Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based restaurant POS system with online ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display integration.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable all-in-one POS for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff scheduling, and inventory tracking.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Scalable POS platform for restaurants featuring multi-location support, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants with table management and real-time analytics.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS for restaurants offering extensive integrations, customizable menus, and robust hardware options.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with app marketplace for custom integrations.
- 7#7: SpotOn - Restaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, CRM, and contactless payments for improved customer engagement.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile-first POS for restaurants and bars supporting offline mode and quick-service operations.
- 9#9: NCR Voyix - Enterprise-grade POS system for restaurants with high-volume transaction handling and global scalability.
- 10#10: Oracle Simphony - Advanced POS solution for large restaurant chains providing centralized management and AI-driven insights.
We rigorously selected tools based on core functionality, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring each entry excels across essentials like payments, inventory, and integration capabilities.
Comparison Table
For restaurants seeking efficient point-of-sale solutions, a comparison of leading tools can simplify decision-making. This table explores options like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and Revel Systems, among others, highlighting key features, usability, and practicality. Readers will gain insight to match their specific operational needs with the right software.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based restaurant POS system with online ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display integration. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable all-in-one POS for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff scheduling, and inventory tracking. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Scalable POS platform for restaurants featuring multi-location support, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants with table management and real-time analytics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS for restaurants offering extensive integrations, customizable menus, and robust hardware options. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with app marketplace for custom integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn Restaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, CRM, and contactless payments for improved customer engagement. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile-first POS for restaurants and bars supporting offline mode and quick-service operations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | NCR Voyix Enterprise-grade POS system for restaurants with high-volume transaction handling and global scalability. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Oracle Simphony Advanced POS solution for large restaurant chains providing centralized management and AI-driven insights. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based restaurant POS system with online ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display integration.
Affordable all-in-one POS for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff scheduling, and inventory tracking.
Scalable POS platform for restaurants featuring multi-location support, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting.
iPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants with table management and real-time analytics.
Cloud POS for restaurants offering extensive integrations, customizable menus, and robust hardware options.
Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with app marketplace for custom integrations.
Restaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, CRM, and contactless payments for improved customer engagement.
Mobile-first POS for restaurants and bars supporting offline mode and quick-service operations.
Enterprise-grade POS system for restaurants with high-volume transaction handling and global scalability.
Advanced POS solution for large restaurant chains providing centralized management and AI-driven insights.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based restaurant POS system with online ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display integration.
Toast Online Ordering with built-in marketing automation and commission-free guest data ownership
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system purpose-built for restaurants, offering end-to-end solutions for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, loyalty programs, and advanced analytics for real-time business insights. Designed for scalability, Toast supports quick-service, full-service, and multi-location operations, helping restaurants optimize efficiency and drive revenue growth.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like kitchen display systems and tableside ordering
- Robust analytics and reporting with AI-driven insights via Toast Intelligence
- Seamless integrations with payments, delivery, and third-party apps
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and custom pricing can be steep for small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features during initial setup
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, and multi-location operators needing an all-in-one, scalable POS with deep analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$165/month per location for starter bundles (including hardware financing), plus payment processing at 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction; scales with features and locations.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable all-in-one POS for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff scheduling, and inventory tracking.
Seamless all-in-one integration of POS hardware, payments, kitchen displays, and online ordering without subscriptions or contracts
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for full-service, quick-service, and counter-service restaurants, providing tools for menu management, order taking, table mapping, and kitchen display integration. It handles payments, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and reporting all in one platform, with seamless support for online ordering and third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system emphasizes ease of setup with no long-term contracts, making it ideal for scaling operations without upfront software costs.
Pros
- Free core POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
- Intuitive interface and quick setup, even for non-tech users
- Strong integrations with payments, online ordering, and delivery services
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe/dip/tap) can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Advanced reporting and multi-location tools require paid upgrades
- Hardware purchases add upfront costs, though bundles are available
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with built-in payments and online ordering capabilities.
Pricing
Free software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; Plus plan $60/month per location for advanced features; hardware from $799.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseScalable POS platform for restaurants featuring multi-location support, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting.
AI-powered inventory forecasting and recipe costing for precise cost control and waste reduction
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, providing comprehensive tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and kitchen display systems. It supports front-of-house operations like payments and customer-facing ordering alongside back-of-house features such as recipe costing, waste tracking, and detailed reporting. The platform excels in multi-location management and integrations with delivery services, accounting software, and loyalty programs, enabling seamless omnichannel operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable for restaurant workflows with advanced table management and KDS
- Scalable for multi-location chains with centralized reporting
- Strong integrations with 100+ apps including delivery and accounting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small independents
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional reports of sync issues during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and multi-location chains needing robust, scalable POS with deep inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Back Office (billed annually), $139-$259/month per terminal for Restaurant plans; hardware and add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-centric POS designed for full-service restaurants with table management and real-time analytics.
Advanced table management with drag-and-drop floor plans and automated service pacing
TouchBistro is an all-in-one, cloud-based POS system tailored specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues. It provides essential tools for order management, table-side payments, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and detailed reporting to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations. With offline functionality and integrations for kitchen displays and third-party apps, it supports efficient service in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Highly customized for restaurant workflows like table management and service bells
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional terminals and add-ons
- Limited built-in e-commerce or online ordering capabilities
- Hardware bundle required, increasing upfront costs
Best For
Independent full-service restaurants and bars seeking a restaurant-focused POS with strong operational tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (billed annually), plus hardware costs (~$500+ per setup) and optional add-ons like loyalty programs.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS for restaurants offering extensive integrations, customizable menus, and robust hardware options.
Cloud-based Kitchen Display System (KDS) with real-time order routing and customization
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS solution designed specifically for restaurants, offering tools for order management, inventory tracking, table management, and customer loyalty programs. It provides real-time data syncing across locations, robust reporting, and seamless integrations with delivery services, payment processors, and accounting software. Ideal for modernizing restaurant operations with its mobile-first approach and offline capabilities.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools like KDS and table mapping
- Strong multi-location management and real-time reporting
- Wide range of integrations with third-party apps
Cons
- High subscription costs for small operations
- Hardware locked to iOS devices
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and multi-location chains needing scalable, cloud-based POS with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $299+ for Enterprise; plus hardware (~$500/iPad), 2.5% + $0.10 processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with app marketplace for custom integrations.
App Marketplace with over 500 apps for tailored restaurant-specific extensions
Clover is a versatile POS system tailored for restaurants, providing hardware like countertop terminals, handheld devices, and kitchen displays alongside software for menu management, order routing, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It integrates online ordering, loyalty programs, and employee scheduling to streamline restaurant operations. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization with third-party integrations for added functionality.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations
- Reliable hardware options including kitchen displays
- Seamless payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Additional fees for premium apps and features
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking a customizable, all-in-one POS with strong hardware support.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499-$1,499; software plans from $14.95-$114.85/month per location; payment processing at 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
SpotOn
enterpriseRestaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, CRM, and contactless payments for improved customer engagement.
Payments at cost or near-cost with no hidden markups, saving restaurants significantly on transaction fees
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing robust tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs. It supports various restaurant types including full-service, quick-service, and bars, with features like tableside ordering, online ordering integration, and detailed analytics for sales and operations. The platform emphasizes all-in-one solutions by bundling POS hardware, payments, and marketing automation to streamline restaurant workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with integrated payments and marketing
- Strong restaurant-specific features like kitchen display systems and reservations
- Transparent pricing on payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features requiring staff training
- Higher upfront hardware costs for smaller operations
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an integrated POS, payments, and CRM solution without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month for software plus hardware leases ($500-$2,000 upfront) and 2.6%+ processing fees; no long-term contracts.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS for restaurants and bars supporting offline mode and quick-service operations.
Built-in online ordering that syncs directly to the POS, eliminating third-party commissions.
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and quick-service establishments. It provides essential tools like menu customization, table management, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and payment processing with EMV and contactless support. The platform emphasizes mobility with iPad-optimized apps, real-time syncing, and integrations for online ordering and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Intuitive mobile-first interface on iPads
- Robust reporting and inventory management
Cons
- Primarily iOS-focused with limited Android support
- Customer support can be inconsistent
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants and food trucks needing a mobile, cost-effective POS solution.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Essentials (1 terminal), $119/month for Pro, with Enterprise custom pricing; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
NCR Voyix
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS system for restaurants with high-volume transaction handling and global scalability.
Unified omnichannel commerce platform that seamlessly connects in-store POS, online ordering, and delivery management.
NCR Voyix offers a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, handling everything from front-of-house order taking and payments to back-of-house inventory, labor management, and reporting. It supports high-volume operations with features like kitchen display systems, customer loyalty programs, and integrations with delivery apps and accounting software. The platform emphasizes scalability and reliability, making it suitable for quick-service and full-service restaurants alike.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level restaurant chains
- Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities
- Robust integrations with third-party services like delivery platforms
Cons
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains and franchises needing a reliable, feature-rich POS for high-volume operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; software subscriptions start around $99 per terminal/month, plus hardware leasing from $50-150/month and implementation fees.
Oracle Simphony
enterpriseAdvanced POS solution for large restaurant chains providing centralized management and AI-driven insights.
Cloud-native real-time data platform with AI-powered Intelligent Apps for predictive inventory and personalized guest experiences
Oracle Simphony is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, hospitality venues, and large chains, providing comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, inventory control, and customer engagement. It excels in multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization and advanced analytics powered by Oracle's ecosystem. The platform supports high-volume transactions and integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems like Oracle OPERA for hotels.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level chains and multi-venue operations
- Robust integrations with Oracle ecosystem and third-party apps
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for operational efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High pricing unsuitable for small or independent restaurants
- Customization requires significant IT resources
Best For
Large restaurant chains, hotels, and hospitality groups needing enterprise-grade scalability and real-time global synchronization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for multi-location setups, plus hardware and implementation fees.
Conclusion
The top 10 restaurant POS systems offer diverse solutions for efficiency, growth, and customer engagement, with Toast leading as the clear winner—blending online ordering, inventory management, and kitchen display integration to streamline operations. Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant stand out as strong alternatives: Square excels in affordability and all-in-one functionality, while Lightspeed offers scalable support for multi-location setups and advanced reporting. No matter the specific needs, these systems demonstrate the innovation shaping the industry.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your restaurant—try Toast today to experience its comprehensive features and transform daily operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison