The global mobile POS (mPOS) market is exploding. Valued at $36.07 billion in 2024, it’s forecasted to hit $113.49 billion by 2030 — a staggering 20.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) (GlobeNewswire).
mPOS is here now, and businesses of every size are trading in bulky terminals for fast, wireless, anywhere payments. Read on to explore what mPOS is, why it matters, and how it can shape the future of your business.
What is mPOS?
Mobile point of sale (mPOS) systems are portable, cloud-based versions of traditional POS setups. Instead of being tethered to a countertop terminal, an mPOS runs on a tablet, smartphone, or lightweight reader — giving you a full checkout experience anywhere business happens.
Here’s how mPOS stacks up against legacy POS systems:
Feature | Traditional POS | Mobile POS (mPOS) |
Hardware | Bulky terminals, fixed stations | Tablets, phones, or handheld readers |
Connectivity | Local network or wired | Cloud-based, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 5G |
Flexibility | Limited to one counter | Works anywhere — store floor, curbside, or event |
Setup & Maintenance | Complex and costly | Quick installs, easy updates |
Scalability | Requires new terminals | Add devices instantly |
With mPOS, sales teams can check out customers directly on the floor, reduce wait times, and free up space. Everything — from payment data to inventory — syncs in real time through the cloud, so your system stays updated automatically.
Why mPOS Matters for Merchants?
The benefits of mPOS go far beyond flexibility — it’s a smarter, faster, and more customer-centric way to do business.
Sell Anywhere, Anytime
mPOS lets you take payments wherever your customers are — on the floor, at the door, or off-site. Great for pop-ups, markets, or line-busting during rush hour.
Deliver Faster, Friendlier Service
No one likes waiting in line. With mobile checkout, staff can meet customers where they are, creating a smoother, more personal experience.
Lower Costs, Higher Agility
Because mPOS runs on existing smart devices and the cloud, you avoid pricey hardware purchases and reduce maintenance overhead.
Better Data, Better Decisions
Integrated reporting and analytics tools turn every transaction into insight. You can track sales trends, manage inventory, and even forecast demand — all from your phone.
Stay Future-Ready
As contactless and wallet-based payments become the norm, mPOS keeps your business compatible with future payment technologies.
Build Your Own POS
Whether you run a retail store, café, or admissions booth, we have the point of sale hardware designed for your specific needs. Start building your ideal POS system now.
What’s Driving the Surge?
Driver | Why it Matters |
Contactless payments | Safer, faster, and expected by today's customers |
Emerging markets | Billions of new digital users are fueling adoption |
Hardware innovation | Sleeker, smarter, connected devices |
SME Demand | Flexible and affordable for small businesses |
1. Contactless Takes Over
Consumers now expect tap-and-go payments. After COVID-19, contactless became the default — clean, quick, and secure.
With NFC-enabled smartphones and wearables everywhere, businesses that don’t accept mobile wallets risk losing customers.
Pro Tip
Enable Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless cards across your terminals. It’s no longer a “nice to have.”
2. Emerging Markets Drive Growth
Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are the new frontiers. As smartphone access expands, millions are skipping cash entirely.
mPOS offers small merchants in rural or informal economies a path to inclusion. Governments are even incentivizing adoption to grow digital payment networks.
Pro Tip
If you’re expanding internationally, focus on regions where banking infrastructure is limited but mobile coverage is strong.
3. Hardware Gets Smarter
Modern mPOS hardware does more than process payments. Devices now include biometric authentication, IoT connectivity, and cloud syncing.
Compact card readers and tablet-based terminals empower businesses to serve customers on the move — from restaurant patios to trade shows.
Driver | Why it Matters |
NFC-enabled readers | Tap-to-pay devices like SumUp or Clover Go |
Biometric security | Fingerprint logins on staff devices |
IoT connectivity | Real-time sync with inventory or CRM systems |
Pro Tip:
Invest in hardware that integrates directly with your POS ecosystem — not just standalone card readers.
4. The SME Advantage
Small and medium businesses are leading adoption. Why? Lower costs, faster setup, and flexibility.
A food truck, salon, or market vendor can run transactions anywhere with a tablet and reader. No countertop. No cords.
According to Research and Markets, SMEs account for one of the most significant segments in global mPOS adoption, and that share continues to rise.
Beyond Payments: The mPOS Ecosystem
Modern mobile POS isn’t just about swipes and taps — it’s about data, too.
Businesses can now manage inventory, customer relationships, and analytics all in one mobile platform.
Feature | Benefit |
Inventory tracking | Auto-update stock after each sale |
Real-time analytics | Monitor revenue per employee or shift |
CRM integration | Track loyalty and repeat purchases |
Pro Tip
If your POS system doesn’t offer analytics dashboards, you’re missing out on valuable insights that drive profit.
Discover Advanced Analytics and Custom Reports
Speak with a product specialist and learn how KORONA POS can work for your business.
The Global Outlook
By 2030, mPOS will be widely adopted across all major industries, particularly in retail, hospitality, restaurants, and healthcare.
Region | Benefit |
North America | Mature tech infrastructure and contactless ubiquity |
Europe | Strong privacy regulations driving secure innovation |
Asia-Pacific | Fastest growth; smartphone-first economies |
Latin America | Rising digital wallets and financial inclusion |
Middle East & Africa | Expanding telecom networks |
Pro Tip
The Asia-Pacific market is expected to experience the highest expansion rate. Watch for local fintech partnerships that simplify cross-border payments.
Hardware Still Rules
While software and services matter, hardware remains the largest revenue segment in the mPOS market.
Companies like HP, VeriFone, Samsung, Panasonic, and Oracle are racing to develop smaller, more secure, more connected devices.
Pro Tip
Future-proof your setup. Opt for mPOS hardware that supports firmware updates and multiple connectivity options — Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 5G.
The Tech Behind the Trend
What’s powering all this? Cloud-based platforms, NFC technology, and robust encryption.
Tokenization and end-to-end encryption have solved early security concerns. Customers now trust that mobile payments are as secure — or more — than traditional cards.
Pro Tip
Display visible security certifications and encryption standards in-store. It builds trust instantly.
Industries Adopting mPOS Fastest
Industry | Use Case | Impact |
Retail | Pop-up stores, inventory sync | Faster checkout + customer insights |
Restaurants | Tableside ordering | Quicker turns and happier guests |
Hospitality | Curbside or concierge payments | Convenience and mobility |
Healthcare | On-the-go billing | Less admin, more patient care |
Even traditional sectors are catching up. Clinics, gyms, and nonprofits now rely on mobile POS to process payments instantly.
The Bottom Line for Businesses
The mPOS revolution isn’t slowing down. By 2030, mobile transactions could represent over half of all in-person payments globally.
Businesses that adapt now will capture the growing contactless audience, and those that don’t will lose ground quickly.
What It Means for KORONA POS?
The mPOS revolution is changing how businesses sell — and KORONA POS is built to lead it.
Our platform gives merchants the freedom to accept payments anywhere, sync data instantly, and keep operations running smoothly across every device.
KORONA Advantage | What It Means for You |
Cloud-Based Mobility | Take your POS wherever business happens – from sales floors to festivals |
All-in-One Platform | Payments, inventory, loyalty, and analytics in one easy dashboard |
Contactless-Ready | Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay, and chip – no upgrades required |
Real-Time Sync | Track sales and stock automatically across locations |
Transparent Pricing | No hidden fees or long-term contracts |
Pro Tip
Use KORONA’s mobile POS to speed up checkout lines and free up counter space — customers notice faster service.
KORONA POS also integrates seamlessly with eCommerce and accounting tools, so your mobile transactions stay connected to your broader business ecosystem. That means fewer manual entries, fewer errors, and more time for what actually matters: your customers.
Ready to Go Mobile with KORONA POS?
The future of payments is already here. The only question is — will your business keep up?
With KORONA POS, you can:
- Accept payments anywhere your customers are.
- Go fully contactless with zero friction.
- Get real-time insights to boost revenue and reduce errors.
- Scale effortlessly from one device to multiple locations.
Business Type | How KORONA Helps |
Retail Stores | Sell on the floor and manage inventory live |
QSRs & Cafes | Process tableside and track tips instantly |
Events & Pop-Ups | Take your POS on the road – no setup hassle |
Multi-Location Brands | Sync data across every store and team |
mPOS adoption is skyrocketing — and KORONA POS is your competitive edge. It’s flexible. It’s fast. It’s built for the way people pay today. Start your free KORONA POS trial today and see how simple it is to sell anywhere, anytime.