Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Offers a user-friendly POS system with free software, payment processing, inventory management, and analytics for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Provides seamless POS integration with e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales tracking and inventory.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Delivers robust POS features like advanced inventory, CRM, multi-store support, and detailed reporting for retailers.
- 4#4: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and payroll integration.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and industry-specific tools.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring floor plans, table management, and real-time sales insights.
- 7#7: Revel Systems - Cloud POS platform with real-time reporting, inventory control, and extensive integrations for retail and food service.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Flexible cloud POS with hardware options, e-commerce sync, and loyalty features for small to medium businesses.
- 9#9: Zettle - Mobile card reader POS app for quick payments, sales tracking, and basic inventory on smartphones.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app offering sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs for startups.
Tools were ranked based on functionality—including inventory, payments, and integrations—ease of use, performance stability, and value, ensuring coverage of diverse business needs, from startups to multi-location retailers.
Comparison Table
For businesses seeking reliable point of sale software, options like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, and Clover cater to varied needs, from small shops to large enterprises. This comparison table outlines key features—pricing, hardware compatibility, and transaction support—to help readers find the tool that aligns with their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Offers a user-friendly POS system with free software, payment processing, inventory management, and analytics for small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Provides seamless POS integration with e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales tracking and inventory. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Delivers robust POS features like advanced inventory, CRM, multi-store support, and detailed reporting for retailers. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and payroll integration. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and industry-specific tools. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring floor plans, table management, and real-time sales insights. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Revel Systems Cloud POS platform with real-time reporting, inventory control, and extensive integrations for retail and food service. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Flexible cloud POS with hardware options, e-commerce sync, and loyalty features for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Zettle Mobile card reader POS app for quick payments, sales tracking, and basic inventory on smartphones. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app offering sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs for startups. | other | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
Offers a user-friendly POS system with free software, payment processing, inventory management, and analytics for small businesses.
Provides seamless POS integration with e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales tracking and inventory.
Delivers robust POS features like advanced inventory, CRM, multi-store support, and detailed reporting for retailers.
Restaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and payroll integration.
Customizable POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and industry-specific tools.
iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring floor plans, table management, and real-time sales insights.
Cloud POS platform with real-time reporting, inventory control, and extensive integrations for retail and food service.
Flexible cloud POS with hardware options, e-commerce sync, and loyalty features for small to medium businesses.
Mobile card reader POS app for quick payments, sales tracking, and basic inventory on smartphones.
Free mobile POS app offering sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs for startups.
Square
specializedOffers a user-friendly POS system with free software, payment processing, inventory management, and analytics for small businesses.
Completely free core POS software with unlimited users and locations, eliminating subscription barriers for startups and small businesses
Square is a leading point-of-sale (POS) software platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling seamless payment processing for in-person, online, and invoiced transactions. It offers free core POS software with features like inventory management, sales reporting, employee scheduling, and e-commerce integrations. Compatible with affordable hardware such as card readers, terminals, and registers, Square simplifies operations for retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses while providing real-time analytics and customer loyalty tools.
Pros
- Free POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Robust payment options including contactless, Apple Pay, and international cards
- Extensive integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and more
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume, low-margin sales
- Advanced reporting requires paid add-ons for enterprises
- Customer support is mostly self-service with limited phone options
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, food trucks, and service providers seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online/invoiced; hardware from $29; premium plans from $29/month.
Shopify POS
specializedProvides seamless POS integration with e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales tracking and inventory.
Real-time unified inventory management across online and physical stores from a single dashboard
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that enables merchants to process in-person transactions using iOS or Android devices while seamlessly integrating with their Shopify online store. It offers real-time inventory syncing across online and offline channels, supports multiple payment methods including cards, mobile wallets, and buy-now-pay-later options, and provides tools for customer loyalty programs and detailed reporting. Ideal for omnichannel retailers, it turns smartphones or tablets into full-featured checkout stations with customizable hardware compatibility.
Pros
- Seamless omnichannel integration syncing inventory and orders between online and in-store sales
- Supports a wide array of payment processors and hardware options for flexibility
- Robust analytics and reporting for sales insights across all channels
Cons
- Requires a paid Shopify subscription, adding to overall costs
- Advanced features like staff permissions need the pricier POS Pro add-on
- Setup and customization can have a learning curve for non-technical users
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified management of in-person and e-commerce sales.
Pricing
Free with any Shopify plan (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo billed annually); POS Pro add-on $89/location/mo for advanced features.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseDelivers robust POS features like advanced inventory, CRM, multi-store support, and detailed reporting for retailers.
Real-time, centralized inventory management across unlimited locations and online channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It supports multi-location operations with real-time synchronization across physical stores and online channels, including e-commerce integrations like Shopify and WooCommerce. The platform offers advanced reporting, loyalty programs, and purchase order management to streamline retail operations and drive growth.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory management with real-time syncing
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store and online sales
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small businesses
- Occasional learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking advanced inventory control and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Essential plan), with Plus at $149/month and Advanced at $249/month; annual discounts available, plus hardware and add-ons extra.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and payroll integration.
Integrated online ordering and delivery marketplace sync that processes orders directly through the POS without double-entry.
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored specifically for restaurants and foodservice businesses, offering end-to-end management from order taking to payments and inventory. It includes features like tableside ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting analytics. With seamless integrations for third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, Toast streamlines operations for both front- and back-of-house teams.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like advanced table management and KDS
- Powerful analytics and reporting for business insights
- Seamless integrations with delivery and online ordering platforms
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to general POS systems
- Primarily optimized for hospitality, less ideal for retail
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and multi-location chains needing specialized POS with strong online and delivery capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69-$165/month per location for software, plus hardware ($799-$1,999) and payment processing (2.49%-3.69% + $0.15 per transaction).
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and industry-specific tools.
Apps Marketplace with thousands of third-party apps for endless customization and integrations
Clover is a versatile cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system from Fiserv, providing hardware like the Clover Mini, Flex, and Station alongside software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking employees, and handling customer loyalty. It stands out with its extensive Apps Marketplace, allowing businesses to add thousands of third-party integrations for customized functionality. Primarily targeted at small to medium-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and services, Clover offers scalability from basic countertop setups to full restaurant solutions.
Pros
- Expansive Apps Marketplace with over 5,000 integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options tailored for various business sizes and environments
- Seamless built-in payment processing with competitive rates and EMV support
Cons
- Hardware requires upfront purchase, adding to initial costs
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Customer support can be inconsistent, relying heavily on self-service resources
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, and service businesses needing flexible, app-extensible POS with robust hardware options.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register Lite) up to $114.85/month (Full plan); hardware from $49 (Go handheld) to $1,699 (Station Duo); payments at 2.3% + $0.10 in-person.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS for restaurants featuring floor plans, table management, and real-time sales insights.
Drag-and-drop floor plan editor for dynamic table management and server assignments
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, providing tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It supports offline functionality to ensure operations continue during internet outages and offers detailed reporting for sales, labor, and inventory insights. The iPad-centric design integrates seamlessly with kitchen display systems (KDS) and third-party apps for loyalty programs and accounting.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like advanced table management and KDS
- Reliable offline mode and real-time reporting
- Strong integrations with accounting and delivery apps
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to general POS competitors
- Limited to iOS devices (primarily iPads)
- Occasional glitches reported in high-volume environments
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing robust table service and inventory management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per location/month (Starter plan, billed annually); higher tiers up to $219+ for Pro/Elite with more users and features; hardware sold separately.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS platform with real-time reporting, inventory control, and extensive integrations for retail and food service.
Fully integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) for streamlined order routing and prep in busy kitchens
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses. It provides comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, real-time reporting, and customer engagement via loyalty programs. The system emphasizes mobility with tableside ordering and integrates a Kitchen Display System (KDS) for efficient order fulfillment in high-volume environments.
Pros
- Extensive restaurant-specific features like KDS and tableside ordering
- Robust real-time analytics and cloud-based accessibility
- Scalable for single locations to multi-site enterprises
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs tied to Apple ecosystem
- Premium pricing with additional transaction fees
- Occasional reports of software glitches and support delays
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail operations needing advanced inventory, reporting, and multi-location management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Core plan), $149 for Pro, Enterprise custom; plus 2.3% + $0.10 processing fees and separate hardware purchase.
Epos Now
specializedFlexible cloud POS with hardware options, e-commerce sync, and loyalty features for small to medium businesses.
EPOS Now App Store offering over 100 third-party apps for tailored functionality
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It supports a wide range of hardware options and provides access to an extensive app marketplace for custom integrations like loyalty programs, accounting, and e-commerce. The platform emphasizes scalability for single stores or multi-location operations with real-time reporting and mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Vast app store with 100+ integrations for customization
- Flexible hardware compatibility and cloud-based access
- Robust inventory and reporting tools
Cons
- Hardware and add-ons can increase total costs significantly
- Customer support response times vary and can be slow
- Initial setup and advanced features have a learning curve
Best For
Small to medium retail and hospitality businesses needing scalable, integration-heavy POS solutions.
Pricing
Starts at £25 per device/month (billed annually) plus one-time hardware from £299; custom enterprise plans available.
Zettle
specializedMobile card reader POS app for quick payments, sales tracking, and basic inventory on smartphones.
Seamless PayPal integration for effortless management of online and offline sales in one dashboard
Zettle by PayPal is a mobile-first point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small businesses, featuring a compact card reader that connects to iOS or Android devices for accepting contactless, chip-and-PIN, and magstripe payments. The intuitive app handles sales processing, basic inventory tracking, sales reports, and customer loyalty programs. It integrates seamlessly with PayPal for unified online and in-person transactions, making it ideal for on-the-go merchants.
Pros
- Ultra-portable card reader for mobile use
- No monthly fees with competitive transaction rates
- Quick setup and intuitive app interface
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory and reporting tools
- Hardware add-ons can increase costs
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small businesses like market vendors, food trucks, and pop-up shops seeking a simple, affordable mobile POS without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Card reader $29 one-time; no monthly fees; 2.29% + $0.09 per in-person transaction (US pricing).
Loyverse
otherFree mobile POS app offering sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs for startups.
Fully functional offline mode that syncs data automatically when reconnected
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small businesses in retail, cafes, restaurants, and services. It offers core features like sales processing, inventory tracking, customer management, and employee time-tracking through intuitive mobile apps for iOS and Android, with desktop support. The system supports offline mode and multi-location setups via add-ons, making it accessible for startups and small operations without initial investment.
Pros
- Completely free core POS functionality with no subscription required for basics
- Excellent mobile-first design with offline sales support
- Strong inventory and customer loyalty tools for small businesses
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind paid add-ons
- Limited customization and scalability for larger enterprises
- Relies on third-party payment processors, adding transaction fees
Best For
Small retail shops, food trucks, and cafes seeking a simple, no-cost mobile POS to get started quickly.
Pricing
Free forever for core POS; optional add-ons like Employees ($5/mo), Analytics ($10/mo), and Multi-Location ($25/mo per location).
Conclusion
Widely regarded as the top choice, Square impresses with its user-friendly, all-in-one design, seamlessly combining payment processing, inventory management, and analytics for small businesses. Just below, Shopify POS and Lightspeed Retail stand out as strong alternatives—Shopify for unified e-commerce and in-store tracking, and Lightspeed for advanced retail features like multi-store support and detailed reporting, each catering to distinct operational needs.
Begin your journey with Square to unlock efficient, intuitive sales management; its versatile tools are built to grow with your business, from small operations to scaling ventures.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
