Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square for Retail - Provides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Offers omnichannel POS software that syncs in-store sales with online inventory and e-commerce for retail businesses.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Delivers robust POS solutions for multi-store retail operations with advanced inventory, CRM, and reporting features.
- 4#4: Clover - Combines customizable hardware and software POS for retail payments, loyalty programs, and inventory management.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric POS platform for retail with real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
- 6#6: Epos Now - Cloud-based POS system for retail stores featuring inventory control, e-commerce integration, and multi-location support.
- 7#7: KORONA POS - Highly customizable POS software for retail with strong security, inventory, and customer loyalty tools.
- 8#8: Loyverse POS - Free cloud POS app for small retail businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management features.
- 9#9: Retail Pro - Enterprise-grade POS and retail management software for global chains with merchandising and analytics capabilities.
- 10#10: LS Central - Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform for large retail operations handling POS, ERP, and omnichannel retail.
These tools were evaluated based on core features (including inventory tracking, omnichannel integration, and customer management), user experience (intuitive design, scalability), reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across varying retail sizes and goals.
Comparison Table
For retailers navigating point of sale needs, selecting the right software hinges on features that align with operations, and this table compares top tools like Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Clover, and Revel Systems. It breaks down key capabilities, pricing structures, and usability to empower businesses to find the best fit for their unique workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square for Retail Provides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Offers omnichannel POS software that syncs in-store sales with online inventory and e-commerce for retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Delivers robust POS solutions for multi-store retail operations with advanced inventory, CRM, and reporting features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Clover Combines customizable hardware and software POS for retail payments, loyalty programs, and inventory management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric POS platform for retail with real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Epos Now Cloud-based POS system for retail stores featuring inventory control, e-commerce integration, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | KORONA POS Highly customizable POS software for retail with strong security, inventory, and customer loyalty tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Loyverse POS Free cloud POS app for small retail businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management features. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Retail Pro Enterprise-grade POS and retail management software for global chains with merchandising and analytics capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | LS Central Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform for large retail operations handling POS, ERP, and omnichannel retail. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Provides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics.
Offers omnichannel POS software that syncs in-store sales with online inventory and e-commerce for retail businesses.
Delivers robust POS solutions for multi-store retail operations with advanced inventory, CRM, and reporting features.
Combines customizable hardware and software POS for retail payments, loyalty programs, and inventory management.
iPad-centric POS platform for retail with real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
Cloud-based POS system for retail stores featuring inventory control, e-commerce integration, and multi-location support.
Highly customizable POS software for retail with strong security, inventory, and customer loyalty tools.
Free cloud POS app for small retail businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management features.
Enterprise-grade POS and retail management software for global chains with merchandising and analytics capabilities.
Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform for large retail operations handling POS, ERP, and omnichannel retail.
Square for Retail
enterpriseProvides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics.
Free, unlimited inventory management with automatic stock adjustments, vendor catalogs, and multi-location support.
Square for Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for brick-and-mortar retail businesses, offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics. It supports hardware like card readers and countertop kits, integrating with iPad or Android devices for a flexible setup. The platform excels in handling complex retail operations such as modifiers, purchase orders, and customer loyalty programs, making it ideal for stores of varying sizes.
Pros
- No monthly software fees for core POS functionality
- Robust inventory tools including real-time tracking and purchase orders
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Advanced features require paid Retail plan ($60+/month per location)
- Limited reporting depth compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium retail stores seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with strong inventory management and integrated payments.
Pricing
Free core POS software; Retail plan $60/month/location; processing fees 2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online; hardware sold separately.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOffers omnichannel POS software that syncs in-store sales with online inventory and e-commerce for retail businesses.
Real-time synchronization of inventory, orders, and customer data between online store and physical POS terminals
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to process in-person transactions seamlessly alongside online sales. It supports mobile devices like iPads, iPhones, and Android tablets, with features such as real-time inventory syncing, multi-location management, and offline mode for uninterrupted operations. Ideal for omnichannel businesses, it unifies customer data, sales channels, and reporting in one dashboard.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel selling
- Real-time inventory and multi-location support
- Flexible hardware compatibility and offline functionality
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, limiting standalone use
- Advanced features like POS Pro incur extra costs per location
- Customization may need developer help for complex setups
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified in-person and online sales management.
Pricing
Free basic POS with Shopify plans starting at $29/month; POS Pro add-on at $89/location/month billed annually.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseDelivers robust POS solutions for multi-store retail operations with advanced inventory, CRM, and reporting features.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization across physical stores and online channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing robust inventory management, sales processing, and customer relationship tools. It supports multi-location operations with real-time synchronization and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. The software also offers advanced reporting, loyalty programs, and hardware compatibility to enhance retail efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with matrix support for variants
- Strong multi-store and omnichannel capabilities
- Extensive integrations and detailed analytics
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Multi-location retail stores needing unified online and in-store inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Essentials (1 register), up to $289/month for Elite; annual discounts available, plus transaction fees and hardware costs.
Clover
enterpriseCombines customizable hardware and software POS for retail payments, loyalty programs, and inventory management.
Clover App Market offering thousands of third-party apps for tailored retail functionalities
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing a suite of hardware options like the Clover Mini, Station, and Flex alongside software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking sales, and handling employee scheduling. It stands out with its expansive App Market, allowing users to add custom apps for specialized needs such as loyalty programs, delivery integrations, and advanced reporting. The platform supports both in-store and online sales, making it scalable for growing retail operations.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with over 500 integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options suitable for various retail environments
- Seamless built-in payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Limited offline functionality requiring stable internet
- Customer support can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses needing a flexible, app-customizable POS with integrated payments and inventory management.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station); software plans from $14.95/month (Register Lite) to $114.85/month (Full suite); processing fees ~2.3%-2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-centric POS platform for retail with real-time reporting, employee management, and third-party integrations.
Advanced multi-store inventory visibility and automated reordering across locations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for retail stores, restaurants, and bars, providing tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It offers real-time analytics, multi-location management, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and delivery services. Designed for mobility, it supports offline transactions that sync once reconnected, making it ideal for dynamic retail environments.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time multi-location syncing
- Extensive integrations with 100+ third-party apps
- Intuitive iPad interface with offline capabilities
Cons
- Subscription pricing can add up with per-terminal fees and add-ons
- Hardware locked to Apple ecosystem limiting flexibility
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable inventory control and analytics in a cloud-based system.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan; Growth ($299/month) and Enterprise (custom) add advanced features; hardware and add-ons extra.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud-based POS system for retail stores featuring inventory control, e-commerce integration, and multi-location support.
Epos Now App Store with over 100 integrations for seamless connectivity to tools like Xero, Shopify, and delivery services
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service businesses, providing tools for transaction processing, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and real-time reporting. It offers flexible hardware compatibility, including touchscreens, card readers, and receipt printers, with mobile app support for remote management. The platform stands out with its extensive marketplace of over 100 third-party integrations for e-commerce, accounting, and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations for customization
- Robust inventory tracking and multi-location support
- Cloud-based with strong real-time reporting and analytics
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Occasional software glitches reported by users
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable inventory management and third-party integrations.
Pricing
Starts at £109/month for Essential plan (billed annually), £139 for Plus, Enterprise custom; hardware bundles from £299 upfront.
KORONA POS
specializedHighly customizable POS software for retail with strong security, inventory, and customer loyalty tools.
Advanced age verification and compliance modules tailored for regulated retail products like alcohol and tobacco.
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail businesses like convenience stores, liquor stores, smoke shops, and specialty retailers. It offers robust inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and advanced reporting across multiple locations. The platform emphasizes compliance features such as age verification and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce, delivery services, and accounting tools like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and multi-location management
- Strong compliance tools like age verification for regulated sales
- No transaction fees and extensive integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Advanced features have a learning curve
- Custom quotes required, less transparent upfront pricing
Best For
Multi-location retailers in regulated industries like alcohol, tobacco, or convenience stores needing robust compliance and inventory tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for basic plans, scaling to $199+ for advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available, hardware sold separately.
Loyverse POS
specializedFree cloud POS app for small retail businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management features.
Unlimited free plan supporting multiple devices, users, and stores without transaction fees
Loyverse POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small retail businesses, cafes, and restaurants, offering core functionalities like sales processing, inventory management, and employee tracking. It supports multi-device usage on iOS and Android, with real-time data syncing across locations. Users can access detailed sales reports, customer loyalty programs, and integrations with hardware like barcode scanners and receipt printers.
Pros
- Completely free core plan with no limits on users or transactions
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Real-time inventory and multi-store management
Cons
- Advanced analytics and loyalty features require paid add-ons
- Limited customization options for receipts and reports in free tier
- Customer support primarily via email and self-help resources
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, and food trucks seeking a no-cost, mobile-friendly POS for basic operations.
Pricing
Free forever core plan; paid add-ons like Back Office ($5/location/month) and Advanced Analytics ($10/location/month).
Retail Pro
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS and retail management software for global chains with merchandising and analytics capabilities.
Retail Pro Prism's unified commerce engine for seamless real-time synchronization across POS, e-commerce, and mobile channels
Retail Pro is an enterprise-grade retail management software suite, primarily known for its Retail Pro Prism platform, which provides a unified POS system for sales, inventory management, CRM, and analytics across multiple stores and channels. It excels in handling complex retail operations, including multi-location inventory synchronization, e-commerce integration, and international market support with multi-currency and multi-language capabilities. Designed for mid-to-large retailers, it offers customizable workflows and robust reporting to optimize retail performance.
Pros
- Powerful multi-store and multi-channel management
- Advanced inventory control and supply chain tools
- Strong global support with multi-currency/language features
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive for small businesses or beginners
Best For
Mid-to-large multi-location retailers with complex inventory and international operations needing scalable enterprise POS.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
LS Central
enterpriseMicrosoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform for large retail operations handling POS, ERP, and omnichannel retail.
Unified Retail Platform that tightly integrates POS with Dynamics 365 Business Central for end-to-end operations without data silos
LS Central is a comprehensive, all-in-one retail management platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, offering point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, CRM, employee management, and analytics in a unified system. It supports various retail verticals including grocery, fashion, pharmacies, and hospitality, with strong omnichannel capabilities for in-store, online, and mobile sales. Designed for multi-location retailers, it provides real-time data synchronization and scalability across front- and back-office operations.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for seamless ERP-POS functionality
- Robust omnichannel support and real-time inventory visibility across multiple stores
- Highly customizable for specific retail verticals like grocery and pharmacy
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring Microsoft expertise
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native POS solutions
Best For
Large multi-store retailers in complex verticals like grocery or pharmacy who are invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and need integrated POS with full ERP capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $150-300 per concurrent user/month plus implementation fees; scales with stores and modules.
Conclusion
The review of retail point of sale software reveals that while each tool brings unique value, Square for Retail leads as the top choice, boasting an intuitive cloud-based system that seamlessly integrates payments, inventory, and sales analytics. Shopify POS stands out for its strong omnichannel capabilities, and Lightspeed Retail impresses with its robust features for multi-store operations, making each a standout option depending on business scale and needs. Together, these solutions cater to a range of retail setups, ensuring there’s a fit for small shops to global chains.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your retail operations—try Square for Retail, the top-ranked tool, to simplify sales, track inventory, and enhance customer experiences today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
