Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive retail POS software with multi-store management, omnichannel selling, and advanced inventory control.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated POS that unifies online and in-store retail sales with real-time inventory syncing and customer management.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, and loyalty programs tailored to retail needs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for efficient retail operations.
- 6#6: Korona POS - Cloud POS designed for independent retailers featuring unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware flexibility.
- 7#7: NCR Voyix Retail - Scalable enterprise POS solutions for retail chains with robust transaction processing and customer engagement tools.
- 8#8: LS Central - All-in-one retail platform built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, ERP, and unified commerce management.
- 9#9: Retail Pro - Global retail software suite providing POS, merchandising, and inventory optimization for multi-channel retailers.
- 10#10: Epicor Eagle - Specialized POS for hard-goods retailers like sporting goods with integrated accounting and CRM features.
We ranked these tools by evaluating functionality (including multi-channel integration and analytics), user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse business sizes and retail needs.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right retail POS system software can streamline operations, and this comparison breaks down top tools like Square, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, outlining key features, pricing, and use cases. Readers will discover which solution best fits their business needs, whether focusing on inventory management, customer loyalty, or scalability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive retail POS software with multi-store management, omnichannel selling, and advanced inventory control. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Integrated POS that unifies online and in-store retail sales with real-time inventory syncing and customer management. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, and loyalty programs tailored to retail needs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for efficient retail operations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Korona POS Cloud POS designed for independent retailers featuring unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware flexibility. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | NCR Voyix Retail Scalable enterprise POS solutions for retail chains with robust transaction processing and customer engagement tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | LS Central All-in-one retail platform built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, ERP, and unified commerce management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Retail Pro Global retail software suite providing POS, merchandising, and inventory optimization for multi-channel retailers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Epicor Eagle Specialized POS for hard-goods retailers like sporting goods with integrated accounting and CRM features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
Comprehensive retail POS software with multi-store management, omnichannel selling, and advanced inventory control.
Integrated POS that unifies online and in-store retail sales with real-time inventory syncing and customer management.
Customizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, and loyalty programs tailored to retail needs.
iPad-centric POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for efficient retail operations.
Cloud POS designed for independent retailers featuring unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware flexibility.
Scalable enterprise POS solutions for retail chains with robust transaction processing and customer engagement tools.
All-in-one retail platform built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, ERP, and unified commerce management.
Global retail software suite providing POS, merchandising, and inventory optimization for multi-channel retailers.
Specialized POS for hard-goods retailers like sporting goods with integrated accounting and CRM features.
Square
specializedCloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small to medium retail businesses.
Zero monthly fees for core POS software, making it accessible for startups and low-volume retailers
Square is a leading cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer loyalty tools via its intuitive mobile app and hardware. It supports in-person, online, and app-based transactions with real-time analytics and integrations with popular e-commerce platforms. Designed for scalability, Square empowers retailers from pop-up shops to multi-location stores without mandatory monthly fees.
Pros
- No monthly software fees – pay only per transaction
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile-first design
- Comprehensive features including inventory tracking, appointments, and 100+ integrations
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and customization limited without add-ons
- Hardware purchases required for full POS functionality
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with no upfront software costs and easy scalability.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online; hardware from $49.
Lightspeed Retail
specializedComprehensive retail POS software with multi-store management, omnichannel selling, and advanced inventory control.
Unified commerce platform with real-time inventory synchronization across physical stores, online shops, and marketplaces
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for brick-and-mortar and multi-channel retailers, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, customer relationship management, and e-commerce integration. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data syncing across stores, online shops, and marketplaces. The platform offers advanced reporting, loyalty programs, and purchase order management to optimize retail workflows and drive growth.
Pros
- Robust omnichannel capabilities with unified inventory across in-store, online, and mobile sales
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
- Extensive third-party integrations including QuickBooks, Shopify, and Xero
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional sync delays during peak hours for large inventories
Best For
Multi-location retailers seeking a scalable, omnichannel POS with deep inventory and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/location/month (Lean), $99 (Standard), $129 (Advanced); enterprise custom; billed annually with discounts.
Shopify POS
specializedIntegrated POS that unifies online and in-store retail sales with real-time inventory syncing and customer management.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization between online and physical stores
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to manage in-store sales alongside online operations. It supports iPad and Android tablets as POS hardware, handling payments, inventory tracking, and customer management with real-time syncing across channels. Ideal for omnichannel retail, it offers features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and staff permissions to streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for real-time inventory and sales sync
- Supports a wide range of payment methods including contactless and mobile wallets
- Scalable with add-ons like POS Pro for advanced reporting and multi-location management
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, adding to overall costs
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans or POS Pro add-on ($89/location/mo)
- Hardware like card readers sold separately, increasing upfront expenses
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified online and in-person sales management.
Pricing
Included in Shopify plans starting at $29/mo (Basic); POS Pro add-on $89/location/mo; hardware like Chip & Swipe Reader $49 or Tap to Pay on iPhone free.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, and loyalty programs tailored to retail needs.
Clover App Market offering thousands of third-party apps for endless customization
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, offering a suite of touchscreen hardware devices like the Clover Mini, Flex, and Station for seamless transactions. It manages sales, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and reporting through an intuitive dashboard. What sets it apart is the extensive Clover App Market, allowing users to add thousands of third-party apps for customized functionality such as e-commerce integrations and advanced analytics.
Pros
- Vast App Market with over 1,000 customizable apps
- Durable, all-in-one hardware options for flexibility
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and security
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $499
- Customer support can be inconsistent and slow
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume sellers
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses needing a highly customizable POS with robust hardware and app integrations.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 one-time; software subscriptions $14.95-$114.85/month per device; processing 2.3% + $0.10 (in-person), 3.5% + $0.10 (online).
Revel Systems
specializediPad-centric POS delivering real-time reporting, employee management, and integrations for efficient retail operations.
Real-time cloud-based multi-store management with centralized dashboards
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for retail and hospitality businesses, enabling efficient transaction processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. It offers real-time data syncing across multiple locations, employee management, and customer loyalty programs to streamline operations. The platform integrates with various third-party apps for e-commerce, accounting, and delivery services, making it suitable for growing retail environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
- Strong multi-location support and centralized reporting
Cons
- High subscription costs, especially for multiple terminals
- Hardware limited to iOS devices (primarily iPads)
- Advanced features may require additional fees or modules
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable, cloud-based POS with robust analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $299+/month (Pro/Enterprise); hardware and add-ons extra.
Korona POS
specializedCloud POS designed for independent retailers featuring unlimited users, detailed reporting, and hardware flexibility.
Built-in age verification and ABC compliance reporting tailored for regulated retail like alcohol and tobacco sales
Korona POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed primarily for retail businesses like convenience stores, liquor shops, smoke shops, and specialty retailers. It offers robust inventory management, real-time sales tracking, customer loyalty programs, and advanced reporting across multiple locations. The platform supports hardware integrations, e-commerce syncing, and compliance features like age verification for regulated sales.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with lot tracking and multi-location support
- Strong compliance tools including age verification and ABC compliance for regulated industries
- Detailed analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Pricing can add up with per-location fees and add-ons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features despite intuitive basics
- Limited integrations compared to larger POS competitors like Lightspeed or Square
Best For
Small to mid-sized specialty retail businesses such as liquor stores or smoke shops needing robust inventory and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month per terminal (Starter plan), $99/month (Professional), $129+/month (Enterprise); hardware sold separately with setup fees.
NCR Voyix Retail
enterpriseScalable enterprise POS solutions for retail chains with robust transaction processing and customer engagement tools.
Unified Commerce Platform enabling real-time, AI-powered synchronization across all retail channels
NCR Voyix Retail is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for modern retail operations, handling point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and omnichannel commerce. It integrates seamlessly with hardware like scanners and kiosks, providing real-time analytics and AI-driven insights to optimize store performance. Scalable from small boutiques to large chains, it emphasizes security, uptime, and customization for enterprise needs.
Pros
- Robust omnichannel integration for online and in-store sales
- Advanced AI analytics and inventory forecasting
- Proven reliability with 24/7 support for high-volume retail
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Higher pricing suited more for mid-to-large businesses
- Limited flexibility for very small operations without customization
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains requiring scalable, enterprise-grade POS with strong omnichannel and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; software subscriptions typically start at $99-$200/month per terminal/location, plus hardware and implementation fees.
LS Central
enterpriseAll-in-one retail platform built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, ERP, and unified commerce management.
Fully unified POS and ERP on Microsoft Dynamics for end-to-end retail operations without silos
LS Central is a comprehensive retail management platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, offering unified POS, ERP, and back-office functionality for retail, grocery, pharmacy, fashion, and hospitality sectors. It enables omnichannel commerce with real-time inventory, merchandising, customer loyalty, and analytics across multiple stores. The software streamlines operations from front-end sales to supply chain and financials in a single system.
Pros
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration for seamless scalability
- Industry-specific templates and vertical solutions
- Robust omnichannel and real-time analytics capabilities
Cons
- Complex setup and implementation requiring expertise
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large retailers
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with Dynamics
Best For
Mid-to-large multi-store retailers or franchises in specialized verticals like grocery or pharmacy seeking integrated POS and ERP.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing starting at around $5,000-$10,000 annually per store/location, scaling with users, modules, and Microsoft licensing.
Retail Pro
enterpriseGlobal retail software suite providing POS, merchandising, and inventory optimization for multi-channel retailers.
Prism Web platform for unified omnichannel management across web, mobile, and in-store POS.
Retail Pro is a robust enterprise-level POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing comprehensive inventory management, CRM, employee scheduling, and advanced reporting across single or multi-store operations. Its Prism platform delivers omnichannel capabilities, integrating online and in-store sales with support for over 70 languages and currencies for global deployments. Designed for scalability, it offers both on-premise and cloud-based options through a network of certified partners.
Pros
- Excellent multi-store and centralized management for chains
- Superior international localization with multi-currency/language support
- Powerful analytics and customizable reporting tools
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring partner implementation
- Higher cost structure not ideal for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-to-large multi-location retailers with international operations needing scalable omnichannel POS.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 per store plus annual maintenance (15-20%), or cloud subscriptions from $150/user/month.
Epicor Eagle
enterpriseSpecialized POS for hard-goods retailers like sporting goods with integrated accounting and CRM features.
Matrix inventory management for handling products with multiple size/color/variation combinations
Epicor Eagle is a robust POS system designed for multi-location specialty retail businesses such as jewelry, furniture, and sporting goods stores. It provides comprehensive inventory management, sales processing, CRM, purchasing, and advanced analytics to streamline operations across channels. The software excels in handling complex inventory like serialized or matrixed items and integrates with Epicor's ERP for scalable growth.
Pros
- Powerful multi-store management and synchronization
- Advanced inventory controls for matrix/serialized items
- In-depth reporting and business intelligence tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Complex and lengthy implementation process
- Higher cost compared to simpler POS options
Best For
Multi-location specialty retailers requiring sophisticated inventory and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $5,000–$25,000+ per year per location including modules, support, and implementation fees.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed retail POS systems, Square clearly takes the top spot, delivering seamless payments, inventory tracking, and sales analytics that cater well to small to medium businesses. Lightspeed Retail and Shopify POS, as second and third, are strong alternatives—Lightspeed for multi-store and omnichannel needs, Shopify for unifying online and in-store operations, each offering unique strengths to suit diverse retail scenarios.
To enhance your retail operations, start with Square to experience its user-friendly tools and reliable performance, or explore Lightspeed or Shopify if your business has specific priorities—finding the ideal POS solution is within reach.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison