Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS platform offering extensive customization for inventory, reporting, and multi-store retail operations.
- 2#2: Clover - Developer-friendly POS system with an app marketplace and APIs for building fully custom payment and business apps.
- 3#3: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with customizable menus, floor maps, and integrations for tailored hospitality workflows.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS solution providing customizable user interfaces, hardware compatibility, and API-driven extensions.
- 5#5: Odoo - Open-source ERP with a highly modular POS module allowing code-level customizations and unlimited app development.
- 6#6: Square - Affordable POS hardware and software with powerful APIs and developer tools for custom integrations and apps.
- 7#7: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce, featuring app store customizations for retail-specific needs.
- 8#8: TouchBistro - iPad POS for restaurants with customizable layouts, menu modifiers, and third-party integrations.
- 9#9: Loyverse POS - Free cloud POS app with customizable shelves, reports, and add-ons for small business flexibility.
- 10#10: uniCenta oPOS - Fully open-source POS software enabling complete customization for diverse industries and hardware setups.
We evaluated tools based on customization flexibility (including API access and code-level modifications), industry-specific functionality, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring each entry meets the needs of diverse business models.
Comparison Table
In modern retail and hospitality, a reliable POS system is vital for efficient operations, from sales tracking to inventory management. With tools like Lightspeed Retail, Clover, Toast, Revel Systems, Odoo, and more, selecting the right solution can be complex—this comparison table simplifies the process by outlining key features and ideal use cases to help readers identify their best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS platform offering extensive customization for inventory, reporting, and multi-store retail operations. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Clover Developer-friendly POS system with an app marketplace and APIs for building fully custom payment and business apps. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with customizable menus, floor maps, and integrations for tailored hospitality workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS solution providing customizable user interfaces, hardware compatibility, and API-driven extensions. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Open-source ERP with a highly modular POS module allowing code-level customizations and unlimited app development. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | Square Affordable POS hardware and software with powerful APIs and developer tools for custom integrations and apps. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce, featuring app store customizations for retail-specific needs. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | TouchBistro iPad POS for restaurants with customizable layouts, menu modifiers, and third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse POS Free cloud POS app with customizable shelves, reports, and add-ons for small business flexibility. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | uniCenta oPOS Fully open-source POS software enabling complete customization for diverse industries and hardware setups. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
Cloud-based POS platform offering extensive customization for inventory, reporting, and multi-store retail operations.
Developer-friendly POS system with an app marketplace and APIs for building fully custom payment and business apps.
Restaurant-focused POS with customizable menus, floor maps, and integrations for tailored hospitality workflows.
iPad-based POS solution providing customizable user interfaces, hardware compatibility, and API-driven extensions.
Open-source ERP with a highly modular POS module allowing code-level customizations and unlimited app development.
Affordable POS hardware and software with powerful APIs and developer tools for custom integrations and apps.
Omnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce, featuring app store customizations for retail-specific needs.
iPad POS for restaurants with customizable layouts, menu modifiers, and third-party integrations.
Free cloud POS app with customizable shelves, reports, and add-ons for small business flexibility.
Fully open-source POS software enabling complete customization for diverse industries and hardware setups.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS platform offering extensive customization for inventory, reporting, and multi-store retail operations.
Open API and app marketplace enabling deep custom integrations and tailored workflows unique to complex retail operations
Lightspeed Retail is a robust, cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing advanced inventory management, sales processing, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities. It stands out for its high customizability via an open API, extensive app marketplace, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. This makes it a top choice for retailers needing scalable, tailored solutions to unify online and in-store operations.
Pros
- Powerful inventory tools with real-time tracking, matrix inventory, and automated purchase orders
- Extensive customization through open API and 100+ app integrations
- Comprehensive omnichannel support for seamless online/in-store sync and advanced reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Some features require add-on purchases or higher plans
Best For
Mid-to-large retail businesses requiring highly customizable POS with multi-location and omnichannel capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register (Lean plan); Standard ($109/mo), Advanced ($199/mo); Enterprise custom pricing; additional fees for hardware and apps.
Clover
enterpriseDeveloper-friendly POS system with an app marketplace and APIs for building fully custom payment and business apps.
Vast App Market enabling deep customization with niche apps for specific business needs
Clover is a cloud-based POS system offering customizable hardware and software solutions for retail, restaurants, and service businesses, handling payments, inventory, employee management, and customer loyalty. Its App Market provides thousands of third-party apps for tailored functionalities like online ordering or specialized reporting. Clover integrates seamlessly with payment processing and supports various devices from stationary terminals to mobile handheld units.
Pros
- Highly customizable through extensive App Market with 1,000+ integrations
- Durable hardware options suited for diverse environments
- Seamless payment processing with competitive rates and PCI compliance
Cons
- Hardware and premium app costs can add up quickly
- Occasional app compatibility issues or glitches
- Customer support response times vary and may require premium plans
Best For
Small to medium retail or restaurant businesses needing flexible, app-driven customizations without building from scratch.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software from free (Register Lite) to $115/mo (Concierge); processing 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10/transaction.
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS with customizable menus, floor maps, and integrations for tailored hospitality workflows.
All-in-one platform with built-in payments, online ordering, and payroll, eliminating the need for multiple vendors
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, providing end-to-end solutions for order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and online ordering. It offers customizable hardware and software integrations, including kitchen display systems, employee management, and loyalty programs to optimize front- and back-of-house operations. With advanced analytics and reporting, Toast enables data-driven insights for multi-location chains and independent venues alike.
Pros
- Extensive restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and online ordering integrations
- Seamless scalability for single locations to enterprise chains
- Robust analytics and real-time reporting for operational efficiency
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and custom pricing
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Limited flexibility outside hospitality industry
Best For
Ideal for growing restaurants and multi-location chains seeking a fully integrated, customizable POS ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per location for software, plus hardware ($500-$2,000+), payment processing fees (2.49%+ per transaction), and add-ons.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS solution providing customizable user interfaces, hardware compatibility, and API-driven extensions.
App Marketplace for custom app development and third-party integrations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, offering extensive customization through its modular app ecosystem. It handles sales, inventory management, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting with real-time data syncing across locations. Designed for scalability, it supports offline transactions and integrates with hardware like iPads, printers, and kitchen displays.
Pros
- Highly customizable via App Marketplace for tailored workflows
- Robust analytics and multi-location management
- Reliable offline mode and strong integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small businesses
- Heavy reliance on Apple hardware limits flexibility
- Occasional software updates cause temporary glitches
Best For
Growing multi-location restaurants or retail chains needing scalable, customizable POS with advanced reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for core POS, plus $25-150/month per add-on feature; hardware extra; processing at 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with a highly modular POS module allowing code-level customizations and unlimited app development.
Odoo Studio for drag-and-drop, no-code customization of POS screens, fields, and automations
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform featuring a highly customizable Point of Sale (POS) module that supports offline operations, multi-store management, and barcode scanning. It integrates seamlessly with Odoo's inventory, accounting, CRM, and eCommerce apps for a unified business solution. Businesses can tailor the POS interface, workflows, and reports using Odoo Studio's no-code tools or developer framework.
Pros
- Extensive customization options via Odoo Studio and open-source code
- Deep integration with ERP modules like inventory and accounting
- Free community edition with robust core POS functionality
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Performance can lag with large datasets or high traffic
- Premium features locked behind Enterprise subscription
Best For
Growing businesses needing a scalable, integrated POS that evolves into a full ERP system.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with app-based pricing.
Square
enterpriseAffordable POS hardware and software with powerful APIs and developer tools for custom integrations and apps.
Square App Marketplace with hundreds of third-party apps for seamless custom functionality
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium businesses, offering payment processing, inventory management, sales analytics, and customer relationship tools. It supports customization through its extensive App Marketplace and developer APIs, enabling tailored workflows and integrations. While not a fully bespoke development platform, it balances ease with flexibility for custom POS needs like branded checkouts and third-party extensions.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and mobile-first interface requires minimal training
- No monthly software fees, only pay-per-transaction
- Robust App Marketplace and APIs for custom integrations and extensions
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced customizations require developer resources or third-party apps
- Reporting and analytics are basic without premium add-ons
Best For
Small retailers, restaurants, and service providers needing an affordable, semi-customizable POS that scales without upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online; hardware from $49 (reader) to $799 (registers).
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce, featuring app store customizations for retail-specific needs.
Real-time omnichannel inventory sync across online and in-store sales
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to process in-person transactions while maintaining real-time inventory synchronization across online and physical stores. It supports a wide range of hardware, including card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners, and can be customized via the Shopify App Store. Ideal for omnichannel retail, it enables seamless order fulfillment from any sales channel.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and customer data
- Extensive app marketplace for custom features and third-party integrations
- Supports multiple payment processors and hardware options for flexibility
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, limiting standalone use
- POS Pro advanced features cost extra ($89/month per location)
- Offline mode has limitations compared to dedicated POS systems
Best For
E-commerce businesses using Shopify that want to add in-person sales without managing separate systems.
Pricing
Basic POS included with Shopify plans (starting at $29/month); POS Pro $89/month per location; hardware and transaction fees extra.
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad POS for restaurants with customizable layouts, menu modifiers, and third-party integrations.
Customizable floor plans and advanced table management for efficient dine-in service
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, providing tools for order management, table service, payment processing, and inventory control. It supports offline operations with automatic syncing, customizable menus, and integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform also includes staff management, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting to optimize restaurant workflows.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like table mapping and KDS
- Reliable offline mode with auto-sync
- Strong integrations with 100+ partners
Cons
- iOS-only (iPad required)
- Expensive hardware and subscription costs
- Limited advanced customization without add-ons
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a hospitality-focused POS with robust on-site management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan, billed annually); higher tiers $139-$199+; hardware ~$1,000+ upfront.
Loyverse POS
specializedFree cloud POS app with customizable shelves, reports, and add-ons for small business flexibility.
Fully customizable product shelves and keyboard layouts for tailored checkout experiences
Loyverse POS is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small businesses, enabling inventory management, sales processing, employee scheduling, and customer tracking via mobile apps on iOS and Android devices. It offers customization options like adjustable product shelves, receipt templates, and keyboard layouts to adapt to specific retail or restaurant workflows. With unlimited users and transactions on the free plan, it scales for multi-location setups through affordable add-ons.
Pros
- Completely free core plan with unlimited users and transactions
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Strong customization for shelves, receipts, and reports
Cons
- Advanced features like multi-location require paid add-ons
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise POS systems
- Dependent on stable internet connection
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, or food trucks seeking a cost-effective, customizable mobile POS without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan; paid Back Office add-on starts at $5/location/month for advanced analytics and multi-store support.
uniCenta oPOS
otherFully open-source POS software enabling complete customization for diverse industries and hardware setups.
Complete open-source codebase enabling full customization and integration without vendor lock-in
uniCenta oPOS is an open-source point-of-sale system tailored for retail, hospitality, and restaurant environments, offering robust inventory management, sales processing, and customer tracking. It supports multi-store operations, multi-language interfaces, and extensive reporting capabilities. As a highly customizable Java-based solution, it allows users to modify the source code to fit unique business requirements without licensing restrictions.
Pros
- Fully open-source with unlimited customization options
- No upfront licensing costs, excellent value for money
- Supports multi-terminal, multi-store setups with strong inventory tools
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for installation and customization
- Outdated user interface compared to modern SaaS POS systems
- Relies heavily on community support rather than dedicated enterprise help
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with in-house developers seeking a free, highly modifiable POS system.
Pricing
Free open-source core version; optional paid support, hosting, and enterprise editions starting at €500/year.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools demonstrate diverse strengths, with Lightspeed Retail leading as the top choice for its extensive customization in inventory, reporting, and multi-store operations. Clover shines for developer-friendliness and app marketplace flexibility, while Toast excels in crafting tailored hospitality workflows, making them standout alternatives. These solutions highlight the versatility of modern POS software, ensuring a suitable fit for varied business needs.
Take the next step in optimizing your operations—explore Lightspeed Retail to experience seamless, customizable performance that drives growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
