When comparing Lightspeed vs Shopify POS, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to multi-industry point-of-sale technology. Lightspeed, rated 4.4/5, offers Growing retailers with complex inventory, multi-location businesses, omnichannel sellers. Meanwhile, Shopify POS, rated 4.5/5, provides Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Lightspeed vs Shopify POS
| Feature | Lightspeed | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Retail |
| Starting Price | $89/month (Lean plan) | $89/month (POS Pro) |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Target Business | Mid-Market | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | Growing retailers with complex inventory, multi-location businesses, omnichannel sellers | Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce |
Lightspeed Overview
Lightspeed is a cloud-based commerce platform providing POS, eCommerce, and payment solutions for retail and hospitality businesses. Known for advanced inventory management and omnichannel capabilities.
Lightspeed is offered by Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (founded 2005) based in Montreal, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Restaurants, Golf courses, Hotels.
Key Features:
- Advanced inventory
- Multi-location support
- Omnichannel selling
- B2B capabilities
- Purchase orders
- Vendor management
Shopify POS Overview
Shopify POS seamlessly connects your online and retail stores, allowing you to sell anywhere. It syncs products, inventory, and customer data between your online store and physical locations.
Shopify POS is offered by Shopify Inc. (founded 2013) based in Ottawa, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Pop-up shops, Markets, Omnichannel sellers.
Key Features:
- Unified inventory
- Customer profiles
- Staff management
- In-store analytics
- Product management
- Gift cards
Feature Comparison
Lightspeed Features:
- Advanced inventory
- Multi-location support
- Omnichannel selling
- B2B capabilities
- Purchase orders
Shopify POS Features:
- Unified inventory
- Customer profiles
- Staff management
- In-store analytics
- Product management
When comparing features, Lightspeed stands out with Best-in-class inventory, while Shopify POS differentiates itself with Best-in-class eCommerce integration. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Lightspeed | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $89/month (Lean plan) | $89/month (POS Pro) |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Available | Available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Shopify POS offers a free version, which is great for testing or small operations. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Lightspeed
Pros:
- Powerful inventory management
- Excellent for multi-location
- Strong eCommerce integration
- Good for complex catalogs
- Built-in B2B features
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Learning curve
- Some features require higher tiers
- Contract requirements
Shopify POS
Pros:
- Seamless eCommerce integration
- Beautiful interface
- Strong brand recognition
- Extensive app store
- Great for omnichannel
Cons:
- Best with Shopify eCommerce
- POS Pro needed for key features
- Transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Who Should Choose Lightspeed?
Lightspeed is ideal for Growing retailers with complex inventory, multi-location businesses, omnichannel sellers. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Restaurants, Golf courses, Hotels.
However, Lightspeed may not be the best fit for Very small businesses or those on tight budgets.
Who Should Choose Shopify POS?
Shopify POS is ideal for Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Pop-up shops, Markets, Omnichannel sellers.
However, Shopify POS may not be the best fit for Restaurants or businesses not doing eCommerce.
Our Recommendation
Both Lightspeed and Shopify POS are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Lightspeed if you’re Growing retailers with complex inventory, multi-location businesses, omnichannel sellers. Choose Shopify POS if you’re Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. Shopify POS has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.4). Also, choose Shopify POS if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.