Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Comprehensive POS system for seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics tailored for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with robust inventory and customer management tools.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Feature-rich retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software platform for customizable payments and business operations.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for retail.
- 6#6: Toast - Restaurant POS system streamlining orders, payments, and table management for efficient cashier workflows.
- 7#7: Epos Now - Cloud POS with integrated payments, stock control, and marketing tools for various retail sectors.
- 8#8: Loyverse POS - Free mobile POS app for sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance monitoring.
- 9#9: Korona POS - Scalable POS solution with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware compatibility for retail.
- 10#10: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed for restaurants with fast checkout, menu management, and analytics.
We evaluated these tools based on key factors including feature depth, performance reliability, intuitive design, and overall value, prioritizing versatility across retail and hospitality sectors while ensuring scalability for growing businesses.
Comparison Table
Efficient transaction management is vital for businesses, and selecting the right cashier software is key to seamless operations. This comparison table examines top tools including Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Clover, Revel Systems, and more, equipping readers with insights into features, pricing, and usability to identify their ideal fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Comprehensive POS system for seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics tailored for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with robust inventory and customer management tools. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Feature-rich retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software platform for customizable payments and business operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for retail. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Toast Restaurant POS system streamlining orders, payments, and table management for efficient cashier workflows. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | |
| 7 | Epos Now Cloud POS with integrated payments, stock control, and marketing tools for various retail sectors. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Loyverse POS Free mobile POS app for sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance monitoring. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Korona POS Scalable POS solution with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware compatibility for retail. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed for restaurants with fast checkout, menu management, and analytics. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive POS system for seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics tailored for small businesses.
Omnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with robust inventory and customer management tools.
Feature-rich retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Flexible POS hardware and software platform for customizable payments and business operations.
Cloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for retail.
Restaurant POS system streamlining orders, payments, and table management for efficient cashier workflows.
Cloud POS with integrated payments, stock control, and marketing tools for various retail sectors.
Free mobile POS app for sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance monitoring.
Scalable POS solution with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware compatibility for retail.
iPad-based POS designed for restaurants with fast checkout, menu management, and analytics.
Square
specializedComprehensive POS system for seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics tailored for small businesses.
Completely free POS software with no subscription required, only transaction-based pricing
Square is a leading point-of-sale (POS) and payment processing platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling seamless in-person and online transactions via its intuitive software and affordable hardware. It handles everything from card swipes and contactless payments to inventory management, sales reporting, and customer loyalty programs without requiring monthly software fees. Businesses can set up in minutes using a smartphone or tablet, making it perfect for retail, restaurants, and service-based operations.
Pros
- No monthly fees for core POS software, only pay-per-transaction
- Quick setup with free magstripe reader and excellent mobile app
- Comprehensive features including inventory, appointments, and e-commerce integration
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can add up for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and customization limited compared to enterprise solutions
- Additional hardware like stands or full kiosks incurs extra costs
Best For
Small to medium businesses like retail shops, food trucks, and cafes seeking a simple, reliable, and scalable cashier system without upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; hardware from free reader to $799 Register.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with robust inventory and customer management tools.
Real-time synchronization of inventory, orders, and customer data between online and in-store sales
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system tailored for retailers blending online and in-store sales, enabling cashiers to handle transactions efficiently on iPads, iPhones, or Android devices. It offers real-time inventory syncing, customer management, and customizable checkouts, all integrated seamlessly with the Shopify e-commerce platform. The software supports various payment methods and provides robust reporting for sales performance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified operations
- Real-time inventory and sales syncing across channels
- Wide compatibility with hardware and mobile devices
Cons
- Requires a paid Shopify subscription to access full POS
- Advanced POS Pro features add $89/month per location
- Limited offline capabilities in basic Lite version
Best For
Omnichannel retailers who need a single platform to manage both online and physical store operations efficiently.
Pricing
POS Lite is free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro adds $89/month per location for advanced features.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseFeature-rich retail POS with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization between physical stores and online sales
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, enabling efficient cashier operations, inventory tracking, and sales processing across multiple locations. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, providing real-time inventory synchronization and omnichannel selling capabilities. The software also offers robust customer management tools, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting to optimize retail operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time syncing across stores and online channels
- Strong e-commerce integrations for omnichannel retail
- Advanced reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking a scalable POS with strong inventory and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Plans start at $69/month per register (Lean), $109/month (Standard), up to $199-$289/month (Advanced), with additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software platform for customizable payments and business operations.
Clover App Market with thousands of third-party apps for tailored functionality like delivery integrations and advanced reporting.
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing robust cashier software for processing payments, managing inventory, and handling sales transactions across retail, restaurants, and services. It integrates seamlessly with a variety of hardware options, from mobile card readers to full countertop terminals, supporting contactless payments, loyalty programs, and reporting. The platform's app marketplace enables extensive customization to fit specific business needs.
Pros
- Expansive app marketplace with over 500 integrations for customization
- Reliable payment processing supporting EMV, NFC, and multiple tender types
- Flexible hardware ecosystem from handheld to stationary setups
Cons
- Upfront hardware costs can be significant for smaller businesses
- Transaction processing fees may accumulate for high-volume users
- Customer support response times receive mixed feedback
Best For
Small to medium retail shops, restaurants, and service businesses seeking a scalable, hardware-integrated POS solution.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Payments plan) up to $114.85/month (Enterprise); hardware from $49 (Go) to $1,699 (Station); processing at 2.3% + $0.10 per swiped transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for retail.
Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) with real-time order routing and customization for high-volume restaurants
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS system tailored for restaurants, retail, and bars, providing seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and employee scheduling. It supports offline operations with automatic cloud syncing upon reconnection, enabling real-time data access across multiple locations. The platform integrates with various third-party apps for payments, loyalty programs, and accounting.
Pros
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- Strong integrations with payment processors and apps
- Reliable offline mode and real-time reporting
Cons
- High subscription and hardware costs
- Limited to iPad ecosystem
- Steep initial setup and learning curve
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and retail businesses needing scalable, feature-rich POS with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $249/month (Elite); plus hardware (~$1,000+ per iPad setup) and 2.3%+ payment processing fees.
Toast
specializedRestaurant POS system streamlining orders, payments, and table management for efficient cashier workflows.
Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) for real-time, efficient order routing and fulfillment
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants and hospitality businesses, providing robust cashier functionalities such as order taking, payment processing, and real-time sales tracking. It integrates front-of-house operations with back-of-house tools like inventory management, kitchen display systems, and employee scheduling. Designed for scalability, Toast supports everything from quick-service spots to full-service dining venues with offline capabilities and extensive third-party integrations.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features including KDS and tableside ordering
- Strong offline mode and reliable payment processing
- Vast app marketplace for custom integrations
Cons
- Higher overall costs due to hardware requirements and processing fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-restaurant users
- Limited flexibility outside hospitality verticals
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and bars needing an all-in-one POS with integrated operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), scales to $165+ for advanced tiers; plus hardware ($500+) and ~2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS with integrated payments, stock control, and marketing tools for various retail sectors.
App Store with over 100 third-party integrations for accounting, delivery, and e-commerce
Epos Now is a cloud-based EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service businesses, enabling efficient cashier operations like sales processing, cash handling, and receipt generation. It integrates inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and real-time reporting to streamline front-end transactions. The platform supports multi-location setups and offers customizable hardware bundles for seamless deployment.
Pros
- Extensive integrations via App Store with 100+ apps
- Robust inventory and multi-location support
- 24/7 customer support and reliable cloud access
Cons
- Hardware bundles add significant upfront costs
- Occasional software glitches reported by users
- Advanced features have a learning curve
Best For
Small to medium retail and hospitality businesses needing a scalable, customizable POS for cashier and inventory management.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per terminal (billed annually); hardware from £500+, with custom quotes for bundles.
Loyverse POS
otherFree mobile POS app for sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance monitoring.
Fully functional free POS app that runs on any smartphone or tablet without needing expensive hardware
Loyverse POS is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small retail and service businesses, enabling cashiers to process sales, manage inventory, and track employees via a intuitive mobile app on iOS or Android devices. It offers real-time syncing across multiple locations and devices, with built-in reporting for sales analytics and performance insights. The platform supports barcode scanning, customer loyalty programs, and basic e-commerce integration, making it suitable for quick-service operations.
Pros
- Completely free core POS functionality with no transaction fees
- Highly intuitive mobile app interface for quick setup and use
- Real-time inventory and multi-location syncing
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed employee permissions require paid add-ons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise POS systems
- Customer support primarily relies on self-help resources and email
Best For
Ideal for small retail shops, cafes, or food trucks seeking a no-cost, mobile-first POS solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever for basic POS, inventory, and reports; paid add-ons like Advanced Inventory or Loyalty start at $5 per feature per location per month.
Korona POS
enterpriseScalable POS solution with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware compatibility for retail.
Industry-tailored modules (e.g., for cannabis or breweries) with specialized compliance and inventory tools
Korona POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail, restaurants, breweries, smoke shops, and other specialty businesses, enabling fast cashier transactions, inventory tracking, and customer management. It supports multi-location operations with real-time syncing, employee time tracking, and customizable receipt printing. The software is device-agnostic, running on iPads, PCs, or Android tablets without requiring proprietary hardware.
Pros
- Highly customizable for niche industries like breweries and dispensaries
- Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
- 24/7 US-based customer support
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and locations
- Moderate learning curve for advanced back-office features
- Limited native integrations compared to larger competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized specialty retail or foodservice businesses needing industry-specific POS tools and strong inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month per terminal (Basic), $99/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing; no long-term contracts.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS designed for restaurants with fast checkout, menu management, and analytics.
Interactive floor plan for visual table management and server handoffs
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing cashier tools for quick order entry, payment processing, and table management. It supports both full-service and quick-service operations with features like split checks, gratuities, and offline mode for uninterrupted service. The platform integrates inventory tracking and real-time reporting to streamline front-of-house cashier workflows.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like table mapping and menu modifiers
- Reliable offline mode for high-volume shifts
- Integrated payment processing with low fees
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware, increasing upfront costs
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple terminals
- Limited customization for non-restaurant cashier needs
Best For
Independent restaurants and bars needing robust POS for table service and quick payments.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Essentials plan), plus hardware and 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction processing fees.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 cashier software tools, Square emerges as the clear leader, offering a comprehensive mix of payments, inventory, and analytics tailored to small businesses. While Shopify POS shines with its omnichannel syncing and Lightspeed Retail impresses with advanced retail capabilities, Square’s versatility and seamless integration make it the top choice for many. Each of the leading tools solves specific business needs, ensuring there’s a strong option for diverse operations.
Don’t miss out—try Square today to experience a streamlined cashier workflow, robust inventory management, and actionable sales insights that can elevate your business performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison