Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform for restaurants with delivery integrations and analytics.
- 2#2: Olo - Enterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform designed for restaurant chains and large operations.
- 3#3: Square Online - User-friendly online ordering and storefront builder integrated with Square's payment processing and POS.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant POS system with robust online ordering, inventory, and multi-location management features.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display system for restaurants.
- 6#6: ChowNow - Commission-free online ordering platform that helps restaurants own their customer data.
- 7#7: BentoBox - Website builder and online ordering system focused on direct customer relationships for restaurants.
- 8#8: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant management platform including POS, online ordering, and marketing tools.
- 9#9: GloriaFood - Free online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants.
- 10#10: UpMenu - Customizable online ordering app and website solution for restaurants and food delivery.
We curated this list by evaluating features, ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring the tools represent the most impactful solutions for varying operational scales and goals.
Comparison Table
In today's digital-first landscape, reliable online ordering system software is key for restaurants and businesses to streamline operations and engage customers. This comparison table explores top tools like Toast, Olo, Square Online, Lightspeed Restaurant, and Revel Systems, examining features, pricing, and integrations to help readers identify the best fit for their needs; it highlights how each solution aligns with different business sizes, from small cafes to large chains, ensuring clear insight into functionality and value.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform for restaurants with delivery integrations and analytics. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Olo Enterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform designed for restaurant chains and large operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Square Online User-friendly online ordering and storefront builder integrated with Square's payment processing and POS. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant POS system with robust online ordering, inventory, and multi-location management features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display system for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | ChowNow Commission-free online ordering platform that helps restaurants own their customer data. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | BentoBox Website builder and online ordering system focused on direct customer relationships for restaurants. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant management platform including POS, online ordering, and marketing tools. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | GloriaFood Free online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 10 | UpMenu Customizable online ordering app and website solution for restaurants and food delivery. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform for restaurants with delivery integrations and analytics.
Enterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform designed for restaurant chains and large operations.
User-friendly online ordering and storefront builder integrated with Square's payment processing and POS.
Restaurant POS system with robust online ordering, inventory, and multi-location management features.
iPad-based POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display system for restaurants.
Commission-free online ordering platform that helps restaurants own their customer data.
Website builder and online ordering system focused on direct customer relationships for restaurants.
All-in-one restaurant management platform including POS, online ordering, and marketing tools.
Free online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants.
Customizable online ordering app and website solution for restaurants and food delivery.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform for restaurants with delivery integrations and analytics.
Direct, commission-free branded online ordering that feeds instantly into the POS, bypassing third-party delivery app fees and streamlining fulfillment.
Toast is a leading cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with robust online ordering capabilities, enabling restaurants to offer branded websites and mobile ordering for takeout and delivery. It seamlessly integrates online orders into the POS system, kitchen displays, and payment processing for efficient operations. The platform also includes marketing tools, loyalty programs, and analytics to drive revenue and customer retention.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering to retain full revenue
- Seamless POS integration for real-time order flow and inventory management
- Advanced analytics and guest engagement tools like loyalty and marketing automation
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for very small operations
- Best features require Toast hardware and full ecosystem commitment
- Initial setup and customization may involve a learning curve
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants needing an all-in-one platform for scalable online ordering integrated with POS and operations.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month per location for core plans (billed annually), plus hardware ($500-$2,000+) and processing fees; custom enterprise pricing available.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform designed for restaurant chains and large operations.
Universal Guest Profile for owning and leveraging first-party data across all ordering channels
Olo is a leading enterprise-grade online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling seamless digital ordering, delivery integrations, and payment processing across web, app, and third-party channels. It excels in unifying menus, orders, and guest data from a single source, with robust POS integrations like Toast and Square. The platform powers high-volume chains with tools for personalization, analytics, and marketing automation to drive revenue.
Pros
- Deep integrations with major POS systems for real-time order flow
- Advanced guest data platform for personalized marketing and loyalty
- High scalability and reliability for multi-location enterprises
Cons
- Pricing is custom and expensive for small or single-location restaurants
- Setup and customization require technical expertise
- Limited transparency in public pricing details
Best For
Large restaurant chains and multi-unit operators seeking enterprise-level online ordering with advanced analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000+ per month based on locations, volume, and features.
Square Online
specializedUser-friendly online ordering and storefront builder integrated with Square's payment processing and POS.
Real-time synchronization between online orders and Square POS for effortless inventory and multi-channel management
Square Online is an e-commerce platform from Square that allows businesses to build customizable online stores for order-taking, including pickup, delivery, and shipping options. It excels in seamless integration with Square's POS hardware and software, enabling real-time inventory management, sales reporting, and customer data synchronization across online and in-person channels. Primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses like restaurants and retailers, it simplifies expanding to online ordering without needing separate systems.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for unified inventory and sales tracking
- Quick and intuitive setup with drag-and-drop store builder
- No monthly fees on free plan, only transaction-based pricing
Cons
- Limited design customization and themes compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms
- Higher transaction fees (up to 2.9% + 30¢) without volume discounts
- Advanced features like abandoned cart recovery locked behind paid plans
Best For
Small to medium restaurants and retailers already using Square POS who want simple, integrated online ordering.
Pricing
Free plan (2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction); Plus $29/mo (2.6% + 30¢); Premium custom pricing.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRestaurant POS system with robust online ordering, inventory, and multi-location management features.
Order Anywhere: Commission-free, white-labeled online ordering directly integrated with the POS
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, with built-in online ordering capabilities through its Order Anywhere feature. It allows customers to order for pickup or delivery via a customizable branded website or app, integrating seamlessly with the core POS for real-time order management, inventory tracking, and payments. The platform supports menu customization, promotions, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations, making it a comprehensive solution for digital ordering.
Pros
- Seamless POS integration for real-time order fulfillment
- Commission-free online ordering with customizable storefronts
- Robust menu management and promotional tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full online ordering features
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited standalone use without the full POS ecosystem
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an integrated POS and online ordering system to streamline operations without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan); online ordering via Order Anywhere requires Essential ($109/month) or higher plans, plus potential add-ons.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display system for restaurants.
Full POS-online ordering sync that prevents overselling and ensures accurate order fulfillment in real-time
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform with robust online ordering capabilities tailored for restaurants, enabling customers to order via branded websites or mobile apps for pickup or delivery. It integrates seamlessly with the core POS for real-time menu updates, inventory syncing, and order routing to kitchen displays. The system supports third-party delivery integrations like DoorDash and Uber Eats, making it a comprehensive solution for multi-channel ordering.
Pros
- Seamless integration between POS and online ordering
- Real-time inventory and menu synchronization
- Strong support for delivery marketplace integrations
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (iPad-centric)
- Complex setup for advanced customizations
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retail operations needing an all-in-one POS with reliable online ordering.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for core POS, plus $25-$50/month add-on for online ordering, hardware (~$1,000+ per terminal), and 2.3-2.6% processing fees.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free online ordering platform that helps restaurants own their customer data.
White-label, commission-free ordering that delivers 100% customer data ownership directly to restaurants
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling them to create fully branded ordering experiences directly on their websites or apps. It helps establishments bypass third-party marketplaces like DoorDash or Uber Eats, retaining 100% of customer data and order revenue. The software offers robust menu management, automated marketing tools, loyalty programs, and integrations for seamless operations.
Pros
- Commission-free direct ordering retains full revenue
- Complete ownership of customer data for targeted marketing
- Highly customizable white-label interfaces and loyalty tools
Cons
- No built-in delivery network, requiring partnerships
- Monthly fees can be high for low-volume restaurants
- Traffic generation relies on restaurant's own marketing efforts
Best For
Independent restaurants and small chains aiming to build direct customer relationships and avoid third-party commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month per location + 2.9% + $0.30 per online order processing; volume discounts and enterprise plans available.
BentoBox
specializedWebsite builder and online ordering system focused on direct customer relationships for restaurants.
Native online ordering embedded directly into custom websites, creating a frictionless, branded customer journey without third-party redirects
BentoBox is an all-in-one digital platform tailored for restaurants, offering custom website building and native online ordering systems to drive direct customer orders. It enables businesses to create branded, mobile-optimized sites with seamless ordering, menus, reservations, and marketing tools, bypassing high-commission third-party apps like DoorDash. The platform integrates with popular POS systems for efficient order management and fulfillment.
Pros
- Seamless integration of website design and online ordering for a branded experience
- No commissions on direct orders, saving costs long-term
- Intuitive drag-and-drop builder with strong mobile optimization and POS integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to standalone ordering solutions
- Limited scalability for non-restaurant businesses
- Transaction fees (2.5-3.5%) can add up for high-volume orders
Best For
Independent restaurants and hospitality groups seeking a professional, commission-free online presence with integrated ordering.
Pricing
Plans start at $99/month (Core), $249/month (Pro), $399+/month (Elite); plus 2.5-3.5% + $0.30 per transaction.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant management platform including POS, online ordering, and marketing tools.
Commission-free, white-labeled online ordering with direct POS sync to eliminate third-party fees and delays
SpotOn is a comprehensive restaurant management platform with a robust online ordering system that enables commission-free digital orders via branded websites, apps, and integrations. It seamlessly connects with SpotOn's POS for real-time inventory, order routing, and fulfillment, while including marketing tools and loyalty programs to boost customer retention. Ideal for restaurants seeking an all-in-one solution to replace high-commission third-party services like DoorDash.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering saves significant costs compared to third-party apps
- Seamless POS integration for accurate inventory and order management
- Customizable menus, promotions, and loyalty programs drive repeat business
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be steep for small operations without full platform use
- Setup and customization require some technical know-how or support
- Limited standalone flexibility if not paired with SpotOn's hardware/POS
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains wanting an integrated, commission-free online ordering system tied to POS and marketing tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$135/month per location for online ordering (bundled in POS plans; hardware extra).
GloriaFood
specializedFree online ordering system with website builder and delivery management for small restaurants.
100% free online ordering website builder with unlimited orders and no platform commissions
GloriaFood is a free online ordering system that enables restaurants to create customizable ordering websites and apps without coding skills. It supports menu management, online payments, order notifications, and integrations with social media platforms like Facebook for easy promotion. Ideal for small businesses, it handles direct orders, pickups, and deliveries while keeping core features accessible at no monthly cost.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly fees or order commissions
- Quick setup with drag-and-drop menu builder and mobile optimization
- Seamless integrations for Facebook ordering and payment gateways
Cons
- Transaction fees from payment processors (around 2-3%)
- Limited advanced customization and analytics compared to premium competitors
- Basic customer support primarily via email and tickets
Best For
Small restaurants and cafes seeking a no-cost entry into online ordering without technical expertise.
Pricing
Free forever with no commissions; optional premium add-ons starting at $9/month for white-labeling and extras; payment processor fees apply.
UpMenu
specializedCustomizable online ordering app and website solution for restaurants and food delivery.
One-click native iOS and Android app publishing with full branding and push notifications
UpMenu is a white-label online ordering platform tailored for restaurants and food businesses, enabling them to create branded websites and native mobile apps for direct customer orders. It streamlines menu management, order processing, payments, and integrations with POS systems and delivery services, helping venues bypass third-party commission fees. The system also supports loyalty programs, promotions, and analytics to boost customer retention and sales.
Pros
- Fully customizable white-label websites and native mobile apps under your brand
- Seamless POS integrations and commission-free direct ordering
- Robust tools for promotions, loyalty programs, and order analytics
Cons
- Initial setup requires technical configuration or support
- Pricing includes transaction fees that can add up for high-volume orders
- Limited customization options for non-restaurant businesses
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains seeking a branded, commission-free online ordering system to own their customer relationships.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans (up to 500 orders), scaling to $299+/month for pro/enterprise with 1-2% transaction fees and custom setup costs.
Conclusion
The reviewed online ordering systems cater to diverse restaurant needs, with Toast emerging as the top choice, offering a comprehensive blend of cloud-based POS, delivery integrations, and analytics. Olo stands out for enterprise and large-scale operations, while Square Online excels with its user-friendly design and seamless integration with existing tools. Together, they redefine how restaurants manage customer engagement and order processing.
Ready to transform your ordering process? Toast leads as the top pick, but explore Olo or Square Online to find the best fit for your unique needs—whether scaling a chain or prioritizing simplicity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison