According to Forbes, Authorize.net is the most trusted payment gateway for fraud protection. It’s secure, reliable, and capable of facilitating a variety of payment methods. Unfortunately, the same could not be said about its native point of sale (POS) software.
While Authorize.net’s POS solutions can handle the basic functions perfectly, they lack the advanced features to compete with the top standalone POS systems. Said gap in functionality highlights the need for alternative POS software to make the most out of what Authorize.net can offer.
This article explores the top 5 Authorize.net POS options to help retailers optimize their operations and elevate customer experiences. These systems are fully integrated with Authorize.net, providing excellent inventory management and engagement tools.
So when you’re ready, scroll down to learn which POS solution will help you leverage the full potential of Authorize.net’s capabilities!
Does Authorize.net have a POS system?
Yes, Authorize.net does have a POS system. In fact, it offers three solutions to cater to different retail and on-the-go transaction needs. These include Virtual POS (VPOS), posIPOS, and Mobile POS (MPOS). They vary in functionality and design to facilitate basic transaction processing.
Here’s a quick overview of the native Authorize.net point of sale solutions.
Authorize.net Virtual POS (VPOS)
Authorize.net VPOS is a free, web-based point of sale application that allows merchants to process payment from any computer with internet access. This virtual POS system transforms a PC into a versatile payment terminal but requires stable Internet connectivity to function effectively. It’s easy to set up, fast, and secure. However, the VPOS is not available in mobile app stores.
Authorize.net posIPOS
Businesses like restaurants, coffee shops, and bars might be more interested in posIPOS. This cloud-based iPad point of sale system is a more portable and affordable option. posIPOS processes payments with both EMV chip and magstripe credit cards through the Authorize.net payment gateway. Besides, you can use this POS to easily manage inventory or access sales data in real time from any browser.
Menu display on posIPOS screen
Authorize.net Mobile POS (MPOS)
Authorize.net Mobile POS is a mobile application that enables merchants to process transactions directly from any iOS, Android, or Google device. This Authorize.net app supports various payment methods, including credit cards and e-checks, making it versatile for retailers or small businesses. MPOS is particularly useful for mobile vendors or outdoor sales environments, offering the convenience of payment processing anywhere with a wireless carrier or Wi-Fi provider.
Authorize.net’s POS systems vs. popular standalone alternatives
The native POS solutions that Authorize.net provides can handle all the basic needs of a small business. They can facilitate popular payment methods, offer great POS hardware compatibility, and ensure security. However, the Authorize.net point of sale systems fail to compete in advanced features, such as employee management, multi-store support, or built-in CRM capabilities.
To demonstrate this, let’s put Authorize.net’s POS systems up against a common standalone POS software.
VPOS | posIPOS | MPOS | Standalone POS | |
Work on | PC (web browsers) | iPad | iOS, Android, or Google devices |
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Best for | Small businesses, retailers | Restaurants, coffee shops, bars, ice cream parlors, mobile kiosks, coffee shops, and small retail stores | Restaurants, coffee shops, bars, ice cream parlors, mobile kiosks, coffee shops, and small retail stores | Businesses of all sizes that need a complete POS to manage various operations beyond payment processing and order checkout |
Key advantages of Authorize.net POS integration
Integrating a standalone POS with the Authorize.net payment gateway is a strategic move that offers many benefits beyond basic transaction processing. It enhances the overall functionality and efficiency of your business, without compromising the security that Authorize.net provides.
Integrating a POS will allow you to leverage the full potential of Authorize.net!
Below are the 4 most notable benefits of Authorize.net POS integration:
- Enrich your retail system: Besides handling payments, standalone POS systems often come with other advanced functionalities. They streamline inventory management, customer relationship management, and employee tracking efforts.
- Enjoy scalable solutions: While Authorize.net’s default POS solutions may suffice for small businesses, they might not meet the needs of growing operations. Upgrading to a compatible and more powerful POS system can help businesses accommodate increasingly complex needs.
- Streamline store management: Comprehensive POS systems offer inventory management features that allow business owners to monitor stock levels in real time. They also track and report employee performance, ensuring operations run at peak efficiency. Furthermore, the detailed analytics generated by these POS systems can pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Provide seamless customer experience: Modern POS systems support various payment methods. This improves the shopping experience by making checkout faster and more efficient. Integrated loyalty programs also provide a better service to customers.
An overview of the top 5 Authorize.net POS alternatives
POS system | Key features | Starting price | Payment integration | Best for |
Magestore POS
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| Authorize.net, PayPal, Stripe, Tyro, Square, Global Payments, and more | Retail businesses at any stage, mid-sized enterprises looking for a complete POS solution, and multi-store retailers |
Workstand |
| No subscription, 0.5% platform fee | Authorize.net, PayPal, Stripe, WePay | Bike retailers |
eQuatePOS |
| From $49/ month | Authorize.net, PayPal, POS portal | Small to medium-sized online retail businesses with Android devices |
Lightspeed POS |
| From $69/ month | Authorize.net, PayPal, Klarna, Stripe, Mollie, Cayan, and more | Small to medium-sized retail stores, restaurants, and eCommerce businesses |
LivePOS |
| From $89/ month | Authorize.net, First Data, and Mercury | Medium to large-sized businesses, enterprises |
Top 5 POS for Authorize.net payment: Pros and cons
Let’s take a deep dive into our picks for the top 5 alternatives to Authorize.net POS systems.
1. Magestore POS
Magestore POS is a complete point of sale solution to bridge the gap between online and offline sales channels. It provides comprehensive tools for business owners to maximize the efficiency of their operations via inventory management, customer relationship management, and sales operations across multiple locations. The system’s real-time data sync ensures consistency in pricing, promotions, and customer service. Merchants can elevate store operations with their powerful POS for Magento and POS for Shopify.
Magestore POS is a complete solution for all businesses.
Key features
- Compatible with Authorize.net, Stripe, Tyro, PayPal, and more. You can connect with other 3rd-party pay service providers easily.
- Accept multiple payment methods such as cash, debit cards, credit cards, split payment, buy now pay later, reward points, etc.
- Complete checkout in seconds to reduce wait times
- Offer self-checkout services and customer-facing display mode for swift checkout
- Facilitate refunds, returns, and exchanges
- Track inventory across channels and locations. Access and transfer between storefronts and warehouses from a single dashboard
- Connect and sell across multiple channels and marketplaces. Provide omnichannel order fulfillment options like store pickup, buy online pay at store, etc.
- Enable omnichannel loyalty programs like reward points, store credits, and gift cards
- Sync all data across locations and sales channels in real time
- Provide live and accurate reports for data-driven decisions
- Operate both online and offline. Magestore Magento POS makes sure your business runs smoothly, whether with the Internet or not.
- Scale and customize features to match your unique needs
Pricing
Magestore offers different pricing plans for their POS solutions depending on your current eCommerce platform.
Magento POS Commerce pricing is a custom quote based on your needs, store number, support, and service levels. You only pay once for the POS license and own the solution and data forever.
Besides, Magestore also offers a simple version for Magento 2 POS, starting from $69/ month.
Magestore POS for Shopify comes in subscription pricing as below:
- Lite: $15/ month for 1 location only
- Standard: $50/ month/ location
Pros
- Easy to use with an intuitive interface
- Complete POS solution with powerful tools to manage businesses
- Scalable and customizable
- Highly secure and safe
- Dedicated customer support with fast response time throughout your project
- Unlimited users and devices
- No charges for solution implementation and transactions
- No monthly fees (Magento POS Commerce)
- No hidden costs
Cons
- Potential high upfront costs yet long-term money savings
2. Workstand
Workstand is a comprehensive point of sale system designed for bicycle shops and cycling businesses. Tailored to meet the unique needs of these industries, Workstand POS streamlines operations through efficient inventory management, service scheduling, and customer relationship management.
Workstand provides excellent tools for cycling and bicycle retailers.
Key features
- Compatible with Authorize.net as well as other payment gateways such as PayPal, WePay, and Klarna
- Accept major credit cards and digital wallets. Compatible with a handheld touch, tap, or swipe device
- Allow users to build a ready-to-sell product catalog, from bikes to small parts, upload, and manage product catalogs online across all locations. No maintenance is required.
- Connect and sell bicycles and bike parts between offline and digital stores
- Offer powerful CRM solutions to manage and increase customer engagement such as in-store and online promotion codes.
- Provide sales forecasts and inventory analytics to maximize stock control efficiency
- The Workstand ecosystem also connects store owners with the best and largest bike industry network. Cycling retailers can directly view current pricing from other suppliers, buy, and dropship items remotely. Workstand also offers services in marketing, performance tracking, and customer networking. Users can leverage built-in marketing tools, access business intelligence data, and connect with ready-to-buy shoppers, right from one dashboard.
Pricing
Workstand doesn’t offer their POS separately. It means you’ll have to pay for their software package. You can try Workstand’s basic Retail package that requires no subscription.
However, the platform does charge transaction fees processed through the external payment service provider Stripe for in-store and online processing.
Available plans are:
- Retail: $0/ month with a 0.5% platform fee
- Lite: $49/ month with a 0.4% platform fee
- Local: $359/ month with a 0.4% platform fee
- Professional: $649/ month with a 0.3% platform fee
Pros
- Powerful toolkit for bike shops and cycling retail businesses
- Expert customer support who knows what they’re saying
- Secure and reliable POS with no downtime in data processing
- Multiple marketing options to help grow the business
- Flexible in sales channels
Cons
- Only built for bike shops and cycling retail businesses
- Users must buy packages, with no standalone software option. The base package offers limited features.
- Can be expensive to operate
3. eQuatePOS
eQuatePOS helps enhance the efficiency and operational capabilities of businesses across various sectors. Its robust features include real-time inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management. eQuatePOS sets itself apart in the POS market through its flexibility and custom features such as multi-store management capabilities for a variety of retail environments. Thus, business owners can oversee and manage operations across several locations seamlessly.
Unfortunately, eQuatePOS is currently Android-exclusive.
Key features
- Connect to Authorize.net, PayPal, and other payment gateways. PCI Certified and use EMV Level I, II Contact, and Contactless readers
- Allow adding and moving stocks easily between stores. Sync adjustments on item prices. Automatically order new inventory for your store
- Create and manage recurring transactions on customer accounts. Set automatic billing for your customers
- Generate redeemable customer gift cards that users can claim for rewards
- Unify sales data in a dashboard, allowing you to run your multiple stores from one single location. You can run and export reports to CSV files easily.
- Track and log employee hours to complete the payroll process in seconds Record documents about employees, pay rate, start date, and other important information
- Create and assign tickets quickly to track external and internal issues
Pricing
- Starter Plan: $49/ month with 2 licensed terminals, online customer support
- Medium Plan: $99/ month with 5 licensed terminals, online and telephone customer support, unlimited stores, users, and products
- Large Plan: $199/ month with 15 licensed terminals, online and telephone customer support, unlimited stores, users, and products
Pros
- Comprehensive toolkits with stacked features
- Easy access and management from anywhere
- Automatic inventory management
Cons
- Can be overwhelming to new users with a steep learning curve
- Not the best support
- Only for Android users
4. Lightspeed POS
Unfortunately, eQuatePOS is currently Android-exclusive.
Key features
- Connect to Authorize.net, PayPal, and other payment gateways. PCI Certified and use EMV Level I, II Contact, and Contactless readers
- Allow adding and moving stocks easily between stores. Sync adjustments on item prices. Automatically order new inventory for your store
- Create and manage recurring transactions on customer accounts. Set automatic billing for your customers
- Generate redeemable customer gift cards that users can claim for rewards
- Unify sales data in a dashboard, allowing you to run your multiple stores from one single location. You can run and export reports to CSV files easily.
- Track and log employee hours to complete the payroll process in seconds Record documents about employees, pay rate, start date, and other important information
- Create and assign tickets quickly to track external and internal issues
Pricing
- Starter Plan: $49/ month with 2 licensed terminals, online customer support
- Medium Plan: $99/ month with 5 licensed terminals, online and telephone customer support, unlimited stores, users, and products
- Large Plan: $199/ month with 15 licensed terminals, online and telephone customer support, unlimited stores, users, and products
Pros
- Comprehensive toolkits with stacked features
- Easy access and management from anywhere
- Automatic inventory management
Cons
- Can be overwhelming to new users with a steep learning curve
- Not the best support
- Only for Android users
5. LivePos
LivePOS is a dynamic cloud-based point of sale system catering to the unique needs of multi-store and franchise operations. It offers robust features that facilitate real-time tracking of sales and inventory across different locations, ensuring efficient management and scalability. This POS Authorize.net system also scales flexibly, which is essential for businesses that anticipate growth or have dynamic operational needs.
Looking for enterprise-level solutions? Go LivePOS!
Key features
- Work with Authorize.net, First Data, and Mercury
- Support external credit card terminals and hardware
- Add and edit products directly in the cloud warehouse. Update and manage suppliers easily from the main dashboard
- Receive, process, and request purchase orders automatically. Just set up the automation and the system will handle the rest
- Record and search for returning customers quickly. Allow users to view transaction history, and missing, or damaged items. You can implement loyalty programs to target specific demographics from collected insights.
- Track products sold, weekly employee sales, stock levels, and more. Allow real-time inventory and item tracking to ensure you’re always fully stocked
- Detailed reports include product gross profit, loss, refund, and wholesale-retail. Provide deep analysis of location and employee performance for better management
- Allow businesses with multiple outlets to manage products, pricing, and promotions across all locations
- Enable sales staff to process transactions and access system features directly from the sales floor
Pricing
LivePOS offers three packages with pay-as-you-go or annual payment for a discount.
- Lite: $99/ month or $89/ month if paid annually. Basic features include inventory management, a real-time dashboard, and CRM.
- Pro: $139/ month or $169/ month if paid annually. Lite features plus better support, payroll functions, and more.
- Enterprise: $279/ month or $299/ month if paid annually. Pro features plus 3rd-party integrations and data migration.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use with scalable functions
- Superb multi-store support for easy management
- Fast and reliable
- Easy connect to Authorize.net POS portal
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Crashes randomly
- Potential problems with iOS
What is the best POS software for Authorize.net?
So, what POS software should you get to replace the native ones that Authorize.net offers? Unfortunately, there’s no end-all-be-all answer that checks all the boxes. Depending on your business and unique needs, certain POS systems will outperform others in specific cases.
It’s important to review what the system offers and whether it aligns with your needs. However, we’d like to end on a general recommendation to get you something to start with. Here are our Authorize.net POS suggestions for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises.
- Magestore POS: Best all-rounder. Perfect for businesses of all sizes. Flexible, scalable, easy to use, and comes with custom pricing (POS for Magento) or subscription (POS for Shopify), meaning you’ll only pay for the features you need.
- Lightspeed POS: Great for small to medium-sized businesses. This system should cover all the needs of your stores across multiple locations. It requires high maintenance but reliability.
- LivePOS: #1 choice for enterprises. LivePOS is built to maximize the efficiency of enterprise-level businesses. It allows integrations to various tools and platforms for unmatched scalability.
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How does Magestore evaluate this POS list?
Is the list of POS software above “legit”? Here’s some information to help you confirm the credibility of our picks:
- Magestore experts curated the list and content of the article. Magestore is a collective with extensive industry knowledge and expertise, striving to provide industry-specific insights into the discussion.
- The evaluation process for the information involves official documents from the official websites of each POS system. Additionally, Magestore collected customer reviews from their database and reputable platforms such as Capterra, G2, and GetApp, to reflect actual user experiences and feedback.
- This list is ideal for online merchants and business owners who want to integrate a POS with Authorize.net. It provides valuable insights and recommendations tailored to enhance their transaction processes and overall business efficiency.
FAQs
1. Is Authorize.net a point of sale?
No, Authorize.net is not a point of sale (POS) system. It’s a payment gateway service that allows businesses to accept and process payments.
2. What POS integrates with Authorize.net?
Many POS systems integrate with Authorize.net including Magestore POS, LivePOS, Lightspeed POS, eQuatePOS, Square, and Clover.
3. Does Authorize.net work with Shopify POS?
Yes, Shopify POS Authorize.net integration is possible. Shopify supports Authorize.net as a payment gateway.
4. What payment methods does Authorize.net accept?
Authorize.net supports all major credit cards, debit cards, electronic check and ACH solutions, and online payments.
5. Which payment gateways can Magestore POS integrate with?
Magestore POS is compatible with Authorize.net POS terminals, PayPal, Stripe, Heartland payment systems, Braintree, Adyen, etc. Learn more about Magestore’s supported integrations.
