Top 5 POS for Android: Which Android POS Systems for You?

Key Takeaways

• Shopify POS: Best for seamless integration between online and physical stores.
• Square: Best for businesses looking for a POS system that supports offline mode.
• Loyverse: Best for small businesses looking for a free, easy-to-use POS solution.
• Clover: Best for flexibility and customization with various payment options.
• Toast: Best for food service businesses with specific features like menu management and integrated online ordering.
• Lightspeed Retail: Best for advanced inventory management and multichannel retail capabilities.
• KORONA: Best for businesses in the events industry with integrated ticketing and event management features.

Top 5 Android POS systems

Shopify POS

Shopify, a giant in the e-commerce industry, offers a POS system that transcends tranditional boundaries and addresses most, if not all, of your business concerns. With a reputation built on providing comprehensive, intuitive, and mobile-friendly solutions, the Shopify POS system bridges the gap between your online and offline store operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient point-of-sale business. And for businesses seeking a cost-effective, versatile, and user-friendly solution, Shopify’s Android-friendly POS system could be the perfect fit.

Pricing

Basic point-of-sale features come bundled with every Shopify pricing plan, which ranges in price from $5 to $399 per month. For an extra $89 per month, you can avail of the Shopify POS Pro add-on to access a broader set of features.

Key Shopify POS Features

Certain point-of-sale functionalities are accessible on both Shopify POS Lite and POS Pro. They are as follows:

• Robust inventory management across online and brick-and-mortar stores
• Multichannel selling capabilities
• Seamless integration with the Shopify eCommerce platform
• Easy-to-use, intuitive interface
• Secure, PCI-compliant payment processing

Device Compatibility with Android POS Apps

• Compatibility: The Shopify POS application works seamlessly with most Android smartphones and tablets that operate on Android 5.0 and above.
• Recommended Android version: For the best performance, ensure that your device is updated to the latest Android version.
• Accessibility: Google Play Store
• Flexibility: Shopify POS can function both as a tablet POS system or a mobile POS system, catering to your specific business needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extensive set of features fulfilling a broad range of business requirements.
• Effortless integration with Shopify’s e-commerce platform and other types of software, including accounting systems.
• Reliable offline mode supported by multiple POS devices such as barcode scanners and cash drawers, which function without internet connectivity.
• Exceptional customer support.

Cons

• Advanced reporting features are only available in higher-tier plans

Square

Square is one of the best point-of-sale systems for Android devices thanks to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

Square best suits merchants who are looking for a POS system that brings together sales, inventory management, and customer engagement on their Android devices.

Pricing

Square POS takes pride in its transparent pricing structure that scales with your business.

Its POS software is available at no monthly cost—meaning it’s a free pos app for Android, with payment processing fees set at a flat rate of 2.6% + 10¢ per tap, dip, or swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

The costs associated with additional services and hardware (such as a Square Stand or Terminal) can vary, so it’s worth checking Square’s detailed pricing page to understand what might be relevant to your specific needs.

Key Features

• Easy and quick transaction processing
• Offline Mode allowing transactions even without internet connectivity
• Comprehensive inventory tracking and management
• Integrated receipt and sales reports
• Customer engagement and marketing tools

Compatibility

Square POS app is compatible with most Android smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 or newer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Intuitive and user-friendly platform
• Seamless integration with a host of other software and services
• Robust offline capabilities
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics

Cons

• While Square’s payment processing fees are straightforward, they could potentially be higher compared to other competitors, especially for businesses that frequently handle large-volume sales.
• Additional hardware may add up to the overall costs.
• Square POS’s Offline Mode facilitates transactions to be processed when the connection is re-established. But this mode carries additional risk as payments that are declined or expired are not covered by Square. Additionally, any payments that remain unprocessed after 24 hours will automatically expire.

Loyverse

Loyverse is another great point-of-sale option for Android devices. Designed with an intuitive interface, Loyverse facilitates seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales analysis, and customer loyalty efforts, all from your Android device.

Pricing

One of the standout features of Loyverse POS is its pricing strategy. At its core, Loyverse offers a free POS software version that includes essential features like sales analytics, a customer loyalty program, and credit card processing.

For businesses needing more advanced functionality, Loyverse offers additional paid services, such as advanced inventory for $25/month and employee management for $25/month per store.

Key Features

• Free, easy-to-use POS software
• Real-time inventory management
• Sales analytics and reporting
• Employee management capabilities
• Customer loyalty program integration

Compatibility

Loyverse’s POS app works with Android 5.0 or higher, which covers a wide range of smartphones and tablets.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• A user-friendly interface that reduces the learning curve
• Core POS software available for free
• Good offline functionality
• Solid reporting and analytics with add-ons

Cons

• Advanced features require paid add-ons
• Limited integrations compared to some competitors
• High add-ons fees
• While the Loyverse Android POS app allows offline transactions and shift management, actions like issuing refunds, registering customers, and adding items require an internet connection.

Clover

Clover, a renowned player in the POS ecosystem, offers a POS system that transforms how businesses manage their operations. It provides a comprehensive suite of point-of-sale tools that combine payment processing with robust business management features, all from the convenience of your Android device.

Pricing

Clover POS stands out with its flexible and scalable pricing structure, designed to cater to various business needs.

Clover POS costs range from a starting price of $799 + $54.95/month (or $100/month if paid monthly) for a basic fast-service dining plan up to a maximum of $4,097 + $114.85/month (or $310/month if paid monthly) for an advanced full-service dining plan, with processing fees starting from 2.3% + $0.10.

Hardware costs can range from $69 for a mobile card reader to $1,649 for a full POS system, making Clover a costly option for budgetary needs.

Key Features

• Flexible and customizable POS system
• Wide range of payment options, including EMV chip cards, and contactless payments
• Inventory tracking and management
• Employee scheduling and management
• Integrated gift cards and loyalty programs

Compatibility

The Clover POS system uses proprietary hardware for its main units, but their Go and Flex units are compatible with Android devices running 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and above. Clover Go and Clover Flex offer mobile payment processing and are designed for on-the-go transactions.

Pros and Cons

Like any solution, Clover POS comes with its advantages and potential downsides:

Pros

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface
• Versatile with extensive integrations
• Reliable offline functionality
• Robust analytics and reporting capabilities

Cons

• Hardware can be expensive depending on the chosen system
• Advanced features may require higher-tier plans
• The Offline Payments option has the risk of declined or partial payments due to issues like expired or canceled credit cards

Toast

Toast POS is a robust, restaurant-centric system designed to handle the intricacies of the food service industry, from fine dining establishments to mobile eateries. With an intuitive interface, it offers seamless order processing, inventory management, sales analysis, and customer engagement from the convenience of your Android device. If you’re seeking a solution that can handle high-speed transactions and streamline your business operations, the Toast Android POS app could be the perfect match.

Pricing

Toast POS provides a transparent and flexible pricing model designed to scale your business. The software subscription costs $0–$165 per month. Additional costs may arise for hardware, installation, and add-on modules, which can be customized according to your business needs.

Key Features

• Tailored for food service businesses with features like menu management, and table layouts
• Seamless integration with online ordering and delivery
• Real-time reporting and analytics
• Kitchen display system compatibility
• Integrated CRM for improved customer relationships

Compatibility

Lightspeed Retail’s POS app is compatible with most Android smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 and above.

Pros and Cons

Like any solution, Toast POS has its advantages and potential areas of improvement:

Pros

• Restaurant-specific features, making it highly relevant for the food service industry.
• User-friendly interface.
• Strong offline capabilities.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics.

Cons

• Pricing can be relatively high for small businesses, especially with add-ons
• Hardware must be purchased from Toast, potentially limiting customization options

Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed Retail POS is a powerful POS system for Android devices. With its intuitive design, it facilitates seamless transactions, inventory management, sales analysis, and customer loyalty programs, all from the convenience of your Android device. If you’re looking for a solution that combines comprehensive functionality with user-friendliness, Lightspeed Retail POS could be the ideal choice.

Pricing

Lightspeed offers several subscription options tailored to various business sizes and needs, starting from $89 per month. The price can increase based on the number of users and added features. Additional costs may apply for hardware and advanced integrations.

Key Features

• Multichannel retail capabilities
• Advanced inventory management features
• In-depth reporting and analytics
• Employee management tools
• E-commerce integration for seamless online and in-store sales

Device Compatibility with Android POS Apps

Lightspeed Retail’s POS app is compatible with most Android smartphones and tablets running Android 4.1 and above.

Pros and Cons

Like all business solutions, Lightspeed Retail POS has its strengths and areas of improvement:

Pros

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface
• Extensive integration capabilities
• Solid offline functionality
• Advanced analytics and reporting

Cons

• Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
• Customer support could be improved

In short, Lightspeed Retail POS offers a robust, versatile, and user-friendly POS solution for Android devices. Despite a few drawbacks, its powerful features, seamless operation, and secure platform make it an appealing choice for businesses needing a comprehensive POS solution.

KORONA

KORONA is an excellent cloud-based POS system for Android devices. It’s designed to be flexible and adaptable across various business types, including retail, ticketing, QSRs, and more. With its intuitive interface, KORONA enables effortless transaction processing, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer management from your Android mobile device.

Pricing

KORONA offers different pricing options, starting from $59 per month, to fit different business needs. This upfront cost will rise as you need to use more advanced features.

Key Features

• Cloud-based, real-time reporting and analytics
• Integrated ticketing and events management for businesses in the events industry
• Advanced inventory management
• Customer loyalty program capabilities
• Employee scheduling and performance tracking

Compatibility

The KORONA POS app is compatible with most Android smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 and higher.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-friendly and intuitive interface
• Robust reporting and analytics
• Versatility across multiple business types

Cons

• Offline functionality is limited compared to other systems

So, what is the best Android POS system for your business?

In the quest for the perfect Android point-of-sale system, one name consistently tops the charts: Shopify POS. Here’s a closer look at why Shopify POS might be the ideal choice for your business.

1. Comprehensive Features: At the heart of Shopify POS lies a wealth of features designed to support and enhance your business operations. From inventory management to customer relationship management, offline sales capability, and multi-channel selling, Shopify POS has it all. It covers the necessary POS functionalities, making it a full-fledged solution for businesses of all sizes.

2. Seamless Integration: Shopify POS’s ability to integrate with the Shopify eCommerce platform means businesses with online and brick-and-mortar outlets can manage their operations seamlessly. Inventory is synchronized across all channels, providing accurate and real-time data.

3. Affordable Pricing: With pricing plans starting at $39 per month, Shopify POS is a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses. The Pro version, priced at $89 per month, includes advanced features that can scale your business, ensuring you won’t outgrow the system as your needs evolve.

4. User-Friendly Interface: Shopify POS is known for its intuitive, user-friendly interface that simplifies training and reduces the chances of user error. It’s straightforward, easy to navigate, and doesn’t require extensive technical know-how to operate, making it an excellent option for businesses with a varied staff skill set.

5. Reliable Customer Support: Shopify offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring help is available whenever needed. This level of support is crucial for small businesses, where any downtime can have significant consequences.

6. High-Level Security: Shopify is fully PCI compliant, which means it adheres to the highest payment security standards. This offers peace of mind for you and your customers, knowing that transactions are secure.

While Shopify POS excels in many areas, it’s important to note that the best POS system for your business depends on your unique needs and circumstances.

Why should you look for a POS System for Android devices?

There are a few reasons why you should look for a POS for Android devices.

Firstly, versatility and accessibility. Android tablets and phones are widely used globally, and their interface is familiar to many. This familiarity simplifies training and reduces the time your staff takes to become proficient in its use.

Secondly, in line with your business’s needs for mobility, an Android POS system offers portability. Whether you’re a service industry professional moving between appointments, a retailer looking for a flexible, space-saving solution, or a food truck owner needing to process transactions on the go, an Android POS system can go wherever your business takes you.

Thirdly, Android POS systems are typically cost-effective. Traditional POS systems can be expensive, with high upfront hardware costs and ongoing software licensing fees. In contrast, an Android POS system leverages hardware that many businesses already own (smartphones or tablets), and the software is often available at more flexible pricing, including subscription-based models.

Finally, a good Android POS system brings with it a suite of powerful features, including inventory management, comprehensive analytics, and customer relationship management. Such tools empower you not just to process transactions but also to understand your customer behaviors, track sales, manage your stock, and ultimately, make data-driven decisions to drive growth.

7 Key Features to Look for in a POS System for Android Devices

As you navigate the search for an Android POS system, keep these crucial features at the forefront of your decision-making process:

1. User-friendly Interface: You and your team need a system that’s straightforward and easy to use. The learning curve for a new POS system should be minimal, with an intuitive interface that makes setup and day-to-day operations a breeze.

2. Mobile Compatibility and Portability: If your business isn’t tied to a single location, your POS system shouldn’t be, either. Choose a solution that is designed for use on Android devices and prioritizes portability. Your POS system should allow you to take your business wherever it needs to go.

3. Seamless Software Integration: The best POS systems aren’t isolated — they can effortlessly integrate with the other tools and software you use daily. Your POS should speak fluently with your inventory, accounting, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, creating a seamless and efficient operational flow.

4. Reliable Offline Functionality: Connectivity issues can strike anytime, particularly for businesses on the move. A worthwhile POS system will feature a robust offline mode, ensuring you can still process payments and carry out necessary tasks even when your internet connection is down.

5. Advanced Reporting and Analytics: A POS system isn’t merely a cash register replacement. It’s a business management tool. So, ensure to opt for a system that offers in-depth reporting and analytical capabilities. Such features can help you track sales trends, understand customer behavior, and identify growth opportunities.

6. High-Level Security and PCI Compliance: Protecting your business and customers should be a priority. Ensure your chosen POS system complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This standard helps protect your business and customer data from potential fraud.

7. Cost-effectiveness: Even though a robust POS system is a sound investment, it shouldn’t drain your resources. Look for a system that provides exceptional value for money. It should offer all the key features you need, plus reliable customer support, without hidden costs or prohibitively high monthly fees.

Methodology: How we evaluated and picked the best Android POS systems

Our selection process focused on understanding and highlighting the POS systems that would genuinely make a difference for our readers. Here’s a closer look at our meticulous methodology:

1. Identifying Critical POS Features: We began by determining the key features that an effective POS system should offer, such as ease of use, mobility, offline functionality, integration capabilities, and robust reporting and analytics. We also value strong security measures and PCI Compliance to ensure safe transactions.

2. Market Research: Leveraging my ten years of experience in the eCommerce industry, we conducted extensive market research, surveying numerous POS systems available for Android devices.

3. In-Depth Analysis: Each POS system was then evaluated based on its capabilities, features, and performance. We reviewed user feedback, examined software reliability, and assessed the intuitiveness of each system’s user interface.

4. Pricing Evaluation: We analyzed the pricing structures of each POS system, keeping in mind the financial constraints of small to medium-sized businesses. This analysis considered subscription fees, POS fees, transaction fees, and hardware costs.

5. Continuous Updates: The tech industry is always evolving, and so is our analysis. We continually update our reviews to reflect changes in pricing, features, and user feedback.

Best Android POS Systems: FAQs