5 Best POS Systems for Small Businesses in Australia (2025 Edition)

We’ve rounded up five of the best POS systems for small businesses in Australia right now, from hospitality hotspots to retail stores and everything in between, for you.

Running a small business in Australia these days isn’t just about stocking shelves, brewing coffee, or cooking up the best smashed avo in town — it’s also about making sure the tech behind the scenes works as hard as you do. And at the heart of that tech? Your POS system.

A good POS (Point of Sale) system isn’t just a cash register replacement. It’s your sales tracker, inventory manager, customer loyalty program, and sometimes even your marketing assistant, all rolled into one tidy package. In 2025, Aussie small businesses are spoiled for choice, but that can also make picking the right POS a bit of a headache.

So, this article will save you the hassle.

5 Best POS Systems for Small Businesses in Australia

1. POSApt – Best All-Rounder for Customisation and Local Support

If you’re after a POS that’s made with Aussie businesses in mind, POSApt should be at the top of your list. Designed for both retail and hospitality, it’s known for being customisable without making your head spin.

Why it’s a winner:

Local support – You’re not stuck waiting on hold for hours with a call centre overseas. POSApt has Aussie-based support, which means quicker help in plain English (and sometimes a friendly “no worries”).

Android-friendly – Ideal for those with existing Android tablets or devices. You don’t need fancy, expensive hardware to get started.

Custom features – Whether you run a café, a hair salon, or a corner shop, POSApt can be tailored to suit how your business actually works.

Inventory & reporting – Track what’s selling and when, so you can stock up before you run out, and see your best sellers at a glance.

POSApt also integrates with EFTPOS machines (through partner providers), online ordering, and even has features to manage customer loyalty programs. It’s ideal if you want an all-in-one system that can grow as your business grows.

Best for: Small to medium businesses that want flexibility, solid local support, and the option to add features without paying for stuff they don’t need.

2. Square – Best for Quick Setup and Simplicity

Square’s the POS equivalent of a plug-and-play device. It’s dead simple to get started — you can sign up online, get the little Square Reader in the mail, and be ready to take card payments the same day.

Why it’s a winner:

Easy to start – Perfect for market stalls, pop-up shops, or new cafés who want to hit the ground running.

No monthly fee for basic POS – You just pay per transaction (though advanced plans are available).

All-in-one ecosystem – Square isn’t just POS — it’s also an invoicing tool, appointment scheduler, and online store builder.

Works anywhere – As long as you’ve got Wi-Fi or mobile data, you can take payments on the go.

The downside? If you’re after heavy-duty inventory management or complex staff rostering, Square might not be as deep as some competitors. But for small operators who want speed and simplicity, it’s hard to beat.

Best for: Solo operators, small retail shops, food trucks, or businesses that need a mobile POS solution.

3. OrderMate – Best for Hospitality and Table Service

OrderMate is a POS system that’s been built with Aussie hospitality in mind. If you run a restaurant, café, or bar and want to streamline everything from table orders to kitchen printing, this one’s worth checking out.

Why it’s a winner:

Hospitality-specific features – Table mapping, split billing, order tracking, and kitchen display integration.

Speed for busy service – Designed to handle high-order volumes without lag.

Integration with online ordering – Connect your POS with delivery services or your own online order platform.

Detailed reporting – See which dishes are selling, what times are busiest, and track staff performance.

OrderMate is especially handy for businesses where service speed and accuracy matter — no more lost dockets or confused orders. While it’s mainly targeted at hospitality, retail businesses probably won’t get as much value here.

Best for: Cafés, restaurants, bars, and pubs that want a POS tailored to hospitality workflows.

4. Abacus – Best for Multi-Location Businesses

If you’re running more than one store or café, Abacus is built to make managing them less of a juggling act. It’s cloud-based, so you can see what’s happening at each location in real-time.

Why it’s a winner:

Multi-store management – Sync menus, pricing, and stock levels across all your sites.

Advanced reporting – Compare performance across stores without spreadsheets.

Customer loyalty programs – Built-in tools to keep customers coming back.

Kiosk ordering options – If you want to offer self-service kiosks, Abacus has you covered.

Abacus works for both hospitality and retail, but it’s especially powerful when you’ve got multiple outlets. The only thing to note is that the learning curve can be a bit steeper compared to simpler systems like Square.

Best for: Café chains, retail franchises, or any small business with more than one location.

5. Epos Now – Best for Scalability

Epos Now is a UK-based POS provider that’s made a name for itself in Australia by offering a highly scalable system that works across retail, hospitality, and service industries.

Why it’s a winner:

Cloud-based flexibility – Access your business data anywhere.

Hardware options – Works on tablets, computers, or its own dedicated terminals.

App marketplace – Add features as you need them, from accounting integrations to staff scheduling.

Inventory management – Track stock across multiple sites.

It’s a good choice if you want a POS that can start small but expand as your business grows — especially if you plan to diversify into new services or locations.

Best for: Businesses planning for growth and wanting a system that can adapt over time.

How to Choose the Right POS for Your Small Business

Picking a POS system isn’t about grabbing the one with the flashiest features — it’s about finding the one that works best for how you actually run your business.

Here are a few tips before you decide:

Think about your industry – A hospitality-focused POS might be overkill for a gift shop, and vice versa.

Consider your budget – Some POS systems have low upfront costs but higher ongoing fees, so work out what fits your cash flow.

Check integration options – If you already use accounting software, online ordering platforms, or marketing tools, make sure your POS plays nice with them.

Look at support options – Local support can be a lifesaver when something goes wrong during a Saturday morning rush.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, small businesses in Australia have more POS choices than ever. POSApt leads the pack for flexibility and local support, Square is unbeatable for simplicity and speed, OrderMate is a hospitality hero, Abacus shines for multi-location management, and Epos Now is perfect for long-term scalability.

At the end of the day, the best POS for you is the one that saves you time, reduces headaches, and helps your business grow, whether you’re pouring flat whites, ringing up fresh produce, or running the best burger joint in town.