Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Comprehensive cloud-based POS for small businesses with free software, integrated payments, inventory tracking, and e-commerce sync.
- 2#2: Toast - Restaurant-focused cloud POS with advanced order management, kitchen display, payroll, and loyalty features.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Robust cloud POS for retail with multi-store inventory, CRM, purchase orders, and extensive integrations.
- 4#4: Shopify POS - Seamless cloud POS integrated with Shopify e-commerce for omnichannel sales, inventory, and customer management.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible cloud POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad cloud POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, menu customization, and analytics.
- 8#8: Lavu - Cloud POS for restaurants featuring mobile ordering, inventory control, and multi-location support.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud-based POS for retail and hospitality with payment integrations, stock management, and cloud reporting.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free cloud POS for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, employee management, and loyalty programs.
Tools were selected based on depth of features (including integration, reporting, and multi-location support), user-friendly design, operational reliability, and value for different business scales—ensuring relevance for both small and enterprise needs.
Comparison Table
Explore how leading cloud-based POS software tools—including Square, Toast, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and more—stack up, with insights into features, pricing, and usability to guide business decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Comprehensive cloud-based POS for small businesses with free software, integrated payments, inventory tracking, and e-commerce sync. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Toast Restaurant-focused cloud POS with advanced order management, kitchen display, payroll, and loyalty features. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Robust cloud POS for retail with multi-store inventory, CRM, purchase orders, and extensive integrations. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 |  Shopify POS Seamless cloud POS integrated with Shopify e-commerce for omnichannel sales, inventory, and customer management. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible cloud POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad cloud POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, menu customization, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Cloud POS for restaurants featuring mobile ordering, inventory control, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud-based POS for retail and hospitality with payment integrations, stock management, and cloud reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free cloud POS for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, employee management, and loyalty programs. | other | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS for small businesses with free software, integrated payments, inventory tracking, and e-commerce sync.
Restaurant-focused cloud POS with advanced order management, kitchen display, payroll, and loyalty features.
Robust cloud POS for retail with multi-store inventory, CRM, purchase orders, and extensive integrations.
Seamless cloud POS integrated with Shopify e-commerce for omnichannel sales, inventory, and customer management.
Flexible cloud POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries.
iPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
iPad cloud POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, menu customization, and analytics.
Cloud POS for restaurants featuring mobile ordering, inventory control, and multi-location support.
Cloud-based POS for retail and hospitality with payment integrations, stock management, and cloud reporting.
Free cloud POS for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, employee management, and loyalty programs.
Square
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS for small businesses with free software, integrated payments, inventory tracking, and e-commerce sync.
Zero monthly subscription for unlimited POS transactions, combined with free basic card reader hardware compatibility
Square is a leading cloud-based POS software solution that enables businesses to accept payments, manage inventory, track sales, and handle e-commerce from any device with internet access. It supports a wide range of hardware like card readers and terminals, integrating seamlessly with online stores and appointment booking. Designed for scalability, it offers real-time analytics and reporting to help merchants make data-driven decisions.
Pros
- No monthly fees for core POS software, only pay-per-transaction
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile accessibility
- Extensive integrations including e-commerce, payroll, and accounting tools
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Advanced inventory features may require paid add-ons
- Limited customization for very large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses like retail shops, restaurants, food trucks, and service providers seeking an affordable, all-in-one cloud POS with easy scalability.
Pricing
Free core POS software; pay-per-use processing at 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ for online/keyed-in; premium features like Payroll start at $35/month + $5/employee.
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant-focused cloud POS with advanced order management, kitchen display, payroll, and loyalty features.
All-in-one restaurant platform with native online ordering that captures direct customer data and minimizes third-party commissions.
Toast is a leading cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering end-to-end management from order taking and payments to inventory, scheduling, and reporting. It supports front-of-house operations like table management and bill splitting, alongside back-of-house tools such as kitchen display systems and payroll integration. With robust mobile app support and offline capabilities, Toast ensures seamless operations even in challenging environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like table management, menu engineering, and course firing
- Deep integrations with delivery platforms (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats) and online ordering
- Reliable 24/7 support, analytics dashboards, and scalability for multi-location chains
Cons
- Higher cost structure with mandatory hardware and processing fees
- Proprietary hardware ecosystem limits flexibility
- Occasional reports of interface glitches or slower load times during peak hours
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and multi-location chains needing an integrated ecosystem for POS, online sales, and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $75+ per month per terminal for software, plus ~$100/month hardware lease and 2.49%-3.69% + $0.15 payment processing fees.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseRobust cloud POS for retail with multi-store inventory, CRM, purchase orders, and extensive integrations.
Matrix inventory system for handling complex product variations and sizes across multiple locations
Lightspeed Retail is a robust cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering seamless point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer tracking. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization across stores and online channels, including e-commerce integrations like Shopify and WooCommerce. The platform provides advanced reporting, loyalty programs, and purchase order management to streamline retail operations efficiently.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-location inventory management with real-time syncing
- Strong omnichannel integrations for in-store and online sales
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Multi-location retail stores needing advanced inventory control and unified online/offline sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Essentials plan), scaling to $149+ for Plus/Advanced; includes payment processing fees (2.6% + 10¢) and optional hardware.
Shopify POS
enterpriseSeamless cloud POS integrated with Shopify e-commerce for omnichannel sales, inventory, and customer management.
Real-time unified inventory, orders, and customer data sync between online store and in-person POS
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with the Shopify e-commerce platform, enabling merchants to process in-person transactions on iPads, iPhones, or Android devices. It provides real-time synchronization of inventory, orders, and customer data across online and physical stores, supporting omnichannel retail operations. With compatibility for various hardware peripherals and access to thousands of apps, it scales for businesses from pop-ups to multi-location retailers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and sales
- Real-time syncing across channels with robust app ecosystem
- Flexible hardware support and mobile-first design
Cons
- Requires underlying Shopify subscription for full access
- POS Pro upgrade ($89/month per location) needed for advanced features
- Transaction fees on payments processed outside Shopify Payments
Best For
E-commerce businesses on Shopify seeking to expand into physical retail with effortless online-offline synchronization.
Pricing
POS Lite included free with Shopify plans (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro $89/month per location.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible cloud POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries.
The Clover App Market, offering thousands of third-party apps for limitless customization and niche integrations.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs through its intuitive web dashboard. It supports a range of hardware options like the compact Clover Mini, mobile Go, and full Station setups, with real-time cloud syncing across devices. The platform shines with its expansive App Market, allowing thousands of third-party integrations for tailored functionality.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with over 5,000 customizable apps
- Seamless integrated payments and hardware compatibility
- Robust reporting and cloud-based accessibility from anywhere
Cons
- Hardware and software costs can add up quickly for multi-location setups
- Transaction fees higher than some budget competitors
- Customer support response times vary, with mixed user experiences
Best For
Small retail shops, restaurants, and service businesses seeking highly customizable POS solutions without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station); software subscriptions $14.95-$114.85/month per device; processing fees ~2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
Advanced real-time analytics dashboard with customizable KPIs and multi-location insights
Revel Systems is a robust cloud-based POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, bars, and quick-service operations, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory tracking, and employee management. It supports iPad and other hardware for flexible deployment across single or multi-location setups, with real-time data syncing via the cloud. The platform excels in customizable menus, loyalty programs, and integrations with over 100 third-party apps.
Pros
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Extensive integrations via Revel Marketplace
- Scalable for multi-location businesses with offline mode support
Cons
- Higher pricing structure with per-terminal fees
- Customer support response times can vary
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Growing restaurant chains and retail businesses needing advanced analytics and multi-location scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for core features, plus hardware costs, payment processing fees (2.3%+), and add-ons like advanced reporting ($50+/month).
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad cloud POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, menu customization, and analytics.
Yardstick benchmarking reports that compare your restaurant's KPIs to industry averages for actionable insights
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing tools for order management, table service, inventory tracking, and payments with offline capabilities and automatic cloud syncing. It excels in full-service environments with features like customizable floor plans, course management, and real-time reporting. The platform supports multi-location operations and integrates with popular restaurant apps for delivery, loyalty, and accounting.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools including table mapping and staff management
- Advanced analytics with Yardstick benchmarking against industry peers
- Reliable offline mode with seamless cloud synchronization
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Higher pricing compared to general POS alternatives
- Mixed customer support experiences and occasional sync delays
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants needing robust, industry-tailored operational and analytical capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Solo plan), up to $269/month (Growth plan); plus transaction fees of 2.9% + $0.30 or custom processing rates.
Lavu
enterpriseCloud POS for restaurants featuring mobile ordering, inventory control, and multi-location support.
Advanced offline mode that allows full functionality without internet and auto-syncs data upon reconnection
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and quick-service eateries, offering tools for order management, table tracking, inventory control, and real-time reporting. It supports iOS and Android tablets, with features like offline mode for uninterrupted service and integrations for online ordering and payments. The platform emphasizes mobility and customization through its Lavu Marketplace for add-ons like loyalty programs and gift cards.
Pros
- Intuitive tablet-based interface ideal for front-of-house operations
- Robust offline capabilities with automatic syncing
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like KDS and menu modifiers
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple terminals and add-ons
- Limited suitability for non-foodservice retail businesses
- Occasional reports of sync delays or app glitches
Best For
Independent restaurants, bars, and food trucks needing a mobile, restaurant-focused POS with strong order management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Restaurant plan, $99 for Bar, up to $159 for Enterprise; hardware and processing fees extra.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud-based POS for retail and hospitality with payment integrations, stock management, and cloud reporting.
Integrated app marketplace offering over 100 third-party integrations for customized workflows
Epos Now is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, providing seamless point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and real-time reporting across multiple locations. It supports a wide array of hardware options, from countertop terminals to mobile setups, and integrates with over 100 third-party apps for enhanced functionality like loyalty programs and e-commerce. The platform emphasizes scalability, allowing businesses to manage operations remotely via any internet-connected device.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations
- Real-time cloud synchronization for multi-location management
- Customizable hardware bundles for various business sizes
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Occasional software glitches and bugs
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and restaurant owners needing scalable, multi-location POS with strong inventory and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per device; hardware bundles from £399 one-time, with premium plans up to £109/month.
Loyverse
otherFree cloud POS for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, employee management, and loyalty programs.
100% free unlimited POS usage with no transaction fees or user limits
Loyverse is a cloud-based POS system tailored for small businesses like retail stores, cafes, and restaurants, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It operates seamlessly across iOS, Android, and web platforms with real-time multi-device synchronization and offline mode support. The software emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it accessible for startups without compromising essential functionality.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with unlimited users, sales, and inventory items
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup and offline capabilities
- Real-time cloud sync across multiple locations and devices
Cons
- Advanced analytics and reporting require paid add-ons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise solutions
- Customization options are basic for complex business needs
Best For
Small retail shops, food trucks, and cafes seeking a no-cost, easy-to-deploy POS for basic operations.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; paid add-ons like Back Office ($5/location/month), Hardware Server ($10/month), and Loyalty Program ($5/location/month).
Conclusion
The top cloud-based POS tools reviewed offer tailored solutions for diverse business needs, with Square standing out as the best overall choice, thanks to its broad feature set for small businesses. Toast leads as a strong restaurant-focused option, and Lightspeed Retail excels for retail with its robust inventory management and integrations, making them excellent alternatives depending on specific requirements. Each tool brings unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for nearly every operation, from startups to scaling businesses.
Don’t miss out on Square—its seamless integration of payments, inventory, and e-commerce capabilities can transform how you run your business. Take the first step toward more efficient operations and try Square today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison