Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based restaurant POS system that streamlines order taking, table management, payments, and online ordering.
- 2#2: Square - Versatile POS solution for small businesses enabling quick order entry, payments, and inventory tracking.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Robust POS platform for restaurants and retail with advanced order management, analytics, and multi-location support.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-optimized POS designed for full-service restaurants to handle orders, menus, and staff efficiently.
- 5#5: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software for seamless order taking across retail, restaurants, and services.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iOS-based POS system offering comprehensive order processing, reporting, and integrations for restaurants.
- 7#7: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant platform with POS for order management, payments, and customer loyalty programs.
- 8#8: Lavu - Cloud POS app for restaurants supporting mobile order taking, table service, and real-time reporting.
- 9#9: Olo - Enterprise digital ordering solution that integrates with POS for online and in-store order fulfillment.
- 10#10: ChowNow - Direct online ordering platform for restaurants to take and manage customer orders without commissions.
Tools were chosen based on a focus on robust features (including order management, integrations, and mobile support), user-friendly design, and overall value, ensuring a balanced assessment of functionality, reliability, and practicality for modern businesses.
Comparison Table
Order taking software is essential for modern businesses, simplifying transactions and boosting efficiency. This comparison table explores tools like Toast, Square, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Clover, and more, equipping readers to find the right fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based restaurant POS system that streamlines order taking, table management, payments, and online ordering. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Square Versatile POS solution for small businesses enabling quick order entry, payments, and inventory tracking. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Robust POS platform for restaurants and retail with advanced order management, analytics, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-optimized POS designed for full-service restaurants to handle orders, menus, and staff efficiently. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software for seamless order taking across retail, restaurants, and services. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iOS-based POS system offering comprehensive order processing, reporting, and integrations for restaurants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant platform with POS for order management, payments, and customer loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Cloud POS app for restaurants supporting mobile order taking, table service, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Olo Enterprise digital ordering solution that integrates with POS for online and in-store order fulfillment. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | ChowNow Direct online ordering platform for restaurants to take and manage customer orders without commissions. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based restaurant POS system that streamlines order taking, table management, payments, and online ordering.
Versatile POS solution for small businesses enabling quick order entry, payments, and inventory tracking.
Robust POS platform for restaurants and retail with advanced order management, analytics, and multi-location support.
iPad-optimized POS designed for full-service restaurants to handle orders, menus, and staff efficiently.
Customizable POS hardware and software for seamless order taking across retail, restaurants, and services.
iOS-based POS system offering comprehensive order processing, reporting, and integrations for restaurants.
All-in-one restaurant platform with POS for order management, payments, and customer loyalty programs.
Cloud POS app for restaurants supporting mobile order taking, table service, and real-time reporting.
Enterprise digital ordering solution that integrates with POS for online and in-store order fulfillment.
Direct online ordering platform for restaurants to take and manage customer orders without commissions.
Toast
specializedCloud-based restaurant POS system that streamlines order taking, table management, payments, and online ordering.
Toast Go handhelds for wireless tableside ordering, payments, and upsells directly at the customer's table
Toast is a leading cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform tailored for order taking and operations in full-service restaurants, quick-service eateries, and bars. It enables seamless tableside ordering via handheld devices, kitchen display systems for real-time order routing, and integrated online ordering with third-party delivery apps. Beyond order taking, it provides inventory tracking, staff management, customer loyalty tools, and advanced analytics to optimize restaurant performance.
Pros
- Intuitive handheld devices for fast tableside order taking and payment processing
- Robust integrations with delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales, labor, and inventory insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller operations with hardware add-ons
- Requires stable high-speed internet for optimal cloud functionality
- Initial setup and training may involve a learning curve for new users
Best For
Busy full-service restaurants and chains needing an all-in-one solution for efficient order taking, management, and growth.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $165/month per location (software only) plus one-time hardware costs from $500+ and processing fees.
Square
specializedVersatile POS solution for small businesses enabling quick order entry, payments, and inventory tracking.
Free, contract-free POS software with instant hardware compatibility and unified online/in-person order management
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system from squareup.com that streamlines order taking for retail, restaurants, and service businesses through its mobile app, terminals, and online ordering tools. It supports customizable menus, order modifiers, split checks, and real-time syncing across devices, making it ideal for quick-service and table-service operations. With integrated inventory tracking and kitchen display systems (KDS), Square handles end-to-end order management efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and mobile-first interface for fast order entry
- Seamless integration with payments, inventory, and online ordering
- No monthly fees for core POS software, only transaction-based pricing
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can accumulate for high-volume users
- Advanced reporting and customizations require paid add-ons
- Limited scalability for very large enterprises without custom development
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, quick-service restaurants, or pop-ups seeking an affordable, user-friendly order taking solution with built-in payments.
Pricing
Free core POS software; transaction fees 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online/keyed); Plus plan $29/month/location, Premium custom pricing.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRobust POS platform for restaurants and retail with advanced order management, analytics, and multi-location support.
Order Anywhere with handheld devices for true tableside mobility and real-time order syncing
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, enabling efficient order taking across front-of-house, kitchen, and online channels. It supports tableside ordering via handheld devices, kitchen display systems (KDS), and integrations with third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The platform streamlines order management, payments, and inventory in real-time, making it suitable for quick-service and full-service establishments.
Pros
- Comprehensive order routing to kitchen displays and multiple printers
- Handheld devices for fast tableside ordering and upselling
- Seamless integrations with online ordering and delivery platforms
Cons
- Higher pricing for additional hardware and advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for customizing workflows
- Relies on stable internet connectivity as a cloud solution
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing scalable, mobile order taking with strong integration capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Restaurant Basic), up to $189/month for advanced plans; hardware and add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-optimized POS designed for full-service restaurants to handle orders, menus, and staff efficiently.
Drag-and-drop floor plan editor with real-time table status updates for superior order coordination and pacing.
TouchBistro is a restaurant-specific POS system that excels in order taking, enabling servers to input complex orders quickly via an intuitive iPad interface with customizable menus, modifiers, and split checks. It features robust table management, floor plans, and seamless integration with kitchen display systems (KDS) for efficient order routing and course firing. The software supports offline mode to handle peak hours without interruptions and provides real-time reporting on sales and inventory tied to orders.
Pros
- Highly customizable menu and order modifiers for accurate, fast entry
- Integrated table management and KDS for streamlined restaurant workflows
- Reliable offline functionality ensures uninterrupted service
Cons
- Requires iPad hardware, adding to upfront costs
- Subscription pricing can become expensive for multi-terminal setups
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants needing a robust, restaurant-focused POS for efficient order taking and table management.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs (~$500+ per iPad setup) and payment processing fees (2.3% + $0.10 per transaction).
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software for seamless order taking across retail, restaurants, and services.
App Marketplace with thousands of third-party apps for tailored order management and integrations
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium businesses, particularly restaurants and retail, enabling efficient order taking via countertop terminals, handheld devices, or mobile apps. It supports quick order entry, table management, inventory tracking, and seamless payment processing, with options for online ordering and delivery integrations. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization to fit specific order-taking workflows.
Pros
- Versatile hardware options like handheld devices for tableside order taking
- Extensive app marketplace with 500+ integrations for order customization
- Real-time inventory and reporting for streamlined operations
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware (starting at $499 for full setups)
- Ongoing monthly fees plus transaction processing charges add up
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom apps
Best For
Restaurants and quick-service outlets needing robust in-person order taking with payment integration and scalability.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95/mo (Payments plan) to $114.85/mo (Full suite), hardware $49-$1,699+, processing fees ~2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
specializediOS-based POS system offering comprehensive order processing, reporting, and integrations for restaurants.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) for real-time, prioritized order routing and prep efficiency
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS platform tailored for restaurants, bars, and retail, specializing in efficient order taking with customizable menus, modifiers, and table management. It streamlines front-of-house operations by enabling quick order entry, splits, and payments while syncing data to back-of-house kitchen displays and inventory systems. The system supports high-volume environments with offline capabilities and real-time reporting for better order fulfillment.
Pros
- Robust order customization with modifiers and combos
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps and payment processors
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
Cons
- High subscription and hardware costs
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Primarily optimized for iPad, limiting hardware flexibility
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and quick-service outlets needing scalable order management and kitchen integration.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Core plan) + $25/user/month, up to $229+ for Pro/Enterprise; hardware extra ($500+ per iPad setup).
SpotOn
specializedAll-in-one restaurant platform with POS for order management, payments, and customer loyalty programs.
SpotOn Pay with industry-low processing rates and instant payouts
SpotOn is an all-in-one restaurant management platform with a powerful POS system designed for efficient order taking in quick-service, full-service, and hospitality environments. It supports in-person orders via countertop or handheld devices, online ordering for takeout and delivery, and integrations with major third-party services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform streamlines order processing, payments, and kitchen communication through features like kitchen display systems and real-time inventory tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive integrations with delivery apps and payment processors
- Reliable cloud-based POS with offline mode support
- Strong focus on restaurant-specific tools like table management and loyalty programs
Cons
- Pricing can be opaque with custom quotes and add-on fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Hardware purchases often required separately
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing a scalable POS for multi-channel order taking.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$135/month per location + 2.75-2.95% processing fees; no long-term contracts, hardware extra.
Lavu
specializedCloud POS app for restaurants supporting mobile order taking, table service, and real-time reporting.
Robust offline functionality that allows full order taking and sales processing without internet, syncing automatically upon reconnection
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and quick-service venues, specializing in mobile order taking via iPads and iPhones. It enables fast order entry, table management, modifiers, and split checks, with seamless transmission to kitchen displays and payment processing. The platform supports offline operations, ensuring uninterrupted service during connectivity issues, and offers inventory tracking and reporting tools.
Pros
- Excellent offline mode for reliable order taking without internet
- Intuitive iOS interface optimized for tablets and handhelds
- Customizable menus with modifiers and quick order customization
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple terminals
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Primarily iOS-focused, less flexible for Android users
Best For
Small to medium restaurants, bars, and food trucks needing mobile, offline-capable order taking on Apple devices.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for the Pro plan, plus hardware costs, payment processing fees, and optional add-ons.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise digital ordering solution that integrates with POS for online and in-store order fulfillment.
Marketplace Management for controlling third-party delivery orders without revenue-sharing commissions
Olo is an enterprise-grade online ordering platform designed for restaurants to handle digital orders, payments, and guest marketing across web, app, and third-party channels. It excels in seamless integrations with over 100 POS systems and delivery marketplaces, allowing operators to centralize order management without commission fees. The platform provides powerful data insights and personalization tools to drive loyalty and revenue.
Pros
- Extensive POS and marketplace integrations
- Commission-free order flow with full data ownership
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven personalization
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Complex setup and onboarding process
- Overkill for small independent restaurants
Best For
Large restaurant chains and multi-location operators needing scalable, high-volume order management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $2,000+ per month based on order volume and locations.
ChowNow
specializedDirect online ordering platform for restaurants to take and manage customer orders without commissions.
100% commission-free direct online ordering that gives restaurants full control over customer data and sales.
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to accept takeout and delivery orders directly through their own branded websites and mobile apps. It provides tools for menu management, customer data ownership, loyalty programs, and integrations with various POS systems. By bypassing third-party marketplaces, it helps restaurants retain full order revenue while building direct customer relationships.
Pros
- No commissions on orders, maximizing restaurant revenue
- Fully customizable branded ordering experience
- Strong marketing tools including email/SMS and loyalty programs
Cons
- Subscription fees can be high for very small restaurants
- No built-in delivery network; relies on restaurant logistics
- Initial setup and customization require time and resources
Best For
Independent restaurants and chains seeking direct online ordering without third-party marketplace commissions.
Pricing
Custom monthly subscriptions starting at $150-$300 per location, no per-order fees or commissions.
Conclusion
When comparing the top 10 order-taking software tools, Toast solidifies its position as the top choice, with its cloud-based POS system seamlessly integrating order taking, table management, and payments. Square and Lightspeed Restaurant follow closely, offering standout features like versatility for small businesses and advanced multi-location support, ensuring there’s a strong option for nearly every need.
Ready to elevate your order-taking process? Start with Toast—its intuitive design and comprehensive capabilities make it the ideal pick to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison