10 Best POS Systems in Australia for 2026: Detailed Comparison

This guide explores 10 of the best POS systems in Australia, with detailed features, use cases, and ideal business types.

POS systems in 2026 are no longer just cash registers. They are operational hubs for hospitality, retail, and service businesses. Choosing the right system impacts sales, customer satisfaction, inventory management, and staff efficiency. 

10 Best POS Systems in Australia for Small Business 

1. POSApt – Best POS for Cafés, Restaurants & Takeaways

POSApt is designed with hospitality in mind but also supports retail and service businesses. It allows businesses to use Android tablets or smartphones, avoiding expensive hardware. POSApt is particularly strong in managing fast-paced environments like cafés, restaurants, bars, and takeaway outlets.

Why is POSApt the best POS for small businesses?

POSApt offers all features upfront, including QR code table ordering and kitchen display integration, streamlining front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Real-time reporting helps manage sales, inventory, and staff efficiently.

Core Features

• Staff Management: Schedule shifts, track hours, monitor performance, and assign permissions.
• Table & Order Management: Manage tables, handle reservations, and allow QR code orders.
• Kitchen Display Integration: Orders appear instantly in the kitchen for preparation.
• Inventory & Reporting: Track stock, analyse trends, and prevent wastage.
• Customer Loyalty Tools: Build loyalty programs and track customer purchases.
• EFTPOS Integration: Compatible with major Australian payment providers.
• Online Ordering Integration: Sync online ordering and point of sale orders.
• Multi-Location Support: Manage multiple outlets from one dashboard.
• 24/7 Local Support: Access dedicated Australian assistance anytime.

Best For

Cafés, small-to-medium restaurants, bars, takeaway outlets, retail stores, and service businesses.

2. Lightspeed – Best for Multi-Location Retail & Hospitality

Lightspeed is a cloud-based system ideal for businesses with multiple locations or high-volume operations. Its robust reporting, inventory control, and staff management features make it suitable for medium-to-large retailers and restaurants.

Why Lightspeed Excels

Lightspeed provides detailed insights into sales trends, staff productivity, and customer behaviour. Integration with accounting software and e-commerce platforms ensures smooth operations. Its kitchen display integration and customisable floor plans make it ideal for restaurants managing multiple outlets.

Core Features

• Multi-Store Management: Synchronise stock, pricing, and menus across outlets.
• Inventory Tracking: Set reorder alerts, manage suppliers, and reduce wastage.
• Staff Management: Track hours, assign roles, and monitor performance.
• Customer Management: Build loyalty programs and track purchase history.
• Table & Order Management: Customisable floor plans and kitchen display integration.
• Reporting & Analytics: Detailed POS insights for informed decisions.
• E-Commerce Integration: Connect online and in-store operations.
• Payment Integration: Compatible with major EFTPOS providers.
• 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock assistance.

Best For 

Medium-to-large restaurants, bars, and retail chains needing scalability and in-depth operational control.

3. Shopify POS – Best for Integrated Online & In-Store Sales

Shopify POS extends an online Shopify store to physical retail spaces. It is designed to provide a seamless omnichannel experience with real-time inventory, customer, and order management.

Why Shopify POS Excels

Shopify POS enables synchronised stock levels, consistent customer data, and streamlined checkout processes. Mobile POS capabilities allow staff to take payments anywhere, and loyalty features help drive repeat business.

Core Features

• Unified Inventory: Track stock in real-time across all channels.
• Customer Management: Loyalty programs, purchase history tracking, and customer profiles.
• Staff Permissions: Role-based access and shift management.
• Mobile POS: Process payments from tablets or smartphones.
• Payment Integration: Tap, chip, and contactless support.
• Reporting & Analytics: Monitor sales, product performance, and customer trends.
• Discounts & Promotions: Create targeted campaigns.
• Online Ordering Integration: Sync online and in-store operations seamlessly.

Best For

Retailers selling both online and in-store who want a unified system for inventory and customer management.

4. Hike POS – Best for Australian Retailers

Hike POS is an Australian-developed system suitable for small-to-medium retailers and hospitality businesses. Its cloud-based design and offline mode make it reliable even during internet interruptions.

Why Hike POS Excels

Hike offers inventory management, multi-store support, customer tracking, and loyalty features. Offline functionality ensures sales continue even if the network drops, and local support provides quick resolution of issues.

Core Features

• Multi-Store Management: Monitor multiple locations from a single dashboard.
• Inventory Management: Set reorder alerts, manage suppliers, and prevent stockouts.
• Customer Management: Loyalty programs and purchase history tracking.
• Offline Mode: Continue operations during internet outages.
• Reporting & Analytics: Track sales, inventory, and staff performance.
• Payment Integration: Supports all major EFTPOS systems.
• E-Commerce Integration: Connect with Shopify, WooCommerce, and more.

Best For

Australian retailers, boutiques, and small hospitality businesses requiring local support and robust functionality.

5. TouchBistro – Best iPad POS for Restaurants

TouchBistro is designed specifically for hospitality businesses using iPads. Its offline functionality and kitchen display integration ensure smooth operations during busy periods.

Why TouchBistro Excels

TouchBistro simplifies table and order management, allowing staff to focus on service quality. Its reporting tools provide insights into sales, menu performance, and staff efficiency, making it suitable for medium-to-large restaurants.

Core Features

• Table Management: Floor plan customisation, table assignment, and reservation handling.
• Order Management: Modify orders, split bills, and handle special requests.
• Kitchen Display Integration: Orders appear instantly in kitchen screens.
• Staff Management: Track hours, assign roles, and monitor performance.
• Menu Management: Manage specials, customise menus, and schedule items.
• Payment Integration: Accept tap, chip, and contactless payments.
• Reporting & Analytics: Track sales, menu performance, and staff productivity.

Best For

Restaurants, cafés, and bars preferring tablet-based systems with reliable offline capabilities.

6. Square POS – Best for Market Stalls and Mobile Businesses

Square POS is a compact, mobile-friendly system perfect for small retailers, food trucks, pop-ups, and market vendors. Its emphasis is on ease of use and fast setup, making it ideal for businesses without dedicated IT support.

Why Square POS Excels

Square allows you to start selling quickly. The card readers are lightweight, connect via Bluetooth to tablets or smartphones, and require no technical installation. Its intuitive interface reduces training time, while the cloud-based system keeps track of sales and inventory in real time. In addition, Square integrates with online stores, allowing a consistent experience across in-person and e-commerce channels.

Core Features

• Mobile Payments: Accept card payments anywhere using compact card readers.
• Inventory Management: Track stock in real time, set alerts for low inventory.
• Sales Reporting: Monitor daily sales, product performance, and trends.
• Customer Profiles: Record purchase history and build loyalty programs.
• Online Integration: Connect in-person sales with your Square Online store.
• Staff Management: Assign roles, monitor sales performance, and track hours.
• Discounts & Promotions: Create targeted offers and campaigns.
• Multi-Device Support: Operate across multiple devices with synced data.

Best For

Small retailers, food trucks, market stalls, salons, and mobile service providers who need a simple, low-cost POS with fast setup and minimal training.

7. Zettle by PayPal – Best for Sole Traders and Micro-Businesses

Zettle is a portable, lightweight POS system ideal for sole traders, freelancers, and micro-businesses. Its integration with PayPal provides seamless payment processing, particularly for those just starting out or operating mobile businesses.

Why Zettle Excels

Zettle is straightforward to set up. Its Bluetooth-enabled card readers connect to phones or tablets, enabling instant payments. The system tracks basic sales metrics, provides inventory tracking, and allows business owners to build a customer database with purchase histories.

Core Features

• Portable Payments: Accept card payments on-the-go with compact readers.
• Inventory Tracking: Simple product catalogue and stock monitoring.
• Sales Reports: Basic analytics for daily and weekly sales.
• Customer Management: Build profiles and track purchase history.
• PayPal Integration: Receive instant payments through PayPal.
• Staff Management: Basic role assignment and sales tracking.
• Discounts & Promotions: Create simple discount rules for products.

Best For

Sole traders, freelancers, mobile service providers, and small businesses that need a no-frills, cost-effective POS solution with easy setup.

8. Vend POS – Best for Small to Medium Retailers

Vend POS focuses on retail businesses, offering robust inventory management, loyalty programs, and multi-store capabilities. Its cloud-based system provides real-time data and analytics to improve decision-making.

Why Vend POS Excels

Vend simplifies stock management with automatic syncing, barcoding, and reporting. Its customer management system helps retailers build loyalty programs and track purchasing trends. Vend integrates with major accounting software and payment gateways for seamless operations.

Core Features

• Inventory Management: Real-time tracking, low stock alerts, and product variants.
• Customer Management: Loyalty programs, purchase history, and segmentation.
• Sales Reporting: Detailed analytics for trends, best-selling items, and revenue.
• Multi-Store Management: Consolidate operations across multiple locations.
• Payment Integration: Compatible with Australian EFTPOS providers.
• Staff Management: Track performance, assign permissions, and schedule shifts.
• Offline Mode: Continue selling even if the internet goes down.

Best For

Small to medium retailers needing scalable inventory control, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting.

9. Kounta – Best for Hospitality Chains and Bars

Kounta POS is an Australian-based system designed for restaurants, cafes, bars, and chains. It supports multi-location operations, table management, and advanced reporting, making it suitable for complex hospitality businesses.

Why Kounta Excels

Kounta integrates with online ordering, payment systems, and accounting software. Its table management and kitchen display integration streamline service and back-of-house processes. Cloud-based data ensures that owners can monitor multiple outlets from anywhere.

Core Features

• Table Management: Assign tables, handle reservations, and split bills.
• Kitchen Display Integration: Orders appear instantly on screens for efficient preparation.
• Inventory Management: Track stock, set reorder alerts, and manage suppliers.
• Customer Management: Track purchases, build loyalty, and manage marketing campaigns.
• Staff Management: Schedule shifts, track hours, and monitor performance.
• Reporting & Analytics: Insights on sales trends, menu performance, and staff productivity.
• Payment Integration: Compatible with Australian EFTPOS providers and online payment solutions.

Best For

Restaurants, cafés, bars, and hospitality chains requiring multi-location support and detailed operational control.

10. Revel Systems – Best for Large-Scale Hospitality and Retail

Revel Systems is an enterprise-grade POS suitable for large restaurants, retail stores, and chains. Its strength lies in advanced reporting, detailed inventory management, and scalability.

Why Revel Excels

Revel provides comprehensive control over every aspect of operations. It supports multi-location management, integrates with accounting and e-commerce platforms, and handles high-volume sales efficiently. Cloud-based and mobile-ready, it ensures that owners can access operational data from anywhere.

Core Features

• Multi-Store Management: Control multiple locations from a central dashboard.
• Inventory Tracking: Monitor stock, manage suppliers, and set reorder levels.
• Customer Management: Loyalty programs, marketing campaigns, and purchase history.
• Staff Management: Assign roles, track performance, and schedule shifts.
• Table & Order Management: Floor plans, reservations, and kitchen display integration.
• Reporting & Analytics: Deep insights into sales, trends, and staff performance.
• Payment Integration: Works with all major EFTPOS providers.
• Offline Mode: Continue operations during internet outages.

Best For

Large restaurants, retail chains, and franchises require robust, scalable POS solutions with comprehensive reporting and operational oversight.

How to Choose the Best POS System for Your Australian Business

Selecting the best POS system is about finding a business partner that supports operations, improves efficiency, and scales as your business grows. In Australia’s competitive landscape, the right POS can make a tangible difference in profitability, customer satisfaction, and staff productivity. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose wisely.

1. Understand Your Industry Needs

Not all POS systems are created equal. Your business type largely determines which features matter most.

• Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bars, takeaways): Look for table and order management, QR code ordering, kitchen display integration, split billing, and staff rostering. A system that supports online orders and delivery integration is also valuable.
• Retail: Focus on inventory management, barcode scanning, multi-store support, and customer loyalty programs. Accurate stock tracking and supplier management are essential to prevent overstocking or lost sales.
• Service-based businesses: Prioritise appointment scheduling, payment processing, staff management, and client records. A mobile-friendly system is often helpful for on-site services.

Before even evaluating POS systems, make a list of essential features specific to your industry. This prevents being swayed by flashy extras that won’t benefit your business.

2. Consider Cost Beyond the Monthly Fee

Many Australian POS providers advertise low monthly fees, but additional costs can accumulate:

• Transaction fees: Some systems charge a percentage per card payment, which can add up for high-volume businesses.
• Hardware costs: Check if the system works on your existing devices or if it requires proprietary hardware.
• Add-ons and integrations: Loyalty programs, advanced reporting, or online ordering may not be included in the base plan.

A good POS system is transparent about pricing. For example, POSApt’s hospitality plan includes all features upfront without hidden costs — a major advantage for cost-conscious Australian businesses.

3. Check for Cloud-Based and Offline Functionality

Cloud-based POS systems allow you to:

• Access real-time sales and inventory data from anywhere in Australia.
• Sync multiple locations and online channels effortlessly.
• Secure data backups, reducing risk in case of hardware failure.

Offline mode is equally important. Even in metropolitan areas, internet outages can happen. POS systems with offline capabilities ensure sales and payments continue uninterrupted.

4. Evaluate Ease of Use and Staff Training

A POS system is only useful if your team can operate it efficiently. Complex interfaces can slow service, frustrate staff, and increase errors.

• Request a demo or trial period to test the system in real-world scenarios.
• Try tasks such as processing a sale, issuing a refund, adding a product, or splitting a bill.
• Assess how quickly staff can learn and navigate the system.

Intuitive POS systems reduce training time, improve service speed, and boost staff confidence.

5. Examine Integration Options

Your POS should communicate seamlessly with other business tools:

• Payment terminals: EFTPOS, tap-and-go, and mobile wallets.
• Accounting software: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks.
• Delivery platforms: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog (for hospitality).
• Online stores: Shopify, WooCommerce, or other e-commerce platforms.

Strong integrations reduce manual work, prevent errors, and save time. Consider your future growth — you may need additional integrations as your business scales.

6. Prioritise Customer Support

Responsive support is critical for Australian businesses, especially those operating late hours or in fast-paced environments.

• Prefer providers offering 24/7 support with local Australian staff, not automated chatbots.
• Check reviews and testimonials from other Australian businesses.
• Confirm support channels: phone, email, live chat, or in-app assistance.

POS downtime during peak periods can be costly. Reliable support ensures you get back online quickly and maintain smooth operations.

7. Assess Security and Compliance

Payment security is non-negotiable in 2026. Ensure your POS system:

• Complies with PCI DSS standards.
• Offers end-to-end encryption for card payments.
• Provides secure storage and backup for sensitive customer data.
• Aligns with Australian data privacy regulations, especially if storing loyalty program or customer contact information.

A secure POS protects your business reputation and prevents costly breaches.

8. Consider Scalability and Future Growth

A POS system is an investment, not a short-term purchase. Ask yourself:

• Can this system handle additional staff, locations, or product lines as my business grows?
• Will it support higher transaction volumes during peak periods?
• Are upgrades affordable, or does growth require a costly system change?

Systems like POSApt, Lightspeed, and Shopify POS are designed to grow with your business, making them ideal for Australian businesses planning for expansion.

9. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

While vendor claims are useful, real-world experiences matter most.

• Check Google Reviews, social media, and Australian business forums.
• Ask local business owners about reliability, support, and hidden costs.
• Seek recommendations from peers in your industry niche.

This gives insight into potential challenges and ensures you choose a POS trusted by businesses like yours.

10. Test Before Committing

Finally, don’t sign up without hands-on experience:

• Use trial accounts where available.
• Simulate real transactions, refunds, and reporting tasks.
• Evaluate staff feedback on usability and workflow efficiency.

A short trial can prevent long-term frustration and ensure your POS fits seamlessly into your operations.

Conclusion

Choosing the best POS system in Australia comes down to finding one that fits your business needs, simplifies operations, and grows with you. For hospitality, POSApt stands out with its comprehensive features, affordability, and support for table QR codes and kitchen display integration. Retailers, mobile businesses, and service providers can find strong alternatives in systems like Lightspeed, Square, Shopify POS, and Zettle. Ultimately, the right POS is more than software—it’s a partner that keeps your business running smoothly, improves efficiency, and enhances the customer experience.