Australia’s Leading POS Systems: A Complete Comparison Guide

Australia’s Leading POS Systems: A Complete Comparison Guide

The best POS system in Australia is one that fits your business like a glove, easy to use, reliable during the rush, and flexible enough to grow with you. Whether you’re running a small café, a retail store, a salon, or a food truck, having the right POS system in place can save you hours of admin and loads of stress.

From tracking inventory to generating detailed reports, managing staff, processing EFTPOS payments, and even syncing with your online store, a modern POS system does more than just ring up sales. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s right for your business?

To make it easier, we’ve rounded up five of the most trusted POS systems used by Aussie businesses today, each with their own strengths, quirks, and best-use scenarios. Let’s dive in and break them down, plain and simple.

Australia’s Leading POS Systems

1. POSApt – Built for Aussie Businesses, Compatible with All the Gear

POSApt is a locally developed Australian POS system  that’s quickly earning a reputation as a top choice for small and medium-sized businesses in Australia. It’s built with the day-to-day needs of cafés, retail stores, takeaways, grocers, salons, and laundromats in mind.

Why POSApt Stands Out

• Works With All the Gear: POSApt is compatible with Android tablets, iPads, and a variety of existing hardware setups. No need to fork out for fancy terminals unless you want to.
• Local Aussie Support: Their support team is based right here in Australia, so if something goes wrong, you won’t be stuck waiting on overseas replies.
• Reliable Inventory Tools: Keep track of stock, receive low-stock alerts, manage categories, and easily update product details. Perfect for both hospitality and retail.
• Easy, Powerful Reporting: POSApt gives you a clear view of your business performance, from best-selling items to daily sales summaries without needing a finance degree.
• Custom Features When You Need Them: Whether it’s kitchen displays, online ordering, or delivery integration, POSApt lets you add what you need when you need it.
• Smooth EFTPOS Integration: POSApt connects to major Australian EFTPOS providers and handles the integration process for you.

Best For:

Small to mid-sized Aussie businesses like restaurants  and retail, looking for flexibility, great value, and local service all without locking into expensive hardware or complex pricing.

2. Square – A Sleek Option for New and Mobile Businesses

Square has made a name for itself with its simple, modern interface and ultra-portable hardware. You’ll often spot it at markets, mobile food vans, or boutiques just starting out.

What’s Great About Square

• Quick Setup: You can be up and running in minutes with just a mobile device and card reader.
• Free Basic Plan: The core POS app is free, and you just pay a per-transaction fee.
• Clean, Modern Design: It’s easy to train staff on, and customers love the sleek look.
• Add-On Options: From email marketing to loyalty programs and online stores, you can build up as you grow.

What to Watch Out For

• Transaction Fees Add Up: You’ll pay a flat rate per sale, which can sting at high volumes.
• Support Isn’t Local: Most help is online, and you may not get real-time support when you need it.
• Basic Inventory: Fine for cafés and small shops, but may be too limited for complex retail.

Best For:

Startups, market stalls, sole traders, and businesses that need something fast and user-friendly without a big upfront cost.

3. Lightspeed – For Advanced Retail and Hospitality Needs

Lightspeed is a feature-rich system that’s geared towards larger or more complex businesses. If you’re running a multi-location store, a busy restaurant, or a detailed inventory system, this one packs a punch.

Why Lightspeed Works

• Advanced Reporting: Dive deep into sales data, margins, staff performance, and customer behaviour.
• Multi-Store Capabilities: Ideal for chains or businesses operating across several locations.
• eCommerce and Inventory Integration: Great if you need tight control over stock and online/offline sales.
• Custom Add-ons: Offers modules for appointments, work orders, and table management.

Downsides?

• Pricing – It’s one of the pricier options, especially with all the bells and whistles.
• Steeper Learning Curve: Expect a bit of time to get fully comfortable with all the features.
• Hardware Requirements: Works best with specific hardware bundles.

Best For:

Established retail stores, full-service restaurants, or businesses that need deep analytics and multi-location management.

4. Zeller – A Fresh Aussie Fintech Solution

Zeller is a newer player in the Aussie market, offering a simple, all-in-one solution that combines EFTPOS, POS, and even a business account — all with no monthly fees.

Zeller Highlights

• All-in-One EFTPOS Terminal – Accept payments, track sales, and manage your funds from one sleek device.
• No Monthly Fees – Just pay per transaction.
• Local Company – Made for Australian businesses with local support and Aussie-first design.
• Built-In Business Account – Payments land in your Zeller account, and you can manage cash flow from one place.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Still Evolving – The POS functionality is fairly new and may not suit larger or more complex retail operations just yet.
• Limited Inventory Tools – Not ideal for businesses with detailed or high-volume stock management needs.

Best For:

Small cafés, sole traders, mobile operators, or businesses that want a fuss-free way to accept payments and manage money without ongoing software fees.

5. Shopify POS – Perfect for Online Retailers Going Physical

If you’ve already got an online store with Shopify, their POS system is a no-brainer. It ties in beautifully with your existing Shopify inventory, customer data, and orders.

Why It Works

• Omni-Channel Selling – Seamlessly link your online and in-person sales.
• Real-Time Syncing – Inventory, pricing, and customer details update instantly across platforms.
• Flexible Hardware – Use your existing devices or go with Shopify’s full hardware setup.
• Great Integrations – Works with popular apps for shipping, marketing, and loyalty.

Drawbacks

• Pricing – There’s a base monthly fee, plus extra features cost more.
• Not Ideal If You’re Offline Only – It really shines when paired with a Shopify online store.
• Hardware Costs Can Add Up – Especially if you go all-in with Shopify gear.

Best For:

eCommerce brands expanding into pop-up stores, retail outlets, or in-person events who want everything under one platform.

Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best POS system in Australia is the one that suits how you work. Each of the systems above has its own strengths:

• Go for POSApt if you want flexibility, full features, and helpful local support without breaking the bank.
• Choose Square if you’re just starting out and need something simple and stylish.
• Pick Lightspeed if you run a bigger operation and need robust tools.
• Try Zeller if you’re looking for a low-cost, all-in-one solution made here in Australia.
• Use Shopify POS if you’re already selling online and want to unify your in-store experience.

Still not sure? Have a chat with the team at POSApt. They’ll help match your business with a setup that works without the hard sell. No jargon, no confusion, just a POS system that actually does what it says on the tin.