--- title: "Best Retail POS System Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Retail Software for your organization. Compare top Retail Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/" page_type: "category" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Retail POS System Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Retail POS System Software of 2026 Updated October 31, 2026 ## Retail POS System FAQs Software Advice advisors had 381 conversations with buyers about Retail POS System software between January 2025 and July 2026. These are the questions that came up most. - How do I choose the right Retail POS System software for my business? Choosing the right retail POS (point of sale) system software starts with listing the key workflows that need improvement, such as inventory tracking, payment processing, and customer management, according to our advisors, buyers consistently raise these as must-haves during calls. Many buyers weigh the total cost, including setup fees and monthly charges, and review whether subscription or per-user pricing makes sense for their store. Integration with other platforms, especially QuickBooks Online for accounting and Shopify or square online for e-commerce, is a common decision factor. Buyers frequently mention they want to avoid manual spreadsheets, unclear pricing, device compatibility issues, and unresponsive support, so testing the system for ease of use and hardware fit is important before making a decision. - What is the best Retail POS System software for a small independent retailer? The best retail POS (point of sale) system software for a small independent retailer, according to buyers our advisors talk to, is one that makes inventory management, sales transactions, and payment processing simple to use and easy to maintain. Teams in retail and hospitality often prioritize tools that include built-in inventory tracking, credit card processing, customer management, and the ability to handle both in-store and online orders. Buyers frequently mention frustration with systems that require manual tracking or spreadsheets, as well as friction caused by device compatibility issues, limited inventory features, or slow support. A common consideration is the total cost, with many teams looking to avoid tools with high or rising pricing or those that require extra fees for basic features. Many small retailers also look for software that works on their existing hardware and integrates easily with payment processors. Answer based on 230 advisor calls - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Retail POS System software? Retail POS System buyers, based on advisor calls, should watch for unclear pricing models, limited integration, and device compatibility issues before making a decision. Most buyers in this category are small businesses, and many raise concerns about unpredictable or rising costs, especially in retail and restaurant industries. For retail buyers specifically, reliance on manual or spreadsheet-based processes and gaps in inventory management frequently come up as decision factors. Restaurant buyers often mention challenges with credit card processing integrations and online ordering. Cloud deployments are by far the most commonly discussed, though some buyers still consider on-premise options. Testing the system's ease of use, support responsiveness, and compatibility with existing hardware can help avoid common challenges. Answer based on 347 advisor calls - What are common complaints about Retail POS System software? Buyers frequently mention dissatisfaction with their current retail point of sale (POS) system, and a common theme in these conversations is frustration over high or increasing pricing. Many buyers also say they are still relying on manual methods or spreadsheets, which slows down daily operations. Device compatibility and server infrastructure challenges come up often, alongside complaints about inefficient workflows or confusing interfaces. Some report persistent issues with credit card processing integration, while others find inventory management tools lacking. Unresponsive or unhelpful customer support is another pain point buyers describe when discussing their current software. Answer based on 246 advisor calls - What should I look for when comparing Retail POS System software options? When speaking with our advisors, buyers comparing retail POS system software usually focus on inventory management, payment and credit card processing, and customer management as core requirements. Many teams ask about billing, invoicing, and built-in accounting features to keep financial tasks in one place. Buyers frequently mention frustration with high or rising prices, reliance on manual or spreadsheet-based processes, and device compatibility concerns. A common sticking point is difficult user experiences or gaps in inventory management, and many teams want to avoid tools with credit card processing integration issues or unresponsive customer support. Answer based on 347 advisor calls - Can Retail POS System software integrate with accounting and e-commerce platforms? Yes, many retail POS (point of sale) systems can connect with both accounting and e-commerce platforms, according to what users discuss in advisor calls. QuickBooks Online is the accounting tool buyers most often ask to integrate, while Shopify and Square Online are the top e-commerce platforms mentioned. A common challenge buyers mention is making sure sales data moves smoothly from the POS system into these other tools, so they can avoid manual entry and keep inventory and finances updated across all channels. Answer based on 54 advisor calls - How does Retail POS System software handle transactions, inventory, and customer management? Retail POS system software accepts payments, tracks inventory at different stages, and organizes customer details in one platform. During advisor calls, buyers often ask about monitoring stock levels, handling cash transactions, and storing customer histories. A common sticking point is inventory management, with many buyers looking for better ways to track both raw materials and finished goods. Answer based on 241 advisor calls - How much does Retail POS System software cost? Retail POS (point of sale) system software is most often quoted as a flat monthly price, with buyers frequently telling our advisors that the median falls around $100 and typical quotes range from $80 to $200 per month. A smaller group sees per-user monthly pricing, usually between $10 and $100, with most landing near $50 per user. Many teams also mention a one-time setup fee, which commonly sits around $1,000 but can range from $600 to $2,300. Buyers regularly ask about total cost and weigh whether subscription or per-user pricing better fits their business. Answer based on 308 advisor calls - What features should Retail POS System software include? Advisor-call conversations show that buyers most often look for retail POS system software with inventory management, point of sale tools, and payment processing. Features like credit card handling, customer management, billing and invoicing, and built-in accounting are also common priorities. Many users want the ability to track online orders, run loyalty programs, manage staff scheduling, and generate detailed sales reports to understand sales trends. Answer based on 321 advisor calls - What is Retail POS System software and what does it do? Retail POS (point of sale) system software helps retail stores manage transactions, track inventory, and handle payments in one place. Buyers we've talked to say this software lets employees ring up sales, process credit card payments, print or email receipts, and look up product details during checkout. It also tracks inventory levels and sales history, and often includes tools for storing customer information, creating invoices, and running basic accounting tasks. Many buyers mention that having these tasks together in one system reduces manual work and helps avoid errors at the register. Answer based on 308 advisor calls On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Related Software Filter products 481 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 481 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Clover](/retail/clover-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 587 - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Clover is a POS system designed to help small businesses streamline their operations. The system offers a range of features, including payment processing, inventory management, [Read more](/retail/clover-profile/) ##### What users love - Versatile payment acceptance options - Customizable and modern interface - Simple learning and daily operation ##### To take in mind - Slow and unhelpful support experiences - Expensive hardware and add-ons - Sales tracking and limitations issues #### Features ##### Best rated features - API: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Sales Tax Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Retail POS: 1/5 - Retail Management: 1.2/5 - Returns Tracking: 1.3/5 - For Salons and Spas: 1.5/5 [See all features](/retail/clover-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/retail/clover-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Rain POS](/retail/rainpos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 134 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rain is an all-in-one point-of-sale, website, and marketing system for small to midsized retailers. Music, dive, sporting goods, paddle, craft, sewing, quilting, and clothing [Read more](/retail/rainpos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Promotions Management: 5/5 - Retail Inventory Management: 5/5 - Product Identification: 5/5 - Multi-Channel Marketing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Multi-Location: 1/5 [See all features](/retail/rainpos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Epicor Propello](/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 5 - Starting price: $349.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epicor retail POS and business management solutions are designed to help independent retailers work smarter, not harder. With more than 50 years of experience built-in, Epicor [Read more](/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 4.5/5 [See all features](/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Toast POS](/retail/toast-pos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 554 - Starting price: $69.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Toast POS is a cloud-based restaurant point of sale system built specifically for the food service industry. It serves restaurants of every service model — quick service, fast [Read more](/retail/toast-pos-profile/) ##### What users love - Highly customizable user experience - Quick learning and onboarding - Streamlined staff operations ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow support response - Limitations for restaurant workflows - Connectivity and outage problems #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - SMS Messaging: 5/5 - Real-Time Analytics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Delivery Management: 1.7/5 - Reservations Management: 2/5 - Wait List Management: 2/5 [See all features](/retail/toast-pos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [POS Nation for Retail](/retail/pos-nation-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 134 - Starting price: $149.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview POS Nation is built to support retailers, including specialty businesses such as convenience stores, liquor, wine and beer stores, tobacco and vape shops, lawn and garden centers, [Read more](/retail/pos-nation-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Item Management: 5/5 - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Ordering Automation: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 3/5 - Retail Inventory Management: 3.5/5 - eCommerce Management: 3.7/5 [See all features](/retail/pos-nation-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Bravo Store Systems](/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 38 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Bravo Store Systems empowers small businesses innovative point of sale solutions. Bravo is the leading provider of an all in one Point of Sale (POS) solutions tailored for a [Read more](/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Sales Reports: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 - For Retail: 3/5 - Barcode/Ticket Scanning: 3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Search/Filter: 1/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 1/5 - Barcode/Ticket Scanning: 3/5 - For Retail: 3/5 [See all features](/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Epos Now](/retail/epos-now-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 733 - Starting price: $349.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epos Now POS systems are an effective business management, sales, and payment solution for single-site, multi-site, and online businesses. Popular with retailers and hospitality [Read more](/retail/epos-now-profile/) ##### What users love - Intuitive interface for all users - Streamlined staff operations - Accessible training and onboarding ##### To take in mind - Slow and unresponsive service - Long waits and inconsistent help - Unexpected and recurring charges #### Features ##### Best rated features - User Management: 5/5 - Customer History: 5/5 - Sales History: 5/5 - Time Clock: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - PCI Compliance: 1/5 - Point of Sale (POS) Integration: 1/5 - Ordering Automation: 1/5 - In-Person Payments: 1/5 [See all features](/retail/epos-now-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MiragetLeads](/auto-repair/epicor-eagle-profile/) - Overall rating: 3/5 - Reviews: 3 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epicor for Automotive provides powerful on-premises or cloud-based business management solutions, including Epicor Eagle for the Aftermarket software, built specific to the needs [Read more](/auto-repair/epicor-eagle-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 4/5 - Accounting: 4/5 - Inventory Management: 2.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Payment Processing: 1.5/5 - Sales Reports: 2/5 - Inventory Management: 2.5/5 - Accounting: 4/5 [See all features](/auto-repair/epicor-eagle-profile/#key-features) --- ### [AXIS POS](/retail/axis-rms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $6,490.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AXIS Retail Management System is a cloud-based point of sale and inventory management solution for the shooting sports industry. The solution is mainly used by firearms retailers [Read more](/retail/axis-rms-profile/) --- ### [Furniture Wizard](/retail/furniture-wizard-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Furniture Wizard Software is a retail management software that provides inventory management and a point-of-sale solution for retail stores in the furniture and mattress industry. [Read more](/retail/furniture-wizard-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Sales Reports: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Returns Management: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/furniture-wizard-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Ordorite](/retail/ordorite-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 5 - Starting price: $250.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ordorite offers a fully end-to-end management software solution for furniture, bedding and related retailers. The system can manage every aspect of your business from point of [Read more](/retail/ordorite-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - For Retail: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Pricing Management: 1/5 - Purchase Order Management: 1/5 - Merchandise Management: 1/5 - Inventory Management: 3.7/5 [See all features](/retail/ordorite-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $250.00/month [See full pricing details](/retail/ordorite-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [IndicaOnline](/retail/indicaonline-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 31 - Starting price: $240.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview IndicaOnline is a cloud-based cannabis point-of-sale (POS) solution that helps marijuana businesses and dispensaries process transactions and manage daily operations. Key features [Read more](/retail/indicaonline-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Product Catalog: 5/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 5/5 [See all features](/retail/indicaonline-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Core - Price: $240.00/month - Perfect for small dispensaries looking to simplify daily operations with essential POS tools. ##### Storefront Pro - Price: $600.00/month - Ideal for storefront dispensaries needing advanced POS tools and seamless operations. ##### Delivery Pro - Price: $600.00/month - Perfect for cannabis delivery services needing integrated POS and logistics tools. [See full pricing details](/retail/indicaonline-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [RockSolid MAX](/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 40 - Starting price: $3,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview RockSolid MAX is a cutting-edge software platform designed to revolutionize the way hardware store and home center businesses operate. With its comprehensive suite of features, [Read more](/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Control: 5/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 5/5 - Customer Accounts: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Meevo](/retail/meevo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 296 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Meevo is a management tool designed for salons, spas and med spas to streamline operations. It supports scheduling, point-of-sale and marketing functions. The platform is suitable [Read more](/retail/meevo-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and dedicated support team - Accessible training and onboarding tools - Intuitive and user-friendly interface ##### To take in mind - Reporting limitations and complexity #### Features ##### Best rated features - HIPAA Compliant: 5/5 - Customer Mobile App: 5/5 - Performance Metrics: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 1/5 [See all features](/retail/meevo-profile/#key-features) --- ### [AmberPOS](/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 51 - Starting price: CA$995.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Pacific Amber’s AmberPOS offers a point of sale software solutions to a variety of retail specialties, ranging from small to midsized, in the United States and Canada. In [Read more](/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 - Sales Reports: 4/5 - Customer Accounts: 4/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Order Management: 3/5 - Inventory Management: 3/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 4/5 - Customer Accounts: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MyPOS Connect](/retail/mypos-connect-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 41 - Starting price: $99.95/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Designed for independent and enterprise retailers, MyPOS Connect is a SOC2 compliant, cloud-hybrid POS solution that allows businesses to create a POS experience for any retail [Read more](/retail/mypos-connect-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Retail Management: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 - Touch Screen: 5/5 - For Retail: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Returns Tracking: 4/5 - Customer Accounts: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/mypos-connect-profile/#key-features) --- ### [LS Retail](/hotel-management/ls-central-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 125 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Running a retail or hospitality business today means balancing endless moving parts: changing customer expectations, new sales channels, growing product ranges, and pressure to [Read more](/hotel-management/ls-central-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Gift Card Management: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 - Retail Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Commission Management: 3/5 - Pricing Management: 3.5/5 - Sales Reports: 3.7/5 - Purchase Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/ls-central-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Liberty REACT](/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 147 - Starting price: $189.95/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Liberty React is a cloud-based eCommerce and consignment management solution designed for businesses in the resale industry. The platform allows organizations to handle accounts, [Read more](/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Retail Inventory Management: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Credit Card Processing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Activity Dashboard: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/#key-features) --- ### [KORONA POS](/retail/korona-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 80 - Starting price: $59.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview KORONA POS provides point of sale software, inventory management, and CRM services for all types of retailers, such as convenience stores, liquor shops, and QSRs. The POS software [Read more](/retail/korona-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Returns Tracking: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 5/5 - Gift Card Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customer Accounts: 3/5 [See all features](/retail/korona-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Core - Price: $59.00/month - The plan provides 1 free month if billed annually and comes with 24/7 customer support ##### Retail - Price: $79.00/month - This plan also provides a free month if billed annually. ##### Plus - Price: $99.00/month - This plan provides the basic functions and some additional functions. [See full pricing details](/retail/korona-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Rapid POS](/product/285338-Rapid-POS/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 11 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rapid POS is a certified NCR Counterpoint point-of-sale reseller and systems integrator providing software, hardware, installation, training, and support for retail stores in North [Read more](/product/285338-Rapid-POS/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Gift Card Management: 5/5 - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Loyalty Program: 5/5 [See all features](/product/285338-Rapid-POS/#key-features) --- ### [Star-Plus](/retail/star-plus-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 8 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Auto-Star’s point of sale solutions are trusted by thousands of grocery, pharmacy and natural health retailers all over North America. Our industry-leading POS solutions keep our [Read more](/retail/star-plus-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payment Processing: 4.4/5 - Inventory Management: 4.2/5 - Sales Reports: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/star-plus-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Bottle POS](/product/429149-Bottle-Pos/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 20 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Bottle POS is a cloud-based POS system built specifically for liquor stores. Primarily, this solution aims to help store managers automate inventory management. BottlePos can [Read more](/product/429149-Bottle-Pos/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Age Verification: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 1/5 - Electronic Signature: 2/5 [See all features](/product/429149-Bottle-Pos/#key-features) --- ### [Visual Retail Plus](/retail/visual-retail-plus-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 141 - Starting price: $1,750.00one time - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Visual Retail Plus is an integrated system that gives retailers a single centralized location to manage Point of Sale, Inventory Management and more, all tailored to each [Read more](/retail/visual-retail-plus-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Returns Management: 5/5 - Commission Management: 5/5 [See all features](/retail/visual-retail-plus-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [20](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?__ai_markdown=true&page=20) ## Popular Comparisons [ Square Point of Sale vs PayPal Payments ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-profile/vs/square-point-of-sale/)[ NetSuite vs Shopify ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/vs/shopify/)[ Odoo vs PayPal Point of Sale ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/paypal-here/)[ Epos Now vs Lightspeed Retail ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1932-Lightspeed-Retail/vs/21000-epos-now/)[ Toast POS vs Clover ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/vs/toast-pos/) ## Your Guide to Top Retail POS System Software, March 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Retail POS System products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [ACCEO Smart Vendor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/acceo-smart-vendor-profile/) - [eposbuddy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/eposbuddy-profile/) - [FieldStack](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/fieldstack-profile/) - [ikas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/ikas-profile/) - [KORONA POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/) - [Loyverse POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/loyverse-profile/) - [Nomod](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/nomod-profile/) - [PayPal Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-here-profile/) - [Poster POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/poster-profile/) - [RetailEdge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retailedge-profile/) - [Revolut Business](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/341953-Revolut-for-Business/) - [Shopify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/shopify-profile/) - [Shopify POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/shopify-pos-profile/) - [SpotOn](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/spoton-restaurant-profile/) - [Square for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/) - [Square Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/) - [Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Here's what we'll cover: [What is a retail point of sale (POS) system?](#WhatisaretailpointofsalePOSsystem) [Benefits of retail POS software](#BenefitsofretailPOSsoftware) [Competitive advantages of using retail POS software](#CompetitiveadvantagesofusingretailPOSsoftware) [Business sizes using retail POS software](#BusinesssizesusingretailPOSsoftware) [Software related to retail POS](#SoftwarerelatedtoretailPOS) [Features guide](#Featuresguide) [Pricing guide](#Pricingguide) [FAQs](#FAQs) [Tips & tools](#Tipstools) ## What is a retail point of sale (POS) system? A retail POS system is any technology that includes software where a retail transaction is completed. It provides capabilities such as scanning a barcode, making a purchase order or printing a receipt. Features include inventory management, sales reporting, and analytics. The software also helps retailers nurture relationships with customers by providing customer relationship management (CRM) tools. ## Benefits of retail POS software Retail POS systems bring many benefits to retailers aside from simply completing transactions. These include: - **Sales reporting and analytics:** Provides retailers with insight into their sales, helping them make informed decisions that strengthen the business. - **Inventory management:** Automates stock control and helps retailers determine optimal product counts and when and how to reorder top selling products. - **Customer management capabilities:** Help retailers automatically record and track valuable customer information, enabling stronger relationships and encouraging repeat business. ## Competitive advantages of using retail POS software Surprisingly, many retailers we work with at Software Advice have survived without software. In fact, [64 percent of single-store retailers we work with](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/must-have-retail-pos-features/) are operating without retail POS systems in place. But Excel spreadsheets can only go so far in supporting the operational processes retailers need to accomplish every day. As retailers grow, software can: - **Scale the business:** Key insights provided by a POS solution can help retailers identify the strong points of their business. This information can be used to pinpoint top-selling products and the most valuable customers to focus on in order to scale. - **Operate more efficiently:** The operational efficiencies and automations provided by retail POS systems enable shop owners, operators and managers to spend more time training employees and interacting with customers. ## Business sizes using retail POS software The POS market easily accommodates retailer demographics ranging from small retail store operations to large enterprise retailers. - **Small:** If you operate a single store, or even just do pop-up events, you're likely best suited for a basic POS system with limited hardware and advanced features. - **Medium:** If you operate a growing, high-volume single store or up to five stores, you're best suited for a POS system that enables multiple location management and features advanced reporting and analytics. - **Large, enterprise:** If you operate a chain of five or more stores, you're best suited for an enterprise POS system with enterprise resource planning support, including warehousing, shipping logistics and advanced analytics. ## Software related to retail POS Many retail POS systems on the market today offer retailers with all the critical capabilities packaged into one solution. However, if a core capability that retailers need is missing from their POS system, they'll want to look to specialized software to fill the void. Popular specialized software includes: - Inventory management for maintaining desired product counts. - Sales reporting and analytics for pinpointing key performance indicators. - [Customer relationship management (CRM)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/crm-software-comparison/) for generating customer loyalty. - Accounting for managing payroll, taxes and other accounting. - [Ecommerce](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4340-ecommerce/) for setting up an online store. Aside from software for specialized functionalities, retailers might want to consider software designed specifically for the unique needs of their business. For example: - **Restaurant and foodservice business owners** often require [restaurant software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/restaurant-pos-software-comparison/) to process orders, print tickets, analyze ingredient availability and determine how much to charge for meals. - **Jewelers** might need [jewelry POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/jewelry-pos-software-comparison/) software to manage repairs and quotes, in addition to processing sales and inventory tracking. - **Consignment, pawn shop and resale store owners** need [specialized software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/consignment-store-pos-software-comparison/) since they don't own their inventories. These retailers need software with functionality tailored to their store types. * * * ## Features guide ### Feature details and examples Here are some examples showing the top common features of POS solutions: **Reporting and analytics:** Highlights key data. Enables insight into sales data. Supports data filtering options for pinpoint analysis. _Reporting and analysis by_ [Lightspeed Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/420866-Lightspeed/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/420866-Lightspeed/)_)_ **Customer management:** Helps retain valuable customers. Create and manage customer profiles. Track valuable contact information and purchase histories. Send personalized marketing and deals. _Customer profile in_ [Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/)_)_ **Inventory management:** Automates the management of supply levels. Deducts inventory as sales are completed and provides alerts when inventory levels reach pre-defined thresholds. Also provides reports on inventory movement trends. _Inventory management in_ [Agiliron](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/agiliron-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/agiliron-profile/)_)_ **Employee management:** Optimizes scheduling and tracks commissions (when applicable). Provides employee logins to enable clocking in/out for shifts. _Employee management by_ ShopKeep _(_[Source](https://shopkeep-support.lightspeedhq.com/support/reporting/sales-by-employee)_)_ **Payment processing:** Accepts payments from multiple modes such as credit card, debit card, e-wallet, and cash.   _Processing payments in_ [Epos Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/)_)_ Some retail POS solutions also offer the following advanced features: - **Ecommerce:** Many of the top POS players on the market today offer some form of e-commerce integration, either within their system or through [a specialized e-commerce platform](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4340-ecommerce/). - **Accounting:** Manages the process of generating customer invoices and receiving payments as well as tracking all payments made to partners and vendors. - **Purchase orders:** Tracks items and amounts ordered, including date of order, shipping information and progress. - **Loyalty program:** Manages and tracks customer loyalty by providing rewards or points for purchase frequency or other incentive goals. - **Targeted marketing:** Allows retailers to segment customers and create mailing lists based on custom criteria such as items purchased, total amount spent etc. - **Loss prevention:** Monitors inventory levels and purchase orders and reports discrepancies or missing quantities. - **Variable pricing:** Allows managers to automate the process by which varied prices are assigned to products, typically based on walk-in/phone orders, time of day or season. ### Retail POS buyers' top requested features Our advisors at Software Advice have helped thousands of SMB retailers find the best POS system for their unique business needs. We're able to analyze these consultations to determine trends in POS needs. According to this analysis, these are the top requested POS solution features by your SMB retail peers: ### The retail POS software features you really need Depending on the number of stores your business is operating, certain software capabilities take priority over others. Here are some must-have retail POS features for retailers at different stages of business: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Independent retailers not operating an actual store | Payment processing: Just need the bare-bone ability for retailers to manage transactions and checkout customers. | | Single-store retailers | Sales reporting: Identify key performance indicators within the sale system and pinpoint top selling items to help drive more business. | | Multi-store retailers | Multi-store merchandise management: Enables creation of the optimal balance of SKUs. Provides analytical tools to plan merchandise based on sales histories, trends and forecasts. | | Enterprise retailers | Shipping and transportation management: Helps organizations efficiently transport inventory from distribution centers to store locations and customers. Enables enterprises to plan shipments via air, land or sea with their own or via third-party fleets. | --- * * * ## Pricing guide For an accurate snapshot of what retail POS systems cost, download our [Pricing Guide](https://software-advice.imgix.net/lightbox/2017-Retail%20Software%20Pricing%20Guide.pdf). * * * ## FAQs ### What questions should I ask vendors when evaluating retail POS products? Here are some key questions you need each vendor to answer when evaluating their POS offerings: **Does the functionality of the system suit your specific business needs?** Create a list of must-have functionality that you need your new POS system to do. Walk through each of these with each vendor and record how many each system offers. **How much does the software really cost?** You don't want to be sold on a system based on inaccurate pricing. Figure out how much each system will cost over the next three months, six months and year. **Is your only option to sign a contract?** You don't want to be stuck paying for an inadequate system, so see if there's a monthly subscription you can agree to rather than committing to paying for a system for a year or more. **Are there any hidden fees?** Many POS system costs include payment processing fees. Some even include fees for upgrading or for tech support. Figure out all the potential costs before committing to a system. **Is any POS hardware proprietary?** POS hardware is often just as important for a retailer as the software it supports. Determine if you're required to purchase hardware through POS vendors (which is often marked up). **Do I have options for my merchant service provider?** Merchant service providers (MSP) are [a critical partner for SMB retailers](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/what-is-a-merchant-service-provider/). Some POS systems allow you to work with whichever MSP you prefer, while others require you to work with their partner MSPs. ### What hardware do I need for my retail POS system? These are the critical hardware tools you need to get the most out of your POS system: **Register screen:** Displays transaction information and product database. Visual hub of a POS system. iPads and other tablets are replacing bulky, traditional monitors. **Barcode scanner:** Automatically pulls product details, and adds price to transaction total. Adjusts inventory level once transaction is complete. **Credit card reader:** Processes credit, debit and gift cards. Most new readers accept EMV readers as well as enable mobile payments (Apple Pay, Android Pay). **Receipt printer:** Paper receipts provide customers with data on their purchase. Phasing out in exchange for email and text receipts. **Cash drawer:** A secure place to house cash from payments. * * * ## Tips & tools ### Build a business case for retail POS software If you're having trouble justifying the purchase of a new POS system for your business, take a look at this narrative to see how beneficial such a system can be. ### Relevant articles Here are some recent articles about retail POS systems you should check out: - "[What Is a Merchant Service Provider—And Why Do They Matter?](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/what-is-a-merchant-service-provider/)" - "Why Your Business Should Start Offering Gift Cards Now" - "Improve Customer Experience in Retail Stores With New Technologies" ### Popular Retail POS System Comparisons There are many POS systems on the market that might work for your business, so we've included the following pages for you to see detailed comparisons of a few top systems: - "[Top Square Alternatives](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/alternatives/)" - "[Revel POS vs. Square](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/revel-profile/vs/square-for-retail/)" - "Shopkeep POS vs. Revel POS" ### Related Retail POS System Software - [Payment Processing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/online-payment/) - [Point of Sale Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/web-based-point-of-sale-software-comparison/) - [Pricing Optimization Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pricing-optimization/) - [Retail Execution Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4846-retail-execution/) - [Retail Management Systems Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-management-comparison/) - [Store Locator Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/store-locator/)