4.5From $39/moShopify POS
Best for: ecommerce
Unified online and in-store when you use Shopify.
Best Square POS Alternatives (2026)
If Square POS isn't the right fit—because you need ecommerce, deeper retail, restaurant features, or different hardware—these POS alternatives offer strong options for small businesses.
Read our Square POS review for full details on features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Quick answer
Who should switch and which alternative fits best.
Square POS is a strong default for many small businesses; alternatives include Shopify POS for ecommerce, Clover for hardware and apps, Lightspeed for retail depth, Toast for restaurants, and Vend for retail multi-store. Shopify and Clover are the most common alternatives.
Why people look for Square POS alternatives
Common reasons teams look for a change.
Ecommerce
Shopify POS unifies online and in-store when you run a Shopify store. Better if ecommerce is central.
Retail depth
Lightspeed and Vend offer deeper inventory and multi-location reporting. For growing retail.
Restaurant
Toast and TouchBistro are built for restaurants: tables, kitchen display, online ordering.
Top Square POS alternatives
Editorially ranked alternatives we recommend.
4.5From $39/mo
4.3From ~$69/moClover POS
Best for: hardware and apps
Wide hardware and app ecosystem; higher typical cost.
4.4From ~$69/moLightspeed POS
Best for: retail
Deeper inventory and multi-location for retail.
4.5QuoteToast POS
Best for: restaurants
Table management, kitchen display, online ordering.
4.3From ~$69/moVend POS (Lightspeed Retail)
Best for: retail
Retail-focused; now part of Lightspeed.
Compare alternatives
Side-by-side at a glance.
| Software | Best for | Starting price | Standout feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square POS | overall small business | Free software | Simple; flexible | Read review |
| Shopify POS | ecommerce | From $39/mo | Ecommerce unified | Read review |
| Clover POS | hardware and apps | From ~$69/mo | Hardware; app market | Read review |
| Lightspeed POS | retail | From ~$69/mo | Retail; multi-location | Read review |
| Toast POS | restaurants | Quote | Restaurant suite | Read review |
| Vend POS (Lightspeed Retail) | retail | From ~$69/mo | Retail; multi-store | Read review |
Detailed look at each alternative
When to choose each alternative.
Shopify POS
Best for ecommerce
Shopify POS unifies online and in-store sales when you use Shopify. For ecommerce-first businesses.
Clover POS
Best for hardware and apps
Clover offers a wide choice of terminals and an app market. For businesses that want more hardware and add-on options.
Lightspeed POS
Best for retail
Lightspeed provides deeper inventory and multi-location for retail. For stores that outgrow Square's retail depth.
Toast POS
Best for restaurants
Toast is purpose-built for restaurants with table and kitchen management. Compare with Square for food service.
Vend POS
Best for retail
Vend (Lightspeed Retail) is retail-focused with multi-store support. Part of the Lightspeed family.
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.