Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - All-in-one POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery, and marketing tools for restaurants.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud-based POS system featuring customizable online ordering, table management, and inventory control for restaurants.
- 3#3: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS solution with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small restaurants.
- 4#4: Olo - Enterprise-grade online ordering platform with advanced personalization, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery support.
- 5#5: ChowNow - Commission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and direct sales.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with online ordering, e-commerce, and real-time reporting for food service businesses.
- 7#7: TouchBistro - Mobile POS designed for restaurants with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities.
- 8#8: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with online ordering apps for retail and restaurants.
- 9#9: BentoBox - Website and online ordering platform tailored for restaurants to drive direct online sales.
- 10#10: GloriaFood - Free online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants.
Tools were selected based on thorough assessment of features, performance, user experience, and value, prioritizing those that balance functionality with accessibility to deliver long-term business benefit.
Comparison Table
In modern commerce, efficient online ordering software is vital for businesses to connect with customers and streamline operations. This comparison table guides readers through top tools—including Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, and Olo—outlining key features, usability, and suitability for diverse workflows to help find the right fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast All-in-one POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery, and marketing tools for restaurants. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud-based POS system featuring customizable online ordering, table management, and inventory control for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS solution with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | Olo Enterprise-grade online ordering platform with advanced personalization, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | ChowNow Commission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and direct sales. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with online ordering, e-commerce, and real-time reporting for food service businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | TouchBistro Mobile POS designed for restaurants with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with online ordering apps for retail and restaurants. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | BentoBox Website and online ordering platform tailored for restaurants to drive direct online sales. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | GloriaFood Free online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
All-in-one POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery, and marketing tools for restaurants.
Cloud-based POS system featuring customizable online ordering, table management, and inventory control for restaurants.
Affordable POS solution with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small restaurants.
Enterprise-grade online ordering platform with advanced personalization, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery support.
Commission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and direct sales.
iPad-based POS with online ordering, e-commerce, and real-time reporting for food service businesses.
Mobile POS designed for restaurants with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities.
Flexible POS hardware and software with online ordering apps for retail and restaurants.
Website and online ordering platform tailored for restaurants to drive direct online sales.
Free online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants.
Toast
enterpriseAll-in-one POS platform with integrated online ordering, delivery, and marketing tools for restaurants.
Commission-free branded online ordering with direct POS integration
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed specifically for restaurants, enabling seamless direct online ordering through branded websites and mobile apps without third-party commissions. It integrates ordering data directly into the POS for real-time kitchen management, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. The system supports delivery integrations with partners like DoorDash and Uber Eats, customizable menus, promotions, and customer loyalty programs to boost revenue.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering keeps 100% of revenue from direct orders
- Seamless POS integration for unified order flow and real-time data
- Extensive analytics and reporting for optimizing menus and operations
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware and setup
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
Best For
Full-service restaurants and chains seeking an all-in-one POS and online ordering solution with deep integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month per location for software (Pay-As-You-Go plan), plus hardware bundles from $799; custom enterprise pricing available.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud-based POS system featuring customizable online ordering, table management, and inventory control for restaurants.
Commission-free branded online ordering fully integrated with the POS for effortless order management
Lightspeed Restaurant is a robust POS system tailored for restaurants, with integrated online ordering capabilities that allow for commission-free branded ordering via websites and apps. It seamlessly syncs online orders with the POS for real-time kitchen management, inventory updates, and payment processing. The platform supports features like customizable menus, promotions, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations, making it suitable for multi-location operations.
Pros
- Seamless POS integration for real-time order flow
- Commission-free branded online ordering
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools
Cons
- Premium pricing that may not suit small operations
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some integrations require additional fees
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants needing an all-in-one POS and online ordering solution with strong scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $109/month per location for POS essentials (billed annually), with online ordering included in higher tiers; custom enterprise pricing available.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS solution with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small restaurants.
Commission-free direct online orders that sync instantly with POS inventory and kitchen display system
Square for Restaurants offers a seamless online ordering solution integrated with its point-of-sale (POS) system, enabling restaurants to create customizable ordering websites or pages for pickup, delivery, and dine-in. It supports menu management, real-time inventory syncing, and integrations with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats without commissions on direct orders. This makes it a straightforward choice for streamlining operations from order to fulfillment.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for real-time order syncing
- No monthly fees for basic online ordering setup
- User-friendly interface with quick setup and mobile management
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ per online order) can add up for high volume
- Limited advanced customization and marketing tools compared to specialized platforms
- Less scalable for large enterprise restaurant chains
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, easy-to-implement online ordering system tightly integrated with POS.
Pricing
Free online ordering with Square hardware; 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (or 2.6% + 0¢ with Terminal); restaurant POS plans from free to $60+/location/month.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise-grade online ordering platform with advanced personalization, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery support.
API-first architecture for composable commerce, allowing restaurants to own and leverage first-party customer data across channels.
Olo is a robust online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling seamless digital ordering across web, mobile, and kiosks with deep POS integrations. It supports branded ordering sites, delivery marketplace partnerships like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and advanced features like promotions and loyalty programs. Designed for scalability, Olo provides enterprise-grade analytics to optimize menu performance and customer engagement.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ POS systems and delivery partners
- Scalable for high-volume enterprise operations
- Advanced analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- High custom pricing not suited for small businesses
- Complex setup and onboarding process
- Limited out-of-box customization for non-enterprise users
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains and enterprises requiring scalable online ordering with comprehensive POS and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via revenue share (2-4% per order) or monthly subscriptions starting at $1,000+, based on volume and features.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and direct sales.
100% commission-free direct ordering with complete ownership of customer data and relationships
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, allowing them to create branded ordering experiences on their own websites and apps. It streamlines direct orders for pickup or delivery, integrates with popular POS systems, and includes marketing tools like email campaigns and loyalty programs. By eliminating third-party marketplace fees, ChowNow helps restaurants own their customer data and boost profitability.
Pros
- Commission-free model saves on third-party fees
- Full branding control and customer data ownership
- Robust marketing and loyalty tools integrated
Cons
- Higher monthly fees compared to free marketplace options
- No built-in delivery driver network
- Setup requires some technical integration
Best For
Independent restaurants focused on building direct customer relationships and avoiding marketplace commissions.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$150/month per location + 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; no commissions on orders.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS with online ordering, e-commerce, and real-time reporting for food service businesses.
Real-time omnichannel synchronization that unifies online orders with in-store POS and inventory
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform designed primarily for restaurants and retail, featuring integrated online ordering capabilities that allow customers to order via web or mobile apps. It provides seamless synchronization between online orders, in-store POS, inventory, and payments, enabling real-time menu updates and order management. The system supports delivery integrations, loyalty programs, and analytics to streamline operations across channels.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for unified order and inventory management
- Customizable menus, promotions, and loyalty programs
- Robust reporting and analytics for online sales insights
Cons
- Higher pricing suitable more for mid-sized businesses than startups
- Relies heavily on iOS hardware, limiting flexibility
- Occasional reports of sync delays during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail businesses needing an all-in-one POS with reliable online ordering integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $99/month per location/terminal, plus online ordering add-on fees and hardware costs.
TouchBistro
specializedMobile POS designed for restaurants with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities.
Direct POS integration where online orders appear instantly on kitchen displays without manual re-entry
TouchBistro is a restaurant-focused POS system with integrated online ordering capabilities, enabling customers to place orders directly from a branded website or app. Orders flow seamlessly into the POS for real-time kitchen management and fulfillment, reducing errors and speeding up service. It supports menu customization, promotions, and loyalty programs tailored for full-service restaurants.
Pros
- Seamless integration with TouchBistro POS for instant order routing
- Customizable menus and promotions for customer engagement
- Real-time inventory and reporting tied to online sales
Cons
- Requires TouchBistro POS subscription, limiting standalone use
- Higher per-order fees compared to dedicated platforms
- Limited advanced e-commerce features like subscriptions
Best For
Full-service restaurants using or adopting TouchBistro POS that need tightly integrated online ordering.
Pricing
POS starts at $69/month per terminal; online ordering adds ~$1 + 2.5-3% per order (custom quotes available).
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software with online ordering apps for retail and restaurants.
Real-time synchronization between online orders and Clover POS hardware
Clover is a versatile POS system from Fiserv that extends into online ordering software, enabling restaurants to create branded webstores for takeout, delivery, and dine-in orders. It integrates seamlessly with Clover's hardware and POS features, offering real-time menu updates, inventory tracking, and order management. The platform supports third-party delivery integrations like DoorDash and Uber Eats, making it suitable for small to medium-sized food businesses seeking an all-in-one solution.
Pros
- Seamless POS integration for real-time order syncing
- Customizable menus and branded online storefronts
- Strong third-party delivery service integrations
Cons
- Requires Clover hardware for full functionality
- Pricing can add up with fees and add-ons
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to medium restaurants wanting integrated POS and online ordering without multiple vendors.
Pricing
POS plans start at $14.95/month; Online Ordering add-on $50-$150/month; plus 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10 per transaction fees.
BentoBox
specializedWebsite and online ordering platform tailored for restaurants to drive direct online sales.
Fully branded, commission-free online ordering embedded directly into custom restaurant websites
BentoBox is an all-in-one website builder and online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling them to create branded, mobile-optimized websites with seamless integration for direct orders, reservations, and marketing. It focuses on driving commission-free online ordering through customizable menus, promotions, and loyalty programs directly on the restaurant's own domain. Unlike standalone ordering apps, BentoBox emphasizes superior design and SEO to boost visibility and customer retention.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering keeps 100% of revenue
- Stunning, customizable websites with strong SEO and mobile optimization
- Integrated tools for reservations, events, emails, and guest marketing
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small or budget-conscious operations
- Steeper learning curve for full customization without design support
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to pure POS-focused ordering systems
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains seeking a professional, branded website with built-in online ordering to own their customer data and avoid marketplace commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $159/month (Core plan) up to $499+/month (Enterprise), billed annually; includes website hosting and support.
GloriaFood
otherFree online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants.
100% free online ordering website and app builder with zero commissions
GloriaFood is a free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to create a customizable ordering website and mobile app without monthly fees or order commissions. It supports menu management, real-time order notifications, and integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Ideal for small food businesses seeking a straightforward solution to accept online orders directly on their own site.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no commissions on orders
- Quick setup with drag-and-drop customization
- Generates a branded mobile app for customers
Cons
- Advanced features require paid add-ons
- Limited built-in analytics and reporting
- Customer support is primarily email-based and can be slow
Best For
Small restaurants and cafes needing a simple, cost-free online ordering system without complex requirements.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; premium plugins and themes start at $9/month.
Conclusion
After examining the top 10 online ordering software options, Toast emerges as the leading choice, offering a comprehensive all-in-one platform that integrates POS, delivery, and marketing tools seamlessly. Lightspeed Restaurant follows closely, boasting customizable online ordering features and robust table management, while Square for Restaurants stands out for its affordability and free online ordering, making it a strong fit for small businesses. Each tool addresses unique needs, but Toast’s integration of capabilities cements its position at the top.
Begin boosting your order volume and customer loyalty today by exploring Toast—the top-rated online ordering software that simplifies operations and drives success for restaurants of all sizes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.