10 Best POS Systems for Retail of 2026

1. 1

   Square for Retail

   Retail edition of Square's point of sale with inventory, vendor and purchase order tools on a free or paid plan.

   9.1overall

   Retail edition of Square's point of sale with inventory, vendor and purchase order tools on a free or paid plan.

   Best forSmall and midsize shops that want a $0 starting plan and every processing fee published.

   Adoption data

   13%Block reported that gross payment volume from Square's retail sellers grew 13% year over year in the third quarter of 2026, with total Square GPV at $76.4 billion.

   Block, Inc., Q3 2026 Shareholder Letter (Form 8-K exhibit) (2026): “GPV from retail sellers and services sellers grew 13% and 8% year over year, respectively.”

   Square for Retail is the easiest way on this list to start selling with no monthly software bill. Square Free costs $0 per location, while Plus at $49 and Premium at $149 per location per month lower the in-person card rate from 2.6% + 15¢ to 2.5% + 15¢ and 2.4% + 15¢. The retail toolset covers vendor profiles, purchase orders, barcode label printing and a stocktake tool that uses the camera on an iPhone or iPad. Reports track cost of goods sold, sell-through and slow-moving stock, and the online store syncs with in-store inventory for pickup, shipping and local delivery. Adoption is backed by a filing: Block reported that GPV from its retail sellers grew 13% year over year in the third quarter of 2026. The trade-offs are per-location fees on paid plans and a higher card rate on the free tier, so multi-store owners should run the math on Plus before opening a second site.

   Strengths

   • +Permanent $0 plan with published card rates
   • +Retail sales GPV growth disclosed in Block filings
   • +Free 30-day trial on Plus and Premium

   Limitations

   • −Paid plan fees apply to each location
   • −Free plan card rate of 2.6% + 15¢ is higher than on paid tiers
   • −Custom pricing only for sellers above $250,000 a year

   SummarySquare for Retail is the best overall retail POS in 2026, pairing a $0 plan with real inventory tools and fully published fees. Shops that grow past one location should price the Plus plan for each site.

2. 2

   Shopify POS

   In-store point of sale built into Shopify's commerce platform, sharing one back office with the online store.

   8.9overall

   In-store point of sale built into Shopify's commerce platform, sharing one back office with the online store.

   Best forRetailers that already sell online, or plan to, and want one inventory and customer record across channels.

   Adoption data

   $119 billionShopify reported $119.1 billion in gross merchandise volume in the third quarter of 2026, a figure that covers online and in-person sales across all merchants.

   Shopify Inc., Shopify Q3 2026 press release (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (2026): “We powered $119 billion in GMV, while continuing to build commerce into every surface, every agent, and increasingly, everywhere”

   Shopify POS makes the most sense for a retailer whose online store matters as much as the counter. In-person sales run through the same back office as the web store, so inventory, orders, customer profiles and staff permissions are managed in one place, and stock can be tracked across several locations or linked to an existing IMS or OMS. Every paid Shopify plan includes basic in-person selling, and POS Pro is an optional per-location upgrade with a fuller feature set for staff and store operations. Shopify reported $119.1 billion in GMV in the third quarter of 2026, the largest volume of any vendor here, though that figure covers online sales too. The pricing page served to us in a non-US currency, so we could not confirm the US dollar plan and POS Pro prices; check them on the US site. Value depends on whether you already pay for a Shopify plan: if you do, adding POS is simple.

   Strengths

   • +Largest merchant base on this list, with GMV reported in SEC filings
   • +Online and in-store orders and stock stay in one system
   • +Wide hardware choice for counter and mobile selling

   Limitations

   • −Needs a Shopify plan, and POS Pro is billed per location on top
   • −US dollar prices could not be confirmed from our location
   • −Best features assume you also run a Shopify online store

   SummaryShopify POS is the strongest choice for retailers that sell online and in store and want one inventory record. Confirm the US plan and POS Pro price per location before you commit.

3. 3

   Lightspeed Retail

   Cloud retail POS with inventory, purchase orders, built-in wholesale ordering and eCommerce for growing stores.

   8.5overall

   Cloud retail POS with inventory, purchase orders, built-in wholesale ordering and eCommerce for growing stores.

   Best forSpecialty and multi-store retailers with deep catalogs, variants and supplier ordering.

   Adoption data

   ~146KLightspeed says about 146,000 locations around the world use its platforms, a count that includes retail, restaurant and golf customers.

   Lightspeed Commerce, Lightspeed Retail POS (2026): “~146K locations around the world trust Lightspeed”

   Lightspeed Retail is built for stores where inventory is the hard part: bike shops, apparel, sporting goods and other specialty retailers with thousands of variants and many suppliers. Every plan includes inventory management, purchase orders and Lightspeed Wholesale, which connects to the NuORDER catalog and syncs purchase orders with brands. The Plus tier includes AI document import for supplier paperwork, and built-in eCommerce is available across tiers. Pricing is published in US dollars: Basic at 89 USD, Core at 149 USD and Plus at 289 USD per month, each with one register, and annual billing saves up to 18%. Lightspeed says about 146,000 locations use its platforms and that $98.1 billion in GTV ran through them in fiscal 2026, though both figures include restaurants and golf. The main drawback is cost: the entry plan is higher than Square or KORONA, and each extra location or register adds a fee.

   Strengths

   • +Deepest supplier and wholesale ordering tools on this list
   • +One register included on every plan
   • +Published USD prices for all three tiers

   Limitations

   • −Entry plan costs more than most rivals
   • −Location count mixes retail with restaurant and golf customers
   • −Extra locations and registers add to the monthly bill

   SummaryLightspeed Retail has the strongest supplier and catalog tools for specialty retailers. It costs more to start, so it pays off for stores with large, complex inventory.

4. 4

   Clover

   Fiserv's POS hardware and software bundles, sold as a subscription over 36 months or bought upfront.

   8.4overall

   Fiserv's POS hardware and software bundles, sold as a subscription over 36 months or bought upfront.

   Best forShops that want packaged countertop and handheld hardware with a low card-present rate.

   Adoption data

   $337B+Clover says it handles more than $337 billion in annualized processing volume across restaurant, retail and service businesses.

   Clover (Fiserv), Clover homepage (2026): “$337B+ $ B+ Annualized processing volume”

   Clover sells retail systems as packaged bundles rather than as software alone. The Basic system pairs a compact terminal with the Starter software plan, while Standard adds a 14 inch Station Duo with an 8 inch customer display, and Advanced adds the Flex handheld with an 8 hour battery and built-in printer. Inventory management, itemized returns, scale integration and an online store are included on Standard and Advanced but not on Basic, so most shops with stock to track will need at least Standard. Each bundle can be paid as a subscription for 36 months or bought upfront with a lower monthly software fee. Clover says it handles more than $337 billion in annualized processing volume, a sign of scale even if that figure spans all business types. The pricing page did not load as plain text for our checker, so confirm the current USD bundle prices and card rates on Clover's US site before signing.

   Strengths

   • +Hardware, software and processing come in one package
   • +Large processing base backed by Fiserv
   • +Handheld Flex device with built-in receipt printer

   Limitations

   • −Bundles tie you to a 36-month subscription or a large upfront payment
   • −Inventory tools are missing from the entry bundle
   • −USD bundle prices did not load in a form we could verify

   SummaryClover is a good fit for shops that want hardware and software in one box from a large processor. Read the 36-month terms closely before choosing a subscription over an upfront purchase.

5. 5

   Loyverse

   Free POS app for phones and tablets with inventory, loyalty and multi-store tools, plus optional paid add-ons.

   8.3overall

   Free POS app for phones and tablets with inventory, loyalty and multi-store tools, plus optional paid add-ons.

   Best forSmall shops and kiosks that want to start on a free POS and add paid features only when needed.

   Adoption data

   350,000+Loyverse says more than 350,000 merchants are active on its POS, in more than 170 countries.

   Loyverse, Loyverse homepage (2026): “350,000+ active merchants 170+ countries $31B annual sales”

   Loyverse is the cheapest serious way to run a small shop: the POS app is free on a phone or tablet, keeps recording sales offline, and includes a loyalty program, a customer display and multi-store management. Paid add-ons fill the gaps. Unlimited sales history costs $7 per store per month, because the free plan only shows the last 31 days of reports. Employee management costs $25 per store per month, and advanced inventory, which adds purchase orders and stock transfers, costs $25 per store per month. Loyverse says more than 350,000 merchants are active in more than 170 countries, with $31 billion in annual sales. The ceiling is lower than on Lightspeed or Square paid plans: there is less depth for vendor management, and the costs add up for a store that needs every add-on. For a single kiosk, market stall or small convenience store, it is hard to beat on price.

   Strengths

   • +Core POS is free with no time limit
   • +Large active merchant base in 170+ countries
   • +Add-ons are priced per store in USD

   Limitations

   • −Sales history is limited to 31 days unless you pay
   • −Employee management costs $25 per store per month
   • −Purchase orders and stock transfers need the paid advanced inventory add-on

   SummaryLoyverse is the best free retail POS for small shops that can live with paid add-ons for history, staff and purchasing. Larger stores will outgrow it.

6. 6

   Genius Retail by Global Payments (formerly Heartland Retail)

   Global Payments' Genius POS for retail, with inventory forecasting, customer profiles and 24/7 support.

   8.2overall

   Global Payments' Genius POS for retail, with inventory forecasting, customer profiles and 24/7 support.

   Best forIndependent and age-regulated retailers that want one vendor for POS and processing with a flat rate.

   Adoption data

   110,000+Global Payments says more than 110,000 retailers use its Genius retail point of sale.

   Global Payments (Heartland), Genius retail POS (2026): “Join the 110,000+ retailers growing with us”

   Genius is the current name for the retail POS that many shop owners still know as Heartland Retail, now sold by Global Payments. The pricing page lists three tiers: Essentials from $0 per month, Advanced from $42 and Complete from $129, each with a 2.6% + $0.10 card rate, though the final figure comes from a quote. On the retail side, inventory tools forecast needs from historical sales, send automated stock alerts and cut physical count time. Shops that sell alcohol or tobacco get age verification and compliance features, and staff can be given custom permissions with controls against coupon fraud. Customer profiles feed coupons, promotions and loyalty programs, and live support is available 24/7. Global Payments says more than 110,000 retailers use the system. The flat rate is simple to model, but it is not the lowest on this list, and the quote step means you will not know the full price until you talk to sales.

   Strengths

   • +$0 entry tier and published plan prices
   • +Single flat card rate across tiers
   • +Age-regulated retail tools included

   Limitations

   • −Final pricing comes through a quote
   • −Retailer count is a vendor claim, not a filing figure
   • −Processing runs through Global Payments

   SummaryGenius Retail is a dependable all-rounder for independent and age-regulated shops with a $0 entry tier. Get the full quote in writing, since pricing is not entirely self-serve.

7. 7

   KORONA POS

   Processing-agnostic retail POS priced per terminal, with inventory, self-checkout and multi-store features.

   7.7overall

   Processing-agnostic retail POS priced per terminal, with inventory, self-checkout and multi-store features.

   Best forRetailers that want to choose their own card processor and avoid long contracts.

   KORONA POS stands out for one reason many shop owners care about: it is processing agnostic, so you are not locked into the vendor's card rates. Plans are priced per terminal: Core at $59, Retail at $79 and Plus at $99 per month, with no setup fees and no forced contracts. Core covers checkout, the product database, sales reports, discounts, gift cards and open API access. Inventory counts, real-time stock tracking, barcode automations and shelf labels arrive on the Retail plan, so most stores with stock will start there. The vendor targets liquor stores, smoke and vape shops, thrift stores, garden centers and ticketing venues, and offers self-checkout kiosks and franchise tools. An unlimited free trial needs no credit card. KORONA does not publish a customer count we could cite, so its adoption score is conservative, and per-terminal pricing adds up for stores with several lanes.

   Strengths

   • +Free to pick any card processor
   • +No setup fees and no forced contracts
   • +Unlimited free trial with no credit card required

   Limitations

   • −Inventory tools start on the $79 Retail plan, not Core
   • −Pricing is per terminal, so multi-lane stores pay more
   • −No published customer count

   SummaryKORONA POS is the best pick for retailers that want to keep control of card processing. Budget for the Retail plan if you need inventory tracking.

8. 8

   Epos Now

   POS hardware and software for retail and hospitality, with card machines and an integrations app store.

   7.5overall

   POS hardware and software for retail and hospitality, with card machines and an integrations app store.

   Best forSmall retailers that want a hardware bundle with integrations for accounting, loyalty and eCommerce.

   Adoption data

   80,000Epos Now says its POS is used across 80,000 business locations worldwide.

   Epos Now, Epos Now US homepage (2026): “The smart EPOS solution used across 80,000 business locations”

   Epos Now sells retail and hospitality POS systems with its own card machines and an app store of integrations. For retail, the company promotes automated inventory and marketing tools aimed at clothing stores, convenience and grocery stores and gift shops. Its card machines include the portable Air, the all-in-one Pro+ and the countertop Link, and popular retail integrations include Shopify, Mailchimp, Sage, QuickBooks and the Loyalzoo loyalty app. Epos Now Capital offers business financing, and pay by link covers card-not-present sales. The company says its system is used across 80,000 business locations around the world. The weak point for shop owners is pricing transparency: the US pricing page leads with a hardware promotion from $399 and does not list monthly software fees as plain text, so we marked the price as pending. Ask for the software, processing and hardware totals over the full contract before buying.

   Strengths

   • +Hardware, card machines and software from one vendor
   • +Integration options for accounting and loyalty
   • +Operates in the US, UK and other markets

   Limitations

   • −Monthly software prices are not shown on the US pricing page
   • −Headline offers focus on hardware bundles
   • −Location count covers all business types worldwide

   SummaryEpos Now suits small shops that want a hardware bundle and ready-made integrations. Get the monthly software and processing costs in writing, since they are not on the US pricing page.

9. 9

   Helcim POS

   Free POS software from a payment processor that charges interchange plus rates with no monthly fees.

   7.4overall

   Free POS software from a payment processor that charges interchange plus rates with no monthly fees.

   Best forLow-volume shops that want free software and transparent interchange plus card pricing.

   Helcim is a payment processor first, and its POS is the free front end for that service. There is no monthly account fee, no minimum and no software or statement fee; you pay interchange plus Helcim's published margin, with volume discounts as sales grow. The POS runs on a laptop, tablet or smartphone with unlimited users, and the inventory system tracks SKUs, variants, prices, images and stock levels, sends low-stock alerts and syncs across sales channels. Customer records keep purchase history and saved cards for faster checkout. Hardware is priced in USD: the Card Reader costs $199 and the Smart Terminal $349, or $32 per month for 12 months, and Tap to Pay on iPhone needs no hardware. Next business day deposits are free. Helcim does not publish a merchant count we could cite, and its retail feature set is lighter than Lightspeed or Square, but for a small shop the cost structure is about as lean as it gets.

   Strengths

   • +No monthly, software, minimum or statement fees
   • +Unlimited staff users at no extra cost
   • +Hardware prices published in USD

   Limitations

   • −Fewer retail tools than dedicated retail POS vendors
   • −No published merchant count
   • −Interchange plus rates vary by card, which makes costs harder to predict

   SummaryHelcim POS is a strong low-cost pick for small shops that care most about card fees. Stores with complex inventory will want a dedicated retail POS.

10. 10

    SpotOn Retail

    Wireless all-in-one payment terminal for small retail shops, with optional website and loyalty tools.

    7.1overall

    Wireless all-in-one payment terminal for small retail shops, with optional website and loyalty tools.

    Best forSmall shops that mainly need fast card payments and dual pricing rather than inventory tracking.

    SpotOn's retail offer is a deliberately simple one: a wireless all-in-one terminal that accepts cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, prints receipts and keeps working offline when Wi-Fi drops. The Terminal plan costs $25 per month in software plus $200 for the device, with a card-present rate of 2.45% + $0.15, 3.19% + $0.15 for Amex and 3.45% + $0.15 for keyed cards. Dual pricing and surcharging are built in for owners who want to pass card fees to customers, and the online dashboard adds a virtual terminal for phone orders. A Terminal + Website plan adds a business website at $90 per month in software. The limitation is clear in SpotOn's own FAQ: the terminal is not designed for barcode labels, scanners or inventory tracking, and shops that need those must talk to sales. That makes it a payments device more than a full retail POS, which is why it ranks last here.

    Strengths

    • +Low $25 monthly software fee with $200 hardware
    • +Published card-present and keyed rates
    • +Dual pricing to offset card fees

    Limitations

    • −Terminal is not built for barcode scanning or inventory tracking
    • −No published retail customer count
    • −Amex card-present rate is higher at 3.19% + $0.15

    SummarySpotOn Retail is a low-cost payments terminal for shops that do not track inventory. Stores with barcoded stock should pick a fuller retail POS.

Questions or corrections: editorial@statlyst.com · Disclosure