Quick Overview
- 1#1: Loyverse POS - Free cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering inventory management, table service, staff scheduling, and sales analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Free POS software designed for restaurants with floor plan management, kitchen display system, and integrated payments.
- 3#3: Floreant POS - Open-source restaurant management software featuring table mapping, kitchen order routing, menu customization, and reporting.
- 4#4: Waiterio - Free restaurant POS and management tool with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and multi-language support.
- 5#5: eHopper POS - Free cloud POS for restaurants supporting order taking, inventory control, employee management, and multi-location operations.
- 6#6: Unicenta oPOS - Open-source POS platform tailored for hospitality and restaurants with customizable menus, table service, and backend reporting.
- 7#7: Chromis POS - Free Java-based POS system for restaurants providing kitchen integration, customer loyalty, and flexible receipt printing.
- 8#8: Odoo Restaurant - Free community edition ERP with restaurant POS module including self-ordering, floor management, and full business integration.
- 9#9: ERPNext - Open-source ERP software with free POS and restaurant features for sales, inventory, accounting, and operations management.
- 10#10: Dolibarr - Open-source ERP and CRM with free POS module suitable for small restaurants handling orders, stocks, and invoicing.
Tools were chosen based on functionality (e.g., kitchen order routing, customer engagement), ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring they address critical restaurant needs like multi-location support and staff scheduling.
Comparison Table
Finding the right free restaurant management software? This comparison table breaks down tools like Loyverse POS, Square for Restaurants, Floreant POS, Waiterio, eHopper POS, and more, helping readers understand key features, usability, and integration options to match their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loyverse POS Free cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering inventory management, table service, staff scheduling, and sales analytics. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Free POS software designed for restaurants with floor plan management, kitchen display system, and integrated payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Floreant POS Open-source restaurant management software featuring table mapping, kitchen order routing, menu customization, and reporting. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Waiterio Free restaurant POS and management tool with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and multi-language support. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | eHopper POS Free cloud POS for restaurants supporting order taking, inventory control, employee management, and multi-location operations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 6 | Unicenta oPOS Open-source POS platform tailored for hospitality and restaurants with customizable menus, table service, and backend reporting. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | Chromis POS Free Java-based POS system for restaurants providing kitchen integration, customer loyalty, and flexible receipt printing. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Odoo Restaurant Free community edition ERP with restaurant POS module including self-ordering, floor management, and full business integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | ERPNext Open-source ERP software with free POS and restaurant features for sales, inventory, accounting, and operations management. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 5.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Dolibarr Open-source ERP and CRM with free POS module suitable for small restaurants handling orders, stocks, and invoicing. | enterprise | 6.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Free cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering inventory management, table service, staff scheduling, and sales analytics.
Free POS software designed for restaurants with floor plan management, kitchen display system, and integrated payments.
Open-source restaurant management software featuring table mapping, kitchen order routing, menu customization, and reporting.
Free restaurant POS and management tool with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and multi-language support.
Free cloud POS for restaurants supporting order taking, inventory control, employee management, and multi-location operations.
Open-source POS platform tailored for hospitality and restaurants with customizable menus, table service, and backend reporting.
Free Java-based POS system for restaurants providing kitchen integration, customer loyalty, and flexible receipt printing.
Free community edition ERP with restaurant POS module including self-ordering, floor management, and full business integration.
Open-source ERP software with free POS and restaurant features for sales, inventory, accounting, and operations management.
Open-source ERP and CRM with free POS module suitable for small restaurants handling orders, stocks, and invoicing.
Loyverse POS
specializedFree cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering inventory management, table service, staff scheduling, and sales analytics.
Unlimited free users, transactions, and multi-store support with seamless cloud sync
Loyverse POS is a free, cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small businesses like restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, offering sales processing, inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty tools. It supports table management, kitchen order routing, and real-time reporting via a intuitive mobile app for iOS and Android. Users can integrate with hardware like receipt printers and cash drawers, making it ideal for on-the-go restaurant operations without any upfront costs.
Pros
- Completely free core features with unlimited transactions and users
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Robust inventory and table management for restaurants
Cons
- Advanced analytics and loyalty programs require paid add-ons
- Limited offline functionality during internet outages
- Customization options are basic compared to paid competitors
Best For
Small restaurants, cafes, and food trucks seeking a no-cost, user-friendly POS for daily operations and basic management.
Pricing
Free forever plan with core POS features; paid Back Office add-ons from $5/month for advanced inventory, employees, and analytics.
Square for Restaurants
specializedFree POS software designed for restaurants with floor plan management, kitchen display system, and integrated payments.
Free POS software with built-in restaurant workflows like table management and course sequencing
Square for Restaurants is a point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for the food service industry, providing free software for menu management, order taking, table tracking, and payment processing without monthly fees. It supports quick-service and full-service restaurants with features like floor plans, kitchen display systems, online ordering, and basic inventory tracking. Ideal for small to medium operations, it integrates seamlessly with Square's payment hardware and offers real-time reporting to streamline daily workflows.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only transaction-based pricing
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app support
- Robust payment processing with instant deposits available
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can add up for high-volume restaurants
- Limited advanced reporting and customization in the free tier
- Hardware purchases or rentals required for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium restaurants or food trucks seeking an affordable, easy-to-use POS without upfront software costs.
Pricing
Free software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; hardware starts at $0-$799.
Floreant POS
specializedOpen-source restaurant management software featuring table mapping, kitchen order routing, menu customization, and reporting.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) for real-time order routing to printers or screens
Floreant POS is a free, open-source point-of-sale system tailored for restaurants, enabling efficient order management, table tracking, and kitchen integration. It supports features like split bills, discounts, inventory tracking, and customizable reporting without any licensing costs. As a Java-based application, it runs on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it accessible for small businesses.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden fees
- Robust core features like table management, KDS, and multi-terminal support
- Cross-platform compatibility and offline functionality
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels outdated
- Complex initial setup requiring Java knowledge
- Limited community support and no official updates recently
Best For
Small independent restaurants or cafes needing a reliable, no-cost POS without advanced integrations.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no subscriptions or fees)
Waiterio
specializedFree restaurant POS and management tool with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and multi-language support.
Unlimited users, tables, and orders on the free plan without time limits
Waiterio is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management software tailored for small restaurants, cafes, and bars. It handles table management, order taking, kitchen display systems, menu customization, and basic inventory tracking via any web browser on tablets or phones. The free plan provides core functionalities with unlimited users and orders for a single outlet, ideal for startups avoiding upfront costs.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users, orders, and tables for one outlet
- No installation required; works on any device with a browser
- Intuitive interface for quick setup and daily operations
Cons
- Restricted to single outlet on free plan; multi-location requires upgrade
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in free version
- Basic integrations; lacks deep accounting or delivery app connections
Best For
Small single-location restaurants or cafes needing a straightforward, no-cost POS to manage orders and tables.
Pricing
Free forever for 1 outlet (unlimited users/orders); paid plans start at €19 per outlet/month for extras like multiple outlets and advanced features.
eHopper POS
specializedFree cloud POS for restaurants supporting order taking, inventory control, employee management, and multi-location operations.
Free forever plan with unlimited users, items, and locations, making it accessible for bootstrapped businesses
eHopper POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small restaurants, cafes, and retail businesses, providing essential tools for order management, payments, and basic inventory tracking on a free plan. It supports table-side ordering, kitchen display systems, and real-time reporting accessible via web, iPad, or Android devices. While robust for startups, it focuses on core POS functionality rather than advanced restaurant management features like full CRM or labor scheduling.
Pros
- Free plan with no monthly fees and unlimited users/locations
- Intuitive mobile-friendly interface for quick setup and use
- Integrated payment processing with low transaction rates
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.2% + $0.10) eat into margins on high volume
- Limited advanced features like loyalty programs or detailed labor management in free tier
- Basic reporting lacks depth for larger operations
Best For
Small restaurants, food trucks, or cafes with low-to-moderate volume seeking a no-cost entry-level POS without monthly subscriptions.
Pricing
Free plan (2.2% + $0.10 per transaction); paid plans from $19.99/month for advanced features and lower fees.
Unicenta oPOS
specializedOpen-source POS platform tailored for hospitality and restaurants with customizable menus, table service, and backend reporting.
Flexible floor plan and table management system for efficient restaurant service workflows
UniCenta oPOS is a free, open-source point-of-sale system tailored for retail and hospitality businesses, including restaurants, offering core functions like sales processing, inventory tracking, and reporting. It supports table management, customer loyalty programs, and multi-terminal setups, making it viable for small to medium-sized eateries. As a Java-based application, it runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with community-driven development ensuring ongoing updates.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Cross-platform compatibility and customizable interface
- Solid basic restaurant tools like table management and inventory control
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration for non-technical users
- Limited official support relying on community forums
- Outdated user interface lacking modern polish
Best For
Budget-conscious small restaurants or cafes needing a no-frills, customizable POS without ongoing fees.
Pricing
100% free open-source software; optional paid add-ons, hosting, or professional support available.
Chromis POS
specializedFree Java-based POS system for restaurants providing kitchen integration, customer loyalty, and flexible receipt printing.
Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) for real-time order routing to kitchen printers or screens
Chromis POS is a free, open-source point-of-sale system tailored for retail and hospitality environments, including restaurants, offering core functionalities like sales processing, inventory management, and customer tracking. It supports restaurant-specific features such as table management, kitchen display systems (KDS), bill splitting, and customizable reports. Designed for small to medium businesses, it runs on multiple platforms including Windows and Linux, using a lightweight CSV or MySQL database.
Pros
- Completely free with no licensing or subscription fees
- Strong restaurant tools like table plans and kitchen displays
- Cross-platform support and open-source customizability
Cons
- Dated and clunky user interface
- Complex initial setup and configuration
- Community-based support only, no official helpdesk
Best For
Budget-conscious small restaurants or cafes needing a no-cost, customizable POS without advanced cloud features.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no hidden costs or paid tiers).
Odoo Restaurant
enterpriseFree community edition ERP with restaurant POS module including self-ordering, floor management, and full business integration.
Integrated ERP ecosystem allowing restaurant ops to connect directly with inventory, accounting, and CRM modules
Odoo Restaurant is a module within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, offering free restaurant management tools like POS, table management, floor plans, kitchen display systems, and order processing. The community edition provides core functionalities for handling orders, inventory, and customer data without upfront costs. It excels in scalability by integrating with Odoo's broader ecosystem for accounting, CRM, and more, making it suitable for growing operations.
Pros
- Fully free community edition with robust POS and restaurant-specific features
- Highly customizable and integrates seamlessly with other Odoo apps
- Supports self-ordering kiosks and kitchen displays out-of-the-box
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to modular ERP interface
- Advanced reporting and some integrations require paid Enterprise edition
- Self-hosting demands technical setup; cloud hosting incurs costs
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking a scalable, free all-in-one management system that grows with their business.
Pricing
Free Community Edition (self-hosted); Enterprise from $24.90/user/month for advanced features and support.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP software with free POS and restaurant features for sales, inventory, accounting, and operations management.
Full-spectrum ERP integration (accounting, HR, CRM) with restaurant-adaptable POS and inventory at zero cost
ERPNext is a free, open-source ERP platform that provides comprehensive business management tools, including POS, inventory, accounting, and CRM modules adaptable for restaurant operations. It enables restaurants to manage sales, track stock levels, handle customer orders, and generate financial reports within a unified system. Though not exclusively designed for restaurants, its extensibility via custom apps supports features like table reservations and kitchen order management.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Broad feature set including POS, inventory, and accounting integration
- Highly customizable for specific restaurant workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Requires technical expertise for self-hosting or customization
- Lacks out-of-the-box restaurant-specific tools like advanced table management
Best For
Tech-savvy restaurant owners or multi-location chains seeking a scalable, all-in-one ERP without subscription fees.
Pricing
Free open-source software; optional paid cloud hosting starts at around $10/month per user.
Dolibarr
enterpriseOpen-source ERP and CRM with free POS module suitable for small restaurants handling orders, stocks, and invoicing.
Extensive modular architecture for tailoring ERP/CRM functions to basic restaurant inventory and sales needs
Dolibarr is a free, open-source ERP and CRM platform designed for small to medium businesses, offering modular tools for invoicing, inventory management, customer relations, and basic point-of-sale via its TakePOS module. For restaurant management, it handles stock tracking, product catalogs, supplier orders, and simple sales transactions but lacks dedicated features like table mapping, reservations, or kitchen display systems. It's best suited for very basic operations rather than full-service restaurants.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no user limits
- Modular system allows customization and integration of ERP/CRM tools
- Solid inventory and basic POS for tracking sales and stock
Cons
- No restaurant-specific features like table management or reservations
- Self-hosting requires technical setup (PHP/MySQL server)
- Basic POS lacks mobile optimization and high-volume restaurant support
Best For
Small takeout spots or cafes needing affordable, integrated inventory and basic sales tracking without advanced restaurant tools.
Pricing
100% free open-source software; self-hosted with optional paid modules, hosting, or support starting around €50/year.
Conclusion
Reviewing the top 10 free restaurant management software highlights a range of solutions, each designed to streamline operations—from inventory tracking to table service. The clear winner is Loyverse POS, a cloud-based tool that combines versatility and affordability. Square for Restaurants and Floreant POS also stand out, offering tailored features for integrated payments and open-source flexibility respectively.
For businesses seeking a robust, free solution, Loyverse POS leads the pack—start exploring its capabilities to enhance efficiency and simplify daily tasks today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
