Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system that manages orders, payments, kitchen operations, and online ordering for restaurants.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - All-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants, handling table-side ordering and real-time kitchen display.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS solution for restaurants with seamless order taking, payments, and team management features.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Scalable iPad POS for restaurants offering order management, reporting, and extensive third-party integrations.
- 6#6: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software for quick-service restaurants with flexible order processing.
- 7#7: Lavu - Mobile-first POS app for restaurants featuring table management, online ordering, and loyalty programs.
- 8#8: SpotOn - Restaurant platform combining POS, online ordering, and marketing tools for streamlined order fulfillment.
- 9#9: Olo - Digital ordering platform that integrates online, app, and kiosk orders directly into restaurant POS systems.
- 10#10: ChowNow - Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants to manage direct customer orders and data.
We evaluated and ranked these tools based on key metrics including feature depth (order processing, integration, and scalability), user-friendliness, quality of support, and overall value, ensuring relevance for quick-service, full-service, and multi-location venues.
Comparison Table
Explore the landscape of restaurant order management software with this comparison table, showcasing popular tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Square for Restaurants, and Revel Systems. Learn how each solution stacks up in areas such as functionality, pricing, and user experience to identify the ideal fit for your eatery's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system that manages orders, payments, kitchen operations, and online ordering for restaurants. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant All-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants, handling table-side ordering and real-time kitchen display. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS solution for restaurants with seamless order taking, payments, and team management features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Scalable iPad POS for restaurants offering order management, reporting, and extensive third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software for quick-service restaurants with flexible order processing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Lavu Mobile-first POS app for restaurants featuring table management, online ordering, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn Restaurant platform combining POS, online ordering, and marketing tools for streamlined order fulfillment. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Olo Digital ordering platform that integrates online, app, and kiosk orders directly into restaurant POS systems. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | ChowNow Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants to manage direct customer orders and data. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system that manages orders, payments, kitchen operations, and online ordering for restaurants.
All-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support.
iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants, handling table-side ordering and real-time kitchen display.
Affordable POS solution for restaurants with seamless order taking, payments, and team management features.
Scalable iPad POS for restaurants offering order management, reporting, and extensive third-party integrations.
Customizable POS hardware and software for quick-service restaurants with flexible order processing.
Mobile-first POS app for restaurants featuring table management, online ordering, and loyalty programs.
Restaurant platform combining POS, online ordering, and marketing tools for streamlined order fulfillment.
Digital ordering platform that integrates online, app, and kiosk orders directly into restaurant POS systems.
Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants to manage direct customer orders and data.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system that manages orders, payments, kitchen operations, and online ordering for restaurants.
Integrated online ordering and Toast TakeOut marketplace that captures direct orders without delivery app commissions, boosting profitability.
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform designed specifically for the foodservice industry, handling everything from order taking and payments to inventory management and online ordering. It offers an all-in-one solution that integrates front-of-house operations, back-office reporting, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. With robust hardware options like terminals and kitchen displays, Toast streamlines restaurant workflows and provides real-time analytics to drive business decisions.
Pros
- Seamless integration of POS, online ordering, and delivery with no third-party commissions
- Advanced analytics and reporting for inventory, labor, and sales optimization
- 24/7 dedicated customer support and scalable hardware bundles
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware and custom pricing tiers
- Steeper learning curve for complex features and full customization
- Requires reliable high-speed internet for optimal cloud performance
Best For
Full-service restaurants and chains needing a scalable, all-in-one platform for in-house and online order management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per terminal (includes software and hardware); additional fees for payroll, loyalty, and advanced modules.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, inventory tracking, and multi-location support.
Unified Ordering Hub that consolidates online, delivery, and in-house orders into a single dashboard for streamlined fulfillment
Lightspeed Restaurant is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and order management system tailored for full-service restaurants, quick-service outlets, and bars. It handles everything from table-side ordering and kitchen display systems to online order integrations with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Toast. The software provides real-time inventory tracking, staff management, and detailed reporting to optimize restaurant operations and boost efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major delivery and online ordering apps for unified order management
- Advanced table management with customizable floor plans and real-time reservations
- Robust inventory and reporting tools with multi-location support
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS systems, especially for smaller venues
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom configurations
- Limited offline capabilities during internet outages
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and growing chains needing scalable order management with strong delivery integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Essential plan (per location), up to $149/month for Premium; additional fees for payments processing and hardware.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants, handling table-side ordering and real-time kitchen display.
Dynamic floor plan and table management with real-time server handoff for optimized dine-in workflows
TouchBistro is an all-in-one POS and restaurant management platform designed exclusively for the hospitality industry, enabling seamless order taking, table management, and payment processing. It offers robust tools for inventory tracking, staff scheduling, reporting, and integrations with kitchen displays and third-party apps like online ordering and loyalty programs. With offline capabilities and mobile accessibility, it supports efficient front- and back-of-house operations for full-service restaurants.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like table mapping and course management streamline service
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted operations during outages
- Extensive integrations with over 100 apps including delivery and payroll services
Cons
- Higher pricing can be prohibitive for small or startup restaurants
- Requires proprietary hardware, limiting flexibility
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a comprehensive, industry-tailored POS for efficient order and table management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually) for basic plans, up to $165+ for premium tiers; hardware and add-ons extra.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable POS solution for restaurants with seamless order taking, payments, and team management features.
Square KDS, which replaces paper tickets with customizable digital displays for faster, more accurate kitchen operations
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS and order management system designed specifically for quick-service and full-service restaurants. It enables seamless handling of dine-in, takeout, delivery, and online orders with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), floor plans, menu management, and real-time inventory tracking. The platform integrates with third-party delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, providing a unified dashboard for order fulfillment and payments.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Seamless integration across order channels including online and delivery
- No monthly software fees for core POS with competitive transaction pricing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Customization options are basic for complex restaurant workflows
- Best performance requires Square hardware, adding upfront costs
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly order management system without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software (2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction); Plus plan $60/month per location for advanced features; Premium custom pricing; online orders at 2.9% + 30¢.
Revel Systems
enterpriseScalable iPad POS for restaurants offering order management, reporting, and extensive third-party integrations.
Seamless iPad-based tableside ordering with offline mode and instant cloud sync
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS and restaurant management platform that excels in order management for quick-service and full-service restaurants. It handles everything from tableside ordering and kitchen display systems to inventory tracking, payment processing, and integrations with third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system provides real-time reporting and multi-location support, making it scalable for growing restaurant chains.
Pros
- Highly customizable order management with KDS integration
- Robust integrations for online ordering and delivery
- Real-time cloud analytics and multi-location support
Cons
- High subscription and hardware costs
- Primarily Apple ecosystem dependent
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Quick-service and full-service restaurants seeking a mobile, scalable POS with strong order and inventory controls.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per iPad (Starter plan), up to $299/month (Pro plan), plus hardware (~$1,000+ per terminal) and 2.3%+ payment processing fees.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software for quick-service restaurants with flexible order processing.
Vast App Market with over 1,000 apps for restaurant-specific customizations like advanced KDS and delivery integrations
Clover is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants, offering robust order management tools including countertop and handheld ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), table management, and online ordering integrations. It streamlines operations from order entry to fulfillment with real-time inventory tracking and customizable floor plans. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization for specific restaurant needs, paired with reliable hardware options like stations and minis.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments and order processing
- Extensive app marketplace for tailored restaurant features
- Intuitive interface with mobile and countertop hardware flexibility
Cons
- Additional fees for premium apps and advanced features
- Higher processing rates compared to some competitors
- Hardware upfront costs can be substantial for smaller venues
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants needing a customizable, all-in-one POS with strong payment processing and online order support.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register) up to $114.85/month (Restaurant Pro), plus hardware from $499 and processing fees of 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS app for restaurants featuring table management, online ordering, and loyalty programs.
Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) that routes orders efficiently to multiple stations with real-time updates
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, bars, and food trucks, providing robust order management, table mapping, and kitchen display capabilities. It enables quick order entry, payment processing, and inventory tracking across iOS and Android devices for flexible deployment. Additional features include online ordering, loyalty programs, and reporting tools to streamline restaurant operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive tablet-based interface for fast order taking
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Reliable offline mode to handle connectivity issues
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Fewer third-party integrations than top-tier POS systems
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants and food trucks seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective order management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Starter plan (1 terminal), up to $159/month for Ultimate; hardware sold separately.
SpotOn
enterpriseRestaurant platform combining POS, online ordering, and marketing tools for streamlined order fulfillment.
Commission-free online ordering and delivery marketplace integrations
SpotOn is a comprehensive restaurant management platform that specializes in POS systems, order processing, and integrated payments tailored for the hospitality industry. It enables seamless order taking at tables or counters, kitchen display systems for efficient fulfillment, and online ordering with delivery integrations like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The software also includes inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and advanced reporting to optimize restaurant operations.
Pros
- Competitive payment processing rates with no long-term contracts
- Robust integrations for online ordering and delivery without commissions
- Strong analytics and reporting for sales and inventory insights
Cons
- Hardware costs can be high for smaller operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times vary by location
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS and order management solution with strong payment processing.
Pricing
Software starts at $135/month per location; hardware leased or purchased separately; payments at 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Olo
specializedDigital ordering platform that integrates online, app, and kiosk orders directly into restaurant POS systems.
Olo Vision AI platform for predictive guest insights and hyper-personalized marketing
Olo is a robust online ordering and guest engagement platform tailored for restaurant chains, enabling direct online orders, delivery integrations, and POS synchronization. It streamlines order management from placement to fulfillment while offering marketing automation and analytics tools. Ideal for multi-location operators, Olo emphasizes data-driven personalization and scalability for high-volume environments.
Pros
- Enterprise-level scalability for chains
- Seamless integrations with major POS and delivery services
- Powerful guest data and marketing automation
Cons
- High pricing inaccessible to small restaurants
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Less flexible for independent single-location spots
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains needing scalable online ordering with advanced analytics and personalization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often starting at $5,000+ per month based on order volume and locations.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free online ordering system for restaurants to manage direct customer orders and data.
White-label, commission-free online ordering that keeps 100% of customer data and revenue for restaurants
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to create branded ordering experiences on their own websites and apps, bypassing third-party delivery services like DoorDash. It provides robust POS integrations, real-time order management, automated marketing tools, and customer loyalty programs to streamline operations and retain more revenue. The software focuses on direct customer relationships, offering analytics and data ownership to help restaurants optimize sales and guest engagement.
Pros
- Commission-free direct ordering maximizes restaurant profits
- Seamless integrations with major POS systems like Toast and Square
- Comprehensive marketing automation and loyalty tools built-in
Cons
- Higher upfront monthly costs compared to some competitors
- Limited native delivery logistics (relies on integrations)
- Customization options can feel restrictive for advanced users
Best For
Independent restaurants and chains seeking full control over their branded online ordering without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $150/month per location for core features, plus payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) and add-ons for marketing/loyalty.
Conclusion
Through rigorous comparison, Toast emerges as the clear top pick, boasting a comprehensive cloud-based system that unifies order management, payments, and kitchen operations. Lightspeed Restaurant and TouchBistro stand out as strong alternatives—Lightspeed for its all-in-one versatility and multi-location support, TouchBistro for its intuitive iPad design and real-time kitchen display—each catering to specific restaurant needs while falling just short of Toast's overall strength.
Ready to transform your restaurant’s workflow? Toast’s robust features make it the ideal starting point—explore its offerings today to unlock seamless order management and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.