Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for retail businesses.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS hardware and software with real-time inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable pricing for small retailers.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that synchronizes inventory across online stores, physical locations, and multiple channels seamlessly.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS platform with integrated inventory control, app marketplace, and flexible hardware options for various retail needs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS solution offering robust inventory management, order fulfillment, and reporting for retail and restaurants.
- 6#6: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with ingredient-level inventory tracking, menu management, and integrated online ordering.
- 7#7: Epos Now - Cloud POS system providing inventory control, CRM, and multi-site management for retail and hospitality.
- 8#8: TouchBistro - iPad POS for restaurants with inventory management, staff scheduling, and real-time sales insights.
- 9#9: KORONA POS - Secure POS software with comprehensive inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting for retail operations.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app with basic inventory management, sales analytics, and loyalty features for small businesses.
These tools were ranked based on performance, feature set, ease of use, and ability to cater to diverse business needs—ensuring they deliver reliable results for businesses ranging from small retailers to multi-location enterprises.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right point of sale (POS) and inventory software is key to optimizing retail workflows. This comparison table explores popular tools like Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, empowering readers to identify features, pricing, and best uses for their business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS hardware and software with real-time inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable pricing for small retailers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that synchronizes inventory across online stores, physical locations, and multiple channels seamlessly. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS platform with integrated inventory control, app marketplace, and flexible hardware options for various retail needs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS solution offering robust inventory management, order fulfillment, and reporting for retail and restaurants. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with ingredient-level inventory tracking, menu management, and integrated online ordering. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Epos Now Cloud POS system providing inventory control, CRM, and multi-site management for retail and hospitality. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | TouchBistro iPad POS for restaurants with inventory management, staff scheduling, and real-time sales insights. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | KORONA POS Secure POS software with comprehensive inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting for retail operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app with basic inventory management, sales analytics, and loyalty features for small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for retail businesses.
User-friendly POS hardware and software with real-time inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable pricing for small retailers.
Omnichannel POS that synchronizes inventory across online stores, physical locations, and multiple channels seamlessly.
Customizable POS platform with integrated inventory control, app marketplace, and flexible hardware options for various retail needs.
iPad-based POS solution offering robust inventory management, order fulfillment, and reporting for retail and restaurants.
Restaurant-focused POS with ingredient-level inventory tracking, menu management, and integrated online ordering.
Cloud POS system providing inventory control, CRM, and multi-site management for retail and hospitality.
iPad POS for restaurants with inventory management, staff scheduling, and real-time sales insights.
Secure POS software with comprehensive inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting for retail operations.
Free mobile POS app with basic inventory management, sales analytics, and loyalty features for small businesses.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration for retail businesses.
Unified omnichannel inventory management that syncs stock levels across physical stores, websites, and marketplaces in real-time
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, offering real-time inventory tracking, multi-location management, and seamless integration with e-commerce channels. It handles everything from sales processing and customer relationship management to purchase orders and advanced analytics, enabling retailers to unify online and in-store operations. With robust hardware compatibility and customizable reporting, it's designed to scale with growing businesses while minimizing stockouts and overstock issues.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with real-time syncing and matrix support for variants
- Strong omnichannel integration for in-store, online, and marketplace sales
- Advanced analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing that scales with registers and locations
- Learning curve for advanced features and customizations
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume sales
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing robust POS, inventory, and e-commerce unification to scale operations efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register (Lean plan), with Standard ($109/mo) and Advanced ($149/mo) tiers; annual billing discounts available, plus transaction fees and optional hardware.
Square for Retail
enterpriseUser-friendly POS hardware and software with real-time inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable pricing for small retailers.
Real-time, multi-location inventory syncing with automated purchase orders and stock forecasting
Square for Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management platform designed specifically for retail businesses, offering seamless payment processing, real-time inventory tracking, and sales analytics. It supports features like stock alerts, purchase orders, item variants, bundles, and multi-location management to streamline operations. The solution integrates with Square's hardware and e-commerce tools for omnichannel selling, making it ideal for handling both in-store and online transactions efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface with mobile app support
- Robust inventory tools including real-time tracking, low-stock alerts, and automated reordering
- Seamless integration with payments, e-commerce, and multi-channel selling
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe) can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Advanced retail features require a $60+/month subscription per location
- Reporting and customization somewhat limited compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail stores seeking an affordable, easy-to-use POS with strong inventory management and integrated payments.
Pricing
Free basic POS software; Square for Retail plan starts at $60/month per location (billed annually) plus processing fees of 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that synchronizes inventory across online stores, physical locations, and multiple channels seamlessly.
Real-time inventory synchronization across online and physical sales channels
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed for in-person sales that integrates seamlessly with the Shopify e-commerce platform, enabling real-time inventory synchronization across online and physical stores. It supports mobile devices like iPhones and iPads, compatible hardware such as card readers and receipt printers, and features like customer profiles, sales reports, and staff management. As a comprehensive POS and inventory solution, it excels in omnichannel retail environments, allowing merchants to manage stock levels, track sales, and process payments efficiently from anywhere.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory sync between online and in-store sales
- Strong omnichannel support for unified customer and sales data
- Flexible mobile setup with broad hardware compatibility
Cons
- POS Pro advanced features require extra $89/month per location fee
- Basic plans lack some detailed reporting and customization
- Hardware costs are separate and can add up quickly
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking integrated POS and inventory management.
Pricing
Free POS Lite included with Shopify plans starting at $29/month; POS Pro add-on at $89/location/month for advanced features.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS platform with integrated inventory control, app marketplace, and flexible hardware options for various retail needs.
App Marketplace with over 400 apps for custom functionality like loyalty programs and delivery integrations
Clover is an all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) system that combines hardware terminals, payment processing, and cloud-based software for managing sales, inventory, customers, and employees. It excels in retail, restaurants, and quick-service businesses with features like real-time inventory tracking, multi-location support, and detailed reporting. The platform's App Marketplace allows extensive customization through third-party integrations, making it adaptable to various business needs.
Pros
- Seamless payment processing with competitive rates and EMV/chip support
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- Vast App Marketplace for tailored integrations and extensions
Cons
- Hardware upfront costs can be high for small businesses
- Advanced features often require add-on apps or fees
- Limited offline functionality compared to some competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and restaurant owners seeking a customizable, hardware-integrated POS with strong inventory and payment tools.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499 (purchase) or lease options; software plans from $14.95/month (Register Lite) to $114.85/month (full suite), plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS solution offering robust inventory management, order fulfillment, and reporting for retail and restaurants.
Seamless kitchen display system (KDS) integration with automated course firing and table management
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for restaurants, retail stores, and bars, enabling real-time sales processing, order management, and stock tracking across multiple locations. It provides tools for employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, detailed analytics, and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks. The system supports customizable hardware setups, primarily iPad-based, with features like kitchen display systems for efficient operations.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory syncing and reporting
- Extensive integrations with third-party apps
- Scalable for high-volume hospitality businesses
Cons
- Higher pricing with additional fees for add-ons
- Primarily Apple hardware dependent, limiting flexibility
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and retail operations needing advanced inventory control and real-time analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Starter), up to $299+/month (Pro/Enterprise); hardware and add-ons extra.
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS with ingredient-level inventory tracking, menu management, and integrated online ordering.
Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) with real-time order routing and inventory deductions
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, offering end-to-end management of orders, payments, inventory, and operations. It excels in inventory tracking with recipe costing, waste management, and supplier integrations, alongside features like tableside ordering, kitchen display systems, and online ordering. The platform provides robust analytics, loyalty programs, and multi-location support, making it a comprehensive solution for foodservice businesses.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like KDS and table management
- Strong inventory tools with real-time tracking and recipe costing
- Seamless integrations with delivery services and payments
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited flexibility for non-restaurant retail environments
Best For
Full-service and quick-service restaurants needing an integrated POS and inventory system with deep hospitality features.
Pricing
Software starts at $69/month per terminal plus processing fees; hardware bundles from $799; custom quotes for advanced features and multi-location setups.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS system providing inventory control, CRM, and multi-site management for retail and hospitality.
Extensive app marketplace with over 100 third-party integrations for tailored functionality.
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS and inventory management system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service businesses, enabling seamless transaction processing, real-time stock tracking, and multi-location synchronization. It offers customizable hardware compatibility, detailed sales reporting, and an extensive app marketplace for integrations with accounting, CRM, and payment gateways. The platform supports contactless payments, employee management, and loyalty programs to streamline operations.
Pros
- Hardware-agnostic design works with various devices
- Real-time inventory tracking and multi-location support
- Vast app marketplace with 100+ integrations
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and locations
- Limited offline functionality requires stable internet
- Initial setup may need professional assistance
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses needing a scalable POS with strong inventory and customization options.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$109/month for Essential plan (billed annually), scales with features/locations; hardware sold separately.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS for restaurants with inventory management, staff scheduling, and real-time sales insights.
Integrated floor plan and table management with drag-and-drop seating and course-based ordering for efficient service flow
TouchBistro is an iPad-exclusive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, handling everything from order entry and table management to payment processing and inventory tracking. It includes features like recipe costing, stock alerts, waste logging, and real-time reporting to optimize operations and profitability. With offline capabilities and integrations for kitchen displays, online ordering, and accounting, it's built to manage the unique demands of foodservice environments.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like advanced table management and kitchen display system
- Strong inventory features with recipe costing and automated reordering
- Reliable offline mode and robust reporting for multi-location operations
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware, restricting flexibility
- Higher pricing that may strain small or single-location businesses
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a comprehensive, industry-tailored POS with integrated inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually) for basic plans, scaling to $165+ for advanced features; hardware and add-ons extra.
KORONA POS
specializedSecure POS software with comprehensive inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting for retail operations.
Advanced built-in compliance suite for age/ID verification and regulated product sales tracking
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed primarily for retail businesses like convenience stores, liquor stores, and supermarkets, offering robust inventory management, real-time sales tracking, and multi-location support. It excels in handling high-volume transactions with features like age verification, scale integration, and compliance tools for regulated products such as tobacco and alcohol. The software supports both online and offline modes, ensuring operational continuity.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with real-time tracking and lot/serial number support
- Industry-specific compliance features for age-restricted sales and regulations
- Scalable multi-location capabilities with centralized reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for small single-location businesses
- Setup and customization require some technical expertise
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Multi-location retailers in regulated industries like convenience, liquor, and grocery stores needing advanced inventory and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per month per terminal for basic plans, with premium tiers up to $199+ and custom enterprise pricing; hardware sold separately.
Loyverse
specializedFree mobile POS app with basic inventory management, sales analytics, and loyalty features for small businesses.
Unlimited free products, employees, and sales history with full offline functionality
Loyverse is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management software tailored for small businesses like retail shops, cafes, and restaurants. It provides tools for processing sales, tracking inventory in real-time, managing employees, and generating reports across multiple locations and devices. The system supports iOS and Android tablets/phones with offline mode for uninterrupted service.
Pros
- Completely free core POS and inventory features with no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Real-time multi-device and multi-store synchronization
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid add-ons
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- No native payment processing (relies on third-party gateways)
Best For
Small retail or food service businesses seeking a no-cost, easy-to-use POS without sacrificing basic inventory and sales tracking.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; add-ons like Back Office Pro ($5/location/month) and Hardware Server ($10/month).
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Lightspeed Retail stands out as the top choice, offering advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration that cater to diverse retail needs. Square for Retail and Shopify POS are strong alternatives, with user-friendly hardware/software and seamless omnichannel sync, respectively, making them ideal for small retailers and businesses with online operations.
Don’t miss out on Lightspeed Retail—its robust features can transform how you manage sales and inventory; explore it today to elevate your retail efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison