Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-channel sales.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Seamless POS system integrated with e-commerce for unified in-store and online retail operations and inventory management.
- 3#3: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS solution with free inventory tracking, payments, and sales reporting ideal for small retail stores.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail payments, inventory, employee management, and app integrations.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS offering advanced inventory management, real-time reporting, and CRM features for retailers.
- 6#6: Cin7 - Robust inventory and order management platform connecting POS, e-commerce channels, and accounting for multi-location retail.
- 7#7: Erply - Cloud POS and retail ERP system with strong inventory, loyalty programs, and B2B features for growing stores.
- 8#8: Zoho Inventory - Affordable cloud inventory software with order fulfillment, warehouse management, and POS integrations for retailers.
- 9#9: KORONA POS - Secure, customizable POS platform for retail with inventory tracking, customer management, and hardware flexibility.
- 10#10: LS Retail - Enterprise-grade retail management software built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and omnichannel operations.
We prioritized tools based on robust feature sets (including inventory tracking, sales reporting, and multi-channel integration), consistent performance, user-friendly design, and value for money, ensuring they cater to both small-scale and enterprise retail operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading retail store management software, featuring tools like Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Square for Retail, Clover, Revel Systems, and more. It equips readers to assess key features, pricing, and usability to identify the right solution for their retail needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-channel sales. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Seamless POS system integrated with e-commerce for unified in-store and online retail operations and inventory management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS solution with free inventory tracking, payments, and sales reporting ideal for small retail stores. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail payments, inventory, employee management, and app integrations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS offering advanced inventory management, real-time reporting, and CRM features for retailers. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Cin7 Robust inventory and order management platform connecting POS, e-commerce channels, and accounting for multi-location retail. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Erply Cloud POS and retail ERP system with strong inventory, loyalty programs, and B2B features for growing stores. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Zoho Inventory Affordable cloud inventory software with order fulfillment, warehouse management, and POS integrations for retailers. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | KORONA POS Secure, customizable POS platform for retail with inventory tracking, customer management, and hardware flexibility. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | LS Retail Enterprise-grade retail management software built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and omnichannel operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-channel sales.
Seamless POS system integrated with e-commerce for unified in-store and online retail operations and inventory management.
User-friendly POS solution with free inventory tracking, payments, and sales reporting ideal for small retail stores.
Customizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail payments, inventory, employee management, and app integrations.
iPad-based cloud POS offering advanced inventory management, real-time reporting, and CRM features for retailers.
Robust inventory and order management platform connecting POS, e-commerce channels, and accounting for multi-location retail.
Cloud POS and retail ERP system with strong inventory, loyalty programs, and B2B features for growing stores.
Affordable cloud inventory software with order fulfillment, warehouse management, and POS integrations for retailers.
Secure, customizable POS platform for retail with inventory tracking, customer management, and hardware flexibility.
Enterprise-grade retail management software built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and omnichannel operations.
Lightspeed Retail
specializedComprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-channel sales.
Advanced multi-location inventory management with real-time syncing and centralized control
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar stores, multi-location operations, and omnichannel retailers. It provides advanced inventory management, real-time sales tracking, customer loyalty programs, detailed analytics, and seamless e-commerce integrations to unify online and in-store sales. The software empowers retailers to optimize operations, reduce stockouts, and drive growth through data-driven insights.
Pros
- Robust inventory tools including matrix pricing and multi-location syncing
- Comprehensive omnichannel capabilities for unified online/in-store sales
- Powerful analytics and reporting for informed business decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small retailers
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional customer support delays reported
Best For
Multi-location retailers and scaling businesses needing sophisticated inventory and omnichannel management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Lean plan), with Standard at $109/month and Advanced at $159/month; annual billing required, plus hardware and add-on fees.
Shopify POS
specializedSeamless POS system integrated with e-commerce for unified in-store and online retail operations and inventory management.
Unified commerce dashboard syncing online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data in real-time
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retail stores to process in-store transactions, manage inventory, and handle customer relationships seamlessly across online and offline channels. It supports hardware like iPads, card readers, and receipt printers, with real-time syncing to prevent overselling and provide unified reporting. As a Retail Store Management Software solution, it excels in omnichannel retail operations, staff management, and sales analytics.
Pros
- Seamless integration between online store and physical POS for omnichannel selling
- Real-time inventory management across multiple locations and channels
- Extensive app marketplace for custom retail functionalities
Cons
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Advanced features require POS Pro add-on at extra cost per location
- Hardware setup can add to initial expenses
Best For
Multi-channel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified in-store and e-commerce management.
Pricing
Included in Shopify plans starting at $29/month (Basic); POS Pro add-on $89/location/month; plus 0.5-2% transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly POS solution with free inventory tracking, payments, and sales reporting ideal for small retail stores.
Integrated payments and POS hardware with no base software fees, enabling instant setup for new retailers
Square for Retail is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar retail stores, offering real-time inventory tracking, sales processing, and customer management. It supports multi-location operations, purchase orders, vendor tracking, and seamless integration with e-commerce and online ordering. The solution combines hardware like card readers and registers with intuitive software for streamlined retail operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup
- Real-time inventory syncing and management tools
- Seamless integrated payment processing
Cons
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume sales
- Reporting lacks depth for complex analytics
- Limited customization for larger enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail stores seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one POS and inventory solution without steep upfront software costs.
Pricing
$60 per month per location for Square for Retail (or $89 monthly); plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; basic POS software is free.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software ecosystem for retail payments, inventory, employee management, and app integrations.
Clover App Market offering seamless access to 500+ apps for custom retail workflows
Clover is an all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) system designed for retail stores, combining hardware like countertop terminals and mobile devices with cloud-based software for payments, sales, and operations management. It provides tools for inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting to streamline daily retail tasks. Through its extensive App Market, users can add hundreds of third-party integrations for enhanced customization.
Pros
- Intuitive touchscreen interface that's quick to learn
- Extensive App Market with over 500 integrations
- Reliable payment processing supporting cards, NFC, and digital wallets
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and transaction fees
- Advanced features often require paid add-ons
- Customer support can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail stores seeking a user-friendly POS with flexible hardware options and easy scalability.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Go) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans from $0 (Payments only) to $114.85/month per device (Register Pro); transaction fees 2.3%-3.5% + 10¢.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based cloud POS offering advanced inventory management, real-time reporting, and CRM features for retailers.
Real-time cloud synchronization enabling centralized control across multiple store locations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform designed for small to enterprise-level retail stores, providing tools for sales processing, inventory control, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in multi-location setups with real-time data synchronization across iPad-based terminals and web dashboards. The system integrates with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and third-party apps to streamline operations from front-end sales to back-office reporting.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- Comprehensive analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
- Seamless multi-location support and cloud accessibility
Cons
- Higher subscription costs, especially for multiple terminals
- Requires reliable internet; limited offline functionality
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable POS with strong inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter plan), scaling to $249/month (Pro plan), plus hardware costs, processing fees (2.5%+), and add-ons.
Cin7
specializedRobust inventory and order management platform connecting POS, e-commerce channels, and accounting for multi-location retail.
3-way matching for purchase orders, stock levels, and supplier invoices to automate reconciliation
Cin7 is a robust inventory management and order fulfillment platform tailored for multi-channel retailers, offering real-time stock visibility across online stores, physical locations, and wholesale channels. It includes POS capabilities, order management, and extensive integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and QuickBooks. Ideal for scaling retail businesses, it centralizes operations to prevent stockouts and overstock issues while supporting B2B portals and advanced reporting.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory synchronization in real-time
- Extensive integrations with over 700 connectors including major POS and e-commerce platforms
- Comprehensive order management and B2B portal for wholesale
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Higher pricing may not suit very small retail operations
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Multi-location retailers with online, in-store, and wholesale sales needing unified inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Starter plan (billed annually), scaling to $599+ for Pro and custom Enterprise tiers based on order volume.
Erply
specializedCloud POS and retail ERP system with strong inventory, loyalty programs, and B2B features for growing stores.
Advanced product matrix inventory supporting unlimited variations (e.g., size, color, style) with automated stock allocation across stores
Erply is a cloud-based retail management platform offering integrated POS, inventory control, CRM, and e-commerce tools tailored for retail businesses. It excels in multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization, advanced reporting, and support for complex product variations like sizes and colors. The system helps retailers manage sales, stock, customers, and online stores from a single dashboard, making it suitable for scaling operations.
Pros
- Robust multi-store inventory management with real-time syncing
- Comprehensive POS with loyalty and CRM integration
- Extensive reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring some adaptation
- Steeper learning curve for advanced modules
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail chains with multiple locations needing strong centralized inventory and POS capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month for basic POS, scales to $79+/user/month for full retail suite; annual discounts available, additional fees for modules and transactions.
Zoho Inventory
otherAffordable cloud inventory software with order fulfillment, warehouse management, and POS integrations for retailers.
Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility and automatic stock syncing across sales channels
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution focused on inventory management, order processing, and warehouse operations, ideal for retail businesses handling physical and online sales. It provides real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, barcode support, purchase order automation, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon. While strong in backend inventory control, it requires integrations for full POS functionality in retail stores.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory tracking and synchronization
- Extensive integrations with Zoho suite, e-commerce, and shipping providers
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small operations
Cons
- Lacks built-in POS system, relying on third-party integrations for in-store sales
- Advanced reporting and customization can have a learning curve
- Limited native employee scheduling or time-tracking features
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail businesses needing scalable inventory management across online and physical channels without a full standalone POS.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 20 online orders/month); paid plans start at $29/month (Standard, 50 orders), $79/month (Professional), $199/month (Elite); annual discounts available.
KORONA POS
specializedSecure, customizable POS platform for retail with inventory tracking, customer management, and hardware flexibility.
Ultra-fast, multi-threaded transaction processing that handles peak-hour rushes without slowdowns
KORONA POS is a versatile point-of-sale system tailored for retail businesses, especially high-volume operations like convenience stores, liquor shops, and smoke shops. It provides comprehensive tools for inventory management, employee scheduling, sales reporting, customer loyalty programs, and multi-location support. Deployable in cloud or on-premise configurations, it emphasizes speed, security, and compliance features for regulated industries.
Pros
- Exceptional transaction speed for high-volume retail
- Robust inventory tracking and multi-store management
- Strong compliance tools like ID scanning for age-restricted sales
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency without a demo
- Higher cost may not suit very small operations
Best For
High-volume specialty retailers like smoke shops, liquor stores, and convenience stores needing fast POS and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$99/month per terminal, plus hardware and add-ons; requires demo for details.
LS Retail
enterpriseEnterprise-grade retail management software built on Microsoft Dynamics for POS, inventory, and omnichannel operations.
Unified POS and ERP in one platform with seamless Microsoft Dynamics integration for true omnichannel retail
LS Retail's LS Central is a unified commerce platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, designed for retail store management across sectors like grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and restaurants. It integrates POS, inventory management, CRM, employee scheduling, and e-commerce into a single system for omnichannel operations. The software provides real-time data synchronization, loyalty programs, and analytics to streamline retail operations from front-end sales to back-office ERP.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel capabilities with real-time inventory across stores and online
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration for scalability and customization
- Industry-specific modules tailored for grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and more
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its enterprise-level complexity
- Pricing can be high for small or single-store retailers
- Implementation often requires certified partners, extending setup time
Best For
Mid-to-large multi-location retail chains needing robust, integrated POS, ERP, and e-commerce management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on users, stores, and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ annually per location, with quotes required.
Conclusion
Among the 10 reviewed tools, Lightspeed Retail emerges as the top choice, offering a comprehensive mix of inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-channel sales features. Shopify POS excels in unifying in-store and online operations, while Square for Retail provides a user-friendly, cost-effective option for small stores—each proving valuable but lacking Lightspeed's breadth. Together, they highlight the diversity of retail management tools available, with the top three leading the pack for different needs.
Don’t miss out on Lightspeed Retail—the ultimate solution for retail success. Explore its features today to elevate your operations and drive growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
