Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - All-in-one POS system for small businesses offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics with no monthly fees.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for seamless inventory and customer management.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Robust retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
- 4#4: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Cloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time reporting and loyalty programs.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Flexible cloud POS for retail and hospitality with hardware bundles and customization.
- 9#9: Lavu - Mobile-first POS for restaurants supporting table-side ordering and multi-location operations.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee time tracking.
These tools were ranked based on their robust feature sets, intuitive user experience, consistent performance, and overall value, ensuring they deliver practical benefits across various business sizes and industries.
Comparison Table
Looking to streamline business operations with the right point-of-sale software? This comparison table explores top tools—including Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover, and more—to help identify the best fit. Readers will learn about key features, pricing, and unique strengths, enabling informed decisions tailored to their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square All-in-one POS system for small businesses offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics with no monthly fees. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for seamless inventory and customer management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Robust retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Cloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time reporting and loyalty programs. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Flexible cloud POS for retail and hospitality with hardware bundles and customization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Lavu Mobile-first POS for restaurants supporting table-side ordering and multi-location operations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee time tracking. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
All-in-one POS system for small businesses offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics with no monthly fees.
Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for seamless inventory and customer management.
Robust retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
Customizable POS hardware and software for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace.
Cloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time reporting and loyalty programs.
iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling.
Flexible cloud POS for retail and hospitality with hardware bundles and customization.
Mobile-first POS for restaurants supporting table-side ordering and multi-location operations.
Free POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee time tracking.
Square
enterpriseAll-in-one POS system for small businesses offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics with no monthly fees.
Zero monthly fees for unlimited users and transactions, enabling instant scalability for businesses of any size
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering seamless payment processing via card readers, contactless payments, and online checkout. It includes robust features like inventory tracking, sales reporting, employee management, and e-commerce integration through Square Online. The platform's mobile-first app allows merchants to process transactions anywhere, making it ideal for retail, restaurants, food trucks, and service providers seeking flexibility without complex setups.
Pros
- No monthly fees for core POS software, only pay per transaction
- Intuitive mobile app with quick setup in minutes
- Extensive integrations with 100+ third-party apps for inventory, payroll, and more
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) add up for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid add-ons
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small business owners, startups, and mobile vendors needing an affordable, user-friendly POS without contracts or subscriptions.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; hardware from $9 (reader) to $799 (terminals); premium features like payroll from $35/month.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for seamless inventory and customer management.
Real-time synchronization of inventory, orders, and customer data between online store and physical POS
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to process in-person transactions using iPad or Android devices while maintaining real-time inventory and customer data synchronization across online and offline channels. It supports a wide range of hardware like card readers, receipt printers, and scales, and enables features such as buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS), staff management, and detailed reporting. Designed primarily for retail businesses, it streamlines omnichannel selling without requiring separate systems.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and customer management
- Supports omnichannel features like BOPIS and real-time sales syncing
- Extensive app marketplace and hardware compatibility for customization
Cons
- POS Pro requires additional $89/month per location fee
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments (2.4-2.9%)
- Steeper learning curve for users without prior Shopify experience
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking a unified omnichannel POS solution.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location; plus 2.4-2.9% transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseRobust retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Real-time multi-location inventory synchronization with automated purchasing and vendor management
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering robust inventory management, sales processing, and e-commerce integrations. It supports multi-store operations with real-time data syncing, advanced reporting, and customer loyalty tools to optimize operations and boost sales. The platform also handles payments, purchase orders, and omnichannel selling seamlessly.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and multi-location management
- Strong e-commerce and marketplace integrations
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Moderate learning curve for complex setups
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Growing multi-location retail businesses needing integrated online and in-store sales capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Lite), $109/month (Plus), $189/month (Advanced), $289/month (Enterprise); hardware and payment processing fees extra.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
Built-in online ordering and guest marketing tools that drive direct revenue without third-party commissions
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, providing comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, and customer engagement. It integrates front-of-house operations like table management and kitchen displays with back-office features such as inventory tracking, payroll, and reporting. Designed as an all-in-one platform, Toast streamlines operations from dine-in to online ordering and delivery.
Pros
- Extensive restaurant-specific features including table management and kitchen display system
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Powerful analytics and reporting for sales and inventory insights
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and processing fees
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Custom contracts can lead to long-term commitments
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and multi-location chains needing an integrated hospitality management solution.
Pricing
Starts at around $69-$165 per month per terminal for software (custom quotes), plus hardware bundles from $799 and 2.49%-3.69% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace.
App Market allowing seamless third-party app integrations for tailored functionality
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system from Fiserv, offering integrated hardware and cloud-based software for payment processing, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement. It supports retail, restaurants, and service businesses with devices ranging from compact handheld units to full countertop stations. The platform's open architecture includes an App Market for third-party integrations, enabling customization for specific workflows.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with 200+ integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware ecosystem including mobile and stationary devices
- Robust inventory, employee, and reporting tools
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (starting at $49 but often $500+)
- Processing fees slightly above industry average (2.3%-2.6% + $0.10)
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller merchants
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant businesses needing flexible, hardware-integrated POS with app-based expansions.
Pricing
Software from $14.95/mo (Payments plan) to $114.85/mo (Full plan); hardware $49-$1,699; transaction fees 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time reporting and loyalty programs.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) that streamlines order routing and reduces errors in high-volume kitchens
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, offering real-time sales tracking, inventory management, and employee scheduling. It includes advanced features like online ordering, loyalty programs, kitchen display systems, and comprehensive reporting dashboards. The system's mobility and integrations with third-party apps make it suitable for dynamic operations requiring scalability.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like KDS and table management
- Cloud-based with offline mode and real-time analytics
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Higher monthly fees that scale with terminals
- Steeper learning curve for full feature set
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and bars needing advanced back-office management and scalability in a mobile POS environment.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $199+ for Enterprise; plus hardware (~$1,000+ per setup) and 2.3-2.6% processing fees; custom quotes required.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling.
Interactive floor plan and table management for visual seat assignments and real-time reservations
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, providing tools for order taking, payment processing, table management, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It supports offline functionality to keep operations running during internet outages and integrates with popular third-party apps like delivery services and accounting software. With robust reporting and customizable menus, it helps streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations for efficient service.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like advanced table mapping and floor plans
- Reliable offline mode and strong integrations with hospitality apps
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing with additional fees for add-ons and hardware
- Primarily iPad-based, limiting hardware flexibility
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes needing specialized table management and hospitality-focused tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69 per terminal/month for basic plans, up to $199+ for premium tiers, plus hardware costs and processing fees.
Epos Now
enterpriseFlexible cloud POS for retail and hospitality with hardware bundles and customization.
App Store with 100+ integrations for accounting, delivery, and e-commerce
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, restaurants, cafes, and hospitality businesses, providing hardware and software for seamless transaction processing. It includes inventory management, real-time reporting, customer loyalty programs, and multi-location support. The platform emphasizes scalability with an extensive app marketplace for custom integrations.
Pros
- Wide range of industry-specific features and apps
- Strong cloud-based accessibility and reporting
- Flexible hardware bundles and scalability
Cons
- Pricing can add up for multiple locations
- Customer support response times vary
- Occasional software glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to medium retail and hospitality businesses needing robust, integrable POS with hardware options.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month per device for software; hardware bundles from $1,000+ with financing; custom enterprise pricing.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS for restaurants supporting table-side ordering and multi-location operations.
Full offline functionality that keeps the POS running smoothly without internet connectivity
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and hospitality businesses, enabling mobile order taking, payment processing, and inventory management via iPad apps. It offers features like kitchen display systems, online ordering integration, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting tools. The system supports offline functionality to ensure seamless operations during internet outages.
Pros
- Mobile-first iPad interface ideal for tableside service
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like inventory and kitchen displays
- Reliable offline mode and third-party integrations
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices, no native Android support
- Pricing can add up with add-ons and hardware costs
- Some users report occasional app glitches and support delays
Best For
Small to medium restaurants, bars, and food trucks needing a flexible, tablet-based POS for quick service.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Starter plan (1 terminal), up to $199/month for Pro; additional fees for terminals, hardware, and processing.
Loyverse
otherFree POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee time tracking.
Fully functional free POS app with unlimited users and no transaction fees, ideal for bootstrapped businesses
Loyverse is a free cloud-based POS system tailored for small businesses, enabling sales processing, inventory tracking, customer management, and employee scheduling via mobile apps on iOS and Android. It supports hardware like receipt printers and barcode scanners, with real-time syncing across multiple devices and locations. The platform offers basic reporting and analytics out of the box, with premium add-ons for advanced features like time clock and detailed insights.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Strong multi-store and inventory management for small operations
Cons
- Advanced analytics and employee features locked behind paid add-ons
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise POS systems
- Requires stable internet for real-time syncing
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, or food trucks seeking a no-cost, easy-to-use POS to start operations without upfront investment.
Pricing
Free forever for basic POS; paid plans from $5/location/month (POS+) and $25/month (Back Office) for extras like advanced reports and time tracking.
Conclusion
The top POS software options highlighted diverse strengths, with Square leading as a versatile, all-in-one solution for small businesses. Shopify POS excels in linking in-store and online operations, while Lightspeed Retail stands out for robust retail features and multi-location support, offering tailored choices for different needs.
Don’t miss out—try Square’s user-friendly, fee-free system to simplify payments, manage inventory, and grow your business with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
shopify.comReferenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.