POS Comparisons

Vend by Lightspeed vs SumUp: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Oct 23, 2025 3 min read

In the battle of Vend versus SumUp, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Vend is particularly strong for Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility, while SumUp excels at Small businesses and mobile sellers. Whether you prioritize Multi-platform (iPad/Mac/PC) or No monthly fees, this comparison covers everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison: Vend vs SumUp

FeatureVendSumUp
CategoryRetailMulti-Industry
Starting Price$89/month$39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction
Rating4.4/54.3/5
Target BusinessSmall BusinessSmall Business
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Free TrialYesNo
Free VersionNoNo
Best ForRetail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibilitySmall businesses and mobile sellers

Vend Overview

Vend, now part of Lightspeed Retail, is a cloud-based retail POS offering inventory management, customer loyalty, and multi-store capabilities. Known for ease of use and works on iPad, Mac, and PC.

Vend is offered by Lightspeed Commerce (founded 2010) based in Auckland, New Zealand. The system focuses on Retail, Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods.

Looking for a POS system? Get free quotes from top vendors

Key Features:

  • Cloud-based POS
  • Inventory management
  • Customer loyalty
  • Multi-store support
  • eCommerce integration
  • Reporting

SumUp Overview

SumUp provides mobile payment solutions and card readers for small businesses. Features simple pricing, no monthly fees, and easy setup for accepting card payments on the go.

SumUp is offered by SumUp (founded 2012) based in London, UK. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

Key Features:

  • Card Reader
  • Mobile Payments
  • Invoicing
  • Payment Links
  • Reporting
  • No Monthly Fees

Feature Comparison

Vend Features:

  • Cloud-based POS
  • Inventory management
  • Customer loyalty
  • Multi-store support
  • eCommerce integration

SumUp Features:

  • Card Reader
  • Mobile Payments
  • Invoicing
  • Payment Links
  • Reporting

When comparing features, Vend stands out with Multi-platform (iPad/Mac/PC), while SumUp differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectVendSumUp
Starting Price$89/month$39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Price RangeMid-rangeBudget
Free TrialAvailableNot available
Free VersionNoNo

SumUp is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Vend

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Works on any device
  • Strong inventory features
  • Good customer support
  • Now backed by Lightspeed

Cons:

  • Limited restaurant features
  • Pricing increased after Lightspeed acquisition
  • eCommerce requires add-on

SumUp

Pros:

  • No monthly fees
  • Simple flat-rate pricing
  • Easy setup
  • Portable

Cons:

  • Higher per-transaction rate
  • Limited POS features
  • Basic reporting

Who Should Choose Vend?

Vend is ideal for Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods.

However, Vend may not be the best fit for Restaurants, large enterprises.

Who Should Choose SumUp?

SumUp is ideal for Small businesses and mobile sellers. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

However, SumUp may not be the best fit for High-volume businesses where percentage fees add up.

Our Recommendation

Both Vend and SumUp are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Vend if you’re Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. Choose SumUp if you’re Small businesses and mobile sellers. Vend has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.