, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Some users have reported issues with customer support and occasional glitches. However, it remains a popular choice for many small to medium-sized retailers.

Inventory management is a strong point, allowing you to track stock levels and manage products efficiently.
It offers detailed reporting, giving you insights into sales trends and customer behavior.
Vend integrates with various payment processors, providing flexibility in how you accept payments.

Vend can be a solid choice if you need a straightforward POS system with good inventory management. However, it’s worth checking out recent user reviews to see if the customer support issues have been resolved.

While Vend offers a range of features, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Consider your specific business needs and whether Vend’s strengths align with those needs. Don’t forget to check out what users are saying about its ease of use for selling, adding products, and managing inventory at a reasonable cost. You can also get started free with many POS systems to test them out before committing.

8. Loyverse

Loyverse is a pretty popular choice, especially if you’re running a business that operates in multiple countries. They’re currently serving over a million businesses across more than 160 countries, which is pretty impressive. Plus, their apps are available in over 30 languages, making it a solid option if you have a diverse workforce or locations around the globe. It’s a complete solution, covering everything from POS to inventory management.

Loyverse offers a bunch of features, including:

A free POS app that works on iPads, iPhones, and Android devices. You can keep using the tech you’re already familiar with. Loyverse also has a list of supported hardware on their website, including credit card machines, printers, and barcode scanners. Unfortunately, Loyverse doesn’t come with its own hardware.
Offline mode, which is super handy if your internet goes down. All your data syncs up as soon as you’re back online. This is a lifesaver for avoiding disruptions during busy times.
A dark theme for low-light environments. This helps reduce eye strain for your staff, which is a nice touch.

Loyverse’s POS software, kitchen display, and customer display are all free. You only pay for add-ons, like employee management (around $5/month per employee) and integrations (about $9/month). It’s a pretty cost-effective way to get started and then scale up as you need more features.

I’ve heard their customer service is fast and helpful, which is always a big plus when you’re dealing with tech issues.

9. Imonggo

Imonggo is one of those free POS systems that’s been around for a while. It used to be completely free, but now they’ve shifted to a freemium model. That means you get some basic features for free, but you’ll need to pay for the more advanced stuff.

It’s designed to be simple and easy to use, which is great if you’re just starting out or don’t need a ton of bells and whistles. Think of it as a solid, no-frills option. It might not have all the fancy integrations of some of the bigger players, but it can handle basic sales, inventory, and customer management. If you’re looking for a retail point of sale system that’s straightforward, Imonggo could be worth checking out.

One thing to keep in mind is that because it’s a freemium model, you’ll likely hit a point where you need to upgrade to a paid plan to get the features you really want. So, factor that into your decision-making process.

10. Floreant POS

Floreant POS is an open-source option, which means it’s free to use, but you might need some technical skills to set it up and customize it. It’s often chosen by smaller restaurants or cafes that want a free POS system without ongoing subscription costs. It’s a legacy POS system, so you don’t have to worry about internet outages hampering your business operations.

Floreant POS is a decent option if you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY and want to avoid monthly fees. However, keep in mind that support might be limited compared to paid solutions.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Open Source: Offers flexibility but requires technical know-how.
Free: No subscription fees, reducing initial costs.
Suitable for Small Businesses: Works well for restaurants and cafes with basic needs.

11. uniCenta

uniCenta oPOS is another open-source option that’s worth a look. It’s built on Openbravo POS, so if you’re familiar with that, you’ll feel right at home. I remember trying it out last year, and while it took a bit to get used to, it’s surprisingly powerful for a free system. It’s got a decent range of features, and the community support is pretty active, which is always a plus when you’re trying to troubleshoot something.

uniCenta is ideal for small touch monitors, featuring large buttons that enhance usability and minimize errors. Users appreciate its design.

It’s free and open source.
It has a modular design, so you can customize it.
It supports multiple languages and currencies.

I think the best part about uniCenta is that it’s pretty flexible. You can tweak it to fit your specific needs, which is great if you have a niche business or specific requirements. Plus, the fact that it’s free means you can try it out without any risk. If it doesn’t work for you, no harm done. But if it does, you’ve got a solid POS system without spending a dime. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re on a tight budget.

12. Odoo

Odoo is interesting because it’s not just a POS system. It’s a whole suite of business apps, and the POS is just one part of it. Think of it as an all-in-one solution if you’re trying to run pretty much every aspect of your business from one platform. It can handle accounting, inventory, CRM, and a bunch of other stuff. The POS module itself is pretty robust, offering features you’d expect like order management, customer management, and reporting.

It’s open-source, which is cool because it means you can customize it a lot. But that also means it can get complicated, and you might need some tech skills or to hire someone who has them. It’s definitely not the simplest option on this list, but if you’re looking for something that can scale with your business and handle a lot of different functions, Odoo is worth checking out. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve. When designing an eCommerce store, consider Odoo’s comprehensive features.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Odoo stand out:

A wide range of business applications beyond just POS.
Open-source and highly customizable.
Suitable for businesses looking for an integrated solution.

Odoo’s strength lies in its modularity. You can start with just the POS and add other modules as your business grows, creating a tailored system that fits your specific needs. This flexibility can be a huge advantage for businesses that anticipate future expansion or diversification.

13. FreePOS

FreePOS is another option worth considering if you’re looking for a no-cost point-of-sale solution. It’s designed to be user-friendly and offers a range of features suitable for small businesses. However, like other free POS systems, it’s important to understand its limitations before committing.

It can speed up your checkout process.
It can streamline your sales funnel.
It is better than no POS system.

Be wary of payment processors that offer free POS systems but require you to sign lengthy contracts. You may get free POS hardware but still might have to pay for a monthly POS software subscription.

Free POS systems often come with restrictions. For example, you might be limited in the number of inventory items you can manage, or the number of users who can access the system. Also, a free POS system may be tied to a processor. Your payment processor may not charge setup costs and POS software or hardware fees. Still, you’ll be on the hook for credit card processing fees and often higher transaction fees. Plus, you won’t be able to switch to another processor, which is a drawback if you process a high volume of credit card transactions.

14. Chromis POS

Chromis POS is another open-source option, and it’s built using Java. This makes it pretty flexible, but it also means you might need a bit of technical know-how to get it set up just right. It’s designed to work for a variety of businesses, offering a good amount of customization.

Chromis POS is a solid choice if you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY and want a system you can really tweak to fit your needs. It might not be the most user-friendly option out of the box, but the flexibility can be worth it for some.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Chromis POS brings to the table:

Open Source: Free to use, but you might need some tech skills.
Java-Based: Cross-platform compatibility, but requires Java Runtime Environment.
Customizable: Adaptable to different business types.
Reporting: Offers basic sales and inventory reports.
Hardware Compatibility: Works with standard POS hardware like barcode scanners and receipt printers.

15. Cashier Live

Cashier Live is a cloud-based POS system designed for retail businesses. It aims to provide a comprehensive solution for managing sales, inventory, and customer data. It’s not completely free, but it offers a free trial to let you test the waters.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you might expect:

Inventory management: Keep track of your stock levels.
Customer management: Store customer information for marketing and loyalty programs.
Reporting: Get insights into your sales trends.

Cashier Live is a solid option if you’re looking for a system that can scale with your business. It might not be free forever, but the trial period gives you a chance to see if it’s the right fit before committing to a paid plan. Consider exploring free cash register software options if you’re on a tight budget.

16. ABC Inventory

ABC Inventory is another option that might work for you if you’re looking for something free. It’s designed more for inventory management than a full-blown POS, but it does have some POS features. It’s definitely worth checking out if you need help keeping track of your stock.

Inventory tracking
Sales order management
Reporting

ABC Inventory is a solid choice if your primary need is inventory control and you want some basic POS functionality thrown in. It might not be as feature-rich as some of the other options, but it’s free, and that’s a big plus for many small businesses. It can help with inventory management software needs.

17. Simple POS

Simple POS is designed to be, well, simple. It’s aimed at small businesses that need a basic POS system without a lot of extra features they won’t use. It’s a no-frills option, focusing on core functions like sales processing and basic inventory.

Simple POS is a good choice if you’re just starting out and need something easy to learn and use right away. It might not have all the advanced features of other systems, but it covers the essentials.

Here’s what you can expect:

Easy setup and use
Basic sales tracking
Simple inventory management
Reporting features

The main advantage is its straightforward design, making it accessible to users with limited technical skills. It’s a solid option for businesses that prioritize ease of use over advanced functionality. If you need a system that’s quick to learn and implement, Simple POS could be a good fit.

18. Hike

Hike POS is another option worth considering. It’s designed to be user-friendly, which is a big plus if you’re not super tech-savvy. I know a lot of people who get intimidated by complicated systems, so something straightforward can be a lifesaver.

One of the things I appreciate about Hike is that it seems to focus on making things simple for retailers. It’s got features for managing your inventory, keeping track of customers, and processing sales, all in one place. It’s not necessarily free forever, but they do offer a free trial, which gives you a chance to see if it’s a good fit for your business before you commit.

Inventory management is pretty solid.
Customer tracking is included.
Sales processing is straightforward.

I remember when my friend Sarah was opening her boutique, she was so stressed about finding the right POS system. She tried a few different ones, and Hike was one of the finalists. Ultimately, she went with something else, but she said Hike was really easy to use and had a clean interface. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something simple and effective.

Hike POS aims to streamline retail operations with its intuitive design and comprehensive features. It’s a cloud-based system, so you can access it from anywhere, which is convenient. Pricing can be a bit of a concern, as the free trial eventually leads to a paid subscription, but the value might be there if it simplifies your business processes.

19. Bindo

Okay, so Bindo. I remember when Bindo was getting a lot of buzz. It’s one of those POS systems that promised a lot, and for some businesses, it probably delivered. It’s got a decent set of features, but it’s not always the easiest to get your head around, if you know what I mean. It’s like they tried to pack in everything but didn’t quite nail the user experience.

Bindo is a cloud-based POS solution that caters to various retail segments, offering tools for inventory management, customer loyalty, and reporting. It aims to provide a comprehensive platform for retailers to manage their operations efficiently.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Bindo brings to the table:

Inventory management: Helps keep track of stock levels and manage product catalogs.
Customer loyalty programs: Allows businesses to create and manage loyalty programs to retain customers.
Reporting and analytics: Provides insights into sales data and customer behavior.

Bindo offers a range of features designed to streamline retail operations. It’s worth checking out if you need something that can handle a lot of different aspects of your business. Just be prepared to spend some time getting used to it. If you’re looking for other options, consider exploring different e-commerce platforms to see what fits best.

20. POS Nation

POS Nation is another option to consider when you’re looking for a point of sale system. It’s designed to be a complete solution, aiming to handle everything from sales to inventory management. I think the big thing with POS Nation is that it tries to be an all-in-one solution, which can be great if you want everything integrated.

Here’s what I’ve gathered about POS Nation:

It offers features for inventory tracking, which is super important for keeping tabs on what you have in stock.
It includes customer management tools, so you can keep track of your customers and their preferences.
It provides reporting and analytics, which can help you make better business decisions.

POS Nation is often praised for its robust features and customer support. However, it’s worth noting that some users find the initial setup a bit complex. It’s a good idea to check out some demos and see if it fits your specific needs.

I think the key is to really dig into what you need from a POS system. If you’re running a small shop, you might not need all the bells and whistles. But if you’re scaling up, having those extra features could be a lifesaver. It’s all about finding the right balance for your business. A mobile POS system can be a game changer for businesses on the move.

21. Kounta

Kounta, now part of Lightspeed, is a cloud-based POS system aimed at hospitality businesses. It’s designed to be flexible and scalable, which is great if you’re planning to grow. It offers a range of features to manage your restaurant, cafe, or bar efficiently.

Here’s what Kounta brings to the table:

Inventory management: Keep track of your stock levels and reduce waste.
Table management: Optimize seating and streamline service.
Reporting and analytics: Get insights into your business performance.

Kounta’s integration with Lightspeed means you get access to a broader ecosystem of tools and support. This can be a real advantage if you’re looking for a long-term solution that can adapt to your changing needs. It’s worth checking out if you need a robust and adaptable POS system.

Kounta helps with easy upselling with product recommendations, which allows your waiters to upsell to your customers based on what they order. It also offers offline access, which allows you to work without the internet and take orders in the basement, on a beach, or even in a garden. It also offers a smartwatch app, which allows your waiters to receive messages about orders, table numbers, and meal preparation times. This means they’ll spend more time talking to your customers, improving your restaurant’s overall customer service. It’s important to consider the global e-commerce payment gateway integration to ensure smooth transactions for your customers.

22. Toast

Toast is tailored for restaurants, offering a comprehensive system. It’s designed to handle the specific needs of the food service industry.

Handheld POS terminals for mobile payments and feedback collection.
Spill-proof hardware (IP54 rated) to withstand busy restaurant environments.
Integration with delivery services to manage orders from third-party platforms.
Menu management features for real-time updates and inventory tracking.

Toast’s focus on restaurant-specific features makes it a strong contender for businesses in the food service sector. It aims to streamline operations from order taking to payment processing.

Toast offers several pricing plans:

Starter Kit: $0/month, includes a cloud-based POS and one terminal.
POS: $69/month, adds custom hardware options.
Essentials: $165/month, includes online ordering features like Toast TakeOut and Toast Delivery Services.
Custom Pricing: Contact Toast for a tailored quote.

Toast has received positive feedback for its mobile ordering and analytics. It performs well in busy settings, but some find its mobile interface less intuitive than alternatives. User reviews on platforms like Capterra and G2 average around 4.2. For businesses looking to optimize for search engines, Toast provides tools to help manage their online presence and customer engagement.

23. ShopKeep

I remember when ShopKeep was the name everyone threw around for iPad POS systems. It was like, if you weren’t using ShopKeep, were you even trying? Things have changed a lot since then, but it’s still worth a look, especially if you’re after something that’s been around the block a few times.

ShopKeep is known for its user-friendly interface and robust reporting features. It’s designed to be easy to pick up, which is great if you’re not super tech-savvy or if you have a lot of staff to train. Plus, it handles inventory management, customer data, and all that jazz.

Here’s a quick rundown of what ShopKeep brings to the table:

Inventory management: Keep track of your stock levels and get alerts when things are running low.
Customer relationship management (CRM): Store customer info and track their purchase history.
Reporting: Get detailed reports on sales, inventory, and customer behavior.

ShopKeep used to be a big player, but the market’s gotten crowded. It’s still a solid option, but make sure you compare it with some of the newer systems out there to see what fits best. Don’t just go with the name you recognize; do your homework!

I think the biggest thing to consider is whether ShopKeep’s feature set aligns with what you need right now. It’s not the cheapest option, so you want to make sure you’re actually going to use everything it offers.

24. PayPal Here

PayPal Here is another option to consider if you’re already using PayPal for your business. It’s designed to be a simple and straightforward way to accept payments, especially for small businesses or those just starting out. It might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more robust POS systems, but it can be a good entry point.

Ease of Use: The main draw is how easy it is to set up and use. If you’re familiar with PayPal’s interface, you’ll pick this up quickly.
Cost-Effective: It can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you don’t need a ton of advanced features.
Integration: It integrates seamlessly with your existing PayPal account, which can simplify your accounting and payment tracking.

PayPal Here is a solid choice if you need a basic, mobile-friendly POS solution and are already comfortable with the PayPal ecosystem. It’s not going to replace a full-fledged POS system for larger businesses, but it’s a great starting point for many small ventures.

One thing to keep in mind is that PayPal’s transaction fees can add up, so it’s worth comparing them to other merchant services providers to see what makes the most sense for your business volume. Also, while it offers basic reporting, it might not be as detailed as some other systems. Overall, it’s a decent option for simple payment processing needs.

25. and more

Okay, so we’ve covered a bunch of POS systems that offer free plans or trials. But the world of point of sale doesn’t stop there! There are tons of other options out there, each with its own quirks and features. It really depends on what you need for your business. Some are super niche, others are more general. Let’s quickly run through a few more that might be worth a look:

RetailEdge: Good for clothing and shoe stores.
Visual Retail Plus: Another option for apparel and accessories.
Rain Retail: Designed for the outdoor recreation industry.

Finding the right POS system can feel like a never-ending quest. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options before settling on one. Most offer free trials, so you can get a feel for the software before committing.

And honestly, the best way to find what works is to just dive in and test a few out. Don’t be afraid to look at some of the smaller, less well-known options too. You might just find a hidden gem that’s perfect for your specific needs. Remember to consider factors like ease of use, customer support, and integration with other tools you already use. For example, does it integrate with your accounting software or retail POS software? Good luck with your search!

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, finding the right free POS system can really help your business save money while still getting the features you need. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to cut costs, there are solid options out there. Just remember to think about what your business truly needs now and in the future. Take your time to compare different systems, read reviews, and maybe even try a few demos. The right choice can make a big difference in how smoothly your operations run. So, do your homework, and you’ll find a free POS solution that fits your business like a glove.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a POS system?

A POS system, or Point of Sale system, is where customers make payments for goods or services. It includes hardware and software that helps businesses manage sales.

Can I really find a free POS system?

Yes, there are several POS systems that offer free versions. However, they might have limited features compared to paid options.

What should I look for in a free POS system?

When choosing a free POS system, consider features like ease of use, customer support, and whether it fits your business type.

Are there hidden costs with free POS systems?

Sometimes, free POS systems may have hidden fees for certain features or transactions, so it’s important to read the terms carefully.

How do I know if a free POS system is right for my business?

A free POS system is good if you’re a small business with basic needs, but if you expect to grow or need advanced features, you might want to consider paid options.

Can I upgrade from a free POS system later?

Most free POS systems allow you to upgrade to paid plans later if you need more features as your business grows.