Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering order management, payments, online ordering, and analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS solution with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and team management for small to medium restaurants.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant POS platform with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and kitchen display systems.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and loyalty programs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS for restaurants featuring real-time reporting, integrations, and customizable menus.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for restaurant operations and payments.
- 7#7: Restaurant365 - All-in-one operations platform unifying POS, accounting, inventory, and scheduling for restaurants.
- 8#8: Upserve - Restaurant management system with sales tracking, menu optimization, and guest insights.
- 9#9: SpotOn - POS and management software focused on payments, marketing, and labor management for restaurants.
- 10#10: Lavu - Mobile POS app for restaurants with table management, online ordering, and reporting features.
These tools were selected based on a blend of feature depth, user experience, reliability, and value, evaluating how effectively they address core restaurant operations like POS, inventory, and customer management.
Comparison Table
Explore a detailed comparison of leading restaurant software tools, such as Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and Revel Systems. This table outlines key features, strengths, and best-use scenarios to guide readers in selecting the right solution for their business operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering order management, payments, online ordering, and analytics. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS solution with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and team management for small to medium restaurants. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant POS platform with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and kitchen display systems. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS for restaurants featuring real-time reporting, integrations, and customizable menus. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for restaurant operations and payments. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Restaurant365 All-in-one operations platform unifying POS, accounting, inventory, and scheduling for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Upserve Restaurant management system with sales tracking, menu optimization, and guest insights. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn POS and management software focused on payments, marketing, and labor management for restaurants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Lavu Mobile POS app for restaurants with table management, online ordering, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering order management, payments, online ordering, and analytics.
Affordable POS solution with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and team management for small to medium restaurants.
Restaurant POS platform with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and kitchen display systems.
iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and loyalty programs.
Cloud POS for restaurants featuring real-time reporting, integrations, and customizable menus.
Flexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for restaurant operations and payments.
All-in-one operations platform unifying POS, accounting, inventory, and scheduling for restaurants.
Restaurant management system with sales tracking, menu optimization, and guest insights.
POS and management software focused on payments, marketing, and labor management for restaurants.
Mobile POS app for restaurants with table management, online ordering, and reporting features.
Toast
specializedComprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants offering order management, payments, online ordering, and analytics.
Toast Pay, an integrated payment solution with same-day deposits and industry-low rates tailored for high-volume restaurant transactions.
Toast is a leading cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, providing end-to-end management from front-of-house operations to back-office functions. It includes features like order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, kitchen display systems, and customer loyalty programs. With advanced analytics and seamless integrations for online ordering and delivery, Toast empowers restaurants to streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Excellent mobile app and offline capabilities for flexibility
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small operations
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, and growing hospitality businesses seeking a scalable, integrated POS solution.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for core POS software, with bundles including hardware from $165+/month; plus 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS solution with integrated payments, inventory tracking, and team management for small to medium restaurants.
Free core POS software with seamless hardware integration, enabling instant setup using personal tablets or Square's all-in-one terminals
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for full-service and quick-service restaurants, offering tools for table management, order taking, payment processing, inventory control, and staff scheduling. It integrates with Square's hardware ecosystem, including countertop terminals and kitchen display systems, for streamlined front- and back-of-house operations. The platform also supports online ordering, delivery integrations, and real-time reporting to help restaurants manage daily operations efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup on iPads or Square hardware
- No monthly fees for core POS software, only transaction-based pricing
- Robust integrations with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid add-ons
- Limited customization for very large enterprise-scale operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without long-term contracts or upfront software costs.
Pricing
Core POS is free with 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; add-ons like online ordering ($50+/month), payroll ($35+/month base + $6/employee); hardware from $799.
Lightspeed Restaurant
specializedRestaurant POS platform with advanced inventory, multi-location support, and kitchen display systems.
Advanced multi-location management with centralized reporting and inventory syncing across sites
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, providing comprehensive tools for order processing, inventory management, table management, and employee scheduling. It offers real-time reporting, multi-location support, and seamless integrations with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The iPad-centric design ensures mobility, while advanced analytics help optimize operations and boost profitability.
Pros
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- Extensive third-party integrations including payments and delivery apps
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Learning curve for advanced customization
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants and chains needing scalable, feature-rich POS with multi-location capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $199+/month for Premium/Enterprise tiers; hardware and processing fees extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plan management and loyalty programs.
Advanced table management with drag-and-drop floor plans and automated course pacing for efficient service
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, offering comprehensive tools for order taking, payment processing, table management, inventory control, and staff scheduling. It supports full-service operations with features like kitchen display systems, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting. Ideal for independent restaurants, it integrates with popular third-party apps for delivery and accounting.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like floor plans and table-side ordering
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Excellent integrations with delivery services and accounting tools
Cons
- High cost with per-terminal pricing that scales quickly
- Limited to iPad hardware, reducing flexibility
- Steep learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a robust, all-in-one POS tailored to hospitality workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (Lite plan), up to $165+ for premium plans; hardware and processing fees extra.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud POS for restaurants featuring real-time reporting, integrations, and customizable menus.
Real-time cloud syncing across multiple locations with reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, providing comprehensive tools for order processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It leverages iPad hardware for a mobile, intuitive interface that supports front-of-house and back-of-house operations seamlessly. The platform offers real-time reporting and integrations with delivery services, accounting software, and more, making it suitable for quick-service, full-service, and bar environments.
Pros
- Robust real-time analytics and reporting dashboards
- Seamless iPad-based mobility and offline capabilities
- Extensive third-party integrations for payments and delivery
Cons
- High upfront hardware and subscription costs
- Occasional software bugs and update issues
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and bars needing a scalable, mobile POS with strong inventory and reporting features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (billed annually) plus one-time hardware costs of $500-$1,500 per iPad setup; higher tiers up to $299/month for advanced features.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software with apps marketplace for restaurant operations and payments.
App Marketplace enabling thousands of third-party integrations and custom restaurant-specific apps
Clover is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system designed for restaurants, offering hardware and software for payments, inventory tracking, employee management, and order processing. It supports table service, quick-service, and online ordering with integrations for delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform's customizable App Marketplace allows restaurants to add specialized features tailored to their operations.
Pros
- Extensive App Marketplace with 500+ customizable apps and integrations
- Reliable, durable hardware options for various restaurant setups
- Seamless payment processing with competitive in-person rates
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware (starting at $499)
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Customer support receives mixed reviews with occasional delays
Best For
Small to medium-sized independent restaurants needing a flexible, app-driven POS for in-house and online orders.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95/month (Register Lite) to $114.85/month (full features); hardware $499-$1,699; processing 2.3% + $0.10 in-person, 3.5% + $0.10 online.
Restaurant365
enterpriseAll-in-one operations platform unifying POS, accounting, inventory, and scheduling for restaurants.
Seamless real-time POS integration with full-cycle accounting for instant profitability insights
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based all-in-one restaurant management platform that integrates accounting, operations, inventory, scheduling, and payroll specifically tailored for the hospitality industry. It syncs real-time data from popular POS systems like Toast, Square, and NCR, enabling accurate sales tracking, cost control, and financial reporting. The software excels in multi-location management, offering tools for AP automation, labor forecasting, and customizable dashboards to drive profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of accounting, operations, and workforce management in one platform
- Real-time POS data syncing and advanced profitability reporting
- Robust multi-location support with centralized financial controls
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for accounting features
- Higher pricing may not suit single-location or small operations
- Lengthy implementation and onboarding process
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains and growing enterprises needing integrated back-office and operational management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $300-$600 per location per month, scaling with features and locations.
Upserve
specializedRestaurant management system with sales tracking, menu optimization, and guest insights.
Venues real-time dashboard delivering actionable sales, inventory, and labor insights
Upserve, now integrated into Lightspeed Restaurant (lightspeedhq.com), is a cloud-based POS and management platform tailored for full-service restaurants. It offers real-time sales tracking, inventory management, staff scheduling, online ordering, and advanced analytics through its Venues dashboard. The software helps operators make data-driven decisions with features like guest engagement tools and seamless integrations with accounting and delivery services.
Pros
- Powerful real-time analytics and reporting via the Venues dashboard
- Extensive integrations with delivery, payroll, and accounting apps
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or single-location restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for advanced analytics features
- Dependent on reliable internet connectivity
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants needing deep sales insights and operational efficiency across multiple locations.
Pricing
POS starts at $69/month per location plus processing fees; advanced analytics add $200+/month; hardware sold separately.
SpotOn
specializedPOS and management software focused on payments, marketing, and labor management for restaurants.
SpotOn Pay: Transparent, low-cost payment processing fully integrated with POS and no hidden fees or contracts
SpotOn is a comprehensive restaurant management platform offering point-of-sale (POS) systems, payment processing, online ordering, reservations, and inventory management tools. It enables restaurants to handle transactions, customer orders, staff scheduling, and analytics in one integrated system. Tailored for various dining establishments, SpotOn emphasizes competitive payment rates and customizable hardware to streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with low rates and no long-term contracts
- Strong online ordering and delivery integrations with major platforms
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Occasional customer support delays
- Learning curve for full feature utilization
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains looking for an all-in-one POS with superior payment processing.
Pricing
Custom pricing; payment processing at ~2.6% + $0.10 per transaction, POS software from $99/month per location, hardware bundles extra.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS app for restaurants with table management, online ordering, and reporting features.
Fully functional offline mode that syncs data once reconnected
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, offering mobile ordering, table management, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling on iPad devices. It supports online ordering, loyalty programs, gift cards, and integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Designed for quick-service and full-service restaurants, Lavu emphasizes mobility and offline capabilities for seamless operations.
Pros
- Highly mobile iPad-based POS for tableside service
- Strong inventory and reporting tools
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted operations
Cons
- Limited to Apple iOS devices
- Pricing scales per terminal, costly for multi-station setups
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking a mobile, user-friendly POS with robust restaurant-specific tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter), $99/month (Standard), $149/month (Pro); hardware and add-ons extra.
Conclusion
The reviewed restaurant software tools each bring unique strengths, but Toast emerges as the top choice, offering a comprehensive blend of features to streamline operations. Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant stand out as strong alternatives—Square excels in affordability for small to medium businesses, while Lightspeed offers advanced tools like kitchen display systems. For restaurants seeking tailored solutions, these three set the benchmark for excellence.
Don’t miss out on transforming your restaurant operations—try Toast, the top-ranked software, to unlock its seamless integration and powerful capabilities for yourself.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison