Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - All-in-one POS system for small businesses with seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for unified inventory and customer data.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Feature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
- 4#4: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and labor tools.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software platform supporting payments, apps, and industry-specific features.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Cloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting and offline capabilities.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and analytics.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Flexible POS for retail and hospitality with an extensive app marketplace and cloud reporting.
- 9#9: Loyverse - Free cloud POS for small businesses featuring sales tracking, employee management, and loyalty programs.
- 10#10: KORONA POS - Secure, scalable POS for retail, grocery, and specialty stores with advanced analytics and integrations.
We ranked these tools based on a mix of robust features, reliable performance, intuitive design, and value, ensuring they meet the needs of small businesses to large enterprises alike, balancing functionality with user-friendliness.
Comparison Table
Understand the options for sale point software with our comparison table, featuring Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover, and more. This resource highlights key features, pricing structures, and best-use scenarios to help you identify the right tool for your business, whether you're operating a small store, restaurant, or expanding enterprise.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square All-in-one POS system for small businesses with seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for unified inventory and customer data. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Feature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and labor tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software platform supporting payments, apps, and industry-specific features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Cloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting and offline capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro iPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and analytics. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Flexible POS for retail and hospitality with an extensive app marketplace and cloud reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse Free cloud POS for small businesses featuring sales tracking, employee management, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | KORONA POS Secure, scalable POS for retail, grocery, and specialty stores with advanced analytics and integrations. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
All-in-one POS system for small businesses with seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics.
Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for unified inventory and customer data.
Feature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Restaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and labor tools.
Customizable POS hardware and software platform supporting payments, apps, and industry-specific features.
Cloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting and offline capabilities.
iPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and analytics.
Flexible POS for retail and hospitality with an extensive app marketplace and cloud reporting.
Free cloud POS for small businesses featuring sales tracking, employee management, and loyalty programs.
Secure, scalable POS for retail, grocery, and specialty stores with advanced analytics and integrations.
Square
enterpriseAll-in-one POS system for small businesses with seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics.
The free magstripe card reader that turns any smartphone into a fully functional POS terminal
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement through its intuitive app and hardware. It supports card payments, contactless transactions, and digital wallets via affordable devices like the free magstripe reader or Square Terminal. With no monthly fees for core features, Square empowers merchants to start selling instantly on smartphones or tablets, scaling to full retail setups.
Pros
- Free POS software and basic card reader with no setup costs or monthly fees
- Exceptionally simple setup and mobile-first interface for quick deployment
- Robust integrations for e-commerce, payroll, and appointments
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and customization limited compared to enterprise POS systems
- Hardware upgrades required for high-traffic or complex retail environments
Best For
Ideal for small businesses, food trucks, pop-up shops, and service providers seeking an affordable, easy-to-use POS without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Core POS is free; pay-per-use transaction fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online); premium plans from $29/month for advanced features.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online stores for unified inventory and customer data.
Real-time, unified inventory management across online and multiple physical store locations
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to process in-person transactions using iPad, iPhone, or Android devices. It supports real-time inventory syncing across online and physical stores, offline selling capabilities, and customizable checkout experiences. Designed for retail, pop-ups, and markets, it handles payments, customer data, and sales reporting in one unified dashboard.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel inventory and sales syncing
- Robust offline mode and support for a wide range of hardware and payment processors
- Highly customizable interface with strong mobile app performance
Cons
- Requires a paid Shopify subscription, adding to overall costs
- Advanced features like detailed reporting locked behind higher-tier plans or POS Pro add-on
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
Best For
E-commerce merchants with an existing Shopify store seeking unified online and in-person selling.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro add-on $89/location/month.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseFeature-rich POS for retail with advanced inventory, CRM, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Omnichannel unified commerce platform for synchronized online and offline inventory and sales
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, offering tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It excels in omnichannel retail by integrating physical stores with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, enabling features such as buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS). The software provides advanced reporting, multi-location support, and mobile accessibility to optimize operations across various retail environments.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with matrix pricing and real-time tracking
- Seamless e-commerce and omnichannel integrations
- Comprehensive multi-location and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small single-location stores
- Customer support response times vary
- Initial setup and advanced features have a learning curve
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing robust integration between in-store POS and online sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for Essentials, $109 for Plus, $159 for Advanced; Enterprise custom pricing, plus transaction fees and add-ons.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-focused POS with menu management, online ordering, kitchen displays, and labor tools.
Integrated online ordering and delivery management with built-in revenue optimization tools
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering seamless order management, payment processing, and table service tools. It integrates kitchen display systems, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty programs to streamline full-service operations. With robust analytics, online ordering, and delivery partnerships, Toast helps restaurants optimize efficiency and drive revenue growth.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like KDS and table management excel in full-service environments
- Integrated payments and online ordering reduce need for multiple vendors
- Strong analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Limited suitability for non-restaurant retail businesses
Best For
Full-service restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS with advanced operations and marketing tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $165/month per terminal plus hardware bundles ($1,000+) and 2.5-3.5% payment processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software platform supporting payments, apps, and industry-specific features.
Clover App Market with thousands of third-party apps for tailored functionality like advanced inventory or loyalty programs
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system from Fiserv that integrates hardware like countertop terminals, mobile devices, and kiosks with cloud-based software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking employees, and handling customer loyalty programs. It caters to retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses with tools for online ordering, delivery integrations, and reporting. The platform stands out through its extensive app marketplace, enabling thousands of customizations and third-party integrations.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with over 5,000 integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware options including flexible countertop and mobile devices
- Fast payment processing supporting contactless, EMV, and multiple payment types
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $500+ per device
- Transaction fees (2.3%-3.5% + $0.10) can accumulate for high-volume users
- Customer support often criticized for slow response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail, restaurant, or service businesses seeking a customizable all-in-one POS with strong hardware integration.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans start at $14.95/mo (Payments), $54.85/mo (Retail), up to $99.85/mo (Register) plus 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud-based iPad POS for retail and restaurants offering real-time reporting and offline capabilities.
Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) with real-time order routing and offline resilience
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, cafes, and retail businesses, providing tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer engagement. It supports real-time reporting, offline mode for uninterrupted service, and integrations with third-party apps like QuickBooks and delivery services. The platform scales well for multi-location operations with centralized data management.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like kitchen display systems and table management
- Real-time cloud syncing and robust analytics for multi-location businesses
- Strong integrations with accounting, payroll, and delivery platforms
Cons
- High subscription costs with additional hardware fees
- Locked into Apple iPad hardware ecosystem
- Learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
Best For
Growing restaurants and quick-service chains needing scalable, feature-rich POS with strong backend management.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $99/month per terminal; full features from $150-$300+/month, plus one-time hardware costs ($500+ per iPad setup) and add-ons.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and analytics.
Drag-and-drop table management with customizable floor plans for optimized seating and service flow
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, offering comprehensive tools for order taking, table management, payment processing, inventory control, and staff scheduling. It supports offline functionality to ensure uninterrupted service during internet outages and integrates with popular third-party apps like delivery services and accounting software. Built for iPad hardware, it provides a mobile-first interface that streamlines front-of-house and back-of-house operations for efficient restaurant management.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like advanced table mapping and course management
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations and dedicated customer support
Cons
- Higher pricing with custom quotes required
- Limited to iPad hardware, no Android support
- Occasional performance issues with large menus
Best For
Independent full-service restaurants and bars seeking a tailored, robust POS for table service operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at $69/month per terminal license; hardware and add-ons extra.
Epos Now
enterpriseFlexible POS for retail and hospitality with an extensive app marketplace and cloud reporting.
Extensive third-party app marketplace enabling seamless integrations with tools like Xero, Sage, and Shopify.
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, providing tools for transaction processing, inventory management, and customer relationship management. It supports a wide range of customizable hardware options and features real-time reporting across multiple locations. The platform's strength lies in its extensive app marketplace with over 100 integrations for accounting, loyalty programs, and e-commerce.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with 100+ integrations for customization
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- Flexible hardware bundles suitable for various business sizes
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features and add-ons
- Occasional customer support delays reported by users
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses needing scalable, integration-heavy POS solutions.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per device; hardware bundles from £399 + VAT, with enterprise plans custom-quoted.
Loyverse
specializedFree cloud POS for small businesses featuring sales tracking, employee management, and loyalty programs.
Unlimited free POS usage with offline mode and automatic cloud sync across devices
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small businesses like retail shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management across iOS, Android, and web platforms. It supports offline transactions that sync automatically when online, along with employee time tracking and basic reporting. The system scales to multiple locations without core fees, making it accessible for startups and mobile vendors.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with unlimited items, sales, and customers
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup and offline support
- Seamless multi-device and multi-store synchronization
Cons
- Advanced analytics, employee permissions, and web reports require paid add-ons
- Limited receipt customization and no native e-commerce integration
- Customer support primarily via email and tickets, slower for free users
Best For
Small retail, food service, or mobile businesses seeking a no-cost, easy-to-use POS without transaction fees.
Pricing
Free forever core plan; add-ons from $5/month (Employees) to $25/month (Loyalty/Web Reports) per location.
KORONA POS
enterpriseSecure, scalable POS for retail, grocery, and specialty stores with advanced analytics and integrations.
Advanced multi-store inventory synchronization with real-time centralized control
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail, convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, and specialty businesses. It provides robust inventory management, employee tracking, customer loyalty programs, and detailed analytics with multi-location support. The platform emphasizes hardware flexibility and integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and payment processors for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Powerful inventory and multi-location management
- Highly customizable reporting and analytics
- Broad hardware and third-party integrations
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can add up for multiple terminals
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited native mobile POS app compared to competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail and restaurant owners seeking advanced inventory control and centralized reporting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $69 per terminal/month, scaling with features, locations, and add-ons.
Conclusion
The top sale point software options deliver distinct advantages, with Square leading as the best choice for its seamless all-in-one functionality. Shopify POS stands out for omnichannel sync, while Lightspeed Retail excels with robust features for various retail needs. Whether prioritizing simplicity, integration, or advanced tools, these top three offer reliable solutions to boost sales and streamline operations.
Begin your journey with Square—its intuitive design and comprehensive capabilities make it the perfect starting point to enhance your business's sale point processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
shopify.com/posReferenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.