Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square for Retail - Cloud-based POS system offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Advanced cloud POS platform with multi-location support, omnichannel selling, and robust inventory control for growing retail operations.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated cloud POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online Shopify stores for unified retail management.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible cloud POS with customizable apps, hardware compatibility, and payment integrations for diverse retail needs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric cloud POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations for retail.
- 6#6: KORONA POS - Scalable cloud POS tailored for specialty retail with advanced features like buy-online-pickup-in-store and CRM tools.
- 7#7: Loyverse POS - Free cloud-based POS for small retailers providing inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and multi-store support.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS system with e-commerce integration, detailed analytics, and hardware bundles for efficient retail operations.
- 9#9: SpotOn - Comprehensive cloud POS focused on retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and competitive pricing.
- 10#10: Erply - Cloud POS and inventory management software emphasizing multi-channel sales and detailed reporting for retailers.
We ranked these tools by evaluating features like scalability, inventory management, and multi-channel support, combined with ease of use, performance, and value to ensure they deliver exceptional utility for retailers of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right cloud retail POS software is critical for modern businesses, and this comparison table simplifies the process by examining top tools like Square for Retail, Lightspeed, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing, and usability to identify the best fit for their unique retail operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square for Retail Cloud-based POS system offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Advanced cloud POS platform with multi-location support, omnichannel selling, and robust inventory control for growing retail operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Integrated cloud POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online Shopify stores for unified retail management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible cloud POS with customizable apps, hardware compatibility, and payment integrations for diverse retail needs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric cloud POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations for retail. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | KORONA POS Scalable cloud POS tailored for specialty retail with advanced features like buy-online-pickup-in-store and CRM tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Loyverse POS Free cloud-based POS for small retailers providing inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and multi-store support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS system with e-commerce integration, detailed analytics, and hardware bundles for efficient retail operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn Comprehensive cloud POS focused on retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and competitive pricing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Erply Cloud POS and inventory management software emphasizing multi-channel sales and detailed reporting for retailers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based POS system offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
Advanced cloud POS platform with multi-location support, omnichannel selling, and robust inventory control for growing retail operations.
Integrated cloud POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online Shopify stores for unified retail management.
Flexible cloud POS with customizable apps, hardware compatibility, and payment integrations for diverse retail needs.
iPad-centric cloud POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations for retail.
Scalable cloud POS tailored for specialty retail with advanced features like buy-online-pickup-in-store and CRM tools.
Free cloud-based POS for small retailers providing inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and multi-store support.
Cloud POS system with e-commerce integration, detailed analytics, and hardware bundles for efficient retail operations.
Comprehensive cloud POS focused on retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and competitive pricing.
Cloud POS and inventory management software emphasizing multi-channel sales and detailed reporting for retailers.
Square for Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS system offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
Real-time inventory syncing across online, in-store, and delivery channels with automatic purchase order generation
Square for Retail is a cloud-based POS software tailored for retail businesses, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer loyalty tools. It enables real-time syncing across multiple locations, supports omnichannel sales including in-store, online, and delivery, and works seamlessly on iPads, computers, or mobile devices. With customizable hardware compatibility and robust analytics, it streamlines operations for retailers of all sizes.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface with minimal training required
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with low-stock alerts and purchase orders
- Free core software with no subscription required for basic use
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Limited built-in accounting integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail businesses seeking an affordable, scalable POS with seamless payment processing and inventory management.
Pricing
Free plan; Plus ($60/month per location); Premium (custom quote). Transaction fees: 2.6% + 10¢ (contactless/dipped/swiped), 2.9% + 30¢ (keyed/invoiced).
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseAdvanced cloud POS platform with multi-location support, omnichannel selling, and robust inventory control for growing retail operations.
Matrix inventory management for handling product variants, sizes, colors, and serialized tracking across all channels
Lightspeed Retail is a robust cloud-based POS system designed specifically for retail businesses, offering seamless point-of-sale transactions, advanced inventory management, and multi-location support. It integrates e-commerce platforms for omnichannel selling, including buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store capabilities. The platform provides detailed analytics, customer loyalty tools, and customizable reporting to optimize operations and drive sales.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-location inventory management with real-time synchronization
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
- Advanced reporting and analytics for data-driven business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking comprehensive omnichannel POS with strong inventory and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Lean plan) up to $199+/month (Advanced/Enterprise), billed annually; hardware sold separately.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated cloud POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online Shopify stores for unified retail management.
Real-time omnichannel inventory sync that automatically updates stock levels across online and in-store sales
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that enables retailers to process in-person transactions while maintaining seamless synchronization with their online Shopify store. It supports a wide range of hardware, including iPads, Android devices, and receipt printers, and offers features like real-time inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and multi-location support. Designed for omnichannel retail, it helps businesses unify sales data across physical and digital channels for a cohesive shopping experience.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce for unified inventory and sales tracking
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with broad hardware compatibility
- Extensive app marketplace for customizations like loyalty and analytics
Cons
- Transaction fees apply on top of subscription costs (e.g., 2.4-2.9% + 30¢ per tap/dip/swipe)
- Advanced features require POS Pro upgrade or third-party apps
- Reporting and analytics are basic without additional integrations
Best For
Multi-channel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking effortless online-offline synchronization.
Pricing
Free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/mo); POS Pro at $89/mo per location for advanced features; plus payment processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible cloud POS with customizable apps, hardware compatibility, and payment integrations for diverse retail needs.
The open App Market with 500+ apps for tailored retail functionality like advanced inventory and e-commerce.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system designed primarily for small to medium-sized retail and restaurant businesses, providing hardware terminals, software for sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It syncs data in real-time to the cloud, enabling multi-location support and remote management. The platform stands out with its expansive app marketplace, allowing extensive customization through third-party integrations for e-commerce, reporting, and more.
Pros
- Expansive app marketplace with over 500 integrations for customization
- Seamless in-house payment processing with competitive rates and no gateway fees
- Robust hardware options including mobile and countertop devices with cloud syncing
Cons
- Hardware costs can be high upfront (e.g., $500+ per terminal)
- Advanced features often require paid third-party apps
- Customer support can be inconsistent, relying on partners
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking a customizable, hardware-inclusive POS with integrated payments.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register Lite) up to $89.95/month (Advanced); hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); payments at 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-centric cloud POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations for retail.
Native iPad app with full offline mode and instant cloud sync for uninterrupted operations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS solution tailored for retail businesses, offering iPad-native software for seamless sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It provides real-time data syncing across multiple locations, advanced reporting, and extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and hardware peripherals. Designed for scalability, Revel supports everything from single stores to enterprise chains with features like loyalty programs and omnichannel capabilities.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time multi-location visibility
- Extensive integrations with 100+ third-party apps and e-commerce platforms
- Strong analytics and reporting tools for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing structure, especially for add-ons and multi-location setups
- Primarily optimized for iOS devices, limiting hardware flexibility
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Growing multi-location retail businesses needing scalable, feature-rich cloud POS with advanced inventory and CRM tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan; Pro at $149/month, Enterprise custom; plus hardware, payment processing fees (2.3%+), and add-ons.
KORONA POS
specializedScalable cloud POS tailored for specialty retail with advanced features like buy-online-pickup-in-store and CRM tools.
Built-in age verification and regulatory compliance modules for alcohol, tobacco, and lottery sales
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail businesses, providing tools for transaction processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and detailed reporting across multiple locations. It excels in high-volume environments with features like EMV payments, loyalty programs, and real-time data syncing, even supporting offline mode. Designed primarily for U.S. retailers, it integrates seamlessly with hardware like receipt printers, scanners, and scales.
Pros
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- Excellent hardware compatibility and fast transaction speeds
- Strong compliance tools like age verification and lottery integration
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can add up for multiple terminals
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
High-volume retailers like convenience stores, liquor shops, and smoke shops needing reliable compliance and reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal; custom quotes for multi-location or enterprise plans, plus one-time setup fees.
Loyverse POS
specializedFree cloud-based POS for small retailers providing inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and multi-store support.
Fully free unlimited POS usage with offline capabilities and cloud sync, eliminating subscription barriers for startups.
Loyverse POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small retail businesses, cafes, and service providers, offering core functions like sales processing, inventory management, and customer tracking. It supports offline mode for uninterrupted operations with automatic cloud sync when connectivity returns. The platform includes a user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android, employee management, and detailed reporting accessible via a web-based back office.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited transactions and devices
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Reliable offline mode with seamless data sync
Cons
- Advanced analytics and custom reports locked behind add-ons
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise POS systems
- Hardware compatibility can require specific configurations
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, and mobile vendors seeking a no-cost, easy-to-deploy POS for basic operations.
Pricing
Free core plan forever; paid add-ons like Loyalty ($5/month), Advanced Inventory ($10/month), and Web Reports ($10/month).
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud POS system with e-commerce integration, detailed analytics, and hardware bundles for efficient retail operations.
AppStore with over 100 third-party integrations for ultimate customization
Epos Now is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service businesses, enabling seamless sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management from any device. It supports multi-location operations with real-time synchronization and offers detailed reporting for business insights. The platform stands out with its extensive AppStore featuring over 100 integrations for e-commerce, accounting, and more, making it highly customizable.
Pros
- Extensive AppStore with 100+ integrations for e-commerce and accounting
- Robust inventory management and real-time multi-location reporting
- Flexible hardware compatibility and cloud accessibility
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features and multi-site use
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays
- Initial setup can be complex for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses needing scalable, integration-rich cloud POS for multi-location operations.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month per terminal for basic plans, scaling to $99+/month for premium features; hardware bundles from $1,000+.
SpotOn
enterpriseComprehensive cloud POS focused on retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and competitive pricing.
SpotOn Pay with transparent, contract-free processing and same-day deposits
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing robust payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics in real-time. It supports multi-location operations with features like barcode scanning, customer loyalty programs, and integrated e-commerce tools. The platform emphasizes seamless hardware integration and 24/7 support, making it suitable for scaling retail operations.
Pros
- Integrated payments with competitive rates and quick fund deposits
- Strong inventory tracking and multi-location management
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support
Cons
- Custom pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller businesses
- Fewer third-party app integrations than top competitors
- Hardware bundles add to upfront costs
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail stores seeking an all-in-one POS with reliable payments and inventory tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $65/month per terminal plus 2.6% + 10¢ processing fees; hardware sold separately.
Erply
specializedCloud POS and inventory management software emphasizing multi-channel sales and detailed reporting for retailers.
Advanced multi-store inventory control with automated stock transfers and centralized visibility
Erply is a cloud-based retail POS and management platform designed for small to medium-sized retailers, offering integrated point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, and accounting tools. It supports multi-location operations with real-time synchronization across devices and stores, enabling efficient sales processing, stock tracking, and customer loyalty programs. The system also includes e-commerce integrations and customizable reports for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with matrix support for product variations
- Strong multi-location capabilities and real-time data syncing
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms and hardware
Cons
- User interface feels dated and has a steeper learning curve
- Pricing can become expensive with add-on modules
- Customer support response times vary and may require paid plans for priority
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing robust back-office inventory and sales management without heavy customization needs.
Pricing
Starts at $0 for basic Books module, POS from $29/month per register; modular plans scale to $99+/month with enterprise options.
Conclusion
The reviewed cloud retail POS systems showcase a mix of robust features, from Square for Retail's seamless all-in-one capabilities to Lightspeed Retail's multi-location strength and Shopify POS's online-in-store synergy. While Square leads as the top choice with its balanced performance, Lightspeed and Shopify offer exceptional alternatives depending on specific operational needs, ensuring there's a solution for every retail setup.
Ready to elevate your retail workflow? Square for Retail's user-friendly design and comprehensive tools make it a must-try—explore its offerings today to streamline sales, inventory, and customer management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison