The Best iPad POS Systems

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An iPad point of sale (POS) system can be one of the best investments a small business owner can make. Whether you're starting a new business or are looking to replace a traditional POS system, you can turn an iPad into a mobile POS system that can do much more than simply complete purchases.

By using an iPad POS system, businesses can go mobile and conduct day-to-day operations from anywhere that an Internet or cellular data network is available. In addition to mobile credit card processing and accepting other types of payments, an iPad POS system also enables businesses to manage front- and back-end operations on the go. This includes inventory tracking, employee and customer management, reporting tools, the ability to integrate daily transactions with accounting software and more.

When choosing an iPad POS system, the key is finding the right one for your business. There are many types of iPad POS systems, such as those specifically designed for small merchants and restaurants. For instance, if you are a retailer, your shop would require an iPad POS system that comes with both a credit card reader and bar code scanner; but if you run a restaurant, an iPad POS system with table numbering, reservations management and kitchen printing capabilities would be ideal.

Other critical features to consider are customer support, connectivity when Internet access is unavailable, how data is backed up and protected, service terms and whether a service contract is required.

Business News Daily's sister site, Top Ten REVIEWS, does extensive in-depth reviews of iPad POS systems.

Here are the site's top three recommendations for iPad POS systems:

1. Revel Systems

Revel Systems earns the Gold Award from Top Ten Reviews' as a full-featured iPad POS system that can be used by virtually any type of business.

Who it's for: Revel Systems offers iPad POS systems for all types of establishments, such as retailers, grocery stores and full- and quick-service restaurants.

Payment processing: Businesses using Revel's iPad POS system have three options for processing transactions: third-party credit card processors, cash payments and PayPal. 

Software: In addition to reporting tools, time clocking and employee management, Revel's iPad POS software helps businesses streamline both inventory and customer data. This includes tracking individual inventory items and setting up purchase alerts when inventory is low, as well as the ability to manage customer information, integrate customer loyalty programs and map or number tables at restaurants.

Equipment: Revel Systems offers the most terminal and peripheral options for businesses. This includes an iPad stand, barcode scanners, credit card readers, PIN pads, cash drawers, customer displays, receipt printers, kitchen printers, checkout scales and a router. Bundled packages are also available.

Connectivity: In the event that a physical or Wi-Fi Internet connection isn't available, Revel also works over cellular networks. Moreover, of the top three iPad POS systems, Revel Systems' offering is the only one that also works offline.

After-purchase care: If a business finds itself needing customer assistance or technical help, Revel offers 24/7/365 phone support, 24-hour email support and remote assistance. The company also offers migration services and overnight replacement of equipment.

Other features: Revel Systems remotely backs up data and can also export data to a business's accounting software. Revel does not require customers to have a contract to get started.

2. POSLavu

POSLavu earns the No. 2 spot as a restaurant-friendly iPad POS system that offers several additional features lacking in other iPad POS systems.

Who it's for: POSLavu's iPad POS system is designed with food establishments in mind. Its offering is chockfull of features to make running a full- or quick-service restaurant easier for businesses.

Payment processing: Similar to most iPad POS systems, POSLavu allows third-party credit card processing, accepts cash payments and works with PayPal.

Software: POSLavu lets restaurants take control of their operations. In addition to standard features like reporting and employee management tools, POSLavu helps restaurants manage both the front and back of the house. Its capabilities include table numbering, table mapping and inventory tracking of food and supplies. Servers can also manage customer loyalty programs, but an upgrade is required to manage customer information. As a bonus, POSLavu is one of the few — and the only one of the top three — POS systems that lets restaurants take reservations right on the iPad without a third-party servicer.

Equipment: POSLavu gives restaurants freedom in choosing their hardware. The company doesn't use proprietary equipment, so restaurants can stay with their preferences, including those who are third-party providers. Nonetheless, POSLavu offers a wide range of bundled and individual terminals and peripherals, including iPad stands, card readers, PIN pads, cash drawers, bar code scanners, printers and more.

Connectivity: In addition to Internet connectivity, POSLavu also works over 3G and 4G cellular networks.

After-purchase care: POSLavu customers can rest assured that help will be there when they need it. The company's extensive range of customer and technical support includes 24/7/365 phone support, 24-hour email support and remote assistance. Unlike most POS systems, on-site technicians are also available.

Other features:To keep restaurant information accessible, POSLavu keeps a remote backup of all data, which can also be exported into the business's accounting software. In addition, customers do not have to have a contract to sign up.

3. Breadcrumb Pro

Breadcrumb Pro earns high praise for its ability to simplify and streamline a restaurant's daily operations.

Who it's for: Breadcrumb Pro is another iPad POS system designed specifically for restaurants. It supports both full- and quick-service food establishments.

Payment processing: Breadcrumb Pro can process credit cards either through the company or through third-party merchant processors. It also accepts cash, but unlike Revel Systems and POSLavu, it does not work with PayPal.

Software: Breadcrumb Pro's software lets restaurants use an iPad as an all-in-one mobile credit card processor, cash register, customer management tool and ordering system. For example, in addition to closing sales, servers can manage tables, send orders to the kitchen, open multiple tabs, manage customer information and more — all on a single iPad.

Equipment: Breadcrumb Pro offers restaurants iPad stands, card readers, PIN pads, cash drawers, receipt printers, kitchen printers and customer displays. The company does not offer bar code scanners and checkout scales, however. Customers will also have to purchase equipment individually, as Breadcrumb Pro does not offer bundled hardware packages.

Connectivity: Breadcrumb Pro works over Internet and cellular networks.

After-purchase care: Breadcrumb Pro offers 24/7/365 telephone tech support, 24-hour email support and remote assistance. On-site technicians are available by region, depending on a restaurant's location.

Other features: Breadcrumb Pro backs up data remotely and offers migration services and gives customers the ability to export data into accounting software. To help customers get started, the company offers a month-to-month contract, freeing restaurants from any long-term commitment.