6 best web POS systems for businesses in 2024 (Updated)

A web POS system (also called an online POS) stores data in an online server and is accessible anywhere through the Internet by not only computers but also mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The solution keeps all your transactions and sales history on your own server, allowing you to view your business data anywhere on the internet. Besides, an advanced web POS can sync all data across your system in real time. Thus, you can always enjoy live and accurate data even when the Internet is poor.

A reliable web POS system can help mobile businesses a lot. For example, thanks to it, mobile kitchen and brick-and-mortar businesses get a more modern and efficient register and faster payment processing from a range of points. In general, all businesses easily benefit from the web based point of sale for many reasons, including the main ones to be mentioned below.

1. Magestore: Excellent web POS for Magento and Shopify merchants

Magestore web POS system is the perfect choice for retailers on the Magento and Shopify platforms. Both Magento POS and POS for Shopify, developed by Magestore, are Progressive Web Apps (PWA), offering a wide range of functionalities to streamline multi-channel business operations.

As a PWA, Magestore POS is compatible with various hardware (receipt printer, barcode scanner, credit card reader, cash drawer, label printer, etc). Sales, orders, customer data, inventory, and more are synchronized in real-time, providing centralized management. This PWA POS ensures transactions are processed quickly in some seconds, improving the customer checkout experience.

What’s really neat is Magestore Magento POS offline mode. Even if the internet takes a break, you can still process payments and update transactions.

Key features

• Manage sales, inventory, and customer interactions from one central platform in real time
• Store your data on your own server, giving you increased control and security over your information
• Deliver strong capabilities for managing stocks with smart barcodes, purchases, and orders to streamline operations
• Adapt to various loyalty programs like reward points, store credits, and gift cards
• Manage returns and refunds, converting them into store credits
• Seamless integration between your POS system and eCommerce sites, marketplaces, or 3-rd party software/tool
• Function smoothly in offline mode even with a weak internet connection (available on Magento POS)
• Meet PCI requirements and ensure secure storage of sensitive information
• Offer a self-checkout POS for independent scanning and payments

Pricing

Magestore POS for Magento

• Magestore POS pricing is tailored to your business size, number of stores, complexity, and support needs.
• Pay one time, use lifetime, no hidden costs
• Secured and economical for a long run plan

Magestore POS for Shopify

There are 02 pricing plans:

• Lite: $15/ month
• Pro: $50/ month/ location

(For more specific customization, contact the Magestore team for pricing details)

Transaction fees

• 0% per sale (no apply)

2. Toast POS: Best web based restaurant POS and excellent customer support

Meet Toast POS, a robust online system specially crafted for the food service industry. It’s your ally in staying on top of customer choices and industry shifts. Offering cool stuff like e-gift card buying, touch-free payments, online ordering, delivery, tableside ordering, and loyalty programs.

Toast is a web based point of sale that’s both dependable and secure. It keeps you in the loop with the latest updates and improvements. There is no need for installations or setups – just access your restaurant data from anywhere, on any device.

Furthermore, Toast provides nifty analytics and reporting tools. These help you pinpoint where to improve, fine-tune your menu, and boost your profits. Ready to level up your restaurant businesses? Toast has your back.

Key features

• Streamline orders easily using Toast Go or Android devices, reducing wait times and mistakes.
• Increase earnings with Toast Online Ordering and Delivery Services.
• Integrated with 3rd-party delivery services for added convenience
• Pay safely and quickly with contactless payments
• Utilize QR codes, NFC, or handheld devices for tableside ordering
• Manage costs and fine-tune your menu with inventory management
• Keep track of your performance through reporting and analytics

Pricing

• Quick Start Bundle: $0/month, $0 upfront
• Core Plan: $69/month/device
• Growth Plan: $165/month/device
• Build Your Plan: Custom pricing

Transaction fee

• Card present: 2.49% + 15¢ per transaction
• Card not present: 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction

=> You might like: 12 best restaurant POS systems for 2024 (Pros, cons, and reviews)

3. Square: Best free web based POS for small businesses

Enter Square POS, an adaptable and easy-to-use online system that suits small businesses. With this web POS software, merchants can effortlessly manage stock levels across different places – track, adjust, or move items around with simplicity. Need to find something? Scan barcodes or use keywords for quick searches.

Besides, Square POS takes the cake with seamless payment processing and device compatibility. Accept all kinds of payments, even the contactless ones, and access your funds in a flash. 

After each card transaction, Square POS automatically creates customer profiles. Keep tabs on their purchase history and preferences effortlessly. Square is your go-to for smooth business transactions and happy customers.

Key features

• Accept diverse payments at a straightforward rate, with no hidden fees.
• Personalize your checkout with modifiers, categories, and discounts.
• Access sales, inventory, and customer data on a user-friendly dashboard.
• Manage customer info, track purchases, and effortlessly engage with free CRM tools, loyalty programs, and feedback options.
• Increase sales with an online store, social media selling, and seamless 3rd-party delivery integration.

Pricing

• Free software for accepting payments, Point of Sale app, online store, and basic inventory tool.
• Hardware: $799 or $39/month for 24 months.
• Restaurant and retail plan: $60/month + 2.5% + 10¢ per sale.

Transaction fees

• Card present: 2.6% + 10¢
• Card not present: 2.9% + 30¢ 
• Keyed in: 3.5% + 15¢

=> New on the blog: Store fulfillment: Importance and 4 principles to utilize it in retail

4. EposNow: Great for small to mid-sized retailers with single or multi-store operations

Say hello to EposNow, the web based POS system catering to diverse industries and small to mid-sized businesses. It provides a comprehensive POS module and integrates seamlessly with retail accounting, customer relationship management, and inventory management.

Navigate through various tasks effortlessly using the POS module. From voiding transactions, applying discounts, and managing staff to verifying customer age, scanning barcodes, and weighing items, they fulfill your needs. More so, the customization options are vast, with over 130 app integrations available, including payment processors, eCommerce platforms, and loyalty programs.

Thanks to the inventory application, you can monitor purchase orders, the supplier database, and inventory status, among others. EposNow works with Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android.

Key features

• Get real-time automated reports for sales, inventory, and staff performance insights.
• Track stock levels, receive alerts for low or out-of-stock items, and support bulk product imports
• Control and access the POS system from any device, anytime, anywhere
• Assign roles, monitor employee activity, and calculate wages and commissions
• Accept diverse payment methods, including cash, card, mobile, and online payments

Pricing

• Standard: $39/month (Additional register: $24/month)
• Premium: $69/month (Additional register: $45/month)
• Enterprise: Custom quote tailored to your business needs

Transaction fees

• Card present: 2.6% + $10¢ per transaction
• Card not present: 2.6% + $10¢ per transaction

5. Revel POS: Ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking a simple, cost-effective POS system

Revel is a powerful web based POS system designed for restaurants and retail businesses of any size. This all-in-one solution lets you handle POS operations, online ordering, delivery, loyalty programs, inventory, and more – all through a single dashboard.

One standout feature is Revel’s data analytics application. It diligently tracks and analyzes your transactions, order history, and payments, generating insightful reports. Boost efficiency and customer satisfaction with barcode scanning, a customer display system, and a kitchen display system.

What’s more, the Revel online POS system plays well with others. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, Xero, and other third-party platforms, making accounting and payroll processes a breeze.

Key features

• Streamline digital ordering with menu access, gift card redemption, and POS integration
• Boost revenue and efficiency with a user-friendly, cloud-based kiosk system
• Simplify payment processing using on-screen prompts and consumer-driven tools
• Optimize delivery routes and staff movements in real-time through the POS
• Ease ordering and promotions with a digital screen and real-time updates
• Manage labor, schedules, and wages on a centralized platform

Pricing

Revel POS begins at $99/terminal/month with a minimum of two terminals.

Transaction fees

• Card present:  2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
• Card not present: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction

=> Read more: 7 Best POS Systems for QuickBooks Integration (Real Client Story)

6. AmberPOS: Best for tracking individual items and customer history

To the last contender on this list – AmberPOS is the online retail POS system designed for small to mid-sized businesses in Canada and the U.S. It goes beyond just handling  POS operations – it also takes care of inventory management and customer relationships. Thanks to its advanced customer management feature, you can keep tabs on customer details and purchasing trends and even set up loyalty programs and promotions.

In addition, AmberPOS works well with BigCommerce, a top-notch eCommerce platform. This integration allows you to effortlessly sell online while keeping your inventory and orders in sync.

Key features

• Track customer information, purchase history, preferences, loyalty points, and store credits
• Create parent-child customer relationships, email subscribers, and tax exemptions
• Monitor and control stock levels across multiple locations, set low-stock alerts, and sync inventory with your online store
• Manage staff, assign permissions, track timecards, and process payroll. Split commissions, scan employee badges, and use biometric login
• Generate detailed reports and analyze sales, payments, customers, items, and more
• Integrate your POS system with BigCommerce to sell online and sync inventory and orders

Pricing

Quote-based for complete license purchase (starting from $999), $149/month for subscription

Transaction fees

No software transaction fees, but integrated processors (e.g., Chase, Global Payments) may have their fees.

Here are the top reasons these point of sale systems empower you to operate your establishment as efficiently and effectively as possible.

1. Accessibility

A wow factor about web POS is that you can access them from any location with an Internet connection. Whether you are on the go, at home, or in the store, you can easily take orders, get payments, and look into sales analytics, among others, right on your mobile devices.

2. Smooth app integrations

Another advantage your business needs from a web POS system is the ability to run your entire business through it. Simply put, the software should be able to integrate with your existing eCommerce systems. You can also use the 3rd-party accounting and tax system that connects smoothly to the POS.

3. More sales seized from diverse payments

A decent online POS makes it easier for shoppers to pay you by accepting all their desired payment methods. This should be among the motivations for them to return to your store for purchases soon. Popular payment methods your online POS system should handle includes credit cards, coupon codes, gift cards, reward points, store credits, and split and partial payment.

4. Centralized stock information in a single database

If you opt for a powerful online retail POS system, you can view your whole retail business, including stocks, sales data, and customer information, in a centralized platform. This helps you update with accurate information and avoid time-sapping, delayed data, underselling and double selling, and inventory evaluation errors for improved communication, more informed decisions, and higher sales.

Advanced web based point of sale systems will especially significantly enhance replenishment as they provide a clear overview of every warehouse and channel from anywhere. In this way, you can make the proper purchase orders for the right stores at the right time.

Moreover, the centralization of inventory, sales, and customer data also helps with your latest updates and the most comprehensive understanding of the connection between these elements and your business situation.

5. Efficient staff management

With a web based POS system, you can manage employees and their time more efficiently. For example, employees can receive real-time notifications when they’re on break or time to clock out. You can also provide access to your employees’ schedules and important information on the payroll that makes payroll automation simpler for you.

6. Cost efficiency

As an online retail POS system eliminates the need for a hard drive to keep the data, saving you plenty of costs. Also, because this solution now provides practical tools for business, purchasing any additional software is unnecessary.

Imagine you are a captain navigating the vast retail ocean. Your ship? That’s your business. Your compass? That’s your Point of Sale (POS) system. But you have two types of compasses to choose from: web-based POS and cloud-based POS. 

=> Read more: Cloud vs On-premise POS software: Which one should be your business choice?

Both are like your reliable compasses, providing you with real-time data, inventory management, customer relationship tools and even integration with other platforms.

But remember, even the best POS machines have features that are completely unsuitable for you. You only realize these points when you put it into operation. So how do we avoid those risks?

First, let’s review what your business really needs. A good and most suitable POS depends on what you need, what you like and what bag of gold you can afford. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing web-based POS and cloud-based POS.

• Compatibility: Web based POS and cloud based POS allow you to manage and access information from anywhere at any time. They also have an offline mode, which permits data updates even when the connection is poor.
• Data storage: The main difference between the two is where they store and manage data. Web-based POS stores data on the user’s server and the seller manages inventory data, sales, and customers by themselves. Meanwhile, cloud POS stores all data in the cloud. This can be a bit difficult when switching systems or limiting data sharing.
• Performance:  Web based POS and cloud POS systems have different performance levels, depending on various factors, such as the hardware, the software, the network, and the provider. As a result, it’s hard to say that web POS or cloud-based POS is faster in performance.              
• Security: These systems store your data remotely. Thus, losing the device does not mean losing data. But you also need to trust the server provider to protect your data from hackers or violations.

So who should choose which compass? Here are some examples: 

• Small Business Owners
  You’re nimble, you’re quick, you need a POS that can keep up. Square POS is like your business’s best friend. It’s there on every device, ready to make your life easier. But remember, Square POS might ask for a small transaction fee for each sale, and some features might not be on the house.
• One size fits all
  Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, foresight for future growth is crucial. You need a POS system that not only serves your current needs but also scales with your business. Magestore POS is designed to be that enduring solution. It integrates smoothly with your operations, offering robust inventory management and swift order processing.
  What sets Magestore apart is its ability to integrate with other software in your system, both now and in the future. And rest assured, there are no hidden fees or commissions, and a dedicated support team that is always ready to help.
• Calling all restaurateurs
  Running a restaurant with Toast POS can make your life much more comfortable. They’ve got your back with online orders, table management, delivery, and loyalty programs.
  Still, it comes at a price: a monthly subscription fee, a hardware fee, and a processing fee. Not to mention, you have to use Toast’s payment processor, which might not work with your current processor.
• Specialized Industries
  You’re unique, and you need a POS that understands that. Web-based or cloud-based POS systems are like your personal experts as they can offer specialized features.
  EposNow is a retail guru, AmberPOS is ideal for those who want to track customers. On the other hand, Revel POS is suitable for businesses that want to have extensive control over their data.
  These are all excellent POS systems, but you must check their pros and cons to determine your exact needs.

Besides, if you have further inquiries or are considering Magestore POS for your retail needs, feel free to contact us for a personalized consultation and demo. Our team is ready to assist you in tailoring a solution that aligns seamlessly with your online retail POS system. Thank you for reading.

1. What is a web based POS system?

A web-based point of sale (POS) system is software hosted on either your own server or a third-party cloud server. When hosted on your server, it’s accessible through any browser. If it’s cloud-based, the software is hosted on a 3rd-party server, freeing you from storing and managing your data.

2. Can a POS be a website?

Yes, POS systems are versatile and can be utilized in both physical stores and online e-commerce websites. They offer various features to enhance business efficiency, such as processing credit card payments, tracking sales, and managing inventory.

3. Which company POS machine is best?

It’s hard to say which company’s POS machine is the absolute best because different businesses and industries may need different things. But when looking at features, advantages, and what customers think, here are some really good online POS systems for your business:

• Magestore
• Revel
• Square
• EposNow
• Toast
• AmberPOS

4. Which browser is best for POS?

Some of the best browsers for online POS systems are:

• Google Chrome: Fast and customizable, but not the most private or memory-efficient.
• Safari: Smooth and elegant, exclusive to Apple devices.
• Microsoft Edge: Modern and sleek, with many features, but less widely used and customizable.
• Opera: Social and entertaining, with a built-in VPN, but less popular and secure.
• Mozilla Firefox: Private and secure, but may be slower on older devices.
• Vivaldi: Highly customizable but less well-known and may have bugs.