Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Offers free, user-friendly POS software for accepting card payments, tracking sales, and managing inventory on any device.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Provides a seamless POS system that integrates with online stores for unified inventory and omnichannel retail sales.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Delivers cloud-based POS with advanced inventory management, multi-store support, and e-commerce integrations for retailers.
- 4#4: Toast - Specializes in restaurant POS with menu customization, online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen display systems.
- 5#5: Clover - Combines customizable hardware and software for flexible POS solutions across retail, restaurants, and services.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and foodservice businesses.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, staff scheduling, and loyalty program features.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS system with hardware bundles, CRM integrations, and analytics for retail and hospitality operations.
- 9#9: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management.
- 10#10: Lavu - Restaurant POS with mobile ordering, kitchen integration, and reporting tools for quick-service and full-service venues.
These tools were ranked based on key criteria including feature set robustness, user-friendliness, technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring they effectively serve diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading POS computer software tools, featuring Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, pricing, and business suitability to identify the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Offers free, user-friendly POS software for accepting card payments, tracking sales, and managing inventory on any device. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Provides a seamless POS system that integrates with online stores for unified inventory and omnichannel retail sales. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Delivers cloud-based POS with advanced inventory management, multi-store support, and e-commerce integrations for retailers. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast Specializes in restaurant POS with menu customization, online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen display systems. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Clover Combines customizable hardware and software for flexible POS solutions across retail, restaurants, and services. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and foodservice businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, staff scheduling, and loyalty program features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS system with hardware bundles, CRM integrations, and analytics for retail and hospitality operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management. | other | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 10 | Lavu Restaurant POS with mobile ordering, kitchen integration, and reporting tools for quick-service and full-service venues. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
Offers free, user-friendly POS software for accepting card payments, tracking sales, and managing inventory on any device.
Provides a seamless POS system that integrates with online stores for unified inventory and omnichannel retail sales.
Delivers cloud-based POS with advanced inventory management, multi-store support, and e-commerce integrations for retailers.
Specializes in restaurant POS with menu customization, online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen display systems.
Combines customizable hardware and software for flexible POS solutions across retail, restaurants, and services.
iPad-based POS offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and foodservice businesses.
iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, staff scheduling, and loyalty program features.
Cloud POS system with hardware bundles, CRM integrations, and analytics for retail and hospitality operations.
Free mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management.
Restaurant POS with mobile ordering, kitchen integration, and reporting tools for quick-service and full-service venues.
Square
enterpriseOffers free, user-friendly POS software for accepting card payments, tracking sales, and managing inventory on any device.
Free, no-contract POS software with plug-and-play hardware compatibility for instant payment processing anywhere
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management via its cloud-based platform accessible on iPads, tablets, and computers. It supports a wide range of payment methods including contactless, chip cards, magstripe, and digital wallets like Apple Pay. With built-in tools for e-commerce integration, employee scheduling, and loyalty programs, Square streamlines operations without requiring technical expertise.
Pros
- No monthly fees for core POS software, only pay-per-transaction
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile compatibility
- Extensive integrations with accounting, e-commerce, and delivery apps
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and customization limited without add-ons
- Customer support relies heavily on self-service resources
Best For
Small business owners, retail shops, restaurants, and mobile vendors needing an affordable, user-friendly POS with no upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; in-person transactions at 2.6% + 10¢, online at 2.9% + 30¢; hardware like readers from $49, advanced plans from $29/month.
Shopify POS
enterpriseProvides a seamless POS system that integrates with online stores for unified inventory and omnichannel retail sales.
Real-time omnichannel inventory sync across online and multiple in-store locations
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to sell in-person while keeping online and offline inventory synchronized in real-time. It supports a wide range of hardware like card readers, receipt printers, and scales, and offers features such as customer profiles, sales analytics, and staff management. Ideal for omnichannel retailers, it enables quick checkouts via iPad, Android tablets, or desktop.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and customer data
- Broad hardware compatibility and mobile-first design for flexible setups
- Powerful analytics and reporting tools for business insights
Cons
- Advanced features like buy-online-pickup-in-store require higher-tier plans or POS Pro add-on
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Limited standalone functionality without a Shopify subscription
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking a unified POS solution for in-person sales.
Pricing
Free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro add-on at $89/location/month for advanced features.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseDelivers cloud-based POS with advanced inventory management, multi-store support, and e-commerce integrations for retailers.
Unified omnichannel commerce platform that synchronizes inventory and sales across all retail channels in real-time
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for retail businesses, providing robust inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, and customer relationship tools. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data syncing across stores, online shops, and mobile sales channels. The platform integrates with major e-commerce solutions like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, enabling seamless omnichannel retail experiences.
Pros
- Advanced inventory tracking with matrix support and purchase orders
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store, online, and mobile sales
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small businesses
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Growing multi-location retail businesses needing unified management of physical and online sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Retail Starter), $89/month (Standard), $149/month (Advanced), with custom Enterprise plans; hardware and add-ons extra.
Toast
specializedSpecializes in restaurant POS with menu customization, online ordering, tableside payments, and kitchen display systems.
Integrated payments, payroll, and online ordering in a single platform with no extra subscription costs
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering end-to-end management including order taking, payment processing, inventory control, employee scheduling, and kitchen display systems. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, customer loyalty programs, and advanced analytics for revenue optimization. Designed to handle the unique demands of full-service, quick-service, and bar operations, it supports both front-of-house and back-of-house efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and online ordering integrations
- No monthly software fees with payment processing model
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Requires proprietary hardware, limiting flexibility
- Higher transaction fees compared to some basic POS systems
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants needing a scalable, all-in-one platform for in-house and online operations.
Pricing
No monthly software fees; payment processing at ~2.99% + $0.15 per transaction, plus hardware bundles starting at $799 one-time purchase.
Clover
enterpriseCombines customizable hardware and software for flexible POS solutions across retail, restaurants, and services.
Clover App Market with thousands of third-party apps for seamless business-specific integrations
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, offering hardware like the Clover Station, Mini, Flex, and Go for retail, restaurants, and services. It handles payments, inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty, and reporting through an intuitive dashboard. The standout App Market provides over 500 third-party apps for extensive customization to fit specific business needs.
Pros
- Vast App Market with 500+ integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options from countertop to mobile
- Built-in payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs (starting at $499)
- Transaction fees can add up (2.3% + 10¢ typical)
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail, restaurant, and service businesses needing flexible, app-driven POS customization.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 one-time; software plans $14.95-$99.85/month per device; processing 2.3%-3.5% + 10¢ per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and foodservice businesses.
Fully iOS-optimized interface with robust offline processing and automatic cloud sync
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS software tailored for restaurants, retail, and bars, providing comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It supports real-time reporting, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and multi-location operations with seamless integrations to third-party apps like delivery services and accounting software. The system emphasizes mobility and offline capabilities, ensuring businesses can operate without constant internet reliance.
Pros
- Robust feature set including real-time analytics and inventory management
- Excellent integrations with popular restaurant and retail apps
- Scalable for single or multi-location businesses with strong offline mode
Cons
- High monthly costs per terminal plus hardware requirements
- Reliance on Apple iPads limits hardware flexibility
- Customer support can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
Best For
Restaurants and retail stores seeking a mobile, feature-packed POS with multi-location scalability.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $99/month per iPad, Growth at $149/month, Enterprise custom; plus hardware (~$500+ per terminal) and 2.3-2.6% payment processing fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management, staff scheduling, and loyalty program features.
Dynamic floor plan and table management system that optimizes seating, reservations, and service flow in real-time.
TouchBistro is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues. It streamlines operations with features like tableside ordering, payment processing, inventory tracking, staff management, and real-time reporting. The iPad-centric design enables mobility and efficiency in fast-paced environments, with integrations for loyalty programs, accounting software, and kitchen display systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like floor plans and table management
- Robust analytics and reporting for business insights
- Seamless integrations with popular hospitality apps and services
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to general POS alternatives
- Primarily optimized for Apple hardware, limiting flexibility
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Independent full-service restaurants and bars needing a mobile, industry-tailored POS for efficient front- and back-of-house operations.
Pricing
Starter plan at $69/month, Essential at $109/month, Pro at $165/month (per terminal, billed annually; hardware sold separately).
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud POS system with hardware bundles, CRM integrations, and analytics for retail and hospitality operations.
App Store with 100+ third-party integrations for tailored functionality
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, offering seamless sales processing, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It supports a wide range of hardware options and provides real-time reporting, multi-location management, and integrations with accounting software like Sage and Xero. The platform emphasizes scalability, allowing businesses to expand from single stores to chains with centralized control.
Pros
- Highly customizable with extensive app marketplace for integrations
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- Cloud-based for remote access and real-time analytics
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and hardware
- Customer support response times vary
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking a scalable, integration-rich POS system.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per device; hardware bundles from £500+, with enterprise plans custom-quoted.
Loyverse
otherFree mobile POS app for small businesses featuring sales tracking, inventory control, and employee management.
Unlimited free use of core POS functionality with no subscription or transaction fees
Loyverse is a free cloud-based POS system tailored for small retail and restaurant businesses, enabling sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs via mobile apps and web dashboard. It integrates with receipt printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers, supporting multi-store operations through its Back Office feature. The platform provides real-time reporting and analytics without transaction fees, making it accessible for startups and sole proprietors.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface accessible on iOS, Android, and web
- Strong inventory and multi-location management tools
Cons
- Advanced features like employee time tracking require paid add-ons
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise POS systems
- Customer support primarily email-based with no phone option
Best For
Ideal for small retail shops, cafes, and food trucks seeking a no-cost, easy-to-deploy POS solution.
Pricing
Free forever for core POS; paid add-ons like Back Office and Employee Management start at $5/month per feature/location.
Lavu
specializedRestaurant POS with mobile ordering, kitchen integration, and reporting tools for quick-service and full-service venues.
Seamless tableside ordering on iPads for fast, wireless service in busy hospitality environments
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and hospitality businesses, enabling tableside ordering, inventory management, and payment processing primarily through iPad apps. It supports offline functionality, kitchen display systems, and real-time reporting to streamline operations. The platform integrates with various third-party services like delivery apps and accounting software for comprehensive restaurant management.
Pros
- Affordable monthly pricing with no long-term contracts
- Mobile-first design excels for tableside service and food trucks
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like kitchen displays and inventory tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Hardware is iPad-centric, requiring additional purchases for full setup
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants, bars, and food trucks looking for a flexible, mobile POS without high upfront costs.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per device for core POS (Restaurant plan), up to $159/month for advanced features; plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction and hardware costs.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, Square stands out as the top choice, offering free, user-friendly solutions that handle card payments, sales tracking, and inventory management seamlessly. Shopify POS and Lightspeed Retail follow, with strong e-commerce integration and advanced inventory features, making them excellent alternatives for specific business needs. Ultimately, the right platform depends on individual requirements, but Square leads as the most versatile option.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your operations—try Square today to unlock its all-in-one capabilities and take your business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison