Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - Affordable, user-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and mobile ordering ideal for small coffee shops.
- 2#2: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS platform for restaurants offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems tailored for quick-service cafes.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Robust POS solution with inventory management, table service, and multi-location support perfect for growing coffee shop chains.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible hardware and software POS system with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and inventory suited to coffee shops.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and ingredient-level inventory tracking for efficient cafe operations.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with bill splitting, course management, and integrations for coffee shop workflows.
- 7#7: Lavu - Mobile POS system with offline mode, menu modifiers, and customer feedback tools optimized for independent coffee shops.
- 8#8: SpotOn - All-in-one POS with contactless payments, marketing automation, and delivery integrations for modern coffee businesses.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud POS with e-commerce, CRM, and hardware bundles providing value for small to medium coffee shops worldwide.
- 10#10: Heartland - Restaurant POS with advanced analytics, loyalty rewards, and self-order kiosks suitable for busy coffee shop environments.
We prioritized tools that balance robust features—including inventory management, ordering, and loyalty tools—with intuitive design, reliable performance, and strong value across business sizes, from small cafes to busy chains.
Comparison Table
Finding the right POS system for your coffee shop? This comparison table features top tools like Square, Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, Clover, and Revel Systems, guiding you through key features, pricing, and usability to match your business needs. Readers will gain clarity on which software streamlines operations, boosts efficiency, and aligns with their unique coffee shop requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Affordable, user-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and mobile ordering ideal for small coffee shops. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS platform for restaurants offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems tailored for quick-service cafes. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Robust POS solution with inventory management, table service, and multi-location support perfect for growing coffee shop chains. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible hardware and software POS system with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and inventory suited to coffee shops. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and ingredient-level inventory tracking for efficient cafe operations. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with bill splitting, course management, and integrations for coffee shop workflows. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Lavu Mobile POS system with offline mode, menu modifiers, and customer feedback tools optimized for independent coffee shops. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn All-in-one POS with contactless payments, marketing automation, and delivery integrations for modern coffee businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud POS with e-commerce, CRM, and hardware bundles providing value for small to medium coffee shops worldwide. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Heartland Restaurant POS with advanced analytics, loyalty rewards, and self-order kiosks suitable for busy coffee shop environments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
Affordable, user-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and mobile ordering ideal for small coffee shops.
Comprehensive cloud-based POS platform for restaurants offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems tailored for quick-service cafes.
Robust POS solution with inventory management, table service, and multi-location support perfect for growing coffee shop chains.
Flexible hardware and software POS system with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and inventory suited to coffee shops.
iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and ingredient-level inventory tracking for efficient cafe operations.
iPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with bill splitting, course management, and integrations for coffee shop workflows.
Mobile POS system with offline mode, menu modifiers, and customer feedback tools optimized for independent coffee shops.
All-in-one POS with contactless payments, marketing automation, and delivery integrations for modern coffee businesses.
Cloud POS with e-commerce, CRM, and hardware bundles providing value for small to medium coffee shops worldwide.
Restaurant POS with advanced analytics, loyalty rewards, and self-order kiosks suitable for busy coffee shop environments.
Square
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS system with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and mobile ordering ideal for small coffee shops.
Completely free POS software with built-in payment processing and no contracts, making it ideal for bootstrapped coffee shops.
Square POS is a versatile, cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small businesses like coffee shops, offering seamless payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. It supports quick-service workflows with customizable menu items, order modifiers for drinks like extra shots or syrups, and integration with loyalty programs to boost repeat customers. The intuitive mobile app works on iPads or phones, enabling baristas to handle transactions anywhere in the shop without monthly software fees.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only pay per transaction
- Intuitive setup and mobile-first design perfect for fast-paced coffee service
- Robust integrations with coffee shop tools like Toast for online ordering and QuickBooks for accounting
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person) can add up for high-volume shops
- Advanced inventory features may require add-ons for complex supply chains
- Hardware purchases needed for full countertop setup
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops seeking an affordable, easy-to-use POS for quick transactions and basic inventory without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for keyed-in or online; hardware starts at $0 for card reader up to $799 for full terminal.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS platform for restaurants offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems tailored for quick-service cafes.
Toast Go handheld devices for untethered, tableside or curbside ordering in dynamic coffee shop settings
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and quick-service venues like coffee shops, providing seamless order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in high-volume environments with features like handheld devices for mobile ordering, kitchen display systems for rapid drink preparation, and integrations for online ordering and delivery. The platform offers robust analytics to optimize menu performance and operations, making it a powerhouse for scaling coffee shop businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive features including handhelds and KDS for fast-paced coffee service
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and online ordering
- Advanced analytics and reporting for inventory and sales insights
Cons
- Higher cost structure may overwhelm small independent shops
- Initial setup and training require time investment
- Cloud dependency can be an issue in areas with poor internet
Best For
Busy, high-volume coffee shops or chains needing scalable POS with mobile ordering and analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at ~$165/month per location + hardware (~$799+ per terminal) and 2.49%-3.69% payment processing fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRobust POS solution with inventory management, table service, and multi-location support perfect for growing coffee shop chains.
AI-driven analytics and forecasting for optimizing inventory and sales predictions
Lightspeed Restaurant is a robust cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants and quick-service businesses like coffee shops, offering fast order processing, customizable menus with modifiers for drinks, and seamless payment integrations. It includes inventory tracking for perishable items like coffee beans and milk, kitchen display systems for efficient fulfillment, and tools for loyalty programs and online ordering. The platform supports multi-location management and offline functionality, making it suitable for high-volume coffee shop operations.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management with recipe costing and low-stock alerts ideal for coffee ingredients
- Fast checkout and mobile ordering capabilities for handling rush hours
- Strong integrations with delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full feature access
- Learning curve for advanced reporting and customization
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Medium-sized coffee shops with multiple locations needing scalable inventory and online ordering integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter), $109 (Essential), $149 (Plus), and $199 (Premium); hardware and add-ons extra.
Clover
specializedFlexible hardware and software POS system with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and inventory suited to coffee shops.
Modular, customizable hardware that assembles into tailored stations for coffee shop order fulfillment and mobile service
Clover is a cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, providing flexible hardware like countertop terminals, handheld devices, and kiosks alongside software for payments, inventory, orders, and customer management. For coffee shops, it excels in quick-service workflows with drink modifiers, loyalty programs, and integrations for online ordering and delivery apps. Its modular design and vast app marketplace enable customization for high-volume counter service and inventory tracking of beans and supplies.
Pros
- Versatile hardware options including mobile Go devices ideal for busy coffee shop counters and drive-thrus
- Expansive app marketplace with coffee-specific tools for loyalty, inventory, and delivery integrations
- Reliable payment processing supporting contactless, Apple Pay, and EMV for fast transactions
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $499 per device
- Monthly software fees add up for multi-station setups
- Advanced customizations require third-party apps with extra costs
Best For
Busy coffee shops needing customizable hardware, quick order modifiers, and scalable integrations for growth.
Pricing
Hardware from $499-$1,699; software plans $14.95-$89.85/month per device plus processing fees (2.3%-3.5% + $0.10/transaction).
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS with real-time reporting, employee management, and ingredient-level inventory tracking for efficient cafe operations.
Expansive app marketplace with 100+ integrations for seamless connections to delivery, payroll, and e-commerce platforms.
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for quick-service businesses like coffee shops, providing fast transaction processing, real-time inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services, and accounting software for streamlined operations. The system excels in high-volume environments with features like kitchen display systems and detailed reporting dashboards.
Pros
- Robust inventory and reporting tools ideal for tracking coffee stock and sales trends
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations like delivery and loyalty apps
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service during internet outages
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to simpler POS options
- Relies heavily on Apple iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Initial setup and customization can be complex for small teams
Best For
Busy coffee shops with high transaction volumes needing advanced inventory, loyalty, and integration capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month per terminal plus hardware costs ($500+ for iPad setup) and 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction processing fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS designed for full-service restaurants with bill splitting, course management, and integrations for coffee shop workflows.
Advanced recipe costing and inventory forecasting tailored for tracking variable coffee supplies and waste minimization
TouchBistro is a robust, iPad-based POS system designed primarily for restaurants but adaptable for coffee shops, handling quick-service orders, menu customization for drinks and modifiers, inventory tracking, and payments. It offers offline functionality, real-time reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations for online ordering to streamline high-volume coffee shop operations. While not coffee-specific, its restaurant-grade features support busy cafes with complex menus including food items.
Pros
- Fast order processing with customizable modifiers for coffee sizes and add-ons
- Comprehensive inventory and recipe costing for beans and supplies
- Offline mode and strong analytics for peak-hour insights
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small independent coffee shops
- More oriented toward full-service restaurants than pure quick-service cafes
- Hardware requirements add to upfront costs
Best For
Busy coffee shops or cafes with diverse menus and high transaction volumes needing scalable, restaurant-level POS capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (billed annually), plus hardware costs and custom add-ons; requires quote for full setup.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS system with offline mode, menu modifiers, and customer feedback tools optimized for independent coffee shops.
Handheld POS devices for servers to take orders directly at tables or counters, speeding up service in fast-paced coffee environments
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and quick-service businesses like coffee shops, offering mobile order taking, inventory management, and table service capabilities on iOS devices. It supports features such as customizable menus with modifiers for drinks, employee scheduling, and real-time reporting to handle busy coffee shop rushes. The platform integrates with popular payment processors and third-party delivery services, making it suitable for modern coffee operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable menus with drink modifiers ideal for coffee variations
- Robust inventory tracking for coffee beans and supplies with recipe costing
- Mobile-first design supports handheld devices for fast counter service
Cons
- Pricing scales per terminal, which can add up for multi-station coffee shops
- Primarily iOS-focused, limiting options for non-Apple hardware
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and integrations
Best For
Busy coffee shops with table service or high-volume counter operations needing strong inventory and loyalty tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan (billed annually); higher tiers up to $159/month include advanced features like online ordering.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one POS with contactless payments, marketing automation, and delivery integrations for modern coffee businesses.
SpotOn Payments with guaranteed lowest rates and no hidden fees
SpotOn is a robust POS system tailored for restaurants and quick-service venues like coffee shops, providing integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and order management to handle high-volume transactions efficiently. It features mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems to streamline operations from counter service to online fulfillment. The platform emphasizes cost transparency with competitive payment rates and customizable hardware options for flexible deployment.
Pros
- Seamless integrated payment processing with low rates and instant funding
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting tools for busy coffee shop operations
- Strong support for online ordering and loyalty programs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Custom pricing can feel opaque without a quote
- Fewer specialized coffee shop add-ons compared to niche competitors
Best For
High-volume coffee shops needing reliable payments and inventory management without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month per location plus 2.6% + $0.10 processing fees; hardware bundles from $500+.
Epos Now
otherCloud POS with e-commerce, CRM, and hardware bundles providing value for small to medium coffee shops worldwide.
Dynamic menu modifiers and kitchen display system for quick, accurate coffee order customization and fulfillment
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for hospitality and retail, including coffee shops, offering fast transaction processing, customizable menus with modifiers for drinks and add-ons, and real-time inventory tracking for ingredients like coffee beans and syrups. It includes CRM tools for loyalty programs, detailed sales reporting, and multi-location management to support growing chains. The platform integrates with payment gateways, accounting software, and delivery apps, making it suitable for busy coffee environments.
Pros
- Robust integrations with 100+ apps including delivery services like Uber Eats
- Advanced inventory and waste tracking ideal for perishable coffee stock
- Cloud-based remote access for multi-site coffee shop owners
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- Customer support can be inconsistent based on user reviews
Best For
Expanding coffee shop chains needing scalable inventory management and CRM features.
Pricing
Software starts at £25/month per device (billed annually), plus hardware bundles from £499; custom enterprise pricing available.
Heartland
enterpriseRestaurant POS with advanced analytics, loyalty rewards, and self-order kiosks suitable for busy coffee shop environments.
Advanced payment gateway integration with tokenization for secure, lightning-fast coffee shop transactions
Heartland POS, from heartland.us, is a robust point-of-sale system tailored for restaurants and quick-service outlets like coffee shops, offering integrated payment processing, inventory tracking, and order management. It supports touchscreen interfaces, customizable menus for drinks and modifiers, and real-time reporting to streamline busy coffee shop operations. The platform excels in handling high-volume transactions with EMV chip support and contactless payments.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and fraud protection
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting tools for tracking coffee stock and sales trends
- Reliable hardware options built for high-traffic environments
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware and setup
- Interface can feel dated and less intuitive for small teams
- Limited native integrations with popular coffee shop apps like mobile ordering platforms
Best For
Mid-sized coffee shops or chains needing enterprise-grade payment security and scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal plus one-time hardware fees ($1,000+) and 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction processing.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, the top three—Square, Toast, and Lightspeed Restaurant—rise above for their tailored strengths. Square leads as the top choice, excelling with affordability, user-friendliness, and integrated features that simplify daily operations for coffee shops. Toast and Lightspeed Restaurant stand as strong alternatives, with Toast’s cloud-based design suiting quick-service needs and Lightspeed’s robust multi-location support ideal for growing chains.
To streamline your coffee shop’s workflow and enhance customer satisfaction, Square’s intuitive platform is a standout—consider exploring its features to take your business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison