Written by Zara Chechi Reviewed by Tatiana Lebreton Updated on July 24, 2024 On this page The Best Retail POS Systems: At a Glance 1. Square: Best All-around Retail POS System 2. Clover: Best for Managing Rapid Retail Expansion 3. Shopify: Best for Managing In-store and Online Sales 4. Lightspeed Retail: Best for Managing Multiple Stores 5. Epos Now: Best for Small Retail Businesses Our Methodology: How We Tested Retail POS Systems Verdict Expand Our site is reader-supported – by clicking our links, we can match you with a potential supplier, and we may earn a small commission for this referral. We’ve independently tested the top POS systems available in the US and found Square to be the best POS system for retail, all things considered. With its free retail-specific POS software, affordable yet stylish hardware, and paid plans geared towards growing businesses, Square is the most scalable and best value-for-money POS system we’ve looked at.For retail businesses, a reliable POS is the best way to effectively manage stock and monitor sales. Modern systems can also help improve your customer outreach by tracking customer behavior and helping you create tailored loyalty programs. However, not all POS systems offer the same features, so understanding the options out there is vital.While Square is a low-fee, low-risk option for small and medium-sized businesses, larger retail businesses looking for advanced customer engagement and retention tools will find Lightspeed a better fit. The POS systems we’ve tested are all good at different things, so we’ve included reviews of three other top performers along with Square and Lightspeed in this article. What are the top 5 retail POS systems? Square – Best retail POS system overallClover – Best for managing rapid retail expansionShopify – Best for managing in-store and online salesLightspeed Retail – Best for managing multiple storesEpos Now – Best for small retail businessesClick on any of the links above to be taken to our quote finding tool, and get quotes from our trusted retail POS system providers. For more information on how we tested and ranked these providers, please refer to the methodology section of this article. Why you can trust our recommendations? Here at Expert Market, we’ve been researching and testing POS systems for nearly 15 years, in order to provide businesses with up-to-date, impartial reviews. During our most recent research project, we took a closer look at 10 top retail POS systems available in the US.This project has involved getting hands-on with both POS hardware and software providers and assessing their range of features, as well as how easy they are to use. We then used the results from these assessments to grade the providers against a range of criteria, including value for money and hardware quality. The Best Retail POS Systems: At a GlanceCheck out the table below for a quick overview of the POS systems for retail stores, and keep reading for detailed reviews of each: Swipe right to see more 0 out of 0 backward forward Square Clover Shopify POS Lightspeed Epos Now Score 4.8 Score 4.7 Score 4.5 Score 4.2 Score 4.0 Price From $0-$89/month + custom pricing Price From $279 (one-off fee) to $104.90/month Price $89/month/location (+ online store: $39-$399/month) Price $89-$289/month Price From $349 (one-off payment) then from $79/month Best Best all-around retail POS system Best Best for managing rapid retail expansion Best Best for managing in-store and online sales Best Best for managing multiple stores Best Best for small retail businesses Pros Free POS softwareAffordable paid plansCheap hardware Pros Handheld POS systemEasy to useOffline mode Pros Integrates with Shopify ecommerce platformNo contract24/7 customer support Pros Advanced inventory managementGift cards and loyalty programsSMS & email marketing Pros Extensive inventory management toolsFree trial and demoGood customer support Cons No advanced cost vs profit management tools Cons Hardware is expensive Cons Heavy focus on ecommerce Cons Only available through iPad or Android app Cons Might be too difficult for novice usersHigh upfront costs Visit Square Compare Quotes Compare quotes Try Lightspeed Compare quotes Use our free comparison tool to get quotes from trusted POS providers Compare and save 1. Square: Best All-around Retail POS SystemSquare is our pick for the best all-round retail POS system. It has a dedicated retail POS system, which includes a completely free software plan, as well as paid plans for more stores with more advanced needs. Square 4.8 Pricing From $0/month Try Square Square Review Suitable for Users seeking a cheap, low risk option Users who want to integrate an online store Small to medium sized, multi-location stores Not suitable for Users who need cost & profit management tools Businesses who need a training mode for employees Users who want low processing fees Pricing See more See less Item typePrice POS software $0-$89/month + custom pricing Card processing fees 2.6% + 10¢ to 3.5% + 15¢ Card machines $59-$299 iPad stand (iPad not included) $149 Countertop kits and terminals $579-$1,389 Barcode scanners $119-$229 Why we like Square for retailSquare’s free POS plan is a great place to start if you’re a new or small retail business. You’ll be able to easily add existing products by scanning their barcodes and inputting their details, or import them in bulk if you prefer. Plus, you’ll get access to core tools like exchange and refund management.Square also has an excellent free online store builder, which syncs with the POS system, allowing one to manage in-store and online sales from the same interface. You can even allow customers to schedule in-store pickups for online orders with this tool.You’ll need to pay $89 per month for more comprehensive retail features, such as advanced inventory tools and reporting, and multi-location management. This is still fairly affordable compared to other POS systems. Shopify, for example, charges $89 per month per location, making it more expensive than Square if you have more than one store.Square also has some of the most affordable hardware on the market, with card readers starting from $19 and its 2nd generation iPad POS stand is available for $99. The latter offers integrated contactless and chip payment options to use with an iPad (not included) and Square’s iPad-made POS system, plus a swiveling design for customer-facing transactions, all for less than $100.Meanwhile, its countertop kits start at $579, whereas you’d be paying $1,699 for Clover’s equivalent.Square's clearly signposted dashboard is part of what makes it easy to use. We weren't left wondering where different functions were. Source: Expert MarketSquare’s shortcomingsAlthough it is a fairly versatile POS system, capable of handling both small and medium-sized retail operations, it does have its limits.Its profit management tools aren’t extensive, for example, which could be an issue for businesses taking lots of payments at multiple locations. Shopify has a better set of tools to help businesses manage multi-channel and multi-location sales, including online orders.There’s also no training mode for employees. This might not be an issue, since Square was one of the easiest systems to use that we tested. But, if you have a large staff team and need to get them up to speed quickly, you might benefit from a system like Lightspeed Retail, which does allow for training.Lastly, Square’s card processing fees are a tad on the expensive side, at 2.6% + 10¢ on the free plan, and 2.5% + 10¢ on the paid plan. You can get fees as low as 2.3% + 10¢ with Clover, which is better value if you have a high sales volume. 2. Clover: Best for Managing Rapid Retail ExpansionClover is the best POS system for managing rapid retail expansion, thanks to its three-tier pricing plans, extensive app store full of useful software add-ons, and excellent range of hardware. Clover 4.7 Pricing From $0/month Get Quotes Clover Review Suitable for Medium to large retail stores Retail stores who are experiencing rapid growth Owners who want low processing fees Not suitable for Small pop-up retail stores Retail with simple or small inventories Owners who want to avoid hefty upfront fees Pricing See more See less Item typePrice Starter Plan (POS software) $0/month ($279 for hardware) Standard Plan (POS software) $84.95/month Advanced Plan (POS software) $104.90/month Card processing fees 2.3% + 10¢ to 3.5% + 10¢ Countertop terminals $799-$1,799 Card machines $49-$599 Why we like CloverIn our testing, we found it to be very intuitive to use, striking a good balance between advanced functionality and usability. Clover’s POS system inventory tools allow you to track stock across locations, and you can create customized reports for everything from sales to profits.Instant updates to your inventory are made possible with a barcode scanner on the $599 Clover Flex, a handheld POS device that syncs with the main system. This handy device allows you to take payments on the go, and is a good fit if you want the ability to take payments on the shop floor – or you can simply use it for inventory purposes. Its countertop systems, the $1,699 Station Solo or $1,799 Station Duo come with a fingerprint login, making it easy for employees to log in and quickly process a sale.Here's a closeup of the barcode scanner on the Clover Flex, Clover's portable POS device. As you can see, it's very discreet. Source: Expert MarketClover also has some low processing fees. At 2.3% + 10¢ for in-person transactions on its Standard or Advanced plans, its got cheaper fees than any provider on this list.Clover’s shortcomingsClover’s great hardware comes at a hefty price, and its software plans, barring its $14.95 per month Starter plan, aren’t cheap either, so it’s not the best option for small or new retail stores. You’ll get better value for money with Square, which has very affordable hardware. 3. Shopify: Best for Managing In-store and Online SalesShopify is the best solution for managing both in-store and online sales, thanks to its integrated ecommerce and POS systems. Shopify 4.5 Pricing From $89/month/location Get Quotes Shopify Review Suitable for Businesses who want to integrate in-store and online sales Businesses with extensive and varied inventories Those interested in integrating a lot of apps into their EPOS system Not suitable for Businesses not interested in paying for an online store Those who want cheap processing fees Businesses that need a training mode for staff Pricing See more See less Item typePrice POS software $89/month/location + cost of a Shopify online store ($39-$399/month) Card machines $49 Countertop terminal kit $459 Card processing fees 2.4% + 10¢ to 2.9% + 30¢ Barcode scanners $199-$289 Why we like ShopifyPrimarily an ecommerce website builder tool, Shopify has become a popular solution for omnichannel sellers. With its app-based software, you’ll get access to a unified dashboard, where you can manage inventory and sales across channels.When you list a product on Shopify, you can decide whether to make it available online, in-store, or both. Source: Expert MarketUseful features include the ability to accept in-store returns for online purchases, and low-stock reports that take both online and in-person sales into account. You can also create customer profiles that sync in-person and online purchase history, making it easier to reward customer loyalty.Plus, like Clover, Shopify also has an extensive app store, allowing you to tailor both your online store and your POS system to your needs.Shopify’s hardware offering is also quite decent. It doesn’t sell physical terminals, since its software operates via an app, but it does have a pretty wide selection of POS accessories, from receipt printers to barcode scanners. Did You Know? Shopify has a solution for startup sellers You can sell on Shopify for less with the $5 per month Starter plan. It’s not a fully-fledged POS system. The features are much more basic, and you can only sell via social media apps, or in person via a smartphone tap-and-pay app. But, for small startups, or pop-up sellers, it’s a great value solution.Shopify’s shortcomingsOne of Shopify’s main downsides is that using its POS system requires you to also pay for a Shopify online store, on top of the $89 per month you’ll be paying for the POS, and that doesn’t come cheap. Online store plans range from $39 to $399 per month.If you’re not interested in an online store but still want great functionality, we’d recommend Clover instead. If you do want an online store, but don’t want to pay Shopify’s hefty fees, than you should consider Square. It has free plans for both its POS software and ecommerce software, and its paid plans work out cheaper than Shopify’s.Shopify’s processing fees are also quite high. If you’re not using Shopify Payments to process card transactions, Shopify adds on an extra 0.6%-2% on top of third-party processing fees. 4. Lightspeed Retail: Best for Managing Multiple StoresLightspeed Retail is the best POS system for managing multiple stores, thanks to its comprehensive inventory management tools, and excellent marketing add-ons. Lightspeed Retail 4.1 Pricing From $89/month Try Lightspeed Suitable for Medium to large retail stores Businesses who want to create a loyal community Retail stores with multiple locations Not suitable for Owners who want a range of hardware for their store Users who need cost & profit management tools Businesses who want a cheap starting plan Pricing See more See less POS software plans (includes 1 register)Price Card processing fees Basic From $89/month 2.6%+ 10c Core From $149/month 2.6%+ 10c Plus From $239/month 2.6%+ 10c Why we like Lightspeed RetailLightspeed’s excellent inventory management solutions include being able to track items across multiple locations, and built-in supplier cataloging and cross-site stock reordering, which can help avoid shrinkage.If you opt for Lightspeed Retail’s Advanced Marketing add-on, you’ll also get access to great loyalty and customer retention tools. You can store customer data, and create personalized marketing emails and promotions, as well as offer customers loyalty programs.Lightspeed also has some great reporting tools. You can run automated reports to analyze sales and customer behavior, allowing you to quickly adapt your operations and maximize sales.We were able to create customer profiles on Lightspeed Retail. Keeping a customer's email on file makes gathering data on their shopping habits and marketing to them easier. Source: Expert MarketLightspeed Retail’s shortcomingsLightspeed Retail’s main shortcoming is that, unlike the other providers on this list, it’s not fully transparent with its pricing. It lets you know how much you’ll pay for its software and basic hardware packages, but not how much additional hardware, or add-ons cost. The provider with the most clearly laid out pricing is Square, which tells what everything costs, from hardware accessories to add-on software.Like Shopify, Lightspeed Retail’s POS system is also app-based and requires an iOS tablet; it’s not compatible with Android. So, if you’re looking for a physical terminal and a wide range of hardware, we’d recommend Clover or Epos Now instead.Lastly, Lightspeed doesn’t have dedicated cost vs profit management tools and makes you pay extra for advanced reporting. So, if you want robust reporting as part of your basic system, we’d recommend Clover or Shopify. 5. Epos Now: Best for Small Retail BusinessesEpos Now is our pick for the best retail POS system for small businesses, since there’s a possibility of paying no monthly fees if you pay more for the hardware and software bundle. Epos Now 4.0 Pricing From $349 (one-off fee) Get Quotes Suitable for Small to medium-sized retail stores Owners who are looking to set up a second store Users who want to minimise monthly overheads Not suitable for Users who want built in email marketing tools Novice POS or first time retail owners Owners who want no up-front costs Pricing See more See less Item typePrice Hardware and software bundle $349 (one-off fee) Monthly subscription $79/month Why we like Epos NowEpos Now offers great value. For one upfront payment of $1,099, you’ll get access to Epos Now’s POS software, and a hardware kit that includes a terminal, built-in receipt printer, and card machine – without having to pay any monthly fees.If paying over a thousand seems like a lot to you, Epos Now offers a discounted rate of $299 for its complete POS solution, and then a $39 per month fee after that for 12 months. Beyond that, how much you pay will be determined by what you renegotiate with EPOS Now.Alternatively, if you have your own hardware already, you can just get the software for a very reasonable $39 per month.Here's a look at Epos Now's physical terminal, which you'll get as part of a hardware/software package. It's pretty imposing, so it's not a good option for stores with limited counter space. Source: Expert MarketIf you need it, you can also purchase additional hardware and accessories at a reasonable price, like barcode scanners for $73, or staff swipe card for $58.Epos Now’s POS system also affords you a decent amount of functionality for the price. Its POS software is cloud-based, which means you can access it from a desktop, app, or the till system. You’ll also get access to excellent cost and profit management tools, at no extra cost, and extensive inventory categorization.Epos Now’s shortcomingsOne of Epos Now’s main shortcomings is its total lack of native marketing tools, placing it at odds with all the other providers on this list. However, you can integrate your Epos Now POS system with a variety of marketing apps, such as Mailchimp or Loyalzoo.Additionally, despite being an affordable option, Epos Now actually isn’t the easiest system to use. It was the one we struggled with the most during testing, so might not be a good fit for novice POS users. For a simple system, we’d recommend Square. Compare and save on POS systems with our quote tool Get free quotes Buying Guide: How to Choose a Retail POS SystemIf you’ve read all the reviews, and still don’t quite know what POS system is best for your retail business, don’t sweat it.Here are some of the things you should consider before making a decision:Cost and pricing structure: You know your budget better than we do, and it goes without saying that you shouldn’t choose a POS system that you can’t afford. We recommend that you look closely at the pricing structure, and assess what’s included for free, and what comes at an added cost, to get the best deal.POS functions and available hardware: Assess your business needs, and choose a provider that meets them closely. For example, do you want to sell online, or only in-person? Do you need a system that can manage multiple stores, or just one? You should also look at the physical equipment that’s available to buy or rent from each POS system provider. If you accept cash as well as card, look for an POS provider that has a till setup.Ease of use: As a rule of thumb, the easier a POS system is to use, the better. This will speed up training and service times, and reduce room for error. This doesn’t mean you need to go with the absolute easiest system to use. If you and your employees are experienced with POS systems, you could compromise on ease of use in favor of advanced features.Customer support: Good customer support shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to POS systems. We’d recommend choosing a POS system that has a customer support phone line, since calling is usually the fastest way to get an issue resolved. Live chat channels, help centers, and community forums, if the POS system has them, can also be great for quick troubleshooting. Our Methodology: How We Tested Retail POS SystemsThe Expert Market team tested and assessed 10 different retail POS systems to bring you this list. We spend around 160 hours researching POS platforms, and more than 20 hours testing them. During that time, we used our learnings to evaluate how each POS system fared in six categories that are important to retail businesses, broken down into up to 12 subcategories, in order to get an impartial ranking.During our testing Here’s what we looked at:POS software: The breadth of features included in the POS software, and how valuable they are to the average business, including inventory management, marketing and customer engagement tools, and refund management.Hardware/equipment: The variety of equipment available to purchase or rent, with special importance given to key items, such as physical terminals, customer displays, and accessories.Ease-of-use: How easy each system is to use, based on feedback from several average users who were assigned basic tasks to complete on each system, such as item creation, accessing reports, or applying a discount.Help and support: How effective and reachable the customer support teams are, with bonus points given to POS systems with help centers and training modes.Costs: The price of the system, how it compares to competitors, and whether it's good value for money.User experience: Whether everyday users know and like the system, whether they’d recommend it, and what they say about it in online reviews.The score of each of these areas was combined to create an overall score for each of the different types of POS systems. Verdict Square is the best overall retail POS system, thanks to its free software plan, affordable hardware, and scalability.For larger businesses with multiple stores, Clover and Lightspeed offer the most advanced features, while Shopify has a great POS system for online businesses that want to open up one or two stores. Not to be overlooked, Epos Now is our top pick for small retail businesses. It provides the opportunity for businesses to pay upfront if that’s better for them, or just purchase standalone software.If you’re still not sure what POS system is right for you, we can help. Just go to our free quote tool and enter a few details about your business. We’ll match you with our trusted POS system providers, who’ll reach out to you with tailored quotes. Written by: Zara Chechi Business Services Expert Zara is a Payments Expert, specialising in writing about Point of Sale systems. With a Law Degree from City University of London, she has used her legally-honed research and analytical skills to develop expertise in the Business Services world. Featured in FinTech Magazine, she quickly became an expert in payroll, POS systems, and merchant accounts. Reviewed by: Tatiana Lebreton Senior Grow Online & Business Software Expert Tatiana is Expert Market's resident payments and online growth expert, specialising in (E)POS and merchant accounts, as well as website builders.