Shopify, a leader in eCommerce, also offers a point-of-sale system for physical stores. This guide covers the hardware you need for a Shopify POS setup: tablets, scanners, card readers, and more, along with how to choose and set them up.
Overview Of Shopify Hardware POS
Shopify sells both software and hardware for in-person selling, and its growth shows how many merchants now use it. In 2025, Shopify’s platform processed $378.4 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV), up 29% from 2024, and total revenue reached $11.6 billion, up 30%.
Shopify’s hardware centers on two payment devices. The Tap & Chip Card Reader is a small wireless reader that pairs with a phone or tablet. The Shopify POS Terminal is a countertop device with a touchscreen and built-in card reader that works as a fixed checkout point.
Benefits Of Using Shopify Hardware POS
- Easy integration: The hardware is designed to work with the Shopify platform, so sales, inventory, and customer data sync in real time, with fewer manual entries and fewer errors.
- Mobility: iPads and smartphones let you sell in store and at pop-ups, events, or curbside.
- Faster checkout: Card readers, cash drawers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners shorten the checkout process and queues.
- Better inventory control: Real-time stock tracking, automatic updates, and low-stock alerts help prevent stockouts.
- Customer insight: Capturing customer information at the point of sale builds profiles and purchase history for targeted marketing and loyalty programs.
- Reporting: Data on sales, product popularity, and customer behavior supports better decisions.
How To Choose The Right Shopify Hardware POS
Understand your store’s needs
There is no one-size-fits-all setup. Ask yourself:
- How will customers check out? A traditional counter needs a tablet or terminal, stand, card reader, cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode equipment. Mobile checkout may only need a phone or tablet with a card reader.
- How big is your store? A single location may need one set of equipment. Multiple locations need more.
- Which processes do you want to speed up? For example, add phones at peak times or a scanner for quicker inventory work.
Compare the options
- Compatibility: Make sure it works with Shopify POS and syncs inventory, sales, and customers in real time.
- Setup type: Mobile (iPads, smartphones) or countertop.
- Quality and durability: Retail environments are demanding.
- Cost: Balance budget with quality and the peripherals you’ll need.
- Support and warranty: Check for responsive support.
Research
- Ask in retail communities on LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and Reddit.
- Read reviews on manufacturer sites, G2, and YouTube.
- Check which hardware your POS software provider has tested.
- Talk to local merchants and business associations.
Read More: Set Up Your Hardware
Top Picks For Shopify Hardware POS
Shopify’s hardware lineup has changed recently, so check the current range before you buy. In the US (late 2026), the core Shopify devices are:
- Tap & Chip Card Reader: $49
- POS Terminal: $349
- Tap & Chip Countertop Kit: $219
- POS Terminal Countertop Kit: $459
Prices vary by country, and peripherals such as printers, scanners, and cash drawers are sold separately.
Smartphone And Tablet
Retail stores use iPads and smartphones for product and customer lookups, transactions, and inventory tracking. Tablets are usually bought separately, since Shopify’s kits and third-party sellers typically don’t include them. A phone can also work as a POS terminal, including for inventory counts with its built-in camera.
Barcode Scanner
Scanners speed up checkout and keep inventory accurate. Laser scanners are the most common, wireless handheld models add portability, and compatibility with your inventory software matters.
Card Reader
Card readers accept debit and credit cards, including contactless, EMV chip, and magnetic stripe. Shopify’s current options are the Tap & Chip reader, the POS Terminal, and phone-based Tap to Pay in supported markets. Shopify has also been retiring POS Go, its earlier handheld device, so check its published migration dates before buying one.
Cash Drawer
A cash drawer connects to the POS terminal and stores bills, coins, and paperwork. With cash tracking sessions in your POS, you can monitor daily cash movement.
Receipt Printer And Receipt Paper Rolls
A receipt printer produces customer receipts and supports returns and exchanges. Remember to stock paper rolls.
Barcode Labels Printer Anh Barcode Labels
A label printer produces machine-readable barcodes for tags and products. Paired with a scanner, it speeds up checkout. Check that labels match your printer, and choose sticker or cardstock labels.
Can Third-Party Hardware Be Bought For Shopify POS?
Partly. Shopify POS works with a list of compatible peripherals such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers, and Shopify’s website lists recommended hardware partners. For card payments through Shopify Payments, current hardware guides say you need Shopify-approved readers (Tap & Chip, POS Terminal, Verifone Victa Mobile, or Tap to Pay on a compatible phone). Always confirm compatibility on Shopify’s current device list before buying.
Find The Best Deal
- Compare prices from authorized resellers, online marketplaces, and manufacturer sites.
- Buy only what you need. Skip a scanner or cash drawer if your business doesn’t use them.
- Look at bundle prices and watch for seasonal promotions.
- Ask for discounts on bulk orders or long-term supplier relationships.
- Consider refurbished hardware from reputable sellers, and test it before you rely on it.
- Price matters, but compatibility with your POS matters more.
Setting Up Your Shopify POS Hardware
Step 1: Choose Your Hardware
Pick the POS terminal or tablet setup, card reader, receipt printer, and barcode scanner that fit your products, transaction volume, and store layout.
Step 2: Connect Your Card Reader
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pair it with your device. Shopify’s interface walks you through linking it.
Step 3: Add Products And Adjust The Store Settings
Add products and adjust settings. Log in to Shopify and add products with details, prices, and images. Then set tax rates, shipping options, and payment methods. This tailors your POS system on Shopify to your business.
Level Up Your Shopify POS: Hardware Options and Benefits with ConnectPOS
ConnectPOS is hardware-agnostic. It works with your existing devices and lists compatible hardware by category on its hardware page:
- Receipt and invoice printers, label printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners from brands such as Star Micronics, Epson, Zebra, and Honeywell
- Payment terminals and card readers, including Stripe Terminal and Tyro
- Hardware partners for complete setups: Wisk-it, Star Micronics, and Commandear
Why merchants choose it:
- Compatibility: Works with a wide range of printers, scanners, drawers, and card readers.
- Choice: Pick hardware that suits your budget, needs, and preferred brands.
- Setup help: Support covers compatibility checks and troubleshooting.
- Added functions: Advanced reporting, inventory management, and customer relationship tools on top of your hardware.
Pricing:
- Monthly: Standard $49 per register · Advanced $79 · Premium $99
- Annual: Standard $39 · Advanced $69 · Premium $89
Shopify Hardware POS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Devices Support Shopify?
Shopify is designed to be versatile, supporting various devices such as tablets, smartphones, and desktop computers. This flexibility ensures that retailers can choose the devices that best suit their operational preferences and customer interactions.
Can I Buy Third-Party Hardware For Shopify POS?
Yes, Shopify is compatible with a range of third-party hardware. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any third-party devices you choose are officially supported by Shopify to guarantee seamless integration and optimal performance.
What Hardware Do You Need For Shopify?
To run Shopify hardware POS effectively, you typically need essential hardware components like a POS terminal, card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners. The specific requirements may vary based on your business needs and industry.
Does ConnectPOS Sell Hardware?
ConnectPOS, being a prominent point-of-sale solution, offers a selection of compatible hardware designed to work seamlessly with Shopify. Their hardware solutions are crafted to enhance the overall Shopify POS experience.
What Business Industries Does ConnectPOS Support?
ConnectPOS is versatile and can be tailored to support various business industries. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, or another sector, ConnectPOS aims to provide a robust point-of-sale solution that aligns with the specific needs of your industry, enhancing your overall operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Your hardware is the base of your in-store experience. From a phone with a $49 reader to a full countertop setup, choose equipment that matches how you sell today and leaves room to grow. If you want to keep your own hardware or choose card readers freely, compare it with the options in ConnectPOS.
Hardware is easy to get wrong, because the right choice depends on your counter layout, your card reader, and the devices you already own. Before you buy, it’s worth checking that everything works together. Tell us which devices and peripherals you use or plan to buy, and we’ll help you check compatibility and plan a setup that fits your budget.
Chat with our team►►► Optimal solution set for businesses: Shopify POS, Magento POS, BigCommerce POS, WooCommerce POS, NetSuite POS, E-Commerce POS
