Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform handling payments, inventory, payroll, and online ordering.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty tools for efficient restaurant operations.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants, featuring table management, menu customization, and reporting.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - Cloud-based POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants.
- 5#5: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS with integrated payments, online ordering, staff management, and kitchen display system for small to medium restaurants.
- 6#6: Restaurant365 - All-in-one platform unifying accounting, operations, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurant groups.
- 7#7: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and delivery integrations tailored to restaurants.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile-first POS system providing order management, inventory control, CRM, and online ordering for restaurants.
- 9#9: SpotOn - Restaurant management suite with POS, contactless payments, marketing automation, and loyalty programs.
- 10#10: 7shifts - Labor management platform for restaurant scheduling, time tracking, communication, and compliance.
We evaluated tools based on key factors, including comprehensive feature sets (such as multi-location support, labor management, and online ordering), user experience, operational reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the demands of both small and large-scale restaurants effectively.
Comparison Table
Navigating restaurant management software can be overwhelming, but this comparison table simplifies the process by analyzing top tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Revel Systems, Square for Restaurants, and more. Readers will uncover key features, pricing models, and usability insights to identify the best fit for their specific restaurant needs, whether prioritizing speed, integration capabilities, or affordability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform handling payments, inventory, payroll, and online ordering. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty tools for efficient restaurant operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants, featuring table management, menu customization, and reporting. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems Cloud-based POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS with integrated payments, online ordering, staff management, and kitchen display system for small to medium restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Restaurant365 All-in-one platform unifying accounting, operations, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurant groups. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and delivery integrations tailored to restaurants. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile-first POS system providing order management, inventory control, CRM, and online ordering for restaurants. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn Restaurant management suite with POS, contactless payments, marketing automation, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | 7shifts Labor management platform for restaurant scheduling, time tracking, communication, and compliance. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform handling payments, inventory, payroll, and online ordering.
Cloud POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty tools for efficient restaurant operations.
iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants, featuring table management, menu customization, and reporting.
Cloud-based POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Affordable POS with integrated payments, online ordering, staff management, and kitchen display system for small to medium restaurants.
All-in-one platform unifying accounting, operations, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurant groups.
Flexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and delivery integrations tailored to restaurants.
Mobile-first POS system providing order management, inventory control, CRM, and online ordering for restaurants.
Restaurant management suite with POS, contactless payments, marketing automation, and loyalty programs.
Labor management platform for restaurant scheduling, time tracking, communication, and compliance.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform handling payments, inventory, payroll, and online ordering.
Seamless end-to-end integration of POS, payments, online ordering, and operations without third-party dependencies
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform designed specifically for the foodservice industry, offering an all-in-one solution with point-of-sale (POS) systems, payment processing, online ordering, inventory management, payroll, scheduling, and customer loyalty tools. It streamlines operations from front-of-house service to back-of-house tasks, providing real-time analytics, reporting, and scalability for single locations up to enterprise-level chains. With flexible hardware options including handheld devices and kitchen displays, Toast helps restaurants boost efficiency, reduce costs, and drive revenue growth.
Pros
- All-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple vendors
- Robust integrations with delivery apps and third-party tools
- Powerful real-time reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small operations
- Long-term contracts required for some plans
- Occasional learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, and multi-location operations needing a scalable, integrated management suite.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for core POS (Pay As You Go), with custom quotes for bundles; plus payment processing (2.49% + $0.15/transaction), hardware from $799, and add-ons like online ordering ($50+/month).
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty tools for efficient restaurant operations.
Comprehensive inventory management with automated recipe costing and waste tracking
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform that streamlines operations for full-service, quick-service, and multi-location establishments. It provides tools for order processing, inventory management, staff scheduling, table management, and online ordering integrations. The software excels in real-time reporting, kitchen display systems, and scalability for growing businesses.
Pros
- Robust inventory and recipe costing tools for precise cost control
- Seamless integrations with 100+ third-party apps including delivery services
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small operations
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional glitches in high-volume environments
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants, chains, or bars needing scalable multi-location management with strong analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for basic POS, up to $199+ for full features; hardware and add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants, featuring table management, menu customization, and reporting.
Seamless offline functionality that keeps the entire system operational without internet connectivity
TouchBistro is an all-in-one, iPad-based POS and restaurant management system designed specifically for full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes. It streamlines operations with features like tableside ordering, payment processing, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and real-time reporting. The platform supports offline functionality, integrations with delivery services, and customer loyalty programs to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools including KDS and menu management
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Requires Apple iPads, limiting hardware flexibility
- Higher pricing may strain small restaurant budgets
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for some users
Best For
Mid-sized to large full-service restaurants needing a mobile, feature-rich POS with strong offline capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/user/month (billed annually) plus hardware costs, payment processing fees, and add-ons for advanced features.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud-based POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants.
iPad-native cloud POS with seamless kitchen display system (KDS) integration for fast, error-free order fulfillment
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform designed specifically for restaurants, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory control, and employee scheduling. It features an intuitive iPad interface that integrates with kitchen display systems, online ordering, and third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Revel enables real-time reporting and multi-location management, helping operators streamline operations and make data-driven decisions from anywhere.
Pros
- Comprehensive features including advanced inventory, loyalty programs, and 100+ integrations
- Reliable cloud platform with offline mode and real-time analytics
- Scalable for single locations to enterprise chains
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small restaurants
- Hardware optimized for Apple devices, limiting flexibility
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Ideal for mid-sized to large restaurant chains needing scalable, feature-rich POS with multi-location support.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter), up to $349/month (Elite), plus hardware (~$1,000+ per setup) and 2.3-2.6% processing fees.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS with integrated payments, online ordering, staff management, and kitchen display system for small to medium restaurants.
Built-in floor plan and table management with real-time KDS syncing
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering table management, kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering, inventory tracking, payroll, and employee scheduling. It integrates seamlessly with Square's payment processing for contactless payments and delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. This all-in-one solution helps streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations for food service businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Transparent pricing with no mandatory monthly fees on core plans
- Strong integrations for payments, online ordering, and third-party delivery services
Cons
- Advanced reporting and customization limited for large-scale operations
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Customer support relies heavily on self-service resources
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without complex contracts or steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free core plan (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction); Plus at $60/month per location; Premium custom pricing for advanced needs.
Restaurant365
enterpriseAll-in-one platform unifying accounting, operations, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurant groups.
Unified Daily Flash reports that deliver instant P&L visibility across all locations in seconds
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based restaurant management platform that integrates accounting, operations, payroll, inventory, scheduling, and reporting into a single system tailored for the hospitality industry. It excels in providing real-time financial insights and automates back-office processes for multi-location operators. The software connects seamlessly with major POS systems like Toast and Square, ensuring accurate data synchronization across front- and back-of-house functions.
Pros
- Comprehensive financial management with real-time dashboards and forecasting
- Strong multi-location support and POS integrations
- Automated payroll, inventory, and AP/AR workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large operations
- Limited customer-facing features like online ordering
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains and growing enterprises needing robust back-office automation and financial control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$800 per location per month depending on features and scale; no public tiers.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software with apps for inventory, loyalty, and delivery integrations tailored to restaurants.
Vast App Marketplace with over 500 integrations for tailored restaurant workflows
Clover is a cloud-based POS system from Fiserv designed for small to medium-sized restaurants, providing integrated payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and order management. It supports table service, kitchen display systems, online ordering, and reporting through its app marketplace for customization. While versatile for quick-service and full-service spots, it excels more in payments and basic operations than comprehensive enterprise-level restaurant management.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and hardware compatibility
- Extensive app marketplace for restaurant-specific add-ons like kitchen displays and loyalty programs
- User-friendly interface with mobile accessibility and offline mode
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and potential add-on fees
- Limited native advanced analytics; relies on third-party apps
- Customer support can be inconsistent for complex issues
Best For
Small to medium independent restaurants needing a reliable, customizable POS with strong payment integration.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499+; software plans $14.95-$114.85/month per location; transaction fees ~2.3% + $0.10.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS system providing order management, inventory control, CRM, and online ordering for restaurants.
Server handhelds for seamless table-side ordering and payments
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and food trucks, providing mobile point-of-sale capabilities on iPads and handheld devices for table-side ordering and payment processing. It includes inventory management, employee scheduling, detailed reporting, and integrations with online ordering and delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Lavu emphasizes mobility and ease of setup, making it suitable for dynamic restaurant environments.
Pros
- Highly mobile POS with handheld devices for efficient table service
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Robust inventory tracking and real-time reporting
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices primarily, with less support for Android
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors like Toast
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants and food trucks seeking a cost-effective, mobile-first POS without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for the Basic plan, $99 for Pro, and custom Enterprise pricing; no setup fees or contracts.
SpotOn
specializedRestaurant management suite with POS, contactless payments, marketing automation, and loyalty programs.
Payment processing savings guarantee that refunds the difference if a lower rate is found elsewhere
SpotOn is a full-service POS and restaurant management platform that provides tools for payments, order management, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and online ordering integration. It emphasizes seamless payment processing with competitive rates and hardware bundles tailored for restaurants of all sizes. The software also includes analytics, loyalty programs, and delivery partnerships to streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Competitive payment processing rates with savings guarantees
- User-friendly interface and quick setup
- Strong customer support and no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options for large enterprises
- Some third-party integrations require additional fees
- Hardware reliability issues reported by some users
Best For
Independent restaurants and small-to-medium chains seeking cost-effective POS with integrated payments.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69/month for software plus processing fees (around 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction); hardware often free with volume commitments.
7shifts
specializedLabor management platform for restaurant scheduling, time tracking, communication, and compliance.
AI-driven labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on historical sales data
7shifts is a specialized workforce management platform tailored for restaurants, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting, and team communication. It integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square to provide real-time sales data for accurate labor budgeting and cost control. The mobile-first app empowers both managers and staff with shift swapping, availability updates, and instant messaging, streamlining daily operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with forecasting
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
- Seamless POS integrations for labor insights
Cons
- Lacks full restaurant management features like inventory or POS
- Advanced analytics locked behind higher tiers
- Support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Restaurant managers seeking efficient scheduling and labor cost control without needing a complete operations suite.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), $43.99 (Pro), $59.99 (Elite); discounts for annual billing.
Conclusion
The top 10 restaurant management tools showcase clear standouts, with Toast leading as the definitive choice for its all-encompassing cloud-based platform that integrates payments, inventory, payroll, and online ordering. While Toast takes the lead, Lightspeed Restaurant impresses with its efficient operations and loyalty tools, and TouchBistro excels for full-service venues with intuitive table management and reporting—each offering tailored solutions to diverse needs. Together, these tools redefine restaurant management, ensuring smooth workflows and enhanced profitability.
Ready to transform your restaurant’s efficiency? Start with Toast to unlock its robust features and experience seamless operations firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison