Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail stores with real-time tracking and multi-location support.
- 2#2: Cin7 - Powerful inventory management platform that integrates sales channels, orders, and supply chain for retailers.
- 3#3: DEAR Systems - Cloud-based inventory and order management software tailored for retailers with POS integration and stock control.
- 4#4: Zoho Inventory - Affordable online inventory tracker for small to medium retailers with multi-channel sales and warehouse management.
- 5#5: Fishbowl Inventory - Robust warehouse and inventory control software with QuickBooks integration for retail operations.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory management tool for small retailers offering purchase orders, sales, and reporting.
- 7#7: Square for Retail - POS system with built-in inventory tracking for small retail businesses handling in-store and online sales.
- 8#8: Shopify POS - Unified inventory management for omnichannel retail connecting online stores and physical points of sale.
- 9#9: QuickBooks Commerce - Multi-channel inventory and order management solution integrated with QuickBooks for retailers.
- 10#10: Unleashed - Cloud inventory software for retailers providing real-time stock visibility and multi-currency support.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key factors including feature robustness (real-time tracking, multi-channel integration), user-friendliness, technical reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to small to enterprise retailers with varied operational needs.
Comparison Table
Retail success depends on efficient inventory management, and the right software is key to streamlining operations. This comparison table explores top tools like Lightspeed Retail, Cin7, DEAR Systems, Zoho Inventory, and Fishbowl Inventory, examining features, pricing, and usability to help retailers identify the best fit. Readers will gain insights into how each tool aligns with their business needs, from integration capabilities to scalability, enabling confident decision-making.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail stores with real-time tracking and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Cin7 Powerful inventory management platform that integrates sales channels, orders, and supply chain for retailers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | DEAR Systems Cloud-based inventory and order management software tailored for retailers with POS integration and stock control. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Inventory Affordable online inventory tracker for small to medium retailers with multi-channel sales and warehouse management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 5 | Fishbowl Inventory Robust warehouse and inventory control software with QuickBooks integration for retail operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory management tool for small retailers offering purchase orders, sales, and reporting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Square for Retail POS system with built-in inventory tracking for small retail businesses handling in-store and online sales. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 |  Shopify POS Unified inventory management for omnichannel retail connecting online stores and physical points of sale. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | QuickBooks Commerce Multi-channel inventory and order management solution integrated with QuickBooks for retailers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Unleashed Cloud inventory software for retailers providing real-time stock visibility and multi-currency support. | specialized | 7.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail stores with real-time tracking and multi-location support.
Powerful inventory management platform that integrates sales channels, orders, and supply chain for retailers.
Cloud-based inventory and order management software tailored for retailers with POS integration and stock control.
Affordable online inventory tracker for small to medium retailers with multi-channel sales and warehouse management.
Robust warehouse and inventory control software with QuickBooks integration for retail operations.
User-friendly inventory management tool for small retailers offering purchase orders, sales, and reporting.
POS system with built-in inventory tracking for small retail businesses handling in-store and online sales.
Unified inventory management for omnichannel retail connecting online stores and physical points of sale.
Multi-channel inventory and order management solution integrated with QuickBooks for retailers.
Cloud inventory software for retailers providing real-time stock visibility and multi-currency support.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for retail stores with real-time tracking and multi-location support.
Matrix inventory management for handling complex variants like sizes, colors, and styles across channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations, automated purchase orders, and matrix support for product variants. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and provides advanced analytics to optimize stock levels and minimize overstock or stockouts. The software streamlines operations from sales to supplier management, making it a top choice for scaling retailers.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory synchronization prevents discrepancies
- Automated reordering and vendor management save time
- Comprehensive reporting with customizable dashboards for insights
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for additional locations and advanced features
- Initial setup and data migration can be time-intensive
- Some users report occasional sync delays during peak hours
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing robust, omnichannel inventory control integrated with POS and e-commerce.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Lean plan); Standard ($99/month), Advanced ($129/month), with annual discounts and add-ons for e-commerce.
Cin7
enterprisePowerful inventory management platform that integrates sales channels, orders, and supply chain for retailers.
Cin7 Core platform with 700+ native integrations for automated, real-time sync across all sales and operational channels
Cin7 is a comprehensive inventory management platform tailored for retailers and wholesalers, enabling real-time tracking across multiple sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers. It centralizes inventory data, automates order fulfillment, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, POS systems, and accounting tools such as Xero. With advanced features like B2B portals, EDI support, and custom reporting, Cin7 scales to handle complex operations for growing businesses.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 700+ apps for multi-channel selling
- Real-time inventory visibility across unlimited locations
- Powerful automation for purchasing, manufacturing, and fulfillment
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and wholesalers managing multi-channel inventory and complex supply chains.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (billed annually) for Operations plan; Professional at $599/month, Enterprise custom; minimum 12-month contract.
DEAR Systems
specializedCloud-based inventory and order management software tailored for retailers with POS integration and stock control.
Intelligent inventory forecasting and replenishment automation that predicts demand and automates purchase orders based on sales trends.
DEAR Systems (now part of Cin7 Core) is a robust cloud-based inventory management software tailored for retailers and wholesalers, providing real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple locations and channels. It excels in handling complex inventory needs like lot/serial number tracking, automated purchasing, and order fulfillment. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce sites like Shopify and Amazon, as well as accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, enabling efficient multi-channel retail operations.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with lot/serial/batch management
- Extensive integrations with 100+ e-commerce, POS, and accounting platforms
- Advanced reporting, forecasting, and automation for streamlined operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Occasional performance lags with large datasets reported by some users
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and wholesalers managing multi-channel sales and complex inventory across multiple warehouses.
Pricing
Tiered subscription starting at $349/month (Lite plan) up to custom enterprise pricing, billed annually with a free trial available.
Zoho Inventory
specializedAffordable online inventory tracker for small to medium retailers with multi-channel sales and warehouse management.
Seamless real-time synchronization of inventory across multiple e-commerce platforms and warehouses
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution tailored for small to medium-sized retailers, providing real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses and locations. It supports multi-channel selling integrations with platforms like Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and WooCommerce, alongside features such as barcode scanning, serial/batch number tracking, purchase/sales order management, and customizable reporting. The software streamlines retail operations by automating stock updates, reorder alerts, and order fulfillment to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-channel integrations for e-commerce retailers
- Real-time inventory visibility with multi-warehouse support
- Robust automation for purchase orders and reorder points
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive Zoho ecosystem features
- Limited advanced analytics in lower-tier plans
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses managing both online and offline sales channels with moderate inventory volumes.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online store orders/month; paid plans from $29/mo (Standard, 50 orders) to $199/mo (Elite, unlimited), with annual discounts.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseRobust warehouse and inventory control software with QuickBooks integration for retail operations.
Unrivaled real-time, bi-directional QuickBooks integration for effortless inventory-to-accounting sync
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software primarily designed for warehouses and manufacturers, offering advanced tracking capabilities that extend well to retail environments through multi-location support and barcode scanning. It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for real-time financial syncing, handles lot/serial number tracking, and provides tools for order fulfillment and reporting. While not a native POS system, it excels in back-end inventory control for retailers needing detailed stock visibility and automation.
Pros
- Seamless, real-time QuickBooks integration eliminates double data entry
- Advanced inventory features like lot/serial tracking and multi-location support
- Strong barcode scanning and mobile warehouse management
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a dated, complex interface
- Higher upfront and ongoing costs compared to cloud-native retail tools
- Limited native POS functionality, requiring third-party integrations for front-end retail
Best For
QuickBooks-using small to mid-sized retailers or distributors needing warehouse-grade inventory tracking.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at ~$4,395 for standard edition, plus ~20% annual maintenance; warehouse edition ~$5,675.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory management tool for small retailers offering purchase orders, sales, and reporting.
Real-time multi-location inventory syncing with offline mobile scanning
inFlow Inventory is a comprehensive inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized retail businesses, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations, purchase and sales order management, and barcode scanning capabilities. It supports seamless integrations with platforms like QuickBooks, Shopify, and WooCommerce, enabling efficient order fulfillment and reporting. The software also includes a mobile app for on-the-go inventory updates and customizable reporting dashboards for better business insights.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app support
- Strong multi-location inventory tracking and barcode integration
- Reliable integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting compared to enterprise solutions
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium plans
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses with multiple locations seeking straightforward, mobile-friendly inventory tracking without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Starter, 1 user) up to $489/month (Enterprise, unlimited users); annual discounts available.
Square for Retail
specializedPOS system with built-in inventory tracking for small retail businesses handling in-store and online sales.
Free plan offering unlimited inventory items and multi-location tracking without monthly software fees
Square for Retail is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for brick-and-mortar retailers, featuring integrated inventory tracking that syncs stock levels in real-time across sales channels. It supports multi-location management, low-stock alerts, item variants, purchase orders, and supplier tracking to streamline retail operations. While primarily a POS solution, its inventory tools make it viable for small to mid-sized stores handling physical goods.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory syncing with POS sales
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Unlimited items and locations even on free plan
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Transaction processing fees can add up for high-volume sales
- Less robust for complex supply chain management compared to dedicated inventory software
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking simple, affordable inventory tracking tightly integrated with POS and payments.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features ($0/month + 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction); Retail plan at $60/month per location (billed annually) + processing fees.
Shopify POS
enterpriseUnified inventory management for omnichannel retail connecting online stores and physical points of sale.
Seamless real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization across online and offline channels
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale solution from Shopify that excels in retail inventory tracking by syncing stock levels in real-time across online stores and physical locations. It supports multi-location inventory management, low-stock alerts, purchase orders, and barcode scanning for efficient stock control. While primarily a POS tool, its deep integration with Shopify's e-commerce ecosystem makes it a strong choice for omnichannel retailers, though it relies on the broader Shopify platform for full functionality.
Pros
- Real-time inventory sync between online and in-store sales prevents overselling
- Multi-location support with easy stock transfers and centralized visibility
- Intuitive mobile app with barcode scanning for quick inventory counts
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, adding to overall costs
- Advanced inventory reporting and analytics often need paid apps
- Less specialized for pure inventory management compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with both e-commerce and physical stores seeking unified inventory tracking.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro at $89 per location/month; additional apps may incur extra fees.
QuickBooks Commerce
specializedMulti-channel inventory and order management solution integrated with QuickBooks for retailers.
Deep native integration with QuickBooks for automatic syncing of sales, inventory, and financial data
QuickBooks Commerce is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for e-commerce and multi-channel retailers, offering real-time tracking across online stores, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and physical warehouses. It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks accounting software to automate order processing, sales syncing, and financial reporting. The tool excels in preventing overselling through centralized inventory visibility and supports B2B features like custom pricing and customer portals.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for automated accounting and financial syncs
- Real-time multi-channel inventory tracking across e-commerce platforms and warehouses
- Robust B2B tools including customer portals and bulk ordering
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-channel setups
- Limited native POS features for brick-and-mortar retail operations
- Pricing can be costly for small-scale retailers with basic needs
Best For
Multi-channel e-commerce retailers already using QuickBooks who need advanced inventory syncing and order management.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for Essentials (basic inventory), $79/month for Professional (multi-location), up to $199+/month for Enterprise; billed annually with add-ons for extra users or channels.
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory software for retailers providing real-time stock visibility and multi-currency support.
Warehouse Anywhere multi-location management with automated stock transfers and visibility
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, providing real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple locations. It supports purchase orders, sales fulfillment, batch/serial tracking, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like Xero or QuickBooks. For retail inventory tracking, it offers strong visibility and automation but lacks native POS features, making it better suited for online or hybrid retail operations rather than in-store point-of-sale.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with high accuracy
- Seamless integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and accounting software
- Advanced batch, serial, and expiry date traceability
Cons
- No built-in POS or retail-specific checkout features
- Interface can feel complex for small retail teams without inventory expertise
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for tiny shops
Best For
Mid-sized retailers with e-commerce channels and multiple warehouses seeking robust backend inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at ~$85 USD/month for basic plans (Micro), scaling to $350+ for higher volumes/users; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase innovative solutions for retail inventory management, with the top three distinguishing themselves: Lightspeed Retail leads as the most comprehensive cloud-based platform, offering real-time tracking and multi-location support. Cin7 follows, excelling in integrating sales channels and supply chains, while DEAR Systems stands out with robust POS and stock control. For retailers, these three provide exceptional value, with Lightspeed ranking as the top choice for its holistic approach.
Whether you manage a single store or multiple locations, start with Lightspeed Retail to unlock streamlined operations and real-time visibility, or explore Cin7 or DEAR Systems to find a fit that aligns with your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison