Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management software for inventory control, employee scheduling, customer loyalty, and multi-location operations.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and e-commerce tools for small to medium shops.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Seamless POS solution that syncs in-store and online sales with robust inventory management and multichannel selling capabilities.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, CRM, and hardware tailored to retail shops.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric cloud POS system offering advanced inventory management, reporting, and integrations for retail businesses.
- 6#6: Erply - Affordable all-in-one retail POS and ERP software with strong features for inventory, purchasing, and loyalty programs.
- 7#7: RetailEdge - Robust on-premise POS software designed for independent retailers with multi-store inventory and customer management.
- 8#8: Cin7 - Powerful inventory and order management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and suppliers for efficient shop operations.
- 9#9: LS Retail - Microsoft Dynamics-based POS and retail management solution for complex inventory, merchandising, and franchise operations.
- 10#10: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce - Scalable cloud commerce platform providing end-to-end retail management including POS, inventory, and omnichannel experiences.
Tools were ranked based on a focus on comprehensive features, user-friendly design, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to varied retail needs while delivering measurable operational benefits.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features of popular shop manager software, such as Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, Revel Systems, and more. Readers will discover details about core capabilities, pricing models, and standout functionalities to find the right fit for their business operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management software for inventory control, employee scheduling, customer loyalty, and multi-location operations. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and e-commerce tools for small to medium shops. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Shopify POS Seamless POS solution that syncs in-store and online sales with robust inventory management and multichannel selling capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, CRM, and hardware tailored to retail shops. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric cloud POS system offering advanced inventory management, reporting, and integrations for retail businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Erply Affordable all-in-one retail POS and ERP software with strong features for inventory, purchasing, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | RetailEdge Robust on-premise POS software designed for independent retailers with multi-store inventory and customer management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Cin7 Powerful inventory and order management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and suppliers for efficient shop operations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | LS Retail Microsoft Dynamics-based POS and retail management solution for complex inventory, merchandising, and franchise operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce Scalable cloud commerce platform providing end-to-end retail management including POS, inventory, and omnichannel experiences. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management software for inventory control, employee scheduling, customer loyalty, and multi-location operations.
User-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and e-commerce tools for small to medium shops.
Seamless POS solution that syncs in-store and online sales with robust inventory management and multichannel selling capabilities.
Customizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, CRM, and hardware tailored to retail shops.
iPad-centric cloud POS system offering advanced inventory management, reporting, and integrations for retail businesses.
Affordable all-in-one retail POS and ERP software with strong features for inventory, purchasing, and loyalty programs.
Robust on-premise POS software designed for independent retailers with multi-store inventory and customer management.
Powerful inventory and order management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and suppliers for efficient shop operations.
Microsoft Dynamics-based POS and retail management solution for complex inventory, merchandising, and franchise operations.
Scalable cloud commerce platform providing end-to-end retail management including POS, inventory, and omnichannel experiences.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and retail management software for inventory control, employee scheduling, customer loyalty, and multi-location operations.
Omnichannel retail unification, allowing synchronized inventory and sales across physical stores, online shops, and marketplaces.
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar stores, offering comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It supports omnichannel selling by integrating e-commerce, in-store operations, and multi-location capabilities with real-time analytics and reporting. Designed for scalability, it helps shop managers optimize operations, reduce stockouts, and boost customer loyalty through CRM features.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking, purchase orders, and matrix sizing
- Seamless omnichannel integration for unified online and in-store sales
- Advanced reporting, analytics, and multi-location support for scaling businesses
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be steep for small single-location shops
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features and customizations
- Customer support can have occasional delays during peak times
Best For
Growing multi-location retail businesses needing a scalable POS with strong inventory and e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Lean ($69/mo), Standard ($99/mo), Advanced ($129/mo) per location; Enterprise custom; hardware and add-ons extra.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and e-commerce tools for small to medium shops.
Unified real-time inventory syncing across physical stores, online sales, and multiple locations
Square for Retail is a robust POS and shop management platform designed for brick-and-mortar retailers, offering seamless inventory tracking, employee management, sales reporting, and e-commerce integration. It combines hardware compatibility with software features like purchase orders, stock alerts, and customer loyalty programs to streamline daily operations. With no upfront software costs and pay-per-use pricing, it's accessible for growing retail businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app support
- Real-time inventory management across in-store and online channels
- Unlimited users and locations on the free plan with integrated payments
Cons
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume sales
- Limited advanced customization for enterprise-scale operations
- Relies on stable internet for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium retail shops needing an affordable, all-in-one POS and inventory solution without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free plan with core features; Plus ($60/month per location); Premium (custom); plus transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online).
Shopify POS
enterpriseSeamless POS solution that syncs in-store and online sales with robust inventory management and multichannel selling capabilities.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization between online and in-store sales
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to manage in-store sales, inventory, and customer data seamlessly alongside their online store. It supports hardware like card readers and receipt printers, offering features such as real-time inventory syncing, staff management, and detailed sales reporting. As a shop manager software, it streamlines omnichannel retail operations for small to medium-sized businesses expanding into physical locations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and customer management
- Supports offline mode and quick setup with mobile hardware
- Extensive app marketplace for custom features and scalability
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, adding to overall costs
- Advanced features like POS Pro need extra per-location fees
- Limited customization without third-party apps
Best For
Retailers with an existing Shopify online store looking to add physical sales points without fragmented systems.
Pricing
Free POS Lite with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/mo online); POS Pro at $89 per location/month.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS platform with app marketplace for payments, inventory, CRM, and hardware tailored to retail shops.
Expansive app marketplace enabling thousands of custom integrations and extensions
Clover (clover.com) is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized retail and restaurant businesses, providing integrated hardware and software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking employees, and handling customer relationships. It features a customizable dashboard, real-time reporting, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify. The platform's extensive app marketplace allows users to extend functionality for specific needs such as loyalty programs or delivery integrations.
Pros
- Robust app marketplace with over 500 third-party integrations
- Reliable hardware options including mobile and countertop devices
- Comprehensive inventory and employee management tools
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Transaction processing fees can add up (2.3%-3.5% + $0.10)
- Customer support often criticized for slow response times
Best For
Small retail shops or restaurants seeking a customizable all-in-one POS with strong hardware integration.
Pricing
Hardware from $49-$1,699; software plans $0 (Payments plan) to $115/month (Register plan); plus per-transaction fees of 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-centric cloud POS system offering advanced inventory management, reporting, and integrations for retail businesses.
Seamless real-time cloud synchronization enabling instant data access and inventory updates across all locations from any iPad.
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and management platform primarily designed for restaurants but adaptable for retail shops, offering tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and reporting. It emphasizes mobility with iPad-centric hardware and provides real-time data syncing across multiple locations. As a shop manager solution, it handles order fulfillment, customer loyalty programs, and analytics effectively for small to mid-sized operations.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking
- Extensive integrations with third-party apps like QuickBooks and loyalty programs
- Scalable for multi-location shops with centralized reporting
Cons
- High subscription costs starting at $99/month per terminal
- Reliance on Apple hardware increases upfront expenses
- Occasional customer support delays and complexity in setup
Best For
Multi-location retail shops or cafes needing a mobile, cloud-synced POS with strong inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Tiered plans from $99/month (Quick Start) to $299+/month (Pro/Enterprise) per iPad terminal, plus hardware (~$1,000+), processing fees (2.3-2.6%), and optional add-ons.
Erply
specializedAffordable all-in-one retail POS and ERP software with strong features for inventory, purchasing, and loyalty programs.
Matrix inventory system for handling product variations like sizes and colors across multiple stores
Erply is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform tailored for small to medium-sized retailers, offering robust tools for point-of-sale transactions, inventory control, and customer management. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integrations, and advanced reporting to streamline shop operations. The software emphasizes scalability for growing businesses with features like employee time tracking and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Powerful multi-location inventory management with real-time tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
- Strong integrations with e-commerce platforms and hardware
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Pricing can add up for businesses with multiple registers
Best For
Multi-store retail businesses seeking scalable POS and inventory solutions with detailed reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month per register for Basic POS (back office free), up to $79/month for Advanced; custom enterprise pricing available.
RetailEdge
specializedRobust on-premise POS software designed for independent retailers with multi-store inventory and customer management.
Lifetime software license model that eliminates recurring fees, providing long-term cost savings for stable retail operations
RetailEdge is a Windows-based point-of-sale (POS) and retail management software tailored for small to medium-sized retail shops, including boutiques, sporting goods stores, and specialty retailers. It provides essential tools for inventory management, sales processing, customer tracking, purchasing, and customizable reporting to optimize daily operations. The software supports multi-location setups and integrates with hardware like receipt printers and barcode scanners, making it suitable for on-premise deployments.
Pros
- Lifetime license option avoids recurring subscription fees
- Comprehensive inventory tools including serialized tracking and matrix pricing
- Strong reporting and multi-store support for growing retailers
Cons
- Outdated interface compared to modern cloud-based competitors
- Windows-only desktop application with no native mobile access
- Limited integrations and third-party app ecosystem
Best For
Independent retail shop managers needing robust, affordable on-premise inventory and POS management without ongoing subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $795 for Basic edition, up to $1,995 for Multi-Store; annual support fees around 20% of license cost.
Cin7
enterprisePowerful inventory and order management platform that connects POS, e-commerce, and suppliers for efficient shop operations.
True omnichannel inventory core that syncs stock levels instantly across 700+ integrations without data silos
Cin7 is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory and order management platform tailored for retailers, wholesalers, and distributors handling complex operations across multiple sales channels. It unifies inventory tracking in real-time across e-commerce platforms, POS systems, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and physical locations. Key functionalities include automated purchasing, light manufacturing, B2B portals, and detailed reporting to streamline shop management and scale businesses efficiently.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 700+ apps for seamless multi-channel sync
- Robust real-time inventory and order management across locations
- Advanced reporting and automation for purchasing and manufacturing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature density
- High pricing not ideal for small shops
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and distributors managing complex inventory across online, POS, and wholesale channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Operations), $599/month (Professional), with custom Enterprise pricing; annual discounts available.
LS Retail
enterpriseMicrosoft Dynamics-based POS and retail management solution for complex inventory, merchandising, and franchise operations.
Unified commerce platform with real-time synchronization across POS, e-commerce, and back-office for seamless omnichannel retail management
LS Retail, through its LS Central platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, delivers a comprehensive ERP solution tailored for retail operations including POS, inventory management, customer loyalty, and multi-channel commerce. It supports everything from single stores to large retail chains with real-time data synchronization across online, in-store, and back-office functions. The software excels in scalability and integration with Microsoft tools, making it suitable for complex retail environments.
Pros
- Extensive feature set covering POS, inventory, CRM, and analytics in one unified platform
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem for robust scalability
- Strong support for multi-store and multi-channel retail operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring specialized training
- High implementation costs and customization expenses
- Less intuitive interface compared to simpler POS-focused tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large retail chains with multiple locations seeking an enterprise-grade, integrated ERP system.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per store for perpetual licenses or subscription models around $100-300/user/month, plus implementation fees.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce
enterpriseScalable cloud commerce platform providing end-to-end retail management including POS, inventory, and omnichannel experiences.
AI-powered predictive analytics for real-time inventory optimization and personalized customer experiences across channels
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce is a robust omnichannel retail management platform that integrates point-of-sale, e-commerce, inventory, order management, and customer engagement into a unified system. It enables shop managers to handle in-store operations, online sales, supply chain logistics, and personalized marketing across multiple channels. Powered by AI and deeply integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, it provides advanced analytics and scalability for growing retail businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel capabilities for seamless in-store and online operations
- Advanced AI-driven insights for inventory forecasting and customer personalization
- Deep integration with Microsoft tools like Power BI and Teams for enhanced productivity
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring significant training
- High cost makes it less accessible for small to mid-sized shops
- Lengthy implementation process often needing consultants
Best For
Large retail chains and enterprises needing scalable, integrated omnichannel shop management.
Pricing
Subscription-based enterprise pricing starting at $1,000-$5,000+ per month for scale units, plus $300-$350 per user/month licenses.
Conclusion
After a thorough review of top shop manager software, a clear leader emerges, but strong alternatives cater to diverse needs. The winner, Lightspeed Retail, stands out for its comprehensive cloud-based features, including inventory control, scheduling, and multi-location support. Square for Retail and Shopify POS also excel—Square for its user-friendliness, Shopify for seamless in-store and online sync—making them excellent picks for different business sizes and focus areas.
Start with Lightspeed Retail to leverage a top-tier solution that balances power and ease, perfect for optimizing your shop operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
