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Quick verdict
Shopify POS is the obvious choice if you already sell on Shopify and want in-person to match your online store, with unified inventory across both. Less compelling if you're not already a Shopify merchant.
Best for
- Shopify merchants
- Online + in-person retail
- Omnichannel brands
Not ideal for
- Businesses not using Shopify
- Pure hospitality
Pricing
- Builds on your existing Shopify subscription; POS Pro is an extra per location.
- In-person rates run through Shopify Payments and depend on your plan.
- Readers from around £49.
- Monthly fee
- From your Shopify plan (POS Pro extra)
- Transaction
- Shopify Payments in-person rates (plan dependent)
- Reader from
- Reader from ~£49
- Payouts
- Per Shopify Payments schedule
Hardware
Tap & Chip / WisePad readers pair with the POS app; the POS Go is an all-in-one handheld with a scanner.
- Shopify Tap & Chip / WisePadCard reader pairs with Shopify POS appFrom ~£49
- Shopify POS GoAll-in-one handheld scanner + readerQuoted
Features & contract
Contract: Monthly Shopify subscription. Support: Shopify's 24/7 support and documentation are a plus.
Real-world use cases
- Shopify online retailer: Excellent — unified stock across online and in-person.
- Omnichannel brand: Good — one platform for both channels.
- Business not on Shopify: Limited — only makes sense if you're already in Shopify.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Seamless with a Shopify online store
- Unified inventory across online and in-person
- Good for omnichannel retail brands
Watch out for
- Only makes sense if you're on Shopify
- POS Pro features cost extra per location
- Not built for hospitality workflows
Shopify POS vs alternatives
SquareThe strongest free POS software option. Tidy app, decent ecosystem, no monthly fee to start. Great for small retail, cafés and service businesses that want software without signing their life away.
LightspeedA serious retail/hospitality POS with strong inventory and multi-location features. More advanced and more expensive — overkill if you only need basic card payments.
PayPal ZettlePayPal-friendly card payments with a simple reader and no monthly software fee for basic use. Good for small retailers and mobile sellers already in the PayPal world.
Final verdict
The obvious choice if you sell on Shopify and want in-person to match your online store. Strong for ecommerce-led retail; less compelling if you're not already on Shopify.
FAQs
Do I need a Shopify store to use Shopify POS?
Effectively yes — it's designed to extend a Shopify online store to in-person sales. If you're not on Shopify, another POS will likely suit you better.