Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery management, and comprehensive restaurant operations for food delivery services.
- 2#2: Olo - Enterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform with delivery integrations for high-volume restaurants.
- 3#3: ChowNow - Commission-free direct online ordering system that enables restaurants to manage deliveries without third-party fees.
- 4#4: Deliverect - Centralizes orders from multiple delivery platforms into POS systems for seamless food delivery operations.
- 5#5: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS solution with online ordering, table management, and delivery integrations for restaurants.
- 6#6: GloriaFood - Free online ordering website builder with commission-free orders and delivery options for small restaurants.
- 7#7: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS and online ordering tools with delivery marketplace integrations for food businesses.
- 8#8: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with online ordering, inventory, and third-party delivery support for efficient operations.
- 9#9: UpMenu - White-label online ordering platform with custom apps for customers, restaurants, and delivery drivers.
- 10#10: TouchBistro - Mobile POS system for restaurants featuring online reservations, ordering, and delivery capabilities.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver comprehensive features (including ordering, delivery management, and third-party integrations), proven reliability, user-friendly design, and competitive value, ensuring they cater to both small and large food service operations.
Comparison Table
With the growth of online food delivery, choosing the right software is critical; this comparison table breaks down tools like Toast, Olo, ChowNow, Deliverect, Lightspeed Restaurant, and more, helping readers understand each platform's key features and suitability for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery management, and comprehensive restaurant operations for food delivery services. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Olo Enterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform with delivery integrations for high-volume restaurants. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ChowNow Commission-free direct online ordering system that enables restaurants to manage deliveries without third-party fees. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Deliverect Centralizes orders from multiple delivery platforms into POS systems for seamless food delivery operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS solution with online ordering, table management, and delivery integrations for restaurants. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | GloriaFood Free online ordering website builder with commission-free orders and delivery options for small restaurants. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS and online ordering tools with delivery marketplace integrations for food businesses. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with online ordering, inventory, and third-party delivery support for efficient operations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | UpMenu White-label online ordering platform with custom apps for customers, restaurants, and delivery drivers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | TouchBistro Mobile POS system for restaurants featuring online reservations, ordering, and delivery capabilities. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 6.4/10 |
Cloud-based POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery management, and comprehensive restaurant operations for food delivery services.
Enterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform with delivery integrations for high-volume restaurants.
Commission-free direct online ordering system that enables restaurants to manage deliveries without third-party fees.
Centralizes orders from multiple delivery platforms into POS systems for seamless food delivery operations.
Cloud POS solution with online ordering, table management, and delivery integrations for restaurants.
Free online ordering website builder with commission-free orders and delivery options for small restaurants.
Affordable POS and online ordering tools with delivery marketplace integrations for food businesses.
iPad-based POS with online ordering, inventory, and third-party delivery support for efficient operations.
White-label online ordering platform with custom apps for customers, restaurants, and delivery drivers.
Mobile POS system for restaurants featuring online reservations, ordering, and delivery capabilities.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery management, and comprehensive restaurant operations for food delivery services.
Pay-at-table and commission-free branded online ordering fully integrated with POS for zero-friction first-party delivery sales
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with powerful online food delivery and ordering features tailored for restaurants. It offers commission-free branded online ordering, seamless integrations with third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, and full POS synchronization for efficient order management. The system streamlines everything from guest ordering via web or app to kitchen fulfillment and delivery tracking, making it ideal for scaling food delivery operations.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering boosts profit margins compared to third-party only platforms
- Deep POS integration eliminates double-entry and ensures real-time order syncing
- Robust analytics and reporting for delivery performance, sales trends, and customer insights
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees can be prohibitive for small operations
- Steep learning curve for advanced features despite intuitive core interface
- Limited flexibility in custom integrations outside Toast's ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants and chains seeking an all-in-one POS and online delivery solution with strong scalability.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per location (software only), plus one-time hardware bundles from $1,000+ and transaction fees.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise-grade online ordering and guest engagement platform with delivery integrations for high-volume restaurants.
Vision AI platform for unified guest data insights and hyper-personalized marketing across channels
Olo is a leading enterprise platform for online food ordering, enabling restaurants to build branded digital experiences across web, mobile, kiosks, and voice. It integrates deeply with POS systems like Toast and NCR, as well as delivery partners including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Olo emphasizes first-party guest data ownership, analytics, and marketing automation to drive loyalty and revenue. It's optimized for scalability across multi-location chains.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major POS, delivery, and payment systems
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven personalization via Vision platform
- High reliability and scalability for enterprise chains
Cons
- High cost unsuitable for small independents
- Complex initial setup and customization
- Pricing lacks public transparency, requires sales quote
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains and QSRs needing robust, data-driven online ordering at scale.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on locations, volume, and features; typically starts at $5,000+/month for chains.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free direct online ordering system that enables restaurants to manage deliveries without third-party fees.
White-label direct ordering that lets restaurants own 100% of customer relationships and avoid marketplace commissions entirely
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform tailored for independent restaurants, enabling them to create branded ordering websites and apps for direct customer sales. It bypasses third-party marketplaces like DoorDash or Uber Eats, allowing restaurants to retain full control over customer data, pricing, and profits while handling pickup or their own delivery. The software includes menu management, POS integrations, marketing tools, and loyalty programs to streamline operations and boost repeat business.
Pros
- Commission-free model saves on third-party fees
- Full ownership of customer data and branding
- Seamless POS integrations and marketing automation
Cons
- Monthly fees may strain very small operations
- No built-in delivery network, relies on restaurant logistics
- Initial setup requires some customization effort
Best For
Independent restaurants seeking direct online ordering to build customer loyalty without aggregator commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $150/month per location (Essentials plan) plus payment processing fees (~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction); higher tiers up to $350+/month with advanced features.
Deliverect
specializedCentralizes orders from multiple delivery platforms into POS systems for seamless food delivery operations.
Channel Manager that unifies menus, orders, and inventory across all delivery channels in one dashboard
Deliverect is an integration platform designed for restaurants to connect online ordering channels like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat directly to their POS systems. It automates order syncing, menu management across platforms, inventory tracking, and reporting to streamline operations. This middleware solution helps food businesses manage multi-channel deliveries without manual data entry, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 50+ POS systems and 100+ delivery platforms
- Real-time order synchronization and automated inventory management
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for sales insights
Cons
- Pricing scales per outlet, which can get expensive for chains
- Setup requires technical configuration for some POS integrations
- Relies on third-party delivery apps rather than owning the customer data
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and chains relying on aggregator platforms like Uber Eats that need seamless POS integration to handle high-volume orders.
Pricing
Starts at $149 per outlet/month for basic plans; enterprise custom pricing with add-ons for advanced features.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS solution with online ordering, table management, and delivery integrations for restaurants.
Unified order dashboard that consolidates in-store, online, and third-party delivery orders into one interface
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering online ordering for pickup and delivery alongside core point-of-sale functionalities. It integrates with third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub to centralize order management from multiple channels. The software also provides inventory tracking, table management, and analytics to support efficient restaurant operations, though it focuses more on front-of-house than full delivery logistics.
Pros
- Strong integrations with major delivery services for streamlined order flow
- Comprehensive POS tools including inventory and reporting
- Cloud-based access with mobile app support for flexibility
Cons
- Lacks native driver management or real-time delivery tracking
- Online ordering is an add-on module that increases costs
- Customization options can feel limited for complex delivery workflows
Best For
Restaurants needing a robust POS with online ordering and delivery integrations rather than a dedicated fleet management platform.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essentials plan), scaling to $109 (Plus) and $159+ (Pro); online ordering add-on ~$50-100/month extra, plus transaction fees and hardware costs.
GloriaFood
specializedFree online ordering website builder with commission-free orders and delivery options for small restaurants.
100% commission-free direct online ordering from the restaurant's own branded website
GloriaFood is a commission-free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to create a customizable website for direct customer orders, supporting both pickup and delivery. It offers menu management, real-time order notifications, and integrations with social media like Facebook and Google for seamless ordering. The service is particularly geared toward small businesses, providing a mobile app for customers and basic tools for order tracking without third-party fees.
Pros
- Completely free basic plan with no commissions on orders
- Quick setup with drag-and-drop menu builder
- Integrations for Facebook, Google, and WhatsApp ordering
Cons
- Limited customization and analytics in the free tier
- No native driver dispatch app for deliveries
- Relies on third-party payment gateways with extra fees
Best For
Small independent restaurants and cafes wanting a low-cost, easy-to-implement online ordering system without commission cuts.
Pricing
Free forever plan; premium upgrades like white-label site and advanced features from $29/month.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS and online ordering tools with delivery marketplace integrations for food businesses.
Commission-free online ordering pages that integrate directly with Square POS for real-time order syncing
Square for Restaurants is a comprehensive POS system designed for the food service industry, featuring built-in online ordering tools for delivery and pickup. It enables restaurants to create commission-free online ordering pages that sync seamlessly with the POS, kitchen displays, and inventory management. Users can integrate with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats for broader reach, while handling payments and order fulfillment in one platform.
Pros
- Seamless integration between POS, online ordering, and payments
- Commission-free direct online orders to avoid third-party fees
- User-friendly interface with quick setup and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Limited native delivery management like driver dispatch or routing
- Ongoing transaction fees can add up for high-volume orders
- Heavy reliance on third-party integrations for marketplace delivery
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking simple, integrated online ordering for pickup and delivery without complex fleet management.
Pricing
Free core plan; Plus ($60/month per location) and Premium ($165/month per location) tiers; plus 2.6% + 15¢ in-person or 2.9% + 30¢ online processing fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS with online ordering, inventory, and third-party delivery support for efficient operations.
Unified POS and online ordering dashboard that syncs menus, inventory, and orders in real-time across channels
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for restaurants, offering integrated online ordering for delivery and pickup through its Revel Online Ordering module. It supports seamless connections with third-party services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, enabling centralized order management, menu synchronization, and real-time inventory tracking. The system unifies front-of-house operations with back-end analytics to streamline food delivery workflows from order receipt to fulfillment.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for unified order management
- Robust third-party delivery platform support
- Advanced reporting and real-time analytics
Cons
- Higher monthly costs with add-ons
- Relies on iPad hardware for optimal use
- Limited standalone delivery tracking without integrations
Best For
Restaurants needing an all-in-one POS with reliable online ordering and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Core POS starts at $99/month per location (Starter plan), plus $50-150/month for online ordering add-ons; hardware and processing fees extra.
UpMenu
specializedWhite-label online ordering platform with custom apps for customers, restaurants, and delivery drivers.
White-label native mobile apps that allow restaurants to offer a fully branded iOS and Android experience without app store commissions.
UpMenu is a white-label online ordering platform tailored for restaurants and food businesses, enabling them to build branded websites and mobile apps for direct food delivery and takeaway orders. It provides robust menu management, real-time order tracking, payment processing, and integrations with POS systems and delivery services. The software emphasizes commission-free ordering to help businesses retain full customer data and profits while offering loyalty programs and promotions.
Pros
- Highly customizable white-label websites and apps for full branding control
- Seamless integrations with POS, payment gateways, and third-party delivery services
- Commission-free ordering model that retains customer data and boosts profits
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations and setup
- Pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume or enterprise needs
- Limited built-in advanced analytics compared to larger platforms
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants or chains seeking a branded, self-managed online ordering system without marketplace commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for basic plans (up to 500 orders), scaling to $199+/month for advanced features and unlimited orders, with custom enterprise pricing available.
TouchBistro
enterpriseMobile POS system for restaurants featuring online reservations, ordering, and delivery capabilities.
Unified POS and online ordering dashboard that syncs inventory, orders, and payments in real-time
TouchBistro is primarily a cloud-based POS system for restaurants that includes online ordering capabilities for direct customer orders via a branded website or app, supporting both pickup and delivery. It integrates with third-party services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes for broader delivery reach, while offering menu management, promotions, and loyalty tools. However, its online food delivery features are an extension of its core POS functionality rather than a standalone solution.
Pros
- Seamless integration between POS and online ordering for unified operations
- Strong third-party delivery integrations expand reach without extra apps
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support for quick order management
Cons
- Not specialized in delivery logistics like routing or driver management
- Higher pricing geared toward full POS rather than delivery-only use
- Limited customization for pure online delivery menus compared to dedicated platforms
Best For
Full-service restaurants wanting to add branded online ordering and delivery alongside their POS system without multiple disjointed tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for POS; online ordering add-on ~$99-$249/month; enterprise bundles $200+/month with custom quotes.
Conclusion
Among the top online food delivery software reviewed, Toast leads as the top choice, combining a cloud-based POS platform with seamless online ordering and delivery management to streamline restaurant operations. Olo and ChowNow stand out as strong alternatives, with Olo excelling for high-volume enterprises and ChowNow offering commission-free direct ordering—each tailored to distinct business needs. Together, these tools highlight the diverse solutions available to optimize delivery workflows effectively.
Leverage Toast to elevate your food delivery operations; its integrated, comprehensive platform sets it apart as the ideal choice to enhance efficiency and grow your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
