Free Lightspeed POS alternatives 2026
3 alternatives reviewed and compared
These Lightspeed POS alternatives all have a genuinely free plan or are fully open source — no trial countdown, no card required.
Looking for alternatives to:
Lightspeed POS
Advanced POS for retail and restaurants with best-in-class analytics, multi-location support, and omnichannel capabilities from $89/mo.
Top alternatives compared
| Software | Rating | Starting price | Best for | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Square POS Free POS system with flat-rate processing at 2.6% + 10 cents. Works on iPad and Android with optional hardware from $49. | 8.6 | Free | Small businesses and solopreneurs who want a free POS with zero monthly commitment | |
 Toast Restaurant-focused POS with kitchen displays, online ordering, and tableside payments. Free Starter plan; paid plans from $69/mo. | 8.4 | Free | Full-service restaurants that need kitchen display systems and tableside ordering | |
 ShopKeep Simple iPad POS for small retail and quick-service restaurants, now part of Lightspeed. Free plan available with payment processing. | Free | Existing ShopKeep users who are happy with the current system and plan to migrate when required |
Detailed reviews
Square POS
Free POS system with flat-rate processing at 2.6% + 10 cents. Works on iPad and Android with optional hardware from $49.
Best for:
Why pick Square POS over Lightspeed POS?
Square POS has a genuinely usable free tier and is strong at Small businesses and solopreneurs who want a free POS with zero monthly commitment.
Toast
Restaurant-focused POS with kitchen displays, online ordering, and tableside payments. Free Starter plan; paid plans from $69/mo.
Best for:
Why pick Toast over Lightspeed POS?
Toast has a genuinely usable free tier and is strong at Full-service restaurants that need kitchen display systems and tableside ordering.
ShopKeep
Simple iPad POS for small retail and quick-service restaurants, now part of Lightspeed. Free plan available with payment processing.
Best for:
Why pick ShopKeep over Lightspeed POS?
ShopKeep has a genuinely usable free tier and is strong at Existing ShopKeep users who are happy with the current system and plan to migrate when required.
Still deciding?
Put your shortlist side by side and see how the numbers and features really stack up.