Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including orders, payments, inventory, and analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu management, and team tools for small to medium restaurants.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Robust POS platform with advanced inventory, online ordering, and multi-location support for growing restaurants.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-native POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and loyalty features.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Flexible iPad POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display systems, and third-party integrations for restaurants.
- 6#6: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, inventory, and apps marketplace for restaurant operations.
- 7#7: Lavu - Cost-effective iPad POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location capabilities for restaurants.
- 8#8: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant platform combining POS, payments, marketing, and delivery integrations.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud POS system with hardware bundles, inventory tracking, and e-commerce for hospitality businesses.
- 10#10: NCR Voyix Restaurant - Enterprise-grade POS with advanced analytics, loyalty, and kitchen management for large-scale restaurants.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors: depth of functionality (including order handling, inventory management, and integrations), user experience (intuitiveness and training ease), reliability (performance consistency and user feedback), and value (cost-effectiveness relative to features). Only those excelling across these areas made the final list.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right restaurant POS software is key to optimizing operations, and this comparison table explores leading tools like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and Revel Systems, equipping readers to evaluate options that suit their needs. By comparing features, pricing, and usability, users can identify platforms that enhance efficiency, customer service, and long-term business success.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including orders, payments, inventory, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu management, and team tools for small to medium restaurants. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Robust POS platform with advanced inventory, online ordering, and multi-location support for growing restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-native POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and loyalty features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Flexible iPad POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display systems, and third-party integrations for restaurants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, inventory, and apps marketplace for restaurant operations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Lavu Cost-effective iPad POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location capabilities for restaurants. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant platform combining POS, payments, marketing, and delivery integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud POS system with hardware bundles, inventory tracking, and e-commerce for hospitality businesses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | NCR Voyix Restaurant Enterprise-grade POS with advanced analytics, loyalty, and kitchen management for large-scale restaurants. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including orders, payments, inventory, and analytics.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu management, and team tools for small to medium restaurants.
Robust POS platform with advanced inventory, online ordering, and multi-location support for growing restaurants.
iPad-native POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and loyalty features.
Flexible iPad POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display systems, and third-party integrations for restaurants.
Customizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, inventory, and apps marketplace for restaurant operations.
Cost-effective iPad POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location capabilities for restaurants.
All-in-one restaurant platform combining POS, payments, marketing, and delivery integrations.
Cloud POS system with hardware bundles, inventory tracking, and e-commerce for hospitality businesses.
Enterprise-grade POS with advanced analytics, loyalty, and kitchen management for large-scale restaurants.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS system offering comprehensive restaurant management including orders, payments, inventory, and analytics.
Built-in online ordering and marketplace that captures direct orders without third-party commissions, fully integrated with the POS
Toast is a cloud-based POS system designed exclusively for restaurants, offering end-to-end management from front-of-house ordering and payments to back-of-house inventory, scheduling, and payroll. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, and provides real-time analytics for data-driven decisions. With mobile hardware options and offline capabilities, Toast streamlines operations for quick-service, full-service, and bar environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features including online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems
- Robust integrations with third-party delivery and accounting tools
- Strong analytics and reporting for revenue optimization and inventory control
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and requirement for Toast-provided devices
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and transaction fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Full-service restaurants and chains seeking an all-in-one platform with advanced online and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per POS terminal per month (billed annually), plus payment processing fees (2.49%-3.69% + $0.15 per transaction) and required hardware purchases.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS with integrated payments, menu management, and team tools for small to medium restaurants.
Zero monthly fees for core POS software combined with instant hardware compatibility and unified customer profiles across online/in-store channels
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for food service businesses, offering tools for in-person and online order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and kitchen operations. It integrates seamlessly with Square's hardware like countertop terminals, kitchen display systems (KDS), and handheld devices for efficient table service. The platform supports features like customizable menus, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting, making it scalable for cafes, quick-service, and full-service restaurants.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only pay-per-use transaction pricing
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Robust payment processing with support for contactless, gift cards, and online orders
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Advanced reporting and analytics are less comprehensive than enterprise competitors
- Limited customization for complex menu modifiers in large-scale operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants and cafes seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with reliable payments and minimal upfront costs.
Pricing
Free POS software; transaction fees of 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online/CNP); hardware from $0 (card reader) to $799+ (registers/KDS).
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRobust POS platform with advanced inventory, online ordering, and multi-location support for growing restaurants.
Advanced inventory tools with real-time recipe costing, variance tracking, and automated purchasing suggestions
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, providing tools for seamless order management, table mapping, and inventory tracking. It supports various service types including full-service dining, quick-service, and takeout, with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering, and loyalty programs. The platform offers advanced reporting, multi-location management, and integrations with popular delivery services, accounting software, and payment processors to streamline operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive features including KDS, floor plans, and multi-location support
- Strong integrations with delivery apps, payments, and accounting tools
- Detailed analytics and reporting for inventory and sales insights
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small restaurants
- Customer support response times can vary
- Cloud-dependent, requiring reliable internet connectivity
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and chains needing scalable POS with advanced inventory management and reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter), $109 (Essential), $159+ (Premium); annual discounts available, hardware sold separately.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-native POS designed for full-service restaurants with floor plans, tableside ordering, and loyalty features.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) for real-time order routing and bump screens tailored to busy restaurant kitchens
TouchBistro is a cloud-based, iPad-centric POS system designed exclusively for restaurants, handling everything from order entry and payments to table management and inventory tracking. It supports full-service dining, quick-service, bars, and multi-location operations with features like customizable menus, employee scheduling, and advanced reporting. The platform emphasizes mobility, offline functionality, and seamless integrations for a complete restaurant management solution.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like table-side ordering and complex menu modifiers
- Strong offline mode and reliable iPad hardware compatibility
- Comprehensive integrations with accounting, payroll, and delivery apps
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to general POS competitors
- Primarily iOS-focused, limiting non-Apple hardware options
- Occasional reports of performance glitches during peak hours
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, all-in-one iPad POS with deep industry-specific features.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan; scales to $165+/month for advanced tiers, plus hardware (~$1,000+ startup) and processing fees.
Revel Systems
specializedFlexible iPad POS with real-time reporting, kitchen display systems, and third-party integrations for restaurants.
iPad-native design with seamless cloud sync and a vast app marketplace for tailored restaurant integrations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution designed specifically for restaurants, providing comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and real-time reporting. It supports front-of-house operations, kitchen display systems, online ordering, and loyalty programs, making it scalable for quick-service, full-service, and multi-location setups. The system emphasizes mobility and integrations via its app marketplace.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like KDS and inventory management
- Cloud-based with strong real-time reporting and multi-location support
- Extensive integrations through a dedicated app marketplace
Cons
- High pricing with additional fees for hardware and processing
- Relies heavily on iOS devices, limiting hardware flexibility
- Mixed customer support experiences and occasional connectivity issues
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains seeking a scalable, feature-rich cloud POS with advanced reporting and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Core plan, $149 for Pro, plus hardware (~$1,000+ per iPad setup), processing fees (2.3%+), and custom Enterprise pricing.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software supporting payments, inventory, and apps marketplace for restaurant operations.
The Clover App Market with over 500 third-party apps for tailored restaurant functionalities like kitchen displays and multi-location management.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including restaurants, offering countertop, mobile, and mini hardware options integrated with payment processing. It handles order taking, inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems through its software and extensive app marketplace. Restaurants benefit from customizable menus, table management via apps, and real-time reporting, making it suitable for quick-service and full-service operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable via 500+ apps in the Clover App Market for restaurant-specific needs like online ordering and delivery integrations
- Intuitive touchscreen interface and flexible hardware options that scale with business growth
- Seamless integrated payments with competitive rates and robust security features
Cons
- Many advanced restaurant features (e.g., full table service or advanced inventory) require additional paid apps, increasing costs
- Hardware purchases can be expensive upfront, with limited rental options
- Customer support can be inconsistent, relying heavily on self-service resources
Best For
Small to medium restaurants, quick-service outlets, or cafes seeking a customizable, hardware-inclusive POS without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register Lite) up to $114.85/month (Register Pro) per device; hardware from $499-$1,699; payment processing at 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction (custom quotes available).
Lavu
specializedCost-effective iPad POS with online ordering, loyalty programs, and multi-location capabilities for restaurants.
Seamless offline functionality that syncs data automatically when reconnected, ideal for spotty Wi-Fi environments
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and quick-service establishments, offering tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It supports iOS devices like iPads and iPhones, enabling mobile flexibility for servers and managers. Key capabilities include kitchen display systems, loyalty programs, reporting dashboards, and integrations with delivery services like DoorDash.
Pros
- Highly intuitive iOS-native interface that's easy for staff to learn quickly
- Robust offline mode ensures operations continue during internet outages
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like table management and kitchen displays
Cons
- Pricing scales per terminal which can add up for multi-location businesses
- Fewer advanced integrations compared to enterprise competitors like Toast or Square
- Hardware bundles are iOS-locked, limiting device flexibility
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants and bars seeking a mobile-first, user-friendly POS without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Essential plan), up to $159/month (Growth plan); plus 2.6% + $0.10 processing, hardware from $500+.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant platform combining POS, payments, marketing, and delivery integrations.
Guaranteed lowest payment processing rates with a unique price-beat promise that refunds the difference if competitors offer better.
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and table management. It offers integrations with major delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, along with features for online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems. The platform supports multi-location operations and includes robust reporting for sales and labor analytics.
Pros
- Competitive payment processing rates with a price-match guarantee
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps and third-party tools
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like kitchen displays and labor management
Cons
- Occasional reports of software glitches and downtime
- Learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Hardware bundles can increase upfront costs
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS with strong payment savings and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts around $135/month per location for software, plus hardware leases from $50/month and processing fees from 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS system with hardware bundles, inventory tracking, and e-commerce for hospitality businesses.
Epos Now Exchange marketplace with 100+ third-party apps for tailored restaurant integrations
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing comprehensive tools for order taking, table management, menu customization, and kitchen display systems (KDS). It enables real-time inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and detailed sales reporting, with seamless integration for payments, loyalty programs, and delivery apps. The platform supports multi-location operations and offers hardware bundles for quick setup in hospitality environments.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with over 100 integrations for accounting, delivery, and CRM
- Scalable for single-site to multi-location restaurants with robust reporting
- Flexible hardware options including touchscreens and KDS for efficient kitchen workflows
Cons
- Higher pricing structure with additional fees for hardware and add-ons
- Occasional reports of customer support delays and setup complexities
- Reliance on stable internet, with limited offline functionality
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants or chains seeking a customizable, integration-heavy POS for streamlined operations across multiple locations.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month per device plus one-time hardware costs from $500; enterprise plans custom quoted.
NCR Voyix Restaurant
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS with advanced analytics, loyalty, and kitchen management for large-scale restaurants.
Integrated labor optimization that uses sales forecasts to automate scheduling and reduce costs.
NCR Voyix Restaurant is a robust, cloud-based POS system designed specifically for the restaurant industry, supporting quick-service, full-service, and multi-concept operations. It handles front-of-house tasks like order entry, payments, and table management, while integrating back-of-house functions such as inventory tracking, labor scheduling, and advanced reporting. The platform emphasizes scalability, security, and seamless hardware integration for high-volume environments.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location chains with strong uptime (99.99%)
- Comprehensive integrations including kitchen display systems and third-party apps
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for operational efficiency
Cons
- High upfront and ongoing costs with custom quote pricing
- Best with NCR-specific hardware, limiting flexibility
- Complex setup and steeper learning curve for smaller teams
Best For
Large restaurant chains and multi-unit operators needing enterprise-grade scalability and reliability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $99-$300/month per terminal plus hardware bundles starting at $1,500+ per unit.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase how restaurant software can transform operations, from order management to customer engagement. Toast leads as the top choice, merging comprehensive features into a seamless cloud-based system. Strong alternatives like Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant excel for different needs—with affordability and simplicity or advanced scaling capabilities, respectively.
Start exploring Toast today to unlock efficient, all-in-one restaurant management that adapts to your unique needs and enhances success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison