Best POS Hardware: 2023 [Buyers Guide to Choose POS Hardware]

Are you looking for the best POS hardware? Maybe you’ve used slower, older POS hardware in the past and are looking for a way to make your business more efficient?

While there is a lot of buzz about doing business online, as much as 94% of all retail sales are still made at brick-and-mortar store locations. 

You definitely need to do your due diligence, if you are looking for the most effective, and up-to-date POS hardware on the market.

POS hardware includes receipt printers, barcode scanners, credit card terminals, stands, and cash drawers.

We’ve compiled this ultimate guide to the best POS hardware – updated for 2023.

 

Receipt Printers

Receipts are the fundamental way that customers have proof of their purchase. They also can be utilized for efficient kitchen service. 

Having a reliable and efficient receipt printer (and kitchen printer if you are a restaurant) is crucial to every POS setup.

The following receipt printers are among the best available today:

TSP143IIIBi Bluetooth Receipt Printer

This wireless printer has Bluetooth connectivity.

POS environments in retail stores, the hospitality industry, or those that feature tablet-based terminal systems, are designed to address the ever-changing hardware and software POS landscape. 

The TSP143IIIBi is compatible with Android tablets 4.4+, iPads, and the eHopper Cash Drawer 16.

There is an AUTOCONNECT function for iOS devices (iPad/iPhone), as soon as the printer is powered on.

This printer also features Drop-In & Print paper loading, a Guillotine Auto-cutter, thin paper capability (0.053-0.085), and high-speed 250mm/second print speed.

Star Micronics Printers

Star Micronics has a line of receipt printers that are suited for practically any type of retail POS.

Below are the company’s reliable and high-performance receipt printing solutions.  

Star Micronics TSP143LAN Ethernet Receipt Printer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Micronics TSP654IIBI Bluetooth Printer

This is another high-speed printer from Star Micronics that is a cinch to set up.

You just power on the unit and pair it with your mobile device or tablet.

Regardless of whether you are near a router or not, this printer will give your portable POS environment the speed and reliability required.

The TSP654IIBI is equipped with all of the top-notch features that can be expected from Star (Drop-In & Print paper loading, a Guillotine Auto-cutter, and thin paper capability).

Star TSP143IIIU Lightning Connector Thermal Printer

This thermal printer has an internal power supply and works strictly with the iPad and Lightning Connector Cable.

The power cables, mounting kits, and paper roll are included.

There is also an added USB type ‘A’ connector for one convenient power source for tablets or mobile devices.

This unit also features rapid 250mm/second print speed, a Guillotine Auto-cutter, and thin paper capability.

The TSP143IIIU also comes complete with its powerful futurePRNT software for windows, which lets users customize their receipt layout—to include graphics (coupon/logo), print multiple copies, and a host of other features.

Bixolon SRP-Q302 mPOS Receipt Printer

If you are genuinely in search of the best POS hardware out there, this cube-shaped wireless receipt printer from Bixolon has to be part of that conversation definitely.

This printer was designed to operate with iOS and Android devices.

 

The SPR-Q302 is affordably priced, stylish, and save space. This unit also comes with, mini LCD customer display, a tablet stand, a web-app—for web-based printing, and B-Gate for Q-300-an mPOS hub solution with four USB ports.

eHopper BTP-R180II Thermal Printer

This thermal printer from eHopper is compatible with Android tablets, iPads, Windows PC, eHopper Cash Drawer 16 and Poynt.

This unit is fully integrated with eHopper POS and eHopper cash drawer and compatible with popular POS software applications.      

The BTP-R180II also features triple interface—USB, serial and Ethernet, high-speed 230mm/second print speed, and automatic paper cutting,

Scanners

Barcode scanners have eliminated the need for sales clerks to type in SKUs, UPCs, and other unique identifiers. The process of manual entry can add minutes on to some purchases.

The tedious nature of this process is what makes most retail owners purchase scanners as a scaling and efficiency measure eventually. Below are two scanners that can be categorized among the best POS hardware available.

Symbol LS2208 Barcode Scanner

The LS2208 barcode scanner by Symbol is a reliable scanner solution. This unit lets you scan printed on labels or featured on devices screens.

This durable, plug and play, barcode scanner provides a sleek and efficient design that will benefit any POS system.

Socket Mobile 7Ci Barcode Scanner

The 7Ci barcode scanner by Socket Mobile is a remote-based, portable scanner solution. This reasonably-priced unit lets clerks scan 1D barcodes.

The sleek, streamlined design of the device is ideally suited for any mobile or brick-and-mortar POS environment.

Terminals

The terminal is the heart of every POS system. These units allow customers and clerks to complete purchase transactions. The following terminals represent some of the best POS hardware available.

PAX S300 EMV Ready Credit Card Terminal

Security is always the top priority when dealing with any POS system. The PAX S300 offers retailers the high level of transactional security that today’s multilane merchant require.

This cost-efficient terminal also features contactless, e-Signature, magnetic stripe, and chip & PIN. The S300 also encrypts and protects transaction data using cutting edge security implementations like SRED and PCI PTS 3.x.

This unit also features an extensive color, touchscreen display, loudspeaker, and a 32-bit ARM11 processor and plenty of memory for maximized multimedia performance. The S300 supports multiple processors, has USB and LAN connectivity options.

PAX D210 Wi-Fi EMV Ready Credit Card Terminal

The D210 by PAX is a marvelous mobile solution for on-the-go retailers. This small terminal is portable and wireless.

The D210 supports multiple processors and features Wi-Fi support, 3G (WCDMA), GPRS, Ethernet, or cable connection.  

The D210 also connects to many smart devices to keep up with the emerging technology. This device can be used in both the US and Canadian markets.

Dejavoo Z1 Payment Terminal

The Dejavoo Z1 terminal is a dial-up and Ethernet payment solution that is fully integrated into the POSimplicity software by way of Bluetooth, giving you all of the security of a countertop terminal and the full capabilities of a POS system.

The Z1 features built-in EMV smart card reader; integrated PCI secure PIN pad; multiple applications installed—and available upon request, and a large color display.

The Z1 has 192 MB of internal memory that powers the transactions—keeping transactions down to 2 seconds. Driven by the Linux OS and embedded SQL, Dejavoo offers additional software applications including various Managed Systems and Value Added Systems.

Dejavoo Z11 Payment Terminal

The Z11 by Dejavoo is the company’s newest payment processing solution. This touchscreen, countertop terminal may not be compatible with all processors, so verify compatibility with your system.

The Z11 accepts magnetic stripe and EMV cards, has a thermal printer, supports on-screen signatures, support NFC contactless payments, and is one of the smallest terminals on the market.

This terminal features dial-up, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity options. Regardless of the type of connection is needed the Z11 is an excellent solution. 

This unit also has RS232 and USB ports for additional peripheral attachments. Transactions are executed on a full-color touchscreen display.

POS Stands

When you have taken the time to locate the best POS hardware, you want to make sure it is comfortably displayed and well placed at the POS. The following stands are specially crafted to work with some of the hardware we have reviewed.

Bixolon RTS-Q300

The Bixolon RTS-Q300 is a specialized stand designed for the Bixolon SRP-Q300 mPOS Cube Printer.

This stand is constructed of robust steel and measures 14.1 x 24.8 X 36.2 (cm), weighs 1.35 pounds, rotates 306 degrees, and angles forward at 170 degrees.

Tablets can operate in both landscape and portrait model with this space-saving stand.

Heckler Design WindFall Stand Prime iPad Holder

With Heckler Design’s WindFall Stand Prime iPad holder, your company’s iPad is secured by the patented WindFall iPad stand design.

Along with the enhanced security, the stand also supports broader card reading. This low-profile stand’s sleek design works with 9.7” iPad—5th or 6th generation. There is also a pivot table for this unit sold separately.

Cash Drawers

Having a state-of-the-art cash drawer is the perfect finishing touch to any POS system. The security and reliability of your cash drawer say a lot about the integrity of your operation. This best POS hardware review would only be incomplete without featuring the following cash drawers.

APG Cash Drawer Vasario Series Cash Drawer

This 5-slot cash drawer from Vasario is the cost-effective solution for the retailer that wants to save yet doesn’t want to get short-changed on the durability and quality they seek.

This cash drawer features fixed bill and coin area, five bill compartment and five coin compartments, two media slots, a measures 4.3” x 16.2” x 16.3”.

eHopper 16” Cash Drawer

This cash drawer by eHopper is compatible with the eHopper R180II thermal receipt printer and Android tablets 4.4+. There is a media slot where card slips and other media can be inserted. 

This affordable cash drawer contains all of the features you would expect from a full-sized cash drawer, like a metal housing, durable powder coat finish, and a heavy-duty 2-stage latch.

Best POS Hardware Bundles

Now that we have outlined the features of the various parts of the complete POS system, we will cover the bundles that feature everything you need to establish an effective POS system.

HP Engage One Prime POS

The HP Engage One Prime POS is a stylish point-of-sale system that features a 14” anti-glare, HD touchscreen display and a 5.5” customer-facing, color HD display.

The system can connect to devices using a USB ‘C’ port, two USB ‘A’ ports, and Bluetooth—and to your network using WLAN.

The HP Engage One Prime integrates fully with eHopper POS to deliver seamless transactions. The system is easy to set up and is very user-friendly.

Special features of the HP Engage One Prime POS also include:

• Order-taking – This setup allows orders to be taken and customizable messages for your kitchen or customers.
• Customer Database – Now you can track the spending habits and transaction history of your customers. You can craft special offers around this vital data.
• Inventory Control – You can use this system to keep an accurate accounting of your inventory. You will know what you have, how many, and where they are located.
• Payment Processing – Using the eHopper software, this system can accept cash, debit, credit, and contactless forms like Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.
• Detailed Reporting – You can access robust reports and use the information gathered in real-time to make decisions on your business.

Poynt Terminal POS

This powerful all-in-one terminal is fully integrated with eHopper software. This portable device is a viable transaction processing solution for any business that uses eHopper.

This single unit is a touchscreen tablet, barcode scanner, card reader, and receipt scanner, all rolled into one.

The Poynt terminal reads magnetic stripes, EMV chips, and is NFC compliant.

Other features of the Poynt Terminal POS are:

• Order-taking – You can take detailed orders for walk-in, take out, or delivery.
• Employees – The unit lets you monitor time clock, track earned tips and individual order fulfillment. 
• Inventory Control – Poynt helps you track your current stock, and informs you of when and how often items are sold.
• Payment Processing – Process credit and debit transaction right from the device.
• Detailed Reporting – Access reports that show real-time data about all transactions in your store’s database.
• Customer Data – Collect detailed information about customer purchases to create special promotions customized for each customer.

Poynt 5 WiFi Wireless Terminal

Elo PayPoint Plus for iPad

This all-in-one solution is designed as an all-in-one solution for retailers that use iPads. Compatible with the iPad Pro 10.5″, iPad 5, iPad Pro 9.7″, iPad Air 2, iPad Air. The device connects with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

This stylish device contains a barcode scanner, receipt printer, customer display, and a built-in cash drawer. This unit is indeed one of the best POS hardware items you can find.

Some noteworthy features of the Elo PayPoint Plus are:

• Order-taking – Take orders, choose order type save orders for a later date, and check an order’s status.
• Employees – For enhanced store security, you can assign employee roles and permissions. 
• Inventory Control – Develop an inventory catalog by creating different product types, managing your stock.
• Payment Processing – Accept cash, credit, debit, split payments, use contactless methods like Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.
• Detailed Reporting – Analyze comprehensive reports on every aspect of your business (inventory, sales, customer orders, and employees).
• Customer Data – Collect detailed information about customer purchases for superior customer service.

eHopper All-in-One Touchscreen POS

This all-in-one POS terminal by eHopper has two full-screen displays (one for the merchant and one for the customer). The touchscreen size is 15.6,” and the 14.6″ customer display offers a great customer experience. 

This affordable, high-performance unit has a built-in printer and is compatible with the eHopper POS software. The unit can be used in concert with various hardware peripherals.

The eHopper All-in-One POS Terminal also features:

• Order-taking – With this unit you can take and track orders.
• Inventory Control – Track stock levels and keep track of inventory.
• Detailed Reporting – When used with eHopper software, you access detailed reports on your sales history in real-time.
• Customer Data – Collect detailed information about customer purchases and habits for customer management.

Conclusion

A slow and inefficient POS can cost your company business.

In fact, 82% of shoppers will not return to a store if their wait in line was too long.

Don’t let the failure to upgrade your POS technology stand in your way.

Now that you have had the opportunity to learn more about the best POS hardware on the market, you can do your own due diligence to see what’s right for you.

eHopper POS is a device-agnostic, cloud-based platform – which means you can build a powerful POS system with a wide range of hardware configurations. Tablets, PCs, mobile terminals – whatever POS hardware you choose, you can test drive eHopper today, risk free.

Visit our POS Hardware Shop to learn more about various options compatible with eHopper POS.