Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including payments, inventory, and online ordering.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable all-in-one POS with integrated payments, menus, and team management for small to medium restaurants.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant POS platform with inventory tracking, table management, and multi-location support.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty, and reporting features.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS system providing real-time sales data, inventory control, and customer management for F&B businesses.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for payments, inventory, and restaurant operations.
- 7#7: Restaurant365 - All-in-one accounting, operations, and back-office management platform integrated with POS for restaurants.
- 8#8: 7shifts - Employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool tailored for restaurant teams.
- 9#9: Homebase - Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring software optimized for hourly restaurant workers.
- 10#10: Olo - Digital ordering and delivery platform that integrates with POS for seamless online sales in restaurants.
These tools were selected based on a careful evaluation of features, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they address the unique needs of modern F&B operations across different scales and models.
Comparison Table
F&B software is a cornerstone of efficient restaurant and cafe operations, aiding in order management, table tracking, and inventory control. This comparison table explores tools like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and Revel Systems, helping readers compare key features, pricing, and usability to identify the ideal solution for their business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including payments, inventory, and online ordering. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable all-in-one POS with integrated payments, menus, and team management for small to medium restaurants. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant POS platform with inventory tracking, table management, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS system providing real-time sales data, inventory control, and customer management for F&B businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for payments, inventory, and restaurant operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Restaurant365 All-in-one accounting, operations, and back-office management platform integrated with POS for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | 7shifts Employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool tailored for restaurant teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Homebase Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring software optimized for hourly restaurant workers. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 10 | Olo Digital ordering and delivery platform that integrates with POS for seamless online sales in restaurants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including payments, inventory, and online ordering.
Affordable all-in-one POS with integrated payments, menus, and team management for small to medium restaurants.
Restaurant POS platform with inventory tracking, table management, and multi-location support.
iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty, and reporting features.
Cloud POS system providing real-time sales data, inventory control, and customer management for F&B businesses.
Flexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for payments, inventory, and restaurant operations.
All-in-one accounting, operations, and back-office management platform integrated with POS for restaurants.
Employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool tailored for restaurant teams.
Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring software optimized for hourly restaurant workers.
Digital ordering and delivery platform that integrates with POS for seamless online sales in restaurants.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including payments, inventory, and online ordering.
Integrated pay-at-table QR code ordering and payments for contactless, upsell-driven guest experiences
Toast is a leading cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants and food & beverage businesses, providing an all-in-one platform for order management, payment processing, and operations. It integrates seamlessly with hardware like terminals and kitchen displays, while offering tools for inventory tracking, staff scheduling, online ordering, and advanced analytics. Ideal for streamlining front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest-facing operations, Toast helps F&B establishments improve efficiency and drive revenue growth.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set tailored for restaurants including POS, payroll, and marketing tools
- Seamless integrations with delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware and processing fees
- Vendor lock-in with proprietary hardware ecosystem
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and multi-location chains seeking an integrated, scalable F&B management solution.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $69/month per location plus hardware (~$799+), payment processing at 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction, and add-ons for advanced features.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable all-in-one POS with integrated payments, menus, and team management for small to medium restaurants.
Affordable, integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) that syncs orders across dine-in, takeout, and delivery in real-time.
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for food and beverage businesses, offering table management, order routing to kitchen displays, menu customization, and inventory tracking. It integrates payments, online ordering, and delivery partnerships like DoorDash and Uber Eats into a single platform. The solution supports full-service, quick-service, and counter-service operations with real-time reporting and team management tools.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface ideal for non-tech-savvy staff
- No monthly fees for core POS with competitive transaction pricing
- Strong integrations for online ordering and third-party delivery services
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume keyed-in sales
- Advanced reporting and customization lag behind enterprise competitors
- Relies heavily on stable internet, with limited offline capabilities
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants, cafes, and quick-service spots seeking an affordable, easy-to-deploy POS without contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software (2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction); Square for Restaurants Plus at $60/month/location for advanced features like team management and open tickets.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRestaurant POS platform with inventory tracking, table management, and multi-location support.
Interactive Floor Plan with drag-and-drop table management and real-time server handoff for efficient front-of-house operations
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for full-service restaurants, quick-service eateries, bars, and multi-location chains in the F&B industry. It streamlines operations with features like table management, kitchen display systems, inventory tracking, online ordering integration, and real-time reporting. The platform supports offline functionality, customizable floor plans, and seamless integrations with third-party apps for payments, loyalty programs, and accounting.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like interactive floor plans and kitchen display systems
- Excellent multi-location support and real-time analytics
- Strong integrations with delivery apps, accounting software, and hardware
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants and bars seeking comprehensive table service, inventory, and multi-site management capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Restaurant Starter), $109 (Restaurant Pro), $199 (Restaurant Enterprise); additional fees for payment processing (2.6% + $0.30 per transaction) and hardware.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty, and reporting features.
Advanced table management with interactive floor plans and real-time seat status updates
TouchBistro is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and food & beverage venues, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It operates primarily on iPads for mobility, supporting table-side ordering, floor plans, and kitchen display systems to streamline operations in fast-paced environments. Additional features include loyalty programs, online ordering integrations, and robust reporting for business insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like table management and menu compositing
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations with accounting, delivery, and loyalty apps
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware, adding to upfront costs
- Pricing can be steep for small or single-location venues
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Independent full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, all-in-one POS with advanced F&B features.
Pricing
Starts at $69 USD per month per terminal (Countertop plan); higher tiers up to $165/month with enterprise options; hardware not included.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud POS system providing real-time sales data, inventory control, and customer management for F&B businesses.
iPad-native mobility with full offline mode for uninterrupted service during outages
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform designed specifically for food and beverage businesses, including restaurants, bars, and quick-service outlets. It provides comprehensive tools for order processing, inventory management, table service, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. The system supports iPad hardware for mobility, real-time reporting, and extensive integrations with third-party apps like delivery services and accounting software.
Pros
- Extensive F&B-specific features like kitchen display systems and table management
- Strong integrations with delivery platforms and accounting tools
- Robust real-time analytics and reporting capabilities
Cons
- High pricing that may strain small business budgets
- Heavy reliance on stable internet connectivity
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and bars needing scalable, feature-rich POS with strong analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan; Growth at $149, Enterprise at $299+; hardware and add-ons extra.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for payments, inventory, and restaurant operations.
App Marketplace with over 400 third-party apps for tailored F&B functionalities like kitchen display systems and delivery integrations.
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for food and beverage businesses, providing cloud-based software integrated with proprietary hardware like countertop terminals, handheld devices, and kitchen displays. It handles transactions, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and online ordering with seamless integrations for delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform's extensive app marketplace enables customization for specific restaurant needs, from table management to reporting.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 400+ integrations for F&B-specific needs
- Flexible hardware options suitable for various restaurant sizes
- Robust reporting and inventory management tools
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up (2.3%-2.6% + $0.10)
- Hardware purchases required, increasing upfront costs
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller users
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants and cafes seeking a customizable, all-in-one POS with strong hardware integration.
Pricing
Software from $14.95/month (Register) to $114.85/month (Restaurant plans), hardware $49-$1,699 one-time, plus 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Restaurant365
enterpriseAll-in-one accounting, operations, and back-office management platform integrated with POS for restaurants.
Prime Ops dashboard that unifies daily operations, inventory, and financials in real-time for instant profitability insights
Restaurant365 is a comprehensive cloud-based software platform tailored for the restaurant and food & beverage industry, integrating accounting, operations, inventory management, scheduling, and payroll into a single system. It provides real-time financial visibility, automates AP/AR processes, and syncs with major POS systems like Toast and Square for seamless data flow. Designed for multi-unit operators, it helps streamline back-office operations and drive profitability through detailed reporting and analytics.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one integration of accounting, ops, and inventory for multi-unit restaurants
- Real-time dashboards and reporting for better decision-making
- Seamless POS integrations and strong multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users
- Pricing can be high for smaller operations
- Limited customization options in some modules
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains and growing F&B enterprises needing integrated financial and operational management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $400-$600 per location per month depending on features and scale.
7shifts
specializedEmployee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool tailored for restaurant teams.
Predictive scheduling that uses historical sales data and POS integrations to forecast labor needs automatically
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for restaurants and food & beverage operations, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control. It enables shift creation, trading, and approvals via a mobile app, while integrating with POS systems like Toast and Square for sales-driven forecasting. Additional features include team communication, tip pooling, and compliance tools to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with auto-fill and sales forecasting
- Strong mobile app for clock-ins and shift trades
- POS integrations for real-time labor insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location users
- Limited advanced HR/payroll features without add-ons
- Occasional glitches in reporting reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized restaurant chains or multi-location F&B businesses seeking efficient scheduling and labor optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (billed annually) for core plan; Essentials ($39.99), Pro ($69.99), and Enterprise (custom) with add-ons for tips and forecasting.
Homebase
otherFree scheduling, time clock, and hiring software optimized for hourly restaurant workers.
OpenShifts, which lets managers post unfilled shifts for employees to claim voluntarily, reducing scheduling headaches.
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for hourly workers in F&B, retail, and hospitality, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring tools. It helps restaurant managers create flexible schedules, monitor labor costs in real-time, and ensure compliance with geofenced clock-ins to prevent time theft. The platform also includes shift trading and availability features to streamline operations for shift-based teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Geofenced time clock and labor forecasting for cost control
Cons
- Advanced analytics and custom reports locked behind premium tiers
- Limited native payroll processing (integrations extra)
- Scalability issues for multi-location chains without higher plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized F&B operations like independent restaurants and cafes needing affordable, simple scheduling and time tracking for hourly staff.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $29.99/location/month (Starter), up to $99.99 for Premium.
Olo
specializedDigital ordering and delivery platform that integrates with POS for seamless online sales in restaurants.
Vision AI platform delivering predictive analytics and hyper-personalized guest marketing
Olo is a cloud-based platform specializing in digital ordering solutions for restaurants, enabling seamless online ordering, delivery integrations, and payment processing. It connects with major POS systems like Toast and NCR, while offering tools for guest marketing, loyalty programs, and AI-driven analytics via its Vision platform. Designed for scalability, Olo powers thousands of locations for chains like Five Guys and Wendy's, focusing on driving revenue through direct online channels.
Pros
- Extensive POS and third-party delivery integrations
- Powerful Vision AI for guest insights and personalization
- Proven scalability for high-volume restaurant chains
Cons
- High cost structure unfavorable for small independents
- Setup and customization require technical expertise
- Limited standalone features without ecosystem integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains and multi-location operators needing enterprise-grade online ordering and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically subscription-based starting at $5,000+/month plus per-order fees based on volume.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools highlight the industry's need for versatile solutions, with Toast leading as the top choice due to its all-encompassing cloud-based management, integrating payments, inventory, and online ordering effectively. Square for Restaurants follows closely, offering an affordable, all-in-one POS tailored to small to medium restaurants, while Lightspeed Restaurant stands out with strong inventory tracking and multi-location support. Each tool addresses specific needs, but Toast shines as the best overall.
Try Toast to unlock its comprehensive features and streamline your F&B operations—your business's efficiency and growth will benefit greatly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
