Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Cloud-based POS software offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Feature-rich cloud POS platform with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for growing retailers.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Unified cloud POS system that syncs in-store sales with online Shopify stores for omnichannel retail operations.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible cloud-based POS with customizable apps, hardware options, and payment processing for diverse retail needs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric cloud POS delivering robust reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for multi-store retail chains.
- 6#6: Odoo POS - Open-source cloud POS integrated with full ERP suite for inventory, CRM, and accounting in retail environments.
- 7#7: ERPLY - Cloud retail management POS with real-time inventory, CRM, and multi-channel sales capabilities.
- 8#8: KORONA POS - Modern cloud POS for retail supporting offline mode, detailed analytics, and hardware flexibility on iPad and Android.
- 9#9: Loyverse POS - Free cloud-synced POS app for small retailers with inventory, employee management, and customer loyalty features.
- 10#10: eHopper - Affordable cloud POS system with quick setup, inventory tracking, and integrations for independent retail stores.
These tools were rigorously evaluated based on features, performance, usability, and value, ensuring a curated list of reliable platforms that cater to both emerging and established retailers.
Comparison Table
Cloud-based retail POS software simplifies operations, from sales tracking to inventory management, making it a cornerstone of modern retail. This comparison table explores top tools like Square, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, outlining features, pricing, and usability to help you identify the ideal solution for your business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Cloud-based POS software offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Feature-rich cloud POS platform with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for growing retailers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Unified cloud POS system that syncs in-store sales with online Shopify stores for omnichannel retail operations. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible cloud-based POS with customizable apps, hardware options, and payment processing for diverse retail needs. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric cloud POS delivering robust reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for multi-store retail chains. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Odoo POS Open-source cloud POS integrated with full ERP suite for inventory, CRM, and accounting in retail environments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | ERPLY Cloud retail management POS with real-time inventory, CRM, and multi-channel sales capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | KORONA POS Modern cloud POS for retail supporting offline mode, detailed analytics, and hardware flexibility on iPad and Android. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse POS Free cloud-synced POS app for small retailers with inventory, employee management, and customer loyalty features. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 10 | eHopper Affordable cloud POS system with quick setup, inventory tracking, and integrations for independent retail stores. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Cloud-based POS software offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
Feature-rich cloud POS platform with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for growing retailers.
Unified cloud POS system that syncs in-store sales with online Shopify stores for omnichannel retail operations.
Flexible cloud-based POS with customizable apps, hardware options, and payment processing for diverse retail needs.
iPad-centric cloud POS delivering robust reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for multi-store retail chains.
Open-source cloud POS integrated with full ERP suite for inventory, CRM, and accounting in retail environments.
Cloud retail management POS with real-time inventory, CRM, and multi-channel sales capabilities.
Modern cloud POS for retail supporting offline mode, detailed analytics, and hardware flexibility on iPad and Android.
Free cloud-synced POS app for small retailers with inventory, employee management, and customer loyalty features.
Affordable cloud POS system with quick setup, inventory tracking, and integrations for independent retail stores.
Square
enterpriseCloud-based POS software offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
Completely free core POS software with no subscription required, paired with a plug-and-play card reader.
Square is a leading cloud-based POS software solution tailored for retail businesses, enabling seamless in-person, online, and mobile payments via its intuitive app and affordable hardware. It offers robust inventory management, real-time sales tracking, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting accessible from any internet-connected device. Designed for scalability, Square supports everything from pop-up shops to established stores with integrations for e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only pay per transaction
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with quick setup
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and marketing tools
- Reliable hardware options including free magstripe reader
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced inventory features require paid add-ons for larger operations
- Customer support primarily email/chat, limited phone access for free tier
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking an affordable, mobile-first POS with effortless setup and scalability.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; hardware starts at $49; premium features from $29/month.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseFeature-rich cloud POS platform with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for growing retailers.
Unified omnichannel inventory management that syncs stock levels across physical stores, online shops, and marketplaces in real-time
Lightspeed Retail is a robust cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer tracking across multiple locations. It excels in omnichannel retail by integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, enabling unified inventory and sales channels. Advanced analytics and reporting features empower retailers with real-time insights to optimize operations and growth.
Pros
- Powerful multi-location inventory management with real-time syncing
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and third-party apps
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers compared to basic POS competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking scalable omnichannel POS with strong inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Lean plan), up to $149+/month for Advanced; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Shopify POS
enterpriseUnified cloud POS system that syncs in-store sales with online Shopify stores for omnichannel retail operations.
Unified commerce dashboard syncing online and offline inventory, sales, and customer data in real-time
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that enables retailers to process in-store transactions while maintaining seamless synchronization with their Shopify e-commerce platform. It supports real-time inventory management, customer data unification, and omnichannel selling across iOS, Android, and desktop devices. With features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and staff permissions, it caters to businesses scaling from single stores to multi-location operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel retail
- Real-time inventory sync across all sales channels
- Broad hardware compatibility and mobile-first design
Cons
- POS Pro features require extra $89/month per location fee
- Relies heavily on Shopify ecosystem, limiting standalone use
- Advanced reporting and analytics need third-party apps
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified online and in-store operations.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible cloud-based POS with customizable apps, hardware options, and payment processing for diverse retail needs.
Clover App Market with thousands of third-party apps for tailored functionality
Clover is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing integrated payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It features a wide range of hardware options like countertop terminals and handheld devices, all manageable via a centralized dashboard. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization with third-party integrations for e-commerce, marketing, and more.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with over 1,000 integrations for customization
- Seamless integrated payment processing with competitive rates
- Robust inventory tracking and real-time reporting tools
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (starting at $499)
- Processing fees and monthly subscriptions can add up for high-volume users
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking a highly customizable cloud POS with strong hardware integration.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $49 (Clover Go) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans from $0 (Lite) to $89.95+/mo per device, plus 2.3% + $0.10 transaction fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-centric cloud POS delivering robust reporting, inventory control, and loyalty programs for multi-store retail chains.
Vast App Marketplace with over 100 integrations for e-commerce, accounting, and marketing tools
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform designed primarily for retail, restaurants, and quick-service businesses, offering real-time sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management tools. It supports iPad and other iOS devices with seamless cloud synchronization, enabling multi-location operations and remote access to data. The system includes advanced reporting, employee scheduling, and loyalty programs to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for third-party integrations
- Real-time cloud syncing across multiple locations
- Comprehensive inventory and analytics tools
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic competitors
- Optimized mainly for Apple hardware, limiting flexibility
- Occasional reports of sync delays during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retail and restaurant businesses needing scalable cloud POS with strong reporting and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter), $199 (Growth), $299+ (Advanced/Enterprise), plus hardware and add-ons.
Odoo POS
enterpriseOpen-source cloud POS integrated with full ERP suite for inventory, CRM, and accounting in retail environments.
Seamless real-time integration across the entire Odoo ERP suite, eliminating data silos between POS, inventory, sales, and accounting.
Odoo POS is a comprehensive cloud-based point-of-sale system integrated into the Odoo ERP suite, enabling retail businesses to manage sales, inventory, and customer data in real-time. It features a touchscreen-friendly interface, offline mode for uninterrupted operations, and seamless synchronization with accounting, CRM, and eCommerce modules. This makes it a versatile solution for streamlining retail operations without needing separate tools.
Pros
- Deep integration with Odoo's full ERP ecosystem for unified business management
- Offline functionality ensures sales continue during internet outages
- Highly customizable with open-source community edition available for free
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set and modular complexity
- Advanced features and support require paid Enterprise subscription
- Performance can lag in high-volume scenarios without proper optimization
Best For
Small to medium-sized retailers seeking an all-in-one cloud POS integrated with inventory, accounting, and CRM for scalable operations.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Odoo Enterprise cloud hosting starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) including POS and core apps, with custom pricing for additional modules.
ERPLY
enterpriseCloud retail management POS with real-time inventory, CRM, and multi-channel sales capabilities.
Real-time multi-store inventory synchronization across unlimited locations
ERPLY is a cloud-based POS and inventory management solution designed specifically for retail businesses, enabling point-of-sale transactions, stock tracking, and customer management across multiple locations. It offers robust features like real-time inventory synchronization, customizable reporting, and integrations with e-commerce platforms and hardware peripherals. Ideal for retailers seeking scalability without heavy upfront costs, it supports everything from single stores to chains.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with matrix, kits, and multi-location sync
- Strong reporting and analytics tools
- Flexible integrations with e-commerce and accounting software
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and clunky
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing advanced inventory control and real-time stock visibility.
Pricing
Starts at $0 for limited Back Office, $29/month per location for Essential POS plan, up to $79/month for Professional, with Enterprise custom pricing.
KORONA POS
enterpriseModern cloud POS for retail supporting offline mode, detailed analytics, and hardware flexibility on iPad and Android.
Universal hardware compatibility allowing use with any tablet, PC, or receipt printer without proprietary lock-in
KORONA POS is a robust cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail businesses such as convenience stores, liquor shops, and smoke shops. It provides real-time inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and comprehensive reporting across multiple locations. The platform supports a wide range of hardware and integrates with eCommerce, accounting software, and payment processors for seamless operations.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location retail with centralized data syncing
- Advanced inventory tools including lot tracking and auto-reordering
- Strong security features like PCI compliance and role-based access
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for single-location small businesses
- Initial setup requires some technical configuration for custom integrations
- Customer support is responsive but primarily US-focused with limited global options
Best For
High-volume retail chains like convenience stores and specialty shops needing scalable, feature-rich cloud POS with strong inventory control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $99/month per terminal; tiers include Starter, Pro, and Enterprise with add-ons for advanced features.
Loyverse POS
enterpriseFree cloud-synced POS app for small retailers with inventory, employee management, and customer loyalty features.
Unlimited free transactions with no processing fees on the core POS plan
Loyverse POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small retail, cafe, and service businesses, offering sales processing, inventory tracking, customer management, and employee scheduling through intuitive mobile apps and web dashboard. It supports unlimited transactions on the free plan and integrates seamlessly with receipt printers, barcode scanners, and payment processors. The multi-location capability allows centralized control for businesses with multiple outlets.
Pros
- Completely free core plan with unlimited transactions and no hidden fees
- Highly intuitive mobile-first interface ideal for on-the-go use
- Strong hardware compatibility and multi-store management
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed analytics require paid add-ons
- Customer support limited to email and tickets without live chat
- Reporting lacks depth compared to enterprise-level POS systems
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, and mobile vendors seeking a free, easy-to-deploy cloud POS without transaction fees.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; paid add-ons from $5-$29/month per location for extras like advanced inventory, loyalty programs, and web reporting.
eHopper
enterpriseAffordable cloud POS system with quick setup, inventory tracking, and integrations for independent retail stores.
Free forever plan for a single POS terminal, making it ideal for startups testing cloud POS without upfront costs
eHopper is a cloud-based POS software tailored for retail stores, restaurants, and quick-service businesses, offering core functionalities like sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It supports multi-location operations, real-time reporting, and integrations with payment processors and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Accessible via web browsers, iPads, and Android devices, it emphasizes affordability and ease of deployment for small to medium-sized operations.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a free single-terminal plan
- User-friendly interface and quick setup
- Strong compatibility with common hardware and payment processors
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and customization options
- Some reported sync delays in multi-location setups
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small retail and restaurant owners seeking a budget-friendly, straightforward cloud POS without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for one terminal; paid plans start at $19.99/month per additional terminal, with enterprise options available.
Conclusion
The reviewed cloud-based retail POS tools provide tailored solutions for retailers, with Square emerging as the top choice, thanks to its seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. Lightspeed Retail and Shopify POS follow closely, each offering standout features—Lightspeed for multi-location growth and e-commerce integration, Shopify for unified omnichannel operations. This collection ensures there’s a strong option for every retail size and objective.
Explore the potential of cloud-based retail POS with Square—its intuitive design and robust capabilities make it the perfect fit to elevate your business operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison