The best tablets and stands
for your OrangeTill setup

What OrangeTill actually needs from a device

OrangeTill is a Progressive Web App — it runs in any modern browser, on any device with Wi-Fi and a screen. There's nothing to install. No special hardware. No dedicated POS terminal.

What you actually need is modest:

• A screen large enough for customers to scan a QR code — 8 inches is comfortable, 10 is ideal
• A modern browser — Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, all updated within the last year
• A stable Wi-Fi connection — more on this below
• A stand that lets the screen face the customer

That's it. Cellular data is optional but useful as a backup. Camera is irrelevant — OrangeTill displays QR codes; it doesn't scan them. Processing power barely matters; this is a web app, not a video game.

The Wi-Fi setup that actually matters

Before you buy any hardware, get the network right. The single most important thing you can do for a reliable OrangeTill setup is put your payment device on its own dedicated Wi-Fi network — separate from your customer guest network and separate from your general business devices.

Most modern routers (and all mesh systems) support multiple SSIDs. Create one called something like "Register" or "POS" — password protected, not broadcast to customers, just for the payment tablet. Benefits:

• No competition for bandwidth. Your tablet doesn't slow down when customers are streaming.
• Isolated security. If a customer's device on the guest network has malware, it can't reach your payment device.
• Consistent performance. A dedicated SSID can be configured to prioritize QoS (quality of service) for the payment device's traffic.

If your router doesn't support multiple SSIDs, a $40 travel router plugged into your existing network creates a clean second network instantly. TP-Link and GL.iNet both make excellent options under $50.

The iPod trick: old phones as dedicated terminals

Here's a setup many merchants don't think of: an old smartphone with no cellular service makes an excellent dedicated OrangeTill terminal. No SIM, no plan, no monthly cost — just Wi-Fi.

Apple used to sell this exact concept as the iPod Touch (discontinued in 2022 but still perfectly functional). Any iPhone from the 6S onward runs modern Safari just fine. Any Android phone from 2018 onward runs Chrome fine. Pull the SIM, connect to your dedicated Wi-Fi SSID, open OrangeTill in the browser, and you have a dedicated payment terminal that cost you nothing if you already have an old phone sitting in a drawer.

The screen is smaller than a tablet — this is the main tradeoff. A QR code on a 5–6 inch screen is scannable but tight. For high volume or customers with older phones, a tablet is more forgiving. For low-volume use or as a backup device, a retired smartphone is a genuinely practical solution.

Tablets: budget to premium

Listed roughly from most affordable to most capable. All run OrangeTill without issue.

Stands: counter, kiosk, and floor

The right stand rotates 360° so you can show the QR to a customer without moving the device. Cable management is a bonus — a stand with a built-in cable channel keeps your counter clean. Anti-theft lock mechanisms matter in high-traffic environments. All stands below are compatible with most tablets in the 7–13 inch range unless noted.

Counter stands — most merchants start here

Floor kiosks — for open-floor and larger spaces

Wall mounts — for permanent installations

Saving money on hardware: used and refurbished options

A dedicated OrangeTill terminal doesn’t have to be new. Because OrangeTill runs in any modern browser, any tablet that still takes software updates and connects to Wi-Fi reliably is fair game. If budget is tight, the used and refurbished market is worth a serious look.

A few things to always verify before buying used:

• Confirm the OS version. Amazon Fire tablets should be on Fire OS 7 or later. Android tablets should be on Android 9 or later. iPads should support iPadOS 16 or later (iPad 6th generation and newer, released 2018+). An old tablet stuck on an unsupported OS may not run a current browser properly.
• Check the return policy before you buy. This is non-negotiable for used electronics. If a seller offers no returns, that’s a reason to walk away — you want at least 14–30 days to test the device with OrangeTill before you’re committed. Amazon’s Renewed program and most Swappa sales include buyer protection.
• Ask about battery health where possible. A tablet with a worn-out battery that you plan to run permanently plugged in is usually fine. But if you need portability (farmers market, food truck), battery condition matters. iPads display battery health under Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
• Factory reset before using. Any used device should be wiped clean before you install OrangeTill and set it up as a dedicated terminal.

Where to buy

How to set up a dedicated OrangeTill device

Once you have your tablet and stand, five minutes of setup makes it a proper dedicated terminal:

1. Connect to your dedicated POS Wi-Fi network. Set it to auto-connect and never connect to any other network.
2. Open OrangeTill in the browser and log in. Bookmark it or set it as the homepage.
3. Enable "Guided Access" (iPad) or "Screen Pinning" (Android). This locks the device to a single app — staff can use OrangeTill but can't exit to YouTube or Instagram. On iPad: Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access. On Android: Settings → Accessibility → Screen Pinning.
4. Set the screen timeout to "Never" or the maximum. A screen that turns off mid-transaction is annoying. On a plugged-in stand device, leave it on.
5. Enable auto-brightness. Counter lighting changes throughout the day — auto-brightness keeps the QR code visible without you adjusting it manually.