Shopify Hardware: Ultimate Guide for Small Businesses

Shopify Hardware: Ultimate Guide for Small Businesses

Written By
Agatha Aviso
Agatha Aviso
Reviewed By:
Oct 13, 2023
10 minute read

Shopify is an ecommerce platform that supports in-person sales through its POS system. We even named Shopify as the best POS system for retail and ecommerce for multichannel sales in our guide to the best POS systems. If you have a Shopify ecommerce subscription, you already have access to Shopify’s basic POS system.

Start completing in-store sales today by adding Shopify hardware to your storefront. Shopify offers tons of POS hardware and accessory options for you to choose from depending on your needs. Don’t worry, however; Shopify’s POS system is cloud-based so you can also run it off any internet-enabled device if you aren’t ready to invest in a Shopify system.

Based on your business needs, we recommend the following Shopify hardware:

  • For a pop-up shop: iPad or Android tablet with a Tap & Chip Reader, or the all-in-one Shopify POS Terminal.
  • For a physical storefront: iPad or Android tablet with a Tap & Chip Reader or POS Terminal, plus a receipt printer.
  • For multiple locations or a warehouse: iPad or Android tablet with a Tap & Chip Reader or POS Terminal, a receipt printer, a barcode scanner, and a cash drawer.

This guide shows you all your hardware options for the Shopify POS app, from Shopify POS hardware to compatible hardware accessories.

Shopify POS Hardware at a Glance

Shopify POS HardwareBest forHardware CostPayment MethodBuy
Shopify's retail bundle.

Shopify Retail Kit

Storefronts$219Tap and dipBuy Shopify Retail Kit
Product image for Shopify Go mobile terminal.

Shopify POS Go

Mobile and curbside sales$399Tap, dip, and swipeBuy Shopify POS Go
Product image for Shopify Go mobile terminal.

Shopify Tap & Chip Reader

Mobile sales$49Tap and dipBuy Shopify Tap & Chip Reader
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All Shopify point-of-sale hardware include the following if bought from the Shopify website:

  • 24/7 support
  • Free shipping and free 30 day returns
  • Standard 1-year warranty or an extended 2-year warranty on POS Pro

Learn more about Shopify and Shopify POS:

Best for Storefronts: Shopify Retail Kit ($219)

Pricing

  • $219 for all versions (iPad & Android); one-time fee or 4 interest-free payments of $54.75 every 2 weeks using Shop Pay
  • Includes:
    • 1 Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader
    • 1 Shopify Dock for Tap & Chip Reader
    • 1 Shopify Retail Stand for tablet
    • 1 Shopify Mounting Kit

Shopify Retail Kit Overview

Shopify's retail bundle.

Shopify Retail Kit is available across all Shopify subscription plans. Designed to process credit transactions for physical storefronts, the kit includes a tap & chip reader, a dock for the tap & chip reader, and a retail stand.

Note that the iPad or tablet device needs to be purchased separately.

Alternatively, you can also choose to build your own bundle. A bundle includes everything you need to accept cash or credit payments and print receipts: a device stand, card reader, cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner. To Build Your Own Bundle, you need to use Shopify Payments as your processor.

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Best for Mobile & Curbside Sales: Shopify POS Go ($399)

Pricing

  • $399 one-time fee or 4 interest-free payments of $99.75 every 2 weeks
  • Acts as a POS terminal, barcode scanner, and card reader
  • Long battery life and high-performance processor
  • Add-on: Shopify Go Case $39

Shopify POS Go Overview

Shopify POS Go is an all-in-one mobile POS for simple on-the-floor selling, functioning as a POS, barcode scanner, and card reader. Currently only available for stores based in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom, those keen on using this hardware should use Shopify Payments as their store’s payment provider. If you operate physical storefronts, your locations should be based in the country that your stores are based in.

The POS Go is compatible with secure pin Wi-Fi or wired LAN receipt printers (requires a separate purchase). Charging takes two to three hours using a wall adapter, and a fully charged battery is able to last for a whole day of selling.

To meet PCI requirements, POS Go automatically reboots every 24 hours. As of this writing, that is set as a default of 2 a.m., your local time.

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Best for Mobile Sales: Shopify Tap & Chip Reader ($49)

Pricing

  • $49 for the Tap & Chip Reader
  • $39 for the Dock for Tap & Chip Reader
  • Includes 1 x USB cable for charging

Shopify Tap & Chip Reader Overview

The Shopify Tap & Chip Reader is an EMV-compliant card reader that connects wirelessly to your mobile device and tables. Designed to be comfortable to hold and take with you wherever you’re selling, it is a PCI PTS-compliant device that accepts contactless and chip card payments with the Shopify POS app.

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Shopify Hardware Compatibility: POS Accessories

You can use third-party hardware with Shopify POS, you just need to check for compatibility. You can purchase hardware accessories like iPad stands, cash drawers, receipt printers, and scanners directly from the Shopify hardware store or from another provider.

To use most of the hardware listed with your Shopify store, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • You use the all-new Shopify POS
  • You have a compatible iPad that is running iOS 13 or higher, an iPhone that is running iOS 13 or higher, or a compatible Android device that is running version 7.0 (Nougat) or higher

Make sure to check compatible models and its requirements on Shopify’s website before buying. If you are buying from a third-party website, check if the hardware is included in Shopify’s deprecation list. We have included a list of compatible hardware for your Shopify POS below.

Barcode Printers

Many retail stores use barcodes for their inventory items. To add barcodes to your Shopify products, you can employ the following methods:

  • Use the Retail Barcode Labels app to add barcodes to your products
  • Add a barcode to a product or variant details
  • Import barcodes in bulk as part of a product CSV file

You can use a supported label printer to print barcode labels for your products. The printer needs to be connected to a desktop computer, and you need to install the appropriate software.

Software Requirements:

  • Retail Barcode Labels app (within Shopify)
  • DYMO Label software

Note: To print barcode labels using a supported DYMO label printer, use the DYMO Connect iPad app. The printer needs to be connected to a desktop computer with DYMO label software installed.

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Shopify supports the following barcode label printers:

  • DYMO LabelWriter® Wireless Label Printer: 2002150
  • DYMO LabelWriter® 450 Label Printer: 1752264
  • DYMO LabelWriter® 550 Label Printer
  • DYMO LabelWriter® 5XL Label Printer
  • Zebra Label Printer (USB): ZD220
  • Zebra Label Printer (Wireless): ZD420 & ZD421
  • Zebra 2″ ZSB Label Printer: ZSB-DP12
  • Zebra 4″ ZSB Label Printer: ZSB-DP14N
  • Zebra Label Printer (USB + Bluetooth): ZD4A042-D0EM00EZ
  • Brother QL Label Printer – Wi-Fi: QL-1110NWB
  • Bixolon Label Printer (USB): XD5-40dK/BEG
Shopify-compatible barcode printers from DYMO and Zebra with corresponding prices.
(Source: Shopify)

Note: The barcode printer needs to be connected to a desktop computer with the required software installed, even if you start printing from your mobile device.

See also:

Barcode Scanners

A POS barcode scanner reads and decodes barcodes. You use it together with your POS system to scan product barcodes for pricing, managing inventory, and tracking sales.

When barcodes are used for inventory, you can scan barcodes to quickly add products to the cart at checkout. Shopify lists the following compatible Bluetooth barcode scanners:

  • Socket Mobile 1D barcode scanner: SocketScan® S700)
  • Socket Mobile 2D barcode scanner: SocketScan® S720, SocketScan® S740
Shopify-compatible barcode scanners with corresponding prices.
(Source: Shopify)

Receipt Printers

Shopify doesn’t have an official receipt printer, so you go with a third-party receipt printer if you want to use one. Shopify POS supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LAN, and USB receipt printers, including the following:

  • Star Micronics Bluetooth Receipt Printer: Star TSP143IIIBI
  • Star Micronics Wi-Fi Receipt Printer: Star TSP143IIIW
  • Star Micronics Wired Receipt Printer: Star TSP143IIILAN (39463110)
  • StarMicronics LAN Receipt Printer: TSP143IVUE
  • Epson Bluetooth Printer: TM-m30I
  • Epson FP-81II RT Bundle: FP-81II RT
  • Star Micronics Receipt Printer: mCP31L, mCP31LB
Shopify-compatible receipt printers from Epson and Star Micronics with corresponding prices.
(Source: Shopify)

Cash Drawers

A cash drawer is used in POS systems to store cash, coins, and other valuables (like gift cards and checks).

Unless you process only cashless payments, you should get a secure and reliable cash drawer for your retail setup. If you want the cash drawer to open automatically after a transaction, then you will also need a compatible receipt printer.

  • Arlo 13″ Cash Drawer: EKDS320
  • Star Micronics’ 14″ Cash Drawer: CD4-1416
  • VPOS 14″ Cash Drawer: EC350
  • Star Micronics’ 16″ Cash Drawer: CD3-1616, CD4-1616, CB-2002FN
  • VPOS 16″ Cash Drawer: EC410
  • Kingly Cash Drawer – Small: PS-335-BLK
  • Kingly Cash Drawer – Large: PS-405-BLK
Shopify-compatible cash drawers from APG and Star Micronics with corresponding prices.
(Source: Shopify)

Device Stands

Shopify supports a range of devices stands for easier viewing and interaction, whether you are at a counter or walking around your store. You can buy other device stands other than the ones listed below, but the ones listed are included in Shopify’s support policy.

  • Shopify Retail Stand for iPad 9.7″, iPad 10.2″, Air 10.5″: S1803
  • @Rest Stand: HDAR118 or H234
  • WindFall iPad Stand 9.7″
  • WindFall iPad Stand 10.2″
  • Eddy Tablet Stand
  • Studio Proper Universal Tablet Stand: SPEKUPOSPVS3
  • Bosstab Touch Nexus Universal Tablet Stand
  • Bouncepad Click Tablet Stand
Shopify-compatible device stands with corresponding prices.
(Source: Shopify)

mPOP Kits (Printer & Cash Drawer)

Rather than purchasing Shopify hardware accessories separately, you can buy the Star mPOP kit—a receipt printer with an integrated cash drawer and optional USB barcode scanner. Since these mPOP bundles do not include a Shopify card reader, you can use them with an external payment processor.

  • Star® mPOP™ Basic: 39650910, 39650810
  • Star® mPOP™ with Scanner: 39655110, 39655010

A few things to note, however:

  • The mPOP kit compatible with Shopify is not currently available on Android devices.
  • The mPOP receipt printer supports only Bluetooth connection on Shopify and doesn’t work with a USB connection.
  • The Star scanner only recognizes 1D barcodes. If you want to scan physical gift cards with 2D barcodes, then you need to use your iPad’s front-facing camera or buy a 2D barcode scanner.

Thermal paper rolls with the following specifications will work with the mPOP printer:

  • Width: Between 57 mm and 58 mm
  • Thickness: Between 0.053 mm and 0.075 mm
  • Roll diameter: Up to 50 mm

Shopify Hardware for Rent: Fulfilled by Fello

If you’re planning on running a temporary event or pop-up store, you can also choose to rent Shopify hardware through Fello. You can rent full hardware kits such as the Shopify retail kit and other hardware depending on your store’s needs.

You can also have the hardware insured, have Fello pair up all the devices through Bluetooth before sending the POS equipment to you, and pay for someone to come out and set up the entire POS for you. Learn more about renting Shopify hardware through Fello.

Shopify Hardware Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click through the questions below to get answers to some of your most frequently asked Shopify hardware questions.

What hardware do you need for Shopify?

It depends on the type of business you are running. If you are running a retail storefront, it is ideal to have a complete setup—a card reader, cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer, the works. However, if you are accepting in-person sales through events or occasionally, most businesses use a tablet or smartphone as their POS hardware together with the Shopify POS app.

What devices support Shopify?

Shopify POS app is only available on mobile devices—iOS and Android. It does not work on desktop computers.

Can I buy third-party hardware for Shopify POS?

Yes, you can but you need to make sure to check that your hardware of choice is compatible with Shopify POS first. Shopify provides a list of compatible devices with their model numbers on its website.

Bottom Line

You can have plenty of hardware choices for your Shopify POS system. Know which payment methods you want to accept and weigh in your business needs to help you decide.

Most retail businesses that have online stores as their primary sales outlet will benefit from going with more mobile Shopify POS devices like the Shopify POS Go and Shopify Tap & Chip Reader. But if you operate a physical storefront, you give your customers more payment options with both a tap and chip reader and a cash drawer.

We recommend adding Shopify hardware accessories such as barcode scanners and receipt printers to help make your business more efficient.

Agatha Aviso

Agatha Aviso

Retail Software Expert at Fit Small Business

Agatha Aviso is a seasoned expert in retail, eCommerce, and order fulfillment, with a specialization in payments, POS systems, and eCommerce software. She has collaborated with startups and service-based entrepreneurs on content strategy, offering digital marketing expertise and guiding small business owners in launching their online storefronts. Beyond consulting, Agatha applies her knowledge firsthand—building her own website as well as ecommerce sites for the platforms she reviews.

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