Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for cafes with order management, payments, inventory, and analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and loyalty tools for small cafes.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Robust POS platform offering advanced inventory, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS optimized for quick-service cafes with real-time reporting and integrations.
- 5#5: Clover - Versatile POS hardware and software with customizable apps for cafe payments and operations.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for cafes with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.
- 7#7: Lavu - Mobile-first POS for cafes featuring loyalty programs, delivery integrations, and reporting.
- 8#8: Loyverse POS - Free cloud POS app for small cafes with inventory management, employee tracking, and customer loyalty.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud-based EPOS system for cafes with CRM, e-commerce, and delivery order integrations.
- 10#10: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with marketing tools, low-cost hardware, and online ordering for cafes.
Tools were selected and ranked based on rigorous evaluation of core features, performance, ease of use, and long-term value, ensuring the list reflects both innovation and practicality for cafes of all sizes
Comparison Table
Managing daily cafe operations efficiently depends on reliable software tools that streamline tasks like ordering, inventory, and customer management. This comparison table examines top solutions including Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, Revel Systems, and Clover, providing insights into their key features, pricing, and best-use scenarios to help businesses identify the right fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for cafes with order management, payments, inventory, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and loyalty tools for small cafes. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Robust POS platform offering advanced inventory, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS optimized for quick-service cafes with real-time reporting and integrations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Clover Versatile POS hardware and software with customizable apps for cafe payments and operations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad POS tailored for cafes with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Lavu Mobile-first POS for cafes featuring loyalty programs, delivery integrations, and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Loyverse POS Free cloud POS app for small cafes with inventory management, employee tracking, and customer loyalty. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud-based EPOS system for cafes with CRM, e-commerce, and delivery order integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with marketing tools, low-cost hardware, and online ordering for cafes. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for cafes with order management, payments, inventory, and analytics.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and loyalty tools for small cafes.
Robust POS platform offering advanced inventory, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes.
iPad-based cloud POS optimized for quick-service cafes with real-time reporting and integrations.
Versatile POS hardware and software with customizable apps for cafe payments and operations.
iPad POS tailored for cafes with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.
Mobile-first POS for cafes featuring loyalty programs, delivery integrations, and reporting.
Free cloud POS app for small cafes with inventory management, employee tracking, and customer loyalty.
Cloud-based EPOS system for cafes with CRM, e-commerce, and delivery order integrations.
All-in-one restaurant POS with marketing tools, low-cost hardware, and online ordering for cafes.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system for cafes with order management, payments, inventory, and analytics.
Seamless Toast Online Ordering with built-in loyalty and marketing tools that capture direct customer sales without third-party fees.
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants and cafes, providing seamless order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and kitchen display capabilities. It excels in supporting quick-service environments like cafes with features for online ordering, delivery integrations, and customer loyalty programs. Robust analytics and reporting tools help cafe owners optimize menus, track sales trends, and manage operations efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with strong online ordering and delivery integrations
- Reliable uptime, real-time analytics, and customizable menus for cafe workflows
- Dedicated support and hardware designed for high-volume quick service
Cons
- Higher pricing and proprietary hardware can be costly for small cafes
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited flexibility for highly customized reporting without add-ons
Best For
Busy cafes and coffee shops handling high order volumes with needs for integrated online sales, inventory, and loyalty programs.
Pricing
Starts at around $165/month per location for core POS software, plus hardware leases (~$500+ upfront or monthly) and add-ons; custom quotes required.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS with seamless payments, inventory tracking, and loyalty tools for small cafes.
Free core POS software with no subscription required, only transaction-based fees
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick-service establishments like cafes, offering seamless payment processing, menu customization, order management, and inventory tracking. It supports online ordering, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting to help cafe owners manage operations efficiently. The platform integrates hardware like card readers and kitchen displays for a complete solution without long-term contracts.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup, ideal for non-tech-savvy cafe staff
- No monthly fees for core POS (pay-per-transaction), great for low-volume cafes
- Robust integrations for online ordering, delivery apps, and accounting software
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present) can accumulate for high-volume cafes
- Advanced reporting and analytics require higher-tier plans
- Limited customization for complex menu modifiers compared to restaurant-specific competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized cafes seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with scalable features for payments and basic inventory.
Pricing
Free for basic POS (processing fees apply); Plus plan at $60/location/month; Premium custom pricing; additional hardware sold separately.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRobust POS platform offering advanced inventory, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes.
Kitchen Display System (KDS) with real-time order routing and customization for fast-paced cafe service
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system designed for cafes, restaurants, and quick-service venues, offering tools for order taking, table management, and payment processing. It includes inventory tracking, menu customization, online ordering integration, and real-time reporting to streamline cafe operations. The platform supports multi-location management and scales with growing businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and recipe management ideal for cafes with complex menus
- Strong analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps and payment processors
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location cafes
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Relies heavily on internet connectivity with limited offline mode
Best For
Multi-location cafe chains or growing coffee shops needing scalable POS with robust analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), up to $199+/month for Premium; hardware and add-ons extra.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based cloud POS optimized for quick-service cafes with real-time reporting and integrations.
Advanced real-time inventory forecasting with automated reordering alerts
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for cafes, restaurants, and quick-service venues, providing tools for order processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It supports iPad and Android devices for flexible deployment at the counter or via kiosks, with real-time sales reporting and integrations for delivery apps. Designed for scalability, it handles everything from single cafes to multi-location chains with features like recipe costing and waste tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and recipe management ideal for cafe supplies like coffee beans
- Strong integrations with delivery services and accounting software
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during outages
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small independent cafes
- Initial setup and hardware costs add up quickly
- Customer support response times vary by plan tier
Best For
Growing cafe chains or multi-location operations needing robust analytics and scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Core plan), up to $299+ for Enterprise; hardware leased from $300+ upfront or monthly.
Clover
specializedVersatile POS hardware and software with customizable apps for cafe payments and operations.
Vast App Market enabling seamless third-party extensions for cafe essentials like online ordering and customer loyalty.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, tailored for small businesses like cafes, providing integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, sales reporting, and employee management. It supports customizable hardware options including countertop terminals, mobile devices, and handheld scanners, ideal for handling high-volume cafe transactions. The platform's App Market offers thousands of third-party integrations for loyalty programs, online ordering, and kitchen display systems, enhancing cafe operations without custom development.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with 1000+ integrations for cafe-specific tools like loyalty and delivery
- Reliable payment processing with support for contactless, EMV, and gift cards
- Flexible hardware options suitable for counter and mobile cafe service
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and transaction fees compared to basic competitors
- Customer support can be inconsistent and app-dependent
- Less specialized cafe features like advanced menu modifiers out-of-the-box
Best For
Small to medium-sized cafes seeking a scalable POS with robust integrations and hardware flexibility.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans from $14.95/month per device (Payments plan free with processing); 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad POS tailored for cafes with table management, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.
SpotOn Kitchen Display System for seamless order routing and real-time prep visibility
TouchBistro is a robust iPad-based POS system designed primarily for restaurants, bars, and cafes, providing tools for order processing, inventory management, staff scheduling, and real-time reporting. It excels in quick-service cafe environments with features like mobile ordering, customizable menus, and loyalty programs to enhance customer retention. While versatile for cafes, its restaurant-focused design offers scalability for growing operations but may include more features than small cafes need.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and menu management tailored for hospitality
- Strong offline mode and quick order processing for busy cafes
- Excellent integrations with accounting and delivery apps
Cons
- Higher cost structure unsuitable for very small cafes
- Relies exclusively on iPad hardware
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Mid-sized cafes with high foot traffic needing scalable POS, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs and add-ons like loyalty ($50+/month).
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS for cafes featuring loyalty programs, delivery integrations, and reporting.
Seamless offline functionality that keeps the POS running without internet connectivity
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants, cafes, bars, and food trucks, offering mobile order entry, inventory management, real-time reporting, and customer loyalty tools. It supports iOS devices like iPads for flexible, handheld operation in fast-paced cafe settings. With offline capabilities and integrations for online ordering and payments, it streamlines daily operations for small to medium businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad-based interface for quick cafe service
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted operations
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Primarily limited to Apple iOS devices
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Fewer advanced reporting options compared to enterprise rivals
Best For
Small to medium cafes and coffee shops needing a mobile, cost-effective POS with offline reliability.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Starter plan (1 terminal), up to $159/month for Pro; hardware and payment processing fees extra.
Loyverse POS
otherFree cloud POS app for small cafes with inventory management, employee tracking, and customer loyalty.
Unlimited free use of core POS features with offline mode support
Loyverse POS is a cloud-based, mobile-first point-of-sale system tailored for small businesses like cafes, enabling quick sales processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs via iOS and Android apps. It supports offline transactions, employee scheduling, and real-time reporting, making it suitable for on-the-go cafe operations. The system integrates with various hardware like receipt printers and scales, though advanced features require optional subscriptions.
Pros
- Completely free core POS with no transaction fees
- Intuitive mobile app for quick setup and use
- Solid inventory tracking for cafe supplies like beans and syrups
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind paid add-ons
- Lacks native kitchen display system for busy cafe orders
- Limited customization for complex menu modifiers
Best For
Small independent cafes and coffee shops seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy POS for basic sales and inventory needs.
Pricing
Free forever for core POS; add-ons like Back Office ($5/location/month), Hardware Server ($10/month), and Loyalty ($5/location/month).
Epos Now
enterpriseCloud-based EPOS system for cafes with CRM, e-commerce, and delivery order integrations.
Epos Now AppStore offering 100+ specialized integrations for cafe-specific needs like online ordering and loyalty apps
Epos Now is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for cafes, offering tools for quick order processing, table management, and kitchen display systems. It includes inventory tracking for ingredients like coffee beans, real-time reporting, and customer loyalty programs to boost repeat business. The platform supports multi-location operations and integrates with various payment gateways and third-party apps.
Pros
- Extensive AppStore with over 100 integrations for payments, accounting, and delivery services
- Scalable cloud platform with real-time inventory and multi-site management
- Customizable hardware bundles suitable for busy cafe setups
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and required hardware purchases
- Customer support response times vary, with some users reporting delays
- Initial setup may require professional installation for optimal performance
Best For
Medium-sized cafes or chains needing scalable POS with strong integrations and inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at £25 per device/month for software (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs from £500+ and optional add-ons.
SpotOn
specializedAll-in-one restaurant POS with marketing tools, low-cost hardware, and online ordering for cafes.
Customer-facing display on terminals for upselling and faster checkouts
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and quick-service establishments like cafes, offering robust order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty tools. It supports counter service, mobile ordering, kitchen displays, and detailed reporting to streamline cafe operations. While versatile, it's particularly strong in handling high-volume transactions and integrating payments with low processing fees.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting analytics
- Scalable for growing cafes with online ordering and loyalty programs
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small independent cafes
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Hardware costs add up quickly
Best For
Mid-sized cafes or chains seeking scalable POS with strong payment and analytics features.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month per terminal, plus 2.3%+ processing fees and one-time hardware purchases from $500+.
Conclusion
The reviewed cafe software tools deliver solid solutions, with Toast leading as the top choice due to its all-encompassing features, including POS management, order tracking, payments, inventory oversight, and analytics. Square for Restaurants follows as a strong, affordable option suited for small cafes needing user-friendly POS and loyalty tools, while Lightspeed Restaurant excels with advanced inventory, staff scheduling, and multi-location support. The best tool depends on individual needs, whether prioritizing versatility, cost, or specific operational capabilities.
Explore Toast to enhance your cafe’s efficiency and customer experience, or consider Square or Lightspeed if your needs align with their unique strengths—each offers a path to a more streamlined operation.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison