Retail POS Software: 8 Best Providers for SMBs [Features & Pricing]

The right technology can make or break your retail business. 

When you have a limited budget, it can be tempting to choose your point of sale (POS) solution based on price alone. However, if your retail POS software can’t handle the unique needs of your retail store’s industry, you’ll end up drowning in inefficient, manual tasks that cost you more than you’ve saved.

In short, when your system can't adapt to your business, you're forced to adapt your business to the system — a recipe for frustration, lost revenue, and competitive disadvantage.

The solution? A modern, top-tier POS provider that actually understands your industry. This guide evaluates eight retail POS providers that specialize in solving the unique challenges facing independent retailers. We'll cover essential features, transparent pricing, and industry-specific solutions that help level the playing field between you and the big chains.

What Makes a Great Retail POS System

Before we explore our list of retail POS solutions, let’s first answer an important question: What makes a retail POS system qualify for this list? After working with hundreds of retailers across different industries, we've learned that the best retail POS systems share certain essential features that make operations smoother and more profitable.

Here are some key features to consider regardless of industry:

• Real-time inventory management with automated reordering: Know exactly what's in stock and never run out of your bestselling items again.
• Customer relationship management and loyalty programs: Turn one-time shoppers into repeat customers with targeted promotions and rewards.
• Employee management with role-based permissions: Control who can access what functions while tracking individual performance and accountability.
• Integrated payment processing: Accept credit cards, mobile payments like Apple Pay, and specialized payment types like EBT — without juggling multiple systems.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics: Get the insights you need to make smart business decisions, from daily sales summaries to detailed product performance reports.
• Multilocation support for growing businesses: Manage inventory and sales across multiple stores from one centralized system.
• Hardware compatibility and mobile capabilities: Work with the equipment you need, whether that's traditional countertop setups or mobile tablets for customer service.

With these core features in mind, let’s dive into providers.

Top 8 Retail POS Solutions

Here’s our list of eight incredible retail POS software solutions, organized by best fit and category. 

1. Best for Liquor Stores — Bottle POS

Running a liquor store means juggling complex state regulations, managing inventory at the case and bottle level, and staying compliant with age verification requirements. Bottle POS was built by a liquor store owner who understands these exact challenges.

Key features:

• AI-driven inventory ranking with color-coded performance analytics that take the guesswork out of ordering
• Integrated age verification with ID scanning to keep you compliant and protected
• Automated compliance reporting that handles complex state tax requirements
• Case-break inventory management for seamless bottle-to-case conversions
• Direct vendor integration for streamlined ordering and better wholesale relationships
• Customer loyalty programs that track purchase history and drive repeat business

Pricing: Custom pricing based on your store's specific needs

Best for: Independent liquor store owners who need industry-specific compliance tools

2. Best for Smoke Shops — Cigars POS

Tobacco retail presents unique challenges, including age verification requirements, complex inventory tracking for cigars and cartons, and the need to manage everything from quick cigarette sales to cigar lounge experiences. Cigars POS handles it all with industry-specific features you won't find in generic systems.

Key features:

• Membership tier management with custom pricing levels for VIP customers
• Built-in age verification and digital compliance record keeping
• Carton-pack inventory control with automatic unit conversions
• Open tab functionality is perfect for cigar lounges where customers stay for hours
• Scan data reporting to maximize manufacturer rebates and promotional opportunities
• Kit-building tools for creating promotional bundles that move inventory

Pricing: Custom pricing tailored to your business requirements

Best for: Tobacco shops, cigar lounges, and smoke shops that need specialized compliance tools

3. Best for Grocery Retail — Markt POS

Grocery stores face inventory challenges other retail verticals don’t need to worry about: variable-weight pricing, expiration date tracking, EBT processing, and the need to create custom barcodes for local products. Markt POS was designed specifically to handle these complex requirements.

Key features:

• Variable-weight item tracking and pricing for deli counters and produce
• EBT payment processing capabilities for SNAP and WIC transactions
• Expiration date tracking for perishables to prevent spoilage and compliance issues
• Custom barcode printing for local products and prepared foods
• Scale integration supporting 30 lb+ capacity for bulk items
• Automated low stock notifications and purchase order generation

Pricing: Custom pricing tailored to your business requirements

Best for: Delis, butcher shops, international markets, specialty food stores, and independent grocers with complex inventory needs

4. Best for Solopreneurs — Square POS

When you're starting out or running a lean operation, you need a POS system that's powerful enough to grow with you — but simple enough to master quickly. Square POS delivers all the basic features beginner retailers need without complexity or enterprise-level costs. 

Key features:

• Free basic plan that includes essential POS functionality
• Omnichannel selling across in-store, online, and mobile platforms
• Built-in payment processing with transparent, flat-rate pricing
• Inventory management with automated low stock alerts
• Customer profiles and built-in marketing tools for repeat business

Pricing: Free basic plan; paid plans starting at $60/month, plus 2.6% + 10¢ processing fees

Best for: New retailers, single-location businesses, and entrepreneurs who need flexibility without long-term contracts

5. Best for Multilocation Businesses — Lightspeed Retail

Managing inventory across multiple stores while maintaining consistent customer experiences is no easy feat. Lightspeed Retail offers an enterprise-level solution built for multilocation chains. 

Key features:

• Synchronized inventory management across all locations
• Unified commerce platform that seamlessly integrates in-store and e-commerce operations
• Integrated payments with competitive processing rates
• Customer segmentation and sophisticated loyalty program management
• Comprehensive retail analytics and reporting with location-specific insights

Pricing: Starting at $89/month

Best for: Growing retailers with multiple locations who need professional-grade inventory management and unified operations

6. Best Budget Option — eHopper POS

If you’re operating on a tight budget, eHopper POS offers all-in-one retail management tools at an affordable price point. This balance makes this solution a strong option for startups and cost-conscious businesses.

Key features:

• Completely free basic plan with core POS functionality
• Unlimited products and transactions 
• Employee management and time tracking for better workforce control
• Essential inventory management with reorder alerts
• Customer management and loyalty programs to build repeat business
• Flexible deployment on tablets, computers, and mobile devices

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans starting at just $10/month

Best for: Startups, budget-conscious retailers, and businesses that need full functionality without monthly fees

7. Best for Restaurants — Clover

Restaurants need features like order modification, table mapping, real-time order display and heads-up kitchen displays, and more. For restaurants or businesses with attached food service, Clover is a great option.

Key features:

• Scalable hardware ecosystem from compact countertop units to mobile solutions
• Advanced employee management with scheduling, permissions, and performance tracking
• Real-time sales tracking and sophisticated analytics across all touchpoints
• Extensive app marketplace for industry-specific customizations
• Integrated payment processing with enterprise-level security

Pricing: Starting at $14.95/month, plus hardware investment

Best for: Established restaurants, franchises, and businesses with complex operational requirements

8. Best for E-Commerce Stores — Shopify POS

If you're already selling online or planning to expand into e-commerce, managing separate systems for online and offline sales creates unnecessary hassle. Shopify POS offers an all-in-one solution that puts all your data into one platform.  

Key features:

• Seamless integration with Shopify's e-commerce platform
• Unified inventory management that automatically syncs across all sales channels
• Staff management with role-based permissions for both online and in-store operations
• Split payments and flexible payment options for complex transactions
• Real-time synchronization ensuring inventory accuracy across all channels
• Comprehensive analytics that show the complete customer journey

Pricing: Starting at $39/month

Best for: Retailers already using Shopify online, businesses planning omnichannel expansion, or stores that need unified online and offline operations

Comparison Quick Reference Table

How To Choose the Right POS for Your Business 

So, how can you choose the right POS for your business? The key is to match your specific needs with the right features and provider support. Here are some key things to consider when choosing your solution:

• Industry requirements: Depending on your store type, you’ll have different needs regarding compliance, inventory management, and payment processing features.
• Business size: Your business size impacts your point of sale solution, too. Be sure to consider your business size now and in the future. 
• Budget: Cost shouldn’t be your only consideration, but you certainly need to consider your budget when making your selection. Pick a solution you can afford the upfront and ongoing costs for. 
• Technical requirements: Ensure your point of sale software works well with your existing hardware and integrates with your other key systems. 
• Support needs: Finally, consider the support and training offered by the software providers. You’ll need some help getting your team up and running, and technical support in the event of a technical issue. 

Remember: Look out for red flags in your search. Avoid providers who lock you into long-term contracts without trial periods, hide fees in fine print, offer limited customer support, or can't integrate with your other business tools. The right POS system makes your life easier, not more complicated.

Finding the Best Retail POS Software for Your Store 

Your POS solution is more than a cash register. The right system streamlines inventory management, ensures compliance, improves customer experiences, and gives you the insights needed to grow your business. The wrong system, on the other hand, creates bottlenecks, compliance headaches, and missed opportunities that can cost you thousands.

No POS software is the right solution for every business. Industry-specific solutions consistently outperform generic ones. A liquor store needs different features than a grocery market, and a tobacco shop has different compliance requirements than a clothing boutique. Generic systems force you to work around their limitations, while specialized solutions work the way your business actually operates.

Don't let outdated technology hold your business back. Whether you need specialized features for liquor retail, tobacco sales, or grocery operations, POS Nation has industry experts ready to help you find the perfect solution.

Ready to transform your retail operations? Build and price your ideal solution today.