Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square Point of Sale - Comprehensive PC-compatible POS software handling payments, inventory management, sales analytics, and customer tracking for retail and restaurants.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Feature-rich cloud POS system with desktop access for advanced inventory, multi-store management, CRM, and e-commerce integration.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Seamless POS software syncing in-store and online sales with robust inventory, reporting, and multichannel selling capabilities on PC.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS platform with PC support for payments, apps marketplace, employee management, and hardware flexibility.
- 5#5: Toast POS - Restaurant-focused POS with PC kiosk mode offering online ordering, menu management, payroll, and kitchen display integration.
- 6#6: KORONA POS - Native Windows POS software for retail and hospitality with strong security, inventory control, and customizable reporting.
- 7#7: Epos Now - Flexible cloud-based POS with Windows compatibility for sales processing, stock management, and cloud reporting across industries.
- 8#8: RetailEdge - Dedicated Windows desktop POS for retailers featuring quick sales, purchase orders, and layered pricing with no subscriptions.
- 9#9: Revel Systems - Cloud POS accessible on PC for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and third-party integrations.
- 10#10: Aldelo POS - Windows-based restaurant POS with table management, delivery integration, and EMV-compliant payment processing.
Tools were selected and ranked based on feature versatility, operational reliability, ease of use, and value, ensuring a balanced lineup that caters to small businesses, multi-store operations, and specialized industries.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top pc-based pos software options like square point of sale, lightspeed retail, shopify pos, clover, and toast, equipping readers to understand their unique strengths. It highlights key features, integration abilities, and practical uses to guide businesses in selecting the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Point of Sale Comprehensive PC-compatible POS software handling payments, inventory management, sales analytics, and customer tracking for retail and restaurants. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Feature-rich cloud POS system with desktop access for advanced inventory, multi-store management, CRM, and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Seamless POS software syncing in-store and online sales with robust inventory, reporting, and multichannel selling capabilities on PC. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS platform with PC support for payments, apps marketplace, employee management, and hardware flexibility. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Toast POS Restaurant-focused POS with PC kiosk mode offering online ordering, menu management, payroll, and kitchen display integration. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 6 | KORONA POS Native Windows POS software for retail and hospitality with strong security, inventory control, and customizable reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Epos Now Flexible cloud-based POS with Windows compatibility for sales processing, stock management, and cloud reporting across industries. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | RetailEdge Dedicated Windows desktop POS for retailers featuring quick sales, purchase orders, and layered pricing with no subscriptions. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Revel Systems Cloud POS accessible on PC for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and third-party integrations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Aldelo POS Windows-based restaurant POS with table management, delivery integration, and EMV-compliant payment processing. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive PC-compatible POS software handling payments, inventory management, sales analytics, and customer tracking for retail and restaurants.
Feature-rich cloud POS system with desktop access for advanced inventory, multi-store management, CRM, and e-commerce integration.
Seamless POS software syncing in-store and online sales with robust inventory, reporting, and multichannel selling capabilities on PC.
Customizable POS platform with PC support for payments, apps marketplace, employee management, and hardware flexibility.
Restaurant-focused POS with PC kiosk mode offering online ordering, menu management, payroll, and kitchen display integration.
Native Windows POS software for retail and hospitality with strong security, inventory control, and customizable reporting.
Flexible cloud-based POS with Windows compatibility for sales processing, stock management, and cloud reporting across industries.
Dedicated Windows desktop POS for retailers featuring quick sales, purchase orders, and layered pricing with no subscriptions.
Cloud POS accessible on PC for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and third-party integrations.
Windows-based restaurant POS with table management, delivery integration, and EMV-compliant payment processing.
Square Point of Sale
enterpriseComprehensive PC-compatible POS software handling payments, inventory management, sales analytics, and customer tracking for retail and restaurants.
Lifetime free POS software with zero monthly subscription required for core sales, inventory, and reporting tools
Square Point of Sale is a versatile, cloud-based POS system designed for PC use via web browser or dedicated desktop app, enabling seamless transaction processing, inventory management, customer relationship tools, and real-time reporting. It excels in small to medium-sized businesses by integrating Square's payment processing directly into the software for fast, secure sales. As a top-ranked PC POS solution, it offers scalability from basic retail to advanced restaurant operations without requiring expensive hardware setups.
Pros
- Completely free core POS software with no monthly fees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and quick setup on any PC
- Extensive integrations with 100+ apps for e-commerce, accounting, and more
Cons
- Transaction processing fees apply (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe/dip/tap)
- Advanced reporting and team management require paid subscriptions
- Requires stable internet connection for full cloud functionality
Best For
Small to medium retailers and restaurants seeking a free, user-friendly PC POS with built-in payments and easy scalability.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; paid plans start at $29/month for Plus or $60/month for Premium features.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseFeature-rich cloud POS system with desktop access for advanced inventory, multi-store management, CRM, and e-commerce integration.
Matrix inventory system for handling product variations like sizes, colors, and styles with automated stock adjustments
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system optimized for PC use, providing comprehensive tools for retail businesses to manage sales, inventory, customers, and e-commerce from a desktop interface. It excels in multi-location operations with real-time synchronization, advanced reporting, and seamless integrations with accounting and online platforms. As a scalable solution, it supports everything from single stores to enterprise chains, making it a top choice for PC-based POS deployments.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with matrix support for variants and serial tracking
- Powerful analytics and reporting dashboards for data-driven decisions
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and third-party apps
Cons
- Subscription pricing can add up for high-volume users
- Requires reliable internet as it's cloud-dependent
- Initial setup and customization may involve a learning curve
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses seeking advanced inventory control, omnichannel sales, and detailed analytics on a PC platform.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Essentials), $149/month (Plus), $249/month (Advanced); per location, plus transaction fees and hardware costs.
Shopify POS
enterpriseSeamless POS software syncing in-store and online sales with robust inventory, reporting, and multichannel selling capabilities on PC.
Real-time synchronization of inventory, orders, and customer data between online store and in-person POS
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed primarily for retail businesses, accessible on PCs via web browser as part of the Shopify e-commerce ecosystem. It enables in-store transactions, inventory management, and real-time syncing between online and physical sales channels. Key capabilities include support for various payment methods, customizable checkout, and detailed reporting, making it suitable for omnichannel operations. While not a native desktop app, its browser-based interface delivers robust POS functionality on Windows and Mac computers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and sales
- Supports a wide range of payment processors and hardware peripherals
- Comprehensive analytics and multi-location management tools
Cons
- Browser-based on PC, lacking native desktop app performance and offline capabilities
- POS Pro features require additional $89/month per location fee
- Internet dependency limits use in low-connectivity environments
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking omnichannel sales management on PC.
Pricing
Basic POS included with Shopify plans ($29-$2,000+/mo); POS Pro add-on at $89/month per location.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS platform with PC support for payments, apps marketplace, employee management, and hardware flexibility.
App Market with customizable apps for industry-specific needs like delivery integrations and loyalty programs
Clover is a cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, best known for its Android-powered hardware devices, but it offers a robust web dashboard accessible on PCs for back-office management, reporting, inventory, and employee scheduling. It handles payments, sales tracking, customer loyalty, and e-commerce integrations primarily through its devices, with PC users managing operations remotely. While not a native PC POS terminal software, its web tools make it viable for hybrid setups in retail, restaurants, and services.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with over 500 integrations
- Reliable payment processing with EMV and contactless support
- Intuitive web dashboard for PC-based reporting and inventory management
Cons
- Requires proprietary Clover hardware for core POS transactions—no native PC terminal app
- High upfront hardware costs
- Subscription fees add up for multi-location setups
Best For
Small to medium retail or restaurant businesses willing to invest in Clover hardware alongside PC-based remote management.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Flex) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans $14.95–$115/mo per device (e.g., Register plan); plus ~2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Toast POS
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS with PC kiosk mode offering online ordering, menu management, payroll, and kitchen display integration.
Integrated online ordering and marketplace delivery management (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats) directly within the POS dashboard.
Toast POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed specifically for restaurants, offering comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It features a robust web-based dashboard accessible via PC browsers for back-office tasks like reporting, analytics, and multi-location management. While primarily optimized for Toast's Android or iOS hardware terminals, the PC interface enables effective oversight without needing a native Windows POS app.
Pros
- Extensive restaurant-specific features including online ordering, kitchen display systems, and payroll integration
- Powerful web-based analytics and reporting dashboard fully accessible on PCs
- Seamless integrations with over 200 third-party apps for delivery, accounting, and more
Cons
- Not a native PC POS terminal software; relies on proprietary hardware for front-of-house operations
- High pricing with custom quotes and additional hardware costs
- Complex setup and steeper learning curve for smaller operations
Best For
Full-service restaurants and chains needing an all-in-one cloud platform with strong PC-based back-office management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $165 per month per location for core plans, plus hardware leases from $49/month and transaction fees.
KORONA POS
enterpriseNative Windows POS software for retail and hospitality with strong security, inventory control, and customizable reporting.
Advanced serialization and compliance modules tailored for regulated industries like firearms and jewelry retail
KORONA POS is a robust, Windows-based point-of-sale system tailored for specialty retail businesses like jewelry stores, gun shops, pawn shops, and smoke shops handling high-volume or high-ticket transactions. It delivers advanced inventory management with serialization, CRM tools, multi-location support, and detailed reporting capabilities. The software integrates with various hardware peripherals and third-party services, emphasizing security, compliance, and customization for complex retail operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable with industry-specific modules like firearms compliance and jewelry tagging
- Powerful inventory serialization and multi-location management
- Comprehensive reporting and real-time analytics
Cons
- Windows-only, lacking native mobile or cross-platform support
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Pricing can escalate quickly for additional modules and support
Best For
Specialty retailers with high-value inventory needing precise tracking, compliance, and scalability across multiple locations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $99/month per terminal, with tiers scaling based on features, locations, and support; hardware sold separately.
Epos Now
enterpriseFlexible cloud-based POS with Windows compatibility for sales processing, stock management, and cloud reporting across industries.
Vast App Store with seamless integrations for accounting, delivery, and e-commerce platforms
Epos Now is a cloud-connected PC-based POS software solution tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries, running on Windows PCs with optional hardware bundles like touchscreens and receipt printers. It provides comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, CRM, and real-time reporting, all accessible via a web-based dashboard. The system supports multi-location operations and integrates with over 100 third-party apps for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- 24/7 customer support and reliable hardware bundles
Cons
- Requires stable internet for cloud features
- Higher costs for premium add-ons and hardware
- Initial setup can be complex for non-tech users
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking a scalable PC-based POS with strong customization and integrations.
Pricing
Subscription from £25/month per device (Essential plan); hardware bundles start at £500+; higher tiers up to £69/month.
RetailEdge
enterpriseDedicated Windows desktop POS for retailers featuring quick sales, purchase orders, and layered pricing with no subscriptions.
Multi-store inventory synchronization via local network, enabling real-time data sharing without internet dependency
RetailEdge is a Windows-based POS software tailored for retail businesses, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, customer tracking, and purchasing. It supports multi-store operations with real-time inventory synchronization across locations and offers customizable reporting for sales analysis and performance insights. Designed as an on-premise solution, it emphasizes reliability and data ownership without relying on cloud services.
Pros
- Perpetual license with one-time purchase eliminates ongoing fees
- Robust inventory and multi-store management capabilities
- Strong reporting and customization options for receipts and labels
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility limits hardware flexibility
- Dated interface feels less modern compared to cloud competitors
- Limited third-party integrations and no native mobile support
Best For
Small to medium retail stores needing a cost-effective, on-premise POS with strong inventory control on Windows PCs.
Pricing
One-time licenses from $795 (Standard) to $1,495 (Pro), plus optional annual support starting at $295.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS accessible on PC for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and third-party integrations.
Real-time cloud-based analytics dashboard accessible via PC browser
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS solution primarily designed for iPad terminals, with a web-based back-office dashboard accessible from PCs for management tasks. It offers robust features including inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and advanced reporting for retail and restaurant businesses. While not a native PC POS application, its PC-compatible admin tools support oversight and analytics in hybrid environments. This makes it viable for PC-centric operations focused on backend control rather than frontline sales.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting tools
- Scalable for multi-location businesses
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Not native PC POS; relies on iPad for core transactions
- Higher pricing with per-terminal fees
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
Best For
Multi-location restaurants or retail operations using iPads for sales but PCs for management and reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), $149 for Pro, Enterprise custom; annual contracts often required.
Aldelo POS
enterpriseWindows-based restaurant POS with table management, delivery integration, and EMV-compliant payment processing.
Advanced beverage management with pour cost tracking and alcohol inventory controls
Aldelo POS is a Windows-based point-of-sale system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, offering tools for order management, table tracking, inventory control, and payment processing. It supports EMV payments, gift cards, loyalty programs, and multi-location operations with robust reporting capabilities. The software emphasizes customization and integrates with various hardware peripherals like receipt printers and kitchen displays.
Pros
- Comprehensive hospitality-specific features like table management and beverage pour tracking
- Strong inventory and reporting tools for multi-location setups
- Flexible hardware compatibility and customization options
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less modern compared to cloud competitors
- Windows-only, limiting deployment on non-PC devices
- Initial setup and training can be time-intensive
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants and bars needing a customizable, feature-rich PC-based POS without cloud dependency.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $99/month per terminal, plus one-time setup fees and hardware costs; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide diverse solutions for various business needs, with Square Point of Sale leading as the top choice due to its robust payments, inventory, and customer tracking capabilities. Lightspeed Retail follows closely with advanced cloud and multi-store management features, while Shopify POS shines with its seamless online-in-store sales sync. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring a suitable option for different business types.
Explore the top-ranked Square Point of Sale to unlock comprehensive functionality and enhance your business operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
