A cash register combines a secure cash box, advanced adding machine, and receipt printer into one operating unit. Many connect to credit card terminals and barcode scanners, and some incorporate inventory and point-of-sale (POS) software for added functionality.

The best cash registers for small businesses are:

• Square: Best overall cash register for individuals, startups, and small storefronts
• Sam4s ER-180u: Best low-cost portable electronic cash register
• Sam4s ER 925: Best electronic cash register for low- to mid-volume retailers
• Lightspeed: Best for high-volume or multilocation retailers and restaurants
• Sam4s ER 940: Best electronic register for low- to mid-volume restaurants

When selecting a cash register, small business owners have two basic options. You can use an electronic cash register (ECR) or opt for a register that operates with point-of-sale (POS) system software. ECRs work well for businesses that need a simple machine to tally sales, complete customer payments, print receipts, and store cash. POS systems do all of this, plus offer a complete suite of business management and reporting tools (some at a surprisingly low cost).

Nowadays, POS hardware costs the same or less than standard ECRs, and historic major ECR manufacturers—like Casio and Sharp—stopped manufacturing cash registers. So in this guide, we consider both ECRs and POS-based registers.