Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Cloud-based POS system that enables seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales with e-commerce inventory and customer data.
- 3#3: Lightspeed - Robust cloud POS for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.
- 4#4: Toast - All-in-one restaurant POS platform featuring online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen management tools.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, apps marketplace, and business management features.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - Restaurant-focused iPad POS offering floor plans, menu management, and staff scheduling in the cloud.
- 8#8: Loyverse - Free cloud POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud-based POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and customizable hardware.
- 10#10: KORONA POS - Flexible cloud POS for retail, restaurants, and convenience stores with strong security and API integrations.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core capabilities (including inventory tracking, payment processing, and analytics), performance stability, ease of integration and daily use, and overall cost-effectiveness, ensuring relevance for small businesses to larger enterprises.
Comparison Table
Discover how leading online point of sale tools like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed, Toast, and Clover compare to find the best fit for your business. This guide outlines key features, usability, and integration capabilities to help you make an informed choice, whether you run a small store, restaurant, or large enterprise.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Cloud-based POS system that enables seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales with e-commerce inventory and customer data. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Robust cloud POS for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and detailed reporting. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Toast All-in-one restaurant POS platform featuring online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen management tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, apps marketplace, and business management features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro Restaurant-focused iPad POS offering floor plans, menu management, and staff scheduling in the cloud. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Loyverse Free cloud POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud-based POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and customizable hardware. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | KORONA POS Flexible cloud POS for retail, restaurants, and convenience stores with strong security and API integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS system that enables seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales with e-commerce inventory and customer data.
Robust cloud POS for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.
All-in-one restaurant POS platform featuring online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen management tools.
Customizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, apps marketplace, and business management features.
iPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations.
Restaurant-focused iPad POS offering floor plans, menu management, and staff scheduling in the cloud.
Free cloud POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management.
Cloud-based POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and customizable hardware.
Flexible cloud POS for retail, restaurants, and convenience stores with strong security and API integrations.
Square
enterpriseCloud-based POS system that enables seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Square Online: Free customizable e-commerce site with automatic inventory and order syncing to the POS system
Square is a leading all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) platform that provides seamless online and in-person payment processing, inventory management, and e-commerce tools for businesses of all sizes. Its Square Online feature allows users to create customizable online stores that sync real-time with physical POS inventory and sales data. With no monthly fees on the basic plan, Square handles everything from card readers and contactless payments to advanced reporting and integrations, making it ideal for modern retail operations.
Pros
- Intuitive setup with free POS software and hardware options
- Real-time inventory sync between online store and physical sales
- Transparent pay-per-transaction pricing with no contracts
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ online) can add up for high-volume businesses
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid upgrades
- Customer support primarily self-service or email for free plan users
Best For
Small to medium-sized retailers and service businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated online selling capabilities.
Pricing
Free basic plan with transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online/keyed); Plus ($29/mo), Premium (custom), and Retail/Restaurants plans from $60/mo for advanced features.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales with e-commerce inventory and customer data.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale solution that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to manage in-person sales alongside their online store. It supports a variety of hardware like card readers, receipt printers, and tablets, with real-time synchronization of inventory, orders, and customer data across channels. The system offers robust payment processing, offline functionality, and customizable checkout experiences for efficient omnichannel retailing.
Pros
- Seamless real-time sync between online store and physical sales
- Extensive app marketplace for custom features
- Supports multiple payment methods including contactless and offline mode
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription for full access
- Advanced POS Pro features add extra per-location fees
- Hardware sold separately, increasing upfront costs
Best For
Retailers with both online and brick-and-mortar stores seeking unified inventory and sales management.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan ($29-$2,000+/mo); POS Pro $89/location/month for advanced features.
Lightspeed
enterpriseRobust cloud POS for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.
Unified inventory management that synchronizes stock levels across online, in-store, and multiple channels in real-time
Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for retail, restaurants, and e-commerce, enabling seamless omnichannel operations by integrating in-store sales with online storefronts. It offers robust inventory management, real-time analytics, CRM tools, and customizable hardware to streamline operations across multiple locations. Ideal for growing businesses, it supports advanced features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and automated reordering.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel integration for online and in-store sales
- Advanced inventory tracking with real-time sync and forecasting
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Multi-location retailers and restaurants needing robust omnichannel POS with strong inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (billed annually) per location for Retail Essentials, up to $269/month for Advanced; additional per-user fees and hardware costs apply.
Toast
specializedAll-in-one restaurant POS platform featuring online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen management tools.
Integrated online ordering and delivery management that syncs directly with the POS for real-time order fulfillment.
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, offering comprehensive tools for order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and staff scheduling. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and provides real-time analytics for sales and operations. Designed to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house workflows, Toast helps restaurants manage everything from tableside ordering to customer loyalty programs in one platform.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like kitchen display systems and tableside ordering
- Strong integrations with delivery and online ordering platforms
- Robust reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- High upfront and ongoing costs with hardware bundles
- Long-term contracts that can be inflexible
- Steeper learning curve for non-restaurant users
Best For
Full-service restaurants and quick-service eateries needing an all-in-one POS with online ordering and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per terminal (includes hardware lease); processing fees 2.49%-3.09% + $0.15 per transaction; add-ons extra.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, apps marketplace, and business management features.
Clover App Market enabling thousands of third-party app integrations for tailored functionality
Clover is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that integrates hardware terminals with software for managing in-person and online transactions, inventory, employees, and customer data. It supports online ordering, delivery integrations, and e-commerce syncing for retail, restaurants, and services. With a vast app marketplace, it allows extensive customization for specific business needs.
Pros
- Expansive app marketplace with 500+ integrations
- Reliable hardware options for various business sizes
- Robust online ordering and e-commerce capabilities
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Per-device monthly fees add up
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant businesses needing flexible hardware and online sales integrations.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station); software $14.95-$99.85/month per device; processing 2.6%+$0.10 in-person, 3.5%+$0.10 online.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based cloud POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations.
Advanced Kitchen Display System (KDS) with customizable workflows for seamless back-of-house order fulfillment
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, providing real-time inventory tracking, sales reporting, and employee management. It supports online ordering, delivery integrations with platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and advanced features like customer loyalty programs and kitchen display systems. The system's scalability makes it ideal for single or multi-location operations with robust data syncing across devices.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like KDS and table management
- Strong integrations with 100+ third-party apps including delivery services
- Real-time cloud syncing and detailed analytics for multi-location businesses
Cons
- Hardware tied to iPads, limiting flexibility
- Higher pricing with additional transaction and setup fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail stores needing scalable, feature-packed cloud POS with strong online ordering capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Core plan), up to $299/month (Enterprise), plus hardware costs (~$1,000+ for iPad bundle) and ~2.3% + $0.15 per transaction processing.
TouchBistro
specializedRestaurant-focused iPad POS offering floor plans, menu management, and staff scheduling in the cloud.
Dynamic floor plan and table management with seat-level bill splitting
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, offering table management, menu customization, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling via iPad hardware. It supports offline transactions with automatic cloud syncing and provides real-time reporting for sales, labor, and inventory. Designed for full-service venues, it integrates with loyalty programs, delivery services, and accounting tools to streamline operations.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like table mapping and course management
- Reliable offline mode with cloud sync
- Extensive integrations with 100+ partners
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware (no Android support)
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and locations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing industry-tailored POS with advanced table and inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $249/month (Pro); hardware and add-ons extra.
Loyverse
otherFree cloud POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management.
Unlimited free cloud-based POS with seamless multi-device sync and no transaction fees
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small businesses in retail, restaurants, cafes, and services, offering mobile apps for iOS and Android alongside a web dashboard. It provides essential features like inventory management, sales tracking, employee time-tracking, customer loyalty programs, and online ordering integration for delivery or pickup. The system supports hardware like receipt printers and barcode scanners, making it suitable for both in-store and online POS operations without initial costs.
Pros
- Completely free core POS functionality with no limits on users, items, or sales
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up and use
- Strong inventory management and real-time reporting across multiple locations
Cons
- Advanced features like e-menus and enhanced analytics require paid add-ons
- Limited native integrations with accounting software
- Customer support primarily via email and tickets, not live chat or phone
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, or food trucks needing a simple, no-cost POS for in-store sales and basic online ordering.
Pricing
Free forever for core POS features; paid add-ons start at $5/location/month (e.g., E-Menu, Online Ordering Pro).
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud-based POS system for retail and hospitality with e-commerce integration and customizable hardware.
Vast App Store with 100+ specialized apps for retail, restaurants, and services, enabling hyper-customized workflows.
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, restaurants, hospitality, and service industries, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It supports online ordering, e-commerce integrations, and multi-location operations through its web-accessible dashboard. The platform emphasizes customization via a vast app marketplace, making it adaptable for diverse business needs.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with over 100 integrations for customization
- Robust inventory and reporting tools suitable for multi-location setups
- Reliable cloud-based access with offline mode capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and hardware bundles
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Customer support response times vary, with some delays reported
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses needing a flexible, industry-specific POS with hardware integration.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per terminal (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs from £300+; custom enterprise plans available.
KORONA POS
enterpriseFlexible cloud POS for retail, restaurants, and convenience stores with strong security and API integrations.
Integrated lottery ticket sales and age-restricted product verification for compliance-heavy retail environments
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed primarily for retail businesses like convenience stores, liquor stores, and smoke shops. It provides robust inventory management, real-time reporting, employee management, and multi-location support with seamless synchronization across devices. The platform excels in handling high-volume transactions and offers specialized features for regulated industries, including age verification and lottery integrations.
Pros
- Extensive retail-specific features like lottery integration and age verification
- Strong multi-location and inventory management capabilities
- Reliable cloud syncing and customizable reporting
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be higher for smaller operations
- Less intuitive interface compared to simpler POS systems
Best For
High-volume retailers in regulated industries such as convenience stores, liquor shops, and tobacco outlets needing advanced compliance and inventory tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $99/month per terminal; scales with features and locations, no long-term contracts required.
Conclusion
Square secures the top spot as the best choice, combining seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics to meet small businesses' needs. Shopify POS and Lightspeed are strong alternatives, with Shopify excelling in syncing online and in-store operations and Lightspeed offering robust tools for multi-location setups and detailed reporting. Together, these solutions redefine efficient point-of-sale management.
Explore Square today to streamline your sales, manage operations with ease, and set your business up for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
shopify.comReferenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.