Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - All-in-one POS system with payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Seamless POS software integrated with e-commerce for unified online and in-store retail operations.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features.
- 4#4: Toast - Restaurant-specific POS system offering order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS platform with flexible hardware, app marketplace, and integrated payments.
- 6#6: EPOS Now - Full-featured EPOS system for retail and hospitality with cloud reporting and hardware integration.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS for restaurants focusing on table management, staff scheduling, and menu customization.
- 8#8: Revel Systems - Cloud POS solution with real-time reporting, inventory control, and multi-site support for various industries.
- 9#9: SpotOn - Comprehensive POS for restaurants and retail with marketing tools, online ordering, and low-cost hardware.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management.
We prioritized tools based on their ability to deliver core functionality with precision, ease of use for diverse user bases, and long-term value, ensuring each entry in the list addresses unique business needs, from retail to restaurants, with proven performance.
Comparison Table
Epos system software is crucial for modern businesses, and selecting the right tool depends on specific needs. This comparison table examines popular options like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover, and more, outlining key features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square All-in-one POS system with payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Seamless POS software integrated with e-commerce for unified online and in-store retail operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast Restaurant-specific POS system offering order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS platform with flexible hardware, app marketplace, and integrated payments. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | EPOS Now Full-featured EPOS system for retail and hospitality with cloud reporting and hardware integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS for restaurants focusing on table management, staff scheduling, and menu customization. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Revel Systems Cloud POS solution with real-time reporting, inventory control, and multi-site support for various industries. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn Comprehensive POS for restaurants and retail with marketing tools, online ordering, and low-cost hardware. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
All-in-one POS system with payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Seamless POS software integrated with e-commerce for unified online and in-store retail operations.
Cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features.
Restaurant-specific POS system offering order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs.
Customizable POS platform with flexible hardware, app marketplace, and integrated payments.
Full-featured EPOS system for retail and hospitality with cloud reporting and hardware integration.
iPad-based POS for restaurants focusing on table management, staff scheduling, and menu customization.
Cloud POS solution with real-time reporting, inventory control, and multi-site support for various industries.
Comprehensive POS for restaurants and retail with marketing tools, online ordering, and low-cost hardware.
Free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management.
Square
enterpriseAll-in-one POS system with payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
The free, no-commitment POS app paired with the iconic mobile card reader for instant, anywhere payments.
Square is a versatile EPOS system designed for small to medium businesses, offering free point-of-sale software that handles payments, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management. It integrates seamlessly with affordable hardware like card readers, terminals, and kitchen displays, supporting in-person, online, and app-based transactions. Additional modules cater to retail, restaurants, appointments, and e-commerce, making it scalable without long-term contracts.
Pros
- Free core POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that sets up in minutes
- Robust integrations with 100+ apps and instant payment deposits
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting requires paid add-ons
- Hardware purchased separately adds to initial costs
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, and restaurants seeking a plug-and-play EPOS with minimal upfront investment and high scalability.
Pricing
Free POS software; pay-per-transaction (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online); industry plans from $29-$60/month for advanced features.
Shopify POS
enterpriseSeamless POS software integrated with e-commerce for unified online and in-store retail operations.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing retailers to manage in-store sales alongside online operations. It handles transactions, inventory tracking, customer management, and reporting from iPad, Android tablets, or dedicated hardware. The system supports omnichannel selling, ensuring real-time synchronization of stock levels and orders across physical and digital channels.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory sync between online and in-store sales
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Robust analytics and multi-location support
Cons
- POS Pro advanced features require extra $89/month per location
- Transaction fees apply unless using Shopify Payments
- Limited offline mode requires internet for full functionality
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified omnichannel operations.
Pricing
Free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro add-on at $89/location/month for advanced features like checkout customization.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features.
Matrix inventory system for handling complex product variants like sizes and colors across multiple channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based EPOS system tailored for retail businesses, providing robust point-of-sale functionality, advanced inventory management, and omnichannel selling capabilities. It supports multi-location operations with real-time synchronization across stores and online channels, along with CRM tools, employee management, and detailed analytics. The platform integrates with major e-commerce solutions like Shopify and offers customizable hardware compatibility for flexible deployments.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with matrix support for variants and real-time tracking
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store and online sales
- Extensive third-party app marketplace and strong multi-location capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can add up for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Some reporting tools require premium plans
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking advanced inventory control and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Essentials plan per register), with Plus at $109/month and Advanced at $189/month; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-specific POS system offering order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs.
Commission-free online ordering and delivery management that captures 100% of digital sales revenue
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering end-to-end management including order taking, payment processing, inventory control, and kitchen display systems. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, employee scheduling, and loyalty programs to streamline restaurant operations. The platform provides robust analytics and reporting to help owners make data-driven decisions and improve profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like kitchen displays and menu management
- Strong integrations with delivery and online ordering platforms
- Advanced analytics and real-time reporting for operational insights
Cons
- Higher costs due to required proprietary hardware
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Full-service restaurants and quick-service chains seeking an all-in-one solution with strong online and delivery capabilities.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go starter from $0 (with transaction fees), core plans from $69/month per location, plus hardware ($799+ upfront) and 2.99%+ payment processing.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS platform with flexible hardware, app marketplace, and integrated payments.
Vast App Marketplace enabling seamless third-party integrations for specialized business needs
Clover is a cloud-based EPOS system from Fiserv, providing integrated hardware and software for payment processing, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement. It supports retail, restaurants, and service businesses with customizable stations and a vast app marketplace for third-party integrations. Key capabilities include real-time reporting, employee management, and loyalty programs, making it scalable for small to medium enterprises.
Pros
- Extensive App Marketplace with 500+ integrations
- Reliable payment processing with EMV and contactless support
- Customizable hardware options for various business needs
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Additional fees for premium apps and features
- Internet dependency for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant owners seeking flexible, app-extensible EPOS with strong payment capabilities.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans $14.95-$114.85/month; processing 2.3% + $0.10 per dipped/swiped transaction.
EPOS Now
enterpriseFull-featured EPOS system for retail and hospitality with cloud reporting and hardware integration.
Integrated EPOS Now Payments with next-day settlements and no long-term contracts
EPOS Now is a cloud-based EPOS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries, offering comprehensive point-of-sale functionality including sales processing, inventory tracking, and CRM tools. It supports multi-location management, e-commerce integrations, and detailed analytics to streamline business operations. The platform pairs with compatible hardware like touchscreens and card readers for a complete setup.
Pros
- Rich feature set with inventory, CRM, and reporting
- Wide hardware compatibility and integrations
- 24/7 UK-based support
Cons
- Pricing can escalate for advanced features
- Occasional glitches in cloud syncing
- Steep learning curve for customization
Best For
Small to medium retail and hospitality businesses needing scalable, multi-location POS capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at £25/user/month for basic plans, with hardware bundles from £1,000+; advanced tiers up to £100+/month.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS for restaurants focusing on table management, staff scheduling, and menu customization.
Interactive floor plan and table management for seamless tableside ordering and service.
TouchBistro is an iPad-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues. It provides tools for table management, order entry, payment processing, inventory control, staff scheduling, and detailed reporting. The cloud-connected platform supports offline functionality and integrates with various third-party services like delivery apps and accounting software.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like floor plans and table management
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools
Cons
- Requires Apple hardware, limiting flexibility
- Higher pricing with additional hardware costs
- Occasional glitches in multi-terminal setups
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, industry-focused POS with strong table service capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per user (billed annually) plus hardware costs; plans scale with add-ons like loyalty programs.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS solution with real-time reporting, inventory control, and multi-site support for various industries.
Native iPad optimization with seamless cloud synchronization for remote management
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for restaurants, quick-service outlets, and retail businesses, providing tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It supports features like real-time reporting, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and integrations with third-party services such as delivery apps and accounting software. The system's mobile-first design enables on-the-go access to business data, making it suitable for dynamic environments.
Pros
- Cloud-based with real-time syncing across devices
- Intuitive iPad interface that's quick to learn
- Robust integrations and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Relies exclusively on Apple iPad hardware
- Pricing escalates with add-ons and multiple terminals
- Mixed customer support experiences reported
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants and retail shops seeking a mobile, iOS-native POS with strong cloud capabilities.
Pricing
Starter plan at $99/month per terminal, Core at $149/month, Pro at $249/month; hardware, processing fees, and add-ons extra.
SpotOn
enterpriseComprehensive POS for restaurants and retail with marketing tools, online ordering, and low-cost hardware.
Payment processing integration with a 'We'll beat your rate or it's free' guarantee
SpotOn is a cloud-based EPOS system tailored for restaurants, retail, and service businesses, offering point-of-sale transactions, inventory tracking, employee management, and online ordering capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with payment processing to handle card payments, digital wallets, and loyalty programs. The platform emphasizes scalability for small to mid-sized operations with robust reporting and marketing tools to drive customer retention.
Pros
- Competitive, transparent payment processing with rate guarantees
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform including marketing and analytics
- Flexible hardware options with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
- Advanced features require add-ons that increase costs
- Primarily US-focused with limited international capabilities
Best For
Small to medium restaurants and retail businesses needing integrated POS and payments without high upfront software fees.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on terminals and volume; software often free with SpotOn payments (2.6%+10¢ per transaction typical), hardware leases from $49/month.
Loyverse
otherFree mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management.
Unlimited users, products, and sales in the free plan without time limits or hidden fees
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based POS system tailored for small businesses, enabling sales processing, inventory tracking, and employee management via mobile apps on iOS and Android devices. It offers real-time sales reports, customer loyalty programs, and offline functionality, with seamless syncing across multiple devices. Paid add-ons provide advanced features like multi-store support, detailed analytics, and integrations with payment processors.
Pros
- Completely free core plan with unlimited products and employees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Offline mode ensures uninterrupted sales during connectivity issues
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location features require paid add-ons
- Limited customization options for receipts and UI compared to enterprise solutions
- No native hardware support for high-volume printers or scales in free tier
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, food trucks, and market stalls seeking a no-cost, mobile POS for basic operations.
Pricing
Free forever core plan; paid add-ons from $5/month (Back Office) to $25/month (Restaurant module); no contracts or setup fees.
Conclusion
Each epos system reviewed brings distinct strengths, but Square shines as the top choice, offering a well-rounded all-in-one solution for small businesses. Shopify POS stands as a strong alternative, seamlessly unifying online and in-store retail operations, while Lightspeed Retail excels with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location tools for diverse retail needs.
Start simplifying your business operations—try Square’s comprehensive features to experience its edge firsthand, or explore Shopify POS or Lightspeed Retail based on your unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison