Head to head · prices checked October 17, 2026
SmartPOS vs Lightspeed: which fits your shop?
Lightspeed sells retail, restaurant and golf POS systems with strong inventory and multi-store tools, aimed at growing businesses. Here is how it compares with SmartPOS on price, payments, trade features, languages and countries, including where Lightspeed is the better choice.
Lightspeed · list prices (USD)
Sources: CostBench: Lightspeed Retail pricing 2026; NerdWallet: Lightspeed Retail POS review 2026. Third-party reported figures; check Lightspeed's own site.
SmartPOS · published prices
Per location. Prices for your selected country; see pricing.
The short verdict
Best known for retailers with large, complex catalogues and several stores. SmartPOS is the better fit if you want to keep your own card processor, need your trade's features in one plan, sell in the UAE or Pakistan, or need staff and receipts in languages like Arabic, Urdu or Vietnamese. If none of those apply and you are happy with Lightspeed, stay.
Side by side
| Topic | Lightspeed | SmartPOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price level | Higher entry price; reviewers report different figures | Published per-location prices from POS Essentials |
| Trade editions | Retail, restaurant and golf products | 21 trade editions |
| Payments | Lightspeed Payments, with other options in some regions | Works with your own card processor; no payment lock-in |
| Countries | Many countries | Sold in the USA, UAE and Pakistan, priced in USD, AED and PKR |
| Languages | Several European languages | Interface and receipts in your language, including Arabic and Urdu right to left |
| Website + CRM | Ecommerce available | POS + managed website + GoHighLevel snapshot on one bill |
Where Lightspeed is stronger
- Advanced inventory and purchasing for big catalogues
- Multi-store and ecommerce built in
- Mature reporting
Stay with Lightspeed if…
- You run a large multi-store retailer and use Lightspeed's advanced inventory
- You depend on its ecommerce and reporting at scale
Choose SmartPOS if…
- Your shop is small and the price feels built for bigger retailers
- You want a trade edition (salon, garage, car wash) rather than general retail
- Your staff need Arabic, Urdu or Asian languages
- You sell in Pakistan
If you switch
Editions to look at instead of Lightspeed
General Retail EditionInventory, barcode labels and multi-store stock for any shop.from $29AED 99Rs 2,999/mo
Boutique EditionSizes and colours as one product, and your catalogue online automatically.from $35AED 119Rs 3,499/mo
Hardware Store EditionTens of thousands of SKUs and contractor accounts on credit.from $45AED 159Rs 4,499/mo
Jewelry EditionSerialised pieces, repairs and layaway.from $49AED 169Rs 4,999/mo
Already decided to leave Lightspeed? Read the alternative guide · How switching works · Savings calculator
FAQ · 6
SmartPOS vs Lightspeed: questions
-
01Is SmartPOS as strong as Lightspeed on inventory?
For small and mid-size shops, SmartPOS covers stock by location, variants, lots, expiry, units, purchase orders, transfers and stock alerts. Lightspeed goes further for large multi-store retailers.
-
02Is SmartPOS cheaper than Lightspeed?
SmartPOS POS Essentials and Growth are published below the Lightspeed prices reviewers report; check both on the date you compare.
-
03Can SmartPOS handle 20,000 products?
Yes. Large catalogues import from a spreadsheet and search stays fast.
-
04Does SmartPOS sync with an online store?
Every plan includes an online store from your catalogue; WooCommerce sync is built in.
-
05Can I run several stores?
Yes. Locations share a catalogue with separate stock and transfers.
-
06Can I move my Lightspeed catalogue?
Yes. Export products to a spreadsheet and import them.
-
No question matches that. Ask us directly and we will answer within business hours.
Ask a question
Compare it on your own counter, free for 14 days.
Run SmartPOS next to Lightspeed on a spare tablet before you decide. No card, no contract.
