Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Offers an intuitive POS system for retail with seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Delivers advanced retail POS with multi-location management, CRM, and comprehensive inventory control.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Provides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store and online sales for unified retail operations.
- 4#4: Clover - Supplies customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty, and app integrations.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric POS for retail featuring real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
- 6#6: KORONA POS - Cloud-based POS designed for specialty retail with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and scalability.
- 7#7: Epos Now - Cloud POS system for retail offering inventory management, e-commerce links, and cash drawer integration.
- 8#8: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app for small retail with sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty programs.
- 9#9: LS Retail - ERP-integrated POS based on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail chain management and operations.
- 10#10: Retail Pro - Comprehensive retail software suite with POS, merchandising, and global inventory synchronization.
These tools were selected by evaluating their feature set (including multi-location management, analytics, and integrations), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of diverse retail environments.
Comparison Table
Exploring POS retail software? This comparison table highlights top tools like Square, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, breaking down key features, scalability, and industry fit. Readers will gain clear insights to match their business needs, from small boutiques to growing enterprises, and identify the platform that best aligns with their operations and goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Offers an intuitive POS system for retail with seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Delivers advanced retail POS with multi-location management, CRM, and comprehensive inventory control. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Provides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store and online sales for unified retail operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Clover Supplies customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty, and app integrations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric POS for retail featuring real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | KORONA POS Cloud-based POS designed for specialty retail with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and scalability. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Epos Now Cloud POS system for retail offering inventory management, e-commerce links, and cash drawer integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app for small retail with sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | LS Retail ERP-integrated POS based on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail chain management and operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Retail Pro Comprehensive retail software suite with POS, merchandising, and global inventory synchronization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Offers an intuitive POS system for retail with seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics.
Delivers advanced retail POS with multi-location management, CRM, and comprehensive inventory control.
Provides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store and online sales for unified retail operations.
Supplies customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty, and app integrations.
iPad-centric POS for retail featuring real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
Cloud-based POS designed for specialty retail with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and scalability.
Cloud POS system for retail offering inventory management, e-commerce links, and cash drawer integration.
Free mobile POS app for small retail with sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty programs.
ERP-integrated POS based on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail chain management and operations.
Comprehensive retail software suite with POS, merchandising, and global inventory synchronization.
Square
specializedOffers an intuitive POS system for retail with seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics.
Completely free POS software with unlimited users and transactions, only charging processing fees
Square is a leading point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management through its intuitive app-based software. It supports both in-person and online transactions with hardware options like card readers, registers, and kiosks, making it scalable from pop-up shops to established stores. Square's ecosystem integrates with e-commerce platforms, appointments, and payroll, enabling a unified business management solution. Its free core software model disrupts traditional POS pricing.
Pros
- Free POS software with no monthly fees for core features
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with quick setup and mobile-first design
- Comprehensive integrations including online store, inventory, and analytics
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced features require paid upgrades like Retail Plus ($60/month)
- Hardware costs extra and may need separate purchases for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses needing an affordable, easy-to-use POS system without upfront software costs.
Pricing
Core POS software is free; pay-per-transaction (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online); Retail Plus at $60/month/location for advanced inventory and modifiers.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseDelivers advanced retail POS with multi-location management, CRM, and comprehensive inventory control.
Real-time omnichannel inventory visibility across physical stores, online shops, and marketplaces
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing robust tools for point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer relationship management. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization, e-commerce integrations, and advanced reporting to optimize sales and stock levels. The platform also includes employee management, loyalty programs, and purchase order automation, making it suitable for scaling retailers.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with matrix support for variants
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store and online sales
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-register setups
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited free trial period compared to competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail stores needing scalable POS with strong e-commerce and inventory synchronization.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Essentials (1 register), $149 for Plus, $289 for Advanced; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Shopify POS
enterpriseProvides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store and online sales for unified retail operations.
Real-time omnichannel syncing that unifies online and in-store inventory, sales, and customer data across all locations.
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with the Shopify e-commerce platform, allowing retailers to manage in-store sales alongside their online store. It supports hardware like iPads, Android devices, card readers, and receipt printers for flexible setups in retail stores, pop-ups, or markets. Key capabilities include real-time inventory syncing, customer data unification, and omnichannel order fulfillment to streamline operations across channels.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and customer management
- Supports offline mode and syncs data when reconnected
- Highly customizable with extensive app ecosystem and hardware compatibility
Cons
- POS Pro advanced features require extra $89/month per location fee
- Reporting and analytics limited in basic plans without upgrades
- Best suited for existing Shopify users; setup can be complex for newcomers
Best For
Multi-channel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified in-store and online sales management.
Pricing
POS Lite is free with any Shopify plan (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro add-on is $89 per location/month for advanced features.
Clover
specializedSupplies customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty, and app integrations.
Clover App Market enabling thousands of third-party apps for tailored retail functionality
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing integrated hardware options like countertop terminals, mobile devices, and stations alongside software for payments, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and employee management. It stands out with its extensive App Market, allowing users to add custom apps for loyalty programs, e-commerce, and industry-specific tools. This makes it scalable for small to medium-sized retailers seeking flexibility without heavy custom development.
Pros
- Vast App Market with 500+ integrations for customization
- Seamless payment processing with competitive rates
- Robust inventory and multi-location management tools
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (up to $1,700)
- Transaction fees can add up (2.3% + $0.10 typical)
- Customer support often criticized for slow response times
Best For
Small to medium retail stores needing a customizable, app-driven POS with strong hardware options and payment integration.
Pricing
Hardware $49-$1,699 (purchase/lease); software $14.95-$99.85/mo per device; processing 2.3%+$0.10 (custom rates available).
Revel Systems
specializediPad-centric POS for retail featuring real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
Fully cloud-synced offline mode that ensures uninterrupted operations during internet outages
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for retail and restaurant businesses, providing comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in real-time reporting and analytics accessible via web or iOS devices, with strong support for multi-location operations. The system integrates seamlessly with various hardware and third-party apps, making it scalable for growing businesses.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory tracking and reporting
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
- Flexible for multi-location retail setups with centralized management
Cons
- Higher subscription costs compared to basic POS systems
- Heavy reliance on iOS hardware which limits flexibility
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Medium-sized retail businesses with multiple locations needing scalable cloud-based inventory and sales management.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per month for the Core plan (billed annually), plus hardware costs; higher tiers like Pro ($299/month) and Enterprise (custom) add advanced features.
KORONA POS
specializedCloud-based POS designed for specialty retail with unlimited users, detailed reporting, and scalability.
Hybrid cloud-local architecture enabling full offline operation during outages with seamless data sync upon reconnection
KORONA POS is a versatile point-of-sale system tailored for retail businesses, including convenience stores, liquor shops, pharmacies, and specialty retailers. It provides cloud-based and on-premise options with features like real-time inventory management, employee time tracking, advanced reporting, customer loyalty programs, and multi-location support. The software emphasizes speed, security, and scalability, integrating with hardware like receipt printers, scales, and payment processors.
Pros
- Highly customizable dashboards and workflows
- Exceptional 24/7 customer support with quick response times
- Robust offline mode with automatic cloud syncing
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for additional features or locations
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced configurations
- Limited integrations compared to some enterprise competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail operations in high-volume sectors like convenience stores or liquor retailers needing reliable, compliant POS with strong inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for basic plans, with custom pricing for enterprise features; no long-term contracts, hardware extra.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS system for retail offering inventory management, e-commerce links, and cash drawer integration.
Infinity App Store providing 100+ seamless integrations for tailored business workflows
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service businesses, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory management, CRM tools, and advanced reporting capabilities. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data sync across devices and integrates with over 100 third-party apps for accounting, e-commerce, and loyalty programs. The platform emphasizes flexible, industry-specific hardware bundles that can be customized to fit various business sizes and needs.
Pros
- Extensive integrations via the Infinity App Store with over 100 apps
- Customizable hardware bundles for retail-specific needs
- Robust inventory tracking and multi-location management
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs can deter small startups
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Full functionality requires reliable internet connection
Best For
Small to medium retail and hospitality businesses seeking scalable cloud POS with strong integrations and hardware flexibility.
Pricing
Software subscriptions start at £25/month per device; hardware bundles from £500 one-time + ongoing fees; enterprise plans custom quoted.
Loyverse
specializedFree mobile POS app for small retail with sales tracking, inventory, and customer loyalty programs.
Unlimited free use of core POS features with no transaction fees or user restrictions
Loyverse is a free cloud-based POS system tailored for small retail and hospitality businesses, providing essential tools like sales processing, inventory tracking, customer management, and employee scheduling via a mobile app for iOS and Android. It supports offline mode, hardware integrations such as receipt printers and barcode scanners, and multi-location management. The web-based back office delivers real-time reports and analytics, making it accessible without complex setup.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with no transaction fees or user limits
- Intuitive mobile-first interface ideal for non-tech-savvy users
- Strong inventory and reporting tools with offline functionality
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed analytics require paid add-ons
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise POS systems
- Heavy reliance on mobile devices with no native desktop POS app
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, and startups seeking a no-cost, easy-to-deploy POS without sacrificing basic functionality.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; paid add-ons like Back Office ($5/location/month), Hardware Server ($5/month), and Loyalty Program ($5/month).
LS Retail
enterpriseERP-integrated POS based on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail chain management and operations.
Unified single-database architecture merging frontline POS with back-office ERP for real-time data synchronization
LS Retail's LS Central is an all-in-one retail management platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, combining POS, ERP, merchandising, and eCommerce into a unified system. It supports diverse retail verticals like grocery, fashion, pharmacies, and restaurants with real-time inventory control, customer engagement tools, and multi-store scalability. The solution enables seamless omnichannel operations, from in-store transactions to online fulfillment and centralized reporting.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of POS, ERP, and analytics on a single database
- Strong scalability for multi-store and international chains
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem compatibility for reporting and customization
Cons
- Complex initial setup and training required
- Higher costs for implementation and licensing
- Overkill for small independent retailers
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains needing robust, integrated POS and ERP for multi-channel operations.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; typically $5,000–$20,000+ annually per store depending on modules, users, and scale.
Retail Pro
enterpriseComprehensive retail software suite with POS, merchandising, and global inventory synchronization.
Prism for Business architecture, enabling a single database to power multiple tailored retail applications across stores and channels.
Retail Pro is a robust point-of-sale (POS) software suite tailored for mid-to-enterprise-level retail businesses, providing comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, CRM, and multi-channel commerce. It excels in supporting complex, multi-store operations with centralized back-office control, multi-currency, and multi-language capabilities, making it ideal for international retailers. The platform offers both on-premise and cloud-based deployments via Retail Pro Spectrum, emphasizing scalability and customization.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location and international retail chains
- Advanced inventory and supply chain management
- Extensive customization and integration options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Higher upfront costs and ongoing fees
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud POS systems
Best For
Enterprise retailers with multiple stores needing customizable, global-scale POS functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 per store for licensing, plus implementation fees, annual maintenance (15-20% of license), and optional cloud hosting from $200+/month per store.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools reviewed serve varied retail needs, from small shops to large chains, offering everything from simple payment processing to complex multi-location management. Leading the pack is Square, the standout choice, with its intuitive design and robust features including seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. Close rivals like Lightspeed Retail and Shopify POS excel in multi-location oversight and omnichannel synchronization, respectively, making them strong picks for distinct operational requirements.
Elevate your retail game—try Square today. Its user-friendly interface and all-in-one capabilities streamline sales, manage inventory, and drive business growth effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
