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Looking for the right point-of-sale system (POS) is one of the first steps to making your business run smoothly. Whether you’re setting up shop for the first time or looking to upgrade your current system, the best POS system can make a huge difference to your business. A great POS doesn’t just process payments; it’s about making your day-to-day easier. From helping you manage inventory and tracking sales to integrating with accounting tools and even building customer relationships, the right system can do it all.
With so many options out there, it can feel like a lot to sort through. In this guide, we walk you through the key features to look for when choosing a POS, and highlight five of the best POS systems Australian businesses like yours are using in 2025.
Read on to discover the best-rated POS systems for businesses looking for a modern, efficient solution that works with their industry – whether you’re based in hospitality, retail, beauty, service-based and more. If you’re just getting started and want to gain a deeper understanding of POS systems, check out this article, What is a POS system and how does it work?
Key features of the best POS system
The best POS system for small businesses and large companies alike does more than just process sales – it’s your trusted business partner, helping things run smoothly every day. Here’s what to look for when choosing a POS to support you:
Intuitive and user-friendly software
When it comes to software, simplicity is key. The best POS software should feel natural to use, even for those who aren’t tech whizzes. You’ll want something that makes tasks like ringing up sales, splitting bills and managing stock feel second nature. A clean, easy-to-navigate interface helps your staff get the hang of it quickly – no long training sessions required.
Look for a system that doesn’t just look good but actually works well under pressure. Whether it’s during a busy lunch rush or a late-night sale, your POS should let you breeze through transactions with minimal effort and mistakes. A smooth, speedy checkout process means fewer errors, happier customers and less stress for your team.
Reliable and versatile hardware
Think of your POS hardware as the backbone of your business. The ideal systems offer a wide range of devices to suit your setup. Whether you’re working with a sleek countertop register, a portable card reader for on-the-go payments, or a full suite of tools like barcode scanners and receipt printers, everything should just work.
And here’s the key: great POS systems aren’t tied down to a single location. Wireless devices and cloud integration let you process payments anywhere – essential for food trucks, market stalls and mobile businesses. Need to scale up later? The system should grow with you, offering options for expansion whenever you need them.
Flexible payment solutions with fast processing
Customers want to pay quickly, and the faster you process payments, the happier they’ll be. Look for a POS system that can handle all kinds of payment methods, from major credit and debit cards to mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even buy-now, pay-later options.
Quick payment processing is also about creating a seamless experience for your customers. Nobody likes waiting in line, and a fast, efficient system means fewer frustrated customers and fewer abandoned sales. Transparent pricing and competitive transaction rates are also important factors to consider when choosing a POS – you’ll want to avoid any surprise fees.
Smooth integration with popular third-party tools
Why waste time re-entering data into different systems? A POS that works well with tools you’re already using saves you so much hassle. The best POS system Australian businesses rely on integrates with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks or MYOB, making bookkeeping and tax time easier. A good POS also syncs with inventory management, eCommerce and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
This means that when you make a sale, everything updates automatically – your books, stock levels and customer records are always in sync, with minimal effort on your part. A POS that’s integrated with your other tools keeps things running smoothly and takes a lot of the manual work off your plate.
Versatile capabilities
A great POS system should be able to handle much more than just processing payments. The best systems include a variety of features like menu customisation, inventory tracking, staff scheduling and even customer loyalty programs to help keep customers coming back for more.
The beauty of an all-in-one system is that it reduces the need for separate tools, saving you both time and money. Instead of juggling different subscriptions, you’ll have everything in one place, from managing stock levels to rewarding your best customers. The simpler, the better – and it makes managing your business easier.
Robust security measures
Security is a must when handling customer payments. Ensure your POS system comes with robust security features like encryption, PCI compliance and fraud prevention tools to make sure your business and your customers stay protected. You don’t want to leave your customers’ data at risk, and a secure system helps protect against data breaches and fraud.
Some systems go even further, offering staff permissions features that allow you to control who can make important changes, ensuring only authorised users have access to key functions. With the right security measures in place, you can rest easy knowing your transactions are safe and that you’re keeping your business compliant with industry standards.
Scalable solutions that grow with your business
The best POS systems don’t just meet your needs today – they grow with you. Whether you’re planning to expand into multiple locations, open an online store alongside your physical shop, or just expand your product range, you want a POS that can support your growth. Look for a system that can scale with you as your needs evolve, offering more features, additional hardware and expanded integrations as you go.
Advanced reporting and analytics
Making informed decisions is key to growing your business. The best POS systems provide real-time reporting that gives you insight into things like sales trends, inventory levels, peak hours and customer preferences. These reports help you see what’s working and where there’s room to grow – no guesswork involved.
With customisable dashboards and automated reports, tracking your performance becomes a cinch. You can quickly identify patterns, spot opportunities and make smarter business decisions. Want to know your busiest time of day or which products are moving the fastest? A great POS has the answer, helping you fine-tune your approach and boost your profits.
5 best POS systems in Australia
1. Square
Square is an all-in-one POS solution that makes selling easier for all business types and sizes. It’s simple, affordable and packed with useful features. Square POS works seamlessly on mobile devices, tablets and all of Square’s own hardware, giving businesses the flexibility to set up their POS however they like.
With Square POS, you can quickly build your item library and customise the app by rearranging items on screen, creating categories and reordering them, allowing for quicker checkouts. For instance, during lunch, you can display lunch items first, starting with your best sellers. You can try it out with this demo.
Square POS supports all major payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS, Amex, JCB, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and Afterpay. On top of taking payments, it comes with free features like menu customisation, modifiers for special requests, and inventory management with low-stock alerts. Plus, Square integrates smoothly with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB and Airtax, helping businesses stay prepped for tax time, all year round.
To get started with Square, simply sign up for an account, download the app and start taking payments. When you need to add extra registers, take payments on the go or expand online, everything connects seamlessly. As your business grows, you can add on solutions specific to your industry, like restaurant, retail, or appointment management.
Square pros
- Easy setup: No complicated installation – just download the app and start selling.
- Integrated payments: Accept cards, mobile wallets and contactless payments with transparent pricing.
- Feature-rich: Includes free tools for inventory tracking, menu customisation, online bookings and reporting.
- Future-proof growth: Start with the free plan and upgrade to advanced features as needed.
- Third-party integrations: Sync with accounting software, eCommerce platforms and more.
What type of businesses is Square best for?
Square works for businesses at every stage – whether you’re just getting started or running a larger, well-established operation. It’s designed to handle the needs of cafes, retail, restaurants, salons, pubs, grocery stores/supermarkets and many more, with the option of adding features specific to your industry.
Pricing
Square’s core POS software is free, and you only pay per transaction. As your business needs grow, you can upgrade to more advanced tools whenever you need them.
2. Abacus
Abacus is a cloud-based POS that’s purpose-built for large hospitality chains, franchises and restaurants needing more control over their operations. It offers centralised multi-site management, so large businesses can handle tiered pricing, menus, surcharges and settings across all their locations. While it provides POS features, businesses will need to integrate their own payment solution.
With multi-location reporting, you get customised dashboards and detailed insights across your venues, helping you make informed business decisions. Plus, Abacus includes tools for stock management and real-time reporting to keep chains running smoothly. For venues that want a more interactive experience, Abacus has paid extras like customer-facing displays and online reservations.
Abacus pros
- Franchise functionality: Manage multiple sites with centralised control.
- Multi-location reporting: Get insights across different venues in one place.
- Add-on options: Pay to access extras like customer-facing displays and online reservations.
What type of business is Abacus best for?
Abacus is ideal for chain businesses and large restaurants with complex ingredient tracking needs.
Pricing
Abacus starts at $69/month per device, with pricing designed to scale based on the number of devices and locations.
3. Shopify POS
Shopify is an eCommerce platform that enables businesses to sell online and manage their stores. It provides tools for inventory management, payments and order processing.
Shopify POS extends these features to in-store sales, allowing retailers to sell both online and in-store using Shopify’s eCommerce platform. It keeps stock and sales in sync across all selling channels, reducing the need to manually update inventory between your website and your shop. If you’re already using Shopify for your online store, the POS system is a natural extension that keeps everything connected.
Other key features include mobile POS options, allowing businesses to use smartphones or tablets as checkout devices. Shopify POS also offers tools like customer profiles and real-time reporting to help retailers manage their operations.
Shopify pros
- Unified inventory: Syncs online and in-store stock.
- eCommerce integrations: Built for online-to-offline selling.
- Mobile POS options: Use smartphones or tablets as a POS device.
What type of business is Shopify best for?
Shopify suits eCommerce businesses and retail stores selling online.
Pricing
Shopify POS Lite is included with any Shopify plan, which starts at $42/month (billed annually), with the option to upgrade to Shopify POS Pro for more advanced features.
4. Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a POS system designed for businesses with complex inventory needs that require advanced stock tracking and reporting. It’s typically used by multi-location retail, grocery and hospitality businesses that need deep insights into their sales and stock.
With a key focus on inventory management, Lightspeed offers tools to track stock levels across multiple locations. It includes custom reporting, providing detailed analytics on sales, margins and employee performance. Lightspeed also comes with built-in loyalty programs to reward repeat shoppers.
Lightspeed best features
- Advanced inventory management: Comprehensive tools to track stock across multiple locations.
- Custom reporting: In-depth analytics for tracking sales, margins and employee performance.
- Loyalty programs: Built-in tools reward repeat customers.
What type of business is Lightspeed good for?
Lightspeed is best for multi-location grocery supermarkets, restaurants, pubs and high-volume retail businesses with intricate inventory requirements.
Pricing
Lightspeed pricing begins at $129/month (billed annually), with higher-tier plans available for businesses that require additional features.
5. SwiftPOS
SwiftPOS is an enterprise POS solution built for large businesses in the hospitality, retail, sports and events sectors. It offers extensive customisation, allowing businesses to tailor their setup with adjustable POS layouts, floor mapping and custom keyboard configurations.
With strong integration capabilities, SwiftPOS connects with numerous third-party vendors, making it easier to streamline operations. It also includes multi-site management and customer engagement tools, making it a suitable choice for venues looking for a flexible POS system that can be adapted to fit their specific requirements.
SwiftPOS best features
- Customisation: Tailor POS layouts, floor maps and keyboard settings to your specifications.
- Extensive integrations: Integrates with hundreds of third-party vendors.
What type of business is SwiftPOS good for?
SwiftPOS is ideal for large-scale hospitality, retail, sports, events and enterprise-sized businesses needing robust software integration.
Pricing
SwiftPOS starts at $79/month, with flexible pricing options depending on your business’ size and requirements.
FAQs
What features should I look for in a POS system?
A good POS should make all types of payments quick, easy and secure, no matter how customers choose to pay. Built-in security and fraud protection are a must for keeping transactions safe. If you use accounting software, ensure your POS integrates seamlessly with tools like Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB and Airtax to simplify tax time.
Also, consider if it has extra features to help you run your business more smoothly – like real-time sales reporting, inventory tracking, staff management, email marketing and customer loyalty tools.
How do I choose a POS system that fits my budget?
When choosing a POS system, it’s important to consider both the upfront cost and long-term value. Some providers charge monthly fees, while others, like Square, offer free core POS software with clear, pay-as-you-go pricing – so you only pay when you make a sale.
It’s also worth considering how easily your POS can grow with you. Whether you’re adding new locations or expanding into new revenue streams (like a restaurant selling merch or a salon offering beauty products), a flexible system like Square makes it simple to adapt as your business evolves.
Do I need to pay a monthly fee for POS software or to use a POS system?
Not necessarily. Square offers free POS software for free, with the option to upgrade to paid features as your business grows. Other providers, like Lightspeed or Abacus, operate on a monthly subscription model. Be sure to check what’s included in each plan to ensure you’re getting the best value for your business.
What’s the difference between POS systems and cash registers?
Traditional cash registers simply record sales and store cash, whereas POS systems do much more. A modern POS system processes card, contactless and mobile payments, tracks sales in real time, manages inventory, generates reports and even integrates with other business tools. If you want to streamline your operations, a POS system is a smarter choice than a standalone cash register.
Is there a mobile app for the POS system?
Many modern POS systems offer mobile apps, allowing you to take payments and manage your business on the go. Square, for example, provides a mobile POS app that works on both iOS and Android, making it ideal for businesses that need flexibility. Mobile POS solutions are especially useful for food trucks, pop-up stores and market stalls.
