Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - User-friendly cloud-based POS system with free software, integrated payments, and inventory management for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified inventory and customer data.
- 3#3: Lightspeed - Feature-rich cloud POS for retail and restaurants with advanced inventory, analytics, and multi-location support.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS offering comprehensive features for retail and hospitality including real-time reporting and integrations.
- 6#6: Loyverse - Free POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance tools.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling.
- 8#8: Toast - Restaurant management platform combining POS, payments, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud-based EPOS system for retail and hospitality with payment integration, CRM, and detailed reporting.
- 10#10: SpotOn - POS solution for restaurants and retail featuring loyalty programs, marketing tools, and contactless payments.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors like feature depth, user experience, software stability, and value, ensuring each option balances power, accessibility, and practicality to meet the needs of modern businesses.
Comparison Table
Point Of Sale (POS) software is a cornerstone of modern business operations, with tools catering to diverse needs from small shops to large enterprises. This comparison table explores top options like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed, Clover, and Revel Systems, detailing key features, pricing, and usability to help businesses identify the best fit for their unique workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square User-friendly cloud-based POS system with free software, integrated payments, and inventory management for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified inventory and customer data. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Feature-rich cloud POS for retail and restaurants with advanced inventory, analytics, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS offering comprehensive features for retail and hospitality including real-time reporting and integrations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Loyverse Free POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad POS tailored for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Toast Restaurant management platform combining POS, payments, online ordering, and kitchen display systems. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud-based EPOS system for retail and hospitality with payment integration, CRM, and detailed reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | SpotOn POS solution for restaurants and retail featuring loyalty programs, marketing tools, and contactless payments. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
User-friendly cloud-based POS system with free software, integrated payments, and inventory management for small businesses.
Omnichannel POS that seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified inventory and customer data.
Feature-rich cloud POS for retail and restaurants with advanced inventory, analytics, and multi-location support.
Flexible POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries.
iPad-based POS offering comprehensive features for retail and hospitality including real-time reporting and integrations.
Free POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance tools.
iPad POS tailored for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling.
Restaurant management platform combining POS, payments, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.
Cloud-based EPOS system for retail and hospitality with payment integration, CRM, and detailed reporting.
POS solution for restaurants and retail featuring loyalty programs, marketing tools, and contactless payments.
Square
enterpriseUser-friendly cloud-based POS system with free software, integrated payments, and inventory management for small businesses.
Free, all-in-one POS app with built-in payment processing that works instantly on any smartphone or tablet
Square is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering free software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking sales, and handling appointments. It integrates hardware like card readers, terminals, and kitchen displays with a user-friendly app available on iOS and Android devices. Square stands out for its no-contract model, enabling quick setup and scalability for retail, restaurants, and service-based operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with rapid setup in minutes
- No monthly fees for core POS, inventory, and reporting features
- Robust ecosystem with 400+ integrations and customizable hardware options
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) add up for high-volume sales
- Advanced analytics and payroll require paid subscriptions
- Customer support lacks phone option for free plan users
Best For
Small businesses, startups, food trucks, and retail shops needing an affordable, easy-to-use POS without upfront costs or contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software; pay-per-transaction (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online); paid add-ons like Retail ($60/mo) or Restaurants ($60/mo) for advanced features.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified inventory and customer data.
Real-time bidirectional sync of inventory, customers, and sales across online and physical channels
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling merchants to process in-person transactions using iPad or iPhone hardware. It offers real-time synchronization of inventory, customer data, and orders between online and physical stores, supporting omnichannel retail operations. Key capabilities include customizable checkouts, offline selling mode, and compatibility with various payment processors and hardware like card readers and receipt printers.
Pros
- Seamless real-time sync with Shopify online store for inventory and orders
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Strong offline mode and broad hardware compatibility
Cons
- Requires underlying Shopify subscription for full access
- Advanced POS Pro features incur extra $89/month per location fee
- Reporting and analytics limited in basic plans
Best For
Retailers with existing Shopify online stores seeking unified omnichannel management for in-person sales.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro add-on $89/location/mo.
Lightspeed
enterpriseFeature-rich cloud POS for retail and restaurants with advanced inventory, analytics, and multi-location support.
Unified commerce platform that synchronizes inventory, orders, and customer data across physical stores and online channels in real-time
Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail and restaurant businesses, providing comprehensive tools for point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, customer relationship management, and e-commerce integration. It excels in multi-location operations with real-time synchronization across channels, advanced reporting, and customizable hardware options. Designed for scalability, it supports growing enterprises with features like loyalty programs, employee management, and an extensive app marketplace for added functionality.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with real-time tracking and multi-location support
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store and online sales
- Robust analytics and reporting tools for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for small businesses
- Occasional learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Multi-location retail and restaurant businesses needing scalable omnichannel POS with strong inventory and e-commerce capabilities.
Pricing
Retail starts at $89/month per location; Restaurant at $69/month per terminal; plus hardware costs, transaction fees, and premium add-ons.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS platform with customizable hardware, app marketplace, and payment processing for various industries.
Clover App Market with over 1,000 third-party apps for endless customization
Clover is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, offering integrated hardware like the Clover Station, Mini, Flex, and Go devices alongside software for payments, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It supports retail, restaurants, and service businesses with features like contactless payments, e-commerce integration, and real-time reporting. The standout App Market allows extensive customization through thousands of third-party apps.
Pros
- Vast App Marketplace for tailored integrations
- Durable and versatile hardware options
- Seamless payment processing with EMV and NFC support
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Processing fees add up for high-volume users
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail, restaurant, and service businesses needing customizable POS with strong payment capabilities.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans start at $14.95/month (Register) to $99.85/month (Restaurant) per device, plus 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 processing fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS offering comprehensive features for retail and hospitality including real-time reporting and integrations.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) with real-time order routing and modifiers for efficient back-of-house operations.
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in real-time reporting, kitchen display systems, and multi-location support, allowing seamless data synchronization across sites. The platform emphasizes mobility and scalability, with extensive integrations for accounting, payroll, and delivery services.
Pros
- Robust analytics and customizable reporting dashboards
- Scalable for multi-location operations with real-time syncing
- Strong integrations with third-party apps like QuickBooks and Toast
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs due to Apple exclusivity
- Subscription pricing can add up for larger setups
- Occasional reports of cloud sync delays during peak hours
Best For
Full-service restaurants and retail chains needing advanced inventory, table management, and multi-site capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan; higher tiers up to $299/month, plus hardware (~$1,000+ per iPad setup) and 2.3%+ payment processing fees.
Loyverse
enterpriseFree POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance tools.
Unlimited free offline transaction processing that automatically syncs online
Loyverse is a cloud-based POS software tailored for small businesses like retail shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering core sales processing, inventory management, employee time tracking, and customer loyalty programs through intuitive mobile apps for iOS and Android. It supports offline transactions that sync when internet is available, multi-location management, and basic reporting. The system integrates with various hardware like receipt printers and barcode scanners, making it accessible for startups without high upfront costs.
Pros
- Completely free core POS functionality with no time limits
- Excellent mobile-first interface and offline mode for reliable use
- Strong inventory and employee management tools for small teams
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid add-ons
- Limited native payment processing integrations in some regions
- Customization options are basic compared to enterprise POS systems
Best For
Ideal for small retail, food service, or service-based businesses seeking a free, mobile-friendly POS to start operations quickly without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core POS; paid add-ons like Back Office ($5/location/month), Hardware Server ($10/month), and Loyalty ($5/location/month).
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad POS tailored for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling.
Offline mode with full POS functionality, syncing data automatically when reconnected
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, handling everything from order taking and payments to inventory management and staff scheduling. It offers cloud syncing for real-time data across multiple locations, offline mode for uninterrupted service, and integrations with popular restaurant tools like payroll and loyalty programs. Designed for mobility, it supports table-side ordering and customizable floor plans to streamline operations in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Industry-specific features like menu modifiers, table management, and recipe costing optimized for restaurants
- Reliable offline mode ensures operations continue during internet outages
- Robust reporting and analytics for sales, inventory, and labor insights
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware, excluding Android or PC options
- Pricing can add up for multi-terminal setups with additional fees
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent for smaller users
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes seeking a mobile, restaurant-focused POS with strong back-office tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $165/month (Premium); hardware and add-ons extra, with custom quotes for enterprises.
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant management platform combining POS, payments, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.
Integrated online ordering that captures direct sales without third-party commissions
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored specifically for restaurants, offering comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling. It includes features like table management, kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering, loyalty programs, and detailed analytics to streamline restaurant operations. The platform supports both front-of-house and back-of-house needs with mobile accessibility and integrations for delivery services.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like table mapping and KDS integration
- Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
- Seamless online ordering and customer loyalty tools
Cons
- Higher pricing with processing fees adding up
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited flexibility outside restaurant vertical
Best For
Full-service restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS with strong online and kitchen integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for Starter plan (Grow at $165/month), plus 2.49% + $0.15 processing fees and hardware bundles from $799.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud-based EPOS system for retail and hospitality with payment integration, CRM, and detailed reporting.
Hardware-agnostic app store allowing over 100 third-party extensions for customized workflows
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS software platform designed for retail, hospitality, restaurants, and service industries, offering seamless transaction processing on touchscreen hardware. It includes inventory management, CRM tools, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting across multiple locations. The system integrates with accounting software like Xero and Sage, and features an app marketplace for custom add-ons.
Pros
- Versatile industry-specific configurations for retail and hospitality
- Robust inventory tracking and multi-location support
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations
Cons
- Monthly fees add up for multi-terminal setups
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Limited offline mode compared to competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized retailers and restaurants needing scalable hardware-integrated POS with strong reporting.
Pricing
Monthly subscriptions from £25 (Essential) to £109 (Pro) per terminal, plus hardware bundles starting at £500-£2,000 one-time.
SpotOn
enterprisePOS solution for restaurants and retail featuring loyalty programs, marketing tools, and contactless payments.
Transparent, contract-free pricing with industry-leading payment rates and built-in loyalty programs
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, retail, and service industries, providing integrated payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty tools. It supports both countertop and mobile hardware setups for flexible operations, with strong emphasis on data analytics and reporting. The platform stands out for its competitive transaction fees and no long-term contracts, making it suitable for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with low rates (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present)
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like table management and online ordering
- Excellent customer support and no hidden fees or contracts
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants looking for a reliable, payment-focused POS without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month for software; payment processing at 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction; hardware bundles from $500+.
Conclusion
Navigating the best point of sale software involves balancing features, usability, and business needs, with Square leading as the top choice—valued for its user-friendliness and integrated payments. For those needing omnichannel synergy, Shopify POS stands out as a strong alternative, while Lightspeed impresses with its feature-rich capabilities, ideal for multi-location or detailed analytics. Together, these platforms cover diverse business types, ensuring a solution for nearly every need.
Start with Square’s free, all-in-one setup to experience why it’s the top pick, or explore Shopify POS or Lightspeed to find the perfect fit for your unique business goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
