Just a few years in the past, I helped a good friend launch their retail retailer. The cabinets had been stocked, the advertising was in place, and prospects walked via the door. However behind the scenes, we confronted a significant challenge:  preserving monitor of gross sales, stock, and transactions effectively.

Some thought a primary money register can be sufficient, others relied on spreadsheets, and some tried to trace inventory manually. However with no correct point-of-sale (POS) system, we struggled with gradual checkouts, misplaced stock, and missed income alternatives. That’s after I did some analysis and advised that we spend money on a trendy retail POS resolution.

As soon as we carried out the fitting system, every little thing modified. Gross sales had been processed sooner, stock updates grew to become computerized, and we lastly had clear insights into what was promoting and when. As a substitute of juggling operational complications, we may give attention to rising the enterprise.

If managing gross sales and stock appears difficult, maintain studying. I’ve evaluated the highest retail POS programs and can share my insights that can assist you discover the most effective match in your retailer.

My high 6 finest retail POS software program suggestions for 2025

The perfect retail POS software program helps companies handle gross sales, stock, and buyer transactions seamlessly.

Throughout analysis, I noticed how these instruments streamline checkout processes, monitor inventory in real-time, and supply priceless gross sales insights. Options like automated stock administration, built-in fee processing, and detailed reporting optimize operations, serving to retailers enhance effectivity and improve the shopper expertise.

G2 Information exhibits retail POS software program is used principally by small companies (67%), adopted by mid-market corporations (24%) and enterprises (9%).

What I search for in retail POS software program

When evaluating the most effective retail POS software program, I give attention to a number of key options to find out its effectiveness: 

• Transaction processing and fee flexibility: I consider how effectively the point-of-sale (POS) system handles transactions, making certain quick and error-free checkouts. The software program should help a number of fee strategies, together with credit score and debit playing cards, near-field communication (NFC) cell funds like Apple Pay and Google Pay, present playing cards, and purchase now, pay later (BNPL) choices. Seamless integration with fee processors and compliance with Cost Card Trade Information Safety Commonplace (PCI DSS) rules is crucial for safe transactions.
• Stock administration and inventory monitoring: A sturdy POS system ought to synchronize real-time stock throughout a number of retailer areas and eCommerce platforms. I consider automated stock-level alerts, barcode scanning help, and predictive analytics for demand forecasting. Monitoring product variants, batch numbers, and expiration dates is necessary for companies managing perishable items or regulated stock.
• Worker administration and role-based entry: The system should help role-based permissions to limit entry to delicate knowledge. I consider options like shift scheduling, clock-in and clock-out monitoring, gross sales efficiency monitoring, and fee administration. Integration with payroll and human useful resource administration programs (HRMS) ensures streamlined operations.
• Omnichannel retail integration: A contemporary POS ought to join with eCommerce platforms, cell apps, and on-line marketplaces to offer a seamless buying expertise. I examine for options like unified stock administration, click-and-collect order success, and real-time gross sales reporting throughout all channels. Integration with third-party order administration programs (OMS) and buyer help instruments ensures environment friendly operations.
• Analytics and reporting: I search for POS software program that gives detailed gross sales experiences, revenue margin evaluation, and buyer conduct insights. Customizable dashboards with real-time analytics enable monitoring of key efficiency indicators, equivalent to gross sales per worker, top-selling merchandise, and peak transaction hours. AI-driven gross sales forecasting and automatic report technology improve strategic decision-making.
• Safety and compliance: The POS system should embrace end-to-end encryption, tokenization for cardholder knowledge, and help for multi-factor authentication (MFA) to forestall unauthorized entry. Compliance with GDPR and industry-specific rules ensures knowledge privateness and safety. Computerized software program updates ought to embrace the most recent safety patches to mitigate cyber threats.

Now, not all POS programs excel throughout each characteristic. G2 Information exhibits that retailers are most glad with options like bank card funds (93%) and receipts (90%), whereas barcode scanning (87%) and worth changes (87%) obtain barely decrease marks on common. {Hardware} integration scores a robust 89%, suggesting most programs deal with peripherals nicely.

What I’ve listed under are the most effective POS programs that stand out with distinctive strengths, whether or not that’s ease of use, stock monitoring, or all-in-one retail administration.

The listing under incorporates real consumer evaluations from our greatest retail POS software program class web page. To qualify for inclusion within the class, a product should:

• Present entry to details about merchandise, stock, pricing, or transaction historical past
• Permit prospects to pay utilizing varied strategies equivalent to money, credit score or debit card, and many others.
• Handle different sorts of transactions equivalent to returns, gross sales cancellations, or exchanges
• Supply safe knowledge entry and performance to guard delicate knowledge equivalent to buyer info and bank card numbers
• Embrace reporting and analytics to observe gross sales indicators for every location, in addition to returns or order cancellations

This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations have been edited for readability.

Sq. Level of Sale is without doubt one of the high really useful retail level of sale software program. It constantly stands out in G2 evaluations for its intuitive interface, making each front-end and back-end navigation straightforward for customers. From what I’ve learn, even group members with restricted technical expertise are capable of be taught the system rapidly, which is particularly helpful for fast-paced retail environments.

Throughout a number of evaluations, I’ve observed that customers actually respect how straightforward it’s so as to add and edit merchandise. That is notably useful for companies that must make fast stock updates on the go. I’ve additionally seen optimistic suggestions from {industry} professionals who point out how rapidly new workers can stand up to hurry.

A standout functionality, based on customers, is Sq.’s integration with accounting software program. This connection helps cut back guide work and errors whereas streamlining monetary monitoring. Options like subscription billing tied to prospects and built-in present card redemption additionally get known as out as useful for reinforcing buyer retention.

I’ve come throughout a number of reviewers who point out the newer Sq. AI within the search bar as a priceless addition. It helps customers rapidly discover merchandise, buyer particulars, or previous transactions, making the checkout course of sooner and extra environment friendly.

Nevertheless, G2 customers typically name out points with worth changes within the cart. I’ve learn a number of evaluations mentioning the shortage of flexibility in altering costs on the fly, which is usually a problem for companies that steadily supply customized offers or reductions.

In terms of design customization, some customers really feel that Sq. is extra useful than visually versatile. From what I’ve seen, the web retailer choices work nicely however don’t supply a lot room for creativity or branding, which could possibly be a disadvantage for companies targeted on sturdy visible presentation.

broader evaluation developments, I’ve seen blended suggestions about buyer help. Whereas some customers report easy interactions, others point out delays or inconsistent decision high quality. Assist is obtainable, however the reliability of responses seems to differ.

That mentioned, most reviewers nonetheless spotlight Sq.’s dependability and user-friendly design as outweighing these drawbacks, particularly for small companies in search of an reasonably priced, easy-to-deploy POS. In reality, G2 knowledge exhibits that 91% of Sq. reviewers come from small companies.

Total, primarily based on what I’ve gathered from G2 consumer evaluations, Sq. Level of Sale is a reliable and user-friendly system with sturdy automation and integrations. 

What I dislike about Sq. Level of Sale:

• I’ve learn a number of reviewers point out struggles with adjusting merchandise costs within the cart on the fly; they level out that the shortage of real-time pricing flexibility can decelerate the checkout course of.
• In response to suggestions I gathered from G2 customers, design and customization choices really feel restricted; whereas the platform is useful, some companies need extra visually participating and versatile on-line retailer layouts.

What G2 customers dislike about Sq. Level of Sale:

“Typically, Sq. feels a bit gradual to evolve, as sure user-requested options have but to be carried out.”

– Sq. Level of Sale Evaluation, Pawffee S.

Shopify POS is one other best-rated POS apps for retail typically praised by G2 customers for being straightforward to make use of, particularly for these new to point-of-sale programs. From what I’ve seen in evaluations, many customers discover the setup course of fast and simple. The number of out there themes additionally makes it straightforward for retail companies to create clear, professional-looking storefronts with no need superior design expertise.

One characteristic that I see getting loads of reward is the customizable tiles. In response to suggestions I gathered from G2 customers, having the ability to prepare the dashboard primarily based on common objects, reductions, product classes, and key actions actually helps streamline the checkout expertise. This flexibility appears to learn each small and huge companies.

I steadily see G2 reviewers spotlight the stock administration capabilities as one other sturdy level. Customers typically point out that inventory ranges are up to date mechanically throughout on-line and bodily shops, which helps stop overselling and reduces guide work.

That mentioned, there are occasional mentions of minor technical points. I’ve come throughout consumer suggestions about system freezes or scanner malfunctions, although most say {that a} easy restart often resolves the issue.

When broader evaluation developments on G2, I’ve observed that frequent updates draw blended responses. Whereas some respect the common enhancements, others point out that updates can disrupt workflows, particularly once they introduce new options with out a lot warning.

One other space the place customers categorical concern is entry management. Based mostly on my evaluation of G2 suggestions, some companies discover it tough to implement a strict workers hierarchy. A number of reviewers recommend that stronger role-based permissions would give them extra management over pricing and promotional settings.

Typically, the suggestions I’ve seen means that Shopify POS presents a easy, intuitive expertise with standout options in customization and stock administration. Whereas there are some considerations round bugs, updates, and permissions, most customers nonetheless think about it a stable instrument for managing each on-line and in-store retail operations.

What I dislike about Shopify POS:

• I’ve observed that G2 customers typically report occasional system bugs, equivalent to scanner glitches or freezing throughout checkout. From what I’ve seen, a fast restart often resolves the problem, however the interruptions can nonetheless be a problem.
• Trying on the broader evaluation developments, I’ve encountered considerations about entry controls. Many customers say the system doesn’t supply sturdy role-based restrictions, making it tougher to handle workers permissions round pricing and promotions.

What G2 customers dislike about Shopify POS:

“The permissions for workers accounts in Sq. are too lenient, making it tough to forestall unauthorized workers from making use of reductions. Moreover, the lock display screen depends on a PIN, which any workers member can enter with out verification. Strengthening these safety measures would vastly enhance management and forestall misuse.”

– Shopify POS Evaluation, Priya Ok.

QuickBooks Level of Sale is constructed to streamline retail operations by automating core duties like gross sales monitoring and stock administration. Based mostly on my evaluation of G2 consumer suggestions, it’s particularly valued by small to mid-sized companies that wish to reduce guide work in day-to-day operations.

A constant theme I’ve observed in evaluations is how a lot time customers save via automated transaction monitoring. G2 reviewers steadily point out that gross sales knowledge is captured and logged mechanically, decreasing the necessity for guide entry and serving to groups keep targeted on customer support as a substitute of paperwork.

One thing G2 reviewers appear to actually respect is its built-in bookkeeping performance. From what I’ve seen, many customers discover it straightforward to keep up organized buyer and vendor ledgers, they usually like how monetary data keep centralized. This integration with QuickBooks accounting makes monetary monitoring smoother for customers already within the Intuit ecosystem.

One standout functionality, based on customers, is stock administration. I’ve learn a number of reviewers spotlight how inventory ranges are up to date mechanically after every sale, which cuts down on reconciliation work and helps keep away from over- or under-stocking.

That mentioned, I’ve come throughout blended suggestions round the dashboard format and value on G2. Whereas the reporting instruments supply stable knowledge analytics as soon as configured, customers typically point out that the interface feels dated and navigation could possibly be extra intuitive.

One other widespread challenge, echoed in a number of G2 evaluations, is the lack of broader third-party integration. QuickBooks POS works nicely with different Intuit merchandise, however G2 customers famous points when connecting it with CRM functions or exterior platforms. This limitation is usually a barrier for companies with various tech stacks.

Customization within the gross sales window is one other space the place customers want for some enchancment. Many G2 customers need extra button choices, higher display screen utilization, and improved adaptability for bigger shows. Reviewers level out that this might enhance checkout velocity and make the system extra scalable for various retailer setups. However customers additionally word that for companies already utilizing QuickBooks, the advantages of integration and automation typically outweigh these gaps.

Total, QuickBooks Level of Sale earns sturdy marks for automating monetary and stock duties. Whereas customers constantly spotlight ache factors round dashboard design, restricted integrations, and customization choices, the system stays a dependable alternative for companies already utilizing QuickBooks and seeking to streamline POS processes.

What I dislike about QuickBooks Level of Sale:

• From what I’ve seen, the dashboard design in QuickBooks POS will get blended evaluations; many customers point out that whereas reporting is obvious, the interface feels unpolished, and they might desire a cleaner format with extra intuitive navigation for a greater expertise.
• I’ve learn a number of reviewers point out struggles with integration challenges, particularly when attempting to attach QuickBooks POS with CRM functions. Customers typically spotlight the system’s sturdy efficiency inside its personal ecosystem however want for broader third-party integration choices.

What G2 customers dislike about QuickBooks Level of Sale:

“I want QuickBooks supplied integration with a wider vary of third-party merchandise. Whereas it nonetheless performs nicely, better cross-platform compatibility would make it much more versatile.”

– Quickbooks Level of Sale Evaluation, Blair C.

Clover is a versatile point-of-sale resolution utilized by eating places, retailers, and service-based companies. Based mostly on G2 evaluations I’ve reviewed, it’s steadily acknowledged for supporting a number of enterprise varieties with instruments for buyer administration, worker monitoring, and fee processing, all from one platform.

Clover’s trendy design is a constant spotlight for customers. I’ve seen a number of G2 reviewers word how glossy {and professional} the {hardware} appears in comparison with different POS programs. This visible enchantment, paired with its performance, makes it a standout for companies that need an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing setup.

One characteristic that I see getting loads of reward is fee flexibility. In response to consumer suggestions, the transportable Clover items make it straightforward to finish transactions anyplace, whether or not it’s handing off a tool for a buyer signature or processing funds through hotspot. This degree of mobility is particularly priceless for service suppliers or retailers who function in non-traditional areas.

That mentioned, I’ve observed that usability isn’t at all times intuitive. Throughout a number of G2 evaluations, customers point out a studying curve, notably when coping with system settings or security measures. Companies with out tech-savvy workers might discover the interface much less easy throughout preliminary setup.

One other challenge I’ve come throughout includes account activation and setup. Some G2 customers have famous points with inconsistent verification codes and delays in account entry. Whereas not a widespread criticism, it does recommend room for enchancment in onboarding effectivity.

Login performance additionally receives blended suggestions on G2. There are mentions of clunky entry processes at first, however enabling biometric login, like facial recognition, appears to resolve these points for a lot of. This means that whereas some options might have tweaking, Clover presents built-in options that enhance the expertise over time.

Total, Clover will get excessive marks from customers for its design, mobility, and all-in-one performance. Whereas there are usability hurdles within the early levels, G2 reviewers appear to agree that with some changes, it turns into a robust POS possibility for rising companies.

What I dislike about Clover:

• I’ve come throughout considerations across the interface’s studying curve, G2 customers steadily point out that with out prior expertise in net structure or safety, sure points of the system can really feel much less intuitive than anticipated.
• Many G2 customers level out points with the account setup course of, notably with inconsistent verification codes throughout activation. Whereas not a significant challenge, they recommend {that a} smoother onboarding expertise may enhance the general setup course of.

What G2 customers dislike about Clover:

“I want there was extra flexibility with the tools, permitting for simpler upgrades from one processor to a different when wanted. An approval course of for such modifications can be a useful addition.”

– Clover Evaluation, Jason W.

Sq. for Retail is a retail-focused POS and stock administration system that integrates intently with Sq.’s broader ecosystem. Based mostly on G2 evaluations I’ve analyzed, it’s particularly common amongst small retailers for its affordability and ease of use.

I’ve observed a constant theme in G2 evaluations: reward for Sq.’s free plan. Many customers are impressed by what number of core options are included for free of charge. The free tier is without doubt one of the most beneficiant within the retail POS area, making it accessible for smaller companies or these simply beginning out.

One standout functionality, based on customers, is barcode technology. I’ve seen reviewers describe it as quick and straightforward to arrange, with easy integration into checkout flows, product listings, and stock monitoring. For a lot of, this provides a layer of effectivity with out requiring additional instruments or plugins.

From what I’ve learn, there’s additionally a robust appreciation for stock administration and the POS system. G2 customers steadily spotlight how handy it’s to handle inventory, edit product particulars, and deal with transactions all from one place. This integration helps enterprise homeowners keep organized and save time.

That mentioned, I’ve come throughout a number of drawbacks. For example, populating the merchandise library will be gradual at instances. A number of reviewers on G2 point out occasional lags, particularly when importing or enhancing bigger inventories. Whereas not a significant barrier, it could possibly trigger minor delays.

There’s additionally noticeable dissatisfaction round {hardware} compatibility. I’ve learn a number of evaluations the place customers bumped into limitations attempting to make use of third-party scanners or equipment. Sq. for Retail appears to work finest when used with Sq.-approved {hardware}, which can require further funding for some companies.

Lastly, a recurring concern in evaluations is inventory syncing throughout channels. Whereas stock monitoring works nicely general, customers word that syncing between in-store and on-line gross sales isn’t at all times seamless until retailers are totally utilizing Sq.’s personal eCommerce instruments. This could create friction for companies managing each on-line and bodily storefronts. Regardless of these points, most retailers nonetheless discover it cost-effective and dependable for core retail wants.

Total, Sq. for Retail earns stable marks from customers for its intuitive design, sturdy free plan, and dependable stock options. Regardless of a number of {hardware} and syncing limitations, it stays a sensible, cost-effective alternative for retailers working inside Sq.’s ecosystem.

What I dislike about Sq. for Retail:

• I’ve come throughout a number of consumer evaluations noticing lag when populating the merchandise library. G2 customers typically point out occasional slowdowns, which align with my very own expertise, although it doesn’t appear to be a persistent challenge.
• Many G2 reviewers spotlight points with {hardware} compatibility, Sq. for Retail solely connects to sure merchandise and scanners, and customers typically warn that companies with present {hardware} ought to confirm compatibility earlier than totally committing to the system.

What G2 customers dislike about Sq. for Retail:

“Sq. struggles with stock administration throughout on-line and in-person gross sales when you’re not utilizing its personal eCommerce resolution. Improved integration with platforms like Shopify or Squarespace would make it far more versatile for companies utilizing a number of gross sales channels.”

– Sq. for Retail Evaluation Benjamin S.

What I dislike about Heartland Retail:

• I’ve observed that G2 customers typically point out slower bank card reader response instances, although it’s not a significant challenge, it could possibly trigger slight delays within the checkout course of, which matches my very own expertise.
• Many G2 reviewers level out the problem of disorganized experiences and customized fields, customers steadily point out that the shortage of a transparent solution to categorize experiences makes knowledge retrieval much less environment friendly and categorical a need for higher reporting construction.

What G2 customers dislike about Heartland Retail:

“It may enhance by creating a cell app for simpler entry to experiences on smartphones. Moreover, extra flexibility in store-specific settings can be helpful; at the moment, modifications apply to all areas. For example, non permanent shops at gala’s shouldn’t require worker logins for each transaction, however disabling this setting impacts all shops.”

– Heartland Retail Evaluation, Kelsey H.

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