In this blog, we’re diving into the 7 best free POS systems you can get your hands on in Australia in 2025. We’ll break down what each one's good for, what to watch out for, and how they stack up for Aussie businesses.
When you’re running a small business in Australia, every dollar counts. Whether you’re slinging coffees in a laneway café, running a quirky retail shop in Fitzroy, or operating a weekend market stall in Brisbane, you’ve got to keep costs down and profits up. And let’s be real — your point of sale (POS) system can either make life easier or turn into a costly headache.
But what if you could get a POS system without paying a cent upfront?
Yep, free POS software is a real thing, and some of it’s actually bloody good.
Let’s get into it.
Why it stands out: Built for Aussies, by Aussies.
POSApt free POS is a good choice if you're running a retail shop, café, restaurant, or takeaway joint and want a proper POS system with zero upfront costs. While they do offer paid plans with premium features, the free version gives you more than enough firepower to get going, especially if you're just starting out or running a small operation.
What really sets POSApt apart is that they’re based right here in Australia, with local support that actually answers the phone. You won’t be stuck waiting 48 hours for someone overseas to email you back.
And if you grow? Sweet — just upgrade when you need more features like kitchen display systems, multi-store setups, or advanced stock tracking.
Best for: Cafés, retail shops, food trucks, takeaway joints, or market stalls looking for a solid free POS backed by local support.
Why it stands out: Easy to use, quick to set up.
Square is a crowd favourite among Aussie market vendors, hair salons, and solo traders and for good reason. You can download the app, sign up, and start selling within minutes. It’s ideal if you want something dead simple that just works.
The free version includes:
You’ll pay 1.6% per tap or swipe on card transactions, which is fine for smaller setups. But keep an eye out — fees can creep up if you're doing bigger volumes.
Best for: Sole traders, weekend markets, craft stalls, or pop-ups who want an easy setup and a fuss-free system.
Why it stands out: Feature-packed for hospitality.
Loyverse is a hidden gem, especially for food trucks, juice bars, or tiny cafés looking to run their POS from a phone or tablet. Their free version comes with a surprising stack of features.
What you get:
The KDS alone is a huge bonus for hospitality businesses. And the loyalty program? You don’t normally get that for free.
Only downside? No Aussie-based support, and while it’s free, some features like employee management and advanced inventory cost extra.
Best for: Small hospitality setups that want loyalty programs, KDS, and slick design without paying monthly fees.
Why it stands out: Clean and simple for tiny shops.
Imonggo doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, and that’s a good thing. If you run a tiny boutique, mobile fashion shop, or secondhand book store, this POS is perfect.
The free plan includes:
This system is lightweight — perfect if you don’t want all the bells and whistles but still want to move beyond an old-school cash register. But if you grow, you’ll hit its limits quickly.
Best for: Super small retail setups that just need basic POS features without paying a cent.
Why it stands out: Fully customisable, totally free.
If you’re a bit techy (or have a mate who is), Chromis POS could be a dream. It’s an open-source POS, which means you can customise it any way you like.
It includes:
The catch? You’ll need to install it yourself and figure out your own hosting or hardware setup. There’s no mobile app, and support is community-based. But for tech-savvy café owners or retail nerds, it can be a powerful freebie.
Best for: Techies or DIY-inclined business owners who want a totally free and customisable POS.
Why it stands out: Hospitality POS with multilingual features.
If you’ve got a team that speaks multiple languages, or you serve a multicultural community (hey, that’s most of Australia!), eHopper’s multilingual interface could be a winner.
Included in the free version:
The free plan only works on Android devices, and you’re limited to one register — but that’s often fine for smaller cafés or restaurants.
Best for: Hospitality businesses with diverse staff or customer bases needing multilingual POS access.
Let’s be honest — there’s no such thing as a completely free lunch. Here’s what to keep in mind when going the free POS route:
So, you're probably thinking: "Hang on… how are these POS companies giving away their software for free? What's the catch?"
Fair question — because “free” doesn’t always mean totally free.
Most free POS systems follow a “freemium” model — meaning they give you the basics for free, then charge for the extras you’ll probably want down the track. It’s like getting a free ute rental, but you’ve got to pay extra if you want the wheels.
That’s often just enough to get small shops, cafés, or market stalls up and running.
Here’s where it gets sneaky — and where you need to read the fine print. Most free POS systems make their money by charging for:
Even if the software is free, you’re usually locked into using their EFTPOS provider. That means you pay a percentage on every card tap, swipe, or chip — sometimes 1.6% or more. It adds up fast if you’re doing decent volume.
Free plans often only support one staff member or device. Need to add more team members or run a second register? That’s when you’ll be asked to fork out.
Want to see which products are selling best, track busy times, or compare monthly performance? You might hit a paywall for these kinds of features.
Loyalty features (like points, gift cards, or repeat visit rewards) are sometimes hidden behind a paid plan. This can sting for cafés or retail shops that rely on regulars.
You might get basic inventory tools for free, but things like low-stock alerts, supplier management, or batch tracking may only be in the paid tier.
Here’s a biggie: free POS software often comes with zero support. If your system crashes on a Saturday morning rush, you might be left in the lurch unless you’re on a paid plan.
This is where POSApt stands out — even on the free plan, you can access local support from people who actually understand Aussie businesses.
Before committing to any POS system — even a free one — ask:
🧠 Can I use my own EFTPOS terminal?
👨👩👧👦 How many users/devices are included?
📦 How many products/customers can I store?
📞 Do I get any support? If so, is it local or overseas?
💵 What’s the upgrade cost if I need more later?
Free can be brilliant. But if it’s costing you in hidden fees, support gaps, or lost sales, then it’s not really free, is it?
If you’re just starting your business journey or running something small, these free POS software options are a lifesaver. They’ll help you get organised, track your sales, and deliver better customer service — all without busting your budget.
But as your business grows, your needs will too.
When that happens, it’s good to know you’ve got scalable options like POSApt, Square, or even open-source setups that can grow with you, not hold you back.
So take one for a spin, see what fits, and remember: running a business shouldn’t cost the earth — and your POS system definitely doesn’t have to.
