A checkout counter can become complicated quickly. One business needs a customer-facing display and scanner, another needs only a reliable cash drawer, and a third wants a Windows terminal that can run its own POS software. Buying mismatched hardware is an easy way to create avoidable setup work.
We compared the Best best pos for small business options in this set by looking at what each one actually includes, how much of the checkout station it covers, and which connections or limitations matter after installation. The products range from complete systems to individual components.
PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 is our top pick, while the rest cover specialized needs, including dual-screen terminals, tablet-based counters, cash drawers, and receipt printing.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Screens | Included hardware | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 | Best overall | 15-inch cashier and 15-inch customer display | Cash drawer, thermal printer, scanner | A complete checkout station |
| 2 | Volcora 13-inch Cash Drawer | Best cash drawer | None | Removable tray, lock, RJ11/RJ12 cable | Adding cash handling to an existing POS |
| 3 | Volcora Dual Touch Terminal | Best dual-screen terminal | 15.6-inch and 11.6-inch | Windows 11 Pro terminal | Retail and restaurant counters |
| 4 | Volcora Single Touch Terminal | Best single-screen terminal | 15.6-inch | Windows 11 Pro terminal | A streamlined Windows checkout |
| 5 | Datio Fire Tablet POS Kit | Best tablet-based kit | Supports a 10-inch Fire tablet | Printer, drawer, stand | Small retail and quick-serve counters |
| 6 | ZHONGJI SET04 POS System | Best full retail bundle | 15-inch and 11.6-inch | Printer, drawer, scanner, software | A traditional retail setup |
| 7 | AboveTEK Rotating Tablet Stand | Best tablet stand | Fits 6-inch to 13-inch tablets | Adjustable stand and holder | Turning a tablet into a counter POS |
| 8 | Royal 2000ML Cash Register | Best traditional register | LCD display | Electronic register | Straightforward cash and card checkout |
| 9 | Volcora Dual Screen Terminal | Best connected dual-screen terminal | 15.6-inch and 11.6-inch | Windows 11 Pro terminal | A dual-screen station with Wi-Fi |
| 10 | Epson TM-T20IV Printer | Best receipt printer | None | Thermal printer, cable set, wall bracket | Fast receipt printing |
1. PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129: Best Overall
Pros
- Complete station with two displays
- Includes drawer, scanner, and thermal printer
- Supports more than 50 card processor integrations
- Free initial setup call and Retail360 mobile app
Cons
- Large countertop footprint
- The listing does not specify the underlying computer hardware
- Better suited to a fixed counter than a mobile setup
Best for: a small retailer that wants the main checkout hardware in one coordinated bundle.
The PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 is the easiest product here to understand as a complete checkout station. You get a 15-inch cashier touchscreen, a matching 15-inch customer-facing display, a cash drawer, a handheld 2D barcode scanner, and a thermal printer. That matters because the system does not leave the reader hunting for the four most obvious missing pieces after the terminal arrives.
The dual 15-inch arrangement is especially useful in a retail environment where the customer needs to see promotions, order details, or a running total without leaning over the cashier's side. The front-facing display also gives the counter a more deliberate, finished appearance than a single monitor angled between two people. PETROSOFT lists more than 50 card processor integrations, which gives a business more flexibility than a closed terminal, though the exact processor and payment workflow still need to be confirmed before ordering.
The included Retail360 mobile app adds a practical management angle. The feature list says it can scan products, update the price book, and make price adjustments from a mobile device. A free initial setup call is another useful touch for an owner who does not want to decode a new retail system alone. The listing also says there are no hidden fees or forced subscriptions, but that does not mean every payment processor or optional service will work without its own terms.
This is a substantial counter installation. The listed dimensions are 35 inches high, 21 inches long, and 22 inches wide, so it needs a properly planned checkout surface. The product listing does not give the processor, memory, storage, or operating system details that appear on the Volcora terminals. That makes the SmartPOS-129 less appealing to an owner who specifically wants an open Windows computer.
Compared with the ZHONGJI SET04, PETROSOFT offers the clearer emphasis on processor integrations and setup assistance. The Volcora Dual Touch Terminal is a better fit when the buyer already has software and peripherals, but it does not include the same complete collection of checkout accessories. Choose PETROSOFT when the goal is a unified station rather than a computer that still needs to be assembled around.
2. Volcora 13-inch Cash Drawer: Best Cash Drawer
Pros
- Four bill slots and five coin slots
- Removable coin compartment
- Three-position key lock
- RJ11/RJ12 cable included
Cons
- No USB connection
- Requires a compatible receipt printer or POS connection
- Does not include a display or printer
Best for: adding dependable cash handling to a POS system that already has its screen and printer.
The Volcora 13-inch Cash Drawer is not a complete POS, but it may be the right purchase when the existing checkout system only lacks a secure place for bills and coins. Its metal frame is built around a four-bill, five-coin tray, with a removable coin compartment that makes it easier to change the internal layout or take the tray out for counting.
The front panel includes a separate media compartment for large bills, checks, and receipts. That is a small but useful distinction from drawers that force every paper item into the main cash tray. The drawer measures 13 by 13.25 by 4 inches according to the feature listing, while the product information lists a 9.28-pound weight. Those dimensions make it a substantial counter component, but not an unusually complicated one.
Its three-position key lock supports manual opening, automatic opening through a printer or POS system, and a locked position. Six keys are included. The automatic mode depends on the connection, however. Volcora includes an RJ11/RJ12 cable and says the drawer works with many major receipt printer brands, including Star, Citizen, JAY, and Bixolon.
The important limitation is the absence of a USB port. This drawer cannot connect directly to a POS computer over USB, so the normal arrangement is drawer to receipt printer, then printer to the POS system. That is perfectly workable when the printer supports the setup, but it can be a poor match for a tablet or terminal that expects every accessory to connect directly.
The Volcora drawer is a more sensible component purchase than trying to make the AboveTEK Rotating Tablet Stand handle cash duties it was never designed for. It also pairs naturally with the Epson TM-T20IV Printer, provided the connection and software support line up. Skip it if you need an all-in-one checkout station or if your software requires a direct USB cash-drawer connection.
3. Volcora Dual Touch Terminal: Best Dual-Screen Terminal
Pros
- 15.6-inch cashier screen and 11.6-inch customer screen
- Windows 11 Professional
- Intel Core i5, 4 GB memory, and 128 GB hard disk
- Four USB ports, two serial ports, HDMI, and Ethernet
- Limited lifetime warranty and US-based support
Cons
- Hardware only
- 1366 by 768 resolution is modest for a large screen
- Does not include a cash drawer or receipt printer
Best for: a retailer or restaurant that wants a Windows terminal with a dedicated customer display.
The Volcora Dual Touch Terminal is the strongest choice for a business that already knows which POS application it will use and wants a dedicated computer rather than a closed register. The 15.6-inch capacitive touchscreen gives the cashier a broad working surface, while the separate 11.6-inch capacitive display faces the customer.
Both screens are listed at 1366 by 768 resolution. That is enough for menus, buttons, totals, and customer prompts, but it is not a particularly dense image on a 15.6-inch panel. The touch interface is the important part here. A large screen gives a cashier more room for product categories and order controls, while the smaller display can keep the customer view separate.
The computer runs Windows 11 Professional and uses an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 128 GB hard disk. Those details make it more flexible than a purpose-built register, since Windows POS programs can be installed and maintained on the terminal. Four USB ports, two serial ports, HDMI, audio input, a 12V DC input, and Ethernet provide the physical connections needed for a more traditional counter.
The listing describes a compact design with a heavy-duty metal base and says the screens are intended to withstand more than 15, 000 hours of screen time. It includes the terminal, power adapter, registration card, and user manual. The cash drawer, printer, scanner, and payment terminal are not included, so the buyer needs a hardware plan before assuming the system is ready for customers.
This terminal beats the single-screen Volcora when customer visibility is part of the checkout experience. The PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 is more complete out of the box, while the ZHONGJI SET04 includes more retail accessories. Volcora wins for buyers who want Windows flexibility and a defined set of ports without committing to the software and accessories bundled into a larger system.
The limitation is the relatively lean 4 GB of memory, especially if the terminal will run several demanding applications at once. It is also not the right answer for a business that wants a receipt printer and cash drawer included. For a prepared buyer, though, it is a sensible foundation for a fixed retail, café, bar, or restaurant counter.
4. Volcora Single Touch Terminal: Best Single-Screen Terminal
Pros
- Large 15.6-inch capacitive touchscreen
- Windows 11 Professional with Intel Core i5
- Four USB ports, serial ports, HDMI, audio, and Ethernet
- Compact metal base
- Limited lifetime warranty and US-based support
Cons
- No customer-facing display
- Hardware only
- 1366 by 768 resolution is not especially sharp
Best for: a counter where the cashier needs a spacious touchscreen but a second display would add clutter.
The Volcora Single Touch Terminal takes the same general approach as its dual-screen sibling and removes the second display. That makes the counter easier to organize and keeps the interaction focused on one person. For a small service desk, back-office sales point, or compact shop, a single screen can be more practical than paying in counter space for a customer display.
The 15.6-inch capacitive LCD touchscreen uses a 1366 by 768 resolution. The screen should be comfortable for large POS buttons and product menus, although text and fine interface elements will not look as crisp as they would on a higher-resolution panel. Volcora says the terminal is designed for more than 15, 000 hours of screen time, a useful claim for a machine expected to remain active through long business days.
Inside, the terminal uses Windows 11 Professional, an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 128 GB hard disk. It has two serial ports, four USB ports, HDMI, audio input, a 12V DC power input, and Ethernet. That selection is more useful for an established shop with specific peripherals than for someone looking for a plug-and-play register, since the box contains the terminal, power adapter, registration card, and manual rather than a printer or drawer.
The heavy-duty metal base is designed to keep the terminal steady while staff tap the screen. The listed product dimensions are 8 inches high, 4 inches long, and 8 inches wide, though counter clearance should be checked against the complete installed unit. The white finish is less visually discreet than black hardware, but it can fit a bright retail or café counter.
The Volcora Dual Touch Terminal is the obvious alternative. It adds the 11.6-inch customer screen, while this model leaves that space and cost out of the installation. PETROSOFT remains the better pick for a complete bundle, and the Epson printer is a better purchase when printing is the only missing capability.
The main weakness is not a defect so much as a missing feature: customers cannot view their own total on a second screen. Buyers who need dual-sided interaction should skip this terminal. It suits owners who already have a cash drawer and printer, have selected Windows POS software, and want one broad cashier display.
5. Datio Fire Tablet POS Kit: Best Tablet-Based Kit
Pros
- Includes receipt printer, cash drawer, stand, and register base
- Designed for a 10-inch Amazon Fire tablet
- Can work with a separate payment terminal
- Hardware layout suits retail, restaurant, and salon counters
Cons
- Tablet is not included
- Requires a Datio software subscription
- Hardware does not provide a customer display
Best for: an owner who prefers a tablet interface and wants the main counter accessories in one kit.
The Datio Fire Tablet POS Kit is a useful middle ground between buying a bare tablet stand and installing a full Windows terminal. It includes the register base, thermal receipt printer, secure cash drawer, and stand. The buyer supplies a compatible 10-inch Amazon Fire tablet, which becomes the visual and software center of the checkout.
That tablet arrangement has a familiar advantage. Staff can use a touch interface rather than a traditional register keyboard, and the tablet can be removed or replaced separately from the counter hardware. Datio says the kit is intended for retail stores and quick-serve restaurants, while the title also lists salons. The product information lists a 17-pound weight and a 16 by 16 inch footprint, so this is a fixed counter installation rather than a particularly portable setup.
The important software detail is easy to miss. The kit pairs with the Datio POS app, and the feature list says the subscription includes software, updates, support, and warranty. The app can be tried before subscribing, and there is no long-term contract according to the listing. That arrangement may be convenient for a business that wants continuing support, but it means the system is not a one-time hardware purchase that works independently of the Datio software environment.
Payment flexibility is another consideration. Datio lists its own credit card payment option through Worldpay, with a free terminal on approval, or the option to use a separate terminal for cash-only tracking. The kit itself is not a complete card-processing system, so card acceptance and the customer-facing payment experience need to be planned separately.
Compared with PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129, Datio takes up a tablet ecosystem rather than supplying a dedicated computer and two displays. Compared with AboveTEK, it includes the printer and drawer that turn a tablet into a working register. The ZHONGJI SET04 is more traditional and includes a scanner, but Datio may be easier to understand for a shop already using Fire tablets.
The tablet omission is the central weakness. A 10-inch Fire tablet must be supplied separately, and the kit's ongoing software requirement should be accepted before installation. Buyers who want an uncomplicated hardware-only setup should choose a Volcora terminal instead. This kit is right for a small operation that likes tablet controls and is comfortable with Datio's software model.
6. ZHONGJI SET04 POS System: Best Full Retail Bundle
Pros
- Includes touchscreen, customer display, printer, drawer, and scanner
- Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD
- Six USB ports plus HDMI, VGA, LAN, and audio
- Includes retail POS software
- Keyboard, mouse, and thermal paper are included
Cons
- Uses Windows 10
- Large collection of components needs careful setup
- Software compatibility should be confirmed before deployment
Best for: a retail shop that wants a conventional station with scanning and customer display hardware included.
The ZHONGJI SET04 is built around the traditional retail counter: a cashier touchscreen, a customer display, a thermal receipt printer, a cash drawer, a desktop scanner, and a POS software package. It also includes a keyboard and mouse, plus 10 rolls of thermal paper. That breadth makes it one of the few entries here that addresses scanning, cash, printing, and display in one package.
The main screen is described as a 15-inch touch display, with an 11.6-inch customer display alongside it. The computer uses an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD. The higher memory capacity than the Volcora terminals should give a little more room for a POS program alongside ordinary Windows tasks, while the SSD should make the system feel more responsive than a mechanical hard disk.
Connectivity is generous. Six USB ports, HDMI, VGA, a LAN port, and two audio outputs give the system room for its included peripherals and future additions. The feature list also calls the screen full-flat with fast response. These are practical details for a retail counter, where the scanner, printer, drawer, and occasional external display can quickly consume available ports.
The software claims need more careful attention than the hardware list. ZHONGJI says its POS software includes the functions required for retail stores, has no monthly fees, and comes with lifetime software service. It also lists Windows 10 rather than Windows 11. A buyer should confirm that the included application supports the desired inventory, tax, payment, and reporting workflow before making it the center of daily operations.
PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 has the stronger setup story and broader stated card processor integration. ZHONGJI counters with more clearly specified computer hardware, 8 GB of memory, a 128 GB SSD, and a scanner in the box. The Volcora Dual Touch Terminal is cleaner for owners who want to bring their own software and accessories, but it requires more decisions after arrival.
The use of Windows 10 is the clearest reason to pause. It may be entirely suitable for the included software, but it is an older operating system than the Windows 11 Professional terminals in this roundup. Choose the SET04 when a complete retail station matters more than having the newest Windows environment, and verify software requirements before putting it into service.
7. AboveTEK Rotating Tablet Stand: Best Tablet Stand
Pros
- 360-degree rotation
- Supports tablets from 6 inches to 13 inches
- Folding arm and weighted base
- Quick-release holder
- Space for a charging cable
Cons
- Stand only
- Does not include a tablet, drawer, or printer
- Case thickness is limited to less than 0.5 inch
Best for: turning an existing tablet into a swiveling cashier and customer-facing display.
The AboveTEK Rotating Tablet Stand is the simplest way to add a two-sided tablet interaction without buying a dedicated POS terminal. Its 360-degree rotating base and tablet bracket let staff turn the screen toward themselves, then face it toward a customer for a signature, order check, or product view.
AboveTEK says the holder fits tablets from 6 inches to 13 inches, with supported device width or height between 6.6 and 9.6 inches. The clips accommodate cases less than 0.5 inch thick. Those measurements are more important than the broad tablet-size label, because an oversized case or an unusually shaped device can prevent a secure fit.
The folding arm and weighted base are designed for a busy counter. The holder can be detached with a button, and the stand includes a dedicated space for the charging cable. The product information lists a 1.9-pound weight and dimensions of about 10.63 inches high by 7.09 inches long and 7.09 inches wide. That is compact enough for many counters, though the arm still needs clearance to rotate fully.
This is a hardware accessory, not a POS system. It does not provide a tablet, receipt printer, cash drawer, card reader, or application. The owner must supply those pieces and confirm that the chosen tablet app can handle the intended checkout tasks. For a tablet-first installation, the hardware needed around a tablet checkout is worth planning before choosing the stand.
The stand is more flexible than the fixed displays on the Volcora terminals, especially for a small service counter where the same screen needs to face different people. It is far less complete than the Datio Fire Tablet POS Kit, which includes the printer, drawer, and base. The AboveTEK makes sense when those other components already exist.
Its weakness is the dependence on the tablet and the rest of the system. A heavy device in a thick case may not fit, and rotation is not a substitute for a dedicated customer display. Choose it for a light, adaptable tablet station, not for a business that needs a ready-to-run register.
8. Royal 2000ML Cash Register: Best Traditional Register
Pros
- Traditional electronic register design
- Clear LCD display
- Supports cash, credit, debit, and mobile payments
- Intended for sales, inventory, and transaction management
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Refurbished condition
- Product details do not specify screen size or connectivity
- Less flexible than a Windows terminal
Best for: a small operation that wants a conventional electronic register rather than an open computer.
The Royal 2000ML is aimed at owners who want a familiar electronic cash register rather than a touchscreen computer with configurable software. Its LCD display is described as clear and easy to read, and the feature list positions the unit for sales, inventory, and transaction management in retail and small businesses.
The stated payment support includes cash, credit and debit cards, and mobile payments. That gives the register a broader checkout role than a cash drawer, although the listing does not explain the required payment hardware or how each payment type connects. Buyers should confirm the payment workflow rather than assume the register itself includes a card reader.
The traditional format can be an advantage for a business with straightforward product categories and staff who prefer physical register controls. It avoids the need to select a Windows POS application, configure a tablet, or connect a separate computer. The tradeoff is that there is less information here about ports, software compatibility, display dimensions, and peripheral expansion.
The unit is listed as manufactured refurbished and comes with a one-year warranty covering repair or replacement for issues that arise after purchase. Refurbished condition is not automatically a problem, but it changes the questions worth asking about cosmetic condition, included accessories, and support. Those details matter more when the register will be the only checkout machine.
The Royal is a different proposition from the Volcora Single Touch Terminal. Volcora provides a Windows computer with a 15.6-inch touchscreen and several defined ports, while Royal is the simpler self-contained register. The Epson TM-T20IV is only a receipt printer, so it cannot replace Royal as the transaction device, but it can serve a Windows or tablet system that needs faster printing.
The main reason to skip Royal is the lack of detailed expansion information. Owners who need custom inventory software, a scanner, a customer display, or a specific payment processor may be better served by PETROSOFT or one of the Windows terminals. It is best for a conventional checkout workflow where simplicity matters more than open-ended configuration.
9. Volcora Dual Screen Terminal: Best Connected Dual-Screen Terminal
Pros
- 15.6-inch cashier screen and 11.6-inch customer display
- Windows 11 Professional
- Intel Core i5, 4 GB memory, and 128 GB hard disk
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and Ethernet connections
- Limited lifetime warranty and US-based support
Cons
- Hardware only
- No printer, scanner, or cash drawer
- Modest 1366 by 768 resolution
Best for: a dual-screen Windows checkout that needs built-in wireless networking.
This Volcora Dual Screen Terminal looks close to the other dual-screen Volcora model, but its connectivity profile makes it a distinct option. It has a 15.6-inch capacitive cashier display and an 11.6-inch capacitive customer display, both using a listed 1366 by 768 resolution. The second screen keeps the customer's view separate while the cashier works through the main interface.
The computer runs Windows 11 Professional with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 128 GB hard disk. Built-in Wi-Fi is the key distinction in the feature list. It also has USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and Ethernet ports, giving the owner both wireless and wired networking options for POS applications and peripherals.
The display arrangement is well suited to a counter where customers need to confirm totals or view prompts. Volcora describes the screens as suitable for more than 15, 000 hours of screen time, and the heavy-duty metal base is intended to keep the unit stable. The box includes the dual-touchscreen terminal, power adapter, registration card, and user manual, but not the accessories required to print receipts or store cash.
The built-in wireless connection may simplify placement when running an Ethernet cable to the counter is difficult. Wired Ethernet is still preferable when reliability is critical, especially in a busy shop, so having both options is more useful than treating Wi-Fi as a replacement for a wired network. If you need to connect several peripherals, check their port requirements before installation.
The Volcora Dual Touch Terminal listed earlier provides two serial ports, four USB ports, HDMI, and audio input, making it the more clearly documented choice for a peripheral-heavy counter. This model has the more explicit Wi-Fi advantage. PETROSOFT is the stronger complete bundle, while ZHONGJI includes more retail accessories and a higher stated memory capacity.
Like the other Volcora terminals, this unit is not ready to run a full checkout by itself. Its 4 GB of memory is also a modest amount for a busy Windows workstation with several applications open. Pick it when dual displays and wireless networking are the priorities, and bring a printer, drawer, scanner, and POS application plan to the installation.
10. Epson TM-T20IV Printer: Best Receipt Printer
Pros
- Print speed up to 310 mm per second
- USB, serial, and Ethernet interfaces
- Supports Windows, Android, and iOS through Epson ePOS
- Automatic cutter
- Includes cables, power adapter, paper, and wall-mount bracket
Cons
- Printer only
- Needs compatible POS software and a separate cash drawer
- Exact application support should be confirmed
Best for: a busy counter that needs a fast, flexible thermal receipt printer.
The Epson TM-T20IV is the most focused product in this roundup. It does one job, printing receipts, and its listed speed of up to 310 millimeters per second should keep paper output from becoming the slow point in a busy checkout line. The automatic cutter also saves staff from tearing each receipt by hand.
Connectivity is unusually flexible for a compact receipt printer. USB, RS-232 serial, and Ethernet interfaces let it fit into older register installations, wired computer systems, or networked POS environments. The listing also mentions an extra USB-A port for peripherals such as a barcode scanner or customer display, though compatibility will depend on the POS software and the specific peripheral.
The printer supports Windows, Android, and iOS devices through Epson ePOS technology. That makes it a useful companion for a tablet-based system as well as a Windows terminal. The 80 mm paper format is a common receipt width, but the software still needs to be configured for the correct paper and margin settings.
Epson lists paper-saving controls that can reduce paper use by up to 30 percent through margin and spacing adjustments. The printer is ENERGY STAR certified and RoHS compliant. Its rated durability includes 2 million auto-cuts and a 60 million line mean cycles between failures. Those figures describe intended endurance rather than a guarantee of any particular installation, but they explain why this is better suited to regular commercial use than a generic home printer.
The physical design is compact at 5.5 by 7.8 by 5.7 inches and weighs 1.7 kilograms according to the feature list. It can be installed horizontally, vertically, or on a wall, and the package includes a USB cable, power adapter, power cord, wall bracket, starter paper roll, and setup guide. A three-year limited warranty is also listed.
The Epson is a natural add-on for the Volcora Single Touch Terminal or either dual-screen terminal, but it does not solve cash handling. The Volcora 13-inch Cash Drawer can connect through a receipt printer in a compatible setup, making those two components a logical pairing. The PETROSOFT and ZHONGJI bundles remain better when a business needs the entire station at once.
Do not choose the Epson if you need a register, display, payment terminal, or inventory software in the same box. It is a component for a planned system. For a business that already has the computer and POS application, it is the most capable receipt-printing option in this group.
How to choose best pos for small business
The right checkout system depends less on the word “POS” than on which parts of the transaction the hardware actually handles. Start with the workflow, then match the display, connections, software, and cash equipment to it.
Complete station or individual component
A complete station such as the PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 includes the main display, customer display, printer, drawer, and scanner. The ZHONGJI SET04 takes a similar approach, while Datio includes the counter accessories but requires a separate Fire tablet. Individual components such as the Volcora drawer, AboveTEK stand, and Epson printer are better when an existing system already works and only one part needs replacing.
A POS terminal is only complete when it covers the way your customers actually pay.
Screen arrangement
A single 15.6-inch screen keeps the counter simpler and suits cashier-only workflows. Dual-screen systems add a separate 11.6-inch customer display, which helps shoppers confirm totals or interact with prompts without reaching across the counter. A tablet on the AboveTEK stand can also rotate between cashier and customer, but it depends on the tablet app and physical fit.
Operating system and software
The Volcora terminals run Windows 11 Professional, while the ZHONGJI SET04 lists Windows 10 and included retail POS software. Datio uses a compatible 10-inch Amazon Fire tablet with the Datio POS app and a continuing software subscription. PETROSOFT emphasizes processor integrations and its Retail360 app. Check inventory, tax, reporting, payment, and peripheral support before choosing hardware.
A broader comparison of checkout system features for small shops can help clarify whether your business needs inventory controls, table service, customer-facing payments, or only cash and receipt handling.
Ports and networking
Ports determine whether the terminal can grow with the counter. The Volcora terminals list USB, serial, HDMI, audio, and Ethernet connections, with one dual-screen model explicitly including built-in Wi-Fi. The Epson printer adds USB, serial, and Ethernet options. A cash drawer using RJ11 or RJ12 cannot connect directly by USB, so its route through a compatible receipt printer matters.
Cash and receipt hardware
A drawer needs the right bill and coin layout, a lock, and a control method that the POS software understands. The Volcora drawer has four bill slots, five coin slots, a removable coin tray, and three key positions. Receipt printers should be judged by paper width, connection type, cutter, speed, and software compatibility. The Epson uses 80 mm paper and includes an automatic cutter.
Frequently asked questions
What should a small business POS include?
At minimum, a checkout system needs a display, POS software, a payment method, and a way to issue receipts if printed receipts are required. Many retail counters also need a barcode scanner and cash drawer. The PETROSOFT and ZHONGJI bundles include more of these pieces than the terminal-only Volcora models.
Is a cash drawer a complete POS system?
No. The Volcora 13-inch Cash Drawer stores bills and coins, but it has no screen, software, printer, or payment hardware. It connects through a compatible receipt printer using RJ11 or RJ12 rather than connecting directly to a POS computer over USB.
Do the Volcora terminals include POS software?
The listings for the Volcora Single Touch Terminal and both Volcora Dual Screen Terminals describe Windows 11 Professional hardware and include a power adapter, registration card, and manual. They do not list a complete POS application, cash drawer, or receipt printer in the box. The buyer should select compatible software separately.
Does the Datio kit include a tablet?
No. The Datio Fire Tablet POS Kit is designed for a compatible 10-inch Amazon Fire tablet, but the tablet is not included. The kit contains the register base, thermal printer, cash drawer, and stand, and it works with the Datio POS app.
Can the AboveTEK stand hold a tablet in a protective case?
It can hold cases less than 0.5 inch thick according to the product features. The stand supports tablets from 6 inches to 13 inches, but the device's actual width or height must also fit the stated holder range. Check the tablet and case measurements before ordering.
What paper does the Epson TM-T20IV use?
The Epson TM-T20IV is listed for 80 mm paper. It includes a starter thermal paper roll, and its automatic cutter and 310 millimeter per second print speed are designed for regular receipt printing.
Is a customer-facing display necessary?
Not for every business. A single screen can work well when the cashier controls the entire transaction, while a second display helps customers confirm totals, promotions, or prompts. The Volcora dual-screen models, PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129, and ZHONGJI SET04 include a dedicated customer display.
The bottom line
The Best best pos for small business pick is the PETROSOFT SmartPOS-129 because it combines the cashier display, customer display, cash drawer, scanner, printer, processor integrations, and setup assistance in one system. Its large footprint and less detailed computer specifications are real drawbacks, but it asks the owner to assemble fewer pieces.
For a more configurable installation, choose the Volcora Dual Touch Terminal or the connected Volcora dual-screen model, then add the printer and drawer that match the chosen software. The Datio Fire Tablet POS Kit is the better fit for a tablet-centered counter, while the Epson TM-T20IV is the strongest standalone upgrade for an existing system.
If you are undecided, map one complete checkout transaction first, including payment, receipt printing, cash storage, and customer interaction, then buy only the hardware that supports that workflow.
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