Best POS Systems for Retail Stores
Retail stores need POS systems built around inventory management—tracking stock, handling product variants, and ideally syncing with e-commerce. We tested the top retail-focused systems to find the best options for 2025.
Shopify POS
Best for Omnichannel Retail
Shopify POS is unbeatable for retailers who sell online and in-store. Inventory syncs in real-time, customers can buy online and pick up in-store, and you get the world's best e-commerce platform.
Pros
- ✓Seamless online/offline integration
- ✓Real-time inventory sync
- ✓World-class e-commerce
- ✓BOPIS and ship-from-store
Cons
- ✗Requires Shopify subscription
- ✗POS Pro costs $89/location/mo
- ✗iOS only
If you sell online or plan to, Shopify is the obvious choice. The unified platform is worth the subscription cost.
Read full review →Square
Best Free Option for Retail
Square for Retail offers solid inventory management without monthly fees. The free tier handles most small retail needs, and the built-in e-commerce gets you online quickly.
Pros
- ✓Free to start
- ✓Good inventory management
- ✓Free e-commerce site
- ✓Works on any device
Cons
- ✗Less sophisticated than Shopify online
- ✗Inventory features limited vs Lightspeed
The best starting point for retail. Graduate to Shopify or Lightspeed when you need more.
Read full review →Lightspeed
Best for Complex Inventory
Lightspeed Retail has the most powerful inventory management. Purchase orders, vendor management, serialized inventory, and detailed reporting make it ideal for specialty retail.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class inventory
- ✓Purchase orders and vendors
- ✓Serialized inventory tracking
- ✓B2B and wholesale features
Cons
- ✗Higher price point
- ✗Steeper learning curve
- ✗May be overkill for simple stores
Worth the investment for specialty retailers with complex inventory needs. Overkill for simple operations.
Read full review →Clover
Best Looking Hardware
Clover's hardware makes a statement at checkout. If customer perception matters and you want a premium look, Clover delivers—just get multiple quotes on pricing.
Pros
- ✓Premium hardware design
- ✓Customer-facing display
- ✓App marketplace
- ✓Good inventory basics
Cons
- ✗Inconsistent reseller pricing
- ✗Locked to Fiserv processing
- ✗Less retail-focused than Shopify/Lightspeed
Choose Clover for the aesthetics and customize with apps. Shop around for the best deal.
Read full review →How to Choose a Retail POS
E-commerce Integration Matters
Even if you're not selling online today, you probably will be. Shopify makes this seamless. Square is a good free starting point. Retrofitting e-commerce later is harder.
Consider Your Product Complexity
Simple products (no variants)? Square is fine. Clothing with size/color variants? Shopify or Lightspeed handle this better. High-value items needing serial numbers? Lightspeed.
Multi-Location Planning
Opening more stores? Check multi-location pricing upfront. Shopify charges $89/location for POS Pro. Lightspeed charges $59/additional register. Costs add up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What POS do most retail stores use?
Square is the most common for small retail due to its free tier. Larger retailers often use Shopify (for omnichannel) or Lightspeed (for complex inventory). Enterprise retail uses systems like Oracle or SAP.
Do I need a barcode scanner?
Not necessarily. Most POS systems can search products by name. But barcode scanning speeds up checkout significantly. Bluetooth scanners cost $50-150 and connect to tablets easily.
Can I track inventory across multiple locations?
Yes. Shopify, Square, and Lightspeed all support multi-location inventory with stock transfers. Shopify and Lightspeed are better for complex multi-location operations.