Top 5 Best Tablets for POS Systems in 2024: A Complete Guide for Retail & Hospitality businesses

If you’re in retail or hospitality, you need a point of sale (POS) system that’s reliable and flexible—no exceptions. The best tablet POS systems keep you mobile and make handling payments, managing inventory, and keeping customers happy a breeze. Whether you’re running a packed restaurant, a busy retail shop, or a food truck zipping around town, the right tablet POS system makes everything smoother.

We’re about to walk you through the top tablet POS systems of 2024, covering what they do, how much they cost, and which ones best suit your business. 

Let's jump in!

Tablet POS System Functionality

A tablet POS system packs a lot of power into a sleek, portable device. Here’s what you can expect from its core features:

• Sales processing: You can handle transactions quickly and easily with a tablet POS. It lets you accept various payment methods, including card swipes, contactless payments, and even mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
• Inventory management: Keep tabs on your stock without breaking a sweat. These systems let you track inventory levels, set up alerts for low stock, and manage product variations. Some even automate restocking to keep your shelves stocked.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Build and maintain customer relationships with integrated CRM tools. Track customer purchases, manage loyalty programs, and send out promotional offers—all from your tablet.
• Reporting and analytics: Get insights into your business with detailed reports and analytics. You can view sales data, track performance trends, and analyze customer behavior to make informed decisions.
• Order management: Whether it’s tableside ordering in a restaurant or managing online orders, a tablet POS system helps streamline the process. You can quickly send orders to the kitchen or prepare them for delivery.
• Employee management: Keep track of staff schedules, monitor clock-ins and clock-outs, and manage permissions from your POS system. It helps you stay organized and ensures everything runs smoothly.
• Integration with other tools: Connect your POS with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and other business tools. This integration helps automate tasks and keeps your operations seamless.
• Mobility: One of the biggest perks is that you can take your tablet POS system anywhere within your business. This mobility is perfect for busy environments where you need to move around, like cafes or retail stores.

Best Tablet POS Systems for Your Business

Now that you know all about tablet POS features, let’s get into our top POS providers:

Epos Now

Epos Now is a top choice if you're looking for a versatile tablet POS system for your business. It’s great for both mobile and countertop setups, making it ideal for cafes, restaurants, and retail stores. The system (which has both a retail POS system for tablets and hospitality POS system for tablets) is designed to simplify your operations, letting you handle sales, inventory, and customer data all from one place.

One of Epos Now’s standout features is its all-in-one tablet bundle, which includes a tablet, stand, receipt printer, and card machine. This setup makes it easy to get started and keeps everything running smoothly. Plus, with its cloud-based software, you can manage your business from anywhere, which is a big win for busy owners.

Epos Now also integrates with popular business tools like Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks, so you can automate your accounting and loyalty programs. The system’s flexibility means you can scale up as your business grows, adding new devices and features as needed.

For payment processing, Epos Now Payments offers a seamless experience with flat rates and easy management. And with a 24/7 premium support package, you’ll always have help when you need it.

Pros:

• All-in-one tablet bundle with tablet, stand, receipt printer, and card machine
• Easy to set up and use
• Cloud-based software for remote management
• Integrates with popular business tools
• Flexible and scalable with over 100+ integrations
• Smooth payment processing with flat rates
• 24/7 support for your POS and payments

Shopify POS

Shopify’s a good tablet POS system if you’re running both online and physical retail stores. It’s perfect for retail and hospitality environments, thanks to its smooth integration of online sales and in-store operations. Shopify POS lets you manage sales transactions, inventory, and customer relationship management from one central interface, making your business operations run like clockwork.

Compared to traditional POS systems, Shopify POS is designed for businesses that need a unified platform. With Shopify’s tablet POS system, you can process payments, track inventory, and improve customer satisfaction across multiple locations without breaking a sweat. For retail shops and mobile businesses, it syncs everything.

Pros:

• Seamless integration between online and offline sales
• Huge app marketplace
• Super easy to use
• Strong inventory management features
• Multi-channel selling across platforms
• Customizable checkout for a personalized experience

Cons:

• Higher monthly fees
• Must use Shopify Payments for their POS system
• Limited offline mode

TouchBistro

If you’re running a busy cafe or restaurant, TouchBistro's POS software is a good choice. It’s made specifically for food service, so it understands the fast-paced environment you're working in. The interface is simple and easy to navigate, which is a lifesaver when things get hectic. Plus, it works offline—huge bonus if your internet isn’t always reliable, especially for mobile businesses.

One of the best things about TouchBistro is the tableside ordering feature. Servers can take orders right at the table and send them straight to the kitchen without running back and forth. This cuts down on mistakes and keeps things moving smoothly.

TouchBistro doesn’t stop at the front of house—it’s also got solid inventory management and reporting tools designed for food businesses. You can easily track stock and sales, helping you make better decisions when it comes to ordering and staffing. Simple, effective, and perfect for restaurant owners looking to streamline their operations.

Pros

• Built for food service
• Tableside ordering
• Super easy to use
• Grows with your business

Cons

• Pricing isn’t upfront
• Limited customizations
• Can get pricey with all the extras

Lightspeed

Lightspeed's mobile POS system stands out for its advanced features that let you manage inventory, offering real-time tracking, automated restocking, and support for product variations. This makes it a solid option for retailers with large, complex inventories across multiple locations. Compared to Square’s more basic inventory features and Shopify’s strong e-commerce focus, Lightspeed offers deeper in-store inventory control.

One of Lightspeed’s strengths is its multi-location support, allowing retailers to manage both online and offline sales in one system. This keeps inventory and sales data consistent across all platforms, something Square doesn’t offer to the same extent. Shopify does offer similar features but can become expensive when you start adding in-store tools.

The reporting tools in Lightspeed are robust, with over 40 different types of reports. These reports give you insights into sales, customer behavior, and inventory trends, which can be helpful for making informed business decisions. Its customizable sales workflows allow you to adapt the system to your business, which adds flexibility.

That said, Lightspeed does come with a higher cost, and if you’re using Android devices, the support is limited. While it’s a strong option for businesses that need powerful inventory and multi-location management, the cost and lack of Android support might be drawbacks for some.

Pros

• Advanced inventory management with real-time tracking
• Detailed reporting tools and sales analytics
• Supports multiple locations
• Customizable sales workflows

Cons

• High cost compared to other systems
• Limited support for Android tablets

Square POS

Square is another great choice for tablet POS systems, and it’s no surprise why. It’s affordable, easy to use, and does basically everything you need. Plus, it’s free to get started! Even their basic plan comes with essential tools like built-in payment processing, so you can get your business running without spending a fortune upfront.

What makes Square stand out is that it's super user-friendly. The interface is clean, the hardware is sleek (looking at you, Square Stand), and you don’t need to mess with complicated setups like some other systems (Lightspeed cough cough).

Even though it’s simple, Square packs a punch. You can manage customers, run loyalty programs, and connect with tons of third-party apps. Unlike closed-off systems like Shopify, Square plays nice with everyone. And as your biz grows, you can easily add extra features like employee management and advanced reports without committing to expensive monthly plans.

Pros

• Super easy to use
• No monthly fees on basic plans
• Works for retail, restaurants, and appointment-based businesses
• Accepts all types of payments
• Simple reporting tools
• Stylish hardware

Cons

• High transaction fees
• Limited support on the free plan
• Occasional fund holds

Comparing Android vs. Apple Tablet POS Systems

Picking between Android and Apple for your tablet POS system? Here’s the lowdown:

• Availability: Android tablets come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. They're everywhere, so you can find one that fits your budget. Apple tablets are more on the pricey side but offer a smooth, secure user experience.
• Affordability: Android tablets are usually cheaper, so you can get a few without breaking the bank. Apple tablets cost more, but you’re paying for top-notch build quality and great customer support.
• Durability: If your place is prone to spills and accidents (like a restaurant), think about how tough your tablet needs to be. Both Android and Apple have durable options, so think about what fits your needs best.
• Customization: Android lets you mess around with settings and apps, so you can tweak things to fit your restaurant's style. Apple’s not as customizable but is super user-friendly and consistent.
• Security: Both Android and Apple focus on keeping your data safe. Apple’s closed system can offer a bit more protection from malware and unauthorized access.

When choosing, think about budget, how much you want to customize, and what your staff's used to.

Essential Hardware for Tablet POS Systems

To get your tablet POS system running smoothly, you need some basic hardware. Here’s the rundown:

1. Tablet: This is your main tool. Pick one with a good screen size and long battery life. Make sure it works with your POS software.
2. Receipt printer: You’ll need this to print out receipts. Go for one that connects easily to your tablet, whether it’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB. Quick and clear printing is key.
3. Barcode scanner: If you sell products, a barcode scanner speeds up checkout and helps with inventory. Make sure it works well with your POS system.
4. Cash drawer: If you handle cash, you’ll need a cash drawer. Look for one that opens electronically with your POS system and is built to last.
5. Card reader: For card payments, get a card reader. It should handle all types of payments, including contactless, and integrate with your POS.
6. Docking station: This turns your tablet into a more permanent setup. It usually connects your tablet to the receipt printer, barcode scanner, and cash drawer.
7. Charging station: Keep your tablet charged with a charging station or stand that lets you power up during busy times.
8. Protective case: A good case will protect your tablet from spills, drops, and general wear and tear.

With these essentials, your tablet POS system will be set to handle sales, track inventory, and keep everything running smoothly.

Benefits of Using a Tablet POS System

Tablet POS systems are pretty awesome. They let your staff handle transactions from anywhere in the store, which cuts down on wait times and speeds up service.

They’re super easy to use, thanks to their touchscreen interfaces, so your team won’t need hours of training. Plus, they connect with other systems like inventory and customer management, giving you real-time data to make better decisions.

They’re also cheaper than old-school POS setups, with lower hardware costs and flexible pricing. And as your business grows, you can easily add more terminals and features. Features like email receipts and loyalty programs also help keep customers happy.

Challenges of tablet POS 

Now that we've gone over our ranking for the best tablet pos system for your business operations, and talked about why tablet pos systems are great, let's discuss some of the challenges, and how you can overcome them.

• Challenge: Crappy Wi-Fi or weak mobile signal can totally mess up your tablet POS, leaving you stuck when you need it most.
  Solution: Make sure your internet connection is solid, and pick a POS system with offline mode so you can keep things rolling even if the Wi-Fi flakes out.
• Challenge: Security worries, like data breaches and sneaky unauthorized access, can put your business and customer info at risk.
  Solution: Use a PCI-compliant POS system, turn on encryption, and set up strong passwords and user permissions to keep everything locked down.
• Challenge: Battery life and durability can be a pain, especially if you're in a fast-paced or rough environment.
  Solution: Go for rugged tablets built for business use, and always have backup power like portable chargers or a docking station handy so you’re not caught off guard.

Choosing the Right Tablet POS System for Your Business

Picking the right tablet POS system is a game-changer for running your biz smoothly and keeping customers happy. Epos Now's point of sale system is a top choice for its all-around versatility—whether you’re in retail or hospitality, it’s got you covered. It’s super affordable and easy to use, plus you can integrate a number of brilliant apps like accounting software, customer relationship management software, delivery and customer loyalty programs. All while processing transactions on their integrated payment processing system. If you’re in the restaurant game, TouchBistro is built for places like cafes and bars, while Lightspeed nails advanced inventory management for retail. Shopify's the go-to for businesses with heavy e-commerce needs.

Tablet POS systems come with tons of perks: they’re mobile, easy to use, give you real-time data, and help cut costs. But hey, they’re not perfect. You’ll run into challenges like bad Wi-Fi, security worries, and hardware that doesn’t always hold up. Tackling these with good solutions—like picking a POS system with offline mode and secure payment processing—will keep things running smoothly.

Ultimately, your choice should depend on what your business needs right now and where it’s headed. Whether you’re managing a cute cafe, a busy restaurant, a retail shop, or a mobile food truck, the right tablet POS system can boost efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and help your business thrive.

TIP: Check out our other competitor guides including our best POS system for retail guide, our best POS system for hair salons guide, best POS system for deli, best POS system for gold courses, and our best POS system for concession stands guide.