An on-premise implementation may be suitable for some, but the industry is quickly shifting towards cloud-based POS systems due to their scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Gone are the days when on-premises software was the standard, and it still has specific use cases. But businesses have decided to jump on the paradigm shift. For entertainment media, it’s streaming services. For business information technology, it’s cloud-based solutions.
Truthfully, the benefits are too good to ignore. The traditional method only works if you are big enough to maintain the infrastructure locally. But the reality is that for most businesses, cloud POS systems deliver the agility and mobility needed for streamlined business operations.
Cloud-based point of sale systems are POS solutions that use a cloud platform that’s connected to the internet to store data on remote servers rather than on local servers. Even though cloud based POS systems are cost-effective, they don’t compromise in quality, rather in more than one way, namely security, ease of use, and update ability, cloud based point of sale is far better.
Now, let’s check out the top cloud POS systems for 2024-25.
5 Best Cloud POS Systems You Can’t Afford to Miss
1. FTx POS
FTx POS is, in many ways, the leading industry standard for cloud-based point-of-sale solutions. It is a go-to choice for businesses looking to take control of their business operations, track sales, manage inventory – all in one place. And these are just a few of the many features it comes with. From tobacco, liquor, and CBD stores to grocery and convenience stores, FTx POS has got you covered no matter what industry your business is in.
Why we chose FTx POS
It’s at the top of the list because of its smooth and customizable offering across all business channels. You can choose how your business operates with minimal or maximum functionalities according to your requirements.
Pricing
- Core – $99 per month
- Pro – $179 per month, $129 for an addon each month
- Enterprise – $299 per month, $190 for addon each month
Features
- Loyalty programs
- Upselling tool
- Seamless integration capability
- Customize interface
- Manage inventory
- Track sales
2. Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail is a powerful cloud-based POS solution offering advanced inventory management, reporting, and customer relationship management (CRM) features. Its granular inventory tracking and customizable reporting make it ideal for businesses with complex inventory needs. While it might be a higher investment, its comprehensive feature set and scalability make it a compelling choice for larger retailers.
Why we chose Lightspeed Retail
Its ability to handle complex inventory, seamlessly integrate online and in-store sales, track customer interactions, and generate tailored reports makes it a powerful tool for businesses seeking to optimize their operations.
Pricing
- Basic: $109/month, or $89/month when paid annually
- Core: $179/month, or $149/month when paid annually
- Plus: $339/month, or $289/month when paid annually
Features
- Real-time reporting and insights
- Inventory management
- Multichannel and multilocation
- Fully integrated payments
- Advanced marketing
3. Helcim
Helcim is primarily a payment processing company offering a free cloud-based POS system. It’s particularly well-suited for service-based businesses with subscription management and invoicing needs. While it provides essential inventory management and reporting, its integration capabilities might be limited compared to Lightspeed or Clover.
Why we chose Helcim
Helcim is a good choice for businesses on a tight budget, offering subscription-based services, or having limited inventory needs. Its free POS system and specialized features for subscription management make it a cost-effective option for service-based businesses.
Pricing
1.83 % + 18¢ per transaction in-person(average)
Features
- Virtual terminal
- Payment pages
- Subscription manager
- Inventory management
- Online checkout
4. Clover
Clover offers a highly customizable POS platform tailored to specific business needs. Its flexibility allows integration with various payment processors, eCommerce solutions, and apps. However, once configured, changing payment providers can be challenging. Clover provides essential features like inventory management, CRM, reporting, and payment processing, but third-party integrations might be necessary for businesses requiring advanced customization.
Why we chose Clover
Clover is a good option for businesses that need a highly customizable POS system, require integration with third-party applications, or have basic inventory and CRM needs. Its flexibility and open platform suit businesses that want to tailor their POS cloud solutions to their specific requirements.
Pricing
2.3% + 10¢ per transaction
They have various plans for different industries and services.
Features
- Cash flow management
- Customer loyalty programs
- Employee management
- Customer engagement
- Tracking and reporting
- Apps and integrations
5. EHopper
EHopper is a cloud-based POS system which is an all-in-one solution that offers a wide range of features, including inventory management, customer relationship management, point of sale functionality, reporting capabilities, and seamless integration with other business applications.
Why we chose EHopper
These features enable businesses to improve efficiency, provide personalized service, make data-driven decisions, scale operations, and reduce overhead costs. EHopper is a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of retail businesses, from small stores to large enterprises. By choosing EHopper, businesses can optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth.
Pricing
Essential Plus: $14.99 per month
Freedom: $24.99 per month
Restaurant: $29.99 per month
OmniChannel: $39.99 per month
Features
- Manage orders
- Manage inventory
- Self-service kiosk
- Manage employees
- Manage customers
- Digital signage
Finding the Right One for Your Needs
Cloud point of sale solutions are without an iota of doubt the optimal choice if you want to take your business everywhere you go, and not be entangled with expensive servers that are frustrating to manage.
We’ve covered the 5 best cloud POS systems for 2024-25. You can’t go wrong with any of the options mentioned here. Carefully evaluate your needs and go with the one that fits the bill.
