Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants handling orders, payments, tables, and online ordering with robust analytics.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - All-in-one restaurant POS with table management, inventory tracking, online ordering, and multi-location support.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with order taking, staff management, and reporting features.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with floor plans, order routing, and integrated payments.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS platform for restaurants offering customizable menus, kitchen display, and advanced reporting.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurant orders, payments, and loyalty programs.
- 7#7: SpotOn - Restaurant management suite with POS, online ordering, marketing, and payment processing.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile POS for restaurants with order management, inventory, and multi-store capabilities.
- 9#9: Olo - Digital ordering platform for restaurants integrating online, delivery, and curbside orders with POS.
- 10#10: Epos Now - Cloud-based POS system for restaurants with order processing, CRM, and e-commerce integration.
We evaluated tools based on feature robustness, usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring the list highlights top performers that balance comprehensive functionality with practical, user-friendly design.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right restaurant order software is essential for optimizing operations, boosting customer satisfaction, and staying competitive in the industry. This comparison table explores tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Square for Restaurants, Revel Systems, and more, detailing their key features, pricing models, and user experiences to help readers identify the best fit for their specific needs, whether for small cafes or large dining chains.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants handling orders, payments, tables, and online ordering with robust analytics. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant All-in-one restaurant POS with table management, inventory tracking, online ordering, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with order taking, staff management, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with floor plans, order routing, and integrated payments. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS platform for restaurants offering customizable menus, kitchen display, and advanced reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurant orders, payments, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn Restaurant management suite with POS, online ordering, marketing, and payment processing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile POS for restaurants with order management, inventory, and multi-store capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Olo Digital ordering platform for restaurants integrating online, delivery, and curbside orders with POS. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Epos Now Cloud-based POS system for restaurants with order processing, CRM, and e-commerce integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants handling orders, payments, tables, and online ordering with robust analytics.
All-in-one restaurant POS with table management, inventory tracking, online ordering, and multi-location support.
iPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with order taking, staff management, and reporting features.
Affordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with floor plans, order routing, and integrated payments.
Cloud POS platform for restaurants offering customizable menus, kitchen display, and advanced reporting.
Flexible POS hardware and software for restaurant orders, payments, and loyalty programs.
Restaurant management suite with POS, online ordering, marketing, and payment processing.
Mobile POS for restaurants with order management, inventory, and multi-store capabilities.
Digital ordering platform for restaurants integrating online, delivery, and curbside orders with POS.
Cloud-based POS system for restaurants with order processing, CRM, and e-commerce integration.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system for restaurants handling orders, payments, tables, and online ordering with robust analytics.
Integrated online ordering and marketplace that syncs orders directly into the POS with no third-party fees, driving direct revenue.
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform designed specifically for the foodservice industry, offering point-of-sale functionality, online ordering, payment processing, and operational tools. It integrates front-of-house features like handheld ordering devices and kitchen displays with back-of-house capabilities such as inventory tracking, scheduling, payroll, and advanced analytics. Toast enables restaurants to manage orders seamlessly across dine-in, takeout, delivery, and online channels while providing real-time insights to optimize operations and boost profitability.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering POS, online ordering, payments, and analytics
- Robust integrations with delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash
- Powerful reporting and AI-driven insights for data-informed decisions
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware and custom pricing
- Steeper learning curve for complex features
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, and growing enterprises needing a scalable, end-to-end solution for orders, payments, and operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69 per terminal/month for Core plan, up to $165+ per location/month for advanced tiers, plus hardware bundles ($500-$2,000) and 2.49%-3.69% payment processing fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with table management, inventory tracking, online ordering, and multi-location support.
Order Anywhere® with handheld devices for flexible, table-side ordering without fixed terminals
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, enabling efficient order management across front-of-house, back-of-house, and online channels. It supports table-side ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), self-service kiosks, and integrations with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The platform also offers inventory control, staff scheduling, and advanced reporting to optimize restaurant operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive order management with KDS and online ordering integrations
- Scalable for single locations to multi-site chains
- Strong analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Additional costs for hardware and payment processing
Best For
Full-service restaurants and growing chains needing robust online and in-house order processing.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Basic), $109/month (Essential), $149/month (Premium), with custom Enterprise pricing; per terminal, annual billing, plus hardware and transaction fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-centric POS tailored for full-service restaurants with order taking, staff management, and reporting features.
Visual drag-and-drop floor plan for real-time table management and server handoffs
TouchBistro is an all-in-one POS and restaurant management system tailored for full-service restaurants, bars, and quick-service eateries. It streamlines order taking, table management, payments, inventory control, and staff scheduling through an intuitive iPad-based interface. The platform supports offline operations, kitchen display systems, and integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, providing comprehensive back-office reporting and analytics.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like visual floor plans and course management
- Reliable offline mode ensures uninterrupted service
- Strong integrations with third-party services for online ordering and payments
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing advanced table management and comprehensive operations in one platform.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69 per month per terminal for basic plans, up to $300+ for premium tiers; hardware sold separately.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS for restaurants with floor plans, order routing, and integrated payments.
All-in-one online ordering website builder with built-in delivery integrations, eliminating the need for separate vendors
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, offering tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and online ordering. It supports table-side ordering, kitchen display systems, and integrations with delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing restaurants to handle dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders efficiently from a single dashboard.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Seamless integration of payments, orders, and inventory
- No monthly fees on the core plan, only transaction-based pricing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for complex operations
- Fewer customization options compared to enterprise competitors
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants needing a straightforward, affordable system for order taking and payments without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free plan with 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction or 2.9% + 30¢ online; Plus plan at $60/month per location for advanced features like team management.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS platform for restaurants offering customizable menus, kitchen display, and advanced reporting.
Advanced Kitchen Display System with customizable order routing and real-time prep timers
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS system tailored for restaurants, providing tools for order management, inventory tracking, table service, and customer loyalty programs. It supports quick-service, full-service, and bar operations with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), online ordering integrations, and real-time reporting. The platform emphasizes scalability and hardware flexibility for growing restaurant chains.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like KDS and table management
- Excellent integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
- Reliable cloud backup and offline functionality
Cons
- Premium pricing with additional hardware costs
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing scalable, feature-rich POS with strong analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan); higher tiers $149+; hardware from $500+; custom enterprise pricing.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software for restaurant orders, payments, and loyalty programs.
Clover App Market offering hundreds of restaurant-specific apps for seamless customization and integrations.
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system optimized for restaurants, handling in-person orders, online ordering, table management, and kitchen display systems. It integrates seamlessly with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, while providing inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and detailed reporting. The platform's modular hardware and app marketplace allow for customization to fit quick-service, full-service, or hybrid restaurant models.
Pros
- Extensive app marketplace with 500+ integrations for delivery and loyalty programs
- Reliable hardware options including countertop and handheld devices
- Robust order management with kitchen display and table mapping
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $499 per device
- Ongoing software subscriptions and transaction fees add up quickly
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium restaurants needing scalable POS with strong third-party integrations for online and delivery orders.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 (e.g., Clover Mini), software plans from $14.95/month per device (Restaurant plan $90+/mo), plus 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
SpotOn
enterpriseRestaurant management suite with POS, online ordering, marketing, and payment processing.
Commission-free direct online ordering that captures full customer data and revenue
SpotOn is a comprehensive restaurant POS and management platform with robust order management capabilities, enabling seamless handling of dine-in, takeout, delivery, and online orders. It features commission-free online ordering, real-time kitchen displays, and integrations with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system provides customizable menus, order routing, and analytics to optimize operations across multiple channels.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering reduces dependency on third-party platforms
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and KDS for efficient order flow
- Advanced reporting and analytics for order performance insights
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller operations due to hardware and add-ons
- Initial setup and customization require some training
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one solution for omnichannel ordering without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $99/month per terminal plus 2.6-3.5% processing fees and hardware costs.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS for restaurants with order management, inventory, and multi-store capabilities.
Seamless offline/online mode with automatic data sync upon reconnection
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and quick-service establishments, enabling efficient order taking, payment processing, and table management primarily through iPad apps. It includes inventory management, menu customization, reporting tools, and integrations for online ordering and delivery services like DoorDash. The system supports offline operation with automatic cloud sync, making it reliable for mobile or busy environments.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad-native interface that's quick to learn and deploy
- Robust offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during connectivity issues
- Comprehensive reporting and inventory tools help optimize operations
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices, restricting hardware flexibility
- Pricing scales per terminal, which can add up for multi-location setups
- Customer support receives mixed reviews for response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants, bars, or food trucks seeking an affordable, mobile-first POS with strong offline capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for Express plan; Pro at $119/month and Enterprise custom; hardware sold separately.
Olo
specializedDigital ordering platform for restaurants integrating online, delivery, and curbside orders with POS.
Guest Engagement Engine for owning and leveraging first-party customer data to personalize orders and marketing
Olo is a robust online ordering and guest engagement platform tailored for restaurants, enabling digital orders via web, mobile apps, kiosks, and integrations with major POS systems like Toast and NCR. It supports menu management, promotions, delivery partnerships, and advanced analytics to drive direct sales and customer loyalty. Primarily serving mid-to-large chains, Olo emphasizes owning the guest relationship and data to reduce reliance on third-party marketplaces.
Pros
- Deep integrations with 100+ POS and delivery partners
- Powerful guest data analytics and personalization tools
- Scalable for enterprise chains with high order volumes
Cons
- Complex setup and steeper learning curve for smaller operations
- Custom pricing can be expensive for independents
- Less intuitive for non-technical restaurant staff
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains seeking enterprise-grade online ordering with full control over customer data and direct sales channels.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $1,000+ monthly base plus $0.50-$1.50 per order, scaling with volume.
Epos Now
specializedCloud-based POS system for restaurants with order processing, CRM, and e-commerce integration.
Vast marketplace with 100+ apps and integrations for tailored restaurant workflows.
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses, facilitating order taking, table management, payment processing, and inventory control. It supports kitchen display systems (KDS), customer loyalty programs, and real-time reporting to streamline restaurant operations. The platform offers extensive hardware compatibility and a marketplace of over 100 apps for customization.
Pros
- Extensive integrations via a large app marketplace
- Flexible hardware options including touchscreens and printers
- 24/7 customer support and reliable cloud syncing
Cons
- Pricing escalates with add-ons and multiple devices
- Occasional performance lags during high-volume periods
- Setup and training require initial time investment
Best For
Small to medium restaurants needing a customizable POS with strong hardware and integration support.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per device for basic plans; full-featured plans up to £109/month, hardware purchased separately.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed restaurant order software, Toast emerges as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive cloud-based system with robust analytics and all-around functionality. Lightspeed Restaurant and TouchBistro stand as strong alternatives, offering tailored features—Lightspeed for multi-location needs and TouchBistro for full-service setups—ensuring there’s a top pick for every operation. These tools collectively raise efficiency standards for restaurants.
Ready to elevate your ordering system? Start with Toast to experience streamlined operations, seamless payments, and powerful insights that drive growth and satisfaction.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.