---
description: Compare Lightspeed Retail vs Windward System Five for South African businesses. GetApp provides a side-by-side comparison with details on software price, features and reviews.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png
title: Compare Lightspeed Retail vs Windward System Five | GetApp South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Shopping Cart Software](/directory/97/shopping-cart/software) > [Lightspeed Retail \<span\>vs\</span\> Windward System Five](https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/91305/126359/lightspeed-retail/vs/windward-system-five)

# Compare Lightspeed Retail vs Windward System Five

Canonical: https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/91305/126359/lightspeed-retail/vs/windward-system-five

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

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## At a Glance

| Metric | Lightspeed Retail | Windward System Five |
| **Overall rating** | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 975 | 189 |
| **Starting Price** | US$109,00 | US$135,00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | No |
| **Free Version** | No | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Linux (Desktop), Chromebook (Desktop), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Windows (Desktop), Windows (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 | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Key features

### Lightspeed Retail

- API
- Billing & Invoicing
- CRM
- Customer Database
- Customizable Reports
- Discount Management
- Inventory Optimization
- Inventory Replenishment
- Merchandise Management
- Order Processing
- Order Tracking
- Pricing Management
- Product Catalog
- Real-Time Data
- Real-Time Reporting
- Reorder Management
- Returns Management
- Stock Management
- Supplier Management
- eCommerce Management

### Windward System Five

- API
- Billing & Invoicing
- CRM
- Customer Database
- Customizable Reports
- Discount Management
- Inventory Optimization
- Inventory Replenishment
- Merchandise Management
- Order Processing
- Order Tracking
- Pricing Management
- Product Catalog
- Real-Time Data
- Real-Time Reporting
- Reorder Management
- Returns Management
- Stock Management
- Supplier Management
- eCommerce Management

## Links

- [View Lightspeed Retail Profile](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/91305/lightspeed-retail)
- [View Windward System Five Profile](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/126359/windward-system-five)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/91305/126359/lightspeed-retail/vs/windward-system-five)

-----

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