Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system built for restaurants with full-service features like online ordering, payroll, and analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants offering seamless payments, inventory, and team management.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Robust POS platform for multi-location restaurants with kitchen displays, loyalty, and reporting tools.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants featuring table management and staff scheduling.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS for restaurants with real-time insights, customer loyalty, and extensive integrations.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible hardware and software POS suitable for small to mid-sized restaurants with app marketplace.
- 7#7: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with marketing automation, online ordering, and contactless payments.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile-first POS for restaurants supporting offline mode, inventory, and multi-location operations.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Customizable cloud POS for hospitality venues with e-commerce and CRM integrations.
- 10#10: Aloha POS - Veteran POS system for restaurants offering reliable order processing and back-office management.
We ranked these tools by assessing key metrics: robust feature sets (including inventory management, customer engagement, and integration capabilities), user experience (intuitive design and ease of training), scalability (ability to grow with business needs), and overall value (cost-effectiveness and return on investment).
Comparison Table
Navigating the best point of sale (POS) software for restaurants demands assessing tools designed to streamline operations. This comparison table explores top options including Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Revel Systems, and more, detailing features, pricing, and integration capabilities. Readers will gain insights to select software that fits their business size, workflow, and specific operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system built for restaurants with full-service features like online ordering, payroll, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants offering seamless payments, inventory, and team management. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Robust POS platform for multi-location restaurants with kitchen displays, loyalty, and reporting tools. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants featuring table management and staff scheduling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS for restaurants with real-time insights, customer loyalty, and extensive integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible hardware and software POS suitable for small to mid-sized restaurants with app marketplace. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with marketing automation, online ordering, and contactless payments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile-first POS for restaurants supporting offline mode, inventory, and multi-location operations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Customizable cloud POS for hospitality venues with e-commerce and CRM integrations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Aloha POS Veteran POS system for restaurants offering reliable order processing and back-office management. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based POS system built for restaurants with full-service features like online ordering, payroll, and analytics.
Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants offering seamless payments, inventory, and team management.
Robust POS platform for multi-location restaurants with kitchen displays, loyalty, and reporting tools.
iPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants featuring table management and staff scheduling.
Cloud POS for restaurants with real-time insights, customer loyalty, and extensive integrations.
Flexible hardware and software POS suitable for small to mid-sized restaurants with app marketplace.
All-in-one restaurant POS with marketing automation, online ordering, and contactless payments.
Mobile-first POS for restaurants supporting offline mode, inventory, and multi-location operations.
Customizable cloud POS for hospitality venues with e-commerce and CRM integrations.
Veteran POS system for restaurants offering reliable order processing and back-office management.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS system built for restaurants with full-service features like online ordering, payroll, and analytics.
Seamless end-to-end online ordering and commission-free direct sales channel that integrates natively with the POS
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system specifically designed for restaurants, providing an all-in-one platform for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling. It supports full-service, quick-service, and bar operations with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), handheld devices for tableside ordering, and seamless integrations with delivery partners such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Toast also offers advanced analytics, customer loyalty programs, and online ordering to help restaurants streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools including KDS, online ordering, and delivery integrations
- Robust reporting and analytics for data-driven insights
- Scalable hardware options with reliable performance
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Occasional customer service delays during peak support times
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Full-service restaurants and growing chains seeking an integrated, restaurant-focused POS ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $69-$165 per terminal/month (software only), plus hardware leases from $200+ upfront or financed; includes processing fees.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants offering seamless payments, inventory, and team management.
Seamless Kitchen Display System (KDS) integration for efficient order routing and fulfillment
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for food service businesses, offering tools for table management, order taking, kitchen display systems, and inventory tracking. It integrates seamlessly with Square's payment processing for fast transactions and provides features like online ordering, delivery app integrations, and employee scheduling. The platform emphasizes simplicity and scalability, making it suitable for quick-service to full-service restaurants.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- No monthly fees for core POS functionality
- Strong integrations with delivery services and accounting tools
Cons
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume operations
- Reporting and analytics less advanced than competitors
- Limited customization for complex restaurant workflows
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants wanting a straightforward, affordable POS without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Free core software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; $60/month Plus plan per location for advanced features; hardware extra.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRobust POS platform for multi-location restaurants with kitchen displays, loyalty, and reporting tools.
Advanced table management with interactive floor plans and automated seating optimization
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for full-service restaurants, quick-service eateries, and bars, providing tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It integrates seamlessly with kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, and loyalty programs to streamline operations. The platform offers robust reporting, multi-location support, and employee management features, making it suitable for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
- Scalable multi-location management with centralized reporting
- Reliable cloud-based access and automatic backups
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small operations
- Primarily optimized for iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise restaurants with multiple locations seeking advanced inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), with Plus at $109/month and Pro at $149/month; custom Enterprise pricing available, plus payment processing fees and optional hardware.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants featuring table management and staff scheduling.
Visual floor plan and real-time table management for efficient seating and service flow
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system specifically designed for restaurants, providing tools for order management, table mapping, inventory control, and payment processing. It excels in full-service environments with features like visual floor plans, kitchen display systems, and offline functionality to handle peak hours without internet. The platform integrates with loyalty programs, delivery services, and accounting software for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like drag-and-drop table management and multi-course ordering
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller venues with per-terminal licensing
- Requires iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants needing advanced table and inventory management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69/user/month (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs and transaction fees.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS for restaurants with real-time insights, customer loyalty, and extensive integrations.
Cloud Kitchen Display System (KDS) for real-time order syncing and customization across multiple stations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and quick-service outlets, providing tools for order processing, table management, inventory control, and employee scheduling. It offers real-time sales reporting, customer loyalty programs, and seamless integrations with delivery platforms like DoorDash and accounting software like QuickBooks. The system's hardware-agnostic approach relies on iOS devices for a mobile, touchscreen interface that supports both front-of-house and kitchen operations.
Pros
- Robust real-time analytics and customizable reporting
- Scalable for multi-location operations with centralized management
- Extensive third-party integrations for delivery, payroll, and more
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs for iPads and peripherals
- Limited to iOS ecosystem, no Android support
- Customer support can be slow during peak issues
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and bars needing advanced reporting and cloud-based scalability.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter), $149 (Growth), $249 (Advanced), plus hardware (~$1,000+ initial per station) and processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible hardware and software POS suitable for small to mid-sized restaurants with app marketplace.
Clover App Market with thousands of apps for tailored restaurant workflows like advanced inventory and guest engagement.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, tailored for small to medium restaurants with hardware options like countertop terminals and software for order management, payments, and inventory tracking. It supports restaurant-specific tools such as table mapping, menu customization with modifiers, kitchen display systems, and integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform's app marketplace enables extensive customization for loyalty programs, online ordering, and reporting.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with over 500 integrations for restaurant needs
- Flexible hardware options including countertop, mobile, and kitchen displays
- Strong support for online ordering, table management, and delivery integrations
Cons
- Higher processing fees (2.3%-3.5% + 10¢ per transaction)
- Customer support often criticized for slow response times
- Occasional software glitches and internet dependency reported by users
Best For
Small to medium restaurants wanting a customizable, scalable POS with robust third-party integrations.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software from $14.95/mo (Payments plan) to $114.85/mo (Full suite); plus 2.3%-3.5% + 10¢ processing fees.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with marketing automation, online ordering, and contactless payments.
Transparent, flat-rate payment processing with no hidden fees and instant next-day deposits
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, offering tools for order management, table-side service, inventory tracking, and integrated payment processing. It supports full-service operations with features like kitchen display systems, employee scheduling, and delivery app integrations. The platform emphasizes operational efficiency and data-driven insights to help restaurants streamline workflows and boost profitability.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive flat rates and next-day funding
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like table management and kitchen displays
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales and inventory insights
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be higher for smaller operations
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays
Best For
Full-service restaurants needing an all-in-one POS with strong payment integration and analytics.
Pricing
Custom quotes; hardware bundles start at ~$5,000, monthly software fees $99+ per terminal, plus 2.6% + $0.10 transaction rates.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS for restaurants supporting offline mode, inventory, and multi-location operations.
Drag-and-drop table management with real-time floor plan visualization for efficient server workflows
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and food trucks, providing tools for order management, table tracking, inventory control, and sales reporting. It excels in mobile functionality, primarily running on iPads and Android tablets, allowing servers to take orders directly at tables. Additional features include online ordering integration, loyalty programs, employee scheduling, and multi-location support, making it suitable for quick-service and full-service establishments.
Pros
- Intuitive tablet-based interface ideal for mobile ordering
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like table management and inventory tracking
- Strong customer support and frequent updates
Cons
- Limited hardware compatibility beyond iPads and select Android devices
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
- Occasional sync issues in high-volume environments
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants and bars seeking an affordable, mobile-first POS with solid table service capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan, $139 for Pro, and custom Enterprise; hardware sold separately.
Epos Now
enterpriseCustomizable cloud POS for hospitality venues with e-commerce and CRM integrations.
Vast App Store with 100+ third-party integrations for delivery, accounting, and loyalty programs
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering table management, kitchen display systems, menu customization, and inventory control. It supports online ordering integrations with platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo, multi-location management, and real-time reporting for sales and performance analytics. The platform is hardware-flexible, allowing businesses to use existing devices or purchase bundles for seamless deployment.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ apps including delivery services
- Flexible hardware compatibility and bundles
- Robust reporting and analytics for restaurant operations
Cons
- Pricing increases with add-ons and integrations
- Mixed customer support experiences
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex features
Best For
Small to medium restaurants needing customizable POS with strong multi-channel integration support.
Pricing
Starts at ~$39/month per terminal (billed annually); hardware leases from $25/month or outright purchase from $500+.
Aloha POS
enterpriseVeteran POS system for restaurants offering reliable order processing and back-office management.
QuickService Mode for ultra-fast order entry and processing in busy counter and drive-thru environments
Aloha POS is a robust point-of-sale system designed primarily for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, offering fast order processing, table management, and inventory tracking. It includes kitchen display systems, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting for multi-location operations. Backed by NCR, it integrates seamlessly with compatible hardware for reliable performance in high-volume environments.
Pros
- Lightning-fast transaction processing ideal for high-volume service
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
- Scalable with strong multi-location and hardware integration support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High ongoing costs with custom pricing
- Dated interface lacking modern mobile-first design
Best For
High-volume quick-service and fast-casual restaurants that prioritize transaction speed and reliability over intuitive, modern usability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $150-$300 per terminal/month plus hardware and add-on fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 tools reveals Toast as the clear leader, combining robust features like online ordering, payroll, and analytics tailored specifically for restaurants. Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant follow closely, offering standout affordability and multi-location capabilities respectively, making them strong alternatives based on different operational priorities. Together, these platforms underscore the diverse options available, ensuring every restaurant—whether small or large—finds a system that fits its needs.
Don’t miss out on Toast, the top-ranked pick. Try it to experience seamless, all-in-one point of sale that elevates your restaurant’s efficiency and growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison