---
description: Learn what are the benefits of Lightspeed Retail vs Instore for the UK businesses. Our free platform provides a detailed side-by-side comparison that will help you learn more about each of these software.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png
title: Compare Lightspeed Retail vs Instore | GetApp UK 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Inventory Control Software](/directory/773/inventory-control/software) > [Lightspeed Retail \<span\>vs\</span\> Instore](https://www.getapp.co.uk/compare/91305/114361/lightspeed-retail/vs/instore)

# Compare Lightspeed Retail vs Instore

Canonical: https://www.getapp.co.uk/compare/91305/114361/lightspeed-retail/vs/instore

> Detailed comparison between Lightspeed Retail and Instore. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | Lightspeed Retail | Instore |
| **Overall rating** | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 975 | 37 |
| **Starting Price** | £109.00 | US$39.00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | Yes |
| **Free Version** | No | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Linux (Desktop), Chromebook (Desktop), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise) |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Chat | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep) |
| **Training** | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Key features

### Lightspeed Retail

- Access Controls/Permissions
- Barcode Recognition
- Barcode/Ticket Scanning
- Credit Card Processing
- Discount Management
- Employee Management
- For Retail
- Gift Card Management
- Inventory Management
- Inventory Tracking
- Loyalty Program
- Multi-Location
- Order Management
- Payment Processing
- Point of Sale (POS)
- Pricing Management
- Real-Time Reporting
- Reporting & Statistics
- Retail POS
- Sales Reports

### Instore

- Access Controls/Permissions
- Barcode Recognition
- Barcode/Ticket Scanning
- Credit Card Processing
- Discount Management
- Employee Management
- For Retail
- Gift Card Management
- Inventory Management
- Inventory Tracking
- Loyalty Program
- Multi-Location
- Order Management
- Payment Processing
- Point of Sale (POS)
- Real-Time Reporting
- Reporting & Statistics
- Retail POS
- Sales Reports

## Links

- [View Lightspeed Retail Profile](https://www.getapp.co.uk/software/91305/lightspeed-retail)
- [View Instore Profile](https://www.getapp.co.uk/software/114361/instore)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.getapp.co.uk/compare/91305/114361/lightspeed-retail/vs/instore)

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