Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, CRM, employee scheduling, and omnichannel retail capabilities.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly, affordable POS software offering inventory tracking, sales analytics, and payment processing for small to medium retailers.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Seamless POS hardware and software that integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified omnichannel retail experiences.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS platform with app marketplace, hardware options, and tools for inventory, loyalty, and retail payments.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-optimized cloud POS providing robust inventory control, reporting, and customer management for retail operations.
- 6#6: Heartland Retail - Integrated POS and back-office solution supporting multi-store inventory, CRM, and e-commerce for growing retailers.
- 7#7: LS Central - Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform delivering POS, merchandising, and analytics for retail chains.
- 8#8: NCR Voyix Retail - Scalable POS and retail management software suite with cloud deployment for high-volume sales and operations.
- 9#9: Oracle Retail - End-to-end retail software including POS, supply chain, and AI-driven insights for large-scale enterprise retailers.
- 10#10: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce - Cloud omnichannel platform combining POS, e-commerce, and order management for enterprise retail sales.
We ranked tools based on feature robustness, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring the list captures the most impactful solutions for modern retailers, from small businesses to enterprise chains.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right retail sales software is critical for smooth operations, and this comparison table simplifies the process by evaluating top tools like Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems. Readers will learn about key features, pricing models, and integration flexibility to identify the software that aligns with their business goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, CRM, employee scheduling, and omnichannel retail capabilities. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly, affordable POS software offering inventory tracking, sales analytics, and payment processing for small to medium retailers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Seamless POS hardware and software that integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified omnichannel retail experiences. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS platform with app marketplace, hardware options, and tools for inventory, loyalty, and retail payments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-optimized cloud POS providing robust inventory control, reporting, and customer management for retail operations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Heartland Retail Integrated POS and back-office solution supporting multi-store inventory, CRM, and e-commerce for growing retailers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | LS Central Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform delivering POS, merchandising, and analytics for retail chains. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | NCR Voyix Retail Scalable POS and retail management software suite with cloud deployment for high-volume sales and operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Oracle Retail End-to-end retail software including POS, supply chain, and AI-driven insights for large-scale enterprise retailers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce Cloud omnichannel platform combining POS, e-commerce, and order management for enterprise retail sales. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, CRM, employee scheduling, and omnichannel retail capabilities.
User-friendly, affordable POS software offering inventory tracking, sales analytics, and payment processing for small to medium retailers.
Seamless POS hardware and software that integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified omnichannel retail experiences.
Customizable POS platform with app marketplace, hardware options, and tools for inventory, loyalty, and retail payments.
iPad-optimized cloud POS providing robust inventory control, reporting, and customer management for retail operations.
Integrated POS and back-office solution supporting multi-store inventory, CRM, and e-commerce for growing retailers.
Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform delivering POS, merchandising, and analytics for retail chains.
Scalable POS and retail management software suite with cloud deployment for high-volume sales and operations.
End-to-end retail software including POS, supply chain, and AI-driven insights for large-scale enterprise retailers.
Cloud omnichannel platform combining POS, e-commerce, and order management for enterprise retail sales.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management, CRM, employee scheduling, and omnichannel retail capabilities.
Real-time omnichannel synchronization that unifies in-store POS, e-commerce, and inventory across all sales channels
Lightspeed Retail is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management platform designed for brick-and-mortar and omnichannel retailers. It streamlines point-of-sale transactions, inventory tracking, customer management, and e-commerce integration to provide a unified commerce experience. With advanced analytics, multi-location support, and extensive app marketplace integrations, it empowers retailers to optimize operations and drive growth.
Pros
- Powerful omnichannel capabilities syncing online and in-store sales
- Robust inventory management with forecasting and automation
- Extensive integrations and customizable reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Some users report occasional sync delays across locations
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise retailers with multiple locations needing seamless omnichannel management and advanced inventory tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register (Lean), $99 (Standard), $129 (Advanced); Enterprise custom pricing; additional fees for hardware and apps.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly, affordable POS software offering inventory tracking, sales analytics, and payment processing for small to medium retailers.
Real-time inventory syncing across in-store POS, online store, and multiple locations for effortless omnichannel retail management
Square for Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for brick-and-mortar retail businesses, offering seamless in-store sales processing, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It integrates online sales channels with physical stores for unified inventory tracking and omnichannel selling. The platform supports customizable product catalogs, employee permissions, and real-time reporting to streamline retail operations.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with quick setup and mobile compatibility
- Robust inventory management with real-time syncing across online and in-store channels
- Flexible, no-contract pricing starting with a free tier and affordable hardware options
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and customization limited in the free plan
- Customer support primarily self-service with potential delays for complex issues
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail businesses seeking an intuitive, affordable POS with strong omnichannel capabilities and minimal upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan for core POS and inventory; Plus at $60/month per location for advanced features; Premium custom pricing; plus processing fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online).
Shopify POS
enterpriseSeamless POS hardware and software that integrates in-store sales with e-commerce for unified omnichannel retail experiences.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization between online and physical stores
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale system designed for retailers, seamlessly integrating with Shopify's e-commerce platform to unify online and in-store sales. It supports iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, offering features like real-time inventory syncing, customer profiles, staff management, and a wide range of payment options including contactless and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS). The system scales from small pop-ups to multi-location stores, providing detailed sales analytics and customizable checkout experiences.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel selling
- Real-time inventory and sales syncing across locations
- Supports diverse payment methods and hardware compatibility
Cons
- POS Pro features require extra $89/month per location fee
- Full functionality tied to underlying Shopify subscription costs
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-store setups
Best For
Retailers with an existing online Shopify store seeking unified in-person and digital sales management.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location; hardware sold separately.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS platform with app marketplace, hardware options, and tools for inventory, loyalty, and retail payments.
The Clover App Market with 200+ third-party apps for endless customization without coding.
Clover is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing hardware like countertop terminals and handheld devices alongside software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking sales, and handling customer loyalty programs. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms and offers a marketplace of over 200 apps for customization, from employee scheduling to delivery integrations. This all-in-one solution supports both brick-and-mortar and mobile retail operations, making it scalable for growing stores.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for tailored integrations and expansions
- Versatile hardware options suitable for various retail environments
- Robust inventory and reporting tools with real-time analytics
Cons
- Transaction processing fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Upfront hardware costs may deter very small startups
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail businesses needing flexible, hardware-inclusive POS with strong customization options.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $49 for Go; software plans from $0-$115/month per location; payments at 2.3% + $0.10 per dipped/swiped transaction (custom quotes available).
Revel Systems
specializediPad-optimized cloud POS providing robust inventory control, reporting, and customer management for retail operations.
Centralized multi-location management with real-time dashboard syncing across all sites
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform tailored for retail businesses, offering comprehensive tools for sales transactions, inventory management, employee performance tracking, and customer relationship management. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization across iPad, iPhone, and web interfaces. The system integrates with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and third-party apps to streamline retail operations.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- Extensive reporting and analytics for sales trends and performance
- Strong integrations with e-commerce, payroll, and accounting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Requires reliable internet; limited offline functionality
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Multi-location retail stores needing scalable inventory control and detailed analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for core POS (billed annually); add-ons like advanced reporting ($50+/month) and hardware (iPads extra) increase costs.
Heartland Retail
enterpriseIntegrated POS and back-office solution supporting multi-store inventory, CRM, and e-commerce for growing retailers.
Native integration with Heartland's payment gateway for unified hardware, software, and processing
Heartland Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, offering inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), employee scheduling, and detailed sales reporting. It excels in multi-location support and integrates seamlessly with Heartland's payment processing for efficient transactions. The platform also supports e-commerce integrations and loyalty programs to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Heartland payment processing for quick and secure transactions
- Robust multi-location inventory management and real-time reporting
- Comprehensive CRM and loyalty program tools to boost customer retention
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location small businesses
- Occasional software updates lead to temporary glitches
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking an all-in-one POS with strong payment and inventory integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $99/month per location, plus transaction fees (typically 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe).
LS Central
enterpriseMicrosoft Dynamics-based unified commerce platform delivering POS, merchandising, and analytics for retail chains.
Unified POS and ERP on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for real-time, single-source retail operations
LS Central is an all-in-one retail management platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365, delivering POS, ERP, and unified commerce capabilities for omnichannel retail operations. It supports inventory management, CRM, loyalty programs, e-commerce integration, and advanced analytics tailored to industries like grocery, fashion, pharmacies, and hardware. The software enables seamless data flow across stores, warehouses, and online channels, optimizing operations from front-end sales to back-office processes.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end retail ERP and POS in a single platform
- Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem for scalability and reliability
- Industry-specific templates for faster deployment in verticals like grocery and fashion
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant time and expertise
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- High costs with custom pricing not ideal for small retailers
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains needing a robust, Microsoft-integrated solution for omnichannel operations and ERP unification.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per month depending on users, modules, and deployment scale.
NCR Voyix Retail
enterpriseScalable POS and retail management software suite with cloud deployment for high-volume sales and operations.
Unified Commerce platform enabling seamless omnichannel experiences across in-store, online, and mobile sales.
NCR Voyix Retail is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) and retail management platform that handles transactions, inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and omnichannel commerce for retailers. It integrates with NCR's hardware ecosystem for seamless operations and offers cloud-based deployment with advanced analytics and reporting tools. Designed primarily for mid-to-large enterprises, it supports high-volume sales environments with robust security and scalability.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including POS, inventory, CRM, and analytics
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level retail operations
- Strong integration with hardware and third-party systems
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for smaller teams
- Premium pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Customization requires professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains and franchises needing robust, scalable POS and management solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; software subscriptions typically start at $100+ per location/month, plus hardware and implementation fees.
Oracle Retail
enterpriseEnd-to-end retail software including POS, supply chain, and AI-driven insights for large-scale enterprise retailers.
AI-powered Retail Science platform for hyper-personalized customer experiences and predictive analytics across the entire retail value chain
Oracle Retail is a comprehensive suite of enterprise-grade software solutions designed to manage the full retail lifecycle, including merchandising, inventory, point-of-sale (POS), and customer relationship management. It enables omnichannel retailing with seamless integration across stores, online, and mobile channels, leveraging AI and machine learning for demand forecasting, personalized promotions, and optimized supply chain operations. Built on a scalable cloud platform, it supports large-scale retailers in achieving operational efficiency and enhanced customer experiences.
Pros
- Extensive omnichannel capabilities with unified commerce orchestration
- Advanced AI and analytics for predictive inventory and personalization
- Robust scalability and integration with Oracle's ecosystem for global enterprises
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy deployment timelines
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training and expertise
- Complex customization often leading to dependency on Oracle consultants
Best For
Large multinational retail chains with complex, high-volume operations seeking a fully integrated enterprise solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with subscription models; typically starts at $100,000+ annually based on modules, users, and scale—contact Oracle for tailored quotes.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce
enterpriseCloud omnichannel platform combining POS, e-commerce, and order management for enterprise retail sales.
Real-time omnichannel order orchestration that synchronizes inventory, fulfillment, and customer data across all channels
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce is a robust omnichannel retail platform that powers point-of-sale (POS) systems, e-commerce storefronts, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs for unified retail operations. It enables seamless integration across physical stores, online channels, and call centers, leveraging AI for personalized shopping experiences and demand forecasting. As part of the Dynamics 365 suite, it scales for enterprises with deep ties to Microsoft tools like Power BI and Teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel support for in-store, online, and mobile sales
- Advanced AI-driven personalization and predictive analytics
- Seamless integration with Microsoft ecosystem for enhanced productivity
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity requiring expert setup
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing may not suit small retailers
Best For
Mid-to-large retailers needing scalable, integrated omnichannel sales management with enterprise-grade analytics.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$350/user/month for core licenses plus transaction-based scale units (~$1,500-$5,000/month depending on volume).
Conclusion
Evaluating these top retail sales software options reveals Lightspeed Retail as the leading choice, boasting comprehensive cloud-based POS tools, advanced inventory management, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities. Square for Retail shines as a user-friendly, affordable pick for small to medium retailers, while Shopify POS excels in unifying in-store and e-commerce experiences, each offering distinct strengths to suit varied business needs. Together, these tools highlight the innovation in retail technology, ensuring seamless operations and growth across diverse setups.
Take your retail operations to the next level with Lightspeed Retail, the top-ranked solution, or explore Square for Retail or Shopify POS to find the ideal fit for your unique business requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison