Best Free Point of Sale Software in Australia
Here’s a roundup of the best free POS systems available in Australia, perfect for cafés, retail shops, or small service businesses. A reliable POS system can help you manage sales, track inventory, and provide a smooth experience for your customers—all without adding to your costs.
Running a business already has enough challenges, so using a free POS that covers the essentials makes smart sense. From cloud-based platforms to open-source options, these systems can help your business run more efficiently and give you room to grow.
Below, we’ve listed the top free POS systems available in Australia, including what they do best and which businesses they suit.
Best Free Point of Sale Software in Australia
1. POSApt – Best for Australian Businesses
POSApt is built with Australian businesses in mind, from cafés and retail stores to service-based operations. Its cloud-based system allows you to manage multiple outlets and check sales or inventory from anywhere.
Key Features:
- Cloud Access: Monitor your business from any device, anytime.
- Inventory Management: Track stock, set reorder alerts, and manage suppliers.
- Sales Reports: Gain insights with detailed reporting to guide decisions.
- Customer Management: Keep customer records, track purchases, and run loyalty programs.
- Multi-Location Support: Manage several outlets from a single account.
Best for: Retail stores, cafés, small service businesses, and multi-location operations.
Pros: Local Australian support, comprehensive features, user-friendly interface.
Cons: May offer more features than some very small businesses need, which can feel overwhelming at first.
2. Square POS – Versatile and Easy to Use
Square POS is globally recognised and ideal for small Australian businesses that want something simple yet effective. You only pay transaction fees, so there are no monthly charges.
Key Features:
- No Monthly Fees: Only pay when processing sales.
- Inventory Tracking: Monitor stock and get low-stock alerts.
- Sales Analytics: Access real-time data to inform business decisions.
- Customer Database: Build a customer list to support loyalty and marketing.
- Integrated Payments: Accept card payments, mobile wallets, and more.
Best for: Cafés, small retail shops, and service providers who want a quick setup.
Pros: Intuitive interface, flexible, integrates with many payment options.
Cons: Features beyond basics often require paid add-ons.
3. Loyverse POS – Ideal for Small Retailers and Cafés
Loyverse provides the essentials for small businesses without overcomplicating things. It’s perfect for cafés and boutique retail shops.
Key Features:
- Sales Tracking: Monitor daily sales and generate detailed reports.
- Inventory Management: Track stock, manage variants, and set reorder points.
- Customer Management: Track purchases and run loyalty programs.
- Multi-User Access: Set staff permissions to suit your team.
- Offline Mode: Continue processing sales without internet, syncing automatically later.
Best for: Small cafés, boutique retailers, and small shops.
Pros: Simple to use, offline mode, supports loyalty programs.
Cons: Limited customisation options compared to open-source systems.
4. Imonggo POS – Simple and Straightforward for Retail
Imonggo POS offers a no-frills system that focuses on the basics: sales and stock management.
Key Features:
- Quick Sales Processing: Handle transactions efficiently with multiple payment methods.
- Inventory Tracking: Receive alerts for low stock and monitor products.
- Customer Records: Store and track customer purchase history.
- Basic Reporting: Access simple reports to measure performance.
- Multi-User Support: Assign staff different permission levels.
Best for: Small retail shops that want simplicity.
Pros: Easy to learn, functional without distractions.
Cons: Limited advanced features, reporting is basic.
5. Floreant POS – Open-Source for Restaurants
Floreant POS is an open-source system tailored for restaurants, offering features to manage orders, tables, and inventory efficiently.
Key Features:
- Order Management: Handle dine-in, takeaway, and delivery orders.
- Inventory Control: Track stock and suppliers.
- Table Management: Organise tables, reservations, and service flow.
- Sales Reports: Monitor performance and identify trends.
- Customisable Interface: Adapt the system to fit your restaurant’s workflow.
Best for: Restaurants, cafés with table service, and small hospitality businesses.
Pros: Open-source, highly customisable, restaurant-focused features.
Cons: Requires some technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
6. uniCenta oPOS – Open-Source for Various Industries
uniCenta oPOS is another open-source POS suitable for retail, hospitality, and service industries, offering flexibility to match your business needs.
Key Features:
- Sales Processing: Handle transactions quickly with multiple payment methods.
- Inventory Management: Track stock and suppliers efficiently.
- Customer Records: Keep track of customer data and purchase history.
- Reporting Tools: Generate detailed sales and inventory reports.
- Customisation: Adjust the system to your exact requirements.
Best for: Businesses that want full control over their POS system and customisation options.
Pros: Highly flexible, supports multiple industries.
Cons: Setup can be more technical than cloud-based systems.
7. Zeller POS Lite – Tailored for Australian Businesses
Zeller POS Lite focuses on the Australian market, making it ideal for local compliance and payment needs.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Track stock and manage suppliers.
- Sales Processing: Accept multiple payment methods.
- Analytics: Access real-time sales insights.
- Custom Receipts: Personalise receipts with logos and business info.
- Mobile POS: Use your smartphone to process sales on the go.
Best for: Australian retailers and cafés looking for a local solution.
Pros: Localised features, easy-to-use mobile POS.
Cons: Some advanced features may require a paid upgrade.
8. Hike POS – Retail Startup Friendly
Hike POS is aimed at small retail businesses and startups, giving them essential features without extra complexity.
Key Features:
- Multi-Device Support: Use iPads, tablets, or desktop devices.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels and get alerts.
- Sales Reporting: Clear reports to monitor performance.
- Customer Management: Run loyalty programs and maintain profiles.
- Offline Mode: Continue sales without internet, syncing later.
Best for: Retail startups and small shops.
Pros: Easy to start, offline mode, suitable for multiple devices.
Cons: Some features require paid plans as you scale.
9. GOPOS – Cloud-Based Solution for Small Businesses
GOPOS provides a cloud-based POS for small businesses, allowing access to sales, inventory, and customer information from anywhere.
Key Features:
- Cloud Access: Monitor and manage your business remotely.
- Inventory Management: Track stock and supplier information.
- Sales Reports: Gain insights to improve operations.
- Customer Profiles: Maintain customer data and loyalty programs.
- Multi-User Support: Assign staff permissions.
Best for: Small businesses that want remote access and cloud security.
Pros: Cloud-based, secure, real-time updates.
Cons: Reliant on internet for full functionality.
BIG POS – Free Trial with Full Features
BIG POS offers a free trial so businesses can test the system without commitment, giving access to a full range of features.
Key Features:
- Sales Management: Handle transactions efficiently.
- Inventory Tracking: Keep stock levels organised.
- Customer Management: Maintain detailed purchase records.
- Sales Reports: Monitor performance with comprehensive reporting.
- Multi-User Access: Set staff permissions.
Best for: Businesses wanting a risk-free trial of a fully-featured POS.
Pros: Full-feature access during trial, risk-free evaluation.
Cons: Continued use requires subscription after the trial ends.
Choosing the Right POS for Your Business
When selecting a POS system, consider these factors:
- Business Type: Restaurant, retail, café, or service business. Each system caters to different industries.
- Inventory Needs: Do you need simple stock tracking or more advanced features like variants and suppliers?
- Payment Options: Check if the POS supports card payments, mobile wallets, or local payment methods.
- Technical Skill: Some open-source systems require technical knowledge for setup.
- Growth Potential: Consider whether the system can scale with your business.
Matching a POS to your business type ensures smoother operations, less frustration, and happier customers.
Conclusion
A POS system doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These free options—from POSApt to BIG POS—offer tools to manage sales, track inventory, and maintain customer relationships. By choosing the right POS for your business, you can save time, streamline operations, and focus on growing your business without added expenses.
Explore the systems above, weigh their features against your needs, and pick the one that fits best. The right POS can be a game-changer for efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.