OpenPOS for WooCommerce – and why it’s so popular?
OpenPOS is a simple and powerful Point of Sale (POS) system made for WooCommerce stores. It helps shop owners manage both online and physical store sales in one place. You can use it on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or even on your phone. It works fast, even without the internet (offline mode), and syncs your data once you’re back online.
It’s popular because it:
- Supports barcode scanners and receipt printers
- Lets you manage multiple stores or outlets
- Makes checkout quick and easy for staff
- Tracks products, stock, and customer orders in real-time
Whether you run a retail store, café, or supermarket, OpenPOS makes selling easy and smooth.
OpenPOS Free vs OpenPOS Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | OpenPOS Free | OpenPOS Pro GPL |
|---|---|---|
| Basic POS functions | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Mode | No | Yes |
| Barcode scanning | No | Yes |
| Print receipts | No | Yes |
| Multi-store support | No | Yes |
| Product stock sync | Limited | Full real-time sync |
| Add-ons & Extensions | Not available | Included |
| Customer Management | Basic | Advanced |
| Reports & Analytics | Basic | Detailed insights |
| Updates | Limited | Included with GPL version |
The Pro GPL version gives you full control with premium features that are missing in the free version.
Can you get OpenPOS Pro for free?
Yes, you can get OpenPOS Pro GPL for free from GPL-licensed websites. These versions are shared under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows redistribution and use by anyone.
However, there are a few things to remember:
- You won’t get official support from the original developer
- Updates might not be automatic
- Always download from trusted GPL sources to avoid malware
If you’re okay with managing things yourself, the GPL version is a budget-friendly way to access premium features.
Best Free or Budget–Friendly Alternatives to OpenPOS Pro
If you’re looking for other options like OpenPOS, here are some great free or low-cost alternatives:
- wePOS (Lite)
- Clean interface, built for WooCommerce
- Basic features are free
- Pro version available with more tools
- WooCommerce POS (by kilbot)
- Open-source and simple
- Good for small stores
- No regular updates, but works fine for basic needs
- Oliver POS
- Cloud-based and easy to use
- Offers a solid free plan
- Paid plans for advanced tools and support
- Hike POS(Budget-friendly)
- Great for multi-store setups
- Paid, but offers a free trial
- Works with WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.
These tools can help you run your store without paying for expensive POS systems.
What is OpenPOS Pro General Public License?
The General Public License (GPL) is a license that allows software to be freely used, shared, and modified. OpenPOS Pro GPL is the same premium plugin, but shared under this open-source license.
This means:
- You can use it on unlimited sites
- You can modify the code to fit your needs
- You can share it with others legally
However, you don’t get official support or automatic updates from the original developer. Still, it’s a legal and cost-effective way to access the pro version features.
OpenPOS Pro GPL vs OpenPOS Pro: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | OpenPOS Pro GPL | OpenPOS Pro (Official) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free or low-cost | Paid (one-time or yearly) |
| License | GPL (open-source) | Commercial license |
| Support | Community or none | Official developer support |
| Updates | Manual | Automatic & regular |
| Features | Same as official version | Full premium features |
| Source Code Access | Yes | Yes |
Key Difference:
With GPL, you save money but manage updates and support on your own. The official version costs more but gives peace of mind with support and updates.
OpenPOS Pro Version History and Timeline
OpenPOS has seen steady updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and add useful features. Here’s a quick look at its growth:
- Initial Release:
Basic POS for WooCommerce launched with core selling features. - 2020 – Offline Mode Added:
Allowed users to make sales without internet and sync later. - 2021 – Add-on Support Introduced:
Extensions like reports, multi-store, and barcode support rolled out. - 2022 – UI & Speed Improvements:
Faster interface and better design for smoother checkout. - 2023 – Enhanced Reporting & Inventory:
Advanced insights and better stock management tools added. - 2024 – Ongoing Updates:
More features, fixes, and compatibility with latest WooCommerce versions.
The plugin continues to grow with user feedback and market needs.