Choosing the right tablet for your Shopify POS system can transform how you serve customers and manage sales at your physical store. The best tablet for Shopify POS makes a noticeable difference in checkout speed, inventory management, and overall customer satisfaction. Store owners who switch to well-matched tablets often report smoother transactions and happier staff. We would like to show you tablets compatible with Shopify POS to find the best options for different store sizes and budgets. This guide breaks down our top picks, focusing on the factors that matter most in a busy retail setting.
Highlights:
- A tablet helps with in-store shopping by letting staff check inventory, process sales, and assist customers anywhere, making service faster and more convenient.
- The POS Tablet Stand (USB-C), Shopify POS Tablet Stand (Lightning), and Bosstab Touch Nexus Universal Tablet Stand are some tablets that work well for Shopify POS, providing stability and easy access at checkout.
How A Tablet Supports In-store Shopping
A tablet brings modern convenience to retail operations. Store staff can move around freely with these lightweight devices, helping customers right where they stand. The large touch screen makes it simple to show shoppers different product options or check if items are in stock.
The tablet functions as a mobile point-of-sale system, letting employees ring up purchases anywhere in the store. This cuts down waiting times and frees up space that bulky cash registers once occupied. When a customer wants to know about a product’s details or availability, staff members have instant access to this information through their tablet.
Store managers benefit from tablets too. The devices give them quick access to sales data and inventory levels while they walk the floor. They can update product information, check stock counts, and place orders without being tied to a back office computer.
Best Tablet for Shopify POS to Enhance In-store Experience
The following tablets work particularly well with Shopify’s point-of-sale system and can transform how you do business.
POS Tablet Stand (USB-C)
The Shopify Tablet Mount (USB-C) comes with an adjustable clamp design that fits USB-C tablets ranging from 10.9″ to 12.9″ in size. Users can add a Connection Hub to the stand for extra functionality.
The stand works with several iOS tablets, including different generations of the iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd through 6th generation), iPad Pro 11″ (1st through 3rd generation), and the iPad Air 5th generation. For Android users, the stand supports various Samsung tablet models. These include the Samsung S8 and S8+, both versions of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020 and 2022 models), the Galaxy Tab S7+ released in 2020, and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE from 2021.
Shopify POS Tablet Stand (Lightning)
The Shopify POS Tablet Stand (Lightning) is considered the best tablet for Shopify POS, creating a fixed checkout station for your countertop. It consists of two main components: a protective case that holds your iPad and a sturdy base. Setting up is straightforward – simply place the iPad in its case and connect it to the base.
The stand comes in two versions to fit different iPad models. The 9.7″ version works with the iPad 5th and 6th generation, iPad Pro 9.7″, and iPad Air 2. The larger 10.2″/10.5″ version fits the iPad 10.2″ (7th through 9th generation) and the iPad Air 10.5″ (3rd generation).
Bosstab Touch Nexus Universal Tablet Stand
The Touch Nexus universal tablet stand brings flexibility to your checkout setup with its ability to rotate between merchant and customer views. This universal mount attaches to any tablet with a flat back surface, making it adaptable for various devices.
The stand ships as a complete package with everything needed for installation, including the assembled Nexus stand and two mounting options – an adhesive mount and a screw mount for your counter. You can customize the stand’s configuration based on your store’s layout and needs.
Studio Proper Universal Tablet Stand
The Studio Proper Universal Tablet Stand combines simplicity with practicality in its compact design. This mount rotates smoothly to switch views between staff and customers during transactions.
The stand sits low on your counter, blending naturally into any store’s decor. You can mount it securely using screws or adhesive, depending on your preference. Attaching your tablet takes just moments – a quick twist locks it firmly in place.
This best tablet for Shopify POS works with iPads and other tablets that have a flat back surface measuring at least 2.4″ x 3.5″. The stand measures 2.76″ in height and width, with a depth of 2.71″. It’s solid construction weighs 1.1 lbs, providing stability without excess bulk.
Bouncepad Click Tablet Stand
The Bouncepad Click tablet stand keeps your device secure while allowing smooth transitions between staff and customer views. This versatile mount adapts to any tablet size, making it a flexible choice for different store setups.
Its micro-suction base technology provides strong adhesion to your counter without permanent installation. The base grips firmly to create a stable platform for daily transactions, yet allows for repositioning if needed. These features make the Bouncepad Click an adaptable solution for various store layouts and checkout configurations.
How to Choose the Right POS Hardware for Your Store
Let’s examine key factors to consider when selecting your POS equipment.
Review your processes and workflows
- Start by mapping out your store’s processes and workflows. While all shops need basic POS components, your specific setup should match your business model.
- Consider your ideal checkout experience. A traditional counter setup requires a tablet, stand, card reader, cash drawer, and printing equipment. Mobile checkout needs just a smartphone or tablet plus a card reader.
- Your store’s physical size affects hardware requirements too. A single location works well with a basic setup: tablet, stand, card reader, printers, scanner, and cash drawer. You might add mobile devices as you grow.
- Think about which store processes you’d like to improve. During busy seasons, adding a smartphone and mobile card reader lets staff check out customers throughout the store, moving beyond fixed counter spots.
- Your POS hardware choices should grow and change with your business needs. Keep watching how your store operates and adjust your equipment to support smoother operations and better customer service.
Join retail communities online
Online retail groups bring valuable insights about POS hardware. You’ll find experienced store owners sharing their recommendations on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit platforms like Ask Retail and RETAIL subreddits. These communities help both new business owners and established retailers make informed decisions.
Read online reviews
Check manufacturer websites, G2 reviews, and YouTube videos that show tablets, smartphones, iPad stands, and bar code scanners in action. These detailed reviews reveal how the hardware performs in real store settings.
Refer to the hardware of POS providers
POS software companies often sell hardware packages their customers trust. Buying both hardware and software from one provider makes setup quicker and smoother. These companies have tested their hardware extensively with their software.
Ask advice from merchants
Your neighboring businesses can share practical advice about which hardware serves them best. Join your area’s business improvement district or commerce association to build connections and learn from others’ hardware choices over time. Local merchants often know which equipment handles the specific challenges of your market.
ConnectPOS: A More Flexible Tablet Solution for Shopify POS
Shopify POS has strict compatibility requirements, limiting the choice of tablets for retailers. In contrast, ConnectPOS works with a broader range of devices, giving businesses more options to match their needs and budget.
ConnectPOS supports:
- Real-Time Inventory Syncing – Prevent overselling by keeping stock levels updated across all sales channels.
- Multi-Store Management – Sync data across multiple locations for better control over stock and sales.
- Various Payment Gateways – Accept payments through multiple providers, including local and international options.
- Offline Mode – Process transactions even when the internet is down, keeping sales uninterrupted.
- Click-and-Collect Support – Let customers buy online and pick up their orders in-store without inventory mismatches.
- Barcode Scanning with Tablets – Use the tablet’s camera to scan products, speeding up checkout.
- Multi-Currency Support – Accept payments in different currencies to serve international customers.
- Staff Permission Controls – Assign different access levels to employees for better security and role management.
- Comprehensive Sales Reports – Track store performance with detailed reports on sales, revenue, and customer trends.
Final Thoughts
Picking the best tablet for Shopify POS can make a big difference in how smoothly your store runs and how well you serve customers. Each option has its own advantages, so it’s important to choose one that matches your store’s size, budget, and daily operations. Pay attention to factors like screen size for easy use, battery life for lasting performance, and durability for long-term use. A suitable tablet and POS system create faster checkouts and a better shopping experience.
Ready to start selling smarter with ConnectPOS? Reach out to us now. Our team looks forward to helping you create a better shopping experience with the right tablet solution.
FAQs: Best Tablet for Shopify POS
What devices does Shopify POS work on?
Shopify POS runs on iPads and Android tablets through dedicated apps. The system works with iPhone and Android smartphones too. Many merchants pair these devices with card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners for complete POS functionality.
What kind of iPad do I need for Shopify POS?
Shopify POS works on iPad models running iOS 12.0 or newer. This includes iPad (5th generation and up), iPad Air (all generations), iPad Pro (all models), and iPad mini (4th generation and up). For best results, we recommend using newer iPad models with at least 32GB storage.
Which Shopify POS systems work with a wider range of devices?
ConnectPOS is a great option since it supports multiple devices, including iPads, Android tablets, and even PCs. Unlike Shopify POS, which has stricter hardware requirements, ConnectPOS gives retailers more flexibility in choosing their setup.
ConnectPOS is a all-in-one point of sale solution tailored to meet your eCommerce POS needs, streamline business operations, boost sales, and enhance customer experience in diverse industries. We offer custom POS with features, pricing, and plans to suit your unique business requirements.
