Generally Intelligent is an AI research company working directly on building human-level general machine intelligence that can learn naturally in the way humans do. Our mission is to understand the fundamentals of learning and build safe, humane machine intelligence. Here are our open roles:
We’re AssemblyAI – and we’re building APIs to transcribe and understand audio data. Some notes about us:
– Just raised a $28M Series A from Accel, YC, Stripe founders, Nat Friedman, and Daniel Gross (raised $36M total to date)
– Grew revenue 4x in the past year
– Have hundreds of paying customers (startups and Fortune 500s), and thousands of developers using our APIs
We’re processing millions of audio files every day with our ML models, and are growing very quickly. We’re looking for experienced backend developers to help us scale. Some technical notes about us:
– We train very large deep learning models on our own A100 hardware in PyTorch
– We deploy our models to AWS, and run thousands of GPUs/CPUs in production, handling millions of API requests every day
– Most of our backend is written in Python
What we’re looking for:
– Strong python experience
– Experience building distributed systems at large scale
– Experience with modern ML is a plus
If you’re intersted, we’d love to talk! You can email our founder directly and we’ll make sure our recruiting team reaches out:
dylan [ at ] assemblyai [ dot ] com
Please include “HN job post” somewhere in your subject line for expedited processing!
Article URL: https://onesignal.com/careers/9e1d251c-c1f9-49c7-98e9-c883e519f902 Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30138797 Points: 1 # Comments: 0 The post OneSignal (YC S11) is hiring engineers with distributed systems experience first appeared on Online Web Store Site.
Generally Intelligent is an AI research company. Our mission is to build human-like general intelligence and make it safely accessible in order to foster a more abundant, unconstrained, and equitable society. We take a first-principles approach, starting from simple self-supervised architectures and evolving them to tackle human developmental milestones of increasing complexity.
Generally Intelligent is an AI research company. Our mission is to build human-like general intelligence and make it safely accessible in order to foster a more abundant, unconstrained, and equitable society. We take a first-principles approach, starting from simple self-supervised architectures and evolving them to tackle human developmental milestones of increasing complexity. Systems Engineer role … Continue reading Generally Intelligent (YC S17) Is Hiring Systems Engineers (Remote, SF)
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A content management system—CMS for short—gives you the ability to publish content on the Internet.
These systems make it possible for everyday users to build websites and post content without having to write code or learn programming languages. Without a CMS, you’d have to write web pages using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
There are tons of different content management systems available on the market today. So naming just one as the definitive “best overall” option is impractical.
With that said, there are definitely CMS platforms that are better than others, depending on your specific use cases and unique scenarios. This guide will help you choose the best content management system for your website.
How to Choose the Best Content Management System For You
There are specific elements that you need to consider as you’re shopping around and evaluating various CMS platforms. Use the following factors as a buying guide to help narrow down your options and choose the best option for your site:
Usability
The primary factor that you need to consider is the usability of a CMS. What will you be using it for? Who specifically will be using it?
Marketers and writers might be creating the content, but those people may not have the skills to manage it online, format it, and write lines of code. If this sounds like your scenario, make sure the CMS is easy enough for non-technical users to manage.
Look for solutions with a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, drag-and-drop building tools, simple publishing features, and the ability to embed third-party content or add rich media.
The type of website you’re creating will also fall into this category. For example, blogs, ecommerce sites, and portfolio sites won’t have the same needs.
Security
Security should always be a top concern when you’re looking at CMS software.
Some platforms will have built-in safeguards and security features to fight off malicious attacks and hackers. Other tools rely on third-party plugins and extensions for security. Generally speaking, popular and open-source CMS platforms are more vulnerable to attacks. You’ll have to install your own security plugins to adequately keep your site safe.
But these platforms typically have an extensive marketplace with a plethora of plugins—so it shouldn’t be too difficult, even though it requires an extra step.
SEO
The best content management systems will come standard with features and tools to boost your SEO efforts.
Examples include XML site maps, meta descriptions, custom permalink structures, alt text, title tags, etc. In addition to these out-of-the-box SEO features, you should consider using CMS software that will let you add third-party plugins or extensions to better serve and enhance your SEO strategy.
Support
Find out what type of technical support is provided by the CMS platform you’re using.
What happens if you have a question, run into a problem, or need help? Will you be stuck to figure it out on your own? Or can you seek assistance from a support agent?
If you’re using an open-source CMS, you probably won’t have the luxury of dedicated support. You’ll have to rely on tutorials, self-help articles, and forums. But if you’re using a site builder or SaaS CMS, you can usually expect 24/7 support.
Custom Capabilities
Some CMS software will restrict what you can do with your website.
For many people, this is a non-issue. But for those of you looking for complete customization with no restrictions, you’ll have to go with an open-source CMS system.
These platforms let you customize everything using the HTML code of your site. So it’s a great choice for developers and tech-savvy users. With that said, even non-technical users can benefit from customization by leveraging third-party plugins or extensions.
If you can’t find a custom function from a feature marketplace, you’ll need to have a developer build one for you. Make sure your CMS is compatible with this level of customization if you plan to go this route.
The Different Types of Content Management Systems
CMS platforms come in all different shapes and sizes. Before we dive into the reviews for my top picks, I want to quickly explain the different options you’ll come across as you’re shopping around. Understanding the differences between these systems will make it much easier to find the best CMS for your website.
Open Source CMS
An open-source content management system can be for any purpose. Anyone can use these without a license. These platforms can be fully customized without the need to request special permission.
An open-source CMS will be cheaper than other platforms that require subscriptions. Developers and users who want full custom capabilities without restrictions will benefit from using an open-source CMS.
It’s usually fairly easy to optimize your content for search engines with open source CMS platforms. Adding plugins and other extensions to extend the functionality is fairly simple as well.
Website Builders
Site builders are great for beginners. They make it possible for non-technical users to build a website without writing code or dealing with the backend requirements.
These will usually have drag-and-drop or WYSIWYG editors.
Website builders are easy to use and allow you to publish content quickly on the web. But they are a bit restrictive in terms of what you can customize. You’ll eventually run into limitations with site builders.
For many people, that’s fine. If you don’t need to create anything complex, a website builder should be more than suitable for your needs.
Ecommerce Platforms
As the name implies, ecommerce CMS platforms are built specifically for online stores.
These platforms come out of the box with everything you need to manage your ecommerce content. You can still run an online store using an open-source CMS or website builder with ecommerce capabilities. However, if you’re starting a new ecommerce site from scratch and don’t want to do a ton of heavy-lifting, look for an ecommerce-specific CMS.
Proprietary CMS
A proprietary CMS will require a license to use.
In short, this means that someone else owns the rights that CMS. You’ll need their permission to use it. Even if you obtain a license, you probably won’t be able to duplicate the CMS. You might also encounter restrictions related to what you can customize and alter within that license. Some proprietary CMS platforms will offer developer licenses for these scenarios.
If you’re using a proprietary CMS to build your website and decide to move it somewhere else down the road, you could run into some serious problems. Some sites only work if they stay within the proprietary CMS that they were built with. So use caution if you go this route.
SaaS CMS
SaaS (software as a service) CMS are typically cloud-hosted subscription-based tools. Many of these tools come with CMS, tech support, and web hosting, all from a single provider.
The rates are usually offered on a per-site or per-user basis. Pricing is also based on storage levels, bandwidth, and support level. These systems can be offered as fully managed or partially managed solutions. The best option for you will depend on if you want to manage updates, security, backups, and other customizations on your own.
#1 – Wix Review — The Best CMS For Building New Websites
Wix is one of the easiest website builders available on the market today. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice for non-technical users who want to create a website from scratch.
I like Wix because it offers an intuitive drag-and-drop building tool. So you can add elements to your site and manage your content without writing a single line of code.
Aside from Wix being an excellent choice for beginners, here’s a quick overview of the other highlights that make this CMS stand out from the crowd:
500+ free templates
Optimized for SEO and mobile
Create password protected membership pages
Contact management tools for subscriber lists
Ecommerce capability with product pages, payment acceptance, and store management
Bookings and calendar management
Blog management tools with multiple writers and contributors
Photography, video, and media management tools
Free hosting and free SSL certificate
Overall, Wix’s content management system is extremely versatile. It’s trusted by restaurants, musicians, online stores, small businesses, bloggers, and sites in virtually every industry.
The platform is free to use with a Wix subdomain, but that’s not really practical for most users. Premium plans start at just $14 per month.
#2 – Shopify Review — The Best CMS For Ecommerce Sites
If you’re starting an online store and need an ecommerce-specific CMS, look no further than Shopify.
Businesses of all shapes and sizes have been using Shopify to sell online. Whether you’re building a new site from scratch or switching from your existing CMS, Shopify can accommodate your needs.
Let’s take a closer look and see why Shopify’s CMS platform ranks so high on my list:
Manage products and sell from your site, social media, and online marketplaces
Built-in marketing tools
Simple dashboard to manage products, orders, payments, and shipping
4,100+ apps to add features and functionality to your site
Free SSL certificate
Unlimited products
24/7 support
Shopify even has a marketplace of experts for hire. So if you need assistance with SEO or getting your store setup, you can find a qualified expert directly within the platform.
Another reason to consider Shopify as your CMS platform is because it’s built to scale. Plans start at $29 per month, and you can try it free for 14 days.
#3 – WordPress Review — The World’s Most Popular CMS
WordPress powers 38% of the Internet, making it the most popular content management system on the planet.
The platform supports everything from small personal blogs to some of the biggest news websites in the world.
As a free and open-source CMS, WordPress is virtually limitless. You’ll have total control over every aspect of your site, with no restrictions on customizations. This makes WordPress a popular choice for developers and tech-savvy users.
But even non-technical users can take advantage of WordPress. It has an extensive library of 57,000+ plugins, which makes it easy to add functionality to your site.
Other top features include:
Fully customizable designs
Mobile responsive content
SEO friendly
Powerful media management tools
High performance and easy to access
The downside of using a free and open-source CMS is that you don’t have dedicated support. But WordPress has an extensive network of developers, content creators, and site owners who are active on community forums.
You’ll also have to get your web hosting plan and domain registration on your own from third-parties.
#4 – Drupal Review — The Best WordPress Alternative CMS
Drupal is another free and open-source content management system.
If you need multiple page templates and content types, Drupal is a viable alternative to WordPress. It’s also more equipped to handle advanced user permissions.
Drupal is a popular choice for developers, marketers, and agencies alike. It’s used to manage content across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, ecommerce, retail, FinTech, travel, media, government, and more.
Some of the top features and noteworthy highlights include:
Content authoring
Content as a service
Marketing automation
Robust security
High performance, scalability, and accessibility
Advanced personalizations
So if you’re looking for open-source functionality but don’t like WordPress, I’d go with Drupal for content management.
#5 – Squarespace Review — Best CMS For Creative Professionals
Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder. But unlike other similar CMS platforms on the market, Squarespace has a unique differentiator—beautiful designs.
The award-winning templates offered by Squarespace are second to none. These can be fully customized to fit your site’s needs.
These modern designs make Squarespace a popular content management choice for creative professionals, musicians, artists, and portfolio sites. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other noteworthy highlights available with this CMS:
Free domain for the first year
Intuitive website builder
Free logo making tool
Ecommerce and blogging capabilities
Third-party extensions for expanding functionality
Built-in marketing tools
SEO tools and mobile optimized
24/7 customer support
Squarespace plans start at $12 per month. If you’re looking for a simple way to manage your portfolio site, this will be a top content management system to consider.
#6 – TYPO3 Review — The Best Enterprise CMS
TYPO3 isn’t the most well-recognized name in the CMS space. But it’s not for everyone.
It’s another free and open-source platform (like WordPress and Drupal), but it’s branded as an “enterprise-class CMS.” Global leaders like Mercedes-Benz and Sony rely on TYPO3 for content management.
In addition to being used by large corporations, TYPO3 is actually a popular choice for European-based websites. Here are some of the reasons why this CMS platform made my list:
Ability to support corporate environments
Fully scalable multi-site management
Multilingual installations
Easy to set up on your existing infrastructure
High speed and performance
The average user will likely lean towards WordPress or Drupal. But global organizations with complex content management needs should consider an alternative like TYPO3.
Summary
With so many CMS systems available on the market today, there are really only six that I can recommend with conviction.
Personally, I use WordPress. But there are plenty of other viable options to consider based on your personal needs.
Just refer to the buying guide and reviews outlined in this post to find the best content management system for you.
Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.
Phone communication plays a critical role in today’s business landscape. Practically every business, regardless of size or industry, needs to have a business phone system.
This statement holds true for freelancers and single-member LLCs to Fortune 500 enterprises with thousands of employees across multiple locations.
There’s just one problem—finding the best option for your business. With hundreds, if not thousands, of choices to consider, narrowing down the top pick for your business can feel like a daunting task.
Fortunately, I’ve handled all the heavy lifting for you. After spending countless hours researching and testing different business phone systems, I’ve picked the top six that I can recommend with conviction.
How to Choose the Best Business Phone System For You
Before we get into the specifics of reviewing each business phone system, you need to understand the methodology behind my research. There are certain feature sets and considerations that must be evaluated as you’re shopping around for different plans.
Keep these factors in mind as you continue through this guide and read my reviews.
Deployment Method
Generally speaking, there are two main ways to deploy a phone system for your business—cloud or on-premises. Historically speaking, most business phone systems have been on-site. However, cloud systems and VoIP technology have been growing in popularity.
If you don’t want your phone system tied to physical landlines, offices, and specific devices, then cloud deployment is definitely your best option. But if you prefer a more traditional phone line, then on-premises will work just fine for your situation.
Physical Phone Systems
Do you need to purchase physical hardware for your phone system?
Again, if you’re looking for a traditional office phone that’s sitting on a specific desk with a hardwire connection, then you’ll need to buy those phones. In this scenario, it’s usually in your best interest to buy hardware directly from the phone system provider. Hardware is rarely packaged into your plan, so keep that in mind as you’re shopping around. Actual phones, headsets, etc. will cost extra.
The beauty of cloud phone systems is that you can make and receive calls from anywhere. You and your staff can leverage your existing devices for this (laptops, desktops, smartphones, etc.).
Not only will this make your business phone system easily accessible, but it’s also more cost-effective.
User Size and Scalability
How many people will be using your business phone system?
Is it just you? Is it 5-10 people? 500? 5,000? The answer to this question will definitely have an impact on your decision. Certain systems are designed for individuals, while others are made for small teams and small businesses. Alternatively, there are business phone systems designed for huge organizations with thousands of users across multiple locations.
Primary Communication Needs
There are plenty of general-purpose business phone systems. But some are designed with specific use cases in mind.
For example, there are business phone systems for customer support centers, outbound sales, and inbound phone orders. There are even solutions built for internal communication, such as conference calling and video chat.
So determine your primary communication need, then start your search from there.
Plan Features
Lots of business phone systems try to improve their market position by giving you lots of “extras” and features included free in your plan. But these are kind of useless if you’re never actually going to use them.
I’m referring to things like visual voicemail, hold music, automated answering, call forwarding, call attendants, texting, etc. The list goes on and on. These features are either provided all-inclusive with your plan or get offered at tiered pricing levels.
My recommendation is this—don’t pay extra for features you didn’t know existed five minutes ago. Stick to the features you know you’ll use. If you get a few bonus ones, that’s great. But don’t fall victim to great marketing by these providers.
Phone Numbers
Do you want to keep your existing phone number? Are you looking for an 800 number? Vanity number? Toll-free numbers?
Some of you will be looking for all of these; others just want a single line for basic use. Most business phone systems will offer a wide range of different phone number options. But the pricing and offerings vary from provider to provider.
Just know that you might have to pay extra for things like toll-free calling and international phone numbers.
The Different Types of Business Phone Systems
Business phone systems aren’t really a one-size-fits-all product. Most people don’t realize it, but there are actually several different types of phone systems out there. I’ll explain each one in greater detail below to give you a better understanding as you’re shopping around and evaluating plans.
VoIP Phone Systems
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP for short) has quickly become one of the most popular types of phone systems for business users. As the name implies, the system is based on an IP connection. Rather than setting up complicated wires and landlines, a VoIP system just uses the same Internet connection that your organization already has.
VoIP systems are generally cost-effective and easy to set up. However, they rely on a strong Internet connection. So if you have spotty service, this won’t really work for your business.
Analog Phone Systems
Analog systems use POTS—plain old telephone service.
Think of a traditional landline phone system. That’s an analog service. It uses copper lines and connections between your system and carrier. As a result, analog phones have exceptional call quality and reliability.
However, analog phones lack the features associated with newer types of phone systems. They’ll still offer basic phone features (hold, mute, call waiting, speaker, speed dial, redial, etc.), but you won’t get too much more. Overall, analog technology is pretty dated.
PBX Phone Systems
PBX stands for “private branch exchange.” This is also referred to as a digital phone system.
It’s common for PBX systems to have an extensive feature list with lots of applications. These solutions are great for businesses that want to customize their phone system with various add-ons and upgrades.
Hybrid Phone Systems
Hybrid phones offer digital and IP functionality. These solutions have been growing in popularity because of their versatility.
Most business owners that purchase a digital phone system lean towards hybrid options. This will give them the opportunity to expand and scale in the future using IP protocols. It’s also common for hybrid systems to include features like fax and email integrations.
To ensure high-quality voice, the hybrid phone system must have a strong network connection. The quality is limited to the type of phone service that’s delivering it. A robust Internet connection is the best way to ensure call quality.
Cloud Phone Systems
The terms “cloud” and “hosted” are often used interchangeably in the world of business phone services. With a cloud system, you likely won’t need any on-site hardware (aside from your existing routers and data switches).
It’s easy for anyone to manage a cloud phone system, including your staff. All of the customization and management can be handled directly from a simple interface offered by your system provider.
The communication on a cloud phone system relies on a third-party data center (from the company you purchased from) and a stable Internet connection.
#1 – Ooma Review — Best Phone Systems For Small Businesses
Ooma offers VoIP phone systems specifically designed for small businesses. The system is easy to set up, and you can make calls from anywhere using the Ooma mobile app or desktop computer app.
You can completely customize your Ooma phone system based on factors like how many employees need a phone, fax connection, conference calling, physical hardware, and more.
Here’s what I like the most about Ooma’s business phone system:
Get the system up and running in less than 15 minutes
Keep your existing number or pick a new one
Easy to set up a 1-800 or toll-free phone number
Features like call recording, virtual extensions, overhead paging, and more
Create “ring groups” (like sales or customer service)
Ooma’s phone system starts at $19.95 per user per month. There are no contracts or hidden fees. You can even get a new phone number for free.
#2 – Freshcaller Review — The Best Business Phone System For Contact Centers
Freshcaller is a bit unique compared to other business phone systems on the market today. This solution is designed specifically for customer support teams.
There are no hardware or download requirements to run Freshcaller. As a cloud-based PBX system, your customer service reps can access the software from anywhere.
40,000+ businesses worldwide trust Freshcaller. If their reputation isn’t enough to convince you, here’s a quick overview of the top features:
Ability to port your numbers or purchase new numbers from 90+ countries
Advanced inbound call routing capabilities
Supervisor controls for conversation monitoring, call queues, and more
Easy to use for remote customer service teams
Smart escalations, call transfers, agent notes, and conferences
Use AI voice bots to engage with your customers
While Freshcaller is definitely geared towards support teams, the phone service could double as a solution for sales representatives as well.
Local phone numbers start at $1 per month, and incoming calls start at $0.016 per minute. You can try Freshcaller free for 21 days.
#3 – Dialpad Review — Best Business Phone System For Remote Teams
Dialpad is another modern business phone solution. This provider leverages cloud technology and VoIP for their phone systems.
Plans start at $15 per user per month, and you can try it free for 14 days.
Dialpad has carved out a niche in the remote work space. A quick visit to their website, and you’ll see #WorkFromAnywhere plastered in big letters on the homepage.
These are some of the reasons why I recommend Dialpad:
Easy to deploy, add users, and change numbers in real-time
Seamless integrations with tools like Zendesk, Salesforce, G Suite, and more
SMS, MMS, and group chat business messaging
Create smart call routing paths to the right sales rep, agent, or operator
Tools for sales, contact centers, and conference calling
More than 70,000 organizations across the globe use Dialpad. So you know that it’s a trustworthy and reliable business phone system.
#4 – RingCentral Review — The Best Business Phone System For Larger Organizations
RingCentral has quickly become one of the most popular service providers in the business communications space. They have a wide range of solutions based on company size, industry, and business needs.
You can use RingCentral for cloud phone systems, video conferencing, remote customer service, contact centers, global expansion, and more.
Used by 400,000+ businesses in nearly every category you can imagine, RingCentral is an industry leader in this space.
Popularity aside, these are some of the other reasons why I like RingCentral so much:
Deploy new users and start scaling in minutes
Auto-receptionist, shared lines, and extensions to ensure you never miss a call
High-quality audio
Ability to switch live calls between mobile and desktop with just one click
Automated visual voicemails
Set up local phone numbers from 200+ area codes
Robust admin portal for dynamic call routing, usage monitoring, and quality control
24/7 customer service from RingCentral’s friendly team of experts
Overall, RingCentral’s extensive feature set is definitely designed for larger teams. They do have plans for small businesses, but most smaller teams don’t need these extra features.
RingCentral starts at $19.99 per user per month. Try before you buy with a 15-day free trial.
#5 – Line2 Review — Best For Individuals and Small Teams
Line2 is exactly what it sounds like. This business phone system makes it easy for anyone to add a second line to their existing phone.
Your new business phone number can easily be managed directly from the Line2 mobile app.
The entire process is as simple as 1, 2, 3—sign up, choose a number, and download the app. That’s it! Now you’ll be able to make and receive business calls from your smartphone without giving away your personal phone number.
Other features worth mentioning include:
In addition to smartphones, Line2 works on Macs, PCs, and tablets
You can continue to add multiple lines as you scale your business
It’s easy to deploy with no hardware or IT requirements
Line2 is always coming out with new calling and messaging features
Overall, the concept behind Line2 is pretty straightforward. It’s perfect for individual users, freelancers, and small business owners.
Plans start at just $9.95 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
#6 – Intermedia Unite Review — The Best All-in-One Business Communication Platform
Intermedia Unite is more than just a PBX business phone system. You’ll also get tools for video conferencing, live chat, file management, and screen sharing.
All of these features are bundled into a fully integrated unified communication and collaboration platform.
If you’re just looking for a basic business phone system, this option probably isn’t for you. But for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution, I can’t really name a better option than Intermedia Unite.
Auto attendant for connecting customers with the right person
Wide range of integrations for building efficient interactions
The system works from the Intermedia Unite mobile app and desktop app
Phone support on pre-configured desk phone devices
Award-winning customer service, 24/7
Admins benefit from custom management tools and actionable analytics
Intermedia Unite pricing starts at $27.99 per month per user. It’s a bargain, considering all of the features you’re getting in this package.
Summary
To say you have lots of options to consider for a business phone system would be a drastic understatement. But by using this guide, you’ll be equipped to make the right decision based on your needs.
In a market that’s saturated with phone systems for businesses, I really only like the six options reviewed above.
So start your search there, and use the buying guide outlined earlier in my guide. This will steer you in the right direction.
Some years ago, POS systems were a luxury reserved for only big enterprise businesses.
Thankfully, not anymore.
Today, there’s an abundance of options to go round for companies of all sizes. But, with too many options came a new challenge: Choosing the best POS system that’s right for your business is now an uphill battle.
It’s why we created this guide to help you make a better and more effective decision.
Our team has done the heavy lifting of reviewing dozens of POS systems in the market. We’ve also done the pricing, features, and critical support comparisons to determine what POS system is best for what.
So, irrespective of your small business type – retail, restaurant, franchise, online store, etc., you’ll find the best POS system that’s right for your company below.
How to Choose The Best POS System for Your Business
To choose a POS system, start by considering what your business needs are – accept payments, process sales, track inventory, CRM integration, manage employees, etc.
What’s best for you depends on your needs.
In our analysis, we looked at everything from pricing, applicable features to the security of each system, and ease of use. Next, we picked the best POS system best suited for different small businesses with one to 50 outlets.
We’re only recommending POS systems with hardware and software capabilities that will impact your business operations and help you maximize profit.
And for this, key things you should look out for when choosing a POS system are:
Pricing
Complete POS systems come with hardware, software, and payment processing. These are the ones we recommend because you won’t have to buy different parts. The cost for these all-inclusive POS systems is anywhere from $30 for basic plans to $150+ per month for advanced plans. Apart from this monthly cost, most charge fees upwards of 2% (plus some cents) per transaction.
Most POS systems have customized plans if your annual sales volume exceeds $250,000 or if you have to install them on multiple locations. To take advantage of these discounts, contact the sales department before buying, as it could save you some money in the long run.
Ease of Use
If you buy a POS system that’s difficult to use, it defeats the purpose of having one. Having said that, the easiest to use POS systems have intuitive designs and run on technology most people already use. These include iPads or Android tablet devices.
Regardless, before you buy a POS system, sign up for a demo and take it for a test drive. This way, you can determine firsthand if it’s easy enough for you or your employees to use.
Reporting
You’ll find all POS systems talk about their reporting capabilities. But, some are basic with limited customization and only a handful of reports.
On the other hand, others come with tens of advanced and pre-configured reporting filters. The best POS systems offer real-time reports, and you can access them on the go through an app on your mobile device or a browser.
Some core reporting capabilities to look out for are your sales, customers, inventory, and employees’ data. Ensure a POS system offers the reports you need to keep track of relevant business activities.
Employee Management
On most POS systems, you can add employees and give them access to settings, essential sales information, or features. Again, it depends on what your needs are.
Some POS systems allow you to assign role-based permissions to employees, while on others, you can customize different controls for specific employees.
On advanced ones, you can monitor when employees clock in and out, track each employee’s sales, and manage tips. So, before you buy a POS system, decide what employee information you need to track.
Customer Management
The first question to ask is, what depth of customer information do I need? Or, what customer details do I need to deliver exceptional customer service?
It’s best to start with those questions because POS systems offer varying levels of customer management capabilities. With some, you can capture basic info like email addresses to send email marketing campaigns.
Others come with a suite of customer relationship management (CRM) features that allow you to create complete customer profiles, track purchase histories, collect contact information, append notes, etc. Choose a POS system that allows you to capture the depth of customer information you need.
Inventory Management
Basic POS systems will only allow you to manage your catalog inventory. With advanced ones, you can track components, manage vendors, or purchase orders.
It all depends on your needs, so decide if you need basic or advanced inventory management capabilities (and if the POS offers them) before you buy.
Add-ons/Integrations
Most POS systems offer add-ons and integrations, depending on the monthly plan you’re purchasing. On some, you can get these add-ons for an extra fee. Some popular add-ons are gift cards, loyalty programs, reservation systems, or advanced reports.
For integrations, the best POS systems allow you to connect them with relevant business applications like email marketing, accounting, or payroll software. When choosing a POS system, take some time to decide if paying a higher monthly plan that gives you access to add-ons and integrations is more cost-effective than paying extra fees. And, of course, only make this decision after you’ve considered your business needs.
The Different Types of POS Systems
POS apps, mobile POS systems, open-source systems, multichannel systems, touchscreen POS systems, self-serve POS systems, and cloud-based POS systems are the different types of POS systems. Among these types, there are various brands to choose from.
In this guide, you’ll find reviews of cloud-based POS systems, as they’re the most flexible for small businesses and offer a full feature set. On cloud POS systems, transactions happen in-person at your various outlets, while payment processing occurs on the cloud.
These systems connect with Wi-Fi networks, allowing your data from even multiple sales outlets to aggregate and sync automatically to the cloud.
Thus, with cloud-based POS systems, you can access reports, real-time sales data, and other information generated from its use on the go.
The best cloud-based POS systems for small businesses are what follows.
1. Square POS Review – Our Overall Best Small Business POS System
Since our team started reviewing the best POS systems on the market, I’ve come across Square POS systems at multiple locations where I do my in-person shopping.
And that’s for a reason.
Among small businesses of all types, Square is fast becoming the overwhelming choice. This system’s software flexibility allows business owners to start using it to accept payments with their existing devices.
With Square, you can turn the devices you currently use into a POS system in less than an hour.
And you can do this without buying any hardware. But, if you need to purchase Square’s hardware, there’s still flexibility, as you have options to choose from:
Square Terminal
Square Register
Square Reader for magstripe
Square Standup for chip & contactless
Square Reader for chip payments & contactless
If you run a location-based business like a boutique clothing store or coffee shop, Square’s register and standup terminal are the best options. The Square Reader of magstripe gives you the option of turning your phone into a POS system to accept payments on the go.
Square’s POS system also handles credit card processing effortlessly. Thus, you don’t need third-party integrations to accept or process payments.
Regardless of your business type, the versatility of Square POS system makes it the popular choice for most small businesses. Besides, Square’s pricing is straightforward and transparent.
Square’s free iPad POS is free to use, only charging you 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. And this is your only cost, regardless of how many sales you process. For larger businesses, pricing starts at $60/month plus the transaction fee.
There are no hidden charges whatsoever with Square.
If your business processes over $250,000 per annum and your average order size exceeds $15, you can request a custom solution from Square.
Other pros you get with the Square POS system are robust reporting, real-time analytics, and 24/7 customer support. You can also view, manage, update, and track your inventory with Square.
With the Square POS system, you can create and manage your customers’ profiles more effectively from one dashboard.
Square has a few cons.
For non-card transactions, they charge 2.75% and some features needed by mid-sized businesses cost a little more. Finally, this system’s security protocols, which protect against fraudulent payments, place accounts on hold for large volume transactions.
After reviewing dozens of the best POS systems, Square is our overall best today.
Square comes highly recommended for small business owners of all types and even mid-sized and large businesses.
2. Shopify POS Review – The Best For eCommerce Retail Integrations
Popularly known as an ecommerce company, Shopify also offers a retail POS system with excellent ecommerce integrations.
If you already run a Shopify store or plan to expand your retail business online, Shopify’s POS system is a great option.
With Shopify’s POS system, you get a branded online store and can sell through online channels, including eBay, Instagram, and Amazon. Whether in-store or across these online channels, the Shopify POS system lets you manage your sales in one place.
It’s much easier that way, as you won’t need to invest in separate solutions.
Sales, employee, and inventory management are some of the core features you get with the Shopify POS system. In short, the system updates your in-store and online inventory in real-time. Added to this, it comes with exceptional sales analytics with the option to offer discount codes.
Need to manage your business on the go? No problem. Shopify’s POS system comes with a mobile app.
The robust in-store and online integration available with the Shopify POS system gives your customers a seamless checkout experience. And the convenience to replace or return a purchased item in your local store.
The system comes as a free inclusion in your Shopify monthly plans, which starts at $29 $29/month for the basic plan.
Unfortunately, this base plan doesn’t give you advanced reports and other needed features like in-store payments. You’ll need the $79/month plan to process in-store payments at 1-5 locations or the $299/month plan for up to eight locations.
Per in-person transactions, charges are 2.7%, 2.5%, and 2.4% for the three plans, respectively.
On all plans, you get a 14-day free trial and 24/7 live support via phone, email, or live chat. The system’s easy setup is another you’ll love about Shopify POS.
Shopify POS isn’t for you if you have dozens of in-store locations. Other cons include the system’s exclusive focus on ecommerce and retail and the extra charges you must pay if you’re not using Shopify’s payment processors.
However, if you’re already selling online with Shopify or want an easy setup for a few retail locations, Shopify POS is a no-brainer.
3. Vend POS Review – The Best For Multi Fashion, Sports, or Homeware Stores
You can personalize the Ven POS system to suit your unique needs. It’s also a perfect solution if you have multiple physical stores.
Vend is among the best iPad POS systems currently on the market. You can also use it on your PC and Mac. Vend POS system offers data entry options, using mouse, touchscreen, or keyboard.
It integrates seamlessly with a wide range of third-party applications, giving you access to loads of additional features. For instance, you can connect third-party payment processors offered by PayPal, Square POS, Shopify POS, and others.
Vend’s ecommerce integrations make it super easy to sell across your physical store, mobile, and digital channels. Its robust sales analytics, inventory, and customer profiles management capabilities are excellent. Additionally, you can process split and contactless transactions and gift cards.
Regardless of the platform you run Vend on, you get a cross-platform consistency that looks the same. However, the Vend POS system doesn’t come with any hardware, but it makes up for this with its software simplicity and extensive integration options.
Pricing for Vend’s POS system starts at $99/month when paid annually for the Lite plan with a monthly turnover limit of $20,000. The Pro plan is $129/month if you pay yearly.
All plans come with one register. If you want additional registers, it costs $49 per month. Large retailers can request an Enterprise plan, which comes with a dedicated account officer.
Vend POS’s biggest con is its slow processing speed. Others are that you can only use Google Chrome to run this system, and it’s not suited for food trucks, bars, or restaurant businesses.
However, we recommend the Vend POS system if you have multiple retail outlets such as fashion boutiques, sports, homeware, or outdoor stores, or the likes and need a solution with extensive integration options.
4. Toast POS Review — The Best For Restaurant and Food Businesses
The brains behind the Toast POS system built the platform with food and beverage vendors and their customers in mind. So, if you own a restaurant, bar, or food truck business, Toast POS has features tailored to your needs.
The system’s integrated CRM software builds an inventory of your loyal customers. It also allows you to craft messages and run automatic promotions that keep customers happy so that you can score a backlog of customers returning to your food business.
Toast POS is one of the few systems with excellent Android capabilities.
And this is more suited to restaurants due to the affordability and flexibility of the Android infrastructure, which has faster software updates than the iPad.
Whether you’re a full-service or quick-service food business, the Toast POS system works well for both. You even have options to customize the system for large food chains, pizzerias, or bars.
As a Toast user, you can access its community of like-minded business owners to get or share best practices in your industry.
Overall, Toast POS gives you a holistic restaurant management system, complete with back-office and front-end processes. It enhances staff productivity, improves customer service via its food-focused CRM features, which also comes with detailed analytics and sales reports.
You can easily customize or split menu items and bills among your customers. Taking orders on the fly or sending alerts to customers when their orders are ready are some mouth-watering pros. This makes The Toast POS system a no-brainer for food businesses.
Pricing for the Toast POS system starts at $69/month per terminal, with no trials. It’s hardware prices starts at $999, and there’s no financing option available. Toast POS has a flat processing fee, and there are no hidden fees.
A drawback of the Toast POS system is that it is currently only available for Android users. But, this isn’t a problem, considering Android devices are cheaper than iPads.
Toast POS system is the overwhelming recommendation if you own a food or restaurant of any kind. Its features are tailor-made for such businesses.
5. ERPLY POS Review – The Best For Small Franchises
ERPLY POS system is the go-to platform if you own a franchise business. It runs well on Android and iPad tablets and is also accessible on other devices via a browser.
ERPLY POS is one of the few cloud-hybrid systems that is hardware agnostic, and this makes it a favorite for small and large franchise retailers. This robust build allows you to centralize your inventory across stores and manage employees by giving them varying access to the platform.
You get CRM tools and the ability to handle sensitive data with the ERPLY POS system. Besides this, you have other strong franchise-specific features like sales tracking, barcode scanners, and full-scale inventory management across all plans.
Pricing for the ERPLY POS system starts at $39, but you don’t get inventory controls on this basic plan. If you want that, consider its higher-tier plans, which are upwards of $69.
A known con of the ERPLY POS system is that it is tricky to master. Secondly, there’s limited customer support.
However, ERPLY’s versatile interface and free trial, which allows you to take it for a spin, are strong reasons to consider this POS system. And if you own a franchise business, it comes highly recommended due to its features explicitly designed for such retailers.
Conclusion
The best POS system is subjective. Different business types have different needs, and a POS system that works for one business may not work well for your own.
It’s best to understand your business needs first.
We reviewed dozens of the top POS systems on the market to identify the ones most suited for the different types of small businesses.
We’ve provided you with the best POS for retail, food, ecommerce, franchise, and fashion retail businesses. We also highlighted our recommended overall best.
You won’t regret choosing from any of the above options.
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