Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square for Retail - User-friendly cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail stores.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Retail - Powerful omnichannel POS platform with advanced inventory control, CRM, and multi-location support for growing retail businesses.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for unified retail operations.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, loyalty programs, and retail management.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS system delivering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for efficient retail workflows.
- 6#6: Epos Now - Cloud POS software with e-commerce integration, employee management, and detailed analytics for retail stores.
- 7#7: KORONA POS - Secure, customizable POS platform focused on quick transactions, inventory, and multi-store retail operations.
- 8#8: Heartland Retail - Comprehensive retail management system combining POS, CRM, and inventory for multi-channel sales.
- 9#9: LS Retail - Enterprise-grade POS built on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail with advanced ERP integration.
- 10#10: NCR Voyix Retail - Robust POS solution for high-volume retail environments with strong security and scalability features.
Tools were selected for their combination of robust features (e.g., inventory control, CRM, omnichannel sync), ease of use, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they address the unique demands of retail environments and cater to businesses of varying sizes.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right retail store POS software is critical for streamlining operations, and this comparison table simplifies the process by examining top tools like Square for Retail, Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems. It breaks down key features, pricing, and usability, helping readers identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square for Retail User-friendly cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail stores. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Retail Powerful omnichannel POS platform with advanced inventory control, CRM, and multi-location support for growing retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for unified retail operations. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, loyalty programs, and retail management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS system delivering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for efficient retail workflows. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Epos Now Cloud POS software with e-commerce integration, employee management, and detailed analytics for retail stores. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | KORONA POS Secure, customizable POS platform focused on quick transactions, inventory, and multi-store retail operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Heartland Retail Comprehensive retail management system combining POS, CRM, and inventory for multi-channel sales. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | LS Retail Enterprise-grade POS built on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail with advanced ERP integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | NCR Voyix Retail Robust POS solution for high-volume retail environments with strong security and scalability features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
User-friendly cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail stores.
Powerful omnichannel POS platform with advanced inventory control, CRM, and multi-location support for growing retail businesses.
Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for unified retail operations.
Flexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, loyalty programs, and retail management.
iPad-based POS system delivering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for efficient retail workflows.
Cloud POS software with e-commerce integration, employee management, and detailed analytics for retail stores.
Secure, customizable POS platform focused on quick transactions, inventory, and multi-store retail operations.
Comprehensive retail management system combining POS, CRM, and inventory for multi-channel sales.
Enterprise-grade POS built on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail with advanced ERP integration.
Robust POS solution for high-volume retail environments with strong security and scalability features.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly cloud-based POS system offering seamless payments, inventory management, and sales analytics for small to medium retail stores.
Real-time omnichannel inventory syncing across in-store, online, and mobile sales
Square for Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for brick-and-mortar retail stores, offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, and customer tracking. It enables real-time stock monitoring, multi-location support, and integration with e-commerce platforms for omnichannel selling. The platform supports customizable sales reports, employee management, and loyalty programs to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and no contracts
- Robust inventory tools including low-stock alerts and purchase orders
- Seamless hardware integration and free basic software
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume stores
- Advanced reporting requires paid Plus plan
- Limited customization for enterprise-scale operations
Best For
Small to medium retail stores seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with strong inventory and payment features.
Pricing
Free core software (2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction); Square for Retail Plus at $60/month per location for advanced features; hardware starts at $0.
Lightspeed Retail
enterprisePowerful omnichannel POS platform with advanced inventory control, CRM, and multi-location support for growing retail businesses.
Matrix inventory management for handling product variants and sizes with automated stock adjustments across locations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for brick-and-mortar retail stores, offering comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It excels in multi-location support, enabling centralized control over stock levels, pricing, and reporting across stores. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce solutions like Shopify and provides advanced analytics for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory management with real-time syncing
- Strong omnichannel capabilities integrating POS with online sales
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional sync delays during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable omnichannel POS with advanced inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register (Lean plan), $109 (Core), $199 (Advanced); annual discounts available, plus hardware and add-on fees.
Shopify POS
specializedIntegrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for unified retail operations.
Real-time omnichannel synchronization that treats online and physical stores as one unified commerce platform
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system tailored for retail stores, offering seamless integration with Shopify's e-commerce platform to unify online and in-store operations. It provides tools for managing sales, inventory, customers, and payments across multiple channels in real-time, supporting features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and mobile checkout. With compatibility for various hardware devices, it enables retailers to scale from pop-ups to permanent locations efficiently.
Pros
- Seamless real-time sync between online and in-store inventory and sales
- Extensive app marketplace for customizations and integrations
- Supports flexible hardware and multi-location management
Cons
- POS Pro advanced features require additional $89/month per location fee
- Best suited for businesses already using Shopify e-commerce
- Steeper learning curve for non-Shopify users
Best For
Multi-channel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified omnichannel management.
Pricing
POS Lite included free with Shopify plans ($29+/month); POS Pro at $89/month per location for advanced features.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, loyalty programs, and retail management.
Clover App Market for extensive third-party app customizations
Clover is a versatile POS system tailored for retail stores, combining customizable hardware like the Clover Mini, Flex, and Station with cloud-based software for seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales tracking. It stands out with its extensive App Market, enabling integrations for loyalty programs, e-commerce, and specialized retail tools. The platform supports multi-location operations and provides real-time reporting, making it suitable for growing retail businesses seeking scalability.
Pros
- Vast App Market with thousands of integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options and integrated payment processing
- Strong inventory and reporting tools for retail operations
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Occasional app compatibility or software glitches reported
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium retail stores needing a highly customizable POS with robust app ecosystem and payment integration.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans $0-$145/month per location; processing fees ~2.3% + $0.10 per transaction (varies by plan).
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS system delivering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for efficient retail workflows.
Real-time cloud synchronization across all locations for instant inventory and sales visibility
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS solution tailored for retail stores, offering robust inventory management, sales tracking, customer loyalty programs, and real-time reporting. It supports multi-location operations with centralized control, employee management, and integrations for e-commerce and accounting. Designed for scalability, it helps retailers streamline operations from small shops to enterprise chains.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- Intuitive iOS interface that's quick to learn
- Strong analytics and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (primarily Apple devices)
- Subscription pricing scales expensively for multi-location setups
- Customer support can be slow during peak issues
Best For
Growing multi-location retail stores needing scalable inventory control and centralized management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Starter); $149-$299 for Pro/Enterprise tiers; hardware like iPads sold separately.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud POS software with e-commerce integration, employee management, and detailed analytics for retail stores.
The AppStore offering over 100 pre-built integrations for seamless connectivity with tools like Shopify and QuickBooks
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail stores, providing seamless transaction processing, real-time inventory tracking, and customer management tools. It offers customizable hardware bundles including touch screens, card readers, and printers, alongside software features like detailed sales reporting and multi-location support. The platform integrates with over 100 third-party apps via its AppStore, making it scalable for growing businesses.
Pros
- Extensive AppStore with 100+ integrations for e-commerce and accounting
- Robust inventory management and real-time reporting across multiple locations
- Flexible hardware options with quick setup for retail environments
Cons
- Pricing can add up with per-device subscriptions and hardware costs
- Customer support receives mixed reviews for response times
- Occasional software glitches reported by some users
Best For
Small to medium retail stores seeking a scalable POS with strong integrations and multi-store capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per device for basic plans, up to £109/month for premium; hardware bundles from £500+.
KORONA POS
specializedSecure, customizable POS platform focused on quick transactions, inventory, and multi-store retail operations.
Built-in age verification and regulatory compliance tools tailored for alcohol, tobacco, and lottery sales
KORONA POS is a robust point-of-sale system designed specifically for high-volume retail environments like convenience stores, liquor stores, smoke shops, and specialty retail. It provides advanced inventory management, employee tracking, detailed reporting, and seamless integrations with hardware such as scales, scanners, and lottery systems. The platform supports both cloud-based and on-premise deployments, enabling multi-location management and compliance features for regulated industries.
Pros
- Powerful inventory and multi-location management
- Strong compliance tools including age verification
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes with less transparency
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited standalone mobile app capabilities
Best For
High-volume retail stores in regulated industries like liquor or convenience shops needing robust inventory and compliance features.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $99/month per terminal, plus hardware bundles from $1,500-$3,000; no public tiers.
Heartland Retail
enterpriseComprehensive retail management system combining POS, CRM, and inventory for multi-channel sales.
End-to-end payment processing integration with dip, swipe, tap, and EMV support for secure transactions
Heartland Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail stores, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It supports multi-location operations with centralized reporting and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms and accounting software. As part of Global Payments, it emphasizes secure payment processing and hardware flexibility.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with low fees
- Strong multi-location management and reporting
- Comprehensive inventory and CRM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Higher pricing for smaller stores
- Occasional customer support delays
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing robust inventory control and integrated payments.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (billed annually), plus transaction fees and optional hardware costs.
LS Retail
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS built on Microsoft Dynamics for large-scale retail with advanced ERP integration.
Unified retail platform that fully integrates POS, back-office ERP, and e-commerce for real-time, omnichannel operations
LS Retail, through its LS Central platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, delivers a comprehensive POS and ERP solution tailored for retail businesses. It handles point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, merchandising, customer relationship management, and analytics across multiple stores and channels. Ideal for grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and restaurant sectors, it enables unified operations with real-time data synchronization and omnichannel support.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem for seamless ERP-POS functionality
- Scalable for multi-store enterprises with strong omnichannel capabilities
- Industry-specific modules for grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and more
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expert implementation
- High costs for licensing, customization, and ongoing support
- Limited flexibility for small businesses due to enterprise focus
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains operating multiple stores that need integrated POS, ERP, and omnichannel retail management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on users, stores, and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
NCR Voyix Retail
enterpriseRobust POS solution for high-volume retail environments with strong security and scalability features.
AI-driven predictive analytics for inventory optimization and sales forecasting
NCR Voyix Retail is a robust enterprise-grade POS software solution tailored for retail stores, providing seamless point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, customer relationship tools, and real-time analytics. It supports omnichannel retail operations, integrating in-store, online, and mobile commerce with compatible hardware like counters and self-checkouts. The platform emphasizes scalability for multi-location businesses, backed by NCR's decades of retail expertise now enhanced with cloud capabilities.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel support for unified retail operations
- Strong security and payment processing integrations
- Scalable for enterprise-level multi-store deployments
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise pricing
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Large retail chains and multi-location stores needing reliable, scalable POS with advanced back-office management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $100+ per month per location plus hardware and implementation fees.
Conclusion
The top retail POS software tools reviewed offer robust solutions, with Square for Retail leading as the top choice, celebrated for its user-friendly cloud-based design that seamlessly integrates payments, inventory, and sales analytics. Lightspeed Retail and Shopify POS follow closely, standing out as strong alternatives—Lightspeed for its advanced omnichannel capabilities and Shopify for its seamless sync between online and in-store operations, each catering to specific business needs.
Ready to enhance your retail operations? Start with Square for Retail to experience its intuitive tools, or explore Lightspeed or Shopify if they better align with your unique workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison