Lightspeed vs Shopify POS: Complete 2025 Comparison
Quick Verdict: Choose Lightspeed if you need advanced inventory management, multi-location capabilities, and industry-specific features for retail or restaurants. Choose Shopify POS if your priority is seamless eCommerce integration with your online store.
Our Recommendation
For Complex Inventory: Lightspeed wins with superior stock management
For Omnichannel Retail: Shopify wins with unified online/offline selling
For Restaurants: Lightspeed (Restaurant) has dedicated features
Lightspeed vs Shopify POS: Quick Comparison
| Square | Toast | Clover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | $0-$69/mo | $14.95/mo |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Processing Fee | 2.6% + 10c | 2.49% + 15c | 2.3% + 10c |
| Hardware | $49-$799 | $0-$999+ | $599-$1,799 |
| Contract | No contract | 2-year typical | Varies by reseller |
| Free Trial | Yes | No | No |
| Best For | Small Business, Retail | Restaurants, Bars | Retail, Quick Service |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Key Differences Between Lightspeed and Shopify POS
1. Core Strength
Lightspeed started as a retail POS and expanded to restaurants. Its core strength is advanced inventory management with features like:
- Matrix inventory for variants (size, color, material)
- Serial number and lot tracking
- Multi-location inventory transfers
- Vendor management and purchase orders
- Low stock alerts and reorder points
Shopify POS is designed as the in-store extension of Shopify eCommerce. Its strength is:
- Unified inventory across online and retail
- Buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS)
- Ship-from-store for online orders
- Customer profiles synced across channels
- Marketing tools integrated across channels
2. eCommerce Integration
Lightspeed eCom is included in plans but functions separately from the POS. Inventory syncs, but the platforms were originally separate. Integration is good but not native.
Shopify POS is built on Shopify platform. Your online store and retail store share the same backend, products, customers, and inventory natively. This is the tightest integration available.
3. Industry Focus
Lightspeed Retail Industries:
- Apparel and fashion
- Sporting goods
- Electronics
- Pet stores
- Bike shops
- Golf courses
- Jewelry stores
Lightspeed Restaurant Features:
- Table management
- Menu customization
- Kitchen display system
- Delivery management
Shopify POS Industries:
- Fashion and apparel
- Beauty and cosmetics
- Home and decor
- Pop-up shops
- Markets and events
- Any retail with online presence
4. Pricing Comparison
Lightspeed Pricing
- Basic: $109/month (billed annually)
- Core: $179/month
- Plus: $289/month
- Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 (in-person)
Shopify POS Pricing
- Basic Shopify + POS: $39/month (limited POS)
- Shopify + POS Pro: $105/month ($39 + $89 per location)
- Advanced + POS Pro: $399/month (POS Pro included)
- Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 (in-person with Shopify Payments)
5. Hardware Options
Lightspeed works with iPad-based systems and offers:
- Lightspeed Lite Kit ($219)
- Lightspeed Retail Kit ($519)
- Custom bundles available
Shopify offers their own hardware ecosystem:
- Shopify POS Go ($399) – handheld device
- Retail Kit bundles
- Works with iPad and iPhone
- Tap to Pay on iPhone (no hardware needed)
Who Should Choose Lightspeed?
- Retailers with complex inventory (variants, serialized items)
- Multi-location businesses needing inventory transfers
- Restaurants wanting a dedicated solution
- Specialty retailers (bikes, golf, jewelry)
- Businesses prioritizing inventory over eCommerce
Who Should Choose Shopify POS?
- Retailers with existing Shopify online stores
- Businesses where online sales equal or exceed retail
- Pop-up shops and market vendors
- Stores offering buy online, pickup in-store
- Fashion and lifestyle brands
Lightspeed vs Shopify FAQ
Which is better for inventory management?
Lightspeed offers more advanced inventory features like matrix inventory, serial tracking, and sophisticated reordering. Shopify handles basic inventory well but shines in omnichannel sync rather than inventory depth.
Can I use Shopify POS without an online store?
Yes, but you are paying for eCommerce features you will not use. Lightspeed is more cost-effective for retail-only businesses. Shopify POS makes most sense when combined with online selling.
Which has better reporting?
Both offer solid reporting. Lightspeed provides detailed inventory reports and product performance. Shopify excels at unified reporting across online and retail channels, showing the full customer journey.
Can either handle restaurants?
Lightspeed has a dedicated restaurant product (Lightspeed Restaurant) with full-service features. Shopify POS is retail-focused and not suitable for restaurants.
Our Bottom Line
The choice often comes down to your priorities: Lightspeed if inventory management and in-store operations are paramount, Shopify if seamless online-offline integration drives your business model.
Many successful retailers use Shopify for its marketing and eCommerce ecosystem, while complex specialty retailers choose Lightspeed for its depth of inventory features.
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