Octopus POS vs. Heartland Retail

Looking for Point of Sale software? Here's how Octopus POS and Heartland Retail stack up.

Mark Hammersley

Mark Hammersley

Last updated 8o October 2020


Octopus POS

3.3  Stackupp rating


Pricing from

$ 49.00 / month

Free Plan?

Trial


Best for

smaller retailers because it has relatively well-priced subscription options. Partnerships with enterprises like Asus and JD.com also seem to indicate that custom plans are also a viable option for larger companies.

Heartland Retail

3.9  Stackupp rating


Pricing from

$ 80.00 / month

Free Plan?

No


Best for

retailers of all sizes. A number of packages which cater to different business needs are available.

Octopus POS or Heartland Retail: Which is best?

Can't decide between Octopus POS and Heartland Retail?

Find the best platform for you with our side by side comparison of Octopus POS and Heartland Retail. See how each platform stacks up across ease of use, features, integrations, support and value for money.

Let the comparison begin. Don't worry, we'll guide you.

Is Octopus POS right for you?

Octopus’ flagship product is a point of sale system of which there are two variations - one for retailers and one for restaurants. It’s strictly an iPad system and there aren’t any Android or in-house hardware options supported (if you’re not looking for an iPad system then you’ll need to go with an alternative provider). While the documentation still seems to show that the back-office is run on desktop software, at the time of writing, it looks like Octopus has shifted to a browser-based admin app.

Octopus has everything you would expect from a point-of-sale system, including inventory management tools, unlimited user accounts, an easy-to-use iPad app, limited CRM features, barcode scanning, analytics, and several promotional tools. Octopus also provides a number of “add-ons” (each for an additional cost) so that users can build an ecommerce store, take advantage of advanced analytics, or add more features to their CRM.

There are a few downsides, including limited online documentation, virtually no user community, few integrations, and the requirement to install multiple iOS apps to gain access to all functionality. It looks as though Octopus is still finding its feet as a POS, so it’s very likely that more features will be released as the company grows.

If you are thinking about opting for Octopus, make sure to take advantage of the free trial. Creating a new account is fast and easy.

Advantages

  • Well-priced monthly subscription options with unlimited users.
  • Fully iPad-based system.
  • Option to add additional features like an ecommerce store, advanced CRM and “OctoAnalytics”.

Drawbacks

  • Users are required to install multiple iPad apps to gain access to all functionality.
  • Limited quantity of online support documentation and no user community.
  • No integrations library.

you are looking for a straightforward, well-priced point-of-sale system that runs exclusively on an iPad (with the exception of the browser-based back office). Larger companies should also explore the custom enterprise plan.

Is Heartland Retail right for you?

Heartland Retail is a comprehensive point-of-sale system that is suitable for retailers of all sizes, with cost-effective plans for smaller companies and custom packages for larger enterprises. Custom plans come with an array of high-level features like custom user interface branding, training accounts, and location access controls.

Heartland also puts a lot of emphasis on metrics. It has one of the most in-depth analytics platforms we’ve seen in a point-of-sale system, with real-time data and daily summaries.

Users can also take advantage of robust inventory management and customer relationship management tools, along with a dedicated package of features for retail buyers.

On the negative side, the integrations library is a little sparse and payment processing costs are worked out on a per-user basis.

Advantages

  • Excellent reporting tools.
  • Feature-rich, robust POS system.
  • Suitable for retailers of all sizes.

Drawbacks

  • Limited integrations library.
  • A little pricey when compared to other options on the market.
  • Some features are only available on the higher-tier or custom plans.

you’re looking for a feature-rich, comprehensive point-of-sale solution, irrespective of the size of your business. In particular, users that are eager to take advantage of in-depth reporting functionality will find a lot to like in Heartland POS.

Ease of Use

Our first comparison criteria, ease of use. Why? Because it’s the most important.

Think about it. You don’t want to invest a lot of your precious time setting up an online store and tweaking the design only to find out that it’s a pain in the butt to manage day to day.

We take a look at how simple the Octopus POS and Heartland Retail platforms are to run.

How easy is Octopus POS to use?

Rated 4/5 for Ease of Use

The Octopus iPad app follows a fairly typical “block” format. Once users have logged in, they can access dedicated areas for processing sales, editing products, managing inventory, adding or modifying customer details, and creating reports.

Users should keep in mind that they will need to download separate apps to access the customer-facing display, catalogue (for browsing by customers or corporate clients in-store), and certain barcode scanning features. Users can also download a dedicated app for mobile devices.

The “Food POS” has a similarly straightforward and visually-attractive layout, with sections for managing tables, amending menu items, processing orders, and so on.

What Octopus POS customers are saying...

"This looks like a visually promising app….”
“This looks like a visually promising app….” “We decided to work with Octopus because they offer international support.”
“No import feature means you waste time re-entering your existing products.”

How easy is Heartland Retail to use?

Rated 4/5 for Ease of Use

While the Heartland Retail user interface isn’t the most intuitive we’ve come across, it isn’t difficult-to-use by any means. The main POS dashboard is accessed via an iPad or Android app or via a browser (if you want to use a desktop computer to run your POS).

Both the tablet and desktop interfaces follow a fairly typical design. A top-of-the-screen menu links to dedicated areas for processing sales and payments, reporting, inventory management, customer relationship management, employee permissions, and so on.

Keep in mind that Heartland is best-suited to an iPad or Android tablet set-up. Alternatively, you can run the software using a computer browser. At the time of writing, we are not aware of an offline mode.

What Heartland Retail customers are saying...

"It's mobile and in the cloud so we have access anywhere and anytime."
"Reports are entirely customizable and there are several metrics to choose from."
"It's easy for my seasonal employees to use, but not remarkably more or less than any other POS."
It's a draw!

Octopus POS Features

Rated 3.5/5 for Features

Octopus has a robust package of core features, and both retailers and restaurant managers will find everything they need to run an efficient point-of-sale system. The mid-range “Advanced” package allows for an unlimited number of sales transactions, products, and users.

Subscribers have access to a suite of inventory management, customer relationship management, analytics, and promotional tools. Notable features include credit notes, the option to offer customer-facing terminals, features for consignment and corporate sales, email receipts, employee permissions, stock transfer between outlets, and support for loyalty programs.

Users can also pay extra for “add-on” modules. These optional extras include an advanced analytics engine, ecommerce site-builder, and full customer management platform (CRM).

Keep in mind that integrations are only available on the top-tier enterprise plan.

Heartland Retail Features

Rated 4.5/5 for Features

Heartland doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. It definitely ranks as one of the most feature-rich platforms we’ve reviewed, especially on the analytics and reporting front. It is recommended that Heartland be used with an iPad, but it’s also possible to run the software on an Android tablet (depending on the software version) or through a browser on a desktop computer.

Retailers will have access to an array of tools for managing inventory, organizing vendors and retail buyers, running advanced reports, storing customer details, setting employee permissions, and more.

In regards to the POS system itself, features include email receipts, gift cards and loyalty program discounts, a customer-facing display, and a mobile app.

Finally, enterprise users have access to price lists and customizable products, purchase order allocation, user interface training, training accounts, and the API.

As a slight negative, it’s also worth pointing out that advanced analytics are not available on the lowest-priced “Plus” plan, although limited reporting functionality is included.

Heartland Retail is our winner for features

Octopus POS Integrations

Rated 2.5/5 for Integrations

Octopus doesn’t offer much in the way of integrations. If you want to build a fully-integrated tech stack, there are better solutions on the market (take a look at our reviews of Shopify POS, Clover and Vend). The enterprise package does include “custom integrations”, so it’s worth getting in touch to see if it’s possible to sync with your existing apps if you’re thinking about opting for this plan.

Octopus is best for retailers that are looking for a comprehensive “all in one” solution. It’s possible to supplement the point-of-sale system with an in-house ecommerce platform (for running your own online store), extensive analytics dashboard, and an advanced customer relationship management app (CRM). However, you will have to pay extra for these tools. If this set-up appeals to you, sign up for the free trial to give the software a test drive. If on the other hand, you would prefer to build a fully-connected suite of separate apps, then you should look for an alternative solution.

For larger retailers and restaurant chains, Octopus also offers its own-brand self-service kiosks and a queue management system.

Heartland Retail Integrations

Rated 3/5 for Integrations

When it comes to integrations, Heartland doesn’t perform as well as some other solutions we reviewed. The integrations library isn’t terrible, but there could be a lot more on offer. What’s more, use of some integrations incurs extra costs.
We would like to point out, however, that if you are happy with the broader feature-set of the POS solution and the integrations library does meet your needs, then the limited number of options to sync with third-party apps is unlikely to be an issue. Judging from user reviews, Heartland also seems very responsive to requests for new integrations.

On the ecommerce front, BigCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce are all supported. Sales integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, and Annex Cloud. The main accounting integrations are Quickbooks and Oracle Netsuite. Unfortunately, a connector for Xero isn’t provided.

Another downside with the integrations library is that Heartland isn’t compatible with any “intermediary apps” like Zapier or Kosmos which would provide access to a large range of third-party tools.

Heartland Retail is our winner for integrations

How much do they cost?

Everyone’s favourite topic - pricing. Let's dive in to see if Octopus POS or Heartland Retail offers better value for money.

How much does Octopus POS cost?

Rated 3.5/5 for Pricing

Evaluating value for money is a little difficult for Octopus. The entry-level plan “Basic POS”, which allows for unlimited users, is relatively well-priced at $49/month (with discounts for annual subscribers). Many users, however, will require the mid-range “Advanced POS” package. This is because some features which may be essential, such as advanced promotion tools and analytics, are unavailable on the basic option.

What’s more, add-ons, such as the ecommerce store-builder and customer relationship management platform, will incur extra costs. Information about payment processing is not published online, so you should check fees before subscribing.

How much does Heartland Retail cost?

Rated 4/5 for Pricing

A short introduction to pricing ~100 words Heartland offers three plans. The “Plus” plan is $80/month per register, the “Professional” plan is $160/month per register, and the “”Enterprise” plan is priced on a custom basis. Heartland stipulates that it integrates with a variety of payment processors but doesn’t publish payment fees on its website, so it’s likely that you will be able to use your preferred payment processor but may have to pay additional fees.

While Heartland isn’t as inexpensive as some other solutions we’ve reviewed, it’s important to keep in mind that users are getting access to a pretty extensive feature-set.

We were also pleased to see that most functionality is available on the entry-level plan, with the exception of API access. If you opt for Heartland, you won’t be compelled to move onto a higher plan because certain essential features are lacking.

Heartland Retail is our winner for cost

Help and Support

If things go wrong (and they often do) you need to know someone’s there to help get you back on track. So, how does Octopus POS's and Heartland Retail's support measure up?

How good is Octopus POS support?

Rated 3/5 for Help and Support

Octopus falters a little when it comes to help and support, especially when compared to other brands in the POS space. The online documentation could be more extensive, there is no English-speaking community of users, and customer service is only through support tickets on small business plans.

Enterprise users, on the other hand, will be given a dedicated account manager, personalized support, and access to staff training.

How good is Heartland Retail support?

Rated 4/5 for Help and Support

Heartland offers a solid support package with email and live-chat services available on the basic plan from 8 AM to 9 PM EST. The mid-tier plan also includes phone support, and the enterprise plan has an “Elite” customer service package with a faster response time guaranteed.

Onboarding packages are included on all plans with the option to upgrade for more one-on-one time.

Heartland Retail is our winner for support

The Bottom Line

The final say. Let's wrap up our thoughts on each platform.

Octopus POS: Our Verdict

Octopus isn’t the best solution on the market. But it’s not the worst, either. It offers a straightforward, robust package of features at a reasonable price-point. The ease of signing up for a free trial means that smaller retailers have no reason not to give it a test run. Keep in mind that, apart from the back-office, Octopus is run exclusively on iPads.

We recommend that larger retailers and restaurant chains book a demo to explore what’s on offer as part of the enterprise package. A number of features, such as corporate sales tools, advanced analytics, and assignment of a dedicated account manager, may make it an attractive proposition.

Heartland Retail: Our Verdict

Heartland Retail is one of those rare beasts - a point-of-sale solution that is genuinely suitable for retailers of all sizes, from mom-and-pop stores to enterprise chains.

It has an excellent set of features, one of the best analytics dashboards we’ve seen, and is reasonably priced. While there are cheaper alternatives available, it’s unlikely that you’ll have access to the same number of features.

The support package is also excellent, with onboarding and data-migration options for new users.

The one big downside is the limited integrations library, so be sure to check that you have access to all the connectors you require before subscribing.

Overall, we found Heartland Retail to be the better Point of Sale platform.

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