Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and payroll integration.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant-focused POS software offering inventory management, staff scheduling, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plan management, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - Cloud POS platform for hospitality venues featuring real-time analytics, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations.
- 5#5: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu customization, and team management for small to mid-sized eateries.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software customizable for restaurants, bars, and hotels with app marketplace integrations.
- 7#7: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with contactless payments, marketing tools, and labor management for hospitality businesses.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile-first POS app for restaurants supporting offline mode, order routing, and customer relationship management.
- 9#9: NCR Voyix Engage - Robust POS system formerly Aloha, providing scalable solutions for high-volume restaurants with advanced reporting and integrations.
- 10#10: Oracle Simphony POS - Enterprise-grade POS for large hospitality chains with global scalability, centralized management, and property management system integrations.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth (including inventory management, employee scheduling, and integrations), user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced list of top performers across business sizes and operational demands.
Comparison Table
Hospitality businesses rely on robust point-of-sale software to streamline operations, and this comparison table breaks down leading tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Revel Systems, and Square for Restaurants, examining their key features and performance. Readers will discover how to identify the best fit for their specific needs, whether focusing on small cafes or large dining venues.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and payroll integration. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant-focused POS software offering inventory management, staff scheduling, multi-location support, and detailed reporting. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plan management, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems Cloud POS platform for hospitality venues featuring real-time analytics, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu customization, and team management for small to mid-sized eateries. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software customizable for restaurants, bars, and hotels with app marketplace integrations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with contactless payments, marketing tools, and labor management for hospitality businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile-first POS app for restaurants supporting offline mode, order routing, and customer relationship management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | NCR Voyix Engage Robust POS system formerly Aloha, providing scalable solutions for high-volume restaurants with advanced reporting and integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Oracle Simphony POS Enterprise-grade POS for large hospitality chains with global scalability, centralized management, and property management system integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and payroll integration.
Restaurant-focused POS software offering inventory management, staff scheduling, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.
iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plan management, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
Cloud POS platform for hospitality venues featuring real-time analytics, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu customization, and team management for small to mid-sized eateries.
Flexible POS hardware and software customizable for restaurants, bars, and hotels with app marketplace integrations.
All-in-one restaurant POS with contactless payments, marketing tools, and labor management for hospitality businesses.
Mobile-first POS app for restaurants supporting offline mode, order routing, and customer relationship management.
Robust POS system formerly Aloha, providing scalable solutions for high-volume restaurants with advanced reporting and integrations.
Enterprise-grade POS for large hospitality chains with global scalability, centralized management, and property management system integrations.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with table management, online ordering, inventory tracking, and payroll integration.
Integrated online ordering and marketplace that syncs orders directly into the POS for unified management
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and hospitality businesses, handling everything from order management and payment processing to inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services like Uber Eats, and kitchen display systems for efficient operations. With robust reporting and analytics, Toast empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions while scaling from single locations to enterprise chains.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering POS, payments, payroll, and marketing
- Extensive integrations with 200+ apps and delivery partners
- Powerful real-time analytics and customizable reporting
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware and processing fees
- Occasional reliance on stable internet can disrupt offline use
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Full-service restaurants, bars, and hospitality chains needing a scalable, restaurant-specific POS with deep integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal plus hardware ($799+), payment processing (2.49%+ per transaction), and add-ons; custom enterprise pricing available.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRestaurant-focused POS software offering inventory management, staff scheduling, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.
Advanced table management with interactive floor plans and automated service workflows
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for hospitality businesses, enabling efficient order management, table service, inventory tracking, and payment processing across quick-service, full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes. It offers kitchen display systems, online ordering integration, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs to streamline operations. The platform supports multi-location management with real-time reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with delivery apps, accounting software, and hardware
- Robust inventory and multi-location management tools
- Reliable offline mode and real-time analytics
Cons
- Higher cost for premium plans and additional hardware
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited free trial duration compared to competitors
Best For
Full-service restaurants and multi-location chains needing scalable, feature-rich POS with strong back-office capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Essentials), $109 (Plus), $149 (Pro); annual billing discounts available, hardware sold separately.
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plan management, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
Interactive floor plan-based table management for visual service optimization
TouchBistro is an iPad-exclusive, cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and hospitality venues, offering comprehensive tools for order management, table service, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It supports offline operations, real-time reporting, and integrations with over 200 third-party apps like delivery services and payroll providers. Designed to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations, it helps businesses manage everything from reservations to loyalty programs in one platform.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like advanced table mapping and kitchen display system
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service during outages
- Robust integrations and 24/7 customer support
Cons
- iPad hardware requirement limits flexibility
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple terminals
- Initial setup and training can be time-intensive
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a mobile, all-in-one POS with strong table management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Lite plan) up to $165/month (Pro plan); custom Enterprise pricing; hardware extra.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS platform for hospitality venues featuring real-time analytics, employee management, and extensive third-party integrations.
Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) with customizable workflows and real-time order routing
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS platform tailored for hospitality businesses like restaurants, bars, and cafes. It streamlines operations with features such as order management, inventory control, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and integrations for online ordering and delivery services. The system provides real-time analytics and reporting accessible from any device, enabling multi-location management and scalability.
Pros
- Robust inventory and reporting tools with real-time insights
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Scalable for multi-location hospitality operations
Cons
- Requires Apple iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and processing fees
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and bars seeking a feature-rich, cloud-based POS for efficient multi-location management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for Core plan, up to $299/month for Enterprise, plus hardware (~$1,000+ initial) and 2.3-2.6% payment processing fees.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu customization, and team management for small to mid-sized eateries.
Real-time floor plan and table management with drag-and-drop seat assignments and automatic check splitting
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for hospitality venues, enabling efficient order management, table mapping, kitchen display systems, and integrated payments. It supports dine-in, takeout, delivery, and online ordering through a unified platform. The software emphasizes quick setup and scalability for small to mid-sized operations without requiring long-term contracts.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- No monthly software fees for core POS functionality
- Seamless integration with payments, online ordering, and team management
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Limited advanced analytics and multi-location reporting
- Less customizable than enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized independent restaurants or cafes prioritizing ease of use and low upfront costs over advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Free core POS software; processing fees 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction (lower with volume); add-ons like KDS ($20/screen/month) and advanced plans ($60+/location/month).
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software customizable for restaurants, bars, and hotels with app marketplace integrations.
The App Market with over 200 third-party apps for tailored hospitality solutions like kitchen display systems and multi-location management
Clover POS is a versatile cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small to medium-sized hospitality businesses like restaurants, cafes, and bars. It provides tools for order management, table tracking, inventory control, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs through its intuitive dashboard and customizable hardware options. With a vast app marketplace, it integrates seamlessly with delivery services, kitchen displays, and payment processors for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Flexible hardware lineup including handheld devices for table-side ordering
- Extensive app marketplace with hospitality-specific integrations like online ordering and loyalty
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and PCI compliance
Cons
- Upfront hardware costs can be high for smaller operations
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume businesses
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium hospitality venues seeking scalable, customizable POS with easy hardware deployment.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95-$114.85/month per device; hardware $49-$1,699 one-time; processing fees ~2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with contactless payments, marketing tools, and labor management for hospitality businesses.
Guaranteed lowest payment processing rates, beating competitors or they cover the difference
SpotOn is a full-service POS system tailored for restaurants and hospitality venues, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs. It supports tableside ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering, and integrations with delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform stands out with its emphasis on cost-effective payments and data-driven insights to optimize operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive, transparent rates
- Robust analytics and reporting for business insights
- Excellent customer support with dedicated account managers
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs or lease commitments
- Occasional software glitches during peak hours reported by users
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors like Toast
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and hospitality businesses seeking an all-in-one POS with strong payment savings and analytics.
Pricing
Custom quotes; software starts at ~$100-250/month per location, plus 2.3-2.95% processing fees and hardware leases from $99/month.
Lavu
enterpriseMobile-first POS app for restaurants supporting offline mode, order routing, and customer relationship management.
Offline functionality with automatic cloud sync, ideal for food trucks and venues with unreliable internet.
Lavu is a cloud-based iPad POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and hospitality venues, offering tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It includes features like online ordering integration, customer loyalty programs, and real-time reporting to help streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations. With a focus on mobility, it's particularly suited for quick-service and mobile businesses in the hospitality sector.
Pros
- Highly intuitive iPad interface for quick setup and use
- Strong offline mode for reliable operation in spotty connectivity areas
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans for growing businesses
Cons
- Limited depth in advanced reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations available
- Relies heavily on Apple hardware, limiting hardware flexibility
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants, bars, and food trucks seeking a mobile, user-friendly POS without breaking the bank.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $159/month (Enterprise), plus 2.6% + $0.10 payment processing fees and optional hardware costs.
NCR Voyix Engage
enterpriseRobust POS system formerly Aloha, providing scalable solutions for high-volume restaurants with advanced reporting and integrations.
Unified omnichannel commerce that seamlessly blends in-store POS with online ordering, delivery, and customer engagement tools.
NCR Voyix Engage is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for hospitality venues like restaurants, bars, and quick-service outlets. It handles front-of-house tasks such as order management, table mapping, split checks, and contactless payments, while offering back-of-house tools for inventory control, labor scheduling, and real-time reporting. The platform emphasizes scalability and integrations with third-party apps for online ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery services.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for multi-location operations
- Deep integrations with kitchen displays, payment processors, and delivery apps
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Premium pricing not ideal for small independents
- Hardware dependency can increase upfront costs
Best For
Established restaurant chains and multi-site hospitality businesses needing reliable, feature-rich POS with strong backend management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $99/month per terminal plus hardware (custom quotes for enterprises); additional fees for advanced modules.
Oracle Simphony POS
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS for large hospitality chains with global scalability, centralized management, and property management system integrations.
Workstation Emulation, allowing any HTML5-compatible device to serve as a full POS terminal without proprietary hardware.
Oracle Simphony POS is a robust, cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, bars, and resorts. It handles order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, labor management, and customer engagement through loyalty programs. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-site operations with real-time analytics and seamless integration into Oracle's broader hospitality ecosystem like OPERA Cloud.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for multi-location chains
- Deep integrations with Oracle hospitality tools and third-party systems
- Advanced reporting and AI-driven insights for operational efficiency
Cons
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Overly complex for small independent venues
Best For
Large hospitality enterprises and multi-property chains needing integrated, scalable POS with enterprise analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for enterprise setups, plus hardware and implementation fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed hospitality POS software showcases a range of solutions tailored to different operational needs, from small eateries to large chains. Leading the pack, Toast emerges as the top choice, with its robust cloud-based features including table management, online ordering, and integrated payroll, making it a versatile fit for diverse venues. Close competitors Lightspeed Restaurant and TouchBistro also stand out—Lightspeed for its strong inventory and multi-location support, and TouchBistro for its user-friendly iPad design and kitchen display systems, each catering to specific operational preferences.
Take the first step toward optimizing your hospitality operations by exploring Toast, our top-ranked tool. Its comprehensive features make it a smart investment for businesses looking to streamline workflows and elevate guest experiences.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison