Best Free POS Systems & Software

While there’s no such thing as a completely free POS system, there are some affordable systems out there where the use of the software is offered without a monthly subscription.

While this is a nice perk, it’s important to realise that these companies still make money via a per-transaction fee. So, while you might not pay upfront for the software or for basic features, the costs become apparent once you start taking payments.

In fact, in some cases, you may actually be better off paying a monthly subscription for POS software in order to take advantage of lower payment processing fees.

Read on to learn more about the top free POS systems as I assess their capabilities, limitations, and overall value proposition.

The Best Free POS Systems of 2023

Here’s a table showing you the features of the top free POS systems in a simple format. I’ve included one provider that does charge a monthly subscription by comparison.

Our Top Choices for Free POS Systems With No Monthly Fees

Square POS: No Ongoing Monthly Fee

The Square Readers is the closest you’ll come to a ‘free’ POS with an initial spend requirement of just £19 for the reader, and you’re up and running to take payments.

There is no ongoing monthly fee, but you’ll pay between 1.75%-2.5% per transaction depending on whether your customer is using contactless, entering their PIN, or using a non-UK card.

This is fine if you’re taking payments sporadically (under £5k monthly turnover) but once you cross that threshold you’ll save money by entering a contract.

Square lets you accept payments through various methods—credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and even cash—without incurring a fee for the software itself.

The inventory management feature in Square’s system allows you to track stock levels and set up low-stock alerts. You can manage single or multiple locations and even integrate this data into your accounting software if required.

I’m also a fan of the well-designed Square Dashboard, which gives you immediate access to sales data, allowing you to track performance metrics such as sales trends, customer behaviour, and more.

Square is a great entry point to the world of POS, ideal for someone taking less than £5k per month and wanting something without hassle, long-term contract or monthly fee. Their customer support is highly rated, and their app has a lot of advanced features, such as stock management, that you might find useful.

Features

• Basic Transaction Processing: Accepts contactless, mobile, and chip and PIN payments.
• POS Hardware Compatibility: Seamless integration with a range of hardware options.
• Online Payment Solutions: Free online store setup, social media sales, and API/SDK for developers.
• Remote Payments: Digital invoices and checkout links for text or email payments.
• Manual Entry: Key-in card information for phone payments.
• Clear Pricing: Transparent processing rates with no hidden fees.
• Fast Payment Transfer: Money transfer to a bank account as early as the next working day.
• Customer Support: Available support for technical issues and queries.
• Security Features: PCI compliance, fraud protection, and enhanced account protection.

Pricing

Does Square have any hidden fees?

Square does not have any hidden fees. The company’s pricing structure is simple and transparent, with no monthly or annual fees. Instead, Square makes money through a percentage of every credit card transaction it processes.

Zettle Go: Easy Free EPOS with No Monthly Ongoing Fees

Zettle Go, formerly known as iZettle, has carved a niche for itself in the market by offering an easy-to-use Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system coupled with a highly popular card reader. The system is specifically designed to cater to micro-merchants who need something simple.

Like Square, it has no monthly ongoing fees. Simply download the free EPOS software, which can be downloaded onto your mobile device or tablet. The software allows for basic transaction processing, sales tracking, and rudimentary inventory management.

Zettle also provides real-time reporting and analytics through its dashboard. This interface provides an overview of transactions, product sales statistics, and other crucial business metrics.

Zettle Go also charges a 1.75% per-transaction fee, which is currently identical to Square.

Additionally, Zettle offers a range of premium features, such as advanced inventory management and detailed reporting, which are available at an extra cost. Businesses that require these advanced functionalities will need to opt for one of Zettle’s paid plans.

Features

• Portability: Suitable for in-store or on-the-go payments, easily paired with the Zettle app.
• Battery Life: Offers up to 8 hours of battery life, with constant charge available via Zettle Dock 2.
• Fast Transactions:
  • Time to power up is around 2 seconds.
  • Contactless payments can be processed in approximately 5 seconds.
  • Card payments take around 10 seconds.
• App Integration: Pairs with the Zettle app for a more comprehensive payment solution that allows for card and contactless payments, product library building, and inventory tracking.
• Dock Option: Zettle Dock 2 is available for locking the Reader 2 into place and charging it throughout the day.
• Customer Support: Free telephone support available for users.
• 30-Day Return Policy: Full refund available if returned within the first 30 days.

Pricing

Does Zettle have any hidden fees?

No, Zettle does not have any hidden fees. The company’s pricing structure is simple and transparent, with no monthly or annual fees. Instead, Zettle makes money through a percentage of every transaction it processes.

SumUp App: Easy-to-Use POS System with Many Payment Options

SumUp is the third major player in the entry-level card reader and POS marketplace, offering a decent reader at £39 and fees of 1.69%, or even 1.49%, if you use their business account.

The app distinguishes itself by offering a user-friendly interface and the ability to be paid by  payment links, online store, email invoices, keyed transactions or QR codes. There’s no contract, and you won’t be charged for termination, nor any for PCI compliance.

It has basic inventory management through its mobile app, and you can track sales history, track revenue, and monitor transaction statuses in real-time through the dashboard.

SumUp also offers premium functionalities, such as enhanced analytics and more advanced inventory management, accessible through their paid plans.

One thing to note is that SumUp won’t accept customers in high-risk categories. Their customer service was responsive during my testing but it’s not available 24/7.

Finally, SumUp pays out to your business bank account within three to five working days which is slow compared to competitors like Square. If you choose to become a Sumup One member (£29 per month) this changes to daily 7am payments for any business up to midnight the day before.

Shopify POS: Free POS with Ecommerce Subscription

Shopify is a well-known player in the ecommerce space, offering a POS system designed to seamlessly integrate with its online store platform. This creates a unified shopping experience for customers, whether they’re purchasing in-store or online.

The Shopify POS software is available for free, but there’s a catch: it’s only free for businesses that are already subscribed to Shopify’s e-commerce platform. This essentially means that the ‘free’ POS is part of a bundled service, and you’ll need to be a paying Shopify customer to take advantage of it.

The free version of Shopify POS offers basic functionalities such as transaction processing, sales tracking, and limited inventory management. However, advanced features like in-depth analytics, multi-location support, and advanced inventory management are reserved for Shopify’s higher-tier plans, which incur additional fees.

Hardware requirements, such as card readers and receipt printers, are also an extra expense, as they are not included in the free version.

YumaPOS: Best for Free POS Hardware (once you’re subscribed)

YumaPOS stands out as the most affordable full-service POS system in the UK, according to our research. It doesn’t claim to be free, but it offers a straightforward approach to pricing that is both transparent and inclusive. Every other POS provide we’ve encountered bolts on fees for additional functionality. You won’t find that here which makes it a very appealing deal.

In addition, other POS providers either tie you in to using their payment processor (YumaPOS don’t) or charge processing fees that aen’t competitive. With an offering of 0.3% for debit cards, 0.55% for credit cards, and an authorisation Fee of 3p, YumaPOS also adds real value here.

Founded in 2015 and catering to a broad spectrum of businesses—from small independent food trucks to large enterprises—YumaPOS is designed to meet the unique needs of the retail and hospitality sectors. With its software currently operational in over 3,000 stores across 13 countries, YumaPOS has proven its capability and reliability.

One other thing – price-wise – that really separates YumaPOS is that they don’t tie you into using their payment processor. While they can offer this (and their rates are competitive) you can use another if you find a better deal.

Features

YumaPOS offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for retail and hospitality businesses, including:

• Custom Floor Plans and Kitchen Notes: Tailored functionalities for efficient service management in hospitality settings.
• Various Payment Methods: Supports cash, card transactions, loyalty points, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Cloud-Based Back Office: Enhances operational flexibility, allowing for remote management of business operations.
• Comprehensive Tracking and Reporting: Provides detailed insights into sales, inventory, and customer behaviour.
• Order and Inventory Management: Streamlines processes for order handling and inventory control.

Pricing

For just £49.99 per month, businesses gain access to the full suite of YumaPOS’s services, including its feature-rich software and necessary hardware, with no hidden extras for additional functionality.

Are There Any Hidden Fees with YumaPOS?

Transparency is a core principle of YumaPOS. There are no hidden fees or unexpected costs. The monthly subscription encompasses all the hardware and software features required to run a business efficiently.

Is Free POS Software Worth It?

The allure of a free POS system is undeniable, especially for small businesses operating on limited budgets. However, the term “free” often comes with caveats, including transaction fees, limitations on features, and the requirement to purchase additional hardware.

It’s essential to conduct a thorough analysis of your specific business needs when evaluating free POS options. What appears to be cost-saving initially may entail hidden costs that could affect your bottom line over time.

For instance, if your business requires advanced inventory management or analytics features, a free POS system may only offer these functionalities at an additional cost. Similarly, transaction fees, although seemingly nominal, can accumulate and have a significant impact on profitability.

It’s also worth considering the long-term scalability of a free POS system. As your business grows, you may find that the limitations of a free system become increasingly cumbersome, necessitating an eventual switch to a more robust, paid solution.

In my opinion, YumaPOS offers the best value of anyone on this page. Choose Square if you’re a microbusiness such as a market stall who doesn’t need a proper POS system but just a point and go card reader without a contract. Otherwise, YumaPOS is the best deal out there right now.

What to Look for in Free POS Software

Choosing a POS system is a crucial business decision, even when opting for a free solution. Here are several key factors to consider:

Features: Free POS systems vary in terms of features, so it’s important to determine the essential functions you need and ensure the chosen system offers them in its free package. Common features include inventory management, customer tracking, and sales analytics.

Transaction fees: Many free POS systems charge per transaction, so scrutinize the fee structure to understand its long-term impact on your revenue. Consider systems that offer a tiered pricing model, so you can upgrade to a more comprehensive plan with additional features as your business grows.

Hardware compatibility: Many free POS systems require specific hardware components, such as card readers or barcode scanners. Ensure that your chosen system is compatible with the hardware you either already own or intend to purchase.

User experience: An intuitive, user-friendly interface can significantly reduce the time needed for staff training. Opt for systems that are easy to navigate to ensure efficient operations and a positive customer experience.

Vendor support: Evaluate the level of customer support offered by the POS provider. Prompt and effective support can be invaluable, especially during critical business hours. Even free systems should offer some level of support to address any technical issues or queries you may have.

Top 5 Free POS Systems Compared

Choosing a POS system involves weighing multiple variables, from features and scalability to transaction fees and customer support. To aid you in this complex decision-making process, we’ve compiled a comparative overview of the top five free POS systems we’ve discussed:

Key Takeaways:

• Square Point of Sale offers the broadest range of features, but advanced analytics and other premium functionalities come at an additional cost.
• Zettle Go is an excellent option for those seeking an easy-to-use EPOS system with a popular card reader, though like Square, advanced features require a paid plan.
• SumUp App stands out for its user-friendliness and offers a unified transaction fee, making it easier to predict costs.
• Shopify POS is most beneficial for those already subscribed to Shopify’s ecommerce platform, offering seamless integration between online and physical stores.