Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail businesses with multi-location support and advanced analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS system with built-in inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable hardware options for small retailers.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated POS and inventory solution that syncs seamlessly with online stores for omnichannel retail operations.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible POS platform with customizable apps for inventory management, payments, and customer loyalty.
- 5#5: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with real-time inventory tracking, menu management, and kitchen display integration.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS system offering robust inventory control, reporting, and integrations for retail and hospitality.
- 7#7: Cin7 - Advanced inventory management platform with POS integrations for multi-channel sales and stock optimization.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS software with inventory management, CRM, and e-commerce capabilities for various industries.
- 9#9: Zoho Inventory - Scalable inventory management tool that integrates with POS systems, supports order fulfillment, and provides real-time tracking.
- 10#10: Fishbowl - Manufacturing and warehouse inventory software with QuickBooks integration and POS compatibility for complex operations.
Tools were selected and ranked based on core functionality (inventory management, POS integration, scalability), user-friendliness, performance reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across different operations.
Comparison Table
Effective point of sale (POS) and inventory software is essential for modern businesses, and this comparison table examines top tools like Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, Toast, and more. By evaluating key features, it helps readers identify the solution that best aligns with their operational needs, from integration capabilities to inventory tracking efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail businesses with multi-location support and advanced analytics. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS system with built-in inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable hardware options for small retailers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Integrated POS and inventory solution that syncs seamlessly with online stores for omnichannel retail operations. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible POS platform with customizable apps for inventory management, payments, and customer loyalty. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with real-time inventory tracking, menu management, and kitchen display integration. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS system offering robust inventory control, reporting, and integrations for retail and hospitality. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Cin7 Advanced inventory management platform with POS integrations for multi-channel sales and stock optimization. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS software with inventory management, CRM, and e-commerce capabilities for various industries. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Zoho Inventory Scalable inventory management tool that integrates with POS systems, supports order fulfillment, and provides real-time tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Fishbowl Manufacturing and warehouse inventory software with QuickBooks integration and POS compatibility for complex operations. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail businesses with multi-location support and advanced analytics.
User-friendly POS system with built-in inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable hardware options for small retailers.
Integrated POS and inventory solution that syncs seamlessly with online stores for omnichannel retail operations.
Flexible POS platform with customizable apps for inventory management, payments, and customer loyalty.
Restaurant-focused POS with real-time inventory tracking, menu management, and kitchen display integration.
iPad-based POS system offering robust inventory control, reporting, and integrations for retail and hospitality.
Advanced inventory management platform with POS integrations for multi-channel sales and stock optimization.
Cloud POS software with inventory management, CRM, and e-commerce capabilities for various industries.
Scalable inventory management tool that integrates with POS systems, supports order fulfillment, and provides real-time tracking.
Manufacturing and warehouse inventory software with QuickBooks integration and POS compatibility for complex operations.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail businesses with multi-location support and advanced analytics.
Matrix inventory management for handling variants like sizes and colors with automatic stock adjustments across all channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses of all sizes, enabling seamless point-of-sale transactions, real-time inventory tracking, and multi-location synchronization. It integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce for omnichannel selling, while offering advanced features such as purchase orders, vendor management, and customizable reporting. The system supports hardware like receipt printers and barcode scanners, making it ideal for efficient store operations and data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with real-time syncing across online and physical stores
- Robust omnichannel capabilities for unified sales channels
- Advanced analytics and reporting for informed business insights
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-location or advanced features
- Occasional customer support delays reported by users
- Steep learning curve for complex customizations
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses seeking integrated POS, inventory, and e-commerce management to scale operations efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Retail Starter) up to $289/month (Enterprise), plus payment processing fees and optional add-ons; annual discounts available.
Square for Retail
enterpriseUser-friendly POS system with built-in inventory tracking, sales analytics, and affordable hardware options for small retailers.
Advanced inventory tools like item variants, bundles, purchase orders, and automated low-stock alerts fully integrated with POS transactions.
Square for Retail is a robust POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, enabling seamless in-store transactions, online sales, and on-the-go payments. It provides real-time inventory tracking, stock alerts, purchase order management, and multi-location support to streamline operations. The software integrates e-commerce, customer loyalty programs, and advanced reporting, making it a versatile all-in-one solution for retailers.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface for quick adoption
- Real-time inventory syncing across POS, online, and multiple locations
- Free core POS software with no monthly fees, only processing costs
Cons
- Payment processing fees (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) can add up for high-volume sales
- Advanced inventory and reporting features locked behind paid plans
- Limited customization for highly complex inventory needs compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-use POS and inventory system with multi-channel selling capabilities.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Retail ($60/month/location), Retail Plus ($89/month/location); plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS and inventory solution that syncs seamlessly with online stores for omnichannel retail operations.
Real-time inventory synchronization between online and in-store sales channels
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system integrated with the Shopify e-commerce platform, enabling seamless in-store transactions and real-time inventory synchronization across online and physical retail channels. It supports mobile and countertop hardware for flexible checkout processes, staff management, and customer data unification. Ideal for omnichannel retailers, it offers robust reporting, loyalty programs, and scalability for multi-location businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and order management
- Real-time syncing across multiple sales channels and locations
- Extensive app marketplace and hardware compatibility for customization
Cons
- Transaction fees apply on top of subscription costs
- Advanced features require higher-tier POS Pro plan
- Steeper learning curve for users new to the Shopify ecosystem
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with existing Shopify online stores seeking unified POS and inventory management.
Pricing
Free with any Shopify plan ($29-$2,000+/mo); POS Pro at $89/mo per location; in-person transactions 2.4-2.7% + 30¢ (lower with Shopify Payments).
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS platform with customizable apps for inventory management, payments, and customer loyalty.
The App Market with 500+ integrations for tailored POS and inventory extensions
Clover is an all-in-one POS system designed for small to medium businesses, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and employee scheduling through customizable hardware like countertop terminals, mobile devices, and kiosks. Its inventory features include real-time tracking, low-stock alerts, purchase orders, and multi-location support, making it suitable for retail, restaurants, and services. The platform's App Market provides over 500 third-party integrations for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with real-time syncing and automated reordering
- Seamless payment processing with competitive rates and hardware integration
- Extensive App Market for custom apps and scalability
Cons
- Hardware requires upfront investment, which can be costly
- Monthly subscriptions add up for multi-device setups
- Customer support can be slow during peak issues
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant owners needing flexible POS hardware with robust inventory management.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month per device (Register/Retail) up to $89/month (Advanced), plus 2.3% + 10¢ processing fees; hardware from $499-$1,699 one-time.
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS with real-time inventory tracking, menu management, and kitchen display integration.
Real-time inventory syncing across in-house POS, online orders, and kitchen displays with automated purchase orders.
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering seamless point-of-sale transactions, order management, and robust inventory tracking. It includes features like real-time stock monitoring, recipe costing, waste logging, and automated reordering to optimize foodservice operations. Additionally, it integrates online ordering, kitchen display systems, and analytics for full restaurant management.
Pros
- Industry-leading inventory tools with recipe costing and vendor integrations
- Seamless integration of POS with online ordering and delivery
- Scalable for single locations to enterprise chains
Cons
- Higher cost structure, especially with required hardware
- Occasional reports of system glitches during peak hours
- Steeper learning curve for non-restaurant staff
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing an all-in-one POS and inventory solution with strong online ordering capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for basic POS; Core plan ~$119/month includes inventory; hardware bundles extra (~$500+ upfront).
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS system offering robust inventory control, reporting, and integrations for retail and hospitality.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) for efficient order routing and prep in food service environments
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and bars, providing seamless point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It excels in real-time data syncing across multiple locations, with features like menu customization, recipe costing, and automated reordering to streamline operations. The platform supports offline mode for reliability during connectivity issues and offers robust reporting for business insights.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking and low-stock alerts
- Strong multi-location support with centralized reporting
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations
Cons
- Primarily iPad/iOS dependent, limiting hardware flexibility
- Higher subscription costs per terminal
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and retail businesses needing scalable iPad-based POS with advanced inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per iPad for Starter plan, up to $159/month for Pro; hardware and processing fees extra.
Cin7
enterpriseAdvanced inventory management platform with POS integrations for multi-channel sales and stock optimization.
Real-time inventory synchronization across unlimited sales channels with automatic stock adjustments and low-stock alerts
Cin7 is a powerful cloud-based inventory management platform designed for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, offering real-time stock visibility across POS, e-commerce, marketplaces, and B2B channels. It automates order processing, fulfillment, procurement, and reporting while integrating with over 100 apps including popular POS systems like Square, Lightspeed, and Vend. Ideal for scaling businesses, it handles complex inventory needs like multi-warehouse management and bundle/kitting support.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ platforms for seamless POS and e-commerce sync
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking and automation
- Advanced reporting, forecasting, and B2B portal capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Limited standalone POS functionality; relies on integrations
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and wholesalers juggling inventory across multiple sales channels and locations.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Core plan) for up to 500 orders/mo, scales to $599+ (Pro/Enterprise) based on order volume and features; custom quotes for larger needs.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud POS software with inventory management, CRM, and e-commerce capabilities for various industries.
The Epos Now App Store, offering 100+ third-party integrations for payments, accounting, and marketing.
Epos Now is a versatile cloud-based POS and inventory management system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses. It offers seamless transaction processing, real-time inventory tracking, multi-location support, and an extensive app marketplace for custom integrations. The platform combines user-friendly software with customizable hardware options, providing detailed analytics and customer management tools to streamline operations.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with over 100 integrations for tailored functionality
- Robust inventory management with real-time stock tracking and low-stock alerts
- Customizable hardware bundles suitable for various business sizes
Cons
- Hardware costs can add up significantly for full setups
- Customer support response times vary, with some users reporting delays
- Initial setup and customization may require technical assistance
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking a flexible, scalable POS with strong inventory features.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month (Lite plan), up to £109/month (Pro); hardware bundles from £299 one-time or leased monthly.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseScalable inventory management tool that integrates with POS systems, supports order fulfillment, and provides real-time tracking.
Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization across online stores, warehouses, and POS
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for inventory management, order fulfillment, and point-of-sale operations, enabling businesses to track stock across multiple warehouses and sales channels in real-time. It supports multi-channel selling through integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, while offering a web-based POS for in-store transactions on devices like iPads. The software automates reordering, serial/batch tracking, and reporting, making it suitable for streamlining operations in growing businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-warehouse and multi-channel inventory tracking with automation
- Seamless integrations with Zoho apps and 50+ third-party platforms
- Unlimited users on all plans with affordable scaling
Cons
- POS module is basic and lacks advanced retail features like customer loyalty programs
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups and customizations
- Requires stable internet; limited offline POS capabilities
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses handling omnichannel sales with strong inventory needs but basic POS requirements.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online store orders/month; paid plans start at $59/month (Standard, 50 orders), $99/month (Professional, 300 orders), $249/month (Elite, unlimited), billed annually for discounts.
Fishbowl
enterpriseManufacturing and warehouse inventory software with QuickBooks integration and POS compatibility for complex operations.
Deep, native two-way synchronization with QuickBooks
Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management software primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. It provides advanced tools for multi-location inventory tracking, order fulfillment, cycle counting, and bill of materials management. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks and supports POS functionality through modules and third-party connections, making it suitable for operations needing strong backend control alongside basic point-of-sale features.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks for real-time accounting
- Robust multi-location inventory and manufacturing capabilities
- Advanced reporting and cycle counting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- POS features lag behind dedicated retail POS systems
- Higher upfront and ongoing costs for full functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors using QuickBooks who prioritize inventory management over advanced POS.
Pricing
Quote-based; base license starts around $4,395 plus $439 per user/year maintenance, with additional module fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating top POS and inventory software highlights that while many tools excel, Lightspeed Retail stands out as the top choice, offering comprehensive cloud-based features, multi-location support, and advanced analytics. Close behind are Square for Retail, a user-friendly solution perfect for small retailers with affordable hardware, and Shopify POS, a seamless omnichannel tool that syncs effortlessly with online stores. Each option caters to unique needs, yet all deliver strong performance in streamlining operations.
Don't wait—explore Lightspeed Retail today to unlock its robust capabilities and enhance your business's efficiency and growth potential.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
