A cafe counter moves fast: orders stack up, milk runs out, regulars want their usual, and the line never stops. The right point-of-sale system can keep tickets moving, track stock, and help you know your customers. This list covers seven POS systems that cafes and coffee shops may want to explore in 2026. It is not a ranking of quality; each entry describes what the system does and who it may suit.
How We Picked These Tools
We looked for POS systems that explicitly mention cafes, coffee shops, or food and beverage businesses, or that offer features relevant to counter-service and table-service cafes. Each entry is based only on the provided source pages. We did not test the systems or compare their performance. Prices are included only when they appear verbatim on the source page. The order is a plain list, not a quality ranking.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Square | Cafes that want modular hardware and a broad set of business tools |
| Shopify POS | Cafes with an online store that want in-person and online sales connected |
| Epos Now | Cafes that want a bundled card terminal and POS with published pricing |
| Clover | Cafes that want integrated online ordering and restaurant-grade hardware |
| SumUp | Cafes that need straightforward card payment acceptance |
| Loyverse | Cafes that want a free core POS with optional paid add-ons |
| TouchBistro | Cafes with table service that want a restaurant-focused feature set |
The 7 Tools in Focus
#1 Square
A screenshot of the Square website.
Square offers a point-of-sale platform with hardware options such as Square Register, Square Handheld, Square Terminal, Square Stand, and Square Kiosk. The company lists coffee shops among the food and beverage business types it serves. Square also provides tools for taking payments, managing orders, and keeping customers coming back. It may suit cafes that want a flexible mix of countertop, handheld, and self-service hardware.
#2 Shopify POS
A screenshot of the Shopify POS website.
Shopify POS is part of Shopify's commerce platform, which lets businesses sell online and in person. The platform includes tools for payments, inventory, and customer management in one place. Shopify also offers a point-of-sale app within its product lineup. It may suit cafes that also sell beans, merchandise, or subscriptions online and want retail and cafe sales connected.
#3 Epos Now
A screenshot of the Epos Now website.
Epos Now provides a cash register and POS solution with a focus on hospitality and retail. The company offers a card terminal bundle with Stripe, including a monthly subscription and per-transaction fees. Epos Now also provides back-office reporting and inventory management features. It may suit cafes that want a bundled card terminal and POS with clear published pricing.
#4 Clover
A screenshot of the Clover website.
Clover provides point-of-sale systems for small businesses, including food and beverage operations. The company offers restaurant-grade hardware such as Mini, Flex, Station Duo, KDS, and Kiosk. Clover also provides online ordering, delivery management, and integrations with third-party delivery apps. It may suit cafes that want integrated online ordering and a range of countertop and self-service devices.
#5 SumUp
A screenshot of the SumUp website.
SumUp provides payment and point-of-sale services for small businesses across many countries. The company's homepage lists availability in Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. SumUp is known for card readers and mobile payment acceptance. It may suit cafes that need a simple way to accept card payments, though the provided source page offers limited detail on cafe-specific features.
#6 Loyverse
A screenshot of the Loyverse website.
Loyverse offers a free POS system that includes sales tracking, inventory management, employee management, and customer loyalty tools. The company explicitly lists cafes and coffee shops among the business types it serves. Loyverse POS works on iOS and Android phones and tablets, and it can operate offline. It may suit cafes that want a free core POS with optional paid add-ons.
#7 TouchBistro
A screenshot of the TouchBistro website.
TouchBistro provides a restaurant management platform with point of sale, payment processing, staff management, floor plan and table management, and menu management. The company also offers tableside ordering, inventory management, a kitchen display system, and online ordering. It may suit cafes with table service or those that want a restaurant-focused feature set beyond the counter.
Which One Should You Choose?
Start with how your cafe actually runs. A counter-service coffee shop may care most about speed at the register, self-service kiosks, and loyalty. A cafe with table service may want floor plans, tableside ordering, and a kitchen display. Consider whether you need integrated card processing or prefer to keep your existing provider. Check whether online ordering, inventory management, and employee scheduling are included or added separately. Look at the hardware options and whether they fit your counter space. Finally, review published pricing and contract terms so you know the full cost.
Final Thoughts
Each POS system on this list approaches cafes from a different angle. Square and Clover offer broad hardware and business tools. Shopify POS connects in-person sales with an online store. Epos Now bundles a card terminal with published pricing. SumUp focuses on payment acceptance. Loyverse provides a free core POS with optional add-ons. TouchBistro brings restaurant-focused features like tableside ordering and kitchen displays. There is no single best choice; the right fit depends on your service style, existing tools, and budget.
Know a company that belongs on this list? Email us at editorial@peekwire.com.