Over the years, I’ve seen Android POS systems evolve into some of the most adaptable and accessible business tools on the market. Today’s Android POS offers straightforward setup, seamless connectivity, and compatibility with most smart devices, making it appealing to both new entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners.

Here are my recommendations for the best Android POS systems of 2024:

Note that all providers on this list are highly rated on Google Play by real life users and compatible with most Android POS hardware.

Best Android POS systems compared

* Such as barcode scanners, cash registers, receipt printers, weighing scales, customer display, and kitchen display systems that run on an Android operating system.

Did you know? The Android operating system (OS) is built on an open-source platform that developers use to create proprietary business systems. So, there are many POS software that run on Android. For example, the popular restaurant POS software Toast is Android-based, though you can’t download the software for free on Google Play. 

Many POS hardware peripherals are also built using the Android OS and are, by default, compatible with any POS software that runs on an Android device. 

Read more: Types of POS systems

Key features of Android POS systems

The nature of the Android OS provides users with a simpler setup, better connectivity, and easier management than other operating software, which is why the two main features of Android POS systems are flexibility and mobility. That said, it’s also important to consider value-for-money features tailored to different business types. 

So when choosing an Android POS system, be sure to look for the following key features:

Software compatibility

By default, Android POS software should be able to work seamlessly with most Android-based POS hardware. That said, you should still make sure to choose one that’s compatible with the Android operating software version installed on your smartphone or tablet. Because while you may be able to run the current platform on an older Android device, there is a big risk that software updates may not be supported.

Card reader reliability

While Android systems are highly compatible, some providers still experience frequent failed transactions due to faulty hardware. Before choosing a provider, research card reader feedback from real-life users on the Google Play Store and other third-party review sites. 

Seamless payment processing

Like any top-tier POS system, Android POS software offers seamless payment processing, whether as a built-in feature or a third-party integration. Choose a provider that supports most payment methods, including contactless payments from Android-based smart devices.

Offline mode

Customer checkout should not be interrupted in cases of temporary internet downtime. The system can keep a record of transactions that will be processed once connectivity is restored.

Business management features

The system supports key POS features such as inventory, customer management, marketing, and reporting tools. It should also be compatible with third party business platform integrations built on an Android OS to help scale the POS system as the business grows.

Regularly updated software

The POS software is regularly updated with little to no downtime to business operations. Updates are also properly documented and available for feedback on the Google Play platform.

Read more: How much do POS systems cost?

Choosing the best Android POS system

The Android operating system is built on an open-source platform, so it’s no surprise that there are many payment and POS software built on Android. That said, the best Android POS for your business should match your business model and fulfill your specific goals.  

In general, your Android POS should be able to: 

• Run on your Android smartphone or tablet
• Provide a card reader that seamlessly connects with your Android smartphone or tablet
• Offer both a mobile and countertop setup
• Integrate seamlessly with other Android-based POS hardware peripherals
• Easily update with no additional cost and little to zero downtime

With this in mind, I recommend the following:

Square is the all around best value Android-based POS system for small and new businesses. It offers the most feature-rich free plan that includes industry-specific software plus hardware you can build around your Android tablet and card reader. 

Loyverse is a standout for quick service restaurants and food retailers. It provides an impressive set of inventory management tools, plus free loyalty and kitchen display system. Loyverse also supports a full list of Android-based hardware. 

Shopify POS is the best choice for ecommerce retailers. It offers excellent omnichannel management tools and supports full Android-based POS hardware. 

Clover is an excellent alternative for business savvy entrepreneurs who want better control of business costs. The system is available from a number of popular payment service providers with varying rates to choose from. Third party vendors offer Android compatible hardware peripherals to build around your Clover card reader and tablet.

Vagaro is my top recommendation for Android-based appointment and scheduling POS software. The system offers a complete suite of software, hardware, ecommerce, and payment services, plus marketing, payroll, and order fulfillment tools for an easy all-in-one setup.

FAQs

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As businesses use their point-of-sale (POS) system, the software becomes a significant source of business information. Today’s POS software includes analytics features that transform this raw information into insights on consumer behavior, sales trends, inventory management, and even employee performance.

This article covers what POS data is, how it works, and how to generate insights from analytics to stay on top of business goals. 

What is POS data?

Point of sale (POS) data captures transaction details within POS software, including customer information, inventory movement, and employee performance. Additional business management integrations, such as marketing, loyalty, shipping, and payments, can collect additional data, adding to this holistic view. By default, POS software is equipped to generate reports for this data. 

Types of POS data

Key types of data available from POS software include: 

• Sales data: Reveals what items are getting sold or left behind. It tracks sales trends over time, helping you understand seasonal patterns, product popularity, and even the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.
• Customer data: Includes information about who is buying your products or services. This can range from basic demographics to more detailed purchasing histories. 
• Inventory data: Records available inventory and its movement. It shows what inventory you have, what you need, and what you could do without. 
• Payment data: A record of all payments processed for every transaction. This encompasses different payment methods like cash, credit/debit cards, or digital wallets. 

Related:What is a POS system?

How to analyze point-of-sale data 

Unlike basic reports that only produce a consolidated list of similar data, POS analytics combines different data sets to help paint a bigger picture. 

Turning these analytics into actionable business strategies involves several steps:

1. Defining clear objectives and KPIs: Start with clear goals and key performance indicators to guide your analysis.
2. Gathering and measuring data: Choose relevant reports and filter them by criteria like date ranges. Analyze this data over time to establish benchmarks and identify patterns and trends.
3. Applying context to data: Consider contextual factors like seasonal changes, competitor actions, and market trends to understand the story behind the numbers.
4. Utilizing advanced technologies: Embrace technologies like big data analytics and predictive modeling to enhance the depth and accuracy of your analysis.
5. Creating strategies based on insights: Use the insights from your analysis to inform various business strategies, including inventory management, marketing efforts, and operational improvements.

Challenges in gathering data

Gathering data for POS analysis does not come without difficulties. Below are a number of challenges plus solutions to consider:

Techniques for applying context to data 

POS analytics are only helpful if your business is able to use the data to make strategic business decisions that positively impact the bottom line. 

So, here’s a crash course on the key data points to consider: 

Inventory reporting and analysis: This involves tracking inventory status with detailed reports showing sales-to-stock ratios, weeks-of-supply, in-stock percentages, and more. It helps in making informed decisions regarding inventory management, ensuring that products are well-stocked and aligned with demand.

Multi-retailer data analysis: This type of analysis provides insights into product performance across different geographies and retailers. It answers critical questions about customer preferences and product performance in various locations, which can inform marketing and distribution strategies.

Sales key performance indicators (KPIs): Analyzing sales data and KPIs can give a comprehensive view of store performance, including year-over-year comparisons. This analysis helps identify top and bottom-performing stores and informs decisions on product placement and marketing strategies.

Analysis of returns, exchanges, and refunds: Monitoring these activities can reveal trends in customer preferences and product performance. This analysis can lead to strategic decisions like removing certain products from shelves or adjusting marketing strategies.

Employee KPIs: POS analytics can also be used to track and assess staff productivity, using metrics like transaction speed, average ticket value, and upselling success. This data helps in identifying training needs and rewarding high performers.

ROI analysis: Evaluating the return on investment for various business activities, based on the data gathered by POS systems, can optimize business operations and improve profitability.

Related: How to use a POS system

Benefits of leveraging POS data to grow your business 

POS analytics transforms raw data into actionable insights that can drive smarter business strategies, such as: 

• Data-driven decision making
• Personalized customer experiences
• Streamlined inventory management
• Goal-oriented planning
• Operational efficiency
• Streamlined marketing strategy

Ultimately, POS analytics empowers businesses with data-driven decision-making. Every decision, from product placement to promotions, is based on reliable data. Analyzing POS data helps identify trends and patterns, such as seasonal fluctuations, shifts in the market, or changes in consumer behavior. By spotting these trends, businesses can adapt to take advantage of new opportunities and stay competitive.

POS analytics can also help optimize operational aspects, such as staffing requirements for peak shopping hours, smarter resource allocation, and purchasing decisions. Insights into product demand help minimize waste and ensure popular items are in stock, which also improves the consumer experience.  

Finally, POS analytics reveals customer buying patterns and preferences, allowing businesses to tailor offerings, increase customer loyalty, and boost sales through personalization. POS data can also reveal which marketing efforts are effective, resulting in targeted campaigns that resonate with customers and drive sales. 

Related: How much does a POS system cost?

Integrating POS data with other business systems

POS data can be very limited on its own without any integration with other business systems to create relevant and timely insights. That is why the key to maximizing POS analytics is to integrate your other business systems with your POS software.  

While ideal, it’s not unusual for businesses, particularly SMBs, to encounter challenges in implementing these upgrades. This includes:

• Budget constraints
• Scaling data analysis with organizational growth 

Thankfully, several POS systems come with built-in analytics tools and support a wide variety of integration options for every business type.

Some key business platform integrations include:

Customer relationship management (CRM) software

Without your CRM, your POS data analytics will not have access to your customer profile and sales history which ultimately helps in generating key trends in sales, inventory movement, and even payment preferences.

E-commerce and other sales platforms

If you run a multichannel business, it’s important to integrate all your selling platforms into a single system connected to your POS analytics. Your sales and inventory analytics will be limited without this integration, but with it, you get additional insights into customer behavior and inventory.  

Industry-specific software

Some business types and sizes demand more advanced features, such as vendor management, appointment setting, shipping, and kitchen display systems for restaurants. Integrating this into your POS analytics platform helps create a more tailored analysis of your business’s performance. 

Accounting software

Your business financials are a key resource for POS data in analyzing business health. When integrated, your analytics platform can provide insights such as which activities are contributing heavily to expenses, whether your accounts receivable activities are efficient, and whether there are better ways to accept payments.

Our recommendations: Best accounting software for business

As technology continues to advance, and AI becomes increasingly interwoven in all business processes. So will the capabilities of POS systems. Even today, POS systems are more intelligent, interconnected, and capable of delivering insights that are both predictive and prescriptive. Not only do analytics provide businesses with trends, but also generate actionable recommendations on how to respond to these insights effectively.

Learn more: How to use AI in data analysis

FAQs

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Using your mobile phone or an iPad as point-of-sale (POS) hardware can be convenient, but it might not be the ideal situation for some businesses. Choosing the best POS hardware comes down to finding the right pieces for your needs, whether you work in a busy restaurant, a brick-and-mortar retail shop, or pop-up shops in multiple towns. After carefully considering features, durability, and pricing, we picked the best POS hardware for various small businesses.

Best POS hardware at a glance

Related: What is a POS system?

Key Components and Features of POS Hardware

There are many types of POS hardware you should consider adding to your POS system stack such as barcode scanners, kitchen display systems (KDS), receipt printers, and cash drawers. Most of these hardware components would be essentially useless without the core piece of any POS system: the terminal. It’s the terminal that includes key features that allow you to accept payments and track sales.

Here’s what you can usually do with POS terminals:  

Accept payments: All POS hardware should be equipped to handle payments, whether by cash, card, or contactless payments. Some POS terminals have a built-in credit card reader, while others may require you to add one such as in the case of those who want to use tablets or mobile phones as their POS system.

Record sales: As you ring up sales, it’s important to keep track of those sales, along with returns, so you can calculate your profits and losses. Your POS terminal should have a place that records all transactions for the day.

Print receipts: Many POS terminals may include a built-in receipt printer or you can deliver a receipt digitally such as with Square Terminal, which offers both options. Receipts are vital for most businesses so customers can track their own spending or return an item.

Manage inventory: Not all POS hardware includes inventory management as a feature. This feature may be included in your POS software. Alternatively, you may need to invest in inventory management software separately and have it integrated into your POS system.

Run reports: Whether it’s sales reports, a P&L report, or even timesheets, POS hardware that includes a feature to generate reports is helpful. This may be part of your POS software, but some hardware offers reporting in its system.

Choosing the Right POS Hardware for Your Business

There are several POS hardware options that may work for your business, but to choose the best POS hardware, you should take many factors into consideration. The type of your business, connectivity needs, integration options, payments you want to take, and the durability of the POS hardware you choose are some of the factors. 

Consider these needs before you sign a contract or shell out hundreds of dollars for your POS hardware: 

Type of business

A mom-and-pop shop can get away with a simple POS system, but a busy restaurant is likely to need more technology to keep up with demand. Consider your sales volume and the type of device you want to use to accept payments. An iPad can work as a terminal if you plan to keep it at a counter, but if you’re mobile and dealing with slippery situations, you want a device that’s more durable.

Warranty

Clumsiness happens, so it’s important to consider the warranty of POS hardware. Dropping a tablet could mean expensive replacements. Even the most durable devices may break or have a glitch, which is why quality and length of warranty matter.

Connectivity

If you have reliable WiFi, most modern POS hardware should work well for you. Bluetooth could be a better option if you have a mobile business and need to rely on your cellular network. The more antiquated method of tethering requires you to be stationary, so it’s a better option for retail stores.

Payments accepted

You should expect all POS hardware to include the ability to accept payments by credit and debit cards. The best POS hardware also allows you to accept contactless payments such as by Apple Pay or Google Pay. There are a few that allow you to accept payment from popular cash apps, including Venmo and PayPal. Consider your customers and how they prefer to pay.

Payment processor

Many POS hardware companies include their own payment processing, which is part of the reason you may find free or cheap POS hardware available (they’ll make money on transaction costs). However, there are some that allow you to choose your own payment processor, which is great when you already have a good rate with a merchant services provider.

Contract type

To get hardware for your POS system, you may need to sign a contract either to lease the equipment or for your payment processor. Consider the terms carefully because some require you to sign up for at least a year, while others may only require month-to-month commitments.

Reliability

The POS system you choose is only as good as its reliability. Look for POS hardware companies that ensure good uptime for your payment processing. Keep in mind this isn’t just about the system; your internet provider may be at fault if you have disruptions.

Pricing

Though cost is always a factor for small business software, it isn’t the most important factor. There’s usually a balance you can strike depending on whether you use an all-in-one POS hardware, software, and payment processing system where you pay little to nothing for your equipment. Or pay more for equipment and use a payment processor that offers a better rate.

Training

Going from a pen-and-paper method to a complex system may require a bit of downtime for training. Consider what you and your team will need to adapt to new POS hardware and choose something that’s easy to learn and use or offers thorough training on the equipment and software.

FAQs

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