Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Delivers intuitive point-of-sale hardware and software for seamless payments and inventory management in small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Provides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online e-commerce stores for unified inventory and customer data.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Offers comprehensive cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features.
- 4#4: Toast - Powers restaurant operations with POS systems featuring order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs.
- 5#5: Clover - Combines customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Delivers iPad-based POS solutions with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for various industries.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - Provides iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menu management, and analytics for independent venues.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Offers flexible cloud POS systems with hardware bundles, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities.
- 9#9: SpotOn - Supplies all-in-one POS for restaurants and retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and transparent pricing.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Provides free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features on smartphones.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth, user-friendliness, adaptability to diverse business needs (e.g., retail, restaurants), and overall value, ensuring each ranked solution excels in delivering measurable benefits to users.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right POS software is essential for optimizing business workflows, from small retail outlets to bustling restaurants and expanding e-commerce ventures. With options like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover, and more, identifying the perfect fit can be challenging; this comparison table simplifies the process by comparing key features, pricing models, and usability to guide your decision.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Delivers intuitive point-of-sale hardware and software for seamless payments and inventory management in small businesses. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Provides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online e-commerce stores for unified inventory and customer data. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Offers comprehensive cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Toast Powers restaurant operations with POS systems featuring order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Clover Combines customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Delivers iPad-based POS solutions with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for various industries. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro Provides iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menu management, and analytics for independent venues. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Offers flexible cloud POS systems with hardware bundles, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn Supplies all-in-one POS for restaurants and retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and transparent pricing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Provides free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features on smartphones. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
Delivers intuitive point-of-sale hardware and software for seamless payments and inventory management in small businesses.
Provides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online e-commerce stores for unified inventory and customer data.
Offers comprehensive cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features.
Powers restaurant operations with POS systems featuring order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs.
Combines customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools.
Delivers iPad-based POS solutions with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for various industries.
Provides iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menu management, and analytics for independent venues.
Offers flexible cloud POS systems with hardware bundles, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities.
Supplies all-in-one POS for restaurants and retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and transparent pricing.
Provides free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features on smartphones.
Square
specializedDelivers intuitive point-of-sale hardware and software for seamless payments and inventory management in small businesses.
Completely free POS software with no monthly fees or contracts—just pay per transaction
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer relationship tools. It supports a range of hardware from free card readers to advanced terminals and registers, enabling quick setup for retail, restaurants, and service industries. The platform integrates with e-commerce, payroll, and appointment scheduling, making it a one-stop solution for modern merchants without requiring monthly software fees.
Pros
- No monthly fees for core POS software
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with rapid setup
- Broad hardware compatibility and free entry-level reader
- Robust integrations with 100+ third-party apps
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting requires paid add-ons
- Limited enterprise-level customization
Best For
Small to medium businesses like retail shops, food trucks, cafes, and pop-ups needing an affordable, user-friendly POS with no upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; 2.9% + 30¢ online; paid plans from $29/mo for advanced features like payroll or loyalty programs.
Shopify POS
specializedProvides omnichannel POS that synchronizes in-store sales with online e-commerce stores for unified inventory and customer data.
Real-time inventory synchronization between online store and physical locations
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to process in-person transactions on iPads, tablets, or compatible hardware while syncing inventory, orders, and customer data in real-time across online and offline channels. It supports features like customizable checkout, staff permissions, and multi-location management. Ideal for retailers seeking an omnichannel solution, it handles payments via Shopify Payments or third-party gateways with low transaction fees for eligible users.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and sales data
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Robust omnichannel capabilities including buy online, pick up in-store
Cons
- POS Pro add-on required for advanced standalone features ($89/location/month)
- Hardware costs extra and must be purchased separately
- Reporting and analytics limited in basic plans without upgrades
Best For
Retailers and e-commerce businesses wanting a unified online-offline sales system.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans ($29-$2,000+/mo); POS Pro $89/location/month; transaction fees 2.4-2.9% + 30¢ online, 2.7% in-person.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseOffers comprehensive cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location management features.
Unified omnichannel platform that synchronizes inventory, orders, and customer data across physical stores and online channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering robust inventory management, sales processing, and customer relationship tools. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integrations, and advanced reporting to streamline retail workflows. The platform enables omnichannel selling, allowing seamless synchronization between in-store and online sales.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and forecasting
- Strong omnichannel capabilities integrating POS with e-commerce platforms
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit small single-location stores
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customizations
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses seeking advanced inventory control and omnichannel retail management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/location/month (Lean plan), $109 (Standard), $159 (Advanced); enterprise custom pricing; annual discounts available.
Toast
specializedPowers restaurant operations with POS systems featuring order management, kitchen display, and loyalty programs.
Integrated payments processing with built-in loyalty and marketing tools for direct revenue growth without third-party dependencies
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing end-to-end solutions for order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and employee scheduling. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services like Uber Eats, kitchen display systems, and marketing tools to optimize restaurant operations. Designed for both quick-service and full-service establishments, Toast emphasizes data-driven insights through robust reporting and analytics to drive revenue and efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and online ordering integrations
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Reliable hardware options with offline capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing that may strain small operations
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants seeking an all-in-one platform for operations, payments, and guest engagement.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69-$165 per terminal/month plus hardware leases (around $500+ upfront or financed); includes processing fees at 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction.
Clover
specializedCombines customizable POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management tools.
The App Marketplace, enabling thousands of tailored extensions for inventory, loyalty, delivery, and more without custom development.
Clover is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system from Fiserv, offering integrated hardware like countertop terminals, Go handheld devices, and Mini stations alongside cloud-based software for retail, restaurants, and services. It handles payments, inventory tracking, employee management, reporting, and customer engagement through an intuitive dashboard. The platform's open architecture supports a vast app marketplace for custom integrations, making it adaptable to diverse business needs.
Pros
- Extensive App Marketplace with 500+ third-party integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options tailored for various business sizes and environments
- Seamless payment processing with competitive rates and EMV/NFC support
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (starting at $499 per device)
- Ongoing subscription fees can accumulate for multiple locations or advanced features
- Limited offline functionality compared to some competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail shops, restaurants, and service businesses seeking a customizable, hardware-inclusive POS with strong app ecosystem support.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans $14.95-$114.85/month per device; transaction fees ~2.3% + $0.10 (swiped), plus potential app/integration costs.
Revel Systems
specializedDelivers iPad-based POS solutions with real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for various industries.
Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) for streamlined restaurant order fulfillment
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, offering iPad-centric hardware for seamless transactions. It provides robust features like inventory tracking, employee management, real-time reporting, and customer loyalty programs. The system supports multi-location operations with strong integrations to third-party apps, ensuring scalability and data synchronization across devices.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including advanced inventory and analytics
- Seamless cloud synchronization for multi-location businesses
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations
Cons
- Premium pricing that may deter small businesses
- Heavy reliance on iOS hardware limits flexibility
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and retail operations needing scalable, feature-packed POS with real-time insights.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan; Growth ($149/month) and Enterprise (custom) tiers available; hardware extra.
TouchBistro
specializedProvides iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menu management, and analytics for independent venues.
Interactive floor plan and table management for efficient dine-in service
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering comprehensive tools for order management, table service, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It supports iPad hardware for mobility, enabling floor plans, reservations, and online ordering integrations. The platform emphasizes restaurant-specific workflows, including staff management and detailed reporting for sales and labor.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like drag-and-drop table management and floor plans
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware, restricting device flexibility
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple terminals and add-ons
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, industry-tailored POS with robust table management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs and optional add-ons like loyalty programs ($25+/month).
Epos Now
enterpriseOffers flexible cloud POS systems with hardware bundles, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities.
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, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It supports a wide range of hardware options and features multi-location management with real-time reporting and analytics. The platform stands out with its extensive app marketplace for seamless third-party integrations.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with over 100 integrations
- Flexible hardware compatibility and multi-location support
- Robust reporting and inventory management tools
Cons
- Pricing can add up with hardware and add-ons
- Occasional software glitches reported by users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking customizable POS with strong integration options.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per device for Express plan; Pro at £39, Enterprise at £109+; hardware sold separately.
SpotOn
specializedSupplies all-in-one POS for restaurants and retail with contactless payments, marketing tools, and transparent pricing.
Transparent, contract-free payment processing fully integrated with the POS for cost savings and simplicity
SpotOn is a comprehensive POS system tailored for restaurants, retail, and service-based businesses, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, online ordering, and CRM tools. It provides customizable hardware options and cloud-based software for seamless operations across multiple locations. The platform emphasizes data-driven insights through advanced reporting and loyalty programs to boost customer retention.
Pros
- Seamless integration of POS and payment processing for lower transaction costs
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like table management and kitchen display systems
- Excellent customer support with dedicated account managers
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can feel opaque or premium
- Steeper learning curve for non-restaurant users
- Fewer native integrations with third-party apps compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and hospitality businesses needing an all-in-one POS with strong payment processing.
Pricing
Custom quotes typically starting at $99-$200/month per terminal, plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction and hardware leases from $50/month.
Loyverse
otherProvides free mobile POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features on smartphones.
Free core POS system with unlimited transactions and no processing fees, even for high-volume small businesses
Loyverse is a cloud-based POS system tailored for small businesses, offering core features like sales processing, inventory management, customer tracking, and employee time tracking via mobile apps and a web dashboard. It supports multi-store operations and provides real-time analytics without transaction fees on the free plan. Ideal for retail, cafes, and service providers, it emphasizes simplicity and affordability over enterprise-level complexity.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with unlimited transactions and no fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface on iOS/Android with offline mode
- Real-time cloud sync for inventory, sales, and multi-location support
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed reporting require paid add-ons
- Limited third-party integrations and customization options
- Hardware compatibility is good but not as seamless as dedicated systems
Best For
Small retail shops, food trucks, and startups needing a cost-free, easy-to-deploy POS without sacrificing essential functionality.
Pricing
Free forever basic POS; add-ons $5+/month (e.g., Inventory, Employees); Back Office $25+/month per location.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase diverse strengths, with Square leading as the top choice for its seamless hardware and software integration in small businesses. Shopify POS and Lightspeed Retail follow, offering robust omnichannel synchronization and comprehensive cloud-based features respectively. Together, they cater to varied needs, ensuring efficient operations.
Don’t miss out—explore Square and discover how its intuitive tools can streamline your business operations and enhance customer experiences.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison