Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Provides a comprehensive cloud-based POS system with seamless online ordering, delivery integrations, and customer management for restaurants.
- 2#2: Olo - Offers an enterprise-grade online ordering platform that integrates with POS systems and supports delivery, pickup, and catering for restaurants.
- 3#3: ChowNow - Delivers commission-free online ordering with branded apps, marketing tools, and POS integrations to help restaurants own their customer data.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Combines affordable POS hardware with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small to medium restaurants.
- 5#5: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS platform featuring online ordering, table management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS system with robust online ordering, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations for efficient restaurant operations.
- 7#7: BentoBox - Website builder with native online ordering, SEO tools, and reservation capabilities designed specifically for independent restaurants.
- 8#8: GloriaFood - Free online ordering system that creates a custom website, mobile app, and integrates with popular POS for small restaurants.
- 9#9: UpMenu - Customizable online ordering software with website builder, self-service kiosks, and delivery app integrations for restaurants.
- 10#10: OrderEm - Online ordering platform with POS integration, commission-free delivery, and marketing tools tailored for restaurants of all sizes.
We evaluated these solutions based on feature depth (delivery/pickup management, POS integration, customer data tools), usability (intuitive design, scalability for small to large businesses), reliability (technical performance and support), and value (pricing models and long-term ROI), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of their practicality and effectiveness.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top restaurant online ordering system software, featuring tools like Toast, Olo, ChowNow, Square for Restaurants, and Lightspeed Restaurant, to guide readers in selecting the right fit. It highlights key features, integrations, and usability, offering a clear view of each solution's strengths and ideal applications.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Provides a comprehensive cloud-based POS system with seamless online ordering, delivery integrations, and customer management for restaurants. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Olo Offers an enterprise-grade online ordering platform that integrates with POS systems and supports delivery, pickup, and catering for restaurants. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | ChowNow Delivers commission-free online ordering with branded apps, marketing tools, and POS integrations to help restaurants own their customer data. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Combines affordable POS hardware with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small to medium restaurants. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS platform featuring online ordering, table management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS system with robust online ordering, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations for efficient restaurant operations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | BentoBox Website builder with native online ordering, SEO tools, and reservation capabilities designed specifically for independent restaurants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | GloriaFood Free online ordering system that creates a custom website, mobile app, and integrates with popular POS for small restaurants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | UpMenu Customizable online ordering software with website builder, self-service kiosks, and delivery app integrations for restaurants. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | OrderEm Online ordering platform with POS integration, commission-free delivery, and marketing tools tailored for restaurants of all sizes. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
Provides a comprehensive cloud-based POS system with seamless online ordering, delivery integrations, and customer management for restaurants.
Offers an enterprise-grade online ordering platform that integrates with POS systems and supports delivery, pickup, and catering for restaurants.
Delivers commission-free online ordering with branded apps, marketing tools, and POS integrations to help restaurants own their customer data.
Combines affordable POS hardware with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small to medium restaurants.
Cloud POS platform featuring online ordering, table management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants.
iPad-based POS system with robust online ordering, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations for efficient restaurant operations.
Website builder with native online ordering, SEO tools, and reservation capabilities designed specifically for independent restaurants.
Free online ordering system that creates a custom website, mobile app, and integrates with popular POS for small restaurants.
Customizable online ordering software with website builder, self-service kiosks, and delivery app integrations for restaurants.
Online ordering platform with POS integration, commission-free delivery, and marketing tools tailored for restaurants of all sizes.
Toast
enterpriseProvides a comprehensive cloud-based POS system with seamless online ordering, delivery integrations, and customer management for restaurants.
Commission-free branded online ordering that syncs instantly with the POS for real-time fulfillment
Toast is a leading cloud-based restaurant management platform with robust online ordering capabilities, enabling restaurants to offer seamless takeout, delivery, and dine-in experiences. It integrates POS, online ordering, payments, loyalty programs, and analytics into a single system, allowing real-time order management and inventory tracking. Designed for scalability, it supports everything from quick-service to full-service restaurants with custom websites and marketing tools.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering with direct POS integration
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite including loyalty, marketing, and analytics
- Extensive third-party integrations for delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for very small restaurants
- Requires Toast hardware for full functionality, limiting flexibility
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants needing a scalable, integrated POS and online ordering system.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69/month per terminal for core plans, scaling to $165+ for growth tiers; hardware purchased separately.
Olo
enterpriseOffers an enterprise-grade online ordering platform that integrates with POS systems and supports delivery, pickup, and catering for restaurants.
Guest Data Platform for unified first-party customer data capture and personalization across all ordering channels
Olo is a comprehensive online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling branded web and mobile ordering experiences that integrate seamlessly with POS systems like Toast, Square, and NCR. It supports direct online orders, delivery marketplace integrations (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats), and commission-free ordering to maximize revenue. Olo's Guest Data Platform captures first-party data for personalized marketing, loyalty programs, and analytics to drive repeat business.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with POS, delivery services, and payment gateways for streamlined operations
- Powerful Guest Data Platform for customer insights and targeted marketing
- Highly scalable for enterprise chains with robust customization options
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small independent restaurants
- Initial setup and customization may require dedicated support
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains and multi-location operators needing scalable online ordering with deep data analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $1-3 per order plus setup fees and monthly platform fees based on volume and features.
ChowNow
specializedDelivers commission-free online ordering with branded apps, marketing tools, and POS integrations to help restaurants own their customer data.
100% commission-free direct ordering through owned branded channels
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling them to create branded websites and mobile apps for direct customer orders without third-party marketplace fees. It offers seamless POS integrations, automated marketing tools like email and SMS campaigns, and detailed analytics to help restaurants own their customer relationships. The system supports pickup, delivery, and catering orders while providing loyalty programs to boost repeat business.
Pros
- Commission-free ordering maximizes restaurant profits
- Fully branded, customizable websites and apps
- Strong marketing and loyalty tools for customer retention
Cons
- Higher monthly subscription compared to free aggregator options
- Requires managing own delivery logistics
- Setup may need initial technical assistance
Best For
Independent restaurants and chains seeking direct customer control and long-term profitability without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month per location (Pay As You Go) up to custom enterprise plans; plus 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing; no commissions on orders.
Square for Restaurants
specializedCombines affordable POS hardware with free online ordering, payment processing, and delivery integrations for small to medium restaurants.
Instant, automatic syncing of online orders directly to the POS and kitchen display system
Square for Restaurants is a POS system with built-in online ordering capabilities, enabling restaurants to create customizable online storefronts for takeout and delivery directly from their Square dashboard. It seamlessly syncs online orders with the POS and kitchen display system (KDS) for efficient operations. The platform supports integrations with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, while keeping first-party orders commission-free.
Pros
- Seamless integration between online orders and POS/KDS
- No monthly fees or commissions on first-party online orders
- Quick setup and intuitive interface for non-technical users
Cons
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume orders (2.9% + 30¢ online)
- Limited advanced customization for menus and branding compared to specialized platforms
- Reporting and analytics are basic for complex restaurant needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, easy-to-use online ordering solution integrated with POS without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free POS and online ordering software; 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction; hardware sold separately starting at $0-$799.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS platform featuring online ordering, table management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Order Anywhere: Customers order via branded online storefronts with instant POS sync and kitchen notifications, eliminating manual entry.
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, with integrated online ordering capabilities that enable branded websites, app-based ordering, and seamless delivery partner integrations like Uber Eats and DoorDash. It streamlines operations by syncing online orders directly to the POS, kitchen display system, and inventory in real-time, reducing errors and improving efficiency. The platform also offers menu management, promotions, loyalty programs, and detailed analytics to drive sales and customer insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration of online orders with POS and kitchen displays
- Robust support for multi-channel ordering including delivery apps
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for sales and customer behavior
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for single-location or small restaurants
- Initial setup and customization require some technical expertise
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume online orders
Best For
Multi-location restaurants or chains needing an all-in-one POS with scalable online ordering and advanced management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essentials), $109 (Plus), $149 (Pro), plus ~2.6% + $0.10 per online transaction and hardware costs.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS system with robust online ordering, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations for efficient restaurant operations.
Real-time order synchronization across online channels and POS, preventing overselling and ensuring accuracy
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform with integrated online ordering capabilities tailored for restaurants, enabling customers to place orders for pickup or delivery via a branded website or app. It synchronizes orders in real-time with the POS, manages inventory, and supports loyalty programs and promotions. The system emphasizes hardware integration, primarily with iPads, for streamlined front-of-house operations.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration between online orders and POS
- Customizable menus and promotions with loyalty tools
- Robust analytics and reporting for sales insights
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs (iPad-dependent)
- Subscription pricing can add up with add-ons
- Limited flexibility for non-Apple ecosystems
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants needing a reliable, integrated POS and online ordering system with strong hardware support.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for core POS, plus $50-150/month for online ordering add-on and required iPad hardware (~$500+).
BentoBox
specializedWebsite builder with native online ordering, SEO tools, and reservation capabilities designed specifically for independent restaurants.
Native website builder that embeds fully customized online ordering into a restaurant's own domain for superior branding and data ownership
BentoBox is a comprehensive website platform tailored for restaurants, featuring integrated online ordering, reservations, menus, and marketing tools. It enables restaurants to build custom, mobile-responsive websites without coding, embedding commission-free online ordering for pickup and delivery directly into their branded site. The platform prioritizes owning customer data and enhancing digital presence over third-party marketplaces.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering with full menu customization and modifiers
- Stunning, SEO-optimized websites that boost direct traffic and branding
- Integrated tools for email marketing, events, and customer loyalty programs
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small or budget-conscious operations
- Ordering features are strong but less advanced than dedicated POS-integrated systems
- Limited native integrations with some popular POS providers
Best For
Independent restaurants and small chains seeking a branded website with seamless, commission-free online ordering.
Pricing
Plans start at $99/month (Core) up to $299+/month (Premium), billed annually; includes unlimited orders with no transaction fees.
GloriaFood
specializedFree online ordering system that creates a custom website, mobile app, and integrates with popular POS for small restaurants.
100% commission-free online ordering with a fully branded, mobile-optimized website provided at no cost
GloriaFood is a user-friendly online ordering platform designed specifically for restaurants, offering a free customizable website with integrated menu management and order processing. It enables direct customer orders via web, Facebook, and Google integrations, streamlining operations without commissions on orders. The system supports unlimited orders on its free plan, making it accessible for small businesses, with optional premium upgrades for enhanced features like analytics and custom domains.
Pros
- Completely free core plan with unlimited orders and no commissions
- Quick and intuitive setup with drag-and-drop menu builder
- Seamless integrations with Facebook, Google, and popular delivery apps
Cons
- Limited advanced customization without premium upgrades
- No native POS system integration, requiring manual syncing
- Basic reporting and analytics on the free tier
Best For
Small independent restaurants and cafes looking for a no-cost, straightforward online ordering solution to boost direct sales.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited basic use; premium plans start at $9/month for features like custom domains, priority support, and advanced analytics.
UpMenu
specializedCustomizable online ordering software with website builder, self-service kiosks, and delivery app integrations for restaurants.
Fully customizable white-label progressive web app that functions like a native mobile app across devices
UpMenu is a white-label online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, allowing them to create fully branded websites and progressive web apps for direct customer orders without third-party commissions. It provides robust menu management, real-time order processing, loyalty programs, and integrations with popular POS systems like Square and Lightspeed. The system supports multi-location operations and includes analytics to help restaurants optimize sales and customer engagement.
Pros
- Commission-free direct ordering retains 100% revenue
- Comprehensive white-label branding for websites and apps
- Strong POS integrations and multi-location support
Cons
- Initial setup can require technical assistance
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume operations
- Limited built-in marketing automation tools
Best For
Restaurants and chains wanting full control over branded online ordering without aggregator fees.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Starter plan (up to 500 orders), $199/month for Pro, $299+/month for Enterprise; setup fees apply.
OrderEm
specializedOnline ordering platform with POS integration, commission-free delivery, and marketing tools tailored for restaurants of all sizes.
Fully customizable, white-label websites that function as native restaurant sites with built-in SEO optimization
OrderEm is a restaurant-focused online ordering platform that enables businesses to create fully branded, commission-free ordering websites integrated directly with their POS systems. It supports menu customization, real-time order management, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs to streamline operations and boost direct sales. Ideal for restaurants seeking independence from third-party apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash, it emphasizes SEO-optimized sites to drive organic traffic.
Pros
- Commission-free ordering maximizes profits
- Custom white-label websites with strong SEO tools
- Seamless integrations with popular POS like Square and Toast
Cons
- Setup process can be time-intensive for non-tech users
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants wanting to build direct customer relationships without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plan (up to 500 orders), scales to $299+/month for higher volumes; includes one-time setup fee of $500-$1,500.
Conclusion
The reviewed systems each present distinct advantages, with Toast leading as the top choice, offering a comprehensive cloud-based solution that unifies POS, online ordering, and customer management. Olo stands as a strong enterprise option for scalable needs, and ChowNow excels for restaurants prioritizing commission-free operations and data ownership. Together, these tools showcase the diverse capabilities to enhance restaurant efficiency and customer engagement.
Take the first step to streamline your operations—explore Toast today to experience a seamless blend of powerful features tailored for restaurants.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison