Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Square offers a user-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and analytics for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Toast - Toast provides a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants with features like online ordering, payroll, and loyalty programs.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Shopify POS seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce, offering inventory sync, payments, and multi-channel management.
- 4#4: Lightspeed - Lightspeed delivers robust POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
- 5#5: Clover - Clover provides customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Revel Systems offers iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for retail and restaurants.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - TouchBistro is an all-in-one iPad POS for restaurants featuring menu management, tableside ordering, and performance analytics.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Epos Now supplies flexible POS systems for retail and hospitality with cloud access, e-commerce integration, and reporting.
- 9#9: Lavu - Lavu provides mobile POS software for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and multi-location capabilities.
- 10#10: NCR Voyix - NCR Voyix offers scalable POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced analytics, loyalty, and enterprise integrations.
We selected and ranked these systems based on key factors like feature depth, operational efficiency, ease of use, and value, ensuring they meet the varied needs of small to large businesses across industries and deliver tangible benefits.
Comparison Table
Navigating Point Of Sale Systems Software requires clarity, and with tools like Square, Toast, Shopify POS, Lightspeed, Clover, and more, a side-by-side comparison simplifies the process. This table outlines key features, usability, and industry suitability, helping readers identify the best fit for their retail, restaurant, or service business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Square offers a user-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and analytics for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Toast Toast provides a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants with features like online ordering, payroll, and loyalty programs. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Shopify POS seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce, offering inventory sync, payments, and multi-channel management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Lightspeed delivers robust POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Clover Clover provides customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Revel Systems offers iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for retail and restaurants. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro TouchBistro is an all-in-one iPad POS for restaurants featuring menu management, tableside ordering, and performance analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Epos Now supplies flexible POS systems for retail and hospitality with cloud access, e-commerce integration, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Lavu Lavu provides mobile POS software for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and multi-location capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | NCR Voyix NCR Voyix offers scalable POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced analytics, loyalty, and enterprise integrations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Square offers a user-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and analytics for small to medium businesses.
Toast provides a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants with features like online ordering, payroll, and loyalty programs.
Shopify POS seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce, offering inventory sync, payments, and multi-channel management.
Lightspeed delivers robust POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
Clover provides customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools.
Revel Systems offers iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for retail and restaurants.
TouchBistro is an all-in-one iPad POS for restaurants featuring menu management, tableside ordering, and performance analytics.
Epos Now supplies flexible POS systems for retail and hospitality with cloud access, e-commerce integration, and reporting.
Lavu provides mobile POS software for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and multi-location capabilities.
NCR Voyix offers scalable POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced analytics, loyalty, and enterprise integrations.
Square
enterpriseSquare offers a user-friendly POS system with integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and analytics for small to medium businesses.
Free, no-contract POS software with instant payment processing via a plug-and-play card reader.
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing seamless payment processing for in-person, online, and mobile transactions. It includes inventory management, sales analytics, customer loyalty programs, and appointment scheduling, all accessible via a user-friendly app or dashboard. With compatible hardware like card readers and countertop terminals, Square enables quick setup and scalability without mandatory monthly fees.
Pros
- No monthly fees for core POS software
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and features locked behind paid add-ons
- Customer support primarily self-service for basic users
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, and service providers seeking an affordable, easy-to-use POS without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Core POS software is free; transaction fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ for card-present, 2.9% + 30¢ for keyed/invoiced; hardware from $49, premium plans from $29/month/location.
Toast
enterpriseToast provides a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants with features like online ordering, payroll, and loyalty programs.
Seamless Toast Online Ordering that syncs directly with the POS for unified order management and reduced errors.
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, offering end-to-end management of front-of-house and back-of-house operations. It includes features like order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and kitchen display system (KDS) integration. The platform also supports online ordering, delivery marketplace integrations (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats), and advanced reporting for revenue insights and performance analytics.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like menu management and table mapping
- Robust integrations with delivery services and accounting software
- Powerful real-time analytics and customizable reporting
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Customer support response times can vary
- Less flexible for non-restaurant businesses
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants needing a comprehensive, industry-tailored POS with online and delivery capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69-$165/month per location for software, plus hardware bundles ($500-$5,000+) and payment processing (2.49%-3.09% + $0.15-$0.30 per transaction).
Shopify POS
enterpriseShopify POS seamlessly integrates in-store sales with e-commerce, offering inventory sync, payments, and multi-channel management.
Real-time omnichannel inventory sync across online store and multiple physical locations
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for retailers, transforming devices like iPads into full-featured checkout terminals. It excels in omnichannel retail by seamlessly syncing inventory, orders, and customer data between in-store sales and Shopify's online store. Key functionalities include payment processing, sales reporting, staff management, and support for various hardware accessories like card readers and receipt printers.
Pros
- Seamless real-time synchronization between online and in-store inventory and sales
- Extensive app ecosystem and hardware compatibility
- Robust omnichannel customer and analytics tools
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, adding to base costs
- Pro features locked behind additional per-location fees
- Limited advanced reporting in basic plans without upgrades
Best For
Retailers with existing or planned e-commerce operations needing unified online and physical sales channels.
Pricing
Free POS Lite with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro at $89/location/month; plus transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments.
Lightspeed
enterpriseLightspeed delivers robust POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
Unified commerce platform with real-time inventory syncing across physical stores, e-commerce, and multiple locations
Lightspeed is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, restaurants, and specialty businesses like golf courses, offering robust inventory management, sales processing, and customer engagement tools. It enables seamless omnichannel retail by integrating in-store transactions with e-commerce platforms, providing real-time inventory syncing across multiple locations. The software also includes advanced reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations with accounting and marketing tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and multi-location management
- Strong omnichannel integration for online and in-store sales
- Extensive third-party app marketplace and analytics
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Custom reports require higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized retail and restaurant businesses needing scalable, omnichannel POS with advanced inventory control.
Pricing
Retail starts at $69/month per location; Restaurant at $69/user/month (annual billing); plus hardware, add-ons, and processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseClover provides customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools.
Clover App Market – thousands of apps for industry-specific extensions like kitchen display systems or e-commerce integrations
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system offering a range of hardware devices like the Mini, Flex, and Station terminals, paired with cloud-based software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking employees, and handling customer loyalty. It caters to retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses with tools for online ordering, delivery integrations, and reporting. The platform's strength lies in its extensive App Market, allowing users to add custom apps for specialized needs.
Pros
- Expansive App Market with over 500 third-party integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options suited for various business sizes and environments
- Seamless integrated payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (starting around $500 per device)
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Customer support often criticized for being slow or unresponsive
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail, restaurant, or service businesses seeking a customizable POS with strong app ecosystem and payment capabilities.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software subscriptions $0-$99/month per device; payments 2.3% + $0.10 for Essentials plan (higher for keyed/custom rates).
Revel Systems
enterpriseRevel Systems offers iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for retail and restaurants.
Real-time cloud syncing and centralized dashboard for multi-location inventory and sales oversight
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric point-of-sale (POS) system designed primarily for restaurants, retail stores, bars, and quick-service operations. It offers robust features like real-time inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, online ordering, and detailed analytics dashboards. The platform supports multi-location businesses with centralized reporting and integrates seamlessly with third-party apps for delivery, accounting, and payments.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface with fast transaction processing
- Comprehensive reporting and multi-location support
- Extensive integrations with delivery services and accounting software
Cons
- High subscription and hardware costs
- Primarily optimized for Apple devices limiting flexibility
- Customer support can be slow during peak issues
Best For
Restaurants and multi-location retail businesses needing scalable cloud-based POS with strong analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for Starter plan, scaling to $299+ for Enterprise; hardware leased or purchased separately.
TouchBistro
enterpriseTouchBistro is an all-in-one iPad POS for restaurants featuring menu management, tableside ordering, and performance analytics.
Drag-and-drop floor plan and table management for seamless restaurant service flow
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, offering tools for order taking, table management, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It supports offline operations to ensure uninterrupted service during connectivity issues and integrates with payment processors, kitchen displays, and loyalty programs. The iPad-centric design provides a mobile, intuitive interface for front-of-house operations while enabling detailed reporting and analytics for back-office management.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like visual floor plans and table mapping
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Robust integrations with 100+ third-party apps
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Higher pricing with per-terminal fees and add-ons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing specialized table service and hospitality management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for basic plans, up to $165/month for premium features; hardware and setup fees extra.
Epos Now
enterpriseEpos Now supplies flexible POS systems for retail and hospitality with cloud access, e-commerce integration, and reporting.
Comprehensive app marketplace enabling seamless integration with over 100 specialized apps for industry-specific needs.
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, offering touchscreen hardware bundles, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship tools. It supports multi-location operations with real-time reporting and integrates seamlessly with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and over 100 third-party apps via its marketplace. The platform emphasizes scalability, allowing businesses to customize features for specific industries like restaurants, salons, or boutiques.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations for tailored functionality
- Cloud-based access with real-time inventory and multi-location support
- Flexible hardware options including complete till bundles
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and hardware
- Customer support receives mixed reviews for response times
- Requires reliable internet connection for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail, restaurant, and service businesses needing a scalable POS with strong customization options.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per device for basic retail plans, £109+/month for hospitality; hardware bundles from £500+, with custom quotes available.
Lavu
enterpriseLavu provides mobile POS software for restaurants with order management, kitchen display, and multi-location capabilities.
Advanced table and seat management with course firing and timed orders for precise restaurant service flow
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and quick-service establishments. It streamlines operations with features like mobile order entry, table management, inventory tracking, kitchen display systems, and integrated online ordering. The platform supports iPad and Android tablets, enabling flexible, offline-capable deployments for on-the-go businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive tablet-based interface ideal for front-of-house staff
- Comprehensive restaurant tools including table mapping and modifiers
- Reliable offline mode and strong integrations with delivery apps
Cons
- Primarily optimized for iPads with limited non-Apple hardware support
- Customer support response times can vary
- Advanced analytics and multi-location features require higher tiers or add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants and bars needing an affordable, mobile-first POS for efficient table service.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Restaurant plan); includes payment processing fees (2.49% + $0.15 per transaction) and optional hardware bundles.
NCR Voyix
enterpriseNCR Voyix offers scalable POS solutions for retail and hospitality with advanced analytics, loyalty, and enterprise integrations.
Voyix Commerce Platform for seamless unification of in-store POS, e-commerce, and mobile ordering
NCR Voyix delivers enterprise-grade point-of-sale (POS) systems designed primarily for retail, hospitality, and convenience stores, offering cloud-based and on-premise solutions for transaction processing, inventory management, and customer analytics. The platform integrates payments, loyalty programs, and reporting tools to streamline operations across multiple locations. It emphasizes scalability, security, and omnichannel capabilities, making it suitable for high-volume businesses.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location enterprises
- Robust security and PCI compliance features
- Comprehensive integrations with third-party apps and ERPs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Premium pricing unsuitable for small businesses
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Large retail chains, restaurants, and hospitality groups needing reliable, scalable POS with advanced analytics and omnichannel support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; software subscriptions typically $100-$300/month per terminal, plus hardware ($1,000+ per unit) and implementation fees.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, Square emerges as the top choice, boasting a user-friendly design and integrated features that serve small to medium businesses effectively. Toast follows closely, excelling in tailored restaurant tools like online ordering and payroll, while Shopify POS stands out for seamless in-store and e-commerce integration. Each has unique strengths, but Square leads as the versatile best-in-class option.
Explore Square to streamline payments, track inventory, and access critical analytics—perfect for building and scaling your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.