Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Cloud-based POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
- 2#2: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS platform with online ordering, kitchen display systems, and loyalty programs.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Retail POS software providing advanced inventory control, multi-store management, and e-commerce integration.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software solutions for retail, restaurants, and service industries.
- 5#5: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that integrates seamlessly with Shopify e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS system with robust reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad-optimized restaurant POS featuring table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS system for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware and extensive app integrations.
- 9#9: Lavu - Mobile restaurant POS with online ordering, customer loyalty, and kitchen display integration.
- 10#10: SpotOn - POS platform for restaurants and retail offering payments, marketing automation, and analytics.
These tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature depth, usability, scalability, and value, ensuring they deliver comprehensive support across diverse industry needs and operational demands.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right point-of-sale system involves navigating options like Square, Toast, Lightspeed Retail, Clover, Shopify POS, and more. This comparison table outlines key tools, detailing features, pricing, and use cases to guide businesses toward a tailored solution. By examining these systems side by side, readers can streamline their decision-making and find a POS that aligns with their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Cloud-based POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS platform with online ordering, kitchen display systems, and loyalty programs. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Retail POS software providing advanced inventory control, multi-store management, and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software solutions for retail, restaurants, and service industries. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that integrates seamlessly with Shopify e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS system with robust reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad-optimized restaurant POS featuring table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS system for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware and extensive app integrations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Lavu Mobile restaurant POS with online ordering, customer loyalty, and kitchen display integration. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | SpotOn POS platform for restaurants and retail offering payments, marketing automation, and analytics. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Restaurant-focused POS platform with online ordering, kitchen display systems, and loyalty programs.
Retail POS software providing advanced inventory control, multi-store management, and e-commerce integration.
Flexible POS hardware and software solutions for retail, restaurants, and service industries.
Omnichannel POS that integrates seamlessly with Shopify e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales.
iPad-based POS system with robust reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support.
iPad-optimized restaurant POS featuring table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling.
Cloud POS system for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware and extensive app integrations.
Mobile restaurant POS with online ordering, customer loyalty, and kitchen display integration.
POS platform for restaurants and retail offering payments, marketing automation, and analytics.
Square
specializedCloud-based POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
Free, unlimited POS software with built-in payment processing that scales effortlessly from pop-ups to multi-location operations
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling seamless in-person and online payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and customer management. It offers a range of hardware from free magstripe readers to full countertop terminals and integrates with e-commerce, payroll, and appointment scheduling tools. The platform's cloud-based software provides real-time insights and supports multi-location operations without monthly fees.
Pros
- Free POS software with no subscription fees or contracts
- Intuitive mobile-first interface and rapid setup in minutes
- Extensive integrations with 100+ apps for e-commerce, accounting, and more
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting lacks depth for enterprise-level needs
- Custom hardware bundles add upfront costs
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, restaurants, and mobile vendors needing an affordable, scalable POS without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Free POS software; pay-per-use transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online); hardware from $0 (basic reader) to $800+ for terminals.
Toast
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS platform with online ordering, kitchen display systems, and loyalty programs.
Integrated online ordering and marketing suite that drives direct customer traffic without third-party commissions
Toast is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, offering end-to-end management from order entry and payment processing to inventory tracking and employee scheduling. It includes specialized tools like kitchen display systems, online ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery integrations to optimize restaurant workflows. With robust analytics and reporting, Toast helps owners make data-driven decisions to boost efficiency and revenue.
Pros
- Highly customizable for restaurant-specific needs like table management and menu engineering
- Excellent integrations with third-party services such as delivery apps and payroll
- Powerful real-time reporting and analytics for sales, labor, and inventory insights
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and initial setup
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller users
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and chains seeking an all-in-one platform with strong online ordering and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at $165/month per location for core POS, plus hardware from $799/terminal and payment processing at 2.49%-3.69% per transaction.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseRetail POS software providing advanced inventory control, multi-store management, and e-commerce integration.
Unified inventory visibility across all sales channels in real-time
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing robust tools for point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in multi-location support and omnichannel retail by integrating in-store sales with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. Advanced analytics and customizable reporting empower retailers to track performance across channels and optimize operations in real-time.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and purchase orders
- Seamless omnichannel integration for unified online and in-store sales
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking advanced inventory control and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/location/month (Essentials, billed annually), up to $159+/location/month (Advanced) or custom Enterprise plans.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software solutions for retail, restaurants, and service industries.
App Marketplace with thousands of third-party apps for endless customization
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering hardware like countertop terminals, Go handheld devices, and Mini stations integrated with robust software for payments, inventory, sales, and customer management. It excels through its expansive App Market, allowing users to add thousands of third-party apps for specialized functions such as loyalty programs, delivery integrations, and advanced reporting. Designed primarily for retail, restaurants, and quick-service operations, Clover provides seamless payment processing with EMV, NFC, and contactless support.
Pros
- Expansive App Marketplace with over 1,000 integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options and fast payment processing with low downtime
- Comprehensive built-in tools for inventory, employees, and analytics
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $499+
- Payment processing fees can add up (2.3%-3.5% + $0.10/transaction)
- Customer support receives mixed reviews with occasional delays
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant businesses seeking a customizable, all-in-one POS with strong app ecosystem support.
Pricing
Hardware from $499-$1,499+; software plans from $0/mo (Register Lite) to $99+/mo (advanced); processing fees 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
Shopify POS
specializedOmnichannel POS that integrates seamlessly with Shopify e-commerce for unified online and in-store sales.
Real-time omnichannel inventory sync between online store and physical POS
Shopify POS is a mobile-first point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling seamless in-person sales via iPad or iPhone hardware. It supports real-time inventory syncing between online and physical stores, accepts major payment methods including cards, Apple Pay, and contactless, and provides sales analytics and customer management tools. This solution excels in omnichannel retail, allowing businesses to manage unified storefronts across digital and brick-and-mortar channels.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce for omnichannel selling
- Real-time inventory synchronization across online and offline channels
- Intuitive mobile interface with flexible hardware compatibility
Cons
- Requires a paid Shopify subscription as a base
- Advanced features locked behind POS Pro add-on fee
- Reporting and customization less robust than dedicated enterprise POS systems
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking to add in-person sales without separate inventory management.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro $89/location/mo for advanced features.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS system with robust reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support.
Fully mobile iPad-first design with offline transaction support and instant cloud sync
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and bars, offering mobile point-of-sale capabilities with features like order management, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling. It supports offline mode for uninterrupted service and provides real-time analytics accessible via any device. The platform excels in hospitality with tools such as table mapping, kitchen display systems, and customer loyalty programs, integrating seamlessly with over 100 third-party apps.
Pros
- Cloud-based with real-time reporting and remote access
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like KDS and table management
Cons
- High subscription and hardware costs
- Limited to Apple iOS ecosystem
- Occasional performance issues reported during peak times
Best For
Restaurants and quick-service outlets needing a mobile, feature-rich POS with robust back-office capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $299+/month (Enterprise); hardware like iPads and peripherals sold separately.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-optimized restaurant POS featuring table management, menu customization, and staff scheduling.
Offline Mode for seamless operations without internet
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, providing tools for order management, table-side payments, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It features robust reporting, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems to streamline operations. The platform emphasizes mobility with iPad-based hardware and supports offline mode for uninterrupted service during connectivity issues.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like floor plans and menu modifiers
- Reliable offline functionality
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing for small operations
- Limited e-commerce capabilities
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Independent full-service restaurants and bars needing industry-tailored POS with back-office management.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually); includes payment processing fees (2.3% + $0.10) and optional hardware bundles from $500+.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS system for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware and extensive app integrations.
Expansive App Store offering over 100 third-party integrations for payments, accounting, and delivery services
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries, providing seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It supports a wide array of customizable hardware options and software features like real-time reporting, multi-location management, and e-commerce integrations. The platform emphasizes scalability, allowing businesses to expand from single stores to chains with ease.
Pros
- Extensive App Store with 100+ integrations
- Customizable hardware bundles for various business types
- Robust inventory and multi-location reporting
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware bundles
- Mixed customer support experiences
- Occasional glitches in mobile app
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses needing scalable, integration-rich POS solutions.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per device (Essential plan); hardware leased or purchased separately, with bundles from £109/month including support.
Lavu
specializedMobile restaurant POS with online ordering, customer loyalty, and kitchen display integration.
Advanced table and seat-level management with course firing for precise dine-in service control
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed primarily for restaurants and bars, offering tools for order management, table tracking, inventory control, and payment processing via iPad hardware. It supports features like kitchen display systems, employee management, and customer loyalty programs to streamline operations in fast-paced environments. The platform emphasizes mobility and offline functionality, making it suitable for quick-service and full-service establishments.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface for quick setup and use
- Strong offline mode and table/seat management
- Affordable entry-level pricing with no contracts
Cons
- Limited to Apple hardware, restricting flexibility
- Reporting tools lack depth for complex analytics
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants and bars needing a mobile, restaurant-focused POS.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter), $109/month (Pro), $159/month (Enterprise), plus one-time hardware costs.
SpotOn
enterprisePOS platform for restaurants and retail offering payments, marketing automation, and analytics.
Transparent, integrated payment processing with some of the lowest rates in the industry and no long-term contracts
SpotOn is a comprehensive POS system designed primarily for restaurants, retail, and service-based businesses, offering cloud-based software, customizable hardware, and integrated payment processing. It supports key features like tableside ordering, kitchen display systems, online ordering, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. The platform emphasizes seamless operations with real-time reporting and marketing tools to drive revenue.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and no hidden fees
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like tableside ordering and KDS
- Flexible, contract-free pricing model
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Custom pricing requires sales quotes, lacking transparency
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Restaurants and small-to-medium retail businesses seeking an all-in-one POS with strong payment integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month for software, hardware from $1,000+, processing fees around 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
Conclusion
The top 10 POS systems reviewed offer diverse solutions, with Square emerging as the clear winner, its cloud-based flexibility and integrated tools making it ideal for small businesses. Toast and Lightspeed Retail stand out as strong alternatives—Toast for restaurant-focused needs like online ordering, and Lightspeed for retail with advanced inventory and multi-store management, each tailored to specific operational priorities.
No matter your business type, Square’s all-encompassing approach is a top pick—take the first step by exploring its features to elevate your daily operations and unlock growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
