Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - All-in-one cloud-based platform for QSRs handling POS, online ordering, payments, inventory, and analytics.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS system with restaurant features like menu customization, kitchen displays, and loyalty programs.
- 3#3: Revel Systems - Cloud POS designed for quick service with inventory management, employee scheduling, and multi-location support.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Restaurant - Comprehensive POS software for QSRs offering order management, reporting, and delivery integrations.
- 5#5: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS system streamlining front-of-house operations, payments, and table management for fast-paced QSRs.
- 6#6: SpotOn - Restaurant platform integrating POS, marketing tools, payroll, and customer engagement for QSR efficiency.
- 7#7: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and online ordering suited for small QSRs.
- 8#8: Lavu - Cloud-based POS for restaurants featuring online ordering, gift cards, and real-time reporting.
- 9#9: Flipdish - Online ordering and POS solution optimized for QSRs with branded apps, delivery integrations, and analytics.
- 10#10: Restaurant365 - Back-office management software for QSRs covering accounting, inventory, labor, and operations reporting.
These tools were rigorously evaluated based on their ability to address core QSR needs (including POS, inventory, and ordering), performance consistency, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits for businesses of varying sizes and operational demands.
Comparison Table
QSR management software is critical for efficiency in fast-paced dining environments, and selecting the right tool depends on unique business needs. This comparison table examines top options like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Revel Systems, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, and more, highlighting key features, pricing, and scalability. Readers will gain clear insights to identify the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast All-in-one cloud-based platform for QSRs handling POS, online ordering, payments, inventory, and analytics. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS system with restaurant features like menu customization, kitchen displays, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Revel Systems Cloud POS designed for quick service with inventory management, employee scheduling, and multi-location support. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Restaurant Comprehensive POS software for QSRs offering order management, reporting, and delivery integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS system streamlining front-of-house operations, payments, and table management for fast-paced QSRs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | SpotOn Restaurant platform integrating POS, marketing tools, payroll, and customer engagement for QSR efficiency. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and online ordering suited for small QSRs. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Cloud-based POS for restaurants featuring online ordering, gift cards, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Flipdish Online ordering and POS solution optimized for QSRs with branded apps, delivery integrations, and analytics. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Restaurant365 Back-office management software for QSRs covering accounting, inventory, labor, and operations reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
All-in-one cloud-based platform for QSRs handling POS, online ordering, payments, inventory, and analytics.
Affordable POS system with restaurant features like menu customization, kitchen displays, and loyalty programs.
Cloud POS designed for quick service with inventory management, employee scheduling, and multi-location support.
Comprehensive POS software for QSRs offering order management, reporting, and delivery integrations.
iPad-based POS system streamlining front-of-house operations, payments, and table management for fast-paced QSRs.
Restaurant platform integrating POS, marketing tools, payroll, and customer engagement for QSR efficiency.
Flexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and online ordering suited for small QSRs.
Cloud-based POS for restaurants featuring online ordering, gift cards, and real-time reporting.
Online ordering and POS solution optimized for QSRs with branded apps, delivery integrations, and analytics.
Back-office management software for QSRs covering accounting, inventory, labor, and operations reporting.
Toast
specializedAll-in-one cloud-based platform for QSRs handling POS, online ordering, payments, inventory, and analytics.
Commission-free online ordering integrated directly with the POS for effortless digital revenue growth
Toast is a cloud-based, all-in-one restaurant management platform tailored for quick service restaurants (QSRs), providing point-of-sale (POS) systems, payment processing, online ordering, inventory management, kitchen display systems, and employee scheduling. It enables seamless operations from order taking to fulfillment, with features like commission-free online ordering and integrated delivery partnerships to drive revenue. Toast's robust analytics and reporting tools empower QSR owners to optimize menus, labor, and profitability in real-time.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple vendors
- Seamless online ordering and delivery integrations with no commissions
- Advanced analytics and real-time reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain smaller QSR budgets
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customizations
- Ecosystem favors Toast hardware, limiting third-party flexibility
Best For
Quick service restaurants needing a scalable, integrated POS with strong online ordering and analytics for growth.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for core software; full POS bundle ~$165+/month including hardware financing, plus 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS system with restaurant features like menu customization, kitchen displays, and loyalty programs.
Free POS software with built-in payment processing and no long-term contracts, enabling immediate scalability for QSRs.
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for quick service restaurants, providing seamless payment processing, order management, kitchen display systems (KDS), and inventory tracking. It enables fast transactions, online ordering integration, staff scheduling, and reporting to streamline high-volume operations. The platform supports both counter-service and drive-thru setups with mobile POS flexibility and self-service kiosk options.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup, ideal for fast-paced QSR environments
- No monthly software fees for core POS and payment processing
- Robust integrations including online ordering, loyalty programs, and KDS
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Advanced reporting and customization limited in free tier
- Hardware costs add up for full setups like kiosks or multiple terminals
Best For
Small to mid-sized quick service restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without subscription commitments or complex installations.
Pricing
Free core software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; Plus plan $60/month/location for advanced features; hardware sold separately.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud POS designed for quick service with inventory management, employee scheduling, and multi-location support.
Extensive marketplace with 100+ third-party integrations for delivery, payroll, and loyalty programs
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform designed specifically for quick service restaurants, enabling fast order processing, inventory tracking, and sales management through an intuitive iPad-centric interface. It supports high-volume transactions with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), self-order kiosks, and online ordering integrations. Revel provides real-time reporting, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty tools to streamline operations and boost efficiency in fast-paced QSR environments.
Pros
- Robust feature set including KDS and online ordering
- Scalable for multi-location QSRs with strong analytics
- Reliable cloud syncing and offline capabilities
Cons
- Premium pricing with additional hardware costs
- Primarily iOS-dependent, limiting hardware flexibility
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Multi-location quick service restaurants needing scalable POS with advanced integrations and reporting.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $99/month per terminal, Pro at $149/month, Enterprise custom; plus 2.3-2.6% processing fees and hardware purchase.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseComprehensive POS software for QSRs offering order management, reporting, and delivery integrations.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) with customizable workflows for rapid order routing and fulfillment
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for various restaurant types, including quick service operations, offering tools for order processing, inventory management, and staff scheduling. It features a kitchen display system (KDS), online ordering integration, and robust reporting to handle high-volume transactions efficiently. The platform supports multi-location management and third-party delivery app connections, making it suitable for scaling QSR businesses.
Pros
- Powerful inventory tracking and recipe costing ideal for high-turnover QSRs
- Kitchen Display System (KDS) streamlines order fulfillment in fast-paced environments
- Comprehensive analytics and multi-location support for growing chains
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can strain small single-location QSR budgets
- Initial setup and customization require time and training
- Hardware costs are additional and can be substantial
Best For
Growing quick service restaurant chains with multiple locations needing advanced inventory, KDS, and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essential), $109 (Standard), $149 (Advanced), $229 (Enterprise); hardware and add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS system streamlining front-of-house operations, payments, and table management for fast-paced QSRs.
Seamless iPad-to-KDS integration for lightning-fast order routing and fulfillment in high-turnover QSR settings
TouchBistro is an all-in-one, iPad-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing quick order processing, payments, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. For quick service restaurants, it excels in fast counter service with kitchen display systems (KDS), self-order kiosks, and mobile ordering capabilities to handle high-volume transactions efficiently. Its cloud-connected platform ensures real-time reporting and offline resilience during peak rushes.
Pros
- Highly intuitive iPad interface speeds up training and daily operations
- Robust KDS and bump bar support for rapid order fulfillment
- Strong offline mode and real-time analytics for busy QSR environments
Cons
- Premium pricing can strain smaller QSR budgets
- Locked into Apple hardware ecosystem limits flexibility
- Less specialized for drive-thru or ultra-high-volume chains compared to QSR-focused competitors
Best For
Quick service restaurants seeking a user-friendly, scalable POS with integrated back-office tools and minimal downtime.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan, billed annually), with Essential at $139/month and Premier at $269/month; additional fees for hardware, processing, and add-ons.
SpotOn
specializedRestaurant platform integrating POS, marketing tools, payroll, and customer engagement for QSR efficiency.
SpotOn Guarantee: Matches or beats any competitor's processing rates while owning the full payment stack for reliability
SpotOn is a comprehensive POS and restaurant management platform designed for quick service restaurants, offering seamless payment processing, order management, and inventory tracking. It supports drive-thru operations, online ordering, kitchen display systems, and employee scheduling to streamline QSR workflows. With strong integrations for delivery apps and loyalty programs, it helps operators boost efficiency and revenue while providing robust reporting tools.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with transparent, competitive rates
- User-friendly interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Strong customer support and hardware bundles tailored for QSR
Cons
- Upfront hardware costs can be high for smaller operations
- Fewer third-party integrations than some top competitors
- Limited advanced inventory features for multi-location chains
Best For
Quick service restaurants prioritizing cost-effective payments and straightforward POS operations without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Software starts at $99/month per terminal plus 2.6% + $0.10 processing; hardware from $1,000+ with financing options.
Clover
otherFlexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and online ordering suited for small QSRs.
The Clover App Market with over 1,000 third-party apps for tailored QSR functionalities like advanced inventory and loyalty tools.
Clover is a cloud-based POS system tailored for small to medium businesses, including quick service restaurants, offering seamless payment processing, menu management, and order fulfillment. It supports features like inventory tracking, employee management, customer loyalty programs, and integrations with delivery services for efficient QSR operations. The modular app marketplace allows customization to fit specific restaurant needs.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup
- Vast app marketplace for QSR-specific customizations like kitchen displays and online ordering
- Reliable hardware options including countertop and handheld devices
Cons
- Pricing heavily tied to payment processing volumes with additional app fees
- Reporting lacks depth for multi-location QSR chains
- Customer support can be inconsistent outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium quick service restaurants needing a flexible, user-friendly POS with easy integrations for fast-paced environments.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95/month (Register Lite) to $114.85/month (Register Premium), plus 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction; hardware starts at $49 for Mini, up to $1,699 for Station Duo.
Lavu
specializedCloud-based POS for restaurants featuring online ordering, gift cards, and real-time reporting.
Full offline processing with automatic cloud sync upon reconnection
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick service restaurants, providing core functionalities like order processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and real-time reporting. It supports iOS and Android devices with offline capabilities, online ordering integration, and a kitchen display system to streamline fast-paced operations. The platform emphasizes mobility, making it suitable for food trucks, cafes, and QSRs needing reliable, on-the-go management.
Pros
- Intuitive tablet-based interface ideal for mobile operations
- Robust offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Affordable pricing with strong core QSR features like inventory and loyalty programs
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and customizable reporting
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to mid-sized quick service restaurants and food trucks seeking a cost-effective, mobile-first POS with reliable offline functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for the Pro plan, plus one-time hardware costs and optional add-ons like online ordering ($25/month).
Flipdish
specializedOnline ordering and POS solution optimized for QSRs with branded apps, delivery integrations, and analytics.
Fully white-label online ordering platform that delivers a branded, native app-like experience commission-free
Flipdish is a specialized online ordering and management platform tailored for quick service restaurants (QSRs), enabling custom-branded websites, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks for seamless digital orders. It integrates with major POS systems like Lightspeed, Square, and Epos Now, while offering delivery partnerships, kitchen display systems, and marketing automation. The software emphasizes commission-free direct orders, analytics, and operational efficiency to boost revenue for takeaways and fast-casual chains.
Pros
- Commission-free direct online orders to maximize profits
- Robust POS and delivery integrations (e.g., Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
- Intuitive dashboard with marketing tools and real-time analytics
Cons
- Limited built-in inventory and staff scheduling features
- Pricing scales up for multi-location operations
- Stronger focus on Europe, with less optimized support in other regions
Best For
Independent QSRs and takeaways prioritizing online ordering growth and POS integration without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Custom plans starting at ~€99/month per location, plus 1-2% transaction fees; no commissions on direct orders.
Restaurant365
enterpriseBack-office management software for QSRs covering accounting, inventory, labor, and operations reporting.
Real-time profit and loss visibility with integrated accounting and operations data across all locations
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based restaurant management platform that integrates accounting, operations, inventory management, scheduling, and payroll specifically tailored for multi-location restaurants, including quick service operations. It syncs with leading POS systems like Toast and Square to provide real-time financial insights, labor costing, and inventory tracking to optimize profitability. The software emphasizes back-office efficiency, helping QSRs reduce variances and streamline reporting across units.
Pros
- Comprehensive back-office integration including accounting and payroll
- Strong multi-location support with centralized reporting
- Seamless POS integrations for real-time data syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users
- Higher pricing limits appeal for single-location QSRs
- Relies heavily on integrations rather than built-in POS
Best For
Multi-unit quick service restaurant operators needing robust financial and operational back-office management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $400-$600 per location/month, plus implementation fees and add-ons.
Conclusion
The top QSR management tools streamline operations, with Toast leading as the all-in-one choice for POS, ordering, and analytics. Square for Restaurants follows with affordable, feature-rich loyalty and kitchen tools, while Revel Systems excels with multi-location and inventory management, fitting varied needs. Together, they demonstrate how tailored software elevates efficiency.
Explore Toast today to unlock streamlined QSR operations and experience why it stands out as the top solution.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison