- Kiosk software compared
- Eleven kiosk tools, A to Z
- Which kiosk software to start with
- Accessibility is part of the job in the EU
- Kiosk apps versus device management platforms
- Questions to ask a kiosk software vendor
- Signs your self-service screens need better software
- My plain advice on choosing kiosk software
- Frequently asked questions
The best kiosk software locks a tablet, PC or screen to one job, such as check-in, ordering or a web page, so customers can't wander into settings or other apps. Some are kiosk browsers and lockdown apps, while others are device management platforms or features built into the operating system. Eleven options follow in no particular order.
A self-service screen's only as good as its lockdown. Without it, a curious customer can close the app, open a browser or change settings, and your check-in kiosk becomes a broken tablet on a stand.
The eleven kiosk tools below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the vendor's own website or documentation, read this week. If your kiosk serves the public, my guide to web accessibility is worth reading alongside it.
Kiosk software compared
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the site names a free plan, a free version, a free allowance or an open source version. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start for free, so check the vendor's page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esper | Device management for kiosks and POS | Fleets of Android kiosks and POS screens | Not stated |
| FrontDesk | Self check-in kiosk for service businesses | Reception check-in on an iPad | Trial only |
| Fully Kiosk | Android kiosk browser and lockdown | Turning Android tablets into kiosks | Not stated |
| KIOSK | Software products and integration tools | Buying kiosk hardware and software together | Not stated |
| Kiosk Pro | Tablet kiosk app for iOS | iPad kiosks and displays | Not stated |
| KioWare | Kiosk system software | Locking down Windows, Android or Linux | Not stated |
| Microsoft Assigned Access | Built-in Windows kiosk feature | Windows PCs that run one app | Not stated |
| Porteus Kiosk | Linux-based kiosk system | Web terminals on spare PCs | Not stated |
| Scalefusion | Unified endpoint management with kiosk software | Kiosks inside wider device management | Not stated |
| SiteKiosk | Kiosk and digital signage software | Public kiosks with digital signage | Not stated |
| SureLock | Kiosk software solution from 42Gears | Single-purpose company devices | Not stated |
Eleven kiosk tools, A to Z
Esper
Best for: Businesses running many kiosks, POS screens or payment terminals that want them managed, updated and locked down remotely.
FrontDesk
Best for: Service businesses that want an iPad or QR code to work as a self-service check-in kiosk, with a 14-day free trial.
Fully Kiosk
Best for: Anyone who wants to turn Android tablets into locked-down kiosks or signage running a web page, with cloud management available.
KIOSK
Best for: Businesses buying kiosk hardware that want the software and integration tools from the same specialist kiosk maker.
Kiosk Pro
Best for: iPad owners who want a dedicated kiosk browser app for iOS and iPadOS with simple licensing.
KioWare
Best for: Organisations that want kiosk lockdown software for Windows, Android and Linux devices from a specialist kiosk software maker.
Microsoft Assigned Access
Best for: IT teams who want a Windows device locked to one app or a restricted set of apps using a feature built into Windows.
Porteus Kiosk
Best for: Organisations that want web terminals on standard PCs using a Linux-based kiosk system built mostly on open source components.
Scalefusion
Best for: IT teams who want kiosk software as part of a unified endpoint management platform covering Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
SiteKiosk
Best for: Public-facing kiosks that need secure browsing and digital signage together, hosted on a US or EU server.
SureLock
Best for: Companies that want phones and tablets locked down to approved apps for single-purpose use, from a device management specialist.
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Which kiosk software to start with
- Android tablets and screens: Fully Kiosk or SureLock.
- iPads: Kiosk Pro.
- Windows PCs: Microsoft Assigned Access, KioWare or SiteKiosk.
- Spare PCs as web terminals: Porteus Kiosk.
- Large fleets of devices: Esper or Scalefusion.
- Reception check-in: FrontDesk.
- Hardware and software from one maker: KIOSK.
Accessibility is part of the job in the EU
The European Commission lists ATMs, ticketing and check-in machines among the products and services covered by the European Accessibility Act.
So if you run self-service screens for customers in the EU, they've got to work for disabled people too. That shapes your software choices: screen readers, text size, contrast and reachable controls all matter, not just the lockdown.
Kiosk apps versus device management platforms
A kiosk app or browser is ideal for a handful of devices. You install it, point it at one app or web page, lock it down and you're done. There's very little to maintain.
A device management platform makes sense once you have dozens or hundreds of kiosks. You can update, restart and lock devices remotely, which beats driving to every site when something's gone wrong. It's also how you'll spot a dead screen before a customer does.
Questions to ask a kiosk software vendor
- Which devices and operating systems does it support?
- Can I lock the device to one app or one website?
- Can I manage and update kiosks remotely?
- What happens when the network drops?
- Does it support accessibility features such as screen readers?
- Can it restart automatically after a crash?
Signs your self-service screens need better software
- Customers end up in the settings menu. Lock the device down.
- Staff drive out to restart kiosks. Manage them remotely.
- Screens freeze after updates. Control when updates run.
- Some customers can't use the screen. Add accessibility features.
Do you make kiosk or device lockdown software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing kiosk software
Start from the device you already own, because kiosk tools are usually built for one platform first. Then test it with real customers for a day and watch where they get stuck, because that's what you'll be fixing.
Plan for the moment a kiosk freezes, with remote restarts and a clear sign telling people what to do. Screens can do more than check-in, too, and my guide to digital signage for marketing shows how.
Frequently asked questions
What is kiosk software?
Kiosk software locks a device to one app or website so it can be used safely as a self-service screen by the public.
Does Windows have a built-in kiosk mode?
Yes. Microsoft's Assigned Access feature locks a Windows device to one app or a restricted set of apps.
Can I turn an Android tablet into a kiosk?
Yes. Android kiosk browsers and lockdown apps in this list are built for exactly that.
Can I turn an iPad into a kiosk?
Yes. There are kiosk browser apps built for iOS and iPadOS.
Does the European Accessibility Act cover kiosks?
The European Commission lists ticketing and check-in machines among the products the Act covers.
Do I need device management for kiosks?
Not for a few devices, but it helps once you have many kiosks across several sites.
