Discover the best POS systems for small businesses in 2025 with in-depth reviews, trends, and expert insights. Let Swipesum guide your perfect choice!
Picture this: your business is buzzing, the checkout line is moving swiftly, and customers are walking out the door satisfied. A great Point of Sale (POS) system makes this dream a reality. But let’s face it, not all POS systems are created equal. The wrong one could lead to bottlenecks, hidden fees, and limited payment options that frustrate you and your customers.
As we head into 2025, the world of POS systems is evolving rapidly. Small businesses now have access to innovative solutions that are flexible, scalable, and packed with cutting-edge features. This guide dives into the best POS systems for small businesses, explores why open payment gateways are a game-changer, and shows you how Swipesum can help you make the smartest choice.
A point of sale (POS) system is a comprehensive combination of software and hardware designed to facilitate business transactions, manage sales, and track customer data. At its core, a POS system aims to streamline retail operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost sales efficiency. Typically, a POS system includes various hardware components such as barcode scanners, receipt printers, and credit card readers, alongside software that manages sales data, inventory, and customer information. By integrating these elements, a POS system ensures that every transaction is smooth, accurate, and recorded, providing valuable insights into your retail operations and sales data.
When it comes to POS software, businesses have several options to choose from, each catering to different needs and environments:
Let’s cut to the chase: a POS system with an open payment gateway is a must because it allows you to process payments efficiently. Why? Because it lets you choose your payment processor, ensuring better rates and avoiding the lock-in trap. Systems like Square force you to use their proprietary processing, convenient, but costly. Open gateways like NMI, CyberSource, or Authorize.net give you freedom. With these, you can:
Your business isn’t static, so why should your POS system be? A good POS system grows with you. Expanding from one store to five? Adding a new service line? Your POS should handle it effortlessly. Look for industry-specific features, like:
POS systems in 2025 are packed with tech that makes life easier. POS systems offer essential features such as customer relationship tools, inventory tracking, back-office functionality, and analytics to enhance business operations. Here are some trends worth embracing:
It’s not just about upfront costs. Subscription fees, transaction rates, and hidden charges can add up. With an open payment gateway, you can shop for the best deals and keep more money in your pocket. Transparency is key—don’t settle for less.
Inventory management is a cornerstone feature of any effective POS system. It allows businesses to keep track of stock levels, monitor product movement, and optimize inventory based on sales data. A robust POS system should offer:
Other essential features of a POS system include:
When selecting a POS system, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your retail business. Choose a system that offers the features and functionality necessary to support your operations and drive success.
Lightspeed is one of the most versatile POS systems we’ve reviewed, offering robust features for both retail and hospitality businesses. It stands out for its advanced inventory management, multi-store capabilities, and intuitive design, making it a favorite among businesses of all sizes. Merchants we’ve spoken to appreciate the seamless integration of Lightspeed’s cloud-based system and POS terminals, which allows for real-time data access and efficient operations across locations. The platform has been enhanced for 2025 with AI-driven analytics, improved omnichannel integration, and mobile optimization, catering to the growing need for flexibility and deeper insights.
Feedback from our clients highlights Lightspeed’s exceptional customer support and its ability to scale alongside business growth. With pricing plans that cater to various needs, from basic to advanced, Lightspeed ensures businesses only pay for what they need. The option to integrate with multiple open payment gateways also keeps processing costs competitive, a feature that aligns with Swipesum’s commitment to maximizing value for our clients.
Shopify POS is a powerhouse for businesses that operate both online and offline, offering seamless integration with Shopify’s e-commerce platform. Clients often praise the system’s unified inventory management, allowing them to track stock across channels effortlessly. For 2025, Shopify POS introduces enhanced customer profiles, new payment options like buy-now-pay-later, and improved tools for omnichannel selling, including robust capabilities for processing payments. Its flexibility makes it a go-to solution for businesses aiming to blend in-store and digital experiences.
At Swipesum, we’ve found Shopify POS especially beneficial for retailers looking to streamline operations without compromising on quality. The POS Pro add-on provides advanced features for growing businesses, such as smart inventory tracking and analytics. While some clients have noted the additional cost of the add-on, most agree it’s a worthwhile investment for the functionality it offers. Plus, Shopify’s support for open payment gateways means businesses can pair the system with the payment processor of their choice.
Revel Systems delivers a feature-rich POS solution, particularly for restaurants and retailers. Known for its iPad-based system, Revel’s standout features include advanced inventory management, barcode scanner integration, customizable reporting, and excellent scalability. Customers we’ve worked with appreciate the system’s robust restaurant-focused tools, such as table management and kitchen display integration. In 2025, Revel has upgraded its user interface and added real-time labor tracking, making it even more user-friendly.
Merchants frequently highlight the system’s ability to integrate with open payment gateways, allowing them to maintain control over processing fees. While Revel’s initial setup can be complex, Swipesum’s expertise ensures a smooth implementation. The system’s scalability and flexibility make it a strong choice for businesses with growth ambitions or multiple locations.
KORONA POS has earned its place as a reliable choice for small to medium-sized businesses. Designed with flexibility in mind, it caters to various industries, including retail businesses, event management, and wineries. Merchants often commend its easy-to-navigate interface and scalable features, such as CRM tools and e-commerce integration. New for 2025 are enhanced dashboards for real-time analytics and tools to manage subscription-based services.
Swipesum clients using KORONA frequently emphasize its cost-effectiveness and the value of its open payment gateway integrations. The transparent pricing structure and strong customer support make it a top contender for businesses seeking a straightforward, reliable POS system. Whether you’re running a single location or scaling to multiple outlets, KORONA provides the tools to succeed without breaking the bank.
TouchBistro is the go-to POS system for food and beverage businesses, offering features tailored to the unique needs of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Clients appreciate its intuitive iPad-based interface and restaurant-specific tools like menu management, table tracking, and staff scheduling. For 2025, TouchBistro has rolled out enhancements for online ordering and real-time labor tracking, making it even more efficient for modern dining establishments.
At Swipesum, we’ve consistently seen TouchBistro shine in fast-paced environments where reliability is crucial. The system integrates with open payment gateways, giving businesses the flexibility to choose their processors. While some clients note the need for additional integrations for accounting, the overall experience and support make TouchBistro a solid investment for the food service industry.
Erply POS combines the best of cloud and offline capabilities, making it a standout choice for businesses in areas with inconsistent internet connectivity. Merchants value its advanced CRM tools, scalable inventory management, and automated promotion features. Updates for 2025 include better reporting tools and enhanced e-commerce integration, keeping Erply competitive in an evolving market.
Swipesum clients frequently mention the reliability of Erply’s offline mode, ensuring business continuity even during internet outages. Its integration with open payment gateways adds another layer of flexibility. While some users find the interface less modern than others, the robust feature set and scalable pricing plans make Erply a dependable choice for growing businesses.
Loyverse stands out as a cost-effective POS solution, particularly for small businesses just starting out. Its free basic plan offers essential features like inventory tracking and sales analytics, while add-ons unlock more advanced capabilities. For 2025, Loyverse has enhanced its mobile app and introduced customizable loyalty programs, helping businesses engage customers more effectively.
At Swipesum, we recommend Loyverse to startups and smaller establishments looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use system. While it may lack some advanced integrations, its open payment gateway support ensures flexibility in choosing processors. The simplicity and affordability of Loyverse make it a top pick for businesses prioritizing value and ease of use.
Bindo Labs POS is a feature-rich system designed for retailers and hospitality businesses, with a strong focus on e-commerce integration. Customers appreciate its seamless synchronization of online and in-store sales and its robust inventory management capabilities. In 2025, Bindo has introduced unified customer profiles and AI-driven product recommendations to enhance the customer experience.
Swipesum clients have noted the system’s ability to handle multi-location operations with ease. Its support for open payment gateways ensures merchants have control over processing fees, a key advantage in maintaining profitability. While some users have encountered occasional glitches, Bindo’s comprehensive feature set makes it a reliable choice for modern businesses.
1. Freedom of Choice
Want better rates? Prefer a local processor? Open gateways let you decide who handles your payments.
2. Seamless Integrations
From accounting software to CRM tools, open gateways ensure your systems work together like a dream.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
Your POS grows with you, adapting to new locations, services, or payment trends.
4. Enhanced Security
Top-notch encryption and fraud protection come standard with open gateway solutions.
Swipesum knows the ins and outs of POS systems and payment processing. We’ll match you with the perfect solution tailored to your business.
We uncover hidden fees and negotiate better rates, ensuring you keep more of your revenue.
From setup to ongoing support, Swipesum handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.
No cookie-cutter recommendations here. We customize our advice to fit your industry, goals, and budget.
The right POS system can transform your small business, driving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and growth. By choosing a system with an open payment gateway and partnering with Swipesum, you’re setting yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to find your perfect POS solution? Contact Swipesum today and take the first step toward smarter, more profitable operations.
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Michael Seaman
Michael Seaman is the co-founder and CEO of Swipesum. A veteran of the payments industry and former employee at one of the largest payments companies, Michael, along with his brother Stephen, has led Swipesum since its inception in 2016. Swipesum is committed to providing innovative payment solutions and exceptional service to its diverse clientele. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling with his wife Kelsey and their three children, pole vaulting, and engaging in typical Midwestern dad activities.
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