5 Best Kiosk Software for Businesses in 2024
Have you come across a self-service center at a restaurant, store, or airport recently? It's quite a win-win situation for customers and business owners. For consumers, they reduce wait times spent standing in queues, and for businesses, they reduce resource costs and improve staff productivity.
The booths used during self-service processes or business interactions are called kiosks. Kiosk devices can be either customer-facing or employee-facing. Kiosks are becoming increasingly popular for businesses and have several uses and benefits across industries. As technology breaks new ground every day, different types of devices like mobile phones, laptops, TV screens, point of sale (POS) terminals, and digital signage are also being used in kiosk mode. Comprehensive kiosk apps are instrumental in this.
This article lists the most popular kiosk software solutions available in 2024.
What is Kiosk Software?
A kiosk software primarily locks a device interface to a single or set number of apps. It allows only necessary functions to be carried out on that device while it is in kiosk mode. There are other features offered by kiosk software that make kiosks useful in multiple industries. They allow targeted content to be pushed to all company-owned devices at once. Kiosk software offers security features to protect kiosks positioned in public places and prevent misuse. The management dashboards enable admins to control and track all kiosks from one place.
Top-Rated Kiosk Solutions in 2024
1. Scalefusion
Scalefusion is an intuitive and powerful cloud-based UEM solution. It hosts multiple features and software under its UEM platform to enhance device management capabilities for large enterprises and SMBs. With a strong backbone of remote troubleshooting features, Scalefusion is the ideal problem-solver for all device-related issues. It allows admins to manage and secure device fleets of all sizes in a few simple steps.
Scalefusion offers one of the best and most reliable multi-platform kiosk software available in the market. It enables IT admins or business owners to lock all types of devices in single or multi-app kiosk modes. With its ProSurf kiosk browser app, Scalefusion has simplified turning Windows or iOS devices into dedicated kiosks that can be managed remotely. Real-time remote management allows an admin to configure kiosks for web browsing. There are additional ProSurf functionalities as well that you can explore on Scalefusion’s website.
Key Features:
- Single and Multi-app kiosk mode
- Kiosk browser lockdown
- Location tracking and geofencing
- Remote cast and control for troubleshooting
- Remote application management
- Content management
- Data access and sharing restrictions
- Compliance violation detection
Pros:
- Compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS
- Enables custom branding of kiosks
- Multiple ways of enrolling devices
- Reduces manual IT work
- Cost-effective software
Cons:
- Doesn’t support ChromeOS
- Kiosk mode comes bundled with other features
Pricing:
- Starts at $2 per device per month (billed annually)
- 14-day free trial is available
2. KioWare
KioWare is the flagship product of its parent company ADSI. Almost 30 years ago, ADSI identified a gap across industries for a kiosk lockdown software that could work with all browser-based applications. Since then, KioWare has evolved into a powerful kiosk management software. It is used in more than 80 countries globally by public, private, non-profit, and governmental organizations.
Key Features:
- Browser lockdown
- Dock Multiple Browsers
- Restrict browser access and control pop-ups
- User management
- Usage statistics
- Remote monitoring
- Custom Toolbar
- Card dispenser
Pros:
- Convenient remote content management
- Enables staff to communicate better
Cons:
- Lack of mixed-mode attract screens
- Difficult setup
- High cost
Pricing:
- The basic plan for ChromeOS starts from $24 per subscription annually
- Free trial is available
3. SiteKiosk
SiteKiosk is a secure software for kiosk system management. PROVISIO, a software company founded in 1996, develops SiteKiosk. It ensures the security of computers, displays, tablets, and kiosks in public places. The software offers wide-ranging lockdown features for the smooth functioning of devices in kiosk mode. It supports web-based content like websites, PDFs, and videos. Along with this, other mobile apps, web apps, or proprietary software can also be securely incorporated into the kiosks.
Key Features:
- Configurable browser
- Digital signage
- Error Detection and Automatic Recovery
- Automatic Logout and Session-Reset
- Emergency mode
- API for scripts within the SiteKiosk environment
Pros:
- Good access customization
- Small learning curve
Cons:
- Limited integrated widgets
- Suitable for only Andriod and Windows devices
Pricing:
- SiteKiosk Cloud annual plan starts from $130 per client
- Free trial is available
4. AirDroid
AirDroid is a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that aims to improve business productivity. It is developed by Sand Studio, its parent company. Multiple software products are offered under AirDroid MDM and have diverse functions such as parental control, remote cast, remote support, etc. The company also offers two major types of solutions- AirDroid Business and AirDroid Personal. The enterprise kiosk management features are included in the AirDroid Business product.
Key Features:
- Single/Multi App Mode
- Kiosk browser
- Remote access and file management
- Remote support
- Customizable device limitation
- Browser allowlist
- Customizable kiosk branding
Pros:
- Multiple device enrollment methods
- Seamless mobile app for admins
- Clear navigation tips embedded in the UI
Cons:
- Lack of API integrations
- Connection failures
- Kiosk software comes as a bundled feature
- Can be expensive for small businesses
Pricing:
- The basic plan with kiosk mode starts from $17 per device per year.
- 14-day free trial is available
5. Esper
Esper is an MDM software company with a mission to build next-gen device management solutions to empower diverse businesses.
Esper offers an effective kiosk mode tool that can lock Android and iOS devices to a single application or interface. It has also employed robust security measures in its kiosk solution to prevent misuse.
Key features:
- Kiosk and Multi-app mode
- Remote device lockdown
- Streamlined device grouping
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Content filters
- Content Management
- Geofencing
Pros:
- Suitable for multi-OS device fleet
- Quick site-wide reboots
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Issues with display features
- Remote data transmission is slow
- Post-contract customer support can be an issue
Pricing:
- The basic Genesis plan starts from $2 per device per month
- 30-day free trial is available
Benefits of Running Tablets and Smartphones in Kiosk Mode
- Increased protection — In kiosk mode, user access is limited to essential purposes. This prevents the misuse of these devices and secures them against cyber threats, data leaks, and unauthorized access. Kiosk mode is widely used for student and classroom devices in the education sector. Restricting device access to educational apps and websites prevents students from getting distracted or accessing inappropriate content.
- Improves operational efficiency — In industries like retail and hospitality, kiosk mode allows for a seamless self-checkout and order process, reducing labor costs and saving time for admins and customers. It also increases productivity by allowing staff to allocate time toward other important tasks.
- Better customer experience — With kiosks, customers’ shopping or service experience is faster and simpler. When used as interactive displays with captivating and dynamic content, kiosks attract customers and retain their attention for a longer time. This leads to higher customer satisfaction.
Final Words
Businesses cannot scale today without leveraging mobile technologies to create better experiences for their customers and employees. The use of digital kiosks enhances customer’s journey and satisfaction with a product or a service. It also streamlines and automates repetitive tasks for staff, improving organizations’ operational efficiency. Additionally, kiosk software helps seamlessly manage and secure a large number of kiosks.
Companies providing kiosk software are continually developing their solutions to empower businesses. Choosing a suitable kiosk software as per your organization’s needs can be one of the best decisions you can make for your business. We would suggest you go for solutions that offer a free trial, are cost-effective, and are compatible with multiple device types and operating systems.
Why delay the choice, then? Unlock the power of digital kiosks for your business today!
