Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system with online ordering, inventory management, and loyalty programs tailored for quick-service restaurants like coffee shops.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS with payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement tools ideal for small coffee shops.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Robust POS platform offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for growing coffee shop chains.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display integration, and loyalty features suited for busy coffee shops.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, inventory, and customer loyalty in coffee shops.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad POS designed for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and analytics perfect for cafe-style coffee shops.
- 7#7: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant management system with POS, online ordering, and marketing tools optimized for coffee shop operations.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile-first POS with offline capabilities, inventory tracking, and delivery integrations for independent coffee shops.
- 9#9: Cake POS - Digital POS solution with self-ordering kiosks, CRM, and analytics to streamline coffee shop service and sales.
- 10#10: Epos Now - Cloud POS with e-commerce integration, stock management, and loyalty programs for efficient coffee shop management.
We selected and ranked these tools by evaluating key factors: comprehensive feature sets that align with coffee shop workflows, user-friendly design to ensure ease of adoption, reliable functionality for daily operations, and overall value that balances cost with long-term utility. This rigorous approach ensures the list reflects the most impactful and adaptable software for modern coffee businesses.
Comparison Table
Navigating coffee shop software can be challenging; this comparison table highlights top tools like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, Revel Systems, Clover, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, and usability insights to find software that streamlines operations, boosts customer experiences, and aligns with their café’s unique requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system with online ordering, inventory management, and loyalty programs tailored for quick-service restaurants like coffee shops. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS with payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement tools ideal for small coffee shops. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Robust POS platform offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for growing coffee shop chains. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display integration, and loyalty features suited for busy coffee shops. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, inventory, and customer loyalty in coffee shops. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad POS designed for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and analytics perfect for cafe-style coffee shops. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant management system with POS, online ordering, and marketing tools optimized for coffee shop operations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile-first POS with offline capabilities, inventory tracking, and delivery integrations for independent coffee shops. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Cake POS Digital POS solution with self-ordering kiosks, CRM, and analytics to streamline coffee shop service and sales. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Epos Now Cloud POS with e-commerce integration, stock management, and loyalty programs for efficient coffee shop management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.3/10 |
Cloud-based POS system with online ordering, inventory management, and loyalty programs tailored for quick-service restaurants like coffee shops.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement tools ideal for small coffee shops.
Robust POS platform offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for growing coffee shop chains.
iPad-based POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display integration, and loyalty features suited for busy coffee shops.
Flexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, inventory, and customer loyalty in coffee shops.
iPad POS designed for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and analytics perfect for cafe-style coffee shops.
All-in-one restaurant management system with POS, online ordering, and marketing tools optimized for coffee shop operations.
Mobile-first POS with offline capabilities, inventory tracking, and delivery integrations for independent coffee shops.
Digital POS solution with self-ordering kiosks, CRM, and analytics to streamline coffee shop service and sales.
Cloud POS with e-commerce integration, stock management, and loyalty programs for efficient coffee shop management.
Toast
specializedCloud-based POS system with online ordering, inventory management, and loyalty programs tailored for quick-service restaurants like coffee shops.
Toast Pay, enabling contactless pay-at-table and QR code ordering for ultra-fast coffee shop transactions without lines.
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants and quick-service venues like coffee shops, providing end-to-end management from ordering and payments to inventory and analytics. It supports high-volume transactions with features like self-order kiosks, mobile POS, online ordering, and kitchen display systems optimized for fast-paced environments. Toast's ecosystem includes loyalty programs, gift cards, and integrations with delivery services, making it ideal for coffee shops aiming to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with seamless POS, inventory, payroll, and loyalty integrations
- Robust analytics and reporting for menu optimization and sales insights
- Reliable offline mode and 24/7 support for uninterrupted service
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription pricing
- Customization can require professional services for complex setups
- Limited flexibility for very small, single-location coffee shops
Best For
Busy coffee shops and cafes with high foot traffic seeking a scalable, feature-rich POS to manage orders, loyalty, and operations comprehensively.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month for core POS (billed annually), plus hardware ($799+ per terminal) and add-ons; custom quotes for full suites averaging $165+/location/month.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS with payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement tools ideal for small coffee shops.
Free basic POS software with instant hardware integration and no long-term contracts, enabling coffee shops to start immediately with minimal investment.
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system from Square designed for foodservice businesses, including quick-service coffee shops, offering seamless order taking, payment processing, and inventory management. It supports customizable menus, kitchen display systems, online ordering, and loyalty programs to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. The platform integrates hardware like countertop terminals and handheld devices for efficient high-volume transactions typical in coffee shops.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface ideal for non-tech-savvy staff
- No monthly fees for core POS features, only transaction-based pricing
- Strong payment processing with support for contactless, mobile wallets, and gift cards
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ per dip/chip/tap) add up in high-volume environments
- Advanced reporting and multi-location tools locked behind paid plans
- Limited built-in accounting integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops needing an affordable, easy-to-deploy POS that handles quick transactions and grows with the business without upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free core plan with 2.6% + 10¢ transaction fees (in-person); Plus plan $60/month per location for advanced features; Premium custom pricing.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRobust POS platform offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for growing coffee shop chains.
Advanced inventory forecasting and recipe management optimized for perishable goods like coffee beans and dairy
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and quick-service businesses like coffee shops, offering tools for order processing, table management, and inventory control. It supports counter service, mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and integrations with delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash. The platform provides real-time analytics and reporting to help optimize operations in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with recipe costing for coffee and ingredients
- Seamless integrations with online ordering and third-party delivery services
- Robust reporting and analytics for sales trends and performance insights
Cons
- Higher starting price point may deter very small coffee shops
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Additional hardware and setup costs can add up
Best For
Busy coffee shops or chains handling high-volume orders that need advanced inventory tracking and multi-channel sales integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), with Essential at $109/month, Premium at $149/month, and custom Enterprise pricing; hardware sold separately.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display integration, and loyalty features suited for busy coffee shops.
Real-time cloud synchronization for instant data access across all locations and devices
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS solution tailored for restaurants, retail, and quick-service outlets like coffee shops, enabling fast order processing, inventory management, and real-time sales reporting. It supports customizable menus for beverages and pastries, customer loyalty programs, and integrations with online ordering platforms. The system excels in multi-location setups, syncing data across devices for centralized control.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking for coffee beans and supplies
- Powerful analytics and reporting for sales trends
- Seamless multi-location management with real-time cloud sync
Cons
- Higher monthly fees compared to basic POS options
- Requires Apple iPads or compatible hardware
- Some advanced features require costly add-ons
Best For
Growing coffee shop chains with multiple locations needing robust reporting and inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per location/month for core POS, plus hardware (~$1,000+ initial) and add-ons ($25-100/month each); custom enterprise pricing available.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software combo with customizable apps for payments, inventory, and customer loyalty in coffee shops.
App Marketplace with over 500 apps for tailored coffee shop tools like barista timers and bean inventory tracking
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small businesses like coffee shops, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, and sales reporting. It supports quick-service transactions with customizable hardware options such as countertop terminals and handheld devices. The platform's app marketplace allows coffee shop owners to add specialized features like loyalty programs, online ordering, and ingredient tracking.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for coffee shop-specific customizations like loyalty and inventory apps
- Reliable hardware options suited for high-volume counter service
- Seamless payment processing with support for contactless and mobile payments
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and transaction fees compared to simpler competitors
- Customer support can be inconsistent and app-dependent
- Overly complex for very small coffee shops with basic needs
Best For
Growing coffee shops needing scalable, customizable POS with hardware flexibility and third-party integrations.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Clover Go) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans $0-$99/month; transaction fees 2.3% + $0.10 (custom rates available).
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS designed for restaurants with table management, menu customization, and analytics perfect for cafe-style coffee shops.
Offline operation with full sync upon reconnection, critical for fast-paced coffee service
TouchBistro is a robust, iPad-based POS system tailored for restaurants and hospitality venues, including coffee shops, providing tools for quick order processing, inventory management, and sales reporting. It supports counter service modes suitable for high-volume coffee operations, with features like offline functionality and integrations for online ordering. While powerful for back-of-house tasks, it excels in environments needing detailed analytics over simple quick-service setups.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting tools
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations with delivery and loyalty apps
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small coffee shops
- Interface feels more restaurant-oriented than pure quick-service
- Requires compatible hardware investment
Best For
Busy coffee shops or cafes with diverse menus and high transaction volumes needing advanced management features.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (annual billing), plus one-time hardware costs and custom add-ons.
SpotOn
specializedAll-in-one restaurant management system with POS, online ordering, and marketing tools optimized for coffee shop operations.
Transparent payment processing with guaranteed lowest rates and contract-free flexibility
SpotOn is an all-in-one POS and payment processing platform tailored for quick-service businesses like coffee shops, offering countertop terminals, inventory tracking, and customer management tools. It integrates seamless payment processing, online ordering, and loyalty programs to streamline operations and boost customer retention. The system supports fast transactions ideal for high-volume coffee shop environments, with customizable menus and reporting features.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and no long-term contracts
- Robust loyalty and marketing automation for repeat coffee shop customers
- Flexible POS hardware options suited for quick-service counters
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs can be a barrier for small shops
- Feature set is more restaurant-focused, requiring customization for simple coffee operations
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during setup
Best For
Growing coffee shops needing integrated payments, loyalty programs, and online ordering without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month for software, plus hardware ($500-$2,000) and 2.3%+ transaction fees.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS with offline capabilities, inventory tracking, and delivery integrations for independent coffee shops.
True offline processing with automatic cloud sync upon reconnection
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick-service restaurants and coffee shops, offering mobile-friendly point-of-sale capabilities on iPads and Android tablets. It includes inventory management, customizable menus for drinks and add-ons, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and online ordering integration to streamline high-volume transactions. The system emphasizes offline functionality to ensure uninterrupted service during connectivity issues.
Pros
- Highly mobile and tablet-optimized for fast coffee shop service
- Robust inventory tracking for perishables like beans and milk
- Offline mode prevents downtime during peak hours
Cons
- Pricing scales per terminal, expensive for multi-station setups
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops seeking a flexible, mobile POS without heavy customization needs.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $169/month (Ultimate), plus one-time hardware costs and processing fees.
Cake POS
specializedDigital POS solution with self-ordering kiosks, CRM, and analytics to streamline coffee shop service and sales.
Rapid Order Mode for ultra-fast entry of customized coffee drinks in busy environments
Cake POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for quick-service restaurants and coffee shops, offering fast order processing, customizable menus for drinks and pastries, and seamless integrations with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. It includes inventory tracking, employee management, and loyalty programs to help manage high-volume operations efficiently. The system supports self-order kiosks and online ordering, making it suitable for busy coffee shop environments with frequent customizations.
Pros
- Lightning-fast order entry optimized for high-volume quick service
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and online ordering
- Comprehensive reporting and inventory management for ingredients
Cons
- Pricing escalates with add-ons and transaction fees
- Relies heavily on internet connectivity with limited offline mode
- Hardware costs can be substantial for full setup
Best For
High-traffic coffee shops needing rapid transactions, delivery integrations, and customer loyalty tools.
Pricing
Starter plan at $69/month, Growth at $165/month per location, plus 2.95% + $0.30 transaction fees and hardware starting at $500+.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS with e-commerce integration, stock management, and loyalty programs for efficient coffee shop management.
Vast app store with 100+ integrations for customizing coffee shop operations like loyalty and delivery apps
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for hospitality businesses like coffee shops, providing seamless transaction processing, inventory tracking, and customer management tools. It supports quick-service operations with features like kitchen display systems, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting to optimize daily workflows. The platform integrates with a wide range of hardware and third-party apps, making it adaptable for growing coffee shop chains.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with over 100 integrations for coffee shop needs like payments and accounting
- Cloud-based access for remote inventory and sales monitoring
- Robust reporting and analytics for optimizing menu and stock levels
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware bundles required for full functionality
- Occasional software glitches reported in high-volume environments
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops seeking a scalable POS with strong integration options for future growth.
Pricing
Starts at £25 per terminal/month (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs from £500+ and add-ons.
Conclusion
The reviewed coffee shop software tools highlight solutions that cater to varied needs, from quick-service workflows to scaling chains. Toast emerges as the top choice, offering a comprehensive cloud-based POS with integrated features like online ordering and loyalty programs. Runners-up Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant stand out too—Square for its affordability and user-friendliness, and Lightspeed for its robust multi-location and inventory management capabilities, ensuring there’s a strong option for every coffee shop.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your operations—explore Toast to experience its tailored tools for efficiency, customer engagement, and growth, and discover why it’s the best in its class.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison