Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Comprehensive POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, real-time reporting, and seamless QuickBooks/Xero integrations for effortless accounting.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS platform delivering advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and deep accounting integrations for retail businesses.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store and online sales, inventory, and financial data with robust accounting tools and app ecosystem.
- 4#4: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with integrated payroll, menu costing, sales analytics, and accounting exports tailored for hospitality.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for custom accounting integrations, reporting, and business management.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-centric cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and direct integrations with leading accounting software.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS for restaurants providing detailed financial reporting, tip pooling, and accounting sync for streamlined operations.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS solution with CRM, inventory control, e-commerce, and accounting integrations for retail and hospitality.
- 9#9: KORONA POS - Secure cloud-based POS with PCI compliance, advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and QuickBooks connectivity.
- 10#10: Odoo - Open-source ERP with integrated POS and full accounting modules for unified sales, inventory, and financial management.
Tools were ranked based on robust features (including accounting sync, inventory control, and industry adaptability), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver both functionality and practicality.
Comparison Table
POS accounting software integrates sales tracking, inventory management, and financial reporting to simplify business operations. This comparison table examines top tools like Square, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Toast, Clover, and more, guiding readers to select the best fit for their needs—whether small startups, restaurants, or larger businesses—by comparing features, pricing, and usability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Comprehensive POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, real-time reporting, and seamless QuickBooks/Xero integrations for effortless accounting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS platform delivering advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and deep accounting integrations for retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store and online sales, inventory, and financial data with robust accounting tools and app ecosystem. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with integrated payroll, menu costing, sales analytics, and accounting exports tailored for hospitality. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for custom accounting integrations, reporting, and business management. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-centric cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and direct integrations with leading accounting software. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad POS for restaurants providing detailed financial reporting, tip pooling, and accounting sync for streamlined operations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS solution with CRM, inventory control, e-commerce, and accounting integrations for retail and hospitality. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | KORONA POS Secure cloud-based POS with PCI compliance, advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and QuickBooks connectivity. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Odoo Open-source ERP with integrated POS and full accounting modules for unified sales, inventory, and financial management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, real-time reporting, and seamless QuickBooks/Xero integrations for effortless accounting.
Cloud-based POS platform delivering advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and deep accounting integrations for retail businesses.
Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store and online sales, inventory, and financial data with robust accounting tools and app ecosystem.
Restaurant-focused POS with integrated payroll, menu costing, sales analytics, and accounting exports tailored for hospitality.
Flexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for custom accounting integrations, reporting, and business management.
iPad-centric cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and direct integrations with leading accounting software.
iPad POS for restaurants providing detailed financial reporting, tip pooling, and accounting sync for streamlined operations.
Cloud POS solution with CRM, inventory control, e-commerce, and accounting integrations for retail and hospitality.
Secure cloud-based POS with PCI compliance, advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and QuickBooks connectivity.
Open-source ERP with integrated POS and full accounting modules for unified sales, inventory, and financial management.
Square
specializedComprehensive POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, real-time reporting, and seamless QuickBooks/Xero integrations for effortless accounting.
Automatic transaction categorization and one-click exports to accounting software for effortless reconciliation
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium businesses, offering robust accounting features like real-time sales tracking, inventory management, and detailed financial reporting. It processes payments seamlessly while automatically categorizing transactions for easy bookkeeping and reconciliation. With native integrations to tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and more, Square bridges POS operations and accounting without needing complex setups.
Pros
- Free POS software with no monthly fees for core features
- Real-time sales and inventory reports for instant accounting insights
- Seamless integrations with major accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe) can add up for high-volume sellers
- Limited advanced accounting tools like full AP/AR management
- Requires reliable internet for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, or service businesses seeking an intuitive POS with straightforward accounting and reporting.
Pricing
Free POS app; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction (2.9% + 30¢ online); premium plans from $29/month; hardware starts at $49.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS platform delivering advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and deep accounting integrations for retail businesses.
Omnichannel inventory unification that syncs stock levels, sales, and accounting data in real-time across physical stores, online shops, and marketplaces.
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing comprehensive inventory management, multi-channel sales processing, and real-time analytics. It excels in accounting functionality through seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other platforms, automating sales data export, profit tracking, and financial reporting. With support for unlimited products and multi-location operations, it streamlines operations from front-end sales to back-office accounting.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time syncing across online and in-store channels
- Seamless accounting integrations for automated reconciliation and reporting
- Advanced analytics and customizable dashboards for financial insights
Cons
- Higher pricing, especially for multi-location setups
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting customizations
- Occasional integration sync delays reported by some users
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing integrated POS, inventory, and accounting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Lean plan), with Standard at $149 and Advanced at $289; additional costs for e-commerce ($59+/month) and payment processing.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that syncs in-store and online sales, inventory, and financial data with robust accounting tools and app ecosystem.
Real-time omnichannel inventory sync that unifies online and in-store sales data for accurate accounting across sales channels
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to process in-person transactions, manage inventory across online and offline channels, and generate basic accounting reports such as sales summaries, tax collections, and payout reconciliations. It excels in omnichannel retail by syncing sales data in real-time but relies on third-party integrations like QuickBooks or Xero for advanced accounting functions like general ledger management or financial statements. Overall, it's a strong POS solution with foundational accounting tools tailored for growing retail businesses.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory and sales syncing across online and physical stores
- Intuitive mobile app for quick setup and on-the-go transactions
- Robust reporting on sales, taxes, and payouts with easy export to accounting software
Cons
- Lacks native advanced accounting features like AR/AP or multi-location consolidations
- POS Pro tier and hardware add significant costs
- Heavy reliance on app integrations for full accounting functionality
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified POS operations and basic sales accounting without needing standalone accounting software.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans ($29-$2,000+/month); POS Pro $89/location/month; hardware like card readers from $29-$349.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-focused POS with integrated payroll, menu costing, sales analytics, and accounting exports tailored for hospitality.
Revenue Center Management for granular tracking and reporting across multiple sales channels like dine-in, takeout, and delivery
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants and hospitality businesses, with integrated accounting features for sales tracking, inventory management, payroll, and financial reporting. It automates reconciliation of POS data with accounting ledgers and offers real-time insights into revenue, expenses, and profitability. Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting tools make it a comprehensive solution for hospitality-focused accounting needs.
Pros
- Industry-specific tools for restaurants like menu management and revenue centers
- Real-time reporting and automated sales reconciliation
- Strong integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- High pricing with per-terminal fees and transaction costs
- Primarily optimized for foodservice, less ideal for retail or other sectors
- Dependent on internet connectivity for full functionality
Best For
Restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues needing an all-in-one POS with built-in accounting and reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for core POS (higher tiers up to $165+), plus hardware bundles ($500+), payment processing (2.49% + $0.15/transaction), and add-ons for advanced features.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for custom accounting integrations, reporting, and business management.
Clover App Market with 500+ apps for tailored accounting extensions and integrations
Clover is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium businesses, providing tools for payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and sales reporting critical for basic accounting needs. It features built-in dashboards for tracking revenue, taxes, and profitability, with seamless integrations to full accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero for deeper financial management. While excelling in POS functionality, its accounting capabilities rely on exports and apps rather than native double-entry bookkeeping.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with customizable dashboards
- Extensive App Market for accounting integrations and add-ons
- Reliable hardware ecosystem for seamless POS operations
Cons
- Limited native accounting depth without third-party integrations
- Transaction fees and hardware costs add up quickly
- Advanced reporting often requires paid apps
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and service businesses needing an easy-to-use POS with solid reporting and accounting sync options.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans $14.95-$99.85/month per device; processing fees 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-centric cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and direct integrations with leading accounting software.
Real-time cloud-based synchronization across all locations and devices for instant accounting data access
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, offering robust sales processing, inventory tracking, and employee management. It excels in accounting-related features like detailed reporting, sales tax calculations, and native integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting tools for seamless data export and reconciliation. The system supports multi-location operations with real-time analytics accessible via web or mobile apps.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time reporting and analytics
- Strong integrations with major accounting software
- Scalable for multi-location businesses
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small businesses
- Dependent on stable internet and Apple hardware
- Occasional complexity in setup and customization
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail chains needing integrated POS and accounting with real-time multi-site visibility.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Core plan), $299/month (Growth), plus hardware costs and transaction fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS for restaurants providing detailed financial reporting, tip pooling, and accounting sync for streamlined operations.
Real-time profit and loss reporting with labor and inventory costing tailored for restaurants
TouchBistro is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, offering table management, order processing, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It provides detailed sales reports, labor costing, and menu analytics that support accounting needs through seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other tools. While not a standalone accounting platform, it excels in capturing real-time transactional data essential for restaurant financial management.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like table mapping and kitchen display system
- Offline functionality for uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations with major accounting software for easy data export
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller operations
- Primarily iPad-based, limiting hardware flexibility
- Advanced accounting requires third-party integrations rather than native capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and bars needing a specialized POS with reliable reporting and accounting integrations.
Pricing
Quote-based; starts at ~$69/month for Back of House, plus ~$39-$69 per Front of House terminal, hardware not included.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS solution with CRM, inventory control, e-commerce, and accounting integrations for retail and hospitality.
Automatic sales data synchronization with major accounting platforms, eliminating manual entry for accurate financial reporting.
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, and real-time reporting. It excels in integrating with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, automatically syncing transaction data to streamline bookkeeping and financial reconciliation. The platform supports multi-location operations, customer loyalty programs, and e-commerce, making it a versatile solution for businesses seeking POS with embedded accounting capabilities.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks for seamless data sync
- Scalable for multi-location businesses with cloud-based access and offline mode
- Comprehensive hardware options and app marketplace for customization
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and hardware
- Customer support response times vary, especially for complex issues
- Accounting features rely heavily on integrations rather than native depth
Best For
Small to medium retail and hospitality businesses needing a robust POS system with strong accounting software integrations.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per terminal for basic plans, with premium tiers up to £109/month; hardware bundles from £299 one-time.
KORONA POS
specializedSecure cloud-based POS with PCI compliance, advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and QuickBooks connectivity.
Universal hardware compatibility, supporting virtually any tablet, printer, or scanner without proprietary lock-in for cost-effective accounting setups.
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail, restaurants, convenience stores, and specialty businesses, offering robust transaction processing, inventory management, and employee tools. It excels in accounting integration by syncing sales data, taxes, and financial reports directly with platforms like QuickBooks and Xero for streamlined bookkeeping. With real-time multi-location support and customizable reporting, it provides businesses with actionable insights into revenue, costs, and profitability without needing separate accounting software.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks, Sage, and Xero for automated financial syncing
- Advanced inventory tracking with real-time stock levels, purchase orders, and vendor management
- Highly customizable dashboards and reports for detailed P&L, sales tax, and multi-location accounting oversight
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-location setups or advanced add-ons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users due to extensive customization options
- Relies heavily on stable internet, with limited offline functionality for accounting tasks
Best For
Multi-location retail and specialty businesses needing flexible POS with deep accounting integrations and inventory control.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month per terminal/location; includes core POS and basic accounting features, with add-ons for advanced reporting ($20-50/month) and hardware not included.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with integrated POS and full accounting modules for unified sales, inventory, and financial management.
Automatic, real-time syncing of POS transactions directly to accounting ledgers, eliminating manual data entry.
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a robust Point of Sale (POS) module that integrates seamlessly with its accounting, inventory, and CRM functionalities. It enables businesses to process in-store and online sales, track inventory in real-time, and automatically reconcile transactions with general ledgers for accurate financial reporting. The modular system supports customization for retail operations, from simple cash registers to multi-location setups with advanced analytics.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration between POS, inventory, and accounting modules
- Highly customizable with open-source community edition available for free
- Scalable for multi-store operations with advanced reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity for non-technical users
- Enterprise features and support require paid subscriptions
- Interface can feel cluttered for businesses needing only basic POS accounting
Best For
Small to medium-sized retailers seeking an all-in-one ERP solution with integrated POS and accounting rather than standalone tools.
Pricing
Free community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) for standard apps including POS.
Conclusion
Across the top 10 point of sale accounting software tools, Square emerges as the leading choice, combining comprehensive POS features, payment processing, and seamless accounting integrations to meet diverse business needs. Lightspeed Retail and Shopify POS follow as strong alternatives, with Lightspeed excelling in advanced inventory management and multi-location support, and Shopify POS offering robust omnichannel sync and a rich app ecosystem. Each tool streamlines operations, blending sales tracking with financial management, ensuring users can focus on growth.
Begin your journey with Square to unlock an intuitive, all-in-one solution that simplifies point of sale and accounting, empowering your business to thrive with ease and efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
