POS Hardware
POS hardware includes terminals, card readers, receipt printers, cash drawers, and more. Choose based on your business type, volume, and budget.
Why It Matters
- •Right hardware improves efficiency
- •Customer-facing displays enhance experience
- •Durable hardware reduces downtime
- •Hardware affects transaction speed
- •Portability enables flexibility
Key Capabilities
Card Readers
Accept chip, swipe, and tap payments
Terminals
All-in-one devices with display and payment
Tablets/iPads
Use tablets as POS stations
Receipt Printers
Thermal printers for receipts
Cash Drawers
Secure storage for cash transactions
Barcode Scanners
Speed up checkout with scanning
Provider Comparison
Great hardware range. $49 reader to $799 Register. Affordable entry point with quality options.
Limitations: High-end options less robust
Purpose-built hardware. Station, Mini, Flex, Go. Professional restaurant and retail options.
Limitations: Higher upfront costs
Restaurant-grade hardware. Spill-resistant, kitchen-ready. Toast Go handheld excellent.
Limitations: Restaurant-focused
Good hardware options. Card readers, tap & chip reader, retail kit with stand.
Limitations: Fewer options than competitors
iPad-based with hardware kits. Works with various third-party hardware.
Limitations: Relies on iPad
Common Questions
Buy or lease POS hardware?
Buy when possible. Leasing often costs more long-term and may lock you in. Exception: if cash-strapped at launch, some leasing makes sense—but read the terms carefully.
How much should I spend on hardware?
Start minimal and upgrade as needed. Simple retail: $300-500 (reader, tablet, stand). Full setup: $1,000-2,000 (terminal, printer, drawer, scanner). Restaurant: $1,500-4,000.
Best For
- ✓All businesses
- ✓New businesses choosing equipment
- ✓Upgrading old systems