Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS platform optimized for quick-service restaurants with fast order processing, kitchen displays, and drive-thru integration.
- 2#2: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS system tailored for fast food operations featuring rapid checkout, inventory management, and multi-location support.
- 3#3: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS solution for small fast food businesses with seamless payments, menu management, and real-time reporting.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Restaurant - Comprehensive POS software for quick-service eateries offering order-ahead, table management, and advanced analytics.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software combo supporting fast food workflows with customizable apps and contactless payments.
- 6#6: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with strong fast food features like drive-thru timers, loyalty programs, and online ordering integration.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - Mobile POS designed for restaurants including fast casual spots with floor plans, bill splitting, and cloud reporting.
- 8#8: Lavu - Cloud POS for independent fast food venues providing quick service tools, inventory tracking, and multi-device support.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Scalable POS system for fast food outlets with e-commerce integration, CRM, and kitchen order management.
- 10#10: Brink POS - Enterprise-grade POS for high-volume QSR chains featuring AI-driven forecasting, labor management, and rapid transactions.
Tools were selected based on features like processing speed, integration capabilities, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across diverse fast food business needs.
Comparison Table
Navigating the world of fast food POS software? This comparison table explores leading tools like Toast, Revel Systems, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, and Clover, offering insights into key features, pricing, and strengths. Readers will gain clarity to find the best fit for their operational needs and efficiency goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS platform optimized for quick-service restaurants with fast order processing, kitchen displays, and drive-thru integration. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS system tailored for fast food operations featuring rapid checkout, inventory management, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS solution for small fast food businesses with seamless payments, menu management, and real-time reporting. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Restaurant Comprehensive POS software for quick-service eateries offering order-ahead, table management, and advanced analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software combo supporting fast food workflows with customizable apps and contactless payments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with strong fast food features like drive-thru timers, loyalty programs, and online ordering integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro Mobile POS designed for restaurants including fast casual spots with floor plans, bill splitting, and cloud reporting. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Cloud POS for independent fast food venues providing quick service tools, inventory tracking, and multi-device support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Scalable POS system for fast food outlets with e-commerce integration, CRM, and kitchen order management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Brink POS Enterprise-grade POS for high-volume QSR chains featuring AI-driven forecasting, labor management, and rapid transactions. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based POS platform optimized for quick-service restaurants with fast order processing, kitchen displays, and drive-thru integration.
iPad-based POS system tailored for fast food operations featuring rapid checkout, inventory management, and multi-location support.
Affordable, user-friendly POS solution for small fast food businesses with seamless payments, menu management, and real-time reporting.
Comprehensive POS software for quick-service eateries offering order-ahead, table management, and advanced analytics.
Flexible POS hardware and software combo supporting fast food workflows with customizable apps and contactless payments.
All-in-one restaurant POS with strong fast food features like drive-thru timers, loyalty programs, and online ordering integration.
Mobile POS designed for restaurants including fast casual spots with floor plans, bill splitting, and cloud reporting.
Cloud POS for independent fast food venues providing quick service tools, inventory tracking, and multi-device support.
Scalable POS system for fast food outlets with e-commerce integration, CRM, and kitchen order management.
Enterprise-grade POS for high-volume QSR chains featuring AI-driven forecasting, labor management, and rapid transactions.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS platform optimized for quick-service restaurants with fast order processing, kitchen displays, and drive-thru integration.
Built-in online ordering that captures direct customer sales without third-party commissions, driving higher margins.
Toast is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, including fast food and quick-service operations, providing end-to-end management of orders, payments, inventory, and customer engagement. It supports high-volume transactions with features like self-order kiosks, kitchen display systems, and seamless integrations with delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Real-time analytics and loyalty programs help optimize operations and boost revenue in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive integrations with online ordering and third-party delivery services
- Powerful real-time reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Scalable hardware options including mobile POS for drive-thru and counter service
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and monthly fees for smaller operations
- Relies heavily on stable internet connectivity
- Advanced customizations may require additional support or time
Best For
Fast food chains and quick-service restaurants needing a scalable, all-in-one POS with strong online and delivery capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $0 for pay-as-you-go (transaction fees apply), Growth plan ~$165/month per location, plus hardware bundles from $1,000+ and 2.49%-3.69% processing fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS system tailored for fast food operations featuring rapid checkout, inventory management, and multi-location support.
Advanced Kitchen Display System (KDS) with bump screens and real-time order routing optimized for fast-paced QSR workflows
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution designed specifically for restaurants, including fast food and quick-service operations, enabling rapid order taking, payment processing, and inventory management. It offers real-time sales reporting, employee management, and integrations with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system supports high-volume transactions with features like customizable modifiers, upsells, and a kitchen display system (KDS) for efficient order routing.
Pros
- Scalable for multi-location fast food chains with centralized reporting
- Robust integrations with delivery apps and loyalty programs
- Real-time cloud syncing ensures data accuracy even offline
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs for iPads and peripherals
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for single-location users
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak issues
Best For
Multi-location fast food and QSR businesses needing advanced analytics and seamless integrations in a high-volume environment.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter), $149 (Growth), $299 (Enterprise), plus one-time hardware fees (~$1,000+ per setup).
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly POS solution for small fast food businesses with seamless payments, menu management, and real-time reporting.
Kitchen Display System (KDS) that syncs orders wirelessly for rapid fulfillment in high-speed fast food kitchens
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick-service and full-service restaurants, including fast food operations, offering streamlined order taking, payment processing, inventory tracking, and kitchen display systems. It supports high-volume transactions with mobile flexibility, online ordering integrations, and real-time reporting to manage busy fast food environments efficiently. The platform emphasizes simplicity and scalability without upfront software costs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for fast-paced fast food service with quick order entry and modifiers
- Free POS software with no monthly fees, only transaction-based pricing
- Robust integrations for delivery apps and inventory management
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe) can accumulate in high-volume fast food settings
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to enterprise POS systems
- Hardware purchases required separately, adding to initial setup costs
Best For
Small to mid-sized fast food restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with seamless payment processing and minimal setup.
Pricing
Free POS software; card-present processing at 2.6% + 10¢, key-entered at 3.5% + 15¢; hardware starts at $0-$799 per device.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseComprehensive POS software for quick-service eateries offering order-ahead, table management, and advanced analytics.
Advanced Kitchen Display System (KDS) with customizable workflows for high-speed order routing and fulfillment
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick-service restaurants like fast food outlets, enabling efficient order processing, inventory management, and sales tracking. It supports high-volume transactions with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), handheld ordering devices, and integrations with delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash. The platform also provides real-time reporting, employee management, and multi-location capabilities to streamline operations in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Robust integrations with delivery and payment providers
- Powerful inventory and multi-location management
- Reliable cloud-based KDS for fast order fulfillment
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to entry-level competitors
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Additional costs for hardware and advanced add-ons
Best For
Multi-location fast food chains needing advanced inventory control and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), scaling to $289/month (Pro plan); hardware and processing fees extra.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software combo supporting fast food workflows with customizable apps and contactless payments.
Expansive App Market with over 1,000 third-party apps for tailored fast food features like delivery integrations and advanced reporting.
Clover is a cloud-based POS system tailored for small to medium businesses, including fast food restaurants, offering hardware like countertop terminals, handhelds, and kiosks for quick transactions. It handles payments, inventory tracking, order management, employee scheduling, and kitchen display systems (KDS) to streamline high-volume operations. The platform integrates with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, supports loyalty programs, and features an extensive app marketplace for customization.
Pros
- Versatile hardware options including handhelds ideal for drive-thru and counter service
- Extensive app marketplace for fast food-specific integrations like online ordering and KDS
- Reliable payment processing with support for EMV, NFC, and contactless payments
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs can be a barrier for smaller operations
- Occasional software glitches and slower transaction speeds during peak hours
- Customer support response times can lag, especially for non-enterprise users
Best For
Fast food chains or quick-service restaurants needing customizable hardware and third-party app integrations for scalable operations.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95/month (Register) to $89.95/month (full suite) per device; hardware starts at $499; processing fees around 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with strong fast food features like drive-thru timers, loyalty programs, and online ordering integration.
SpotOn Pay: Direct POS-integrated payments with industry-low rates and contract-free flexibility
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants, including fast food operations, offering hardware like touchscreen terminals and software for rapid order processing, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display systems. It supports quick-service workflows such as counter service, drive-thru, and online ordering with integrations for delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Additional tools include customer loyalty programs, employee management, and detailed analytics to optimize fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Competitive integrated payment processing with low rates and no long-term contracts
- Highly customizable interface for fast order entry and modifiers
- Strong 24/7 customer support and quick onboarding
Cons
- Pricing requires a custom quote, lacking transparency upfront
- Limited advanced inventory features compared to top competitors
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized fast food restaurants needing an all-in-one POS with seamless payments and loyalty tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$99/month for software, plus one-time hardware (~$1,000-$3,000) and processing fees (2.6% + $0.10 per transaction).
TouchBistro
enterpriseMobile POS designed for restaurants including fast casual spots with floor plans, bill splitting, and cloud reporting.
Handheld POS devices for rapid order taking directly at the counter or kitchen, reducing bottlenecks in fast-paced service.
TouchBistro is a cloud-based, iPad-centric POS system designed primarily for independent restaurants, offering tools for quick order entry, payments, inventory tracking, and reporting tailored to high-volume service. For fast food operations, it supports counter service with handheld devices for order taking and kitchen display systems (KDS) to streamline ticket routing and fulfillment. While adaptable to quick-service restaurants (QSR), it shines more in casual dining environments with added table management features that may be underutilized in pure fast food setups.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface enables fast transactions and mobility for counter staff
- Robust inventory and reporting tools help manage high-volume fast food menus
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and payment processors for seamless operations
Cons
- Pricing is premium and scales poorly for multi-location fast food chains
- Lacks native drive-thru optimizations found in QSR-specific POS like Revel or Square
- Heavy reliance on iPads increases hardware costs and vulnerability to damage in busy kitchens
Best For
Independent single-location fast food restaurants needing a versatile POS with solid reporting but not ultra-high-volume drive-thru demands.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually), up to $165+ for advanced plans; hardware and add-ons extra, custom quotes required.
Lavu
enterpriseCloud POS for independent fast food venues providing quick service tools, inventory tracking, and multi-device support.
Seamless iPad-native app with bump-to-kitchen functionality for ultra-fast order routing in busy fast food settings
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system optimized for restaurants, including fast food and quick-service operations, running primarily on iPads and other mobile devices for on-the-go order management. It streamlines high-volume transactions with features like quick menu customization, kitchen display systems (KDS), inventory tracking, and payment processing. The platform also supports online ordering, loyalty programs, and integrations with delivery apps, making it suitable for fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface ideal for quick orders and drive-thru
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Strong inventory management and real-time reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple terminals or locations
- Limited advanced AI-driven features compared to top competitors
- Hardware primarily iOS-focused, with fewer options for desktop-heavy setups
Best For
Small to mid-sized fast food restaurants and food trucks needing a mobile, user-friendly POS for high-speed transactions.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), with Pro at $109/month and Enterprise custom; hardware and add-ons extra.
Epos Now
enterpriseScalable POS system for fast food outlets with e-commerce integration, CRM, and kitchen order management.
Epos Now App Store with 100+ third-party integrations for seamless connectivity with fast food-specific tools like kitchen displays and online ordering.
Epos Now is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and quick-service restaurants like fast food outlets, enabling efficient transaction processing, inventory control, and customer relationship management. It supports customizable interfaces for high-volume orders, kitchen display systems, and integrations with delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo. The platform provides real-time reporting and multi-location capabilities to streamline operations in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Cloud-based access with real-time analytics and multi-location support
- Extensive integrations via App Store including delivery and accounting apps
- Robust inventory and loyalty programs suited for high-volume fast food sales
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features and multiple terminals
- Customer support can be inconsistent with longer resolution times
- Hardware bundles add significant upfront costs
Best For
Medium-sized fast food restaurants or chains seeking scalable, integration-rich POS for multi-site operations.
Pricing
Starts at ~$25/month per device for basic plans, scaling to $100+ for premium features; hardware from $500+ one-time.
Brink POS
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS for high-volume QSR chains featuring AI-driven forecasting, labor management, and rapid transactions.
Unified tablet interface that combines POS, kitchen display, and online order management into one device.
Brink POS, offered by ParTech, is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for quick-service restaurants and fast food operations, handling high-volume transactions, drive-thru orders, and online ordering seamlessly. It provides comprehensive tools including inventory management, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting to streamline restaurant operations. The platform supports offline functionality and integrates with popular delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats for unified order management.
Pros
- Scalable for multi-location fast food chains
- Strong integrations with delivery and online ordering apps
- Advanced analytics and inventory tracking for high-volume ops
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to entry-level POS systems
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Customer support can be inconsistent during setup
Best For
Growing fast food chains and QSRs with multiple locations needing robust, integrated order management.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month per location for core plans, with enterprise custom pricing; hardware and add-ons extra.
Conclusion
The review of top POS tools for fast food operations underscores varied strengths, yet Toast stands as the leading choice, excelling with its focus on speed, kitchen integration, and drive-thru efficiency. Revel Systems and Square for Restaurants also stand out, offering robust multi-location support and affordable usability, respectively, making them strong alternatives for specific business needs. Toast remains the top pick to elevate fast food workflows and efficiency.
Explore Toast, the top-ranked POS solution, to streamline operations and take your fast food business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison