Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Provides comprehensive POS and real-time multi-location inventory management for retail stores.
- 2#2: Cin7 - Offers advanced multi-channel inventory control with automation for retailers and wholesalers.
- 3#3: Square for Retail - Delivers affordable POS-integrated inventory tracking and stock management for small retailers.
- 4#4: Fishbowl - Enables precise inventory control with barcode scanning and QuickBooks integration for retail operations.
- 5#5: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based solution for order fulfillment, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse management in retail.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - Streamlines inventory management, purchasing, and sales tracking for small to medium retailers.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud inventory platform with real-time visibility and multi-location support for retailers.
- 8#8: Linnworks - Manages centralized inventory across multiple sales channels for retail businesses.
- 9#9: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with robust inventory control features for retail environments.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Commerce - Handles multi-channel inventory syncing and order management integrated with QuickBooks.
We selected and ranked these tools by evaluating core functionality (including real-time tracking and automation), user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, prioritizing solutions that deliver long-term value across varying retail sizes and needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights leading retail inventory control software tools, featuring Lightspeed Retail, Cin7, Square for Retail, Fishbowl, Zoho Inventory, and more, to guide retailers in finding the right fit. Readers will discover key features, operational benefits, and ideal use cases, helping them make informed decisions based on their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Provides comprehensive POS and real-time multi-location inventory management for retail stores. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Cin7 Offers advanced multi-channel inventory control with automation for retailers and wholesalers. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Square for Retail Delivers affordable POS-integrated inventory tracking and stock management for small retailers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Enables precise inventory control with barcode scanning and QuickBooks integration for retail operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based solution for order fulfillment, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse management in retail. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory Streamlines inventory management, purchasing, and sales tracking for small to medium retailers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud inventory platform with real-time visibility and multi-location support for retailers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Linnworks Manages centralized inventory across multiple sales channels for retail businesses. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with robust inventory control features for retail environments. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Commerce Handles multi-channel inventory syncing and order management integrated with QuickBooks. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
Provides comprehensive POS and real-time multi-location inventory management for retail stores.
Offers advanced multi-channel inventory control with automation for retailers and wholesalers.
Delivers affordable POS-integrated inventory tracking and stock management for small retailers.
Enables precise inventory control with barcode scanning and QuickBooks integration for retail operations.
Cloud-based solution for order fulfillment, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse management in retail.
Streamlines inventory management, purchasing, and sales tracking for small to medium retailers.
Cloud inventory platform with real-time visibility and multi-location support for retailers.
Manages centralized inventory across multiple sales channels for retail businesses.
iPad-based POS with robust inventory control features for retail environments.
Handles multi-channel inventory syncing and order management integrated with QuickBooks.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseProvides comprehensive POS and real-time multi-location inventory management for retail stores.
Matrix inventory management for handling product variants (sizes, colors, styles) with automatic stock adjustments across all channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, offering real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple locations and sales channels. It automates purchase orders, handles complex inventory like variants and bundles, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce. The software also provides advanced reporting, CRM tools, and employee management to optimize retail operations end-to-end.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and low-stock alerts
- Automated purchase orders and vendor management
- Robust integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and payment systems
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional registers or locations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing unified inventory control across POS, online, and wholesale channels.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Lean plan (first register), $109/month for Standard, $149/month for Advanced; additional registers $29-$59/month each, with annual discounts available.
Cin7
enterpriseOffers advanced multi-channel inventory control with automation for retailers and wholesalers.
3-way inventory sync across POS, online stores, and warehouses for pinpoint accuracy
Cin7 is a powerful inventory management platform tailored for retailers and wholesalers, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple sales channels including e-commerce, POS, marketplaces, and B2B portals. It centralizes order management, purchasing, and reporting while handling complex inventory like bundles, variants, and serial numbers with high accuracy. Designed for scalability, Cin7 integrates deeply with over 700 apps, making it ideal for omnichannel operations seeking to eliminate stock discrepancies and streamline fulfillment.
Pros
- Extensive 700+ integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting tools
- Real-time multi-channel inventory visibility and automated stock adjustments
- Advanced B2B portal and customizable reporting for wholesale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and customization options
- Higher pricing tiers may overwhelm small businesses
- Occasional reports of slower support response times
Best For
Mid-sized multi-channel retailers and wholesalers needing robust, scalable inventory control across online, in-store, and wholesale channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Starter (up to 4 users, 100 orders/day), scaling to $999+/month for Pro/Elite plans with unlimited users and advanced features; custom Enterprise quotes available.
Square for Retail
specializedDelivers affordable POS-integrated inventory tracking and stock management for small retailers.
Seamless real-time inventory deduction integrated directly with POS sales for instant accuracy.
Square for Retail is an all-in-one POS and inventory management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar stores, offering real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, and purchase order tools. It syncs inventory across multiple locations and devices, automatically updating levels with every sale via Square's hardware. Designed for simplicity, it combines payments, sales reporting, and basic inventory control without requiring complex setups.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile accessibility
- Real-time inventory syncing across sales channels and locations
- Affordable entry point with no upfront software costs
Cons
- Limited advanced features like demand forecasting or lot tracking
- Transaction processing fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Reporting lacks depth compared to dedicated inventory platforms
Best For
Small to medium retailers needing a simple, integrated POS and basic inventory solution without subscription lock-in.
Pricing
Free core software with 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction; Square for Retail Plus at $60/month per location for advanced inventory tools.
Fishbowl
enterpriseEnables precise inventory control with barcode scanning and QuickBooks integration for retail operations.
Deep, automated QuickBooks synchronization for real-time financial and inventory accuracy
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software primarily designed for warehouses and light manufacturing but adaptable for retail inventory control through features like real-time tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-location support. It excels in handling purchase orders, sales orders, cycle counts, and detailed reporting to prevent stockouts and overstocking. The software integrates deeply with QuickBooks, making it ideal for businesses already using that accounting platform, while offering add-ons for POS and e-commerce syncing.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration eliminates double data entry
- Advanced multi-location inventory and warehouse management tools
- Comprehensive reporting and barcode scanning for accurate retail stock control
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires training for full utilization
- Higher upfront costs may deter very small retailers
- POS functionality relies on add-ons rather than being native
Best For
Mid-sized retailers with multiple locations using QuickBooks who need warehouse-grade inventory control.
Pricing
One-time license starts at ~$4,395 for single-user Warehouse edition, plus ~20% annual maintenance and fees for additional users/modules.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based solution for order fulfillment, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse management in retail.
Real-time multi-warehouse inventory syncing with automated reorder points and vendor management
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution that provides comprehensive inventory management for retailers, enabling real-time tracking of stock levels, orders, and fulfillment across multiple warehouses and sales channels. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, as well as Zoho's own apps for accounting and CRM, helping businesses automate procurement and reduce stockouts. Key capabilities include barcode scanning, serial/batch tracking, and customizable reporting tailored for retail operations.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, POS, and Zoho ecosystem for multi-channel retail
- Robust inventory tools like multi-warehouse support, batch tracking, and reorder alerts
- Scalable pricing with a free tier for small operations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom workflows
- Not a standalone POS system; relies on integrations for point-of-sale
- Reporting customization can feel limited without Zoho Analytics add-on
Best For
Small to mid-sized retailers with multi-channel sales needing integrated inventory tracking and order fulfillment.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans start at $29/mo (Standard), $79/mo (Professional), $199/mo (Elite) billed annually.
inFlow Inventory
specializedStreamlines inventory management, purchasing, and sales tracking for small to medium retailers.
Native, two-way QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory, sales, and purchases automatically
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations. It streamlines purchasing, sales order fulfillment, barcode scanning via mobile apps, and detailed reporting to optimize stock levels. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting and supports both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployments.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting sync
- Multi-location inventory tracking with barcode support
- User-friendly mobile app for scanning and stock checks
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for multi-user or advanced plans
- Limited native POS functionality, relies on integrations
- Reporting lacks advanced analytics compared to enterprise rivals
Best For
Small to mid-sized retailers with QuickBooks who need reliable multi-location inventory control without complex setup.
Pricing
Subscription tiers from $89/mo (Basic, 1 user) to $489/mo (Enterprise, unlimited users); annual billing offers discounts; free trial available.
Unleashed
enterpriseCloud inventory platform with real-time visibility and multi-location support for retailers.
Multi-warehouse real-time synchronization with batch/serial tracking and automated replenishment
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and retailers requiring robust stock control across multiple locations. It provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, supports batch and serial number tracking, automated purchasing, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like Xero. While versatile for retail inventory control, it excels in B2B scenarios with features for light manufacturing and multi-channel order fulfillment.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with unlimited users
- Strong integrations with 200+ apps including Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
- Advanced reporting and analytics for demand forecasting
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, costly for small retailers
- Steeper learning curve for non-accounting users
- Lacks native POS features, relying on integrations
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and distributors managing complex, multi-warehouse inventory with e-commerce and wholesale channels.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $85 USD/month (Micro, 100 orders) up to $1,350+/month (Large), billed annually; monthly options available at higher rates.
Linnworks
enterpriseManages centralized inventory across multiple sales channels for retail businesses.
Real-time synchronization across unlimited sales channels to eliminate overselling
Linnworks is a powerful multichannel inventory management platform designed for retailers selling on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and more. It offers real-time inventory synchronization across unlimited channels to prevent overselling, automated order processing, and warehouse management tools. The software also includes reporting, shipping integrations, and an open API for custom extensions, making it suitable for scaling e-commerce operations.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with over 100 sales channels and marketplaces
- Real-time inventory syncing and automation to reduce manual work
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, becoming expensive
- Limited native support for some accounting functions
Best For
Multi-channel e-commerce retailers managing high-volume sales across multiple online marketplaces.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on monthly order volume, starting at around $250/month for basic plans up to enterprise levels.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS with robust inventory control features for retail environments.
Real-time, cloud-based inventory visibility across all locations with automatic POS-driven adjustments
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform with robust inventory control features tailored for retail businesses. It offers real-time inventory tracking, automated stock adjustments based on sales, purchase order management, and multi-location support. The system integrates inventory data with sales reporting for comprehensive visibility into stock levels and performance.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory syncing with POS transactions
- Multi-location inventory management and reporting
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing for full features and multi-locations
- Reliance on iPad hardware limits flexibility
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing integrated POS and inventory control without separate systems.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for Core plan; Elite at $299/month; hardware and add-ons extra.
QuickBooks Commerce
enterpriseHandles multi-channel inventory syncing and order management integrated with QuickBooks.
Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs inventory data to accounting ledgers in real-time
QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory management solution tailored for multichannel retailers, offering real-time stock tracking, order fulfillment, and synchronization across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and physical stores. It integrates deeply with QuickBooks accounting to streamline financial reconciliation and provides tools for purchase orders, supplier management, and demand forecasting. While robust for e-commerce-heavy operations, it supports retail inventory control with barcode scanning and low-stock alerts, making it suitable for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Real-time multichannel inventory synchronization prevents overselling
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for automated accounting
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for inventory insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users
- Higher pricing tiers limit accessibility for small retailers
- Limited native POS functionality compared to dedicated retail systems
Best For
Mid-sized multichannel retailers already using QuickBooks who need centralized inventory control across online and physical sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $79/month for Growth plan (basic inventory sync), $159/month for Advanced (full multichannel), up to $399+/month for Enterprise; billed annually with custom quotes available.
Conclusion
Evaluating retail inventory control software reveals tools that vary in focus, but the top-ranked options excel at meeting operational needs. Lightspeed Retail leads as #1, offering comprehensive POS and real-time multi-location management to streamline processes. Cin7 and Square for Retail follow, with Cin7 impressing in multi-channel automation and Square delivering affordability for small retailers—strong alternatives for distinct business requirements.
Ready to enhance your inventory management? Start with the top-ranked choice, Lightspeed Retail, to gain control, optimize workflows, and drive success for your retail operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
