Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for full-service restaurants with kitchen display and delivery integrations.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS system with advanced online ordering, table management, and multi-location support for restaurants.
- 3#3: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS and online ordering solution with seamless payment processing for small to medium restaurants.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS tailored for restaurants featuring floor plans, online ordering, and loyalty programs.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad POS platform with robust online ordering, inventory management, and reporting for restaurants.
- 6#6: Olo - Enterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with major POS systems for high-volume restaurants.
- 7#7: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for online ordering and restaurant management.
- 8#8: ChowNow - Commission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and boost direct sales.
- 9#9: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing tools, and payment processing for independent eateries.
- 10#10: GloriaFood - Free online ordering website builder with POS integration and delivery options for small restaurants.
These tools were chosen based on a balanced assessment of features (including POS integration, inventory management, and delivery support), usability, performance, and value, ensuring they deliver robust functionality without compromising on ease of adoption or cost-effectiveness.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading restaurant ordering system software, examining key features, integration options, and usability to help restaurants find the right fit. It highlights tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, Square for Restaurants, TouchBistro, and Revel Systems, offering insights into how each addresses unique operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for full-service restaurants with kitchen display and delivery integrations. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS system with advanced online ordering, table management, and multi-location support for restaurants. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS and online ordering solution with seamless payment processing for small to medium restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS tailored for restaurants featuring floor plans, online ordering, and loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad POS platform with robust online ordering, inventory management, and reporting for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Olo Enterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with major POS systems for high-volume restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for online ordering and restaurant management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | ChowNow Commission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and boost direct sales. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing tools, and payment processing for independent eateries. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | GloriaFood Free online ordering website builder with POS integration and delivery options for small restaurants. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for full-service restaurants with kitchen display and delivery integrations.
Cloud POS system with advanced online ordering, table management, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Affordable POS and online ordering solution with seamless payment processing for small to medium restaurants.
iPad-based POS tailored for restaurants featuring floor plans, online ordering, and loyalty programs.
iPad POS platform with robust online ordering, inventory management, and reporting for restaurants.
Enterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with major POS systems for high-volume restaurants.
Flexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for online ordering and restaurant management.
Commission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and boost direct sales.
All-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing tools, and payment processing for independent eateries.
Free online ordering website builder with POS integration and delivery options for small restaurants.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for full-service restaurants with kitchen display and delivery integrations.
Commission-free online ordering with built-in delivery management and guest marketing tools
Toast is a cloud-based, all-in-one POS and restaurant management platform tailored for full-service restaurants, quick-service eateries, and chains. It provides seamless online ordering, payment processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, kitchen display systems, and advanced analytics to optimize operations. With robust integrations for third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, Toast enables commission-free online orders and enhances customer loyalty through marketing tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including POS, online ordering, payroll, and reporting in one platform
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and payment processors for streamlined operations
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go management and real-time sales insights
Cons
- Higher pricing can be a barrier for very small or startup restaurants
- Initial setup and hardware requirements involve some complexity
- Customer support response times can vary, especially during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and chains seeking a scalable, end-to-end solution for in-store and online operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per month per location for core POS (Pay As You Go), with Growth plans at $165/month; hardware bundles from $799 upfront or financed, plus processing fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS system with advanced online ordering, table management, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Omnichannel ordering that unifies online, in-store, takeout, and third-party delivery into one dashboard
Lightspeed Restaurant is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, featuring integrated online ordering, table management, and delivery integrations. It enables seamless handling of in-store, takeout, delivery, and online orders through a unified platform with real-time inventory tracking and analytics. The software supports multi-location operations and scales with business growth, making it suitable for various restaurant types from quick-service to full-service.
Pros
- Robust integrations with delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub
- Advanced inventory management and real-time reporting
- Scalable for single or multi-location restaurants
Cons
- Higher starting costs compared to basic POS systems
- Learning curve for full feature utilization
- Additional fees for hardware and advanced add-ons
Best For
Established restaurants or chains needing an all-in-one POS with powerful online ordering and delivery management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), with Essential at $109/month and Premium at $149/month; hardware sold separately.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS and online ordering solution with seamless payment processing for small to medium restaurants.
Unified online ordering integrated directly into the POS for real-time fulfillment and inventory accuracy across all channels
Square for Restaurants is an all-in-one POS and ordering platform tailored for quick-service and full-service restaurants, enabling seamless in-person, online, and delivery order management. It integrates point-of-sale hardware with online ordering via Square Online, kitchen display systems, inventory tracking, and third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system provides real-time order syncing to prevent overselling and offers customizable menus, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting for operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Real-time syncing between online orders, POS, and inventory
- No monthly software fees for core POS and flexible scalability
Cons
- Higher processing fees for online and keyed-in transactions
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise competitors
- Hardware costs can add up for full deployment
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants needing an affordable, easy-to-use system for integrated in-house and online ordering without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software; transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ online); Restaurant plans start at $0 (Plus at $60/mo, Premium custom).
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS tailored for restaurants featuring floor plans, online ordering, and loyalty programs.
Offline-first architecture with real-time cloud sync for reliable ordering in low-connectivity environments
TouchBistro is an all-in-one iPad-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, enabling seamless tableside ordering, table management, and payment processing. It includes features like kitchen display systems (KDS), inventory tracking, and online ordering integrations to streamline front- and back-of-house operations. The platform supports offline functionality with automatic cloud sync, making it reliable for busy restaurant environments.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like table mapping and course management enhance ordering efficiency
- Robust offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during connectivity issues
- Extensive integrations with delivery apps and loyalty programs
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for smaller operations
- Hardware locked to iPads, limiting flexibility
- Initial setup and training may require time investment
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a comprehensive, mobile-first ordering and POS solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69 per user/month for core POS, plus hardware (~$500-1000 per terminal) and add-ons like online ordering ($50+/month).
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad POS platform with robust online ordering, inventory management, and reporting for restaurants.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) that syncs orders in real-time across front- and back-of-house for faster fulfillment.
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform tailored for restaurants, providing robust tools for order processing, payment handling, inventory management, and customer engagement. It features iPad-based hardware for front-of-house operations, kitchen display systems, and back-office reporting to streamline restaurant workflows. The system supports online ordering, loyalty programs, and integrations with delivery services, making it suitable for quick-service, full-service, and multi-location establishments.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including real-time inventory and advanced reporting
- Strong integrations with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Reliable 24/7 customer support and scalable for multi-locations
Cons
- Higher pricing with custom quotes and additional hardware costs
- Primarily iOS/iPad dependent, limiting flexibility
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
Best For
Multi-location restaurants or chains needing advanced inventory control, detailed analytics, and seamless online ordering integrations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $99 per location/month (billed annually) plus one-time hardware costs ($500+ per terminal) and add-ons for advanced features.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise online ordering and guest engagement platform integrating with major POS systems for high-volume restaurants.
First-party data platform that captures and owns complete guest profiles independent of third-party marketplaces
Olo is a leading enterprise-grade platform for restaurant digital ordering, enabling seamless online ordering, delivery, and pickup through branded channels like restaurant websites and apps. It integrates deeply with POS systems (e.g., Toast, NCR) and third-party delivery services while emphasizing first-party guest data ownership for personalization and loyalty programs. Designed for scalability, Olo serves major chains like Five Guys and Wendy's, providing robust analytics, reporting, and order management tools.
Pros
- Deep integrations with POS and delivery partners for unified operations
- Strong focus on guest data ownership and advanced personalization
- High scalability and reliability for multi-location chains
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing inaccessible to small restaurants
- Complex initial setup and customization process
- Limited transparency on pricing without a sales consultation
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains seeking enterprise-scale online ordering with full control over customer data and branded experiences.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on order volume and locations; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for mid-sized chains.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software with app marketplace for online ordering and restaurant management.
Vast App Market enabling thousands of tailored integrations for ordering, loyalty, and delivery without custom development.
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, offering integrated online ordering, table management, kitchen display systems, and inventory tracking. It enables seamless customer ordering via web, app, or in-store, with support for delivery integrations like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform's app marketplace allows customization for loyalty programs, gift cards, and reporting, making it suitable for small to mid-sized eateries.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of POS, online ordering, and payments in one system
- Extensive app marketplace with 400+ restaurant-specific add-ons
- Durable, customizable hardware options like countertop and handheld devices
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $499+
- Ongoing subscription and transaction fees can accumulate
- Advanced analytics and reporting often require premium add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants needing an all-in-one POS with reliable online ordering and easy customization.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); software plans from free (Register Lite) to $114.85/mo (Register Ultimate); plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer data and boost direct sales.
100% commission-free direct ordering with fully customizable, white-label websites and apps
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform designed specifically for restaurants, enabling them to create branded websites and mobile ordering experiences for direct customer orders. It integrates seamlessly with popular POS systems like Toast, Square, and Lightspeed, allowing for streamlined menu management, order fulfillment, and customer data ownership. The platform also offers marketing tools such as email campaigns, loyalty programs, and gift cards to boost repeat business without relying on third-party delivery apps.
Pros
- Commission-free model saves on high delivery app fees
- Fully branded ordering sites and apps enhance customer loyalty
- Strong POS integrations and marketing automation tools
Cons
- Higher monthly subscription compared to free marketplace options
- Limited built-in delivery logistics; focuses more on pickup/direct orders
- Requires active marketing to drive traffic without app store visibility
Best For
Independent restaurants and chains seeking to own their customer relationships and avoid third-party commissions.
Pricing
Starts at $150/month per location (Essential plan) up to $325/month (Premium), plus one-time setup fee and low payment processing fees; no order commissions.
SpotOn
specializedAll-in-one restaurant POS with online ordering, marketing tools, and payment processing for independent eateries.
Commission-free, fully branded online ordering with real-time POS sync
SpotOn is an all-in-one restaurant POS and management platform with a strong focus on online ordering, enabling commission-free branded ordering through websites and apps integrated directly with the POS system. It supports seamless order management across in-house, online, takeout, and delivery channels like DoorDash and Uber Eats, while offering tools for inventory, payments, loyalty programs, and analytics. Designed for restaurants of various sizes, it streamlines operations to boost revenue and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering with full branding
- Deep POS integration for unified order flow
- Robust analytics and marketing tools
Cons
- Custom pricing can be steep for small operations
- Hardware requirements add upfront costs
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an integrated POS and online ordering solution without third-party commissions.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $135/month per terminal plus hardware (one-time $1,000+); online ordering included in core plans.
GloriaFood
otherFree online ordering website builder with POS integration and delivery options for small restaurants.
100% commission-free direct online ordering
GloriaFood is a free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to create a customizable website, manage menus, and accept direct customer orders without commissions from third-party services. It includes features like order notifications, customer apps, and integrations with Google, Facebook, and delivery platforms. Designed for simplicity, it helps small eateries go digital quickly while keeping costs low.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no order commissions
- Quick and intuitive setup with drag-and-drop tools
- Seamless integrations with social media and Google
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and reporting options
- Basic analytics compared to premium competitors
- Support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Small independent restaurants and cafes needing a cost-free, easy-to-implement online ordering solution.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; optional premium themes and add-ons starting at $9/month.
Conclusion
As the top choice, Toast leads with its comprehensive cloud-based POS and delivery integrations, setting the standard for full-service restaurant efficiency. Lightspeed Restaurant follows with strong multi-location and table management tools, while Square for Restaurants shines in affordability and seamless payments for small to medium businesses. Together, these platforms highlight the best solutions to elevate restaurant operations, each adapting to unique needs.
Start with Toast to experience a streamlined ordering and POS system, or consider Lightspeed or Square based on your specific requirements—each delivers value to enhance your restaurant’s success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.