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 - Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for retail businesses.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
- 4#4: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems for efficient operations.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software platform customizable for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, staff management, and reporting tools.
- 7#7: Revel Systems - iPad POS system offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and hospitality.
- 8#8: Epos Now - Cloud POS for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware, CRM, and loyalty program features.
- 9#9: Loyverse - Free cloud-based POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management.
- 10#10: SumUp POS - Simple, affordable POS terminal with card payments, invoicing, and basic inventory for startups and mobile sellers.
Tools were chosen for their robust feature sets, intuitive usability, consistent performance, and value proposition, ensuring coverage of needs from small businesses to multi-location enterprises, across retail, hospitality, and beyond.
Comparison Table
Explore a comparison of leading POS tools, including Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Toast, Clover, and more, to identify key features, strengths, and ideal use cases for your business needs.
| # | 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 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 |  Shopify POS Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for retail businesses. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Toast Restaurant-focused POS with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems for efficient operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software platform customizable for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, staff management, and reporting tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Revel Systems iPad POS system offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and hospitality. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Epos Now Cloud POS for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware, CRM, and loyalty program features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Loyverse Free cloud-based POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | SumUp POS Simple, affordable POS terminal with card payments, invoicing, and basic inventory for startups and mobile sellers. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one POS system for small businesses with seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics.
Integrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for retail businesses.
Cloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Restaurant-focused POS with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems for efficient operations.
Flexible POS hardware and software platform customizable for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace.
iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, staff management, and reporting tools.
iPad POS system offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and hospitality.
Cloud POS for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware, CRM, and loyalty program features.
Free cloud-based POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management.
Simple, affordable POS terminal with card payments, invoicing, and basic inventory for startups and mobile sellers.
Square
enterpriseAll-in-one POS system for small businesses with seamless payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics.
Zero monthly fees for core POS software combined with instant payment processing and free hardware options like the magstripe reader.
Square is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering seamless payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer engagement tools. Its cloud-based software works with affordable hardware like card readers and supports operations across retail, restaurants, and services via mobile devices or tablets. With no monthly fees for core features, it enables quick setup and scalability for growing operations.
Pros
- Free core POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for quick setup and use
- Robust integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and payroll tools
- Reliable payment processing with competitive rates for in-person transactions
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers
- Advanced analytics and custom reports require paid upgrades
- Limited offline functionality compared to some enterprise POS systems
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, and service businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without upfront costs or contracts.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online/keyed; premium features from $29/month per location.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS solution that syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data for retail businesses.
Real-time inventory synchronization across online and physical stores
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing merchants to process in-person transactions using iPads, tablets, or computers. It provides real-time synchronization of inventory, customer data, and orders between online and physical stores, ensuring unified business management. The software supports a wide range of payment methods, hardware accessories, and custom checkout experiences tailored for retail environments.
Pros
- Seamless omnichannel integration syncing online and offline sales
- Extensive hardware compatibility including card readers and printers
- Robust inventory management with real-time updates
Cons
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Setup may involve additional costs for hardware
Best For
Multi-channel retailers who need unified online and in-store operations with scalable POS capabilities.
Pricing
POS Lite is free with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro at $89/month per location; plus 2.4-2.9% + 30¢ per transaction via Shopify Payments.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS for retail with advanced inventory control, multi-location support, and e-commerce integration.
Matrix inventory for complex product variants with size, color, and style tracking
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, offering robust tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integrations, and advanced analytics to streamline retail workflows. The platform is designed to handle everything from single stores to enterprise-level chains with real-time data synchronization.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and purchase orders
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store and online sales
- Powerful reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can add up for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited offline mode compared to some competitors
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing advanced inventory control and e-commerce synchronization.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Lean plan), with Standard ($109/month) and Advanced ($149/month) tiers; hardware and add-ons extra.
Toast
specializedRestaurant-focused POS with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems for efficient operations.
Embedded online ordering and guest marketing tools that drive direct revenue without third-party commissions
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, handling everything from front-of-house order taking and payment processing to back-of-house inventory, scheduling, and reporting. It offers robust tools for online ordering, delivery integrations, loyalty programs, and payroll, making it a full-service solution for hospitality businesses. With customizable hardware bundles and a focus on data-driven insights, Toast aims to streamline operations and boost revenue for quick-service and full-service establishments.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like kitchen display systems and menu management
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
- Reliable uptime and mobile accessibility for on-the-go management
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and custom quote-based pricing
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing an all-in-one POS with online ordering and payments.
Pricing
Quote-based starting at $69/month per location plus hardware ($500-$2,000+) and 2.5-3.5% processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software platform customizable for retail, restaurants, and services with app marketplace.
Open App Marketplace with over 1,000 third-party apps for tailored functionality
Clover is a cloud-based POS system designed for small to medium-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and services, offering hardware like countertop terminals, mobile devices, and handheld scanners. It handles payments, inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting. The platform stands out with its open app marketplace, enabling extensive customization through third-party apps.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations
- Diverse hardware options including mobile and countertop
- Seamless integrated payment processing
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware
- Processing fees can accumulate for high-volume users
- Customer support receives mixed feedback
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing customizable POS hardware and software with strong payment integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on hardware; software plans start at $14.95/month per device, plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction processing fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, staff management, and reporting tools.
Interactive floor plan and table management for seamless front-of-house service
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, providing comprehensive tools for order management, table service, inventory control, and payment processing. It features offline capabilities to keep operations running during internet disruptions and offers advanced reporting for sales analytics and performance insights. The platform supports customizable floor plans, staff management, and integrations with accounting software, loyalty programs, and delivery services.
Pros
- Highly customizable for restaurant workflows including floor plans and KDS
- Robust offline mode and real-time reporting
- Strong integrations with hospitality-specific tools
Cons
- High pricing with additional hardware costs (iPads required)
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- Limited scalability for very small or quick-service operations
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants and bars needing a restaurant-focused POS with advanced table management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Essentials plan); Pro at $129/month, Enterprise custom; plus hardware (~$1,000+ initial), 2.3%+ processing fees, and add-ons.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad POS system offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and integrations for retail and hospitality.
Advanced multi-location management with real-time centralized reporting and inventory syncing
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service businesses, offering tools for sales processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It runs primarily on iPads and iOS devices, enabling real-time data syncing across multiple locations. The platform includes advanced reporting, online ordering integration, and kitchen display systems to streamline operations.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and table management
- Excellent scalability for multi-location businesses with centralized control
- Strong integrations with third-party apps for delivery and payments
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit small businesses
- Limited to iOS hardware, restricting flexibility
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Growing restaurant chains or multi-location operations needing scalable, feature-rich POS with real-time analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), $149/month (Pro), custom Enterprise; plus 2.3% + $0.10 processing fees and hardware costs.
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud POS for retail and hospitality with customizable hardware, CRM, and loyalty program features.
The Epos Now App Store, offering over 100 pre-built integrations for effortless expansion of functionality.
Epos Now is a cloud-based EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, providing tools for seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It supports multi-location operations with real-time reporting and integrates with over 100 third-party apps via its marketplace. The platform offers customizable hardware bundles, making it adaptable to various business sizes and needs.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations for accounting, delivery, and more
- Customizable hardware options including touchscreens and receipt printers
- Real-time cloud syncing for multi-site management and detailed analytics
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and hardware costs
- Initial setup and customization may require technical support
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking a scalable, integration-rich POS system.
Pricing
Starts at £25 per device/month for software (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs from £300; premium plans up to £109/month with advanced features.
Loyverse
otherFree cloud-based POS app for small businesses with sales tracking, inventory, and employee management.
Unlimited free POS transactions with no hidden fees, even for high-volume small businesses
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based POS (Point of Sale) system tailored for small businesses, enabling sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty programs via mobile apps on iOS and Android devices. It supports offline transactions, multi-store operations, and hardware integrations like receipt printers and barcode scanners. The platform provides real-time reporting and analytics, making it a versatile till software solution for retail, cafes, and service-based outlets.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with unlimited transactions
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for quick setup
- Offline mode and seamless hardware integration
Cons
- Advanced reporting and features require paid upgrades
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support primarily via email and community forums
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, and food trucks needing a cost-effective, easy-to-use till system without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan for core POS features; paid add-ons like POS Pro ($5/location/month) and Back Office ($10/location/month) for advanced tools.
SumUp POS
otherSimple, affordable POS terminal with card payments, invoicing, and basic inventory for startups and mobile sellers.
The pocket-sized SumUp Air card reader that enables full POS functionality on any compatible smartphone.
SumUp POS is a compact, mobile-first point-of-sale system that transforms smartphones or tablets into a full till solution via a plug-in card reader. It handles card payments, contactless transactions, digital wallets, basic inventory tracking, sales reporting, and staff management. Primarily aimed at small businesses, it offers cloud-based syncing for multi-location use but lacks depth in advanced retail features.
Pros
- Ultra-portable hardware with quick setup
- No mandatory monthly fees for core functions
- Intuitive app interface for beginners
Cons
- Higher transaction fees (1.69%) compared to competitors
- Limited inventory and CRM depth
- Relies heavily on mobile device battery and connectivity
Best For
Small traders, market stalls, and pop-up shops seeking a simple, affordable mobile till without complex setup.
Pricing
Hardware from £49 one-time purchase; 1.69% per transaction (1.49% for custom plans); optional Payments Plus subscription at £19/month for advanced POS features.
Conclusion
When evaluating top till software, Square leads as the best choice, providing a seamless, all-in-one solution for small businesses. Close behind, Shopify POS shines with its ability to sync online and in-store operations, ideal for retail, while Lightspeed Retail stands out for advanced inventory control and multi-location support, perfect for growing businesses. Together, these tools cover diverse needs, ensuring every operation finds a strong fit.
Take the first step toward efficient operations: try Square, the top-ranked till software, and experience how it simplifies payments, manages inventory, and boosts sales.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
shopify.com/posReferenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.