Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, omnichannel sales, employee scheduling, and customer analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - Affordable POS system with inventory tracking, sales reporting, and payment processing tailored for small to medium retail stores.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated POS hardware and software that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data seamlessly.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS solutions with inventory management, loyalty programs, and app marketplace for retail operations.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, multi-location support, and advanced reporting for retail businesses.
- 6#6: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP with POS, inventory, CRM, and accounting features for comprehensive store management.
- 7#7: ERPLY - Cloud retail software providing POS, stock management, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities.
- 8#8: KORONA POS - Secure, PCI-compliant POS system with inventory tracking, gift cards, and reporting for independent retailers.
- 9#9: Loyverse - Free mobile POS app for small stores handling sales, inventory, employees, and customer loyalty programs.
- 10#10: uniCenta oPOS - Open-source POS software supporting multi-store inventory, sales, and back-office management for retailers.
We evaluated these tools based on key factors like feature depth (inventory tracking, omnichannel integration), ease of use, adaptability to business size, and overall functionality, ensuring they stand out for reliability and performance in today’s competitive retail landscape.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right store management software is key to streamlining operations, from inventory to sales tracking. This comparison table examines features, pricing, and usability for tools like Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, and more. Readers will discover which solution fits their business size and needs, from small startups to growing enterprises.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, omnichannel sales, employee scheduling, and customer analytics. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail Affordable POS system with inventory tracking, sales reporting, and payment processing tailored for small to medium retail stores. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Integrated POS hardware and software that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data seamlessly. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS solutions with inventory management, loyalty programs, and app marketplace for retail operations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, multi-location support, and advanced reporting for retail businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP with POS, inventory, CRM, and accounting features for comprehensive store management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ERPLY Cloud retail software providing POS, stock management, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | KORONA POS Secure, PCI-compliant POS system with inventory tracking, gift cards, and reporting for independent retailers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse Free mobile POS app for small stores handling sales, inventory, employees, and customer loyalty programs. | other | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | uniCenta oPOS Open-source POS software supporting multi-store inventory, sales, and back-office management for retailers. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.4/10 |
Cloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, omnichannel sales, employee scheduling, and customer analytics.
Affordable POS system with inventory tracking, sales reporting, and payment processing tailored for small to medium retail stores.
Integrated POS hardware and software that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data seamlessly.
Customizable POS solutions with inventory management, loyalty programs, and app marketplace for retail operations.
iPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, multi-location support, and advanced reporting for retail businesses.
Modular open-source ERP with POS, inventory, CRM, and accounting features for comprehensive store management.
Cloud retail software providing POS, stock management, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities.
Secure, PCI-compliant POS system with inventory tracking, gift cards, and reporting for independent retailers.
Free mobile POS app for small stores handling sales, inventory, employees, and customer loyalty programs.
Open-source POS software supporting multi-store inventory, sales, and back-office management for retailers.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS and retail management platform for inventory control, omnichannel sales, employee scheduling, and customer analytics.
Matrix inventory and purchase order automation for precise multi-location stock control and vendor management
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and store management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar retailers, offering robust tools for inventory tracking, sales processing, and customer management. It supports multi-location operations with real-time synchronization, e-commerce integrations, and advanced reporting to unify online and in-store sales channels. Designed for scalability, it helps retailers optimize operations, reduce stockouts, and drive growth through data-driven insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and forecasting
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store, online, and mobile sales
- Powerful analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced multi-location features
- Some third-party integrations incur additional costs
- Occasional learning curve for complex customizations
Best For
Multi-location retailers seeking a scalable, omnichannel solution to manage inventory, sales, and customer relationships across physical and digital channels.
Pricing
Plans start at $69/month (Lean), $109/month (Standard), $159/month (Advanced), with custom Enterprise pricing; additional fees for payments and hardware.
Square for Retail
specializedAffordable POS system with inventory tracking, sales reporting, and payment processing tailored for small to medium retail stores.
Unified inventory management across in-store, online, and delivery channels
Square for Retail is an all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) and store management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar retailers, offering seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. It enables businesses to manage stock levels in real-time, handle customer loyalty programs, and generate detailed reports from a single dashboard. Integrated e-commerce tools allow for unified online and in-store selling, making it a versatile solution for modern retail operations.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive interface with quick setup
- Seamless integration of payments, POS, and inventory
- Real-time reporting and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Advanced customization limited for enterprise-scale needs
- Customer support primarily self-service
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail stores seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS system with robust inventory and payment integration.
Pricing
Free basic POS with 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction; Retail plan at $60/month per location for advanced features.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS hardware and software that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data seamlessly.
Real-time omnichannel inventory management that automatically updates stock across online and multiple physical locations
Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to manage in-store sales, inventory, and customer interactions seamlessly alongside their online stores. It supports hardware like card readers and receipt printers, offers offline transaction processing, and provides real-time syncing of stock levels across channels. As a store management solution, it excels in omnichannel retail with tools for staff scheduling, sales reporting, and loyalty programs via apps.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory sync between online and physical stores
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with offline mode
- Extensive integrations with apps and hardware for customization
Cons
- Requires a separate Shopify subscription, increasing overall costs
- Advanced reporting and analytics need third-party apps
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
Best For
Multi-channel retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified in-store and online management.
Pricing
Included free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro add-on at $89/month per location for advanced features.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS solutions with inventory management, loyalty programs, and app marketplace for retail operations.
App Marketplace offering over 500 third-party apps for tailored store management extensions
Clover is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail, restaurants, and small businesses, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty tools. It supports a range of customizable hardware like countertop terminals, handheld devices, and kiosks, making it adaptable to various store environments. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization with third-party integrations for enhanced store management capabilities.
Pros
- Vast app marketplace with 500+ integrations for customization
- Seamless hardware-software integration for reliable performance
- Robust inventory and reporting tools for efficient store operations
Cons
- Hardware purchase required, increasing upfront costs
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Advanced features may require additional paid apps or plans
Best For
Small to medium retail and restaurant owners needing an all-in-one POS with strong hardware options and extensibility.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $49; software plans from $14.95/month per terminal (Basic/Retail/Restaurant) up to $114.85/month (Pro); processing fees 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, multi-location support, and advanced reporting for retail businesses.
Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and automated reordering
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and store management platform tailored for retail and quick-service restaurants, offering tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in providing real-time data syncing across multiple locations via its iPad-centric hardware. The system integrates with e-commerce, accounting software, and third-party apps to streamline operations for growing businesses.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory management with low-stock alerts
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboard
- Seamless multi-location support and integrations
Cons
- Requires Apple hardware (iPads), limiting flexibility
- Higher subscription costs for scaling businesses
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Multi-location retail stores and QSRs needing scalable POS with strong inventory and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter plan), with tiers up to $299/month (Pro); hardware and add-ons extra.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP with POS, inventory, CRM, and accounting features for comprehensive store management.
Seamless modular integration of POS, inventory, and eCommerce for true omnichannel retail operations
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with comprehensive store management tools, including Point of Sale (POS), inventory tracking, sales orders, and customer relationship management tailored for retail operations. It supports multi-store setups, real-time stock synchronization, and seamless integration with eCommerce for omnichannel retail. Businesses can customize modules to handle everything from in-store transactions to supplier management and reporting.
Pros
- All-in-one modular ERP integrating POS, inventory, and sales
- Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization
- Highly customizable with open-source community edition
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Performance can lag with large datasets without proper hosting
- Advanced features and support require paid Enterprise plans
Best For
Mid-sized retail businesses seeking scalable, integrated store management within a full ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month for Standard, up to $37.40/user/month for Custom.
ERPLY
specializedCloud retail software providing POS, stock management, e-commerce integration, and multi-store capabilities.
Time Machine inventory tool for viewing and restoring historical stock states across locations
ERPLY is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and store management platform designed for retail businesses, offering integrated tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integrations, and detailed reporting to streamline store operations. Ideal for scaling retailers, it handles everything from transactions to loyalty programs in one system.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory management and synchronization
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
- Strong integrations with e-commerce platforms and payment gateways
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky for new users
- Steeper learning curve compared to more modern POS systems
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses seeking an all-in-one POS and inventory solution with advanced reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for basic POS (billed annually), with tiers up to $99+/month for full retail features; custom enterprise pricing available.
KORONA POS
specializedSecure, PCI-compliant POS system with inventory tracking, gift cards, and reporting for independent retailers.
Built-in age verification and compliance scanning for tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis sales
KORONA POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed primarily for retail businesses such as convenience stores, liquor shops, smoke shops, and grocery outlets. It offers comprehensive store management features including inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting with real-time synchronization across multiple locations. The platform emphasizes compliance tools for age-restricted sales and integrates with various hardware for seamless operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable interfaces and workflows
- Robust multi-location inventory and reporting
- Strong compliance features for regulated industries
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location small businesses
- Initial setup and integrations require technical expertise
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Multi-location retailers in regulated sectors like liquor, tobacco, or cannabis needing advanced compliance and inventory management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $99/month per location, scaling with features, users, and enterprise needs; free demo available.
Loyverse
otherFree mobile POS app for small stores handling sales, inventory, employees, and customer loyalty programs.
Free unlimited POS transactions with full inventory and employee management, no credit card processing fees from Loyverse itself
Loyverse is a cloud-based POS and store management software tailored for small retail businesses, cafes, and restaurants, providing tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer relationship management. It offers real-time analytics, multi-device support across iOS, Android, and web, and seamless syncing across multiple store locations. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, with a free core version and optional paid add-ons for advanced features.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with unlimited transactions and no hidden fees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface accessible on multiple devices
- Strong inventory and sales reporting with real-time cloud syncing
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed inventory forecasting require paid add-ons
- Limited customization options for receipts and reports
- Customer support primarily through forums rather than live chat or phone
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, or food trucks seeking a free, easy-to-use POS without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan with core POS features; paid add-ons start at $5/month per location (e.g., Back Office, Advanced Inventory, Loyalty Programs).
uniCenta oPOS
otherOpen-source POS software supporting multi-store inventory, sales, and back-office management for retailers.
Unlimited multi-store and multi-terminal support in a fully open-source framework
uniCenta oPOS is an open-source point-of-sale (POS) and store management system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries. It provides essential features like inventory management, sales processing, customer tracking, multi-terminal support, and detailed reporting across multiple stores. As a web-based solution, it enables flexible deployment on local servers or cloud environments, making it accessible for businesses seeking customizable store operations without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Strong inventory and multi-store management capabilities
- Highly customizable through code modifications and plugins
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Dated user interface lacking modern polish
- Relies on community support rather than dedicated professional assistance
Best For
Small to medium retail or hospitality businesses needing a cost-free, self-hosted POS with robust inventory features.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; optional paid professional support and hosting starting at around €99/year.
Conclusion
The reviewed store management software options cater to diverse retail needs, with Lightspeed Retail emerging as the top choice due to its robust features like cloud-based POS, omnichannel sales support, and detailed customer analytics. Square for Retail and Shopify POS stand out as strong alternatives—Square for its affordability and tailored small-to-medium support, Shopify for seamless online-in-store data sync. Regardless of business size or focus, these tools deliver, with Lightspeed leading as the versatile, comprehensive option.
Unlock streamlined store operations with Lightspeed Retail—start exploring its capabilities to elevate your management efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison