In today’s competitive landscape, retailers need functionality beyond simply ringing up sales and processing payments. Retail point-of-sale (POS) systems must also have robust inventory management tools, multichannel sales management, streamlined CRM features, staff management, and reports and insights into which products and employees perform best.
The best retail POS systems should offer all these functions in an affordable and easy-to-use package.
Based on our evaluation, the best retail POS systems are:
- Best overall (and best free): Square for Retail
- Best for online sellers: Shopify POS
- Best for advanced inventory management: Lightspeed Retail (Lightspeed R-Series)
- Best for flexible payment processing: Vend by Lightspeed (Lightspeed X-Series)
- Best for high-risk sales and event management: KORONA POS
- Best Retail POS Systems Compared
- Square for Retail: Best Overall Retail POS System
- Shopify POS: Best for Primarily Online Sellers
- Lightspeed Retail: Best for Advanced Inventory Management
- Vend by Lightspeed (Lightspeed X-series): Best for Flexible Payments
- KORONA: Best for High-risk Sales & Events Management
- How We Evaluated Retail POS Systems
- Bottom Line
Best Retail POS Systems Compared
Take a look at how the top retail POS systems compare.
| Score | User Reviews* | Built-in Ecommerce/ Online Ordering | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.58 out of 5 | 4.65 out of 5 | ✓ | Visit Square |
 | 4.48 out of 5 | 4.05 out of 5 | ✓ | Visit Shopify |
 | 4.43 out of 5 | 4.05 out of 5 | Only included in higher plans | Visit Lightspeed |
 | 4.22 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | Only included in higher plans | Visit Vend by Lightspeed |
 | 4.07 out of 5 | 4.0 Out of 5 | ✓ | Visit KORONA POS |
Square for Retail: Best Overall Retail POS System
Shopify POS: Best for Primarily Online Sellers
Lightspeed Retail: Best for Advanced Inventory Management
Vend by Lightspeed (Lightspeed X-series): Best for Flexible Payments
KORONA: Best for High-risk Sales & Events Management
How We Evaluated Retail POS Systems
We prioritized POS systems that are affordable, reliable, and easy to use. We also considered inventory management tools, online store and multichannel selling features, customer and employee management, payment processing options, reporting and accounting tools, customer support hours and quality, and third-party integrations. Finally, we considered our hands-on experience testing and using the software.
Each system on our list has multiple hardware options, including iPad apps, tools for selling online, and multiple plans so the software can grow with your business. Every system on this list is also cloud-based. Based on our evaluation, Square for Retail is the best overall retail POS system, earning a 4.58 out of 5.
Methodology
Click through the tabs below for our in-depth evaluation criteria:
I prioritized low monthly fees, free trials, competitive payment processing fees, along with unlimited users, inventory, and transactions. POS systems with volume, employee, or product caps on plans did not earn full points.
A streamlined and customizable checkout interface was the biggest factor I considered. I also looked for a variety of compatible payment methods, return and exchange management, mobility, and integrated online ordering.
Inventory management took priority in this category. I also looked for purchase order and vendor management, easy stock counts, customer management tools, reporting and analytics, and employee management.
I tested the interface of each POS for its ease of use. I also considered downtime and overall stability, customer support, installation options, and hardware compatibility, as people have different preferences around what devices are easiest to operate.
Here I considered any standout features, unique details, the overall value for money each system offers, user reviews, our own experience testing and using each system, as well as feedback from small business owners.
Bottom Line
A retail POS system is a crucial software tool that serves as the central hub for your retail business. In addition to processing sales, retail POS systems collect and analyze data to help inform purchasing and staffing decisions, manage employees and inventory, and help build your customer base with loyalty and marketing efforts.
Square for Retail is our top pick because it has a free plan to help new businesses (or businesses new to using a point-of-sale) get started, with plans and add-ons to grow with your business. Square also makes it easy and free to set up a basic online store with in-store pickup options, manage customers, and track sales. Visit Square to create a free account.
