Pricing Start free trial

Hardware guide · we sell none of it

The POS hardware that works, bought wherever you like.

SmartPOS runs in the browser, so it works with standard hardware. Start with the tablet or PC you have; add a printer, scanner and drawer when you need them. Brand names below are examples, not endorsements.

Small counter

Tablet + receipt printer + cash drawer

Shop with barcodes

PC + scanner + receipt printer + label printer + drawer

Grocery / deli

PC + scanner + label scale + receipt printer + drawer

Food truck

Phone or small tablet + card reader from your processor

  • Required

    Tablet, PC or phone

    Any recent device with a modern browser: iPad, Android tablet, Windows or Mac PC, Chromebook, or a phone for small counters and trucks.

    A 10-inch or larger screen is easier at a busy counter. A stand keeps it steady.

    Examples: Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo, any Windows PC

  • Recommended

    Thermal receipt printer

    80 mm or 58 mm thermal printers that print from the browser or over the network (ESC/POS compatible).

    80 mm paper is easier to read; choose USB for one register, network (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) for several.

    Examples: Epson, Star Micronics, Xprinter, Bixolon

  • Recommended for retail

    Barcode scanner

    USB or Bluetooth scanners that act as a keyboard. 2D scanners also read QR codes and phone screens.

    Test it by scanning into a text editor: if the number appears, it works with SmartPOS.

    Examples: Honeywell, Zebra, Datalogic, Symcode

  • If you take cash

    Cash drawer

    A drawer that connects to the receipt printer and opens when a receipt prints.

    Check the drawer's cable matches your printer (usually RJ11/RJ12).

    Examples: Any printer-driven drawer

  • Retail, grocery, boutiques

    Label printer

    Prints barcode and price labels from the products list.

    Direct thermal labels are fine for shelves; thermal transfer lasts longer on products.

    Examples: Zebra, Brother, TSC, Xprinter

  • Grocery, bakery, deli

    Label weighing scale

    A scale that prints barcodes with the weight or price embedded, read at checkout.

    Set the barcode prefix and format in SmartPOS barcode settings to match the scale.

    Examples: CAS, Mettler Toledo, DIGI, Dibal

  • Optional

    Customer display

    A second screen facing the customer, showing items and totals as you ring them up.

    Any second monitor or tablet can act as a customer display.

    Examples: Any monitor or tablet

  • If you take cards

    Card reader

    Comes from your card processor and runs on their device or app; SmartPOS records the payment against the sale.

    Ask your processor for a standalone or integrated terminal; readers tied to another POS brand stay with that brand.

    Examples: From your processor

Setting it up

Scanners work as soon as they are plugged in. Printers need their driver installed and are then added in SmartPOS receipt printer settings. Cash drawers open from the printer. Label scales need their barcode format entered in barcode settings. The help article walks through each one.

Hardware setup help
Card payments: card readers come from your payment processor and are processed by them. SmartPOS is not a payment processor and holds no PCI certification of its own.

FAQ · 8

Hardware questions

  1. 01What hardware do I need for a POS system?

    Only a tablet, PC or phone with a browser to start. Add a receipt printer, barcode scanner and cash drawer for a typical counter, a label printer for retail, a label scale for weighed goods, and a card reader from your payment processor.

  2. 02Do you sell hardware?

    No. We do not sell or lease hardware, so you are free to buy it anywhere and keep it if you leave.

  3. 03Will my existing receipt printer work?

    Most thermal receipt printers that print from a computer or over the network will. Print a test receipt during the trial.

  4. 04Does it work on an iPad?

    Yes. SmartPOS runs in Safari on iPad, as well as on Android tablets, PCs and phones.

  5. 05Which card readers work?

    Card readers come from your card processor. SmartPOS records the payment; ask on your demo which processors and terminals we have set up for your trade and country.

  6. 06Can I use a Square or Clover reader?

    No. Those readers work with their own software and payments.

  7. 07Do I need internet?

    Yes, SmartPOS is hosted. A mobile hotspot works as a backup; the Food Truck Edition includes offline mode for weak signal.

  8. 08What about kitchen printers?

    Kitchen orders can print on a thermal printer in the kitchen or show on a kitchen screen.

Use the tablet you already have.

Start the trial in a browser today; buy hardware when you are sure.

Start free trial Book a demo

14-day free trial · no card · no contract

Start free trial