Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS platform tailored for quick service restaurants with fast ordering, online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
- 2#2: Revel Systems - iPad-centric POS system optimized for high-volume QSR operations featuring inventory management, reporting, and seamless integrations.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Comprehensive POS solution for QSR with advanced inventory tracking, multi-location support, and employee scheduling tools.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS hardware and software for small QSRs offering quick payments, menu management, and basic reporting.
- 5#5: Clover - Versatile POS platform for quick service with app marketplace, contactless payments, and customizable hardware options.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad-based all-in-one POS for QSR and full-service restaurants with tableside ordering and real-time analytics.
- 7#7: SpotOn - Restaurant POS and management suite for QSR including online ordering, marketing automation, and payroll integration.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile POS system for quick service restaurants with offline mode, kitchen displays, and customer engagement features.
- 9#9: NCR Voyix Aloha - Enterprise POS for large QSR chains with high customization, scalability, and drive-thru optimization.
- 10#10: PAR Brink - Scalable POS platform for major QSR brands featuring advanced order management, analytics, and third-party integrations.
We prioritized tools based on feature robustness (including inventory management, online ordering, and integrations), user-friendliness, scalability, and value, ensuring they align with the diverse demands of modern quick service operations, from small outlets to large chains.
Comparison Table
Quick Service Restaurants depend on reliable software to optimize operations, and selecting the right tool can significantly impact efficiency. This comparison table examines leading solutions like Toast, Revel Systems, Lightspeed Restaurant, Square for Restaurants, and Clover, highlighting their key capabilities in order management, inventory tracking, and payment processing. Readers will discover which software aligns best with their needs, whether for high-volume services or small, independent units.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS platform tailored for quick service restaurants with fast ordering, online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Revel Systems iPad-centric POS system optimized for high-volume QSR operations featuring inventory management, reporting, and seamless integrations. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Comprehensive POS solution for QSR with advanced inventory tracking, multi-location support, and employee scheduling tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS hardware and software for small QSRs offering quick payments, menu management, and basic reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
| 5 | Clover Versatile POS platform for quick service with app marketplace, contactless payments, and customizable hardware options. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad-based all-in-one POS for QSR and full-service restaurants with tableside ordering and real-time analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn Restaurant POS and management suite for QSR including online ordering, marketing automation, and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile POS system for quick service restaurants with offline mode, kitchen displays, and customer engagement features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | NCR Voyix Aloha Enterprise POS for large QSR chains with high customization, scalability, and drive-thru optimization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | PAR Brink Scalable POS platform for major QSR brands featuring advanced order management, analytics, and third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS platform tailored for quick service restaurants with fast ordering, online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
iPad-centric POS system optimized for high-volume QSR operations featuring inventory management, reporting, and seamless integrations.
Comprehensive POS solution for QSR with advanced inventory tracking, multi-location support, and employee scheduling tools.
Affordable POS hardware and software for small QSRs offering quick payments, menu management, and basic reporting.
Versatile POS platform for quick service with app marketplace, contactless payments, and customizable hardware options.
iPad-based all-in-one POS for QSR and full-service restaurants with tableside ordering and real-time analytics.
Restaurant POS and management suite for QSR including online ordering, marketing automation, and payroll integration.
Mobile POS system for quick service restaurants with offline mode, kitchen displays, and customer engagement features.
Enterprise POS for large QSR chains with high customization, scalability, and drive-thru optimization.
Scalable POS platform for major QSR brands featuring advanced order management, analytics, and third-party integrations.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS platform tailored for quick service restaurants with fast ordering, online ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
Integrated Online Ordering and Delivery Management that syncs directly with the POS for real-time inventory and order fulfillment without double-entry
Toast is a leading cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, with powerful capabilities for quick service restaurants (QSRs) including fast order processing, drive-thru support, and mobile ordering. It provides an all-in-one platform encompassing payments, online ordering, inventory management, kitchen display systems, employee scheduling, payroll, and advanced analytics. Designed to scale with growing businesses, Toast integrates seamlessly with third-party delivery services and loyalty programs to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering POS, payments, payroll, and marketing
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps and restaurant-specific tools
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and custom pricing can be steep for very small QSRs
- Occasional learning curve for advanced features during initial setup
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume locations
Best For
Quick service restaurants seeking a scalable, feature-rich POS system to manage high-volume orders, online sales, and operations from one dashboard.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69/month per terminal for software, plus hardware ($799+), 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction, and add-ons like online ordering ($50+/month).
Revel Systems
specializediPad-centric POS system optimized for high-volume QSR operations featuring inventory management, reporting, and seamless integrations.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) that streamlines order routing and prep in high-speed QSR kitchens
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS platform tailored for quick service restaurants, providing fast order processing, inventory tracking, and real-time sales reporting to handle high-volume transactions efficiently. It integrates with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, supports employee management, and offers tools for customer loyalty programs. The system's modular architecture enables scalability from single outlets to enterprise-level chains, with robust offline capabilities for uninterrupted service.
Pros
- Comprehensive integrations with delivery apps and payment processors
- Powerful analytics and customizable reporting dashboards
- Reliable offline mode and fast transaction speeds for busy QSR environments
Cons
- Higher monthly pricing per terminal compared to basic competitors
- Hardware ecosystem tied to iPads, limiting non-Apple options
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization features
Best For
Growing quick service restaurant chains needing scalable POS with strong integrations and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Core plan; Enterprise at $399/month, plus hardware costs ($1,000+ per setup) and processing fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseComprehensive POS solution for QSR with advanced inventory tracking, multi-location support, and employee scheduling tools.
Order Anywhere with handheld devices and self-service kiosks for rapid, flexible ordering in high-traffic QSR settings
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick service restaurants, offering fast order processing, inventory management, and kitchen display systems to handle high-volume transactions efficiently. It integrates seamlessly with online ordering platforms, delivery services like Uber Eats, and loyalty programs to boost customer retention. The platform also provides robust reporting, employee management, and multi-location support, making it scalable for growing QSR chains.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
- Scalable for multi-location QSR operations with centralized reporting
- Kitchen Display System (KDS) optimizes fast-paced order fulfillment
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for single-location startups
- Initial setup and customization require some technical know-how
- Hardware is sold separately, adding to upfront costs
Best For
Multi-location quick service restaurants needing scalable POS with strong analytics and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essential plan), up to $199+/month (Pro plan); hardware and add-ons extra.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS hardware and software for small QSRs offering quick payments, menu management, and basic reporting.
Seamless, contract-free payment processing integrated directly into the POS with no upfront hardware commitments for basic setups
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick service restaurants, providing seamless order processing, payment acceptance, inventory management, and kitchen display systems. It integrates with online ordering, delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and offers real-time reporting for high-volume operations. The platform emphasizes simplicity and scalability for small to mid-sized QSRs, with customizable floor plans and team management tools.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- No monthly software fees, only transaction-based pricing
- Robust integrations with delivery services and strong payment processing
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume locations
- Advanced reporting and customization lag behind enterprise competitors
- Hardware purchases add upfront costs despite flexible options
Best For
Small to medium quick service restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software; Plus plan at $60/month per location; processing fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Clover
specializedVersatile POS platform for quick service with app marketplace, contactless payments, and customizable hardware options.
Expansive App Market with over 200 QSR-tailored apps for features like kitchen displays, loyalty, and third-party delivery.
Clover is an all-in-one POS system designed for small to medium businesses, including quick service restaurants, providing hardware like countertop and mobile terminals alongside software for payments, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and reporting. It supports rapid order processing, kitchen display systems via apps, online ordering, and customer loyalty programs through its extensive app marketplace. With seamless payment processing powered by Fiserv, it's built for efficiency in high-volume environments.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates
- Vast app marketplace for QSR-specific customizations like KDS and delivery integrations
- User-friendly interface with mobile flexibility for counter service
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Advanced features often require additional paid apps
- Customer support can be inconsistent for complex issues
Best For
Small to medium quick service restaurants needing a flexible, payment-focused POS without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499 (Register Lite) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans from $14.95/mo (Payments only) to $114.85/mo (Restaurant plan); plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based all-in-one POS for QSR and full-service restaurants with tableside ordering and real-time analytics.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) for efficient order routing and fulfillment in fast-paced environments
TouchBistro is a cloud-based, iPad-exclusive POS system designed for restaurants, including quick service operations, offering order management, payments, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. For QSRs, it supports fast counter service with customizable menus, quick pay options, and mobile ordering integrations. It emphasizes real-time reporting and offline functionality to handle high-volume transactions reliably.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface optimized for speed
- Robust reporting and analytics for QSR insights
- Reliable offline mode and strong integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to QSR-focused competitors
- Limited to iPad hardware, no Android support
- Some advanced features require premium tiers
Best For
Quick service restaurants seeking a scalable, mobile POS with advanced reporting and loyalty tools for growing operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for POS Pro, up to $165+/month for full features; hardware like iPads sold separately.
SpotOn
specializedRestaurant POS and management suite for QSR including online ordering, marketing automation, and payroll integration.
Proprietary payment processing with transparent, restaurant-competitive rates that integrate directly into the POS for maximum savings.
SpotOn is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, including quick service establishments, offering fast transaction processing, contactless payments, and integrated online ordering. It includes tools for inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and real-time analytics to optimize operations. The platform supports seamless integrations with popular delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, making it ideal for handling high-volume QSR workflows.
Pros
- Industry-low payment processing rates with seamless POS integration
- Strong third-party delivery and online ordering capabilities
- Robust reporting and marketing automation tools
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based with limited upfront transparency
- Hardware bundles can involve high initial costs
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Quick service restaurants needing an all-in-one POS with cost-effective payments and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Custom quotes typically starting at $99/month for software, plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction for payments, and hardware from $500+.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS system for quick service restaurants with offline mode, kitchen displays, and customer engagement features.
Handheld iPad ordering with kitchen display system for ultra-fast QSR ticket times
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for quick service restaurants, food trucks, and bars, offering streamlined order taking, payment processing, and inventory management. It runs primarily on iPads and iPhones, enabling mobile order entry tableside or in the kitchen to handle high-volume service efficiently. Additional features include online ordering integration, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting for operational insights.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad/iPhone interface optimized for fast-paced QSR environments
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations for online ordering and delivery apps
Cons
- Limited to Apple devices primarily, with less robust Android support
- Pricing can add up with per-terminal fees and processing costs
- Advanced customization requires developer assistance
Best For
Small to mid-sized quick service restaurants and food trucks needing a mobile-first, tablet-based POS for speedy order fulfillment.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for core POS, plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction processing and optional add-ons like online ordering ($50+/month).
NCR Voyix Aloha
enterpriseEnterprise POS for large QSR chains with high customization, scalability, and drive-thru optimization.
Advanced drive-thru optimization with timer-based order pacing and headset integrations for peak efficiency.
NCR Voyix Aloha is a robust cloud-based POS system tailored for quick service restaurants, enabling fast order entry, payment processing, and kitchen integration to handle high-volume transactions efficiently. It offers features like drive-thru optimization, online ordering, loyalty programs, and comprehensive inventory management. The platform provides real-time reporting and multi-location support, making it suitable for scaling QSR operations.
Pros
- Highly reliable for high-volume QSR with fast transaction speeds
- Strong analytics and reporting for operational insights
- Scalable with excellent multi-location and third-party integrations
Cons
- Complex setup and steeper learning curve for new users
- Higher upfront hardware costs and custom pricing
- Customer support can be inconsistent according to some reviews
Best For
Established quick service restaurant chains with high transaction volumes needing scalable, enterprise-grade POS capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99-$200/month per terminal, plus hardware bundles ($2,000+) and 2-3% transaction fees.
PAR Brink
enterpriseScalable POS platform for major QSR brands featuring advanced order management, analytics, and third-party integrations.
AI-powered drive-thru optimization for predicting orders and reducing wait times
PAR Brink is a cloud-native POS system from PAR Technology designed specifically for quick service restaurants, enabling fast order processing, payment handling, and kitchen operations. It excels in high-volume environments with features like drive-thru optimization, mobile ordering integrations, and real-time inventory management. The platform supports enterprise scalability for chains, offering robust reporting and analytics to drive operational efficiency.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location QSR chains
- Superior drive-thru and kitchen display system integration
- Reliable uptime and fast transaction speeds during peaks
Cons
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Less flexible for very small independent operations
Best For
Enterprise-level quick service restaurant chains and franchises managing high transaction volumes across multiple locations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with hardware costs ($2,000+ per terminal) and monthly SaaS fees ($100-$300 per location).
Conclusion
The top 10 quick service restaurant software tools reviewed offer impactful solutions for streamlining operations, from point-of-sale to customer engagement and beyond. Leading the list is Toast, a cloud-based platform perfectly tailored to quick service needs, with standout features like fast ordering, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems. Though Toast claims the top spot, Revel Systems and Lightspeed Restaurant are strong alternatives—Revel for high-volume environments and Lightspeed for comprehensive, multi-location management. Together, these tools address diverse operational demands, ensuring restaurants can thrive.
For a seamless, efficient experience that elevates your quick service restaurant, Toast is the clear leader. Don’t wait—explore Toast today to unlock its tailored features and take your operations to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison