Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - User-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Seamless POS software that syncs online and in-store sales with robust e-commerce integration.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Feature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and CRM tools.
- 4#4: Toast - All-in-one restaurant POS platform handling orders, payments, payroll, and loyalty programs.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail, restaurants, and services.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Cloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, employee management, and industry-specific features.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and menu tools.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and detailed analytics.
- 9#9: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty.
- 10#10: SambaPOS - Open-source, customizable POS software primarily for restaurants with kitchen display support.
Tools were selected based on their comprehensive feature sets, user-friendly design, consistent performance, and overall value, ensuring they meet diverse business needs and deliver tangible operational benefits.
Comparison Table
Selecting the ideal POS software is critical for efficient business operations, and with tools like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover, and more, the right choice depends on specific needs. This comparison table outlines key features, pricing models, and unique capabilities of leading platforms, helping readers understand differences and find the best fit for their business. Whether prioritizing e-commerce integration, in-person management, or industry-specific tools, the table simplifies navigating the options available.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square User-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Seamless POS software that syncs online and in-store sales with robust e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Feature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and CRM tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast All-in-one restaurant POS platform handling orders, payments, payroll, and loyalty programs. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail, restaurants, and services. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Cloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, employee management, and industry-specific features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and menu tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and detailed analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty. | other | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 10 | SambaPOS Open-source, customizable POS software primarily for restaurants with kitchen display support. | other | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
User-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Seamless POS software that syncs online and in-store sales with robust e-commerce integration.
Feature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and CRM tools.
All-in-one restaurant POS platform handling orders, payments, payroll, and loyalty programs.
Customizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail, restaurants, and services.
Cloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, employee management, and industry-specific features.
iPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and menu tools.
Cloud POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and detailed analytics.
Free mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty.
Open-source, customizable POS software primarily for restaurants with kitchen display support.
Square
enterpriseUser-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Free Square Reader hardware that instantly transforms smartphones or tablets into full-featured POS terminals
Square (squareup.com) is a versatile, downloadable POS software solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship tools via its intuitive app available on iOS, Android, and desktop. It integrates effortlessly with affordable hardware like the free Square Reader, enabling merchants to accept contactless payments, cards, and digital wallets both in-store and online. With robust reporting and e-commerce capabilities, Square empowers users to run their entire operation from one platform without complex setups.
Pros
- Completely free POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with quick setup in minutes
- Seamless hardware integration and offline transaction support
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced inventory features limited compared to enterprise-level POS systems
- Customer support primarily self-service with occasional delays
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, and service providers seeking an affordable, easy-to-deploy POS without upfront costs or subscriptions.
Pricing
Free POS software; transaction fees: 2.6% + 10¢ (contactless/dip/swipe), 2.9% + 30¢ (keyed/invoiced), with optional paid add-ons like Square Payroll.
Shopify POS
enterpriseSeamless POS software that syncs online and in-store sales with robust e-commerce integration.
Real-time inventory and sales sync across online store and physical locations
Shopify POS is a downloadable mobile app for iOS and Android devices that turns smartphones and tablets into powerful point-of-sale systems, seamlessly integrating with Shopify's e-commerce platform. It enables in-person sales, inventory management, customer tracking, and real-time syncing between online and offline channels. Users can connect hardware like card readers, printers, and scales for a complete retail setup.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel selling
- Offline mode with automatic sync when reconnected
- Extensive app marketplace and hardware compatibility
Cons
- POS Pro features require additional subscription per location
- Primarily mobile-focused, with limited native desktop app functionality
- Best suited for existing Shopify users; setup steeper for newcomers
Best For
Retail businesses with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified online and in-person sales management.
Pricing
Basic POS included free with Shopify plans ($29+/mo); POS Pro at $89/location/month for advanced features.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseFeature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and CRM tools.
Advanced matrix inventory system for handling variants like sizes, colors, and styles across locations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system designed for retail businesses, offering robust inventory management, sales processing, and customer relationship tools. It excels in multi-location support and seamless e-commerce integrations, allowing unified online and in-store operations. While primarily cloud-hosted with web and mobile apps, it provides limited offline functionality via downloadable apps on select devices.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with matrix and serial tracking
- Deep integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools
- Scalable for multi-location retail operations
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS options
- Relies heavily on internet connectivity with limited offline mode
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Multi-location retail stores needing advanced inventory control and omnichannel sales integration.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location for Essential plan (billed annually), scaling to $149+/month for Professional and Enterprise tiers.
Toast
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS platform handling orders, payments, payroll, and loyalty programs.
Integrated online ordering and guest-facing payments via Toast Tap for frictionless dine-in and takeout experiences
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, inventory control, and staff scheduling. It integrates kitchen display systems, online ordering, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting to streamline restaurant operations. While primarily accessed via iPads or Toast hardware, it provides robust mobile apps rather than traditional downloadable desktop software.
Pros
- Extensive restaurant-specific features like menu management and table mapping
- Seamless integrations with delivery services and accounting software
- Strong analytics and reporting for sales and inventory insights
Cons
- Not a traditional downloadable app; relies on cloud and proprietary hardware
- High upfront and ongoing costs including processing fees
- Steep learning curve for full customization and setup
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking an all-in-one cloud POS with deep industry-specific functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), scales to $165+ for advanced plans; plus 2.99%+ payment processing, hardware from $799, and add-ons.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail, restaurants, and services.
Vast App Market with over 500 third-party apps for tailored functionality
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system offering downloadable apps for iPad, Android, and Windows devices, integrated with robust hardware like the Clover Station and Mini. It streamlines retail and restaurant operations through features like inventory management, payment processing, and employee scheduling. Businesses can customize functionality via the extensive Clover App Market, making it adaptable for various industries.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations
- Reliable hardware options with seamless software sync
- Built-in payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- Hardware purchases add significant upfront costs
- Learning curve for advanced app customizations
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume users
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and restaurant businesses seeking customizable, hardware-integrated POS solutions.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95/mo (Lite) to $99.85/mo (Enterprise); hardware $49-$1,699; plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud-based iPad POS offering real-time reporting, employee management, and industry-specific features.
Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) for streamlined restaurant order management
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS software solution downloadable as an iPad app, tailored for restaurants, bars, and retail businesses to manage sales, inventory, and operations. It offers real-time data syncing, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and integrations with third-party services like delivery platforms. While primarily cloud-dependent, it includes limited offline capabilities for transaction processing during outages.
Pros
- Robust inventory and reporting tools
- Seamless multi-location management
- Extensive app marketplace integrations
Cons
- High subscription costs
- Limited to iOS devices
- Requires reliable internet for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail businesses needing scalable, feature-rich POS with cloud syncing.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for Essentials plan; higher tiers up to $299+/month; hardware and add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and menu tools.
Interactive floor plan and table management for real-time seating visualization and optimization
TouchBistro is a robust, iPad-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, offering downloadable software that integrates seamlessly with Apple hardware. It provides essential features like table management, inventory tracking, menu customization, employee scheduling, and online ordering capabilities. Designed for full-service venues, it supports offline mode for reliable performance during outages and scales with business growth through cloud syncing.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like advanced table mapping and kitchen display system integration
- Reliable offline functionality and strong hardware compatibility with iPads
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales, inventory, and labor management
Cons
- Limited to iPad ecosystem, restricting hardware flexibility
- Higher pricing that may strain smaller operations
- Initial setup and customization can require training
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a specialized, all-in-one POS with strong table service tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69/user/month for Essentials plan up to $165+/user/month for Premium; hardware sold separately.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and detailed analytics.
Comprehensive app marketplace offering over 100 third-party integrations for tailored functionality
Epos Now is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) software solution with a downloadable Windows application that integrates with its cloud platform, designed for retail, hospitality, and service industries. It handles sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs efficiently. The system supports offline transactions that sync automatically when connectivity is restored, making it reliable for various business environments.
Pros
- Extensive integrations via a marketplace of over 100 apps
- Strong offline mode for uninterrupted operations
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards
Cons
- Ongoing subscription fees can become expensive for multi-location setups
- Initial setup and hardware compatibility may require technical support
- Customer service response times vary, especially for smaller accounts
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses needing a scalable, downloadable POS with robust cloud syncing and integrations.
Pricing
Software subscriptions start at £25/month per device; hardware bundles begin around £1,000 with flexible payment plans.
Loyverse
otherFree mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty.
Zero-cost core POS with unlimited users and no sales volume limits
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based POS system available as mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, ideal for small retail, cafes, and restaurants. It handles sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and detailed analytics. The system supports hardware integration like receipt printers and barcode scanners, with multi-store capabilities for growing businesses.
Pros
- Completely free core POS functionality with no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile interface that's quick to set up
- Strong inventory and analytics tools for small businesses
Cons
- Advanced features like multi-location reporting require paid add-ons
- Limited customization for complex enterprise needs
- Heavy reliance on mobile devices may not suit desktop-heavy workflows
Best For
Small retail shops, food trucks, and cafes seeking a cost-free, mobile-first POS solution.
Pricing
Free forever plan; paid add-ons start at $5/month per location for Back Office, Hardware Server, or Loyalty features.
SambaPOS
otherOpen-source, customizable POS software primarily for restaurants with kitchen display support.
Powerful automation rules engine for creating complex, no-code workflows tailored to hospitality operations
SambaPOS is a free, open-source downloadable POS software primarily designed for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses. It offers robust features like table management, kitchen display systems, inventory control, and customizable reporting. The software runs on Windows and supports multi-terminal setups for efficient on-premise operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable with scripting and automation rules
- Free open-source core with no licensing fees
- Strong restaurant-specific tools like KDS and table management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Windows-only compatibility limits deployment options
- Community-driven support rather than dedicated enterprise help
Best For
Tech-savvy owners of small to medium restaurants seeking a flexible, cost-free customizable POS.
Pricing
Free to download and use; optional paid modules (e.g., $299+ for premium features) and support subscriptions available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer robust solutions for diverse business needs, with Square leading as the top choice for its comprehensive features. Shopify POS stands out for seamless online-in-store sync, while Lightspeed Retail excels with advanced retail and CRM tools, making them strong alternatives depending on specific requirements.
Explore Square today to unlock a tailored POS experience that simplifies operations and fuels business growth—your next efficient workflow starts here.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison