5 Alternatives to Shopify POS in Australia for 2025
Choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system is essential for streamlining business operations and enhancing customer service. While Shopify POS is a popular choice, there are several other POS systems available in Australia for 2025 that offer robust features to meet various business needs. In this article, we’ll explore five notable alternatives to Shopify POS, each with unique advantages.
What is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is an integrated system designed to manage sales both online and in-store. It allows businesses to handle transactions, track inventory, and access sales data through a single platform. Shopify POS is favoured for its seamless integration with Shopify’s ecommerce tools, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution. However, exploring other POS systems might reveal Shopify POS alternatives that better fit specific business requirements.
Pricing
| Starter POS | Retail POS |
| $7 / m (5% per transaction) | $129 / monthly |
5 Alternatives to Shopify POS
1. POSApt
Overview: POSApt is a versatile and cost-effective POS system known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. It is suitable for various industries, including retail and hospitality and can be perfect Shopify POS alternative for your business.
Pricing
| Hospitality POS | Retail POS |
| Free (1.5% per transaction) or $66 / m | $99 / monthly |
Key Features:
24/7 Customer Support:
POSApt offers round-the-clock assistance, ensuring that any issues or questions are addressed promptly.
User-Friendly Interface:
The system is designed with an intuitive layout, making it easy for staff to operate and reducing training time.
Affordable Pricing:
POSApt provides competitive pricing plans, making it one of the most cost-effective POS solutions available in Australia. Additionally, POSApt provides free POS software for restaurants and cafes.
Integration with Online Ordering Systems:
It integrates seamlessly with online ordering platforms, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience.
Loyalty Program:
Includes customisable loyalty programs to help build and maintain customer loyalty.
Payment Integration:
Supports various payment methods, including contactless and mobile payments.
Online Booking System:
Facilitates online reservations and bookings, improving customer convenience.
Kitchen Display:
Features a digital display system to manage kitchen orders efficiently.
Benefits: POSApt’s affordability, user-friendly design, and outstanding customer service make it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a reliable and budget-friendly POS solution.
2. Square
Overview: Square is a straightforward POS system that caters to small and medium-sized businesses. It provides an integrated solution that combines payment processing with essential POS features.
Price
| POS |
| Free or $36 (2.2% per transaction),or $99 (1.9% per transaction) / monthly |
Key Features:
Integrated Payments:
Includes built-in payment processing, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Inventory Management:
Offers basic tools for managing stock levels and products.
Analytics and Reporting:
Provides fundamental reporting tools, including sales summaries and customer insights.
Mobile Compatibility:
The mobile app allows businesses to manage sales and process transactions using smartphones and tablets.
Benefits:
Square’s simplicity and ease of use, combined with its integrated payment processing, make it a practical choice for businesses looking for an efficient POS system.
3. Lightspeed
Overview: Lightspeed is a comprehensive POS system designed for businesses that need advanced features and extensive functionality. It is particularly suited for retail and hospitality sectors and can be a good alternative to Square POS.
Pricing
| Hospitality POS | Retail POS |
| $40, $120, $220, $340 / monthly | $129, $229, $329 / monthly |
Key Features:
Advanced POS Capabilities:
Offers detailed reporting, inventory management, and CRM features.
Multi-Channel Selling:
Supports integration with both online and in-store sales channels.
Extensive Integrations:
Integrates with a variety of third-party applications, including accounting software.
Benefits: Lightspeed’s robust feature set and extensive integration options make it ideal for businesses with complex needs, providing a versatile and powerful POS solution.
4. Ordermate
Overview: Ordermate is tailored for the hospitality industry, including restaurants, cafes, and bars. It offers specialised features designed to address the unique needs of hospitality businesses.
Pricing
| POS |
| Need to contact, Higher upfront costs |
Key Features:
Table Management:
Manages table assignments and reservations effectively.
Order Management:
Streamlines order processing with features like split billing and custom modifiers.
Reporting and Analytics:
Provides insights into sales performance, staff productivity, and customer preferences.
Integration with Payment Systems:
Supports various payment methods and integrates with payment processors.
Benefits: Ordermate’s focus on hospitality-specific features makes it a strong choice for food and beverage businesses seeking a specialised POS system.
5. Abacus
Overview: Abacus is a flexible POS system suitable for a range of business types, including retail and services. It is known for its adaptability and comprehensive feature set.
Pricing
| POS |
| Need to contact, Higher upfront costs |
Key Features:
POS Interface:
Offers a versatile interface to match different business needs.
Inventory Management:
Includes tools for managing and tracking inventory.
Customer Management:
Features tools for managing customer information and loyalty programs.
Reporting and Analytics:
Provides detailed reporting capabilities to help businesses analyse performance.
Benefits: Abacus’s versatility and comprehensive features make it a suitable option for businesses looking for a robust and adaptable POS solution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right POS system is more than just selecting a tool—it's about finding a partner that aligns with your business goals and enhances your operations. While Shopify is a well-regarded option, exploring Shopify POS alternatives can reveal systems that may offer a better fit for your unique needs.
POSApt provides a budget-friendly, user-friendly solution with exceptional support, ideal for businesses looking for a balance between cost and functionality.
Square offers a streamlined, integrated approach perfect for small to medium-sized enterprises seeking simplicity in payment processing and basic management.
Lightspeed shines with its extensive feature set and adaptability, making it a strong choice for businesses that require advanced capabilities and seamless multi-channel operations.
Ordermate delivers specialised solutions for the hospitality industry, ensuring that restaurants, cafes, and bars can efficiently manage their unique operational needs.
Abacus stands out for its flexibility and robust feature set, catering to a wide range of business types and offering comprehensive tools for managing sales and inventory.
By evaluating these options, businesses can select a POS system that not only meets their immediate needs but also supports long-term growth and success. Finding the right system can enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and ultimately contribute to achieving your business objectives.
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