Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and purchase order automation for retailers.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store inventory in real-time for omnichannel selling.
- 3#3: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS software with real-time inventory tracking, low stock alerts, and easy item management for small retailers.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS platform with robust inventory control, vendor management, and app integrations for various retail needs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS system offering detailed inventory tracking, reporting, and recipe costing for retail and restaurants.
- 6#6: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with inventory management, ingredient tracking, and waste reduction tools.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring inventory control, menu engineering, and supplier integration.
- 8#8: Odoo POS - Open-source POS and ERP system with full inventory management, warehousing, and manufacturing capabilities.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud POS software with stock control, barcode scanning, and multi-store inventory synchronization.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free POS app with basic inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small businesses.
We selected and ranked these tools based on features like inventory tracking accuracy, multi-location support, user interface simplicity, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across varied business needs.
Comparison Table
Explore a curated comparison of POS inventory software, including Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Square for Retail, Clover, Revel Systems, and more. This table helps readers evaluate features, pricing, and usability to identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and purchase order automation for retailers. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store inventory in real-time for omnichannel selling. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS software with real-time inventory tracking, low stock alerts, and easy item management for small retailers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS platform with robust inventory control, vendor management, and app integrations for various retail needs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS system offering detailed inventory tracking, reporting, and recipe costing for retail and restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with inventory management, ingredient tracking, and waste reduction tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring inventory control, menu engineering, and supplier integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Odoo POS Open-source POS and ERP system with full inventory management, warehousing, and manufacturing capabilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud POS software with stock control, barcode scanning, and multi-store inventory synchronization. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free POS app with basic inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small businesses. | other | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and purchase order automation for retailers.
Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store inventory in real-time for omnichannel selling.
User-friendly POS software with real-time inventory tracking, low stock alerts, and easy item management for small retailers.
Customizable POS platform with robust inventory control, vendor management, and app integrations for various retail needs.
Cloud POS system offering detailed inventory tracking, reporting, and recipe costing for retail and restaurants.
Restaurant-focused POS with inventory management, ingredient tracking, and waste reduction tools.
iPad-based POS for restaurants featuring inventory control, menu engineering, and supplier integration.
Open-source POS and ERP system with full inventory management, warehousing, and manufacturing capabilities.
Cloud POS software with stock control, barcode scanning, and multi-store inventory synchronization.
Free POS app with basic inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and purchase order automation for retailers.
Omnichannel inventory unification that syncs stock levels across in-store POS, online stores, and marketplaces in real-time
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, providing real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations and sales channels. It enables automated purchase orders, stock alerts, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify for omnichannel selling. The system also offers robust reporting, customer relationship management, and employee performance tools to optimize retail operations.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory synchronization prevents stockouts
- Extensive integrations with accounting, e-commerce, and third-party apps
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multiple locations
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for complex inventories
- Customer support response times vary during peak periods
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable POS with unified online and in-store inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Lean plan), with Standard ($109), Advanced ($149), and custom Enterprise tiers; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store inventory in real-time for omnichannel selling.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization that automatically updates stock levels across e-commerce and in-store sales
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling merchants to manage in-person sales while maintaining unified inventory across online and physical channels. It offers real-time stock syncing to prevent overselling, supports multiple store locations, and includes tools for customer profiles, sales reporting, and staff management. Ideal for omnichannel retailers, it works with iPad, Android tablets, or Shopify's hardware kit for a complete POS setup.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory syncing across online and offline sales channels
- Supports multi-location management and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS)
- Extensive app marketplace for custom inventory and POS extensions
Cons
- POS Pro advanced features require extra $89/month per location fee
- Payment processing incurs transaction fees (2.4-2.9% + 30¢)
- Limited offline functionality compared to dedicated POS systems
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified inventory management for physical sales.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location; plus 2.4-2.9% transaction fees.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly POS software with real-time inventory tracking, low stock alerts, and easy item management for small retailers.
Automatic real-time inventory updates tied directly to POS transactions, eliminating manual reconciliation
Square for Retail is a cloud-based POS system with robust inventory management features designed specifically for retail businesses. It offers real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, purchase orders, and multi-location inventory support, all integrated seamlessly with Square's payment processing. The platform simplifies retail operations by automatically updating inventory with every sale and providing detailed sales and stock reports.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Real-time inventory syncing across sales and multiple locations
- Affordable entry point with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Limited advanced inventory tools like matrix SKUs for complex products
- Reporting lacks depth compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium retail stores needing an easy, all-in-one POS and inventory system without heavy upfront costs.
Pricing
Free basic POS with 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; Square for Retail plan at $60/month per location; Retail Plus at $89/month per location.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS platform with robust inventory control, vendor management, and app integrations for various retail needs.
App Market with over 500 third-party apps for seamless inventory and business expansions
Clover is an all-in-one POS system that integrates payment processing, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship tools into customizable hardware devices like tablets and countertop terminals. It excels in real-time inventory tracking, including stock level monitoring, low-stock alerts, purchase order creation, and support for product variants and multi-locations. Ideal for small to medium businesses, Clover's cloud-based platform allows for app extensions via its marketplace to enhance inventory and operational capabilities.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop customization
- Robust inventory tools integrated with payments and sales
- Extensive App Market for tailored integrations
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Advanced inventory features often require paid add-ons
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant owners seeking an integrated POS with reliable inventory management.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans start at $14.95/mo (Payments Plus) up to $114.85/mo (Register Ultimate), plus processing fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS system offering detailed inventory tracking, reporting, and recipe costing for retail and restaurants.
Recipe costing and ingredient-level inventory tracking that automatically adjusts stock based on menu item sales and waste logs
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, providing real-time stock tracking, automated purchase orders, and multi-location inventory control. It excels in handling complex inventory needs like recipe costing, bundle items, and waste tracking, integrating seamlessly with sales data for accurate forecasting. The system supports iPad-based hardware setups and offers robust reporting to optimize operations and reduce shrinkage.
Pros
- Real-time inventory syncing across locations with low-stock alerts
- Advanced tools for recipe costing and matrix pricing ideal for foodservice
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, loyalty, and accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can add up with per-terminal fees and add-ons
- Primarily optimized for Apple hardware, limiting flexibility
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail businesses requiring integrated POS and sophisticated inventory management for multi-store operations.
Pricing
Core POS starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter plan), with Pro at $149/month and Enterprise custom; inventory features included in higher tiers, hardware extra.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-focused POS with inventory management, ingredient tracking, and waste reduction tools.
Real-time ingredient-level tracking with automatic deductions tied directly to POS orders and kitchen production
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, featuring advanced inventory management that tracks ingredients in real-time, automates stock deductions based on sales, and supports recipe costing for precise menu profitability analysis. It enables purchase order creation, vendor integrations, and multi-location inventory oversight with detailed reporting on usage, waste, and variances. Designed specifically for foodservice, it streamlines operations from kitchen to back office without needing separate inventory software.
Pros
- Seamless POS-sales integration for automatic inventory updates
- Robust recipe management and costing tools
- Comprehensive reporting and multi-location support
Cons
- High cost with additional hardware and processing fees
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, less flexible for general retail
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and foodservice chains needing integrated POS and inventory management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $165+ per month per location plus hardware (~$1,000+ upfront) and 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS for restaurants featuring inventory control, menu engineering, and supplier integration.
Advanced recipe costing that automatically calculates ingredient usage and costs based on actual sales and waste data
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering integrated inventory management to track stock levels, monitor usage, and handle recipe costing in real-time. It provides tools for low-stock alerts, purchase order generation, and waste tracking, seamlessly linking inventory data with sales for accurate cost control. While powerful for hospitality, its features are optimized specifically for foodservice environments rather than general retail.
Pros
- Robust recipe costing and ingredient-level tracking ideal for restaurants
- Real-time inventory syncing with POS sales data
- Automated alerts and reporting for efficient stock management
Cons
- Higher pricing with add-on fees for full inventory features
- Limited to iPad hardware, restricting deployment flexibility
- Less suited for non-restaurant retail inventory needs
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking an all-in-one POS with deep inventory integration for menu costing and stock control.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (billed annually), plus 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction, inventory add-ons extra; custom quotes for enterprises.
Odoo POS
enterpriseOpen-source POS and ERP system with full inventory management, warehousing, and manufacturing capabilities.
Seamless, real-time synchronization between POS sales and Odoo's full inventory management system
Odoo POS is a robust point-of-sale system embedded within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, enabling real-time inventory tracking, sales processing, and stock management across multiple locations. It supports offline transactions with automatic synchronization upon reconnection, and integrates seamlessly with Odoo's broader modules for purchasing, accounting, and CRM. This makes it a powerful solution for retailers needing unified POS and inventory control without disparate systems.
Pros
- Deep integration with inventory, CRM, and accounting for real-time data sync
- Free open-source Community edition with extensive customization options
- Offline mode and multi-store support for flexible operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to modular ERP complexity
- Advanced setups often require technical expertise or developers
- Potential performance issues with very large inventories or high transaction volumes
Best For
Small to medium retailers seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP-integrated POS and inventory solution.
Pricing
Free Community edition (self-hosted); Enterprise starts at $25/user/month per app bundle with Odoo.sh hosting.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS software with stock control, barcode scanning, and multi-store inventory synchronization.
Intelligent stock forecasting and automated reordering suggestions
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system designed for retail, restaurants, and hospitality businesses, with robust inventory management capabilities including real-time stock tracking and multi-location synchronization. It enables automated purchase orders, low-stock alerts, and detailed analytics to streamline inventory processes. The platform supports barcode scanning, supplier management, and integrations with e-commerce and accounting software for comprehensive control.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations
- Comprehensive reporting and stock analytics
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations
Cons
- Pricing escalates with add-ons and hardware
- Occasional glitches in cloud syncing
- Steeper learning curve for advanced inventory features
Best For
Small to medium-sized retailers and hospitality businesses seeking integrated POS and inventory management with multi-site support.
Pricing
Starts at £25 per month per device for software, plus hardware bundles from £500 and optional app subscriptions.
Loyverse
otherFree POS app with basic inventory tracking, stock alerts, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Fully free POS and inventory management with unlimited items and no transaction limits
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based POS system with integrated inventory management tailored for small businesses like retail shops, cafes, and restaurants. It enables real-time stock tracking, sales processing, purchase orders, low-stock alerts, and inventory audits via a mobile app on iOS and Android devices. The platform also supports employee management, customer loyalty programs, and basic reporting, syncing data across multiple devices.
Pros
- Completely free core POS and inventory features with no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up and use
- Real-time inventory syncing across devices and locations
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-store management locked behind paid add-ons
- Limited customization options for complex inventory needs
- Scalability issues for larger businesses with high transaction volumes
Best For
Small retail or food service businesses seeking a no-cost, user-friendly POS with solid basic inventory tracking.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; paid add-ons like Back Office ($5-$29/month), Hardware Server ($10/month), and SMS notifications ($0.05/message).
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Lightspeed Retail emerges as the top choice, boasting advanced inventory management, multi-location support, and purchase order automation for retailers. Shopify POS and Square for Retail follow closely, with Shopify offering seamless omnichannel sync and Square providing user-friendly tracking and item management—each a strong fit for specific business needs. Together, these platforms highlight the diversity of options, ensuring businesses find their ideal solution.
Start with Lightspeed Retail to harness its robust capabilities and transform your inventory and sales operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
