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7 Best Salon POS Systems

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Running a salon involves not just styling skills, but also effective management of bookings, payments, and customer relationships. A salon POS system brings these tools together, making it easier to track sales, schedule appointments, and oversee staff. By choosing the right system, you can streamline daily operations and focus on growing your business.

  • eHopper

    eHopper, tagged “Best for Small Salons on a Budget,” starts free (hardware sold separately) and includes online booking to simplify scheduling. Employee management tools help track staff activity, making it a cost-effective choice for small salons that want essential POS features without the burden of high expenses.

    Editor’s Take

    eHopper is a budget-friendly POS system designed for small salon businesses, offering tools for customer management, loyalty programs, inventory, e-commerce, and appointments. With free software and no processing fees, it’s one of the most affordable options available. You can even set up a self-serve kiosk, allowing customers to add tips or purchase products.

    Pricing starts at free and goes up to $10 per month, with the OmniChannel plan required for e-commerce features. Hardware options include touchscreen terminals starting at $439, bundles up to $1,450, and smart terminals at $720. These choices give flexibility based on your budget and setup.

    For small salons on a tight budget, eHopper is a practical solution. It keeps costs low while still offering essential POS features, making it best suited for businesses that need a simple, reliable checkout system without advanced salon-specific tools.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Free plan available with no monthly fees
    • Works on Android tablets, Windows PCs, and Poynt terminals
    • Supports multiple payment processors
    • Easy to set up and use without technical skills
    • No long-term contracts required

    Cons

    • Limited salon-specific features such as advanced booking tools
    • Reporting options are simpler than higher-end POS systems
    • Restaurant functions are weaker than competitors
    • Hardware compatibility can be restrictive depending on your setup
    • Customer support may be less robust compared to premium providers

  • Clover

    For larger businesses with multiple locations, “Best for Chains and Franchises” Clover starts at no cost for the software, with hardware priced separately. It features online booking for easier client scheduling and employee management tools to monitor staff at various locations. This makes it a reliable option for salons looking for scalability and control.

    Editor’s Take

    Clover stands out for its customer management tools, which alert you when clients arrive, send winback promotions, and enable hands-free payments through the app. These features simplify the checkout process and help free up staff time by reducing payment delays. It’s designed to streamline daily operations while boosting customer retention.

    Pricing begins at $14.95 per month for a virtual terminal, while handheld POS devices cost $599 plus a $14.95 monthly fee. A full system like the $799 Mini WiFi POS adds a receipt printer and cash drawer but requires $44.95 monthly software. These options give salons flexibility to choose the setup that fits best.

    Clover is best for salons with multiple locations or those looking to grow. Its management features, scalability, and multi-location reporting make it an excellent choice for growing businesses seeking flexibility and reliability.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Wide range of hardware options (Flex, Mini, Station) to fit different salon sizes
    • Built-in tools for staff management, inventory, and customer profiles
    • Easy integration with apps for booking and marketing
    • Reliable customer support and setup assistance

    Cons

    • Monthly fees plus processing costs can add up over time
    • Hardware purchases may require a contract through resellers
    • Limited customization compared to some competitors
    • Some advanced features require higher-tier plans

  • Lightspeed

    With strong software compatibility, “Best for Integrations” Lightspeed starts at $89 per month, with hardware sold separately. It supports online booking for easy appointment scheduling and includes employee management tools to track staff performance. This makes it a solid choice for salons that want advanced features and seamless integration with other business software.

    Editor’s Take

    Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system designed for salons that need advanced tools and strong integrations. It connects with popular software, letting you manage accounting, marketing, and customer relationships from one platform. Because it’s cloud-based, you can access reports and data anytime, making it ideal for owners managing multiple locations.

    Pricing starts at $89 per month and can reach $239 per month when billed annually, depending on features and add-ons. Hardware kits for iPad and desktop are available separately, which may increase initial setup costs. This flexibility makes Lightspeed suitable for salons that need more than just a payment processor.

    Lightspeed is ideal for salons offering both services and retail products, with inventory tools that track vendor orders, stock levels, and product variations. It’s especially helpful for managing items like shampoos and styling tools. Though pricier for smaller salons, its robust features make it well suited for scaling businesses or multi-location operations.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Strong inventory management with product variations and vendor tracking
    • Works on iPad, desktop, and mobile devices
    • Detailed reporting for sales, staff, and customer data
    • Supports multiple locations under one account
    • Integrates with popular payment processors and e-commerce tools

    Cons

    • Higher monthly cost compared to simpler POS systems
    • Hardware must be purchased separately
    • Learning curve for staff who are new to advanced POS systems
    • Some features locked behind higher-tier plans
    • Limited offline functionality if internet connection drops

  • PayPal Zettle

    Designed for flexibility on the go, “Best for Mobile Salons” PayPal Zettle starts free, with hardware available at an extra cost. It offers online booking for easy scheduling and employee management for task organization. This makes it a convenient choice for mobile stylists and small salons seeking low-cost, easy-to-use tools.

    Editor’s Take

    PayPal Zettle offers a no-subscription POS with a flat 2.29% + $0.09 fee per transaction, making it cost-effective for salons with seasonal or moderate sales. Its pay-as-you-go model eliminates fixed costs, letting you only pay when processing payments. This flexibility helps keep overhead low while supporting reliable payment acceptance.

    Hardware is sold separately, with card readers starting at $29 and full POS terminals ranging from $199 to $269 depending on features like printers or barcode scanners. Payments connect directly with PayPal, ensuring quick access to funds and smooth cash flow for users already selling online through PayPal.

    Zettle is best suited for small salons, independent stylists, or mobile beauty professionals who value mobility and simple pricing. It’s user-friendly and works with tools like QuickBooks and Xero, but larger salons that require advanced inventory or multi-staff features may find it lacking compared to full-service systems.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • No monthly fee, pay only per transaction
    • Quick setup with a compact card reader
    • Funds settle fast into your PayPal account
    • Works anywhere with the PayPal app and internet connection
    • Supports multiple payment types including cards and digital wallets

    Cons

    • Limited salon-specific tools compared to industry-focused POS systems
    • Basic inventory features may not cover larger operations
    • Transaction fees can add up with high volume sales
    • Requires PayPal ecosystem for full functionality
    • Fewer advanced reporting options than some competitors

  • Stripe POS

    Perfect for salons that sell both services and products, “Best for Omnichannel Salons,” Stripe POS starts free, with hardware sold separately. It supports online booking to streamline client appointments and employee management tools to keep staff organized. This combination makes it a strong option for salons that want to unify in-store and online sales.

    Editor’s Take

    Stripe POS offers a simple, pay-as-you-go model with no monthly subscription fees, making it a flexible option for salons with fluctuating sales. Processing fees start at 2.7% plus $0.05 per transaction, so you only pay when you make a sale. This setup is ideal if you want predictable costs without ongoing subscription charges.

    Hardware is sold separately, with options ranging from the Stripe Reader M2 at $59 to the BBPOS WisePOS E at $249, or the more advanced Stripe Reader S700 at $349. Since you buy the devices outright, you avoid long-term leasing or rental contracts, keeping your setup straightforward.

    Stripe POS works best for salons that already use Stripe for online sales, as it syncs customer purchase histories across channels. It’s great for payments and sales integration, but you may need third-party apps for advanced salon features like appointment booking and staff scheduling.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • No monthly subscription; pay only per transaction
    • Works seamlessly with Stripe’s online payment tools
    • Hardware options are affordable and easy to set up
    • Supports multiple payment methods (chip, tap, mobile wallets)
    • Strong international payment support

    Cons

    • Limited built-in features for scheduling or salon management
    • Hardware must be purchased separately
    • Customer support can feel less tailored for small salons
    • Not as feature-rich as salon-specific POS systems
    • Requires integrations for inventory or staff management

  • Square

    Designed for versatility, “Best for Multiservice Salons,” Square starts free, with hardware sold separately. It includes online booking to simplify scheduling and employee management tools to track staff performance. This makes it a strong option for salons that offer multiple services and want an all-in-one POS solution.

    Editor’s Take

    Square offers salons a free plan with core POS features and processing fees of 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. Paid tiers: Square Plus ($29/month) and Premium ($69/month per location) reduce fees slightly to 2.5% + $0.10. This flexible pricing keeps costs transparent while scaling easily with business size and growth needs.

    Hardware options include the Square Register ($39/month for 24 months or $799 upfront) and the Square Terminal ($27/month for 12 months or $299 upfront), with NFC readers available for $49. This flexibility lets salons select the best combination of devices for their needs, balancing cost and functionality as they grow.

    Beyond payments, Square integrates scheduling, inventory, and customer management, making it well-suited for salons offering multiple services. Independent stylists can use the free plan, while larger salons benefit from advanced features in higher tiers. Its all-in-one design simplifies operations, helping salons manage bookings, products, and payments in one streamlined system.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Free plan available with core POS and scheduling features
    • Flat-rate payment processing with no hidden fees
    • Square Appointments integrates booking and POS in one system
    • Works with both in-person and online payments
    • Easy setup with no long-term contracts

    Cons

    • Paid plans charge per staff member, which can add up for larger salons
    • Limited advanced reporting compared to some competitors
    • Requires internet connection for most features
    • Hardware options are more basic than systems like Clover or Toast
    • Customer support can be slower during peak hours

  • Shopify

    Tailored for salons with online sales, “Best for E-Commerce” Shopify starts free, with hardware costs added separately. It includes online booking to streamline appointments and employee management tools for staff oversight. This makes it especially useful for salons that want to connect in-person services with e-commerce growth.

    Editor’s Take

    Shopify is a strong POS choice for salons selling both services and products, combining online storefronts with in-person payments. Plans start at $29 per month, with POS Pro at $89 for advanced tools like staff management and reporting. Hardware ranges from $49 card readers to $349 terminals, offering flexible setups to match business needs.

    With the Lite version, included in every Shopify plan, small salons can accept payments through a phone or tablet, track sales, and sync with their online store. For growing salons, the Pro plan adds tools for managing staff, tracking commissions, and handling larger inventories. This makes it well-suited for salons with multiple stylists or locations.

    Shopify also integrates with scheduling and salon management software like Mangomint, Acuity, Bookeo, and Salonist, making it easier to streamline operations. Shopify POS is an excellent option for salons looking for a scalable, unified system that connects online and offline sales for services and retail.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Works seamlessly with Shopify’s e-commerce tools
    • Easy to use on mobile devices and tablets
    • Strong inventory tracking and product syncing
    • Scales well for single or multiple locations
    • Offers detailed analytics with the Pro plan

    Cons

    • Pro plan adds a significant monthly cost
    • Limited features in Lite version
    • Some advanced reports are only available at higher tiers
    • Hardware like card readers and registers sold separately
    • Best suited for salons already using Shopify for online sales

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a POS system for a small salon?

You should look for appointment booking, calendar management, and payment processing as core features. Small salons also benefit from inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty tools such as gift cards and rewards programs.

A cloud-based POS can give you access from any device, while hardware like card readers and receipt printers support in-person transactions.

Are there any high-quality free POS systems available for salons?

Some POS providers offer free plans with basic features like card payments and appointment scheduling. These plans often charge transaction fees instead of monthly subscriptions.

Free options may not include advanced features such as marketing tools, inventory management, or employee scheduling, so you may need to upgrade as your salon grows.

How does salon POS software integrate with appointment booking?

Most salon POS systems include built-in appointment scheduling or connect with booking apps. This allows clients to book online, receive reminders, and even prepay for services. Integration also helps you manage your calendar, reduce no-shows with automated reminders, and keep staff schedules organized.

What are the best salon management software options for independent stylists?

Independent stylists often need lightweight software that combines booking, payment processing, and customer management in one platform. Look for systems that support mobile card readers and online booking.

Some platforms also let you track expenses, manage client notes, and send appointment reminders without requiring expensive hardware.

Can I find a salon POS system that also handles inventory and customer management?

Many salon POS systems feature inventory tracking, low-stock alerts, and sales reports to help manage retail products and supplies. They also offer customer management tools to store client history, track loyalty rewards, and send marketing messages. Together, these features streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.