Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based restaurant POS platform with advanced self-service kiosk for streamlined ordering and payments.
- 2#2: Square - Affordable POS system featuring a dedicated kiosk app for contactless self-ordering in quick-service restaurants.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Comprehensive restaurant management POS with integrated self-ordering kiosks to enhance efficiency and upsell opportunities.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - iPad-centric POS solution offering customizable kiosk modes for fast-paced restaurant environments.
- 5#5: TouchBistro - Mobile-first POS designed for restaurants with kiosk capabilities for self-service ordering.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible hardware and software POS platform supporting customizable restaurant kiosks.
- 7#7: SpotOn - AI-driven restaurant platform providing interactive kiosks for ordering, loyalty, and payments.
- 8#8: Lavu - Cloud POS for restaurants with kiosk integration for self-service and table management.
- 9#9: OrderCounter - Dedicated cloud-based kiosk software tailored for restaurant self-ordering and POS integration.
- 10#10: UpMenu - Self-service kiosk platform for restaurants with digital menus, payments, and online ordering sync.
We ranked these tools by prioritizing features like seamless POS integration, customizable interfaces, and multi-functional capabilities (ordering, payments, loyalty), alongside performance stability and overall value to ensure they meet the demands of busy restaurant environments and drive long-term success.
Comparison Table
Restaurant kiosk software plays a key role in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency; selecting the right solution involves analyzing features, pricing, and integration capabilities. This comparison table explores top tools like Toast, Square, Lightspeed Restaurant, Revel Systems, TouchBistro, and others, providing readers with clear insights to make informed decisions for their dining establishment.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based restaurant POS platform with advanced self-service kiosk for streamlined ordering and payments. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Square Affordable POS system featuring a dedicated kiosk app for contactless self-ordering in quick-service restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Comprehensive restaurant management POS with integrated self-ordering kiosks to enhance efficiency and upsell opportunities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems iPad-centric POS solution offering customizable kiosk modes for fast-paced restaurant environments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | TouchBistro Mobile-first POS designed for restaurants with kiosk capabilities for self-service ordering. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible hardware and software POS platform supporting customizable restaurant kiosks. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn AI-driven restaurant platform providing interactive kiosks for ordering, loyalty, and payments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Cloud POS for restaurants with kiosk integration for self-service and table management. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | OrderCounter Dedicated cloud-based kiosk software tailored for restaurant self-ordering and POS integration. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | UpMenu Self-service kiosk platform for restaurants with digital menus, payments, and online ordering sync. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based restaurant POS platform with advanced self-service kiosk for streamlined ordering and payments.
Affordable POS system featuring a dedicated kiosk app for contactless self-ordering in quick-service restaurants.
Comprehensive restaurant management POS with integrated self-ordering kiosks to enhance efficiency and upsell opportunities.
iPad-centric POS solution offering customizable kiosk modes for fast-paced restaurant environments.
Mobile-first POS designed for restaurants with kiosk capabilities for self-service ordering.
Flexible hardware and software POS platform supporting customizable restaurant kiosks.
AI-driven restaurant platform providing interactive kiosks for ordering, loyalty, and payments.
Cloud POS for restaurants with kiosk integration for self-service and table management.
Dedicated cloud-based kiosk software tailored for restaurant self-ordering and POS integration.
Self-service kiosk platform for restaurants with digital menus, payments, and online ordering sync.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based restaurant POS platform with advanced self-service kiosk for streamlined ordering and payments.
Deep ecosystem integration that routes kiosk orders instantly to kitchen displays, handheld devices, and online orders for unified restaurant management.
Toast is a leading all-in-one restaurant management platform that offers powerful self-service kiosk software integrated with its POS system, enabling customers to place orders, customize items, and complete payments independently. It streamlines operations by syncing kiosk orders directly to the kitchen display system, reducing wait times and staff intervention. With customizable interfaces, loyalty integration, and real-time analytics, Toast kiosks help restaurants boost efficiency, upsell effectively, and gather customer data.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Toast POS and back-of-house systems for real-time order flow
- Highly customizable menus, promotions, and loyalty programs tailored to restaurant branding
- Advanced analytics and reporting to track kiosk performance and customer behavior
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller operations due to subscription tiers and hardware costs
- Best suited within the Toast ecosystem, limiting flexibility for non-Toast users
- Initial setup and customization may require professional services for complex deployments
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants seeking a fully integrated POS and kiosk solution to scale operations and enhance customer self-service.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per location for core POS, with kiosk software add-ons around $50-100/month plus hardware purchase/lease (~$1,500+ per unit).
Square
enterpriseAffordable POS system featuring a dedicated kiosk app for contactless self-ordering in quick-service restaurants.
Frictionless integration with Square POS for automatic order syncing to kitchen printers or displays without additional middleware.
Square Kiosk is a self-service ordering solution from Square that enables restaurants to deploy touchscreen kiosks for customers to browse menus, customize orders, and complete payments independently. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS system for real-time order routing to kitchen displays, inventory management, and sales reporting. Designed primarily for quick-service and counter-service restaurants, it helps streamline operations, reduce staff workload, and boost order accuracy during peak hours.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for unified order flow and reporting
- User-friendly touchscreen interface that speeds up customer ordering
- No monthly software fees, only standard transaction processing costs
Cons
- Limited customization for complex menu modifiers compared to enterprise kiosk platforms
- Requires purchase of compatible Square hardware (starting around $800)
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can accumulate for high-volume locations
Best For
Quick-service restaurants and cafes needing an affordable, plug-and-play kiosk that integrates effortlessly with existing Square POS systems.
Pricing
Free kiosk software with a Square account; hardware starts at $799; standard processing fees of 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseComprehensive restaurant management POS with integrated self-ordering kiosks to enhance efficiency and upsell opportunities.
Unified commerce platform that connects kiosks with online ordering, delivery integrations, and POS for a single source of sales data
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system with integrated self-ordering kiosk functionality tailored for restaurants, enabling customers to browse menus, customize orders, and pay via touchscreen interfaces. It streamlines operations by syncing kiosk orders directly to the kitchen display system and inventory management. The solution supports multiple kiosks per location and offers customization options for branding and promotions to enhance the customer experience.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Lightspeed POS for unified order flow and real-time inventory syncing
- Highly customizable kiosk menus with support for upsells, loyalty programs, and promotions
- Robust reporting and analytics on kiosk performance, sales trends, and customer behavior
Cons
- Pricing can add up with required POS subscription and per-kiosk fees
- Full feature set works best within the Lightspeed ecosystem, limiting standalone use
- Setup and customization may require technical support for non-standard configurations
Best For
Quick-service and full-service restaurants seeking an integrated POS and kiosk solution to boost efficiency and order volume.
Pricing
POS plans start at $69/month per location; kiosk add-on ~$49-$99/month per kiosk depending on tier, with hardware sold separately.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-centric POS solution offering customizable kiosk modes for fast-paced restaurant environments.
Real-time order synchronization across kiosks, POS, and kitchen displays for zero-delay fulfillment
Revel Systems provides a robust cloud-based POS platform with integrated kiosk software tailored for restaurants, allowing customers to browse menus, customize orders, and pay via touchscreen interfaces. The kiosk solution syncs in real-time with the main POS for inventory management, order fulfillment, and reporting. It supports features like loyalty programs, promotions, and contactless payments, reducing staff workload and speeding up service.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration with core POS and KDS
- Highly customizable menus and promotions
- Reliable iPad-based hardware ecosystem
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for smaller venues
- Primarily iOS-dependent, limiting hardware flexibility
- Initial setup and customization may require support
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains seeking an all-in-one POS-kiosk system with strong backend integration.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for POS core, plus $50-100/month per kiosk license; hardware and custom setups extra via quote.
TouchBistro
enterpriseMobile-first POS designed for restaurants with kiosk capabilities for self-service ordering.
Deep real-time integration between kiosks, POS, kitchen displays, and inventory for unified restaurant operations
TouchBistro is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants that includes self-service kiosk functionality for customer-facing ordering. It enables patrons to browse digital menus, customize orders, apply loyalty rewards, and complete contactless payments directly at kiosks, with real-time syncing to the kitchen and inventory. The platform excels in full-service restaurant environments by integrating kiosk data into broader operations like table management and reporting.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full TouchBistro POS ecosystem
- Customizable menus and promotions on kiosks
- Supports offline mode for reliable operation
Cons
- Pricing is premium and quote-based
- Less flexible as standalone kiosk software
- Hardware compatibility limited to approved devices
Best For
Full-service restaurants wanting an integrated POS and self-ordering kiosk solution without multiple vendors.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; POS starts at ~$69/month per license, kiosk add-ons and hardware extra (~$1,500+ upfront).
Clover
enterpriseFlexible hardware and software POS platform supporting customizable restaurant kiosks.
Deeply integrated payment processing that handles transactions directly within the kiosk without third-party gateways
Clover provides a versatile POS platform with self-service kiosk capabilities tailored for restaurants, enabling customers to browse digital menus, customize orders, and complete payments via touchscreen interfaces. It integrates directly with Clover's backend for real-time inventory, kitchen display systems, and reporting. The solution supports loyalty programs, promotions, and contactless payments, making it suitable for streamlining dine-in and quick-service operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full Clover POS and payment processing
- Customizable kiosk menus and user-friendly touchscreen interface
- Extensive app marketplace for restaurant-specific add-ons
Cons
- Hardware purchases required, adding upfront costs
- Subscription fees scale with features and can become expensive
- Less specialized kiosk analytics than dedicated competitors
Best For
Small to medium restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS system with reliable kiosk functionality for customer self-ordering.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+ per kiosk; software plans $14.95-$165/month per location, plus processing fees.
SpotOn
enterpriseAI-driven restaurant platform providing interactive kiosks for ordering, loyalty, and payments.
Deep integration with SpotOn's loyalty and marketing suite for personalized upsells at the kiosk
SpotOn is a robust restaurant management platform that includes self-service kiosk software designed to enable quick customer ordering, upsells, and payments directly at the kiosk. It integrates seamlessly with SpotOn's full POS system, online ordering, and loyalty programs to create a unified customer experience. The solution supports customizable menus, EMV payments, and contactless options, helping restaurants boost efficiency and revenue.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SpotOn POS and other tools for streamlined operations
- Customizable kiosk interfaces with upsell and loyalty features
- Reliable hardware options and 24/7 support
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be higher for smaller operations
- Setup requires integration with full SpotOn ecosystem
- Limited advanced analytics compared to kiosk specialists
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS and kiosk solution with strong ecosystem integrations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $150-$300/month per kiosk plus hardware ($2,000-$5,000 upfront); transaction fees apply.
Lavu
enterpriseCloud POS for restaurants with kiosk integration for self-service and table management.
Offline operation mode that keeps kiosks functional without internet, syncing data once reconnected
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, featuring robust self-service kiosk capabilities that enable customers to browse menus, customize orders, and complete payments via touchscreen interfaces. It integrates seamlessly with Lavu's full POS suite, including kitchen display systems, inventory management, and real-time reporting, streamlining operations from front-of-house to back-of-house. Designed primarily for iPad hardware, it supports quick-service environments with options for loyalty programs and online ordering integration.
Pros
- Seamless integration between kiosk and POS for unified order management
- Strong offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during connectivity issues
- Customizable menu displays and promotions to boost upsells
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Apple iPad hardware, limiting hardware flexibility
- Advanced reporting and customization require higher-tier plans
- Customer support response times can vary based on user feedback
Best For
Quick-service restaurants and bars needing an affordable, iPad-based kiosk solution tightly integrated with POS functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan; Pro ($109/month) and Enterprise ($159+/month) tiers available; hardware and add-ons extra.
OrderCounter
specializedDedicated cloud-based kiosk software tailored for restaurant self-ordering and POS integration.
One-tap kiosk deployment with real-time menu syncing and upsell prompts for immediate revenue boosts
OrderCounter is a cloud-based POS system with robust self-service kiosk functionality tailored for restaurants. It allows customers to browse menus, customize orders, and complete payments via touchscreen kiosks, reducing staff workload and wait times. The platform integrates with kitchen displays, inventory management, and online ordering for end-to-end restaurant operations.
Pros
- Affordable entry-level pricing for small operations
- Intuitive kiosk interface for quick customer adoption
- Strong integration with kitchen printers and displays
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Customization options are somewhat basic
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants needing a straightforward, budget-friendly kiosk solution to handle high-volume ordering.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for basic kiosk and POS features; scales to $299+/month for advanced plans with custom pricing for enterprises.
UpMenu
specializedSelf-service kiosk platform for restaurants with digital menus, payments, and online ordering sync.
White-label kiosk builder allowing full menu and branding customization via drag-and-drop tools
UpMenu is a restaurant management platform offering self-service kiosk software designed for quick-service and full-service restaurants to handle in-store ordering. It provides customizable touch-screen kiosks that integrate with popular POS systems like Lightspeed and Square, supporting menu display, upsells, payments, and order routing to the kitchen. The solution emphasizes commission-free transactions and reduces staff workload by automating the ordering process.
Pros
- Seamless POS integrations for efficient order flow
- Highly customizable kiosk interface without coding
- Commission-free payments to maximize profits
Cons
- Primarily Android-based, limiting hardware options
- Hardware must be purchased separately, increasing upfront costs
- Lacks advanced AI-driven personalization compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to medium restaurants needing an affordable, straightforward kiosk for high-volume counter service.
Pricing
Software from $49/month per kiosk (Basic plan); hardware kiosks start at ~$999 one-time purchase.
Conclusion
Reviewing 10 diverse tools, each with unique strengths, Toast stands out as the top choice, offering unmatched streamlined self-service and integrated POS capabilities. Square follows as a strong alternative, excelling in affordability for quick-service settings, while Lightspeed Restaurant impresses with its comprehensive management and upsell potential. Together, these leaders highlight the evolving role of kiosk software in modern dining, with Toast setting the gold standard.
Ready to enhance your restaurant's efficiency and customer experience? Toast's intuitive kiosk platform remains the top pick to simplify operations and elevate satisfaction—start exploring its features today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison