7 Types of Kiosks Explained: Self-Service, Payment, Interactive & More
A kiosk is a freestanding, self-service machine that lets customers complete tasks — checking in, placing orders, making payments, or finding directions — without waiting for staff. The global kiosk market is projected to reach $38.21 billion by 2027, and businesses that deploy kiosks report up to 40% shorter wait times and 30% higher average order values.
But not all kiosks are created equal. There are 7 main types of kiosks, each designed for a specific function. Choosing the right one depends on your industry, your customers, and what you need the kiosk to do.
Here’s a complete breakdown of each type — with real specs, use cases, and examples from MetroClick deployments across 180+ countries.
The 7 Types of Kiosks at a Glance
| Type | Primary Function | Best For | Screen Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Self-Service Kiosks | Ordering, check-in, check-out | QSR, retail, healthcare | 21.5″ – 32″ |
| 2. Payment Kiosks | Bill pay, donations, POS | Utilities, parking, venues | 15.6″ – 27″ |
| 3. Wayfinding Kiosks | Maps, directions, navigation | Airports, malls, campuses | 32″ – 55″ |
| 4. Information Kiosks | Directories, schedules, FAQs | Lobbies, hospitals, government | 21.5″ – 55″ |
| 5. Interactive Kiosks | Product browsing, configurators | Retail, trade shows, showrooms | 32″ – 98″ |
| 6. Digital Signage Kiosks | Advertising, promotions, menus | Restaurants, retail, stadiums | 43″ – 98″ |
| 7. Ticketing Kiosks | Ticket sales, event passes | Transit, entertainment, parking | 15.6″ – 27″ |
1. Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks let customers handle transactions on their own — placing food orders, checking in for appointments, or completing retail purchases without waiting in line.
This is the fastest-growing kiosk category. Quick-service restaurants using self-order kiosks see average order values increase by 15–30% because customers spend more time browsing the menu and are more likely to add extras when there’s no pressure from a line behind them.
Key Features
- Touchscreen ordering with customizable digital menus
- Integrated payment processing — credit/debit, NFC (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and QR codes
- Receipt and label printing (thermal printers, badge printers)
- ADA-compliant designs with wheelchair-accessible heights and audio options
- Cloud-based CMS for real-time menu updates via MetroClick Manager
Common Use Cases
- Restaurants & QSR: Self-order kiosks like MetroClick’s Portrait Ordering Kiosk or Tabletop Ordering Kiosk — used by chains to cut order times by 40%
- Healthcare: Patient check-in kiosks that verify insurance, collect co-pays, and update records. See how GHX deployed check-in kiosks at Hackensack Medical Center →
- Retail: Self-checkout and loyalty program enrollment
- Hotels: Guest check-in/check-out without the front desk. See the Marriott Hotels case study →
MetroClick Self-Service Specs
- Screen sizes: 21.5″, 27″, 32″ (portrait or landscape)
- OS: Windows 10/11 IoT or Android
- Peripherals: EMV card readers, barcode/QR scanners, thermal printers, cameras
- Enclosure: Powder-coated steel, VESA-mounted or freestanding
- Available for rent or purchase
2. Payment Kiosks
Payment kiosks are purpose-built for financial transactions — bill payments, donations, parking fees, or point-of-sale checkout. They prioritize security, PCI compliance, and transaction speed above all else.
Key Features
- PCI-DSS compliant payment processing
- EMV chip + contactless NFC readers
- Cash acceptors and recyclers (optional)
- Receipt printing with transaction records
- Encrypted data transmission with end-to-end security
Common Use Cases
- Utilities & government: Bill payment stations in lobbies
- Restaurants: POS ordering kiosks that process payments at the table or counter
- Parking garages: Automated pay stations
- Nonprofits & churches: Donation kiosks with recurring payment options
- Events & venues: Concession pre-ordering at stadiums and arenas
MetroClick Payment Kiosk Options
- Portrait Ordering Kiosk — 21.5″ or 32″, ideal for QSR and retail
- Tabletop Ordering Kiosk — 21.5″, restaurants and bars
- Outdoor Ordering Kiosk — IP65-rated, drive-thrus and outdoor venues
- Curved Kiosk — ergonomic design for high-traffic retail
3. Wayfinding Kiosks
Wayfinding kiosks help people navigate large, complex spaces. They display interactive maps, turn-by-turn directions, and real-time location data — replacing the need for printed maps and staffed information desks.
Key Features
- Interactive 2D/3D floor maps with pinch-to-zoom navigation
- Multi-language support for international visitors
- Search functionality — find stores, offices, or departments by name
- Integration with building directories and interactive directory software
- Real-time updates (event schedules, closures, detours)
Common Use Cases
- Airports: Gate navigation, baggage claim info, terminal maps
- Shopping malls: Store directories with promotions. See Scottsdale Fashion Square deployment →
- Universities: Campus navigation for students and visitors. See the University of South Florida case study →
- Hospitals: Department navigation, reducing patient anxiety in complex facilities
- Tourism: Visitor info kiosks at CVBs. See Visit Jacksonville → | Chincoteague Chamber →
MetroClick pairs wayfinding hardware with custom wayfinding software — including integration with Visit Widget, Google Maps API, and proprietary CMS platforms.
4. Information Kiosks
Information kiosks provide on-demand access to directories, schedules, FAQs, and reference materials. Unlike wayfinding kiosks (which focus on navigation), information kiosks are broader — they can display anything from employee directories to event schedules to product catalogs.
Key Features
- Digital building directories with search and filtering
- Event schedules and announcements updated in real time
- Document and form access (PDFs, applications)
- Video playback for welcome messages or instructions
- QR code integration — scan to save info to your phone
Common Use Cases
- Corporate lobbies: Visitor check-in and tenant directories
- Government offices: Service menus, wait-time displays, form stations
- Libraries & museums: Collection search, exhibit info. See the Museum of Glass deployment →
- Community centers: Program schedules, resource access. See Family Scholar House →
5. Interactive Kiosks
Interactive kiosks go beyond basic self-service. They create immersive, two-way experiences — product configurators, virtual try-ons, games, surveys, and brand activations that turn passive viewers into engaged participants.
This is where MetroClick specializes. Our interactive kiosks have been deployed for brands like Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, American Express, and L’Oréal.
Key Features
- Multi-touch capacitive screens (up to 40-point touch)
- Camera integration for AR experiences, facial recognition, and photo capture
- Social media sharing — users share directly from the kiosk
- Custom software development via MetroClick’s in-house dev team
- Analytics dashboard with real-time engagement tracking
Common Use Cases
- Retail: Virtual try-on mirrors (digital mirrors), product configurators. See DSW’s virtual shoe try-on →
- Trade shows: Interactive booth displays with lead capture. See L’Oréal’s BioMatch Quiz kiosk →
- Real estate: Interactive floor plan browsers, 3D tours. See Park Avenue Tower →
- Brand activations: Photo booth kiosks with GIF creation and social sharing. See Jay-Z’s Fourth of November launch →
Interactive Kiosk Hardware Specs
- Screen sizes: 32″, 43″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 86″, 98″
- Touch technology: PCAP (projected capacitive), IR (infrared)
- Brightness: 350–2500 nits (indoor to outdoor-rated)
- Form factors: Upright, landscape, compact, portable, wall-mounted
- Peripherals: Cameras, printers, RFID readers, barcode scanners
6. Digital Signage Kiosks
Digital signage kiosks display dynamic visual content — advertisements, menu boards, promotions, event schedules, and branded messaging. They can be non-interactive (display only) or touch-enabled for interactive content.
Key Features
- Cloud-managed content via MetroClick Manager CMS
- Scheduling and zoning — different content at different times/locations
- 4K Ultra HD displays with commercial-grade brightness
- Indoor and outdoor options with IP-rated weatherproof enclosures
- Audience analytics — camera-based demographic detection (anonymous)
Common Use Cases
- Restaurants: Digital menu boards with dayparting (breakfast menu auto-switches to lunch)
- Retail: In-store promotional displays and product display kiosks
- Hospitality: Hotel lobby signage, event boards, concierge info
- Stadiums: Score displays, sponsor content, concession menus
- Corporate: Internal communications, KPI dashboards, meeting room signage
MetroClick also offers interactive video walls and LED wall solutions for large-format signage installations.
7. Ticketing Kiosks
Ticketing kiosks automate ticket sales, pass printing, and event entry — replacing staffed ticket windows with 24/7 self-service stations. They’re critical for transit systems, entertainment venues, and parking operations.
Key Features
- Ticket/pass printing with thermal or inkjet printers
- Payment processing (card, cash, mobile)
- Barcode/QR scanning for will-call and mobile ticket redemption
- Integration with ticketing platforms (Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, proprietary systems)
- Rugged outdoor enclosures for transit and parking applications
Common Use Cases
- Public transit: Subway, bus, and rail ticket machines
- Airports: Boarding pass kiosks and baggage check-in
- Entertainment: Movie theater ticket kiosks, museum admission
- Parking: Entry/exit ticket dispensers with payment processing
- Events: Will-call pickup and on-site ticket sales
How to Choose the Right Kiosk Type
Choosing between these 7 kiosk types comes down to three questions:
- What task should the kiosk complete? (Ordering → self-service. Navigation → wayfinding. Advertising → digital signage.)
- Where will it be deployed? Indoor kiosks can use standard displays. Outdoor kiosks need weatherproof enclosures, high-brightness screens (2500+ nits), and vandal-resistant glass.
- What peripherals do you need? Payment processing requires EMV readers. Check-in requires printers. Photo activations require cameras. MetroClick offers modular peripheral integration on all kiosk platforms.
Still Not Sure? Here’s a Quick Guide by Industry:
- Restaurants: Self-service ordering kiosks + digital menu boards
- Retail: Interactive product kiosks + self-checkout + smart coolers
- Hotels & Hospitality: Check-in kiosks + wayfinding + digital mirrors
- Healthcare: Patient check-in + wayfinding + information kiosks
- Events & Entertainment: Ticketing + photo booth kiosks + digital signage
- Real Estate: Interactive property displays + building directories
- Government & Public Sector: Information kiosks + payment stations + wayfinding
Why MetroClick
MetroClick is a US-based kiosk manufacturer headquartered in New York City with 12+ years of experience and deployments across 180+ countries. We design, build, program, and support every kiosk in-house — from hardware manufacturing to custom software development to cloud-based content management.
- Screen sizes: 7″ to 98″
- Fully customizable — branding, enclosures, peripherals, software
- Buy or rent — with flexible financing options including DaaS (Device as a Service)
- 15,000+ skilled technicians for installation and service
- Trusted by: Sephora, American Express, Marriott, Gatorade, Bloomingdale’s, GE Vernova
Get a Free Kiosk Consultation →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kiosk?
A kiosk is a freestanding, self-service terminal — typically with a touchscreen — that allows users to complete tasks like ordering food, paying bills, finding directions, or browsing products without needing staff assistance. Modern kiosks run on Windows or Android and can integrate payment processing, cameras, printers, and other peripherals.
How much does a kiosk cost?
Kiosk pricing ranges from $3,000–$25,000+ depending on screen size, enclosure type, peripherals, and custom software. Simple information kiosks start at the lower end, while fully custom interactive kiosks with payment processing run higher. MetroClick also offers kiosk rental and DaaS financing to reduce upfront costs.
What industries use kiosks?
Every major industry uses kiosks today: restaurants, retail, healthcare, hospitality, transportation, entertainment, real estate, government, and corporate offices. The common thread: any business where reducing wait times, cutting labor costs, or improving customer experience matters.
What’s the difference between interactive and non-interactive kiosks?
Interactive kiosks have touchscreens and accept user input — you can browse, order, pay, and interact with content. Non-interactive kiosks (like digital signage) display content without user interaction — think digital menu boards, ad displays, and informational screens.
Can kiosks work outdoors?
Yes. Outdoor kiosks use IP65-rated weatherproof enclosures, high-brightness sunlight-readable displays (2500+ nits), tempered vandal-resistant glass, and temperature-controlled ventilation systems. MetroClick outdoor kiosks operate in conditions from -20°F to 120°F.
Do you offer custom kiosk solutions?
Yes. MetroClick builds fully custom kiosks — from enclosure design to software development to peripheral integration. Our in-house engineering team works with your specifications. Contact us for a custom quote →