So, in this article, I am going to talk about the Best Square for Retail Competitors and help businesses find the right point of sale (POS) system for their needs.
We’ll review 10 best alternatives including Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Clover POS and Helcim. You’ll learn about the features, pricing, customer support, and their selling capabilities, both online and in-store, so you can make an informed decision.
Key Points & Best Square for Retail Competitors In 2026
- Shopify POS: Combines in-store payments, online selling, inventory management, and unified customer data seamlessly.
- Lightspeed Retail: Offers advanced inventory tracking, supplier management, analytics, and tools for complex retail operations.
- Clover POS: Provides customizable point-of-sale systems with payment processing, employee management, and customer loyalty features.
- Helcim: Delivers transparent interchange-plus pricing, integrated payments, invoicing, and tools for growing retail businesses.
- KORONA POS: Supports inventory control, barcode scanning, loss prevention, and multi-location retail business management.
- Toast POS: Offers restaurant-focused payments, inventory management, employee tools, and integrated ordering solutions for hospitality businesses.
- Stripe: Enables flexible online payments, customizable checkout experiences, and payment integrations for businesses selling across channels.
- SumUp: Provides affordable card readers, simple POS software, and convenient payment acceptance for smaller retailers.
- Odoo POS: Integrates point-of-sale transactions with inventory, accounting, customer management, and broader business applications seamlessly.
- PaymentCloud: Specializes in payment processing solutions for high-risk merchants, including businesses facing traditional approval challenges.
10 Best Square for Retail Competitors In 2026
1. Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a strong Square alternative for retailers selling in physical stores and on e-commerce websites. It synchronizes inventory, orders, customer profiles and sales data across sales channels, allowing businesses to manage operations from a single platform. Pricing: Shopify has several subscription tiers, with advanced POS features available via an extra POS Pro subscription; regional pricing varies.
Customer Support: Shopify offers round-the-clock support through live chat and online help resources. Online and In-Store Selling Retailers can operate online stores, accept in-store payments, synchronize inventory and support pickup and delivery workflows. It’s especially good for companies that focus on omnichannel retail and centralized commerce management.
Shopify POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inventory Management | Syncs inventory across physical stores and online shops. |
| Omnichannel Selling | Connects e-commerce sales with in-store transactions. |
| Customer Management | Stores customer profiles and purchase histories. |
| Sales Reporting | Tracks sales performance and business trends. |
2. Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail is for retailers who want strong inventory management, purchasing tools, detailed reporting and multi-location management. It can be suitable for businesses that have large product catalogs, specialized inventory needs and more complicated retail operations. Pricing: Subscription pricing depends on the plan, location, hardware and payment processing. See Lightspeed for current pricing.
Customer Support: Support resources and assistance options vary by plan and market. Online and In-Store Selling: Retailers are able to link supported e-commerce channels with physical-store operations, which helps synchronize products, stock and sales information. If you need detailed inventory controls and retail analytics and are willing to give up the absolute simplest checkout system, Lightspeed is an option worth looking at.
Lightspeed Retail Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Advanced Inventory | Manages large catalogs, variants, and stock levels. |
| Supplier Management | Helps organize suppliers and purchase orders. |
| Multi-Location Management | Tracks inventory across multiple retail locations. |
| Retail Analytics | Provides reports on sales and product performance. |
3. Clover POS
Clover POS offers integrated payment processing, customizable checkout hardware, sales reporting, inventory tools, employee management, and customer loyalty features. It is perfect for retailers that want an off-the-shelf system with compatible devices and business applications.
Pricing Clover provides a range of hardware and software packages, with pricing and transaction fees varying based on the plan, type of business, and sales channel. Customer Support: Clover and its payment-provider partners provide support, advertising 24/7 support for its systems.
Selling Online and In-Store: Supported plans allow retailers to process in-person and online payments and manage online sales alongside store sales. Check compatibility with your provider before purchase.
Clover POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing | Accepts supported card and contactless payments. |
| POS Hardware | Offers terminals, handheld devices, and card readers. |
| Employee Management | Supports employee permissions and sales tracking. |
| App Integrations | Adds business functionality through compatible applications. |
4. Helcim
Helcim is a payment-processing alternative for merchants who want transparent fees, invoicing, reporting and easy payment management. The platform offers a point of sale system, online checkout, payment links, recurring billing and integrations with accounting software.
Pricing: Helcim says it has no monthly software or account fees, and uses interchange-plus processing with rates that vary by transaction type and volume. Hardware sold separately. Support: Merchants have access to support resources and assistance with payment processing and account setup.
Accept Payments Online and In-Store: businesses can accept payments through physical POS equipment, online checkouts, invoices, and payment links. Before you choose Helcim, check hardware, payment acceptance and account eligibility in your country.
Helcim Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing | Processes payments with interchange-plus pricing. |
| Invoicing | Creates invoices and accepts customer payments online. |
| Customer Management | Maintains customer records and transaction histories. |
| Online Checkout | Supports online payments and customizable checkout options. |
5. KORONA POS
KORONA POS is ideal for retailers that require detailed inventory control, barcode scanning, sales reporting, loss-prevention tools, and multi-location management. This is especially true for convenience stores, specialty retailers, and businesses with complex inventory needs. Pricing: US plans start at $59 per terminal monthly for Core, $79 for Retail and $99 for Plus; additional modules may cost extra.
Customer Support: KORONA subscriptions include in-house customer support, onboarding and training. Selling Online and In-Store: Its core strength lies in the operation of brick-and-mortar stores; selling online and integrations are dependent on the retailer’s setup choices.
Its processing-agnostic nature also allows eligible merchants a choice in terms of compatible payment processors rather than being locked into a single processor.
KORONA POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Stock Control | Tracks inventory quantities and product movements. |
| Barcode Scanning | Supports barcode-based checkout and inventory operations. |
| Loss Prevention | Provides tools to monitor transactions and reduce shrinkage. |
| Multi-Store Reporting | Consolidates sales data across multiple locations. |
6. Toast POS
Toast POS is more focused on restaurants, cafes and hospitality rather than general retail stores. It incorporates checkout, payment processing, menu management, reporting, employee tools and restaurant specific operational features.
Pricing is based on the package you choose, hardware, processing agreement, and add-ons; a starter option is available for qualifying businesses. Customer Support: Toast Care offers 24/7 phone and web messaging support as part of its advertized software subscriptions.
In-Store and Online Selling Restaurants can combine counter payments with supported online ordering, digital payments and delivery workflows. While Toast may be suitable for food retailers, bakeries and cafes, general merchandise retailers should weigh up its industry-specific functionality against a dedicated retail POS platform.
Toast POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Payments | Processes payments for restaurants and hospitality businesses. |
| Menu Management | Organizes menu items, modifiers, and pricing. |
| Online Ordering | Supports online ordering through available restaurant solutions. |
| Employee Tools | Helps manage staff permissions and operational activities. |
7. Stripe
Stripe is a flexible payments platform that enables retailers to accept online checkout, payment links, recurring billing, and developer-friendly integrations. Businesses can connect Stripe with compatible commerce platforms or create custom payment experiences with its APIs.
Pricing: Stripe’s pricing for UAE is 2.9% + AED 1 per successful transaction for domestic online card payments. Additional fees may apply for international cards and currency conversion.
Customer support Stripe offers documentation and various support options, including online support. The support channels you can access depend on your account and product. Selling Online and In-Person Stripe supports online payments broadly,
but in-person payments require compatible Terminal integrations and availability in your market. Its Terminal product is listed as unavailable in the UAE, so check your local POS options before choosing it.
Stripe Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Online Payments | Accepts online payments through supported payment methods. |
| Custom Checkout | Enables tailored checkout experiences through APIs. |
| Payment Links | Lets businesses collect payments through shareable links. |
| Developer Integrations | Connects payment functionality with websites and applications. |
8. SumUp
SumUp makes it simple for small retailers, independent sellers, market stalls and businesses that need portable checkout equipment to take payments. The tools it offers vary from country to country and include card readers, mobile payments, payment links, invoicing and POS capabilities.
Pricing: SumUp generally prices by transaction, with optional subscriptions available, but rates, hardware prices, and plan features vary by market. Customer Support: Merchants can take advantage of local channels to use online help resources and customer support.
Selling Online and In-Store Retailers can accept payments through compatible card readers and can use online payment links or store features where available. SumUp is a good one to compare if you want a simple setup, and don’t want to make a big upfront software commitment.
SumUp Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Card Readers | Accepts card payments using compatible payment devices. |
| Contactless Payments | Supports contactless transactions where available. |
| Payment Links | Allows businesses to request payments remotely. |
| Sales Tracking | Provides transaction records and sales summaries. |
9. Odoo POS
Odoo POS is part of an all-in-one business management platform that integrates checkout, inventory, accounting, sales, customer records, and e-commerce. It’s for retailers that want to manage multiple business functions in a shared system, not in separate applications. Pricing: Free version with one app; paid plans.
Total price depends on subscription, users, implementation and any additional services. Customer support Paid plans include hosting, maintenance, and support. Published support availability is typically on weekdays.
Online & In-Store Selling: Odoo combines checkout in physical stores with its e-commerce and inventory apps, allowing companies to manage stock and orders across multiple channels. It’s particularly useful for retailers looking for flexibility and greater integration with the business.
Odoo POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inventory Integration | Connects checkout transactions with inventory records. |
| Accounting Integration | Links sales data with accounting workflows. |
| Customer Records | Maintains customer information and purchase histories. |
| E-commerce Integration | Connects physical-store operations with online selling. |
10. PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud is a merchant account and payment processing service, geared toward businesses that may have a tough time getting approved through traditional payment providers. Whether it’s appropriate depends on the retailer’s industry, risk category, sales model and processing needs.
Pricing: PaymentCloud doesn’t have a single public rate for all merchants. Fees, equipment costs and contract terms are based on the approved account and provider arrangement. Customer Support – The company provides support or account representatives to discuss onboarding, account requirements, and any payment processing issues.
Selling online and in store: PaymentCloud can provide online payment gateways and compatible in-person processing options depending on the merchant setup. Get a written quote and check all the fees before you sign an agreement.
PaymentCloud Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Merchant Accounts | Helps businesses obtain suitable payment-processing accounts. |
| High-Risk Processing | Specializes in payment solutions for eligible high-risk merchants. |
| Online Payments | Supports compatible payment gateways for online transactions. |
| POS Solutions | Arranges compatible in-person payment-processing options. |
Conclusion
To summarize, the best Square for Retail competitors will vary based on your business needs, budget, and sales channels. Shopify POS is great for omnichannel retailers and Lightspeed Retail and KORONA POS are good for inventory management.
Clover and SumUp offer easy payment options, and Helcim focuses on clear processing fees. Compare pricing, features, customer support and compatibility before deciding which POS system is right for your retail business.
FAQ
What are the best Square competitors for retail?
Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, Clover POS, Helcim, and KORONA POS are popular alternatives.
Which Square alternative is best for online selling?
Shopify POS connects online stores with physical retail operations and inventory.
Which Square competitor offers advanced inventory management?
Lightspeed Retail and KORONA POS provide advanced inventory tracking and reporting.
Is Clover POS a good alternative to Square?
Clover offers customizable hardware, payment processing, and useful business management applications.
