Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with integrated payments, online ordering, kitchen display, and business management tools.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - All-in-one POS solution for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, loyalty programs, and multi-location support.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-native POS tailored for full-service restaurants with table management, menu customization, and real-time reporting.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with free software, contactless payments, and team management features.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad and Android POS platform for restaurants offering robust inventory tracking, online ordering, and third-party integrations.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and delivery integrations.
- 7#7: Epos Now - Cloud EPOS system for restaurants providing sales tracking, stock control, and CRM tools with flexible hardware options.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile POS for restaurants with offline mode, menu engineering, labor management, and multi-language support.
- 9#9: SpotOn - Restaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, online ordering, reservation system, and competitive processing rates.
- 10#10: NCR Voyix Aloha - Scalable POS for high-volume restaurants featuring advanced reporting, kitchen integration, and enterprise-level security.
We ranked these tools based on key factors like feature depth, system reliability, user experience, and overall value, ensuring a tailored selection that addresses the unique needs of diverse restaurant setups.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right restaurant POS software is essential for efficient operations, with tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Square for Restaurants, and Revel Systems offering diverse capabilities. This comparison table details key features, pricing structures, and user experiences, guiding readers to select the best fit for their kitchen workflows, order management, and business growth.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with integrated payments, online ordering, kitchen display, and business management tools. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant All-in-one POS solution for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, loyalty programs, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-native POS tailored for full-service restaurants with table management, menu customization, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with free software, contactless payments, and team management features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad and Android POS platform for restaurants offering robust inventory tracking, online ordering, and third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and delivery integrations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Epos Now Cloud EPOS system for restaurants providing sales tracking, stock control, and CRM tools with flexible hardware options. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile POS for restaurants with offline mode, menu engineering, labor management, and multi-language support. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn Restaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, online ordering, reservation system, and competitive processing rates. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | NCR Voyix Aloha Scalable POS for high-volume restaurants featuring advanced reporting, kitchen integration, and enterprise-level security. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with integrated payments, online ordering, kitchen display, and business management tools.
All-in-one POS solution for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, loyalty programs, and multi-location support.
iPad-native POS tailored for full-service restaurants with table management, menu customization, and real-time reporting.
Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with free software, contactless payments, and team management features.
iPad and Android POS platform for restaurants offering robust inventory tracking, online ordering, and third-party integrations.
Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and delivery integrations.
Cloud EPOS system for restaurants providing sales tracking, stock control, and CRM tools with flexible hardware options.
Mobile POS for restaurants with offline mode, menu engineering, labor management, and multi-language support.
Restaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, online ordering, reservation system, and competitive processing rates.
Scalable POS for high-volume restaurants featuring advanced reporting, kitchen integration, and enterprise-level security.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants with integrated payments, online ordering, kitchen display, and business management tools.
Integrated online ordering and guest-facing payments that capture 100% of digital revenue without third-party commissions.
Toast is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, offering end-to-end management from order taking and payments to inventory control, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It integrates seamlessly with popular delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, enabling online ordering and curbside pickup directly through the platform. With real-time analytics and reporting, Toast empowers restaurant owners to make data-driven decisions to optimize operations and increase profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with kitchen display systems and advanced analytics
- Seamless integrations for online ordering, delivery, and payroll
- Highly customizable with strong mobile app support for servers and managers
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for small independent restaurants
- Customer support response times can vary
- Hardware is proprietary, limiting flexibility for existing setups
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and chains seeking a scalable, feature-rich EPOS with robust online and delivery capabilities.
Pricing
Custom plans starting at around $165/month per location (Core plan), plus hardware leases from $49/month and 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseAll-in-one POS solution for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, loyalty programs, and multi-location support.
Unified commerce platform with seamless online ordering and in-store POS integration for omnichannel sales.
Lightspeed Restaurant is a robust cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering comprehensive tools for order processing, table management, and inventory control. It supports multi-location operations with real-time syncing, advanced reporting, and integrations for online ordering, delivery apps like Uber Eats, and accounting software. The platform emphasizes scalability, making it suitable for businesses from single outlets to enterprise chains, with features like kitchen display systems and employee management to streamline daily workflows.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with delivery services and accounting tools
- Powerful inventory and multi-location management
- 24/7 customer support and reliable uptime
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can strain small budgets
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Additional hardware costs for full deployment
Best For
Growing multi-location restaurants and chains needing scalable POS with strong analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for Starter plan; Essential ($109/month), Premium ($169/month), and custom Enterprise pricing available.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-native POS tailored for full-service restaurants with table management, menu customization, and real-time reporting.
Visual floor plan and dynamic table management for seamless service flow
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system specifically designed for restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, providing tools for order management, table service, payment processing, and inventory control. It supports front-of-house operations like floor plans and quick service, alongside back-of-house features such as staff scheduling and reporting. With robust offline capabilities, it ensures uninterrupted service during internet outages, making it reliable for busy venues.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like visual table mapping and kitchen display systems
- Strong offline mode for reliable operations
- Extensive integrations with payment processors and third-party apps
Cons
- Pricing scales per terminal, increasing costs for multi-station setups
- Requires iOS hardware, limiting flexibility
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a mobile, restaurant-tailored POS with offline reliability.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Signature plan), up to $165/month (Growth plan); hardware and add-ons extra.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with free software, contactless payments, and team management features.
Free core software with zero monthly fees, paired with built-in kitchen display and floor plan management
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for food service businesses, offering tools like table management, kitchen display systems, menu customization, online ordering, and inventory tracking. It integrates seamlessly with Square's payment processing for fast transactions and real-time sales data. The platform supports single-location spots to multi-site operations, with mobile accessibility for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training needed
- No monthly software subscription fees
- Strong payment processing and online ordering integration
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume users
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise rivals
- Upfront hardware costs for full restaurant kits
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants wanting an affordable, user-friendly EPOS without ongoing software fees.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; hardware bundles start at $799.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad and Android POS platform for restaurants offering robust inventory tracking, online ordering, and third-party integrations.
Integrated floor plan and table management with drag-and-drop seat assignments for efficient full-service operations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS platform designed specifically for restaurants, providing comprehensive tools for order management, table mapping, inventory tracking, and kitchen display systems. It supports multi-location operations with real-time syncing, advanced reporting, and seamless integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, as well as accounting software. The system emphasizes scalability, making it suitable for quick-service to full-service establishments seeking robust analytics and customization.
Pros
- Extensive restaurant-specific features like table management and KDS
- Strong integrations with third-party apps and delivery platforms
- Scalable for single-location to enterprise chains with real-time cloud data
Cons
- High subscription costs, especially for smaller operations
- Relies heavily on iOS hardware, limiting flexibility
- Occasional reports of customer support delays and setup complexity
Best For
Growing restaurant chains or multi-location businesses needing advanced analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$99/month per terminal for Starter plan, scaling to $200+ for Enterprise; hardware and add-ons extra.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software for restaurants with customizable apps for payments, loyalty, and delivery integrations.
Clover App Market enabling seamless third-party integrations for restaurant-specific tools like KDS, online ordering, and labor management
Clover is a cloud-based POS system from Fiserv tailored for small to medium businesses, including restaurants, offering hardware like countertop and mobile terminals alongside software for payments, orders, and inventory. It supports restaurant-specific needs through kitchen display systems, table management, online ordering integrations, and loyalty programs via its extensive App Market. The platform emphasizes flexibility, allowing customization without heavy coding, making it suitable for quick-service and full-service eateries.
Pros
- Intuitive touchscreen interface with quick setup
- Reliable payment processing supporting EMV, NFC, and gift cards
- Vast App Market with 1,000+ integrations for restaurant tools like delivery and inventory
Cons
- Full restaurant features often require paid add-ons, increasing costs
- Hardware purchases are pricey upfront (e.g., $500+ per terminal)
- Customer support can be inconsistent, relying on app developers for some issues
Best For
Small to medium restaurants needing a customizable, scalable POS with strong payment options and app-based expansions.
Pricing
Hardware from $499-$1,499; software plans start at $14.95/mo (Payments) up to $74.85+/mo (Restaurant plans) per device, plus transaction fees (2.3%+10¢) and app add-ons.
Epos Now
specializedCloud EPOS system for restaurants providing sales tracking, stock control, and CRM tools with flexible hardware options.
The Epos Now App Store, offering over 100 third-party integrations for seamless connectivity with restaurant-specific tools.
Epos Now is a versatile cloud-based EPOS system tailored for restaurants, providing tools for table management, order processing, kitchen display systems, and inventory tracking. It supports multi-site operations and integrates with delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, payment gateways, and accounting software. The platform offers real-time reporting and customizable dashboards to optimize restaurant workflows and boost efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive App Store with 100+ integrations for payments, delivery, and accounting
- Cloud-based access for remote management and multi-location support
- Robust reporting and inventory tools tailored for busy restaurants
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and additional users
- Customer support response times vary, with some delays reported
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains seeking scalable, integration-heavy EPOS with strong customization options.
Pricing
Software-only from £25/month per device; full bundles with hardware leasing start at £109/month, plus transaction fees.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS for restaurants with offline mode, menu engineering, labor management, and multi-language support.
Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) with customizable workflows and real-time order routing
Lavu is a cloud-based iPad POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and cafes, providing tools for order taking, table management, inventory tracking, and payment processing. It offers robust reporting, employee management, and integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system emphasizes mobility and offline functionality, making it suitable for dynamic restaurant environments.
Pros
- Highly mobile iPad-first design with offline mode
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting tools
- Strong integrations for online ordering and payments
Cons
- Limited to Apple iOS devices
- Pricing can be steep for small operations
- Occasional customer support delays
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a flexible, mobile POS with strong back-office features.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Starter plan (1 terminal); Standard $109/month, Ultimate $159/month; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
SpotOn
enterpriseRestaurant POS with built-in marketing tools, online ordering, reservation system, and competitive processing rates.
SpotOn Pay with guaranteed savings on processing fees over legacy providers
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, providing essential EPOS features like tableside ordering, kitchen display systems, inventory management, and real-time reporting. It integrates seamlessly with payment processing, delivery apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, and loyalty programs to streamline restaurant operations. Designed for scalability, it supports everything from quick-service to full-service dining with customizable menus and modifiers.
Pros
- Competitive integrated payment processing with low fees
- Strong customer support and onboarding
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like kitchen displays and online ordering
Cons
- Fewer advanced analytics compared to top competitors
- Hardware bundles can increase upfront costs
- Limited customization for complex enterprise needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, all-in-one EPOS with excellent payment savings.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (custom quotes common), plus hardware from $500+ and interchange-plus payment rates (often 2.6% + $0.10).
NCR Voyix Aloha
enterpriseScalable POS for high-volume restaurants featuring advanced reporting, kitchen integration, and enterprise-level security.
Aloha Command Center for real-time dashboards and predictive analytics
NCR Voyix Aloha is a robust, enterprise-grade POS system designed specifically for restaurants, including quick-service, table-service, and hospitality venues. It provides end-to-end functionality such as order processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. With strong integrations for online ordering, delivery services, and kitchen display systems, it excels in high-volume environments but requires customization for optimal use.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location restaurants and chains
- Advanced reporting and analytics via Aloha Command Center
- Seamless integrations with third-party delivery and payment processors
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup process
- Premium pricing that may not suit small independents
- Interface can feel outdated compared to modern cloud-native competitors
Best For
Busy, high-volume restaurants and chains needing a customizable, reliable POS with deep operational controls.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $150-$300/month per terminal (software subscription), plus one-time hardware costs and implementation fees.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top tools, Toast rises as the clear leader, boasting integrated payments, online ordering, and business management tools that streamline restaurant operations. Lightspeed Restaurant and TouchBistro follow strongly, offering all-in-one flexibility and iPad-native precision, each suited to distinct needs. Together, these solutions represent the best in the field, with Toast setting the standard for comprehensive functionality.
Ready to transform your restaurant? Start with Toast today to explore its robust features and unlock smoother, more efficient operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison