How Much Do Outdoor Kiosks Cost in 2023?

Outdoor Cost and Configuration Guide

Outdoor kiosks cost between $3,400-$25,900 plus software (sold separately), which ranges from $2,600 – $15,200. Outdoor Kiosk hardware cost depends on mounting, PC, touchscreen, and peripheral configurations:

INDOOR vs. OUTDOOR KIOSKS

Outdoor kiosks by definition cost considerably more than indoor kiosks because of the many upgrades and changes needed for a kiosk to operate in wide temperature ranges and weather.

Outdoor kiosks require water-sealed, outdoor powder coated enclosures, internal heating and cooling systems, wide-temperature RAM and wide-temperature solid-state drives, high-brightness LCDs with cooling technology to allow exposure to sunlight and several other outdoor kiosk modifications.

Outdoor 21.5” base pricing with no stand or peripherals ranges from $2,800 to $3,700 depending on CPU, RAM, and Video Card configuration.

MOUNTING OUTDOOR KIOSKS

One fundamental question is how is the outdoor kiosk mounted.  To a wall, or on a stand? A wall mount is lower cost and works great if you happen to have a wall in the right place, while a stand can be deployed anywhere but is typically more costly.

Orientation to the sun is also critical to deploying outdoor kiosks.  Although these kiosks are hardened against damaging sunlight exposure, prolonged direct sunlight can still damage an outdoor kiosk LCD.  A North/South facing direction is recommended to minimize sunlight exposure.

PC

This cost can vary from a low-end J1900 CPU with 4GB RAM and onboard video to an i7 CPU with 32GB RAM and a 4GB video card.

The PC used in the kiosk is no different from a functional perspective than any desktop PC.  Like a desktop PC, there are configuration choices including CPU, RAM, graphics, connectivity, and operating system that must be tailored to the software application that will be running on the kiosk.

Also, does the kiosk need to connect to the internet? How? WiFi, wired LAN, or 3G/4G cellular?  All of these choices impact the price.

OUTDOOR TOUCHSCREEN KIOSK

The choices made can vary the cost from no touch, or display only, to the interactive touchscreen.

When no touch is used, the outdoor kiosks are more like a digital sign allowing no user interaction.

A touchscreen is by far the most popular choice as it allows the user to interact with the software as though they were using a mouse.  Touch works best on a larger screen size when the user is presented with clear touch choices on the kiosk screen, with little or no keyboard input required.  If some keyboard input is required, a virtual keyboard can be used for that.

PERIPHERALS:

Kiosk peripheral choices can range from none to many including credit card readers, barcode scanners, cameras, and more.

The peripheral choice is tied to the application.  For example, a payment kiosk may require a credit card reader or a chip reader while an internet access kiosk or information kiosk usually has no peripheral requirements.

What are the benefits and applications of outdoor touch screen kiosks?

Outdoor touch screen interactive kiosks, also known as self-serve kiosks, place 24/7 access to products and services in any location for the benefit and convenience of users and customers. Outdoor Kiosks are a force multiplier and allow owners to broaden and enhance their reach to their customers. Below are just a few examples of outdoor kiosk applications:

INFORMATION and APPLICATION SPECIFIC OUTDOOR KIOSK APPLICATION

Information and internet access kiosks are a broad application area.  These kiosk applications usually allow users to browse and interact with information on websites in a controlled way that would give the kiosk user the ability to visit certain selected pages.  This is done by using a product referred to as “browser lock-down” software, which is available from several providers.

Some common applications include:

Wayfinding Kiosk:
This provides a map and directory to the user for use in parks and recreation areas, events, building lobbies, cemeteries, etc. These touch kiosks usually do not require any additional kiosk peripherals.

Parking Kiosks:
Allows parking check-in/check-out and payment in covered and outdoor parking lots.  A shorter, drive-up stand is also available so users can remain in their vehicles while using the kiosk.

Truck Scale Kiosk:
Outdoor kiosks can be fitted with camera and card readers to facilitate truck scale operations and are rugged enough to perform well under those adverse conditions.

Museum Kiosk:
Museums love interactive kiosks.  What better way to enhance and deepen a museum exhibit than with a large-screen, interactive touch kiosk that can display a wealth of information to the visitor? From hi-resolution photos to HD videos, these kiosks can be any size but usually tend to be larger, 32” and up, to present the user with greater impact.

Visitor Kiosks
Many companies require visitors to log in when they arrive, confirm their appointments, and wear visitor badges while in the building.  A kiosk can perform all of these tasks for the user including taking a picture of the user and even creating the visitor badge.  A webcam, bar-code scanner, card reader, and specialized printer can all be used by the kiosk for this application.

Access Control Kiosks
Access control and security kiosks are used to verify a user’s identity, and then allow access to a building, room, or another secure area.  Gate control kiosks are outdoor kiosks that control gate access. These kiosks may have peripherals that include biometric scanning, such as fingerprint or palm, barcode, and magnetic card readers, and cameras.

Payment Kiosks
Accepting payments is a natural self-service application for kiosks. If a website can accept a payment, so can a remote kiosk.  Usually a credit card reader is used for most applications, but a bill acceptor can also be used and even more exotic peripherals such as check readers and bill recyclers can also be used in the high-end machines.  Bill payment kiosks with these kinds of peripherals need to have specific software developed exclusively for their use.

Donation Kiosk
Donation kiosks are another form of payment kiosks. Typically a donation kiosk is simpler, and most commonly may only use a card reader to accept the donation.

How Much Do These Outdoor Kiosks Cost?

Now it’s time to talk money. How much does an outdoor touch screen kiosk cost exactly? The answer varies.

Here are some baseline prices you can expect as you shop for your kiosk:

$3,000 for base 21.5” outdoor kiosk

$1,081 for an outdoor stand

$220 for the outdoor insert card reader

$180 for upgraded CPU

$195 for 27-inch LCD touchscreen

$400 for kiosk software

There are extra prices associated with getting your touch screen kiosk up and running. These are as follows:

$300 for initial project management

$1,000 for installation

$3,600 for 36 months of software support

$1,800 for 36 months of management software

That puts your total at $11,777 per kiosk with all of the options listed above. Some of those prices, such as the continued software support and management software, are recurring. You’ll have to pay for those every three years.

Compare Outdoor Kiosk Pricing

Here are four things to consider when buying an outdoor kiosk:

1. Durability: Outdoor kiosks need to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions, so it’s important to choose a kiosk that is built to last. This includes features like waterproofing, UV protection, and rugged construction materials.
2. Security: Since outdoor kiosks are often located in public areas, it’s important to consider the security of the kiosk and the data it stores. Look for kiosks with features like encrypted storage, secure login protocols, and tamper-resistant hardware.
3. Accessibility: If the kiosk will be used by people with disabilities, it’s important to choose a kiosk that is ADA-compliant and easy to use for people with limited mobility or visual impairments. This may include features like touchscreen controls, audio output, and braille signage.
4. Maintenance: Outdoor kiosks will require regular maintenance to ensure they are in good working order. Consider the maintenance needs of the kiosk, including the availability of replacement parts and the ease of access for servicing.

Where Can I Buy an Outdoor Kiosk?

There are many places where you can buy an outdoor kiosk. Some options include:

1. Online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba
2. Manufacturer websites such as Kiosk Manufacturer, Advantech, and Cyber Kiosk
3. Specialty kiosk vendors such as Outdoor Kiosk, Kiosk Marketplace, and Outdoor Kiosk Pro

You can also try searching for local suppliers in your area. It might be helpful to compare the prices and features of different kiosks before making a purchase.