Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - A free, user-friendly POS app with integrated card payments, inventory tracking, and sales reports for small businesses.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Mobile POS that seamlessly syncs in-person sales with your online Shopify store for unified inventory and customer data.
- 3#3: Loyverse POS - Free cloud-based POS software offering sales, inventory, and employee management for retail and service businesses.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and business management.
- 5#5: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
- 6#6: Toast - All-in-one restaurant POS with payments, menu management, and online ordering capabilities.
- 7#7: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time analytics and CRM tools.
- 8#8: Zettle by PayPal - Simple card reader POS app with sales tracking and insights for small merchants.
- 9#9: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling.
- 10#10: Lavu - Cloud-based restaurant POS with mobile ordering, inventory, and loyalty programs.
Tools were chosen based on rigorous evaluation of core features, consistent performance, intuitive user experience, and overall value, ensuring they cater to varied business needs while delivering reliable, actionable results.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key details for popular simple POS software tools, including Square, Shopify POS, Loyverse POS, Clover, Lightspeed Retail and more. Readers will discover differences in features, pricing, and suitability for various business types to make an informed choice.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square A free, user-friendly POS app with integrated card payments, inventory tracking, and sales reports for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Mobile POS that seamlessly syncs in-person sales with your online Shopify store for unified inventory and customer data. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Loyverse POS Free cloud-based POS software offering sales, inventory, and employee management for retail and service businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and business management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Toast All-in-one restaurant POS with payments, menu management, and online ordering capabilities. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time analytics and CRM tools. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Zettle by PayPal Simple card reader POS app with sales tracking and insights for small merchants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | TouchBistro iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Lavu Cloud-based restaurant POS with mobile ordering, inventory, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
A free, user-friendly POS app with integrated card payments, inventory tracking, and sales reports for small businesses.
Mobile POS that seamlessly syncs in-person sales with your online Shopify store for unified inventory and customer data.
Free cloud-based POS software offering sales, inventory, and employee management for retail and service businesses.
Customizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and business management.
Cloud POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
All-in-one restaurant POS with payments, menu management, and online ordering capabilities.
iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time analytics and CRM tools.
Simple card reader POS app with sales tracking and insights for small merchants.
iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling.
Cloud-based restaurant POS with mobile ordering, inventory, and loyalty programs.
Square
specializedA free, user-friendly POS app with integrated card payments, inventory tracking, and sales reports for small businesses.
Free core POS software for unlimited use, with pay-per-transaction model only
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small businesses, offering seamless payment processing through its free mobile app and compact hardware like card readers. It handles in-person, online, and invoiced payments with features like inventory management, sales reports, and customer tracking. The platform emphasizes simplicity, requiring no monthly software fees—just transaction-based pricing—making it accessible for startups and mobile vendors.
Pros
- Completely free POS software with no monthly fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Broad payment options including contactless, cards, and digital wallets
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced reporting and customization require paid add-ons
- Customer support primarily self-service with limited phone access
Best For
Small businesses, food trucks, and retailers needing a plug-and-play POS without contracts or steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online/invoiced; hardware from $49.
Shopify POS
specializedMobile POS that seamlessly syncs in-person sales with your online Shopify store for unified inventory and customer data.
Real-time synchronization of inventory and orders between online store and physical sales
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed for retailers who need seamless integration between online and in-person sales. It supports mobile hardware like iPads and card readers, handling transactions, inventory tracking, and customer management effortlessly. Ideal for small to medium businesses, it syncs data in real-time across channels, reducing manual work and errors.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce for unified inventory and sales
- Mobile-first design works great on tablets for pop-ups and markets
- Supports multiple payment methods including contactless and gift cards
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, adding to overall costs
- Offline mode is limited compared to dedicated standalone POS systems
- POS Pro features needed for advanced multi-location support incur extra fees
Best For
Small retailers with an online store who want effortless omnichannel selling without complex setup.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans ($29-$2,000+/mo); POS Pro $89/mo per location.
Loyverse POS
specializedFree cloud-based POS software offering sales, inventory, and employee management for retail and service businesses.
Fully free core POS functionality with no subscriptions, transaction fees, or usage limits for essentials like sales and inventory
Loyverse POS is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small businesses like retail stores, cafes, and restaurants. It enables quick sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty programs via an intuitive mobile app on iOS and Android devices. The software supports offline mode for uninterrupted operations and syncs data automatically when online.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with no transaction fees or limits
- Highly intuitive mobile-first interface for quick setup
- Reliable offline mode with automatic cloud sync
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed analytics require paid add-ons
- Limited integrations compared to premium competitors
- Customization options are basic in the free version
Best For
Small retail and food service businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward POS for daily operations without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Free forever for unlimited basic use; add-ons like advanced inventory or web reporting start at $5/month per location.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for payments, loyalty, and business management.
App Marketplace with over 1,000 third-party apps for industry-specific tools
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, offering integrated hardware like the Clover Mini, Flex, and Station for seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales tracking. It caters to small businesses in retail, restaurants, and services with an intuitive dashboard and extensive app marketplace for custom add-ons like loyalty programs and online ordering. While feature-rich, it's designed for straightforward setup and daily operations without needing IT expertise.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with thousands of integrations for customization
- Reliable hardware lineup supporting EMV, NFC, and contactless payments
- Robust reporting and inventory tools for real-time business insights
Cons
- Hardware requires upfront investment or leasing fees
- Processing rates and add-on subscriptions can increase costs
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Small to medium retail or restaurant owners seeking a scalable POS with hardware and app flexibility.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Go) to $1,699 (Station Pro); software plans $0-$115/month; processing 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10/transaction.
Lightspeed Retail
specializedCloud POS for retail with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Advanced multi-location inventory management with automated purchase orders and matrix support for product variants
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer tracking. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integrations, and advanced reporting to help retailers scale efficiently. While feature-rich, it offers a modern interface suitable for small to mid-sized stores seeking more than basic POS functionality.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking
- Seamless e-commerce and multi-channel selling integrations
- Robust analytics and customizable reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS options
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Additional costs for hardware and add-ons
Best For
Growing retail stores needing scalable inventory and omnichannel sales capabilities beyond simple transaction processing.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $189/month (Advanced); plus per-transaction fees and hardware costs.
Toast
specializedAll-in-one restaurant POS with payments, menu management, and online ordering capabilities.
Integrated online ordering and delivery management with built-in marketing tools
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, providing tools for order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and table management. It supports front-of-house operations like handheld ordering devices and kitchen display systems, alongside back-of-house features such as employee scheduling and reporting. While feature-rich, it streamlines restaurant workflows but may feel less 'simple' for non-restaurant or very basic retail needs.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like kitchen displays and tableside ordering
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and hardware
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS options
- Primarily designed for restaurants, less ideal for general retail
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking a scalable, all-in-one POS with online ordering capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for Starter plan (plus processing fees); custom quotes for advanced tiers; hardware extra.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS for retail and restaurants featuring real-time analytics and CRM tools.
Seamless iPad-native kitchen display system (KDS) for efficient restaurant order routing
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS solution designed for restaurants and retail businesses, offering tools for sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It provides real-time reporting, online ordering integration, and offline functionality to ensure smooth operations. The platform emphasizes scalability with robust hardware compatibility and third-party app integrations.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including KDS and analytics
- Reliable cloud syncing and offline mode
- Strong integrations with payments and delivery apps
Cons
- High subscription costs with add-on fees
- Locked to Apple iOS hardware ecosystem
- Steep learning curve for non-tech users
Best For
Growing restaurants and small retail shops needing scalable, feature-rich POS capabilities beyond basic transactions.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter plan), scales to $599+/month for enterprise tiers; plus hardware (~$1,000+ for iPad setup) and 2.3%+ processing fees.
Zettle by PayPal
specializedSimple card reader POS app with sales tracking and insights for small merchants.
Instant deposits to your PayPal account for immediate access to funds
Zettle by PayPal is a mobile-first POS system that pairs a compact card reader with an intuitive app for iOS and Android devices, enabling small businesses to accept card payments, track sales, and manage inventory on the go. It supports contactless payments, chip & PIN, and magstripe, with built-in tools for reporting and customer management. Designed for simplicity, it avoids complex setups and monthly subscriptions, focusing on core POS functionality for retail and service-based operations.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup with plug-and-play card reader
- No monthly fees, only transaction-based pricing
- Highly portable for mobile businesses like markets and events
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume sellers
- Limited advanced inventory and analytics features
- Fewer integrations compared to competitors like Square
Best For
Small mobile vendors, pop-up shops, and solo entrepreneurs needing a straightforward, affordable POS without subscriptions.
Pricing
Free POS app; transaction fees from 1.75% (online) to 2.5% (in-person); card reader $29-$79 one-time purchase.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plan management and staff scheduling.
Interactive floor plan and table management for efficient dine-in service
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, enabling tableside ordering, payment processing, and inventory management via iPads. It features customizable floor plans, menu engineering tools, and real-time reporting to streamline operations. While powerful for full-service venues, it emphasizes mobility and restaurant-specific workflows over basic retail simplicity.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like floor maps and table management
- Offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations with delivery and accounting apps
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware, reducing flexibility
- Higher pricing compared to general POS options
- Occasional reports of support delays and glitches
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, hospitality-focused POS with advanced table service features.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Essentials plan; higher tiers up to $165+/month, plus hardware and add-ons (quote-based).
Lavu
specializedCloud-based restaurant POS with mobile ordering, inventory, and loyalty programs.
Interactive visual floor plan for drag-and-drop table and seat management
Lavu is a cloud-based mobile POS system primarily designed for restaurants and bars, enabling quick order entry, table management, and payment processing via iPads and Android tablets. It offers customizable menus with modifiers, inventory tracking, and real-time reporting to streamline front-of-house operations. The platform supports offline mode for uninterrupted service during internet outages, making it reliable for fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Highly intuitive tablet-based interface for quick setup and use
- Robust restaurant tools like visual floor plans and menu modifiers
- Reliable offline mode with automatic cloud sync
Cons
- Pricing is per-terminal and can add up for multi-device setups
- Primarily optimized for food service, less ideal for retail
- Mixed reports on customer support response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants and bars needing a simple, mobile-first POS for table service.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for core POS; advanced plans up to $159/month with loyalty and online ordering.
Conclusion
These top POS tools excel at simplifying operations, with Square leading as the top choice—user-friendly, free, and packed with integrated payments and reports. Shopify POS stands out for unifying online and in-person sales, while Loyverse POS offers robust cloud-based management for diverse businesses. Together, they underscore the flexibility of modern POS solutions to suit varied needs.
Don’t miss out—dive into Square to experience its seamless transaction handling, inventory tracking, and insights that can elevate your business efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
