4.6Free softwareSquare POS
Best for: no monthly fee
Free software and simple setup; no Shopify required.
Best Shopify POS Alternatives (2026)
If Shopify POS isn't the right fit—because you don't use Shopify, want lower cost, or need different features—these POS alternatives offer strong options.
Read our Shopify POS review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Quick answer
Who should switch and which alternative fits best.
Shopify POS is best when you run a Shopify store; alternatives include Square for free software and no Shopify requirement, Lightspeed for retail depth, and Clover or Vend for different ecosystems. Square and Lightspeed are the main alternatives.
Why people look for Shopify POS alternatives
Common reasons teams look for a change.
No Shopify store
Square doesn't require a Shopify subscription. Free software and pay-per-swipe suit many in-person-only businesses.
Retail depth
Lightspeed and Vend offer retail-focused inventory and multi-location without ecommerce at the core.
Cost
Shopify POS requires a Shopify plan. Square has no monthly software fee.
Top Shopify POS alternatives
Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.
4.6Free software
4.4From ~$69/moLightspeed POS
Best for: retail
Retail-first with deeper inventory and multi-location.
4.3From ~$69/moClover POS
Best for: hardware and apps
Wide hardware and app ecosystem.
4.3From ~$69/moVend POS (Lightspeed Retail)
Best for: retail
Retail-focused; part of Lightspeed.
4.5QuoteToast POS
Best for: restaurants
Restaurant-focused with table and kitchen management.
Compare alternatives
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify POS | ecommerce unified | From $39/mo | Ecommerce; unified | Read review |
| Square POS | no monthly fee | Free software | Free; simple | Read review |
| Lightspeed POS | retail | From ~$69/mo | Retail; multi-location | Read review |
| Clover POS | hardware and apps | From ~$69/mo | Hardware; apps | Read review |
| Vend POS (Lightspeed Retail) | retail | From ~$69/mo | Retail; multi-store | Read review |
| Toast POS | restaurants | Quote | Restaurant suite | Read review |
Detailed look at each alternative
When to choose each alternative.
Square POS
Best for no monthly fee
Square offers free POS software and doesn't require Shopify. For in-person-first businesses that want simple pricing.
Lightspeed POS
Best for retail
Lightspeed is retail-first with deeper inventory and multi-location. For stores that don't need Shopify's ecommerce.
Clover POS
Best for hardware and apps
Clover offers a wide hardware and app ecosystem. Alternative for businesses that want flexibility.
Vend POS
Best for retail
Vend (Lightspeed Retail) is retail-focused with multi-store support.
Toast POS
Best for restaurants
Toast is built for restaurants. For food service that doesn't need Shopify.
How to choose the right alternative
What to look for when comparing options.
Retail vs restaurant
Retail POS (Square, Lightspeed, Vend, Clover) focus on inventory and multi-location. Restaurant POS (Toast, TouchBistro) add table management, kitchen display, and online ordering. Choose by your primary use case.
Hardware and payments
Check which terminals, readers, and printers are supported. Square and Clover offer their own hardware; others support a range. Payment processing may be integrated or through a separate processor.
Ecommerce and omnichannel
If you sell online and in-store, Shopify POS and Lightspeed unify inventory and orders. Square links to its online store. Compare how well each ties online and in-person sales.
Inventory and reporting
Retail and multi-location businesses need stock levels, reorders, and consolidated reporting. Compare depth of inventory and reporting across locations.
Pricing and contracts
Square has free software and pay-per-swipe; others charge monthly plus processing. Compare software fees, hardware cost, and contract terms.
Related comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons to narrow your choice.
Related resources
More ways to explore.
FAQs
Quick answers.