Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform with delivery integrations, payments, and restaurant management for efficient food ordering.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS system with seamless online ordering, payments, and inventory tracking tailored for small to medium restaurants.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS solution offering online ordering, table management, and analytics for streamlined restaurant operations.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-centric POS with online ordering, reservations, and staff management designed for full-service restaurants.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Scalable iPad POS platform featuring online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location support for food businesses.
- 6#6: Olo - Enterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with POS for high-volume restaurants.
- 7#7: ChowNow - Commission-free online ordering system that owns customer data and integrates directly with restaurant websites.
- 8#8: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing automation, and contactless payments.
- 9#9: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software ecosystem supporting online ordering and custom apps for food services.
- 10#10: GloriaFood - Free online ordering website builder and app for small restaurants and takeaways with easy POS integration.
We ranked these tools based on key factors including feature breadth, user experience, performance stability, and value, ensuring they align with diverse restaurant needs from small operations to high-volume businesses.
Comparison Table
Finding the right food order software is essential for restaurants, with tools like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and Revel Systems among the top options. This comparison table outlines key features, pricing structures, and usability, helping readers understand how each tool streamlines operations—from order taking to payment processing. Readers will gain insights to select software that aligns with their business size and specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform with delivery integrations, payments, and restaurant management for efficient food ordering. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS system with seamless online ordering, payments, and inventory tracking tailored for small to medium restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS solution offering online ordering, table management, and analytics for streamlined restaurant operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-centric POS with online ordering, reservations, and staff management designed for full-service restaurants. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Scalable iPad POS platform featuring online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location support for food businesses. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Olo Enterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with POS for high-volume restaurants. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | ChowNow Commission-free online ordering system that owns customer data and integrates directly with restaurant websites. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing automation, and contactless payments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software ecosystem supporting online ordering and custom apps for food services. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | GloriaFood Free online ordering website builder and app for small restaurants and takeaways with easy POS integration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform with delivery integrations, payments, and restaurant management for efficient food ordering.
Affordable POS system with seamless online ordering, payments, and inventory tracking tailored for small to medium restaurants.
Cloud POS solution offering online ordering, table management, and analytics for streamlined restaurant operations.
iPad-centric POS with online ordering, reservations, and staff management designed for full-service restaurants.
Scalable iPad POS platform featuring online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location support for food businesses.
Enterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with POS for high-volume restaurants.
Commission-free online ordering system that owns customer data and integrates directly with restaurant websites.
All-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing automation, and contactless payments.
Flexible POS hardware and software ecosystem supporting online ordering and custom apps for food services.
Free online ordering website builder and app for small restaurants and takeaways with easy POS integration.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform with delivery integrations, payments, and restaurant management for efficient food ordering.
Seamless Toast Online Ordering with AI-powered upsells and menu management that syncs directly to the POS in real-time
Toast is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform tailored for food service businesses, providing seamless online and in-house ordering capabilities. It integrates online ordering, delivery partnerships with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, kitchen display systems, inventory management, and detailed analytics. This all-in-one solution streamlines operations from order taking to fulfillment, helping restaurants boost efficiency and revenue.
Pros
- Comprehensive integrations with delivery apps and third-party services
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during outages
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for very small operations
- Requires specific Toast hardware for full functionality
- Initial setup and training have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Full-service restaurants, quick-service outlets, and chains needing scalable online ordering integrated with POS and payments.
Pricing
Software starts at $69/month per location; full bundles with hardware from $799 upfront plus $165+/month; custom quotes based on features.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable POS system with seamless online ordering, payments, and inventory tracking tailored for small to medium restaurants.
Free core POS software with pay-as-you-go transaction fees, eliminating subscription barriers for entry-level users
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS and order management platform tailored for restaurants, offering tools for in-person payments, online ordering, table management, and kitchen display systems. It integrates seamlessly with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, enabling unified order handling across channels. The system provides inventory tracking, menu customization, and real-time reporting to optimize restaurant operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup, ideal for non-tech-savvy users
- Transparent pay-per-transaction pricing with no mandatory monthly fees for core POS
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and e-commerce for omnichannel ordering
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise solutions
- Hardware purchases can add upfront costs
- Limited customization for complex menu modifiers in high-volume settings
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants looking for an affordable, easy-to-use POS with reliable online and delivery order management.
Pricing
Core POS software is free with 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction; Online Ordering starts at $29/month per location; full restaurant suite around $60/month; hardware extra.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS solution offering online ordering, table management, and analytics for streamlined restaurant operations.
Unified online ordering portal with built-in delivery management and menu synchronization across all channels
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, enabling efficient food order management, table service, and online ordering integration. It supports kitchen display systems, inventory tracking, and seamless connections with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The platform provides real-time reporting and multi-location management to streamline operations for busy food service environments.
Pros
- Robust integrations with delivery apps and payment processors
- Advanced inventory and reporting tools
- Reliable cloud-based access across devices
Cons
- Higher pricing for full features
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains handling high-volume in-house and online food orders that need a scalable POS solution.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Essential plan); Standard at $109, Premium at $199; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad-centric POS with online ordering, reservations, and staff management designed for full-service restaurants.
Visual floor plan and table management for real-time dine-in order tracking
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, streamlining food and beverage order management, table tracking, and payment processing via iPad hardware. It includes inventory management, staff scheduling, reporting tools, and integrations for online ordering, delivery apps like Uber Eats, and loyalty programs. Ideal for handling dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders in a unified platform.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like visual table mapping and kitchen display system
- Strong integrations with online ordering, delivery services, and accounting software
- Robust analytics and reporting for sales, inventory, and labor
Cons
- Locked to iPad hardware, requiring specific devices and accessories
- Pricing can be steep for small operations with per-terminal fees
- Occasional software updates cause temporary glitches or require retraining
Best For
Full-service and quick-service restaurants needing an all-in-one POS for dine-in, takeout, and delivery order management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Back of House (1 terminal), $135/month for full-service plans; annual billing required, plus 2.3% payment processing and hardware costs.
Revel Systems
enterpriseScalable iPad POS platform featuring online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location support for food businesses.
CloudSync for real-time data synchronization across devices, locations, and online orders even in offline mode
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants and food service businesses, enabling efficient order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement. It supports online ordering, kitchen display systems, and integrations with major delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. With real-time analytics and multi-location capabilities, it streamlines operations from front-of-house to back-of-house for high-volume food ordering environments.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including inventory, loyalty, and reporting tools
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and third-party services
- Scalable for single locations to enterprise chains
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS alternatives
- Requires iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Learning curve for full customization and advanced features
Best For
Full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, and multi-location food businesses needing robust order management and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per iPad terminal for core POS; add-ons, hardware ($500+ per device), and enterprise plans increase costs to $200-500+/month.
Olo
specializedEnterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with POS for high-volume restaurants.
Vision platform for creating unified guest profiles across ordering channels to enable hyper-personalized marketing and loyalty experiences
Olo is a leading enterprise-grade online ordering platform for restaurants, enabling direct digital orders, payments, and delivery integrations without relying on third-party marketplaces. It provides white-label solutions that maintain brand control, unified menu management across channels, and tools for loyalty programs and marketing automation. Designed for scalability, Olo powers thousands of locations for major chains like Chipotle and Five Guys, focusing on data-driven guest engagement.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ POS systems and delivery partners like DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Powerful Vision platform for unified guest data, personalization, and analytics
- Scalable for enterprise chains with robust security and compliance
Cons
- High custom pricing unsuitable for small independent restaurants
- Complex setup and onboarding process requiring technical support
- Limited self-service options for non-enterprise users
Best For
Enterprise restaurant chains and multi-location operators needing scalable, integrated online ordering with advanced data capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically subscription per location plus per-order fees (around 1-2% of sales); no public tiers, starts at $500+/month for smaller setups.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free online ordering system that owns customer data and integrates directly with restaurant websites.
100% commission-free direct ordering with fully customizable, restaurant-branded websites and apps
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform that enables independent restaurants to create branded websites and mobile apps for direct orders, bypassing third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats. It offers tools for customer management, loyalty programs, gift cards, email marketing, and integrations with major POS systems such as Toast and Square. The platform emphasizes owning customer data and boosting direct sales through features like scheduled ordering and promotions.
Pros
- Commission-free model keeps 100% of order revenue for restaurants
- Fully branded, white-label ordering experience builds customer loyalty
- Strong marketing and analytics tools to drive repeat business
Cons
- No built-in delivery network, requiring partnerships or in-house fulfillment
- Monthly fees start relatively high for very small operations
- Limited advanced AI or automation compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Independent restaurants and small chains seeking direct online ordering without third-party commissions to own their customer relationships.
Pricing
Starts at $150/month per location for the Starter plan, scaling to $250+ for advanced features; no per-order commissions, plus standard payment processing fees.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing automation, and contactless payments.
Commission-free online ordering that allows restaurants to keep 100% of direct orders without third-party fees
SpotOn is an all-in-one restaurant management platform offering point-of-sale (POS) systems, commission-free online ordering, payment processing, and marketing tools tailored for food service businesses. It enables seamless food ordering through customizable webstores, integrates with major delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and provides kitchen display systems for efficient order fulfillment. With robust inventory tracking and customer loyalty features, SpotOn helps restaurants streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering reduces costs compared to third-party apps
- Strong integrations with POS, delivery services, and accounting software
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs can be a barrier for small operations
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing an integrated POS and online ordering system without delivery app commissions.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $99/month for software, plus hardware leases from $50/month and payment processing fees (2.6% + $0.10 per transaction); no long-term contracts.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software ecosystem supporting online ordering and custom apps for food services.
Vast App Market enabling tailored integrations for delivery, loyalty, and advanced ordering workflows
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium-sized businesses, including restaurants, offering integrated online ordering, menu management, and order fulfillment tools. It supports in-person, online, and delivery orders through its app marketplace and partnerships with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform combines payment processing, inventory tracking, and kitchen display systems for streamlined food service operations.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with over 200 integrations for custom food ordering enhancements
- Seamless online and in-person ordering with kitchen display support
- Reliable payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- Hardware costs can be high upfront (stations from $500+)
- Advanced features often require additional app subscriptions
- Reporting and analytics are basic without premium add-ons
Best For
Small to medium restaurants seeking a flexible POS with solid online ordering and easy scalability.
Pricing
Software from $14.95/mo (Register Lite) to $114.85/mo (Restaurant plan); hardware $500+; transaction fees 2.3-3.5% + $0.10.
GloriaFood
specializedFree online ordering website builder and app for small restaurants and takeaways with easy POS integration.
Commission-free online ordering system with a free branded restaurant website
GloriaFood is a free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to create a customizable website with integrated ordering capabilities for pickup and delivery. It supports menu management, payment processing via Stripe or PayPal, and customer notifications without charging commissions on orders. The service also includes marketing tools like Facebook ordering and email/SMS campaigns, making it accessible for small food businesses.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no order commissions
- Quick setup in minutes with drag-and-drop menu builder
- Seamless integrations for social media and payments
Cons
- Limited customization and advanced analytics on free plan
- Basic reporting lacks depth compared to premium competitors
- Relies on GloriaFood subdomain unless upgraded
Best For
Small restaurants and cafes seeking a no-cost entry into online ordering without third-party fees.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; premium add-ons like white-label apps and advanced tools from $29/month.
Conclusion
The reviewed food order software ranges from comprehensive cloud-based tools to tailored solutions, each designed to enhance efficiency. Leading the pack, Toast shines as the top choice, offering a robust blend of POS, online ordering, and delivery integrations. Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant, meanwhile, excel in affordability and scalability, serving as excellent alternatives for different operational needs.
To streamline your food ordering and operations, Toast is the clear top pick—try its intuitive platform to experience simplified management and improved customer satisfaction.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.