In the evolving retail landscape, choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system can directly impact your business efficiency and customer experience. Shopify offers two POS options — Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro — each tailored to different business needs.
In this article, we’ll compare Shopify POS Lite vs Pro in terms of features, pricing, use cases, and more, helping you choose the best fit for your retail operations.
What Is Shopify POS Lite?
Shopify POS Lite is included with every Shopify plan at no additional cost. It’s designed for merchants who occasionally sell in person, such as at pop-up shops, markets, or local events.
Key Features of Shopify POS Lite:
- Accepts in-person payments using Shopify Payments
- Synchronizes online and offline inventory
- Manages orders and customers from a unified dashboard
- Basic reporting and analytics
- Discount and gift card support
Best For:
- Online-first businesses with occasional in-person sales
- Startups and small vendors
- Merchants testing physical retail before scaling
What Is Shopify POS Pro?
Shopify POS Pro is an advanced POS solution built for brick-and-mortar stores and omnichannel retailers. It’s a paid add-on that enhances Shopify’s core functionality with robust retail features.
Key Features of Shopify POS Pro:
- Unlimited registers per location
- Smart inventory management with in-depth tracking
- Staff roles and permissions
- In-store pickup and local delivery options
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Omnichannel sales tools (e.g., ship-to-customer from store)
- Custom receipts and printed barcode labels
Best For:
- Physical retail stores and chains
- High-volume sellers needing multiple registers and staff roles
- Businesses that prioritize customer experience and operational efficiency
Shopify POS Lite vs Pro: Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | POS Lite | POS Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (with Shopify subscription) | $89/month per location |
| Inventory Management | Basic | Smart inventory with stock transfers |
| Staff Management | Basic (no permissions) | Custom roles & permissions |
| Omnichannel Capabilities | Limited | Full support for BOPIS & ship-to-home |
| Advanced Reports | No | Yes |
| Customer Profiles | Yes | Enhanced with in-store purchase history |
| Hardware Support | Basic Shopify hardware | Full hardware suite |
Pricing Overview
- POS Lite: $0 (included in all Shopify plans)
- POS Pro: $89/month per location (on top of your Shopify plan)
Tip: Shopify often offers trials or seasonal discounts on POS Pro. It’s worth testing during a peak sales period to see its full value.
When Should You Upgrade to Shopify POS Pro?
Consider upgrading to Shopify POS Pro if:
- You run a physical storefront with steady foot traffic.
- You manage multiple retail locations.
- You need staff permissions, inventory transfers, or advanced reporting.
- You want a frictionless omnichannel experience across online and offline touchpoints.
If your sales are primarily online or occur occasionally at in-person events, POS Lite may be sufficient.
Alternatives to Shopify POS Pro
If you’re looking for more customization, integration options, or are facing cost constraints, Shopify POS Pro might not be your only choice. Popular alternatives include:
- ConnectPOS – Built for omnichannel retailers with Magento, BigCommerce, and Shopify integrations. Offers real-time sync and customizable POS setups.
- Square POS – A free, user-friendly alternative ideal for small businesses.
- Lightspeed POS – Designed for complex retail operations with robust reporting and multi-store support.
Final Thoughts
The choice between Shopify POS Lite and Pro depends on your retail complexity, sales volume, and business goals. POS Lite is great for businesses just starting with in-person selling, while POS Pro is a powerful upgrade for scaling operations and providing a seamless omnichannel experience.
If you’re unsure, consider starting with Lite and upgrading to Pro as your business grows. And don’t forget to explore alternatives like ConnectPOS if you need deeper customization or broader platform compatibility.
