Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system that automates restaurant operations including ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - All-in-one POS solution for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff management, and inventory with seamless hardware integration.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant management platform automating POS, online ordering, inventory tracking, and analytics for full-service operations.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS system designed for restaurants to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house automation like tableside ordering and reporting.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS platform for restaurants offering automation in sales, inventory, loyalty programs, and multi-location management.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants automating payments, orders, inventory, and customer engagement.
- 7#7: Restaurant365 - Back-office automation software integrating accounting, inventory, scheduling, and operations for restaurant chains.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile POS system for restaurants providing automation for ordering, payments, inventory, and real-time reporting.
- 9#9: Olo - Online ordering and delivery platform automating guest orders, payments, and kitchen fulfillment for restaurants.
- 10#10: MarginEdge - Inventory and AP automation tool that uses AI to track purchases, manage costs, and optimize profitability for restaurants.
Tools were ranked based on functionality, including depth of features like POS integration and reporting; user experience, such as ease of implementation and daily use; and overall value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
As restaurants aim to boost efficiency, streamline operations, and improve guest experiences, restaurant automation software has become a vital asset. This comparison table explores top tools like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Revel Systems, and more, highlighting key features, pricing, and integration capabilities to help you identify the best fit for your business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system that automates restaurant operations including ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants All-in-one POS solution for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff management, and inventory with seamless hardware integration. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant management platform automating POS, online ordering, inventory tracking, and analytics for full-service operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS system designed for restaurants to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house automation like tableside ordering and reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS platform for restaurants offering automation in sales, inventory, loyalty programs, and multi-location management. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants automating payments, orders, inventory, and customer engagement. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Restaurant365 Back-office automation software integrating accounting, inventory, scheduling, and operations for restaurant chains. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile POS system for restaurants providing automation for ordering, payments, inventory, and real-time reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Olo Online ordering and delivery platform automating guest orders, payments, and kitchen fulfillment for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | MarginEdge Inventory and AP automation tool that uses AI to track purchases, manage costs, and optimize profitability for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based POS system that automates restaurant operations including ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display.
All-in-one POS solution for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff management, and inventory with seamless hardware integration.
Restaurant management platform automating POS, online ordering, inventory tracking, and analytics for full-service operations.
iPad-based POS system designed for restaurants to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house automation like tableside ordering and reporting.
Cloud POS platform for restaurants offering automation in sales, inventory, loyalty programs, and multi-location management.
Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants automating payments, orders, inventory, and customer engagement.
Back-office automation software integrating accounting, inventory, scheduling, and operations for restaurant chains.
Mobile POS system for restaurants providing automation for ordering, payments, inventory, and real-time reporting.
Online ordering and delivery platform automating guest orders, payments, and kitchen fulfillment for restaurants.
Inventory and AP automation tool that uses AI to track purchases, manage costs, and optimize profitability for restaurants.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS system that automates restaurant operations including ordering, payments, inventory management, and kitchen display.
Integrated payments processing with instant fund deposits and no long-term contracts, reducing cash flow delays unique to Toast's restaurant-focused ecosystem
Toast is a cloud-based, all-in-one restaurant management platform designed specifically for the hospitality industry, offering point-of-sale (POS) systems, payment processing, online ordering, inventory management, employee scheduling, and kitchen display systems. It automates front-of-house operations like ordering and payments, back-of-house tasks such as inventory and payroll, and provides real-time analytics for data-driven decisions. With its extensive app marketplace and hardware integrations, Toast streamlines restaurant workflows to enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering POS, payments, online ordering, and analytics
- Robust integrations with 200+ apps and seamless hardware compatibility
- Powerful reporting and real-time insights for operational optimization
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees for smaller operations
- Occasional software glitches during peak hours or updates
- Customer support response times can vary, especially for non-enterprise users
Best For
Ideal for mid-sized to enterprise-level full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, and bars seeking scalable automation across all operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at $69/month per location for core POS (Pay-As-You-Go), with full suites at $165+/month; plus 2.49-3.69% payment processing fees and separate hardware costs ($500-$5,000+).
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAll-in-one POS solution for restaurants handling payments, orders, staff management, and inventory with seamless hardware integration.
Seamless built-in payment processing that eliminates the need for separate payment gateways, reducing setup complexity and fees.
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS and automation platform tailored for restaurants, offering seamless order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and kitchen display systems. It integrates with online ordering, delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and provides tools for staff scheduling, reporting, and customer loyalty programs. The system supports both dine-in and quick-service operations, enabling efficient automation across front- and back-of-house workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface with minimal training required
- No monthly software fees for core POS features, only transaction-based pricing
- Robust integrations with delivery services and third-party apps for comprehensive automation
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Advanced reporting and customization limited compared to enterprise competitors
- Hardware costs add up for full deployment across multiple stations
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, all-in-one POS and automation solution without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online; add-ons like KDS at $20+/month per device; hardware from $799.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRestaurant management platform automating POS, online ordering, inventory tracking, and analytics for full-service operations.
Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) with customizable workflows and real-time order routing
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform that automates core operations like order processing, inventory tracking, table management, and payments. It integrates with online ordering, delivery apps (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash), and kitchen display systems to streamline front- and back-of-house workflows. The software provides real-time analytics, employee scheduling, and multi-location support, helping restaurants optimize efficiency and profitability.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with delivery and loyalty apps
- Robust inventory and multi-location management
- Reliable hardware options including flexible iPad-based POS
Cons
- Higher starting costs compared to basic POS systems
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Occasional sync issues during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing scalable automation across multiple locations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Starter plan (per location), up to $149/month for Premium; plus 2.6% + $0.10 processing fees and hardware costs.
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad-based POS system designed for restaurants to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house automation like tableside ordering and reporting.
Offline functionality that allows full POS operations without internet connectivity
TouchBistro is a comprehensive POS and restaurant management platform tailored for full-service restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues. It automates key operations including order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, online ordering, and reservations. The iPad-centric design enables tableside service, kitchen display systems, and real-time analytics to boost efficiency and guest experience.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like tableside ordering and kitchen display systems
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Powerful reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for smaller venues
- Limited native integrations with some third-party tools
- Requires iPad hardware, adding to upfront costs
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, all-in-one automation solution for front- and back-of-house operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), scaling to $249/month (Ultimate), plus one-time hardware fees and add-ons.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS platform for restaurants offering automation in sales, inventory, loyalty programs, and multi-location management.
Native iOS ecosystem with seamless iPad/iPhone apps and a vast third-party integration marketplace
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS and restaurant management platform that automates front-of-house and back-of-house operations for restaurants. It handles order management, payment processing, inventory control, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs with real-time data syncing across locations. The system integrates with kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering, and third-party delivery services to optimize workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations for delivery, payroll, and accounting
- Real-time reporting and analytics for multi-location visibility
- Robust offline mode ensures operations continue during internet outages
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for single-location small businesses
- Heavy reliance on Apple hardware limits flexibility for non-iOS users
- Customer support response times can vary, especially for non-enterprise plans
Best For
Growing restaurant chains and quick-service operations needing scalable, mobile-first automation with strong analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter), $149 (Core), $249 (Pro), plus hardware costs and transaction fees; enterprise custom.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software for restaurants automating payments, orders, inventory, and customer engagement.
The expansive App Market with over 500 third-party apps for tailored restaurant automation
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, providing automation for payments, inventory tracking, order management, and employee scheduling. It offers hardware like countertop terminals, handheld devices for tableside service, and kitchen display systems (KDS) to streamline front- and back-of-house operations. The platform's App Market enables extensive customization with third-party integrations for online ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery services.
Pros
- Vast App Market for customizable integrations
- Reliable hardware options including mobile and countertop devices
- Built-in payment processing with competitive rates
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Advanced features often require additional subscriptions
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking a customizable all-in-one POS with strong payment and inventory automation.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499; software plans from $14.95/month per device, plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction and app add-ons.
Restaurant365
enterpriseBack-office automation software integrating accounting, inventory, scheduling, and operations for restaurant chains.
Automated daily sales reconciliation that ties POS data directly to general ledger accounting
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based restaurant management platform that automates core operations including accounting, inventory, scheduling, payroll, and AP/AR processes. It integrates seamlessly with major POS systems like Toast and Square to provide real-time data syncing and daily sales reconciliation. Designed for multi-unit operators, it offers robust reporting and analytics to optimize profitability and reduce manual labor.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution tailored for restaurants
- Strong POS integrations and automated daily accounting
- Advanced inventory and labor forecasting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting staff
- Higher pricing suits mid-to-large operations only
- Limited customization without professional services
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains needing integrated financial and operational automation.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $250-$500 per location/month, with annual contracts and implementation fees.
Lavu
enterpriseMobile POS system for restaurants providing automation for ordering, payments, inventory, and real-time reporting.
Tableside ordering via iPad app, eliminating the need for stationary terminals or printers
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and cafes, providing tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It excels in mobility with its iPad-native app, allowing servers to take orders tableside without printers. Additional capabilities include online ordering, customer loyalty programs, employee scheduling, and robust reporting for business insights.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface for quick setup and mobile order taking
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like table management and inventory
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices, no native Android or Windows support
- Integrations with third-party apps can be inconsistent
- Customer support response times vary, with some delays reported
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants and food trucks seeking an affordable, tablet-based POS for efficient front-of-house operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for the Starter plan; scales to $159/month for Ultimate with advanced features; plus payment processing fees.
Olo
enterpriseOnline ordering and delivery platform automating guest orders, payments, and kitchen fulfillment for restaurants.
Orders Anywhere unified platform for seamless experiences across web, app, in-store kiosks, and third-party delivery
Olo is a leading enterprise platform for restaurant digital ordering, delivery, and guest engagement, enabling brands to own the customer relationship through branded online channels. It automates order management, menu updates, fulfillment workflows, and integrates deeply with POS systems like Toast and Aloha. The solution also includes loyalty programs, promotions, and analytics to drive direct revenue and operational efficiency for multi-location chains.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for high-volume chains
- Deep integrations with POS, delivery partners, and payment processors
- Advanced guest data and personalization tools for loyalty and marketing
Cons
- High cost structure unsuitable for small independents
- Complex implementation requiring IT resources
- Limited flexibility for non-chain operations
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains with multiple locations needing robust, scalable online ordering and automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on locations and order volume; typically revenue share (1-3% per order) plus setup fees—contact sales for quotes.
MarginEdge
enterpriseInventory and AP automation tool that uses AI to track purchases, manage costs, and optimize profitability for restaurants.
AI invoice digitization that auto-populates data from photos, saving hours on accounts payable.
MarginEdge is a restaurant back-of-house automation platform specializing in inventory management, invoice processing, and cost control. It leverages AI to automatically capture and digitize vendor invoices, track real-time inventory via mobile scanning, and provide prime cost analytics to optimize profitability. The software integrates with major POS systems like Toast and TouchBistro, enabling automated purchasing and variance reporting for multi-location operations.
Pros
- AI-powered invoice automation eliminates manual data entry
- Real-time inventory tracking and forecasting reduces waste
- Seamless POS integrations and prime cost dashboards
Cons
- Limited front-of-house features like scheduling or full POS
- Pricing scales up quickly for multi-location setups
- Initial setup requires vendor onboarding
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant operators focused on streamlining procurement, inventory, and cost management to boost margins.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$295 per location/month, with tiers based on volume and features; enterprise plans available.
Conclusion
While all reviewed tools offer valuable automation, the top three distinguish themselves, with Toast emerging as the clear winner thanks to its broad coverage of cloud-based operations like ordering, payments, inventory, and kitchen display. Square for Restaurants stands as a strong alternative with seamless hardware integration, and Lightspeed Restaurant impresses with its focus on full-service automation and insightful analytics, catering to diverse restaurant needs.
To unlock the full potential of your restaurant operations, Toast’s comprehensive features make it the top pick—start exploring its tools today to transform efficiency and drive growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison