Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS system that manages inventory, sales, customers, and analytics for multi-location retailers.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce for seamless in-store and online retail management.
- 3#3: Square for Retail - Affordable POS with inventory tracking, payments, and reporting ideal for small to medium retailers.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS offering advanced inventory, employee management, and real-time reporting for retailers.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software for sales, inventory, and customer loyalty in retail settings.
- 6#6: Cin7 - Inventory management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and accounting for retail operations.
- 7#7: KORONA POS - Cloud POS with unlimited users, robust reporting, and inventory control for specialty retail.
- 8#8: LS Central - Unified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and ERP in retail chains.
- 9#9: Retail Pro - Global retail software for multi-store management, merchandising, and international operations.
- 10#10: Epicor Eagle - On-premise POS and back-office system for inventory, purchasing, and accounting in independent retail.
We ranked these solutions by assessing functionality breadth, usability, scalability, and value, ensuring they address the unique demands of retailers ranging from small local businesses to multi-national chains and global operations.
Comparison Table
Retail management system software is vital for modern retailers to streamline operations, process transactions, and manage inventory effectively. This comparison table examines leading tools including Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Square for Retail, Revel Systems, Clover, and more, exploring key features, pricing, and usability. Readers will discover critical details to select the ideal system for their retail needs, from small-scale operations to multi-location establishments.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS system that manages inventory, sales, customers, and analytics for multi-location retailers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce for seamless in-store and online retail management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Square for Retail Affordable POS with inventory tracking, payments, and reporting ideal for small to medium retailers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS offering advanced inventory, employee management, and real-time reporting for retailers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software for sales, inventory, and customer loyalty in retail settings. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Cin7 Inventory management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and accounting for retail operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | KORONA POS Cloud POS with unlimited users, robust reporting, and inventory control for specialty retail. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | LS Central Unified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and ERP in retail chains. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Retail Pro Global retail software for multi-store management, merchandising, and international operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Epicor Eagle On-premise POS and back-office system for inventory, purchasing, and accounting in independent retail. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS system that manages inventory, sales, customers, and analytics for multi-location retailers.
Omnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce for seamless in-store and online retail management.
Affordable POS with inventory tracking, payments, and reporting ideal for small to medium retailers.
iPad-based POS offering advanced inventory, employee management, and real-time reporting for retailers.
Customizable POS hardware and software for sales, inventory, and customer loyalty in retail settings.
Inventory management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and accounting for retail operations.
Cloud POS with unlimited users, robust reporting, and inventory control for specialty retail.
Unified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and ERP in retail chains.
Global retail software for multi-store management, merchandising, and international operations.
On-premise POS and back-office system for inventory, purchasing, and accounting in independent retail.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS system that manages inventory, sales, customers, and analytics for multi-location retailers.
True omnichannel retailing with unified inventory across in-store, online, and mobile sales channels
Lightspeed Retail is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management system tailored for brick-and-mortar and multi-channel retailers. It streamlines inventory tracking, sales processing, customer management, and e-commerce integration with real-time synchronization across online and in-store channels. The platform provides advanced analytics, customizable reporting, and robust hardware compatibility to support scaling businesses.
Pros
- Powerful omnichannel inventory management with real-time syncing
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms and third-party apps
- Advanced analytics and customizable dashboards for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for small single-location stores
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Multi-location retailers seeking seamless omnichannel operations and scalable inventory control.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $69/month per register; Standard at $109/month; Advanced at $199/month; plus payment processing fees and optional add-ons.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS integrated with e-commerce for seamless in-store and online retail management.
Real-time unified inventory management across online store and multiple physical locations
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale solution integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to manage in-store transactions, inventory, and customer data in real-time alongside online sales. It supports omnichannel retailing by syncing stock levels across physical and digital storefronts, accepting diverse payment methods, and providing tools for sales analytics and staff management. As a Retail Management System, it streamlines operations for brick-and-mortar stores while scaling for multi-location setups.
Pros
- Seamless omnichannel integration syncing online and offline inventory in real-time
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Extensive app marketplace for customization and third-party integrations
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics often require paid apps or higher-tier plans
- Additional costs for Pro features, hardware, and per-location licensing
- Less suited for complex enterprise-level inventory or supply chain management
Best For
Small to medium-sized retailers seeking an easy-to-use, scalable POS that unifies online and in-store operations.
Pricing
Basic POS free with any Shopify plan (starting $29/month); POS Pro $89/month per location; hardware sold separately.
Square for Retail
specializedAffordable POS with inventory tracking, payments, and reporting ideal for small to medium retailers.
Instant payment deposits and unified hardware-software ecosystem for frictionless transactions
Square for Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and retail management system tailored for small to medium-sized brick-and-mortar stores. It provides essential tools like inventory management, employee scheduling, sales reporting, customer relationship management, and seamless payment processing. The platform supports omnichannel selling by integrating in-store and online sales through Square Online, helping retailers streamline operations without complex setups.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile accessibility
- Seamless integration of payments, POS, and inventory in one ecosystem
- Robust reporting and customer loyalty tools at an affordable price
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and customization for larger enterprises
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Inventory management lacks depth for multi-location or complex supply chains
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one POS and management solution without long-term contracts.
Pricing
$60/month per location for Square for Retail plan (Plus plan free for basic POS), plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS offering advanced inventory, employee management, and real-time reporting for retailers.
iPad-native POS with offline mode and seamless cloud syncing across locations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform tailored for retail businesses, offering tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data syncing and extensive third-party integrations for e-commerce and accounting. Designed primarily for iPad hardware, Revel provides mobility and scalability for growing retail operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking
- Strong multi-location support and reporting analytics
- Wide range of integrations with e-commerce and payment processors
Cons
- Relies heavily on Apple iPad hardware
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and additional terminals
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable, mobile-first POS with robust inventory and integration capabilities.
Pricing
Core POS starts at $99/month per terminal; add-ons like inventory ($50+/month) and loyalty programs extra; custom enterprise pricing.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software for sales, inventory, and customer loyalty in retail settings.
Clover App Market with over 1,000 apps for seamless customization and integrations
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) and retail management system that combines payment processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and sales reporting into an intuitive platform. It supports both in-store and online transactions with customizable hardware options like countertop terminals and handheld devices. Primarily targeted at small to medium-sized retail businesses, Clover's app marketplace allows extensive customization to fit specific operational needs.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup
- Vast App Market for third-party integrations
- Reliable payment processing with multiple options
Cons
- Hardware costs can be high upfront
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume sellers
- Advanced inventory features require add-ons
Best For
Small to medium retail stores and quick-service restaurants needing an all-in-one, user-friendly POS with scalability.
Pricing
Software plans from $0 (Lite) to $115/month per device (Concierge); plus processing fees of 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction; hardware starts at $49.
Cin7
enterpriseInventory management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and accounting for retail operations.
700+ native integrations via the Cin7 Connect marketplace, enabling effortless synchronization across virtually any retail ecosystem
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management and retail operations platform tailored for multi-channel retailers, wholesalers, and brands handling complex supply chains. It provides real-time stock visibility across POS, e-commerce, marketplaces like Amazon and Shopify, and physical stores, while automating order fulfillment, purchasing, and reporting. The system excels in unifying disparate sales channels with robust integrations to accounting, shipping, and ERP tools.
Pros
- Extensive library of 700+ integrations for seamless connectivity with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping platforms
- Advanced multi-location inventory control with real-time syncing and 3-way matching for POs
- Comprehensive B2B portal and custom pricing capabilities for wholesalers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring significant configuration
- Pricing can escalate quickly with per-order and per-user fees on top of base subscriptions
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays in resolution
Best For
Multi-channel retailers and wholesalers managing high-volume, complex inventory across online, in-store, and B2B sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core (up to 3 users, 1,000 orders/mo), $599/month for Operations, and $999+/month for Enterprise; plus per-order ($0.50-$1) and per-user fees.
KORONA POS
specializedCloud POS with unlimited users, robust reporting, and inventory control for specialty retail.
Integrated age verification and compliance scanning for tobacco, alcohol, and lottery sales
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail businesses, particularly in high-volume sectors like convenience stores, liquor shops, and smoke shops. It provides comprehensive inventory management, real-time reporting, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs, with strong support for multi-location operations. The platform emphasizes compliance features such as age verification for regulated products and integrates seamlessly with various payment processors and hardware.
Pros
- Robust compliance tools for age-restricted sales and inventory tracking
- Offline mode ensures reliability during internet outages
- Highly customizable with strong multi-store management capabilities
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be higher for small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited native e-commerce integrations compared to larger competitors
Best For
Multi-location retailers in regulated industries like convenience, liquor, or tobacco shops needing compliant, scalable POS with excellent inventory control.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $99/month per terminal; hardware and add-ons extra.
LS Central
enterpriseUnified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and ERP in retail chains.
Unified platform that seamlessly blends POS, ERP, and e-commerce in one Microsoft Dynamics instance
LS Central is a unified commerce platform from LS Retail, built natively on Microsoft Dynamics 365, designed for retail management across POS, inventory, merchandising, and customer engagement. It supports omnichannel retail operations for industries like grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and restaurants, providing real-time data synchronization and scalability. The software integrates front-end store operations with back-office ERP functionalities, enabling retailers to manage multiple stores and channels efficiently.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for robust ERP-POS synergy
- Comprehensive industry-specific modules for grocery, fashion, and more
- Strong omnichannel capabilities with real-time inventory and customer data
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring Microsoft expertise and time
- Higher costs due to licensing and customization needs
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-to-large retailers in verticals like grocery or fashion needing scalable, Microsoft-integrated omnichannel solutions.
Pricing
Subscription-based on Dynamics 365; typically $150-$300/user/month plus implementation fees starting at $50K+.
Retail Pro
enterpriseGlobal retail software for multi-store management, merchandising, and international operations.
Retail Pro Prism, a powerful business intelligence dashboard for real-time analytics across global operations
Retail Pro is a robust enterprise-grade retail management system that provides point-of-sale (POS), inventory control, customer relationship management (CRM), and merchandising tools for multi-channel retailers. It excels in supporting complex, multi-store operations across international markets with features like multi-currency, multi-language support, and centralized data management. The platform integrates with e-commerce and third-party systems, offering scalable solutions from single stores to global chains.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-store inventory and supply chain management
- Strong global capabilities with multi-currency and localization support
- Advanced analytics and reporting through Retail Pro Prism BI tool
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- Outdated user interface in some modules
- High upfront costs and customization expenses
Best For
Mid-to-large multi-store retailers with international operations needing scalable enterprise management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $10,000+ per store for initial setup, with annual subscriptions from $3,000-$15,000 depending on modules and scale.
Epicor Eagle
enterpriseOn-premise POS and back-office system for inventory, purchasing, and accounting in independent retail.
Integrated buy/sell and repair order management optimized for high-value inventory like jewelry
Epicor Eagle is a comprehensive retail management system designed primarily for specialty retailers such as jewelry stores, apparel, and sporting goods outlets. It delivers point-of-sale (POS) functionality, advanced inventory management, CRM tools, merchandising, and purchasing capabilities to streamline operations. The software excels in multi-store environments with robust reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Powerful inventory control with matrix and lot tracking
- Strong multi-location support and centralized management
- Advanced reporting and business intelligence tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High implementation and customization costs
- Interface feels dated in some modules
Best For
Mid-to-large specialty retailers with multiple locations needing sophisticated inventory and merchandising features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $3,000-$10,000 per month depending on modules and store count, with perpetual license options available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span diverse retail needs, from multi-location management to omnichannel integration, with top performers offering robust functionality. At the summit, Lightspeed Retail leads as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive cloud-based systems for varied retail setups. Strong alternatives like Shopify POS (for seamless in-store online synergy) and Square for Retail (an affordable option for small to medium operations) cater to specific business priorities.
Elevate your retail operations—start with Lightspeed Retail, the top-ranked solution, and experience streamlined management tailored to your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
