4 best Canadian POS systems

December 4, 2023

A top-tier POS system in Canada is characterized by several key features. A user-friendly interface is paramount; it ensures that employees can navigate the system with minimal training, thereby reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Another crucial feature is a comprehensive dashboard that provides insightful analytics and sales data, enabling business owners to make informed decisions.

Supporting local businesses is essential when trying to build the economy you live in. As proud Canadians, we love to see Canadian businesses supporting one another. We’ve got the best Canadian POS systems for you to keep all of your outsourcing close to home – including your business tools, and support one of your neighbors! We decided to help you out, and compile the best Canadian POS systems. Whether you’ve got a restaurant or an eCommerce shop, we’ve got the best system for you!

best canadian pos systems. oliver pos, lightspeed, touchbistro, shopify.

Now, the best Canadian POS systems

Oliver POS

Oliver POS is a WooCommerce POS system founded in St. John’s Newfoundland in 2018. It seamlessly unites eCommerce with in-store sales, and centralizes both channels onto a single platform. Oliver POS offers the essentials to run a business, such as inventory management, cash management, third party payments, integrations, and more. They also offer a free plan with no hidden costs, and their plans for growing businesses are some of the most affordable you’ll find. 

Starting Price: Free

Key Features:

TouchBistro

TouchBistro is a restaurant POS based in Toronto, Ontario. They offer table management, staff management, menu management, and more. Extra features such as reservation systems and gift cards can be added for a fee, as well. While their interface can be a bit challenging to navigate, their customizable menus and table layouts make it a user-friendly solution for restaurants of any size. TouchBistro also offers a free trial, so you can test it out before committing. 

Starting Price: $69/month

Key Features:

  • Table management
  • Tableside ordering system
  • Staff management
  • Credit card processing
  • CRM software
  • Menu management
  • Reporting

Lightspeed

Lightspeed POS was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Lightspeed’s claim to fame is a true all-in-one POS system, with built-in accounting tools, stock management, marketing tools, and more. They offer services for restaurants, retail stores, and golf courses, and offer twenty-four-hour support. Lightspeed can be quite expensive, especially if you need features such as sales reports, but they do offer a free trial. For a list of Lightspeed alternatives, click here.

Starting Price: $89/month

Key Features:

  • Inventory management
  • Reporting
  • Multi-store management
  • Flexible payment options
  • Retail, restaurant & golf course POS

Shopify POS

Shopify is an Ottawa-based Canadian POS system designed specifically and only for Shopify eCommerce stores. It’s an ideal solution for retail shop owners running a Shopify eCommerce store who also want to sell in-store in a physical location. They offer shop management tools, as well as their own payment processor. Shopify POS comes at an affordable price and has a simple and intuitive interface that’s easy to use. They also offer a free trial.

 Starting Price: $39

Key Features:

  • eCommerce Integration
  • Intuitive Interface
  • Customer profiles
  • Order & product management
  • Inventory Management

A Guide to Selecting POS Systems in Canada


Several crucial considerations must be made when selecting a point-of-sale (POS) system in Canada to ensure that the system effectively meets the requirements of your business:

Gain an Understanding of the Requirements of Your Business: Evaluate the unique requirements of your enterprise. Are inventory management, customer relationship management, and sales reporting capabilities that you require in a system? Determining your primary requirements will provide direction for your choice.

Evaluation of Integration Capabilities: Search for a point-of-sale (POS) system that possesses the ability to seamlessly integrate with various tools and platforms that you employ, including inventory management systems, accounting software, and e-commerce platforms.

Assess Hardware Requirements: Determine whether a mobile solution or a traditional POS system with dedicated hardware is more suitable. Consider the hardware’s scalability and the initial investment required.

Verify Payment Processing Capabilities: Ascertain that the point-of-sale (POS) system offers extensive support for various payment methods, such as mobile payments, credit/debit cards, and contactless transactions, which are gaining prominence in Canada.

An evaluation of the user interface is imperative in order to ascertain its level of efficacy. Select a navigational system that is user-friendly and intuitive.

Consider Customer Support and Training: When implementing a POS system for the first time, it is especially important to have access to excellent customer support. Ascertain whether the provider provides ongoing support and training.

Ensuring Compliance and Security: It is imperative that the system operates in accordance with the data protection laws and payment processing standards that govern Canada.

Cost Considerations: Conduct a comparative analysis of the pricing models offered by various point-of-sale (POS) systems. Long-term and one-time expenditures should be taken into account, such as subscription fees and charges for updates and support.

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