Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Lightspeed VS Shopify POS

Compare Lightspeed VS Shopify POS and see what are their differences

Lightspeed logo Lightspeed

retail and restaurant point-of-sale, ecommerce, and omnichannel solution

Shopify POS logo Shopify POS

Shopify POS is point of sale system with integrated retail software for retail sales.
  • Lightspeed Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22
  • Shopify POS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-20

Lightspeed features and specs

  • Omni-channel capabilities
    Lightspeed provides a comprehensive solution for both eCommerce and brick-and-mortar stores, allowing for seamless integration and management of multiple sales channels.
  • User-friendly interface
    The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which helps simplify the management of inventory, sales, and customer relations for users of all technical skill levels.
  • Advanced inventory management
    Lightspeed offers robust inventory management features including real-time updates, multi-location support, and customizable reporting.
  • Customizable reports and analytics
    The platform provides detailed reporting and analytics options that can be tailored to meet specific business needs, aiding in better decision-making.
  • Customer support
    Lightspeed offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and chat, ensuring that any issues can be resolved quickly.
  • Integrated payment processing
    The platform supports integrated payment processing, which can streamline checkout experiences and simplify financial tracking.

Possible disadvantages of Lightspeed

  • Cost
    Lightspeed can be relatively expensive, especially for small businesses or startups, due to its monthly subscription fees and additional costs for advanced features.
  • Learning curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, the complexity and range of features may present a learning curve for new users, requiring time and effort to master fully.
  • Hardware dependency
    Some functionalities require compatible hardware, such as specific barcode scanners or receipt printers, which can add to the overall investment.
  • Occasional bugs
    Users have reported occasional bugs and glitches, particularly when system updates are rolled out, affecting the stability and reliability of the platform.
  • Limited integrations
    While Lightspeed offers several integrations, the range is still somewhat limited compared to some competitors, which could impact businesses that rely on specific third-party applications.
  • Customization limitations
    There are some limitations in terms of the level of customization available, particularly in the eCommerce platform, which might restrict specific business needs.

Shopify POS features and specs

  • Integration with Shopify Online Store
    Shopify POS seamlessly integrates with the Shopify online store, providing a unified platform for managing both online and offline sales, inventory, and customer data.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The POS system is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for users who may not be technically savvy.
  • Extensive App Ecosystem
    Shopify POS supports a wide range of third-party apps and plugins, allowing for extensive customization and additional functionality based on business needs.
  • Multi-Channel Selling
    Businesses can sell across various channels, including online, in-store, and social media, all managed from a single platform.
  • Customer Management
    The system offers robust customer relationship management (CRM) features, including purchase history, customer profiles, and loyalty programs.
  • Scalability
    Shopify POS is scalable and can accommodate both small businesses and larger enterprises with its tiered pricing plans and features.
  • 24/7 Customer Support
    Shopify offers round-the-clock customer support to help businesses resolve any issues or questions they may have quickly.

Possible disadvantages of Shopify POS

  • Monthly Subscription Fees
    Shopify POS requires a monthly subscription, which can be costly, particularly for small businesses or startups operating on tight budgets.
  • Transaction Fees
    Unless using Shopify Payments, additional transaction fees apply for each sale, which can add up over time and affect profit margins.
  • Limited Offline Capability
    Shopify POS has limited functionality when offline, which can be a drawback for businesses operating in areas with unstable internet connections.
  • Hardware Costs
    The POS hardware, including tablets, card readers, and peripherals, can be expensive, representing a significant upfront investment.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, mastering the more advanced features and integrations can require a considerable learning curve.
  • Limited Features in Basic Plan
    The more affordable plans come with limited features, which may necessitate upgrading to more expensive plans to access advanced functionalities.
  • International Transaction Restrictions
    Certain features and payment gateways are limited to specific countries, which can be a barrier for businesses with international operations.

Analysis of Lightspeed

Overall verdict

  • Lightspeed is generally regarded as a robust solution for businesses looking to enhance their sales operations. It offers a user-friendly interface, extensive reporting capabilities, and seamless integration with various third-party applications. While it may be priced higher than some competitors, the value offered justifies the cost for many users.

Why this product is good

  • Lightspeed is known for providing a comprehensive point of sale (POS) and eCommerce solution tailored for various retail and hospitality businesses. It integrates inventory management, analytics, and customer management into one platform, making operations more streamlined for business owners. With a focus on usability and helpful features, businesses can efficiently manage their sales both online and offline.

Recommended for

  • Retail businesses looking for integrated POS and inventory management.
  • Hospitality businesses needing a reliable and feature-rich POS system.
  • Businesses aiming to leverage detailed analytics for strategic decision-making.
  • Companies seeking a scalable solution that can grow with them.

Analysis of Shopify POS

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Shopify POS is a strong choice for businesses looking for an integrated solution that aligns with their digital storefront. Its ease of use, integration capabilities, and the reliable support from Shopify make it a preferable option for many retail businesses.

Why this product is good

  • Shopify POS is considered a good point-of-sale system because it integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s online platform, providing a unified sales experience for both online and physical store owners. It offers robust features like inventory tracking, sales analytics, and customer management, all of which are accessible via an intuitive interface. The system is also scalable, meaning it can grow with the business, and it includes support for various payment methods, creating a flexible checkout experience.

Recommended for

  • Small to medium-sized retail businesses already using Shopify for their ecommerce needs.
  • Entrepreneurs seeking a seamless integration between their online and offline sales channels.
  • Businesses in need of a flexible and scalable POS solution that can grow with them.

Lightspeed videos

No Lightspeed videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Shopify POS videos

Why Shopify POS is more expensive than you think

More videos:

  • Demo - POS: All-new Shopify POS demonstration || Shopify Help Center
  • Review - Shopify + Shopify POS - Right for Retail? 2018 UPDATE

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Lightspeed and Shopify POS)
Payments Processing
82 82%
18% 18
POS
71 71%
29% 29
Payment Platform
81 81%
19% 19
Credit Card Payments
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Lightspeed and Shopify POS

Lightspeed Reviews

20 Best Retail Management Software Reviewed for 2024
Why I picked Lightspeed Retail: Lightspeed Retail offers robust features for tracking inventory across multiple locations and channels. It allows you to easily manage stock levels, receive notifications for low stock, and track item movements, enabling you to make informed decisions about restocking and optimizing inventory levels. The system provides real-time updates,...
9 Small Business Inventory Management Software
LightSpeed's real-time inventory tracking feature is invaluable for small business owners. Having access to real-time data enables you to make informed decisions, optimize stock levels, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction. This is a must-have feature for any small business looking to improve their inventory management systems.
POS: Best Point of Sale System Software for Small businesses
A solution is offered by LightSpeed Retail for restaurants, e-commerce, and retail. It is a Canadian business that offers POS and online shopping software. The business offers Lightspeed Retail support round-the-clock.
Source: qpe.co.in
Best Inventory Management Software of 2020
Pros & Cons of Lightspeed POS Software Lightspeed is easy to set up and provides almost instant improvement to the way businesses manage and track their inventory, sales, customer, and employee data. It is cloud based so that users can access or input information from anywhere that they are online, and it integrates easily with ecommerce platforms and other business...
Source: digital.com
The Best Retail Management Software of 2021
Lightspeed Retail pricing starts at $79/month for the Basic plan and tops out at $259/month for the Pro plan. For the Enterprise plan, you need to contact the vendor for a custom quote. A free trial and demo are available, while support is accessible online, via a 24/7 live rep and also during business hours.
Source: digital.com

Shopify POS Reviews

We have no reviews of Shopify POS yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Lightspeed seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Lightspeed mentions (1)

  • POS System
    Lightspeed is the biggest. They do everything rewards, integration into other things, online and b&m POS lightspeedhq.com. Source: over 3 years ago

Shopify POS mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Shopify POS yet. Tracking of Shopify POS recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Lightspeed and Shopify POS, you can also consider the following products

Square - Square helps millions of sellers run their business-from secure credit card processing to point of sale solutions. Get paid faster with Square. Sign up today!

Odoo Point of Sale - Odoo is an online point of sale solution for retail and restaurants.

Heartland Retail - Heartland Retail (previously Springboard Retail) POS software a robust, user-friendly cloud point of sale solution designed for the business of retail. A complete retail management platform built for growing single, multi and franchise brands.

ITSCircle POS - ITSCircle POS is a point of sale solution for retail stores.

QuickBooksPOS - QuickBooksPOS offer POS system software for small businesses.

Toast - Built to make restaurants better. Toast gives your restaurant the technology you need to succeed in today's fast-paced environment.