Quick Verdict
Loyverse is the best overall recommendation for small businesses prioritizing low initial software costs, as the Core POS is free. While Toast offers a competitive $0/month software fee in its Starter Kit and Clover provides flexible custom pricing, Loyverse's free base option makes it the most accessible starting point. You can later add specific features like Employee management or Advanced inventory for $25/month per store if needed.
Choosing the right point of sale system is critical for small business owners and operators in the retail and coffee shop sectors. The right software can streamline daily tasks, improve customer service, and provide valuable insights into your business performance. With several established platforms available, it is essential to understand how each option supports your specific operational needs.
This guide compares three popular choices: Clover, Loyverse, and Toast. By examining the distinct strengths and applications of each platform, you can make an informed decision about which tool best aligns with your business model and goals. Consider how each solution fits into your overall workflow before making your final selection.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Tool | Price | Free Plan | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clover | Custom pricing — contact sales/reseller (software plans commonly listed from ~$14.95/month depending on processor/reseller; official site does not publish one fixed price) | No standalone free plan; 90-day free software trial for Virtual Terminal (no hardware) | 2026-09-16 |
| Loyverse | Core POS is free — paid add-ons per store: Unlimited sales history $5/month ($50/year), Employee management $25/month ($250/year), Advanced inventory $25/month ($250/year) | Free plan available (POS, sales analytics for last 31 days, essential inventory, loyalty program, multi-store management); each paid add-on has a 14-day free trial | 2026-10-09 |
| Toast | $69/month (Point of Sale plan) — Starter Kit available at $0/month software fee with higher processing rates (3.09%-3.69% + 15c) | Starter Kit at $0/month software fee (transaction fees still apply); no ongoing free tier | 2026-09-16 |
Where These Numbers Come From
The prices and plan details in the table above are what we recorded for each tool, last checked between 2026-09-16 and 2026-10-09. Each section below links to the official site. Prices change often, so confirm the current price there before you decide.
Clover
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
Clover is a point-of-sale system designed specifically for retail and coffee shop environments. It offers a Virtual Terminal option with a 90-day free trial, although no standalone free software plan is available.
- Tailored for Retail and Coffee Shop industries
- 90-day free software trial for Virtual Terminal without hardware
- Custom pricing structure dependent on processor and reseller
This software is best suited for small business owners in the retail or coffee shop sectors seeking industry-specific point-of-sale solutions.
- Offers a 90-day free trial for the Virtual Terminal component
- Specialized functionality for retail and coffee shop businesses
- No standalone free plan is available for users
Loyverse
Verified 2026-10-09Overview
Loyverse is a retail and coffee shop point of sale system that offers a core platform for free. It allows businesses to manage sales, inventory, and loyalty programs while offering optional paid upgrades for advanced needs.
- Free core POS with sales analytics for the last 31 days
- Essential inventory management and built-in loyalty program
- Multi-store management capabilities included in the free plan
This solution is best suited for retail and coffee shop owners who need a free foundational POS with the flexibility to add specific professional modules as their business grows.
- Core POS functionality is completely free
- Each paid add-on includes a 14-day free trial
- Advanced features like employee management and advanced inventory require separate monthly or annual subscriptions
Toast
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
Toast is a point of sale system designed specifically for the retail and coffee shop industry. It offers a paid plan starting at $69/month as well as a Starter Kit option with a $0/month software fee.
- Industries-focused design for retail and coffee shops
- Starter Kit available at $0/month software fee
- Clear pricing structure with a $69/month Point of Sale plan
This solution is best suited for small business owners in the retail and coffee shop sectors who prefer industry-specific tools over generalist platforms.
- Offers a no-cost software fee entry point through the Starter Kit
- Specialized functionality for coffee shops and retail businesses
- The Starter Kit requires higher processing rates of 3.09%-3.69% + 15c
What to Weigh Before You Choose
Pricing Model Transparency
Different software providers may use fixed monthly fees, usage-based charges, or require contacting sales for a custom quote, which affects budgeting certainty. You should verify exactly how billing is calculated and whether any costs are variable based on transaction volume or add-on usage.
Core Functionality Inclusions
Some tools provide essential point of sale features at no cost, while others charge for basic capabilities like employee management or advanced inventory tracking. It is important to determine which specific features are part of the standard package versus those requiring separate paid subscriptions per location.
Processing Fee Structures
Software pricing often comes bundled with payment processing rates, where lower monthly software fees may be offset by higher per-transaction costs. You should compare the total cost of ownership by adding potential processing percentages and fixed fees to your monthly software budget.
Scalability and Add-Ons
Businesses often start with basic needs and expand functionality over time, so the cost and availability of optional modules can significantly impact long-term expenses. Check if the platform supports growing your operation without requiring a complete switch to a different vendor or system.
Our Pick and Who It Fits
Loyverse is best for readers looking for a Core POS that is free, with optional paid add-ons. Toast fits readers preferring a fixed monthly Point of Sale plan fee of $69/month or a Starter Kit with a $0/month software fee. Clover is suitable for those willing to work with a reseller for custom pricing, as plans are commonly listed from ~$14.95/month depending on the processor.
Common Questions
How do the base pricing models differ for Clover, Loyverse, and Toast?
Loyverse offers a free core POS with paid add-ons per store, Clover has custom pricing that typically starts around $14.95/month depending on the reseller, and Toast offers a Point of Sale plan for $69/month or a Starter Kit with a $0/month software fee.
What are the costs for additional features like inventory or employee management on Loyverse?
Loyverse charges per store for add-ons, including $25/month ($250/year) for both Employee management and Advanced inventory, and $5/month ($50/year) for Unlimited sales history.
Does Toast offer a free software option for small retailers?
Yes, Toast provides a Starter Kit with a $0/month software fee, though this option comes with higher processing rates of 3.09%-3.69% + 15c.
How is Clover's pricing structured compared to the other two?
Clover uses custom pricing where you must contact sales or a reseller, with software plans commonly listed from ~$14.95/month depending on the specific processor or reseller.
Pricing and feature details on this page are independently researched and verified against official sources.
Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publishing and may change — verify on the official site.