Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Provides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory management, and real-time sales analytics.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Offers comprehensive retail POS software with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Enables omnichannel selling by syncing in-store POS transactions with online Shopify stores for unified inventory and sales.
- 4#4: Clover - Delivers flexible, customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty programs, and business insights.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Powers iPad-based cloud POS for retail with robust reporting, CRM, and inventory management features.
- 6#6: KORONA POS - Supplies secure, customizable POS software for specialty retail stores with strong accounting and employee management tools.
- 7#7: Loyverse POS - Offers a free mobile POS app for small retail businesses featuring sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty.
- 8#8: POS Nation - Provides tailored POS systems for retail verticals with lifetime free support, inventory, and payment integrations.
- 9#9: Heartland Retail - Delivers integrated retail POS with CRM, purchasing, and payment processing for multi-store operations.
- 10#10: RetailEdge - Serves independent retailers with a complete POS solution for sales, inventory control, and purchase order management.
We ranked these tools by evaluating features like inventory management, omnichannel integration, and reporting, alongside ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring a balanced assessment of both functionality and practicality for retailers of all scales.
Comparison Table
Explore a comparison table of top retail POS software, including Square, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems. This guide breaks down key features, pricing, and integration capabilities to help readers identify the software that best fits their business needs, whether streamlining transactions or managing inventory efficiently.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Provides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory management, and real-time sales analytics. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Offers comprehensive retail POS software with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Enables omnichannel selling by syncing in-store POS transactions with online Shopify stores for unified inventory and sales. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Clover Delivers flexible, customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty programs, and business insights. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Powers iPad-based cloud POS for retail with robust reporting, CRM, and inventory management features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | KORONA POS Supplies secure, customizable POS software for specialty retail stores with strong accounting and employee management tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Loyverse POS Offers a free mobile POS app for small retail businesses featuring sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 8 | POS Nation Provides tailored POS systems for retail verticals with lifetime free support, inventory, and payment integrations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Heartland Retail Delivers integrated retail POS with CRM, purchasing, and payment processing for multi-store operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | RetailEdge Serves independent retailers with a complete POS solution for sales, inventory control, and purchase order management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
Provides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory management, and real-time sales analytics.
Offers comprehensive retail POS software with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Enables omnichannel selling by syncing in-store POS transactions with online Shopify stores for unified inventory and sales.
Delivers flexible, customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty programs, and business insights.
Powers iPad-based cloud POS for retail with robust reporting, CRM, and inventory management features.
Supplies secure, customizable POS software for specialty retail stores with strong accounting and employee management tools.
Offers a free mobile POS app for small retail businesses featuring sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty.
Provides tailored POS systems for retail verticals with lifetime free support, inventory, and payment integrations.
Delivers integrated retail POS with CRM, purchasing, and payment processing for multi-store operations.
Serves independent retailers with a complete POS solution for sales, inventory control, and purchase order management.
Square
specializedProvides an intuitive cloud-based POS system for retail with seamless payments, inventory management, and real-time sales analytics.
Zero monthly fees for core POS software combined with plug-and-play hardware like the free magstripe reader
Square is a leading point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer tracking through its intuitive software and hardware ecosystem. It supports everything from mobile card readers to full countertop terminals, enabling retailers to accept contactless payments, manage stock levels, and run loyalty programs effortlessly. With no monthly software fees, Square focuses on transaction-based pricing, making it accessible for startups and scaling businesses alike.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with minimal setup time, ideal for non-tech-savvy users
- No monthly software fees, only pay-per-transaction model keeps costs low for low-volume retailers
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms, accounting tools, and third-party apps
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Advanced inventory and reporting features lack depth compared to enterprise-level POS systems
- Customer support can be slow during peak times, relying heavily on self-service resources
Best For
Small to medium retail shops, boutiques, food trucks, and pop-up stores seeking an affordable, mobile-friendly POS with quick onboarding.
Pricing
Free POS software; in-person transactions at 2.6% + 10¢, online at 2.9% + 30¢; hardware from $49 (reader) to $799+ (registers).
Lightspeed Retail
specializedOffers comprehensive retail POS software with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization across all sales channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering comprehensive tools for inventory management, sales processing, and customer engagement. It excels in omnichannel capabilities, seamlessly integrating in-store sales with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. The software also provides advanced analytics, multi-location support, and customizable reporting to streamline operations and drive growth.
Pros
- Robust omnichannel integration for unified online and in-store inventory
- Advanced inventory tools including purchasing, forecasting, and matrix management
- Strong multi-location support with centralized reporting and control
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited built-in payroll and accounting integrations
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing sophisticated omnichannel and inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Lean plan); scales to $189+/month for Advanced with add-ons.
Shopify POS
specializedEnables omnichannel selling by syncing in-store POS transactions with online Shopify stores for unified inventory and sales.
Real-time unified inventory management across online stores and multiple physical locations
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that enables retailers to process in-store transactions using iPads, Android tablets, or compatible hardware, while seamlessly integrating with Shopify's e-commerce platform for unified inventory and sales management. It supports features like real-time inventory syncing across online and physical channels, customer profiles, and multi-location operations. This makes it particularly powerful for omnichannel retailers looking to bridge online and offline sales without data silos.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce for real-time inventory and order syncing
- Flexible hardware compatibility and mobile-first design for pop-ups and events
- Extensive app marketplace for customizations like loyalty programs and analytics
Cons
- POS Pro features require additional monthly fees on top of Shopify plans
- Transaction fees apply unless using Shopify Payments (2.4-2.9% + 30¢)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to dedicated POS systems
Best For
Omnichannel retailers already using Shopify online who need effortless syncing between in-store and e-commerce sales.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan ($29-$299+/mo); POS Pro $89/mo per location (annual) or $99 monthly, plus transaction fees.
Clover
specializedDelivers flexible, customizable POS hardware and software for retail payments, loyalty programs, and business insights.
Clover App Market enabling thousands of tailored apps for inventory, loyalty, and industry-specific tools
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering a suite of hardware devices like countertop terminals, Go handheld units, and Mini stations paired with software for seamless transaction processing. It excels in managing sales, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and multi-location operations. The platform's open app marketplace allows extensive customization, making it adaptable for various retail needs from boutiques to larger chains.
Pros
- Vast App Market with over 1,000 third-party apps for customization
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and PCI compliance
- Durable hardware options supporting contactless and mobile payments
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (e.g., Register starts at $1,699)
- Processing fees can add up for high-volume stores (2.3% + $0.10 per swipe)
- Occasional software glitches and dependency on internet connectivity
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail stores seeking a customizable, all-in-one POS with strong hardware integration and app extensibility.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699+ (Register); software plans $14.95-$114.85/month; payments 2.3%+$0.10 (in-person), no long-term contracts.
Revel Systems
specializedPowers iPad-based cloud POS for retail with robust reporting, CRM, and inventory management features.
Real-time cloud-based analytics dashboard for multi-store performance insights
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS solution tailored for retail and restaurant businesses, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and employee performance tracking. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data syncing across iPads, iPhones, and web dashboards, enabling centralized control and reporting. The platform integrates with numerous third-party apps for e-commerce, accounting, and delivery services, making it scalable for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- Strong multi-location support and centralized reporting
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and delivery platforms
Cons
- High subscription costs with additional fees for advanced modules
- Heavy reliance on stable internet connectivity
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex features
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable, feature-rich POS with advanced analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (billed annually), plus hardware costs, payment processing fees (2.3%+), and add-ons for premium features.
KORONA POS
specializedSupplies secure, customizable POS software for specialty retail stores with strong accounting and employee management tools.
Advanced multi-store synchronization with centralized backoffice control
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed specifically for retail businesses, including convenience stores, liquor shops, and multi-location chains. It provides robust inventory management, real-time reporting, employee management, and seamless multi-store synchronization. The software supports customizable hardware integrations and advanced features like CRM, loyalty programs, and eCommerce connectivity, making it scalable for growing retailers.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-location management and real-time data sync
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with recipe costing
- Outstanding 24/7 customer support and training resources
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve
- Pricing can be high for single-location small businesses
- Limited native mobile app compared to competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses requiring advanced inventory control and centralized reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for basic plans, scaling to $299+/month for advanced features; custom enterprise quotes available.
Loyverse POS
specializedOffers a free mobile POS app for small retail businesses featuring sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty.
Completely free core POS system with unlimited sales transactions and users, no hidden fees
Loyverse POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small retail and hospitality businesses, offering sales processing, inventory tracking, customer management, and employee scheduling via a mobile-first app. It supports multi-device synchronization and hardware integration like receipt printers and barcode scanners. The freemium model provides core functionality for free, with paid add-ons for advanced features like detailed analytics and time tracking.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile app for quick setup and use anywhere
- Real-time inventory and sales reporting across devices
Cons
- Advanced features like multi-location support require paid add-ons
- Limited customization for complex retail needs
- Customer support mainly through email and self-help resources
Best For
Small retail stores, cafes, and food trucks seeking an affordable, mobile-friendly POS without subscription lock-in for basics.
Pricing
Free forever for core POS; add-ons like Employees, Inventory, and Analytics start at $5-15 per location/month.
POS Nation
specializedProvides tailored POS systems for retail verticals with lifetime free support, inventory, and payment integrations.
Lifetime software ownership and support with no recurring fees after initial hardware purchase
POS Nation is a retail-focused POS software solution that provides hardware-software bundles tailored for small to medium-sized businesses like convenience stores, smoke shops, and boutiques. It offers core features including inventory management, real-time reporting, customer loyalty programs, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and payment processors. The platform emphasizes a one-time payment model for lifetime software access and support, avoiding recurring subscription fees common in competitors.
Pros
- No monthly software fees with lifetime license and support
- Industry-specific features for retail verticals like tobacco and liquor stores
- Strong inventory and multi-location management tools
Cons
- Requires upfront hardware purchase, limiting flexibility for software-only users
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to enterprise solutions
- Occasional reports of software bugs and slower support response times
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking a cost-effective, ownership-based POS system without ongoing subscriptions.
Pricing
Hardware bundles start at $999-$3,000+ including lifetime software license, free updates, and support; no monthly fees.
Heartland Retail
enterpriseDelivers integrated retail POS with CRM, purchasing, and payment processing for multi-store operations.
End-to-end integration with Heartland payments for lower costs, instant funding, and unified transaction management.
Heartland Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering tools for sales processing, inventory management, customer tracking, and multi-location operations. It integrates deeply with Heartland's payment processing for seamless transactions and includes features like loyalty programs, gift card management, and advanced reporting. Designed for scalability, it supports everything from single stores to enterprise chains with e-commerce integrations.
Pros
- Seamless integrated payment processing reduces fees and streamlines operations
- Robust multi-location and inventory management for growing retailers
- Strong reporting and CRM tools for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses with custom quotes
- Moderate learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Fewer native integrations with some third-party apps compared to top competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses seeking an all-in-one POS with built-in payment processing and scalable inventory control.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts around $99-$200/month per location plus payment processing fees (2.3% + $0.10 per transaction typical); hardware sold separately.
RetailEdge
specializedServes independent retailers with a complete POS solution for sales, inventory control, and purchase order management.
Matrix inventory system for handling products with variations in size, color, style, and pricing levels
RetailEdge is a Windows-based POS and inventory management software tailored for small to medium retail businesses, offering tools for sales processing, stock tracking, customer relationship management, and detailed reporting. It supports features like barcode scanning, multi-store operations, purchase orders, and integrations with QuickBooks. Designed for brick-and-mortar stores, it emphasizes customizable inventory handling including serial numbers, kits, and matrix pricing.
Pros
- One-time perpetual license reduces long-term costs
- Strong inventory management with matrix, serial, and rental tracking
- Responsive customer support with free training resources
Cons
- Limited to Windows desktop, no native mobile or cloud support
- User interface appears dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Additional modules required for advanced features like e-commerce
Best For
Small independent retailers needing a reliable, affordable on-premise POS for inventory-heavy operations without ongoing subscription fees.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $795 for single-user/single-store; multi-user/multi-store from $1,495; optional annual support ~20% of license cost.
Conclusion
The top three retail POS tools—Square, Lightspeed Retail, and Shopify POS—each bring unique strengths to the table, with Square emerging as the clear leader. Square impresses with its intuitive cloud-based design, seamless payments, and real-time analytics, while Lightspeed and Shopify POS stand out for their advanced inventory control and omnichannel integration, respectively, serving as strong alternatives for specific needs. No matter the business size or focus, there’s a top-ranked solution to elevate operations.
Don’t hesitate to explore Square first—its all-in-one approach can simplify sales, streamline inventory, and unlock growth, making it the ultimate choice for retailers ready to enhance their success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison