Softabase

Epos Now vs Lightspeed POS: Complete Comparison 2026

An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.

Epos Now logo

Epos Now

7.4(7,200 reviews)

Cloud POS for retail and hospitality with one-time hardware purchase option and 300+ integrations. From $39/mo or $349 upfront.

Lightspeed POS logo

Lightspeed POS

8.2(18,700 reviews)

Advanced POS for retail and restaurants with best-in-class analytics, multi-location support, and omnichannel capabilities from $89/mo.

Quick Comparison

AspectEpos NowLightspeed POS
Best ForBudget-conscious businesses that want to own their POS hardware outright with a one-time purchaseMid-size retailers with 500+ SKUs who need deep inventory analytics and margin tracking
Pricing ModelSubscriptionSubscription
Starting Price$39/mo$89/mo
Deploymentcloudcloud
PlatformsWEB, IOS, ANDROID, WINDOWSWEB, IOS, ANDROID, MAC, WINDOWS
Rating7.4/108.2/10

Pros & Cons

Epos Now

Pros

  • One-time hardware purchase at $349 for a complete system is the most affordable full countertop POS setup
  • Payment processor flexibility lets you choose and negotiate rates instead of being locked into one provider
  • 300+ integrations through the AppStore connect to major accounting, e-commerce, and marketing tools
  • Software pricing at $39/month undercuts Lightspeed ($89/mo) and Vend ($69/mo) significantly
  • Strong presence in UK and Europe with local support, multi-currency, and VAT handling

Cons

  • User interface feels dated and less polished compared to Square, Shopify POS, or even Clover
  • US customer support gets mixed reviews, with UK-based customers generally reporting better experiences
  • Reporting and analytics lack the depth of Lightspeed for data-driven inventory decisions
  • The hardware, while affordable, uses generic touchscreens that feel cheap compared to Clover or Toast terminals
  • Brand recognition is lower in the US market, which can mean fewer local service partners and resellers

Lightspeed POS

Pros

  • Best-in-class analytics with margin tracking by category, vendor, and individual SKU
  • Multi-location management is polished with centralized inventory and inter-store transfers
  • E-commerce sync keeps physical and online inventory accurate in real time without manual work
  • Handles complex product catalogs with variants, matrices, and serialized inventory tracking
  • Strong integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero on Core plan and above

Cons

  • Pricing starts at $89/month which is steep for small businesses compared to free alternatives
  • The learning curve is noticeably steeper than Square β€” setup takes hours, not minutes
  • The built-in e-commerce website builder isn't as polished as Shopify for online-first stores
  • Processing rates are competitive but not exceptional at around 2.6% + 10 cents per transaction
  • The interface can feel cluttered with too many menu options for businesses with simple needs

Pricing Comparison

ProductPricing ModelStarting Price
Epos Nowsubscription$39/mo
Lightspeed POSsubscription$89/mo

Our Verdict

Choose Epos Now if...

Budget-conscious businesses that want to own their POS hardware outright with a one-time purchase

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Choose Lightspeed POS if...

Mid-size retailers with 500+ SKUs who need deep inventory analytics and margin tracking

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Still Not Sure?

Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.