Lightspeed POS vs Clover: Which One Should You Choose For Your Business?

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Martial A.

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An image illustrating two different POS terminals. One of Lightspeed POS and another of Clover POS.

In this comparison blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Lightspeed and Clover POS, evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different business types.

From pricing structures and hardware offerings to software features and ease of use, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a retailer seeking robust inventory management tools, a restaurant owner looking for streamlined order management, or a service-based business in need of a flexible POS solution, this guide will illuminate the key factors that should influence your choice between Lightspeed and Clover.

By the end, you’ll clearly understand which POS system aligns best with your specific requirements, allowing you to maximize efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth

Lightspeed vs. Clover: Product Roundup Comparison Table

Demo Image
Demo Image
Monthly subscription
Retail: $89 to $269  Restaurant: $69 to $399
Restaurant: $165/mo to $325/mo; Retail: $60/mo to $190/mo
Free trial duration
30 days
14-days
Ease of use
Very easy and intuitive
Steep learning curve
Industry focus
Restaurant, retail, golf courses
Restaurant, retail, service businesses
Customer support
24/7 phone and email support & video tutorials
24/7 phone and email support & video tutorials
Inventory management
Product variants; assign unique serial numbers; bundling and kitting; Multi-Location Inventory; Vendor Management 
Inventory, specify names, descriptions, and SKUs, bulk import data from a CSV fileAdd New
Integrations
Lightspeed integrates with popular software like QuickBooks, Xero, WooCommerce, Kosmos eSync,  Mailchimp, NexusApps, BigCommerce, Homebase, and many more.
The Clover App Market provides a vast selection of third-party applications that can significantly extend the functionality of the base system, including Time Clock, Pay Bills, Order Paper, etc.
Processing fees
2.6% + $0.10
2.3% to 3.5%, with an additional $0.10 fee per transaction.
Pros
Strong inventory management, many integration capabilities
Sleek hardware, easy-to-ease, convenient app marketplace
Cons
Learning curve, long-term contracts, higher software fees
Can be a little pricier, limited integration options

Lightspeed vs. Clover POS: Quick Glance

Lightspeed and Clover POS are popular POS systems businesses use for transactions and inventory management.

Lightspeed offers robust features tailored for the retail and hospitality industries. The solution provides detailed sales analytics and inventory tracking, ideal for larger enterprises. 

Conversely, Clover POS focuses on simplicity and flexibility, making it a favorite among small businesses. Clover is also known for its hardware-agnostic system and sleek terminals. The POS software stands out for its sleek design and ease of use and caters to service businesses.

Lightspeed vs. Clover POS: Pricing, Costs, Fees, and Contracts

In the detailed review, we’ll explore their pricing, POS hardware options, integrations, and customer support to help you choose the best fit for your business needs.

Lightspeed POS Pricing

Lightspeed offers different pricing structures depending on whether you run a retail store or a restaurant. All plans come with a processing rate of 2.6% plus a $0.10 fee per transaction, though enterprise retailers requiring a custom solution can negotiate for potentially lower rates. 

Lightspeed Retail Pricing POS Plans

Lightspeed Retail is designed for apparel, jewelry, sporting goods, toys, vape, multi-store, bike, CBD, electronics, gift stores, and furniture stores. Its pricing structure accommodates businesses of various sizes through its three unique plans:

Basic

Core

Plus

Basic

$109/mo

For small businesses or startups needing basic retail POS functionalities

Inventory management for tracking products

Basic reporting tools to monitor sales and performance

Free onboarding session to assist in the setup

Access supplier catalogs

Core

$179/mo

For growing retailers with moderate inventory and reporting needs

Advanced reporting and analytics

Mobile scanner app

Lightspeed Live app

Mobile scanner app

Advanced sales, staff, and inventory reports

Accounting, eCommerce, and marketing integrations

Plus

$339/mo

For medium to large retailers requiring advanced inventory and customer management, complex functionality, and multi-location management

Personalized onboarding and training

Integrated forecasting

Raw API access

Lightspeed Restaurant Pricing POS Plans

Lightspeed Restaurant POS caters to hospitality businesses, including cafes, quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, hotels, and fine dining establishments. There are four unique plans for restuarants:

Starter

Essential

Premium

Enterprise

Starter

$69/mo

For cafes, bakeries, and other quick-service restaurants that require basic table service

Customizable POS

Menu manager

Floor plans

Multiple order printers

Modifiers

Advanced Insights

Integrated payments

Take out and delivery

Essential

$189/mo

For small cafes and single-location restaurants that need more inventory control

Basic order and table management

Order and pay at table

Lightspeed Live app

Online ordering

Key performance report

Slow and top sellers

Lightspeed Pulse mobile app

Premium

$399/mo

For growing restaurants that need more substantial management capabilities

Multiple revenue center support for hotels

Custom processing rates available

Raw API access

Enterprise

Customized pricing

For high-volume restaurants and multi-location establishments

Multi-location management for seamless operation across sites

Advanced POS analytics and customer insights

Full suite of integrations for payroll, inventory, and customer loyalty

Personalized software and hardware package

Unlimited launch and consultation services

Clover POS Pricing

Clover POS is a popular point of sale system designed for various businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and service-based companies. It offers flexible pricing plans tailored to different business needs and sizes.

Pricing typically includes a monthly software subscription fee, which varies depending on the selected plan and features. Additionally, upfront costs may apply for hardware, such as the Clover station or mobile devices, depending on the business’s specific requirements.

Clover POS provides transparent pricing information on its website, allowing potential customers to explore and compare the available plans to find the best fit for their operations. Across all plans, the processing rates range from 2.3% to 3.5%, with an additional $0.10 fee per transaction.

Software Plans and Pricing by Industry

Retail Pricing

Starter

Standard

Advanced

Monthly Cost

$349/mo or bundled at $16/mo for 36 months with hardware. Starting at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions, 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions; Compact terminal system with 3.6″ screen

Best For

Small retail shops with minimal inventory needs

Key Features

• Basic payment acceptance
• Sales tracking
• Limited access to App Market

Monthly Cost

$1,899 + $84.95/mo or $180/mo bundled with hardware for 36 months;

Best For

Growing restaurants that need more substantial management capabilities

Key Features

• Enhanced inventory management, Station Duo – 14″ merchant-facing POS with 8″ customer screen
• item or order-level discounts
• real-time sales tracking

Monthly Cost

$2,648 + $104.90/mo or $240/mo bundled with hardware for 36 months; Starting at 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Large retail with complex inventory and reporting needs

Key Features

• Advanced reporting
•Weight scale integration
• Station Duo +; 14″ and 8″ countertop displays
• Unlimited launch and consultation services

Full-Service Dining

Starter

Standard

Advanced

Monthly Cost

$1,799 + $89.95 or $179/month for 36 months with hardware. Starting at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions; Compact terminal system with 3.6″ screen

Best For

Small retail shops with minimal inventory needs

Key Features

• Online ordering
• Order management
• Limited access to App Market

Monthly Cost

$2,548 + $109.90/mo or $239/month for 36 months with hardware; Station Duo – 14″ merchant-facing POS with 8″ customer screen

Best For

Growing restaurants that need more substantial management capabilities

Key Features

• Flex – Handheld POS with an 8-hour battery life and built-in receipt printer
• Table mapping, bill splitting, pick-up, and delivery order types
• Employee management

Monthly Cost

$4,447 + $129.85/mo or $354/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Large or multi-location restaurants

Key Features

•multi-location support
•Advanced POS analytics
•custom integrations

Quick-Service Dining

Starter

Standard

Advanced

Monthly Cost

$849+ $89.95/mo or bundled at $135/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions;

Best For

Cafes, food trucks, or bakeries

Key Features

• Quick order processing
• Online ordering
• Basic inventory

Monthly Cost

$1,899 + $89.95/mo or $185/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Growing quick-service businesses

Key Features

• Order modifiers
• Employee scheduling
• Customer loyalty

Monthly Cost

$2,648 + $109.90/mo or $245/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

High-volume quick-service restaurants

Key Features

• Kitchen printer integration
• Advanced POS analytics and customer insights
•Weight scale integration

Professional Services

Starter

Standard

Advanced

Monthly Cost

$0+ $29.95/mo; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions;

Best For

Freelancers or mobile businesses with minimal hardware needs

Key Features

• Virtual terminal
• Optional Clover Go ($49) or use the existing device with the Clover app
• Basic reporting

Monthly Cost

$749+ $84.95/mo or bundled at $125/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Salons, gyms, or contractors needing scheduling tools

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling
• inventory tracking
• Clover Mini

Monthly Cost

$1,799 + $84.95/mo or $174/month for 36 months with hardware; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions;

Best For

Larger service businesses with complex operations

Key Features

• Station Duo
• Advanced client management
• Multi-device support

Home/Field Services

Starter

Standard

Advanced

Monthly Cost

$0+ $29.95/mo, 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Freelancers or mobile businesses with minimal hardware needs

Key Features

• Virtual terminal
• Optional Clover Go ($49) or use the existing device with the Clover app
• Basic reporting

Monthly Cost

$199+ $29.95/mo; Starting at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Salons, gyms, or contractors needing scheduling tools

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling
• Go-Phone paired mobile card reader
• App Market Access

Monthly Cost

$749+ $84.95/mo or $125/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions.

Best For

Larger service businesses with complex operations

Key Features

• Advanced client management
•Flex – Handheld POS
• Multi-device support

Personal Services

Starter

Standard

Advanced

Monthly Cost

$349 or $16/mo for 36 months; 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Freelancers or mobile businesses with minimal hardware needs

Key Features

• Virtual terminal
• Optional Clover Go ($49) or use the existing device with the Clover app
• PayPal and Venmo

Monthly Cost

$849+ $84.95/mo or bundled at $130/month for 36 months with hardware; 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Salons, gyms, or contractors needing scheduling tools

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling
• App Market access
• Clover Mini

Monthly Cost

$1,899 + $84.95/mo or $180/month for 36 months with hardware; 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions

Best For

Larger service businesses with complex operations

Key Features

• Station Duo
•Advanced client management
• multi-device support

Lightspeed vs. Clover POS: Hardware 

Deciding on a POS system involves both software and hardware. Let’s examine how Lightspeed and Clover POS compare in terms of hardware offerings.

Lightspeed POS Hardware Pricing

image of lightspeed hardware

Lightspeed sells a wide range of equipment, including cash drawers, receipt printers, Bluetooth scanners, a Lightspeed iPad stand, and receipt paper.

You’ll notice some overlap across their hardware offerings, so check each item’s operating system and software compatibility before purchasing. The prices of some of Lightspeed POS’s hardware options are listed below:

Lightspeed Stands

The POS hardware stand is a physical device that securely positions a POS, like a tablet or terminal, at a checkout counter. Below are a few of the stands that Lightspeed offers:

1. Lightspeed Stand for iPad

Lightspeed’s $169 hardware stand features a sleek design with a stable metal base, a magnetic swivel for customer interaction, and compatibility with iPad 10th gen, Air 5th gen, and Pro 11″ 5th/6th gen. It includes a USB-C cable.

Image showing an example of  Lightspeed Stand for iPad.

2. Lightspeed Stand with Payments

This $199 iPad stand features a stable base and card reader enclosure, making it ideal for POS setups. It fits the 10.2″ iPad and is compatible with 7th, 8th, and 9th-generation models.

Image showing the Lightspeed Stand with Payments

3. Universal Stand for Tablets

The Universal Tablet Stand costs $89 and features a swivel base for customer-facing displays, quick tablet removal for portability, and clear Lightspeed branding. It includes a 180º USB-C cable and supports tablets from 7 to 13 inches.

Image illustrating an example of  Lightspeed Stand for tablets.


Lightspeed Terminals

The POS terminal is the hardware that lets merchants process payments. Modern POS terminals range from smartphones with plugged-in card readers to countertop terminals that print receipts, scan bar codes, and more. Here’s what Lightspeed offers:

1. Smart Terminal with Printer, Hospitality

A sleek terminal for processing transactions in hospitality settings, with an integrated printer for receipts. This smart terminal with a printer costs $399.

Image displaying the Smart Terminal with built-in Printer, for Lightspeed Hospitality


2. Smart Terminal, Retail

This $329.00 countertop reader connects to Lightspeed Payments via the internet. It’s built for a casual retail checkout experience.

Image displaying the Smart Terminal for Retail with tap-to-pay feature and no built-in printer

3. Mobile Terminal

This Verifone Mobile Terminal costs $399 and pairs with Lightspeed Hospitality and Golf. It features a quick processor and a touchscreen, making it easy for customers to pay from anywhere.

Image displaying the Veriforne Mobile Terminal, which features a manual keypad

4. Smart Terminal; Hospitality (US)

The AMS1 Smart Terminal is an all-in-one payment terminal that promotes fast and mobile payments. It’s handheld and portable, making it easy for Lightspeed users to take payments on the go.

Image displaying the Smart Terminal used for Lightspeed Hospitality

Lightspeed Barcode Scanners

A barcode scanner is a device — typically handheld — that reads barcodes and sends data to a computer. It’s used alongside a POS system for inventory management and asset tracking. Here are some of Lightspeed’s barcode scanners:

1. Lightspeed Bluetooth Barcode Scanner

The Bluetooth Barcode Scanner costs $399. It pairs seamlessly with Lightspeed Golf and Retail. The device is small, lightweight, and equipped with continuous scanning capabilities.

Image displaying the Lightspeed Bluetooth Barcode Scanner

2. USB Barcode Scanner with Stand

The USB Barcode Scanner with Stand (Zebra DS2208) costs $149. It can scan all barcodes, gift cards, and driver’s licenses. Because of the stand, users can enjoy hands-free scanning capabilities.

Image displaying the USB Barcode Scanner with stand and cord.

Lightspeed Miscellaneous Hardware

There’s a whole array of lesser-known hardware that goes into a POS system. Learn about some of the miscellaneous hardware that Lightspeed offers:

1. Lightspeed Kitchen Bumpbar

This Lightspeed Kitchen Bumpbar costs $199. It is used to control the Lightspeed Kitchen display. The Bumpbar features keys for moving tickets to the next or previous cooking state, ticket number selection, ticket cancellation, and more.

Image displaying the touchscreen Lightspeed Kitchen Bumpbar

2. Mobile Tap (v2, Hospitality)

The $49 Mobile Tap is a compact Bluetooth card reader for iPad and Lightspeed Payments, supporting swipe, EMV, and tap-to-pay transactions.

Image displaying the Lightspeed v2 tap bluetooth card reader


3. Lightspeed 16″ Cash Drawer (APG Minota)

This Lightspeed cash drawer costs $129. It is durable, has ample space for organizing bills and coins, and is compatible with most POS systems.

Image displaying the metal Lightspeed 16" cash drawer

4. Lightspeed Lite Server

The Lightspeed Lite Server is featured within Lightspeed Lite’s networking hardware, coming in at $429. The Lite server maintains a local database and connectivity, continually backing up user data to Lightspeed servers. During an internet outage, users can continue essential business without disruption.

Image displaying the Lightspeed Lite Server

5. All-In-One Receipt Printer (TM30 Gen 3)

Lightspeed’s All-In-One Receipt Printer is a TM-M3III thermal receipt printer compatible with Lightspeed’s X-Series, R-Series, K-Series, and L-Series products. It offers a range of connectivity options: USB, Ethernet, Dual WiFi, and Bluetooth.

Image displaying the Lightspeed all-in-one receipt printer.

Clover POS Hardware Pricing

Clover’s proprietary hardware is required for in-person payments. It’s considered one You can pay upfront or opt for a payment plan (typically 36 months). Key options of Clover’s hardware include:

Clover Go: $199 (mobile card reader for swipe, dip, tap)

Image showing an example of Clover Go

Clover Flex: $749 or $40/mo (handheld POS with receipt printer, scanner)

Image showing an example of Clover Flex

Clover Mini: $849 or $45/mo (compact countertop POS with an 8-inch touchscreen)

Image showing an example of Clover Mini

Clover Station Solo: $1,799 or $174/mo (14-inch touchscreen, cash drawer, printer)

Image showing an example of Clover Station Solo

Clover Station Duo: $1,899 or $180/mo  (adds 8-inch customer-facing screen)

Image showing an example of Clover Station Duo

Clover Flex Pocket: $699 or $35/mo (handheld POS device made of durable plastic and a touchscreen interface)​

Image showing an example of Clover Flex Pocket

Clover Kiosk: $3,499 + $34.95/mo per device (24″ touchscreen with anti-glare glass, built-in printer)

Image showing an example of Clover kiosk

Clover Kitchen Display System:  Available in 14″ and 24.” KDS 24” is $899 + $25/mo per device; KDS 14” is $799 + $25/mo per device

Image showing an example of Clover Kitchen Display System

Clover offers a range of hardware options to suit different business needs and budgets. The hardware pricing typically involves an upfront cost for the devices, which can vary based on the specific models and capabilities

Lightspeed vs. Clover POS: Software Features

Features are critical considerations for your business when picking a POS system. Both Lightspeed and Clover offer robust feature sets to streamline operations. Lightspeed provides advanced inventory management, eCommerce POS integration, and analytics tools.

Clover, on the other hand, excels in customer engagement features like reward programs and online ordering. Depending on your specific business needs, one system may align better than the other regarding features.

Lightspeed POS Features

Here’s a breakdown of its most outstanding features, offering a deeper understanding of its capabilities specific to different business models:

For Restaurants:

  • Unified takeout & delivery: Manage takeout orders seamlessly with tools for pickup coordination and integrations with popular delivery services.
  • Flexible bill splitting: Offer options for splitting bills by diner, course, or individual item.
  • Unified takeout & delivery: Manage takeout orders seamlessly with tools for pickup coordination and integrations with popular delivery services.
  • Kitchen management system (KMS): Clover offers a robust KMS (optional add-on) that allows you to streamline kitchen operations.

For Retailers:

  • Customer engagement tools: Clover offers built-in tools to boost customer engagement. These include loyalty programs, targeted promotions based on purchase history, and digital receipts with surveys or special offers.
  • Multi-variant products: Efficiently manage product variations (size, color, etc.). Track stock levels for each variant and optimize purchasing based on granular data.
  • Purchase order management: Generate automated purchase orders based on pre-set reorder points and real-time inventory levels. This eliminates manual ordering tasks and reduces stockouts.
  • Advanced inventory reporting: Go beyond basic stock reports. Analyze trends in demand, identify slow-moving items, and optimize pricing strategies with in-depth inventory insights.

Clover POS Features

For Restaurant 

  • Time tracking and payroll integration: Clover integrates with payroll services, simplifying the process by automatically capturing employee hours worked based on login and logout times.
  • Order modifiers and upselling: Create modifiers that can be easily added to existing menu items.
  • Table management tools: Clover allows for splitting checks easily, accommodating large groups or diners with separate bills.
  • Course firing: Take control of order flow. Prioritize dishes by course (appetizers, entrees, desserts), ensuring a smooth dining experience and preventing kitchen bottlenecks.

For Retail 

  • CRM integration: Integrate Clover with a CRM system to gain a 360-degree view of your customers. Track purchase history, preferences, and buying habits, allowing you to tailor recommendations and improve customer retention.
  • App marketplace & third-party integrations: The Clover App Market offers a vast selection of third-party apps that integrate seamlessly with the POS system. These apps cater to various needs, including accounting, marketing, delivery services, and CRM.
  • Gift cards & loyalty programs: Design and manage custom gift cards and loyalty programs that incentivize repeat business. Clover offers features like points-based rewards, tiered loyalty programs, and birthday promotions to keep customers engaged.

For Service-Based Businesses

  • Virtual terminal: Clover Virtual Terminal gives you the flexibility and convenience of processing payments and refunds. You only have to log into your Clover Web Dashboard from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and you’re ready for business anytime and anywhere.
  • eCommerce solutions: This feature of Clover POS helps you accept orders, take payments, create a webstore, or enable online appointment bookings. You can manage your sales channels in one dashboard accessible on the web or mobile.

Lightspeed vs. Clover POS: Ease of Use 

Let’s compare Lightspeed and Clover in terms of ease of use.

Clover boasts a user-friendly interface, making it great for beginners. Lightspeed offers more features but is a bit more complex to learn.

We’ll weigh the pros and cons to help you pick the system that gets you ringing up sales in no time.

Lightspeed POS Usability

Lightspeed POS leans more towards functionality than immediate ease of use. Here’s what to expect:

  • Learning curve: Lightspeed offers a wider range of features and customization options than Clover. This depth can initially make it feel more complex, especially for those new to POS systems.
  • Industry-specific features: Lightspeed caters to various industries, which can be a plus if it aligns with your business. However, these specialized features might add to the initial learning curve if not directly relevant to your needs.
  • Training resources: Lightspeed offers tutorials and guides to help users navigate the system. While these may be helpful, they require time investment to get entirely comfortable.

Despite the initial learning hurdle, Lightspeed users often find the system becomes intuitive after familiarization. However, if getting your staff up to speed quickly is a priority, Clover might be a better fit.

Clover POS Usability

Clover POS is designed with user-friendliness and ease of use in mind. Some key aspects of Clover POS usability include:

  • Intuitive interface: The layout is designed to be simple, with clear icons and minimal clutter. This reduces training time for new employees and makes it easy for anyone to jump in and start processing sales.
  • Minimal setup: Getting started with Clover is generally quick and painless. The hardware is designed to be plug-and-play, and the software walks you through the initial configuration steps.
  • App marketplace: While the core functionality is user-friendly, Clover offers additional features through its App Market. These apps can add complexity, but they are typically designed to be easy to integrate and use within the Clover ecosystem.

Overall, Clover is a strong choice for businesses prioritizing user-friendliness and a smooth learning curve for their staff. However, occasional system disruptions like the Clover POS outage, highlight the importance of considering backup solutions to ensure business continuity. Clover, compared to Shopify POS, offers better offline functionality, ensuring smooth operations even during internet outages.

Lightspeed vs. Clover POS: Strengths and Weaknesses

Feature
Lightspeed POS
Clover POS
    • Strenghts
      • Powerful inventory management with features like matrix variations and purchase orders.  
      • Scalability for businesses with multiple locations. 
      • Industry-specific features like restaurants, sporting goods and apparel stores.
        • User-friendly interface with a focus on simplicity, ideal for beginners. 
        • App marketplace to add features and integrations specific to your business. 
          • Weakness 
            • Steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature. 
            • Pricing can be complex and not always transparent. 
              • Lacks the depth of inventory management features compared to Lightspeed. 
              • May not be ideal for complex businesses requiring extensive customization. 

              Pros of Lightspeed and Clover POS

              Pros of Lightspeed

              • ​​Inventory management: Lightspeed offers robust inventory management capabilities, including stock level tracking, purchase order creation, and automatic reordering. 
              • Scalability: Lightspeed is a scalable system that can grow with your business. Whether you’re a small startup or a larger company with multiple locations, Lightspeed can accommodate your needs.
              • Customizable interface: The software has a highly customizable interface that can be tailored to match different businesses’ specific needs and workflows. Users can create custom menus, button layouts, and product categories, ensuring a streamlined and efficient checkout process.

              See our full Lightspeed POS review.

              Pros of Clover

              • Variety of hardware options: Unlike some POS systems, Clover offers a variety of hardware options to suit different business needs and budgets. These include mobile POS systems like Clover Flex for on-the-go transactions, countertop stations for traditional checkout setups, and even self-service kiosks.
              • App marketplace: Clover offers a robust App Market with a wide selection of third-party applications that can extend the functionality of the base system.
              • Cloud-Based System: Clover POS is a cloud-based POS system, which means that data is stored and accessed remotely, eliminating the need for on-site servers or complex IT infrastructure.

              Cons of Lightspeed and Clover POS

              Cons of Lightspeed

              • Poor customer service: Some customers experienced a nightmare with Lightspeed’s customer service. They mentioned that the support team was unhelpful, and their onboarding person was non-communicative, making it difficult to get the POS system up and running.
              • Risk of chargebacks without merchandise return: A Lightspeed user mentioned that Lightspeed’s merchant services allow debit card chargebacks to proceed without requiring merchandise return. This poses a significant risk to businesses, as they may lose both the merchandise and the payment, leading to potential financial losses.
              • Vendor lock-in: Clover hardware is locked to the processor from which you purchase it. If you switch providers, you’ll likely need new hardware, adding another layer of cost.

              Cons of Clover POS

              • Cost: Clover POS systems and software plans can be expensive, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. The hardware, software subscriptions, and payment processing fees can add up quickly.
              • Contract and early termination fees: Clover typically requires merchants to sign long-term contracts, and early termination of these contracts can result in hefty fees.
              • Limited integration options: While Clover offers some integrations with third-party apps and services, the selection may be more restricted than other POS platforms.

              Lightspeed vs. Clover POS POS Alternatives

              When comparing Lightspeed vs Clover POS and considering alternatives, KORONA POS emerges as a viable option that addresses some of the potential drawbacks of these systems. Here’s how KORONA POS excels in areas that Lightspeed and Clover POS don’t:

              Payment processing flexibility

              KORONA POS is processing-agnostic, which means it can integrate with various payment processors. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the payment processor that best suits their needs and avoids being locked into a specific processor, which can be a limitation with some POS systems.

              Are payment processors
              giving you trouble?

              We won’t. KORONA POS is not a payment processor, so we’ll always find the best payment provider for your business’s needs.

              Specialized for high-risk retail businesses

              KORONA POS is designed to cater to the unique needs of high-risk retail businesses, such as liquor stores, vape shops, convenience stores, CBD retailers, and smoke shops. These businesses often face challenges finding suitable POS solutions due to their industry-specific requirements and compliance regulations. KORONA POS understands and accommodates these needs, providing a tailored experience for these businesses.

              Scalability and customization

              Unlike some retail POS systems, which may be limited in scalability or customization, KORONA POS offers businesses the flexibility to grow and adapt to their changing needs. With its customizable features and ability to integrate with various third-party applications, KORONA POS can evolve alongside your business, ensuring a seamless and efficient operation as your requirements change.

              Industry-specific features

              KORONA POS has been developed with a deep understanding of the high-risk retail industry, incorporating features and functionalities specific to these businesses. This includes age verification, inventory management for controlled substances, and compliance with relevant regulations, which may not be readily available in more generic POS solutions.

              By addressing the limitations of payment processing flexibility, industry specialization, scalability, and customization, KORONA POS presents itself as a compelling alternative to Lightspeed and Clover POS for businesses operating in the high-risk retail sector. Its processing-agnostic nature, tailored features, and ability to adapt to changing business needs make it a viable choice for these types of businesses.

              Schedule a KORONA POS Demo!

              Speak with a product specialist and learn how KORONA POS can power your business.

              Frequently Asked Questions: Lightspeed vs. Clover POS POS

              1. Is Lightspeed compatible with Clover?

              Yes, Lightspeed and Clover are somewhat compatible. Lightspeed Retail can be used with Clover Mini devices for payment processing, and some cash drawers are compatible with both systems.

              2. What is Lightspeed Best For?

              Lightspeed operates in two main verticals: retail and restaurants. It supports a wide range of retail businesses, from clothing and gift shops to electronics and sporting goods stores.

              3. Is Lightspeed a good brand?

              Lightspeed POS is a good brand with robust features. However, some users report that customer support can be lacking, which may be a consideration for potential buyers.

              4. Which is better, Shopify or Lightspeed?

              Choosing between Shopify and Lightspeed depends on your business needs: Shopify excels in eCommerce integration, while Lightspeed offers robust in-store features. For high-risk businesses like liquor, smoke, CBD, convenience, and vape shops, KORONA POS is a great alternative, being processing-agnostic and tailored to these industries.

              Conclusion 

              Lightspeed shines with its robust inventory management capabilities, scalability, and extensive integration options, making it an excellent choice for growing businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors.

              However, its feature-rich interface can come with a steeper learning curve. On the other hand, Clover’s user-friendly approach, sleek hardware options, and thriving app marketplace cater well to businesses prioritizing simplicity and mobility. 

              While Clover may have higher upfront costs and limited integration options, its ease of use appeals to those seeking a more streamlined POS experience.

              Ultimately, your decision should align with your business needs, prioritizing either Lightspeed’s depth of features or Clover’s accessibility and hardware elegance. And click below to learn more about how KORONA POS can help transform your business.

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              Written By

              Martial A.

              Passionate about SEO and Content Marketing. Martial also writes about retail trends and tips for KORONA POS. He loves NBA games and is a big fan of the Golden State Warriors.