Quick Overview
- 1#1: NoWait - Provides virtual waitlist management allowing customers to join lists remotely and receive text notifications when their table is ready.
- 2#2: Waitwhile - Offers modern virtual queueing and waitlist software with SMS notifications and analytics for efficient restaurant operations.
- 3#3: Hostme - Delivers AI-powered automated waitlist and table management to optimize seating and reduce wait times.
- 4#4: OpenTable - Manages restaurant reservations and waitlists with real-time updates and guest notifications.
- 5#5: Resy - Handles advanced reservations and virtual waitlists for restaurants with customizable guest experiences.
- 6#6: Tock - Supports prepaid reservations, ticketing, and waitlist management for unique dining events.
- 7#7: SevenRooms - Provides comprehensive guest management including CRM-integrated waitlists and reservations.
- 8#8: Toast - Integrates waitlist and reservation features within a full restaurant POS system.
- 9#9: Square for Restaurants - Offers affordable POS with built-in waitlist and booking tools for small to mid-sized restaurants.
- 10#10: Eat App - Streamlines restaurant reservations and waitlists with mobile check-ins and automated notifications.
We evaluated tools using metrics like feature richness (notifications, analytics, integration), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a balanced selection that serves small, mid-sized, and large establishments alike.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right restaurant waitlist software is key to efficient operations; this comparison table features tools like NoWait, Waitwhile, Hostme, OpenTable, Resy, and more to simplify your search. Each entry highlights core features, pricing structures, and user experience, helping you identify the best fit for your restaurant’s size and workflow. Whether you manage a cozy café or a busy fine-dining spot, this guide distills essential details to streamline your decision-making.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NoWait Provides virtual waitlist management allowing customers to join lists remotely and receive text notifications when their table is ready. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Waitwhile Offers modern virtual queueing and waitlist software with SMS notifications and analytics for efficient restaurant operations. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Hostme Delivers AI-powered automated waitlist and table management to optimize seating and reduce wait times. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | OpenTable Manages restaurant reservations and waitlists with real-time updates and guest notifications. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Resy Handles advanced reservations and virtual waitlists for restaurants with customizable guest experiences. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Tock Supports prepaid reservations, ticketing, and waitlist management for unique dining events. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | SevenRooms Provides comprehensive guest management including CRM-integrated waitlists and reservations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Toast Integrates waitlist and reservation features within a full restaurant POS system. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Square for Restaurants Offers affordable POS with built-in waitlist and booking tools for small to mid-sized restaurants. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 10 | Eat App Streamlines restaurant reservations and waitlists with mobile check-ins and automated notifications. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
Provides virtual waitlist management allowing customers to join lists remotely and receive text notifications when their table is ready.
Offers modern virtual queueing and waitlist software with SMS notifications and analytics for efficient restaurant operations.
Delivers AI-powered automated waitlist and table management to optimize seating and reduce wait times.
Manages restaurant reservations and waitlists with real-time updates and guest notifications.
Handles advanced reservations and virtual waitlists for restaurants with customizable guest experiences.
Supports prepaid reservations, ticketing, and waitlist management for unique dining events.
Provides comprehensive guest management including CRM-integrated waitlists and reservations.
Integrates waitlist and reservation features within a full restaurant POS system.
Offers affordable POS with built-in waitlist and booking tools for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Streamlines restaurant reservations and waitlists with mobile check-ins and automated notifications.
NoWait
specializedProvides virtual waitlist management allowing customers to join lists remotely and receive text notifications when their table is ready.
Intelligent SMS-based virtual waitlist with auto-texting and ETA predictions
NoWait is a premier virtual waitlist management platform tailored for restaurants, allowing diners to join waitlists via SMS, app, or host station and receive real-time text notifications when their table is ready. It features guest recognition to track preferences and loyalty, reservation integration, and advanced analytics for optimizing table turns and minimizing no-shows. The solution helps restaurants manage peak-hour crowds efficiently without physical lines.
Pros
- Seamless SMS notifications reduce no-shows by up to 50%
- Guest profiles enable personalized service and loyalty building
- Comprehensive analytics provide insights into wait times and turnover
Cons
- Pricing scales with volume, which may strain small venues
- Initial setup requires staff training for full utilization
- Limited customization for non-standard restaurant workflows
Best For
High-volume restaurants with frequent waitlists seeking to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plan (up to 500 covers), with enterprise tiers at $299+ based on volume; free trial available.
Waitwhile
specializedOffers modern virtual queueing and waitlist software with SMS notifications and analytics for efficient restaurant operations.
Text-to-join waitlist allowing instant customer sign-up via SMS with no app download needed
Waitwhile is a virtual waitlist and queue management platform tailored for restaurants, enabling customers to join waitlists via simple text messages without needing an app. Hosts manage real-time updates, table assignments, and guest notifications through an intuitive dashboard, with integrations to POS systems like Toast and Square. It reduces physical lines, minimizes no-shows with automated reminders, and provides analytics on wait times and turnover.
Pros
- Seamless SMS-based join for customers, no app required
- Real-time notifications and guest profiling reduce no-shows
- Robust integrations with popular POS and reservation systems
Cons
- Pricing can add up for multi-location chains
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Relies heavily on reliable SMS delivery
Best For
High-volume restaurants and chains seeking efficient, contactless waitlist management to improve guest experience and table turnover.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Basic plan) with Pro at $149/month; enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial.
Hostme
specializedDelivers AI-powered automated waitlist and table management to optimize seating and reduce wait times.
AI-driven ETA predictions that use historical data and real-time factors to minimize wait times and improve turnover efficiency
Hostme is a comprehensive restaurant management platform specializing in digital waitlists, reservations, and table management. It enables restaurants to create virtual waitlists, send automated SMS notifications to guests with accurate ETAs, and optimize seating in real-time via a mobile app for hosts. The software also integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square for seamless operations and provides guest profiling for personalized service.
Pros
- AI-powered wait time predictions for better accuracy and guest satisfaction
- Real-time table management and drag-and-drop floor plans
- Robust integrations with POS systems and SMS notifications to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location or high-volume use
- Advanced analytics locked behind higher tiers
- Initial setup requires staff training for full utilization
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants with high guest turnover seeking an all-in-one waitlist and reservation solution.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location for basic waitlist features; Pro at $199/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
OpenTable
enterpriseManages restaurant reservations and waitlists with real-time updates and guest notifications.
Vast integrated diner database that auto-populates waitlists with nearby users
OpenTable is a leading restaurant management platform that offers integrated waitlist software, enabling diners to join virtual waitlists online or via the mobile app for real-time table availability updates. Restaurants can manage waitlists efficiently with features like estimated wait times, text notifications, and seamless transitions from waitlist to seating. It excels in high-volume environments by leveraging its vast user network to fill tables faster during peak hours.
Pros
- Massive diner network drives organic traffic to waitlists
- Real-time notifications and ETA accuracy reduce no-shows
- Strong analytics for optimizing table turnover
Cons
- High per-cover fees add up in busy restaurants
- More reservation-focused, with waitlist as secondary feature
- Steep learning curve for smaller teams
Best For
Established urban restaurants with high traffic seeking network-driven waitlist efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $249/month per location plus $1-2 per seated cover; custom enterprise plans available.
Resy
enterpriseHandles advanced reservations and virtual waitlists for restaurants with customizable guest experiences.
VIP guest recognition that automatically prioritizes high-value diners on the waitlist using historical data
Resy is a premium restaurant reservation and management platform that includes robust virtual waitlist functionality, allowing diners to join online and receive real-time notifications when tables are ready. It integrates seamlessly with reservations, providing accurate ETAs based on historical data and table turn predictions to optimize seating efficiency. The system also offers guest profiling, no-show protection, and analytics to help restaurants manage high-volume operations effectively.
Pros
- Seamless integration of waitlist with reservations and POS systems
- Real-time text notifications and accurate ETA predictions
- Advanced guest CRM for prioritizing VIPs and reducing no-shows
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for small venues
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- Limited standalone waitlist options without full reservation adoption
Best For
Upscale, high-volume restaurants in urban areas needing an integrated reservation and waitlist solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on covers, seats, and volume; typically $500–$2,000+/month for mid-sized venues—contact sales for quote.
Tock
enterpriseSupports prepaid reservations, ticketing, and waitlist management for unique dining events.
Prepaid deposits for waitlist positions to ensure guest commitment and slash no-shows
Tock is a reservation and waitlist management platform tailored for restaurants, allowing guests to join virtual waitlists online and receive real-time notifications when tables are ready. It features a unique prepaid deposit system to minimize no-shows and integrates seamlessly with reservation bookings for efficient table turnover. Designed primarily for upscale venues, Tock provides analytics and guest data to optimize operations and revenue.
Pros
- Prepaid deposit system dramatically reduces no-shows
- Real-time notifications and guest self-service via app/website
- Robust analytics for table optimization and revenue insights
Cons
- Revenue-based pricing can be costly for low-volume restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for full feature set
- Less ideal for casual dining without high reservation demand
Best For
Upscale and fine-dining restaurants with significant reservation and waitlist volumes seeking to reduce no-shows and maximize table utilization.
Pricing
Starts at $175/month + 2-3% of prepaid booking revenue (custom quotes available)
SevenRooms
enterpriseProvides comprehensive guest management including CRM-integrated waitlists and reservations.
Lifetime guest profiles that sync waitlist interactions with reservations and marketing for hyper-personalized service
SevenRooms is a comprehensive hospitality CRM platform designed for restaurants, hotels, and venues, with robust waitlist management as a core feature. It enables virtual waitlists where hosts can add guests via mobile app, estimate wait times, and notify parties via text when tables are ready. The software integrates waitlist data with guest profiles for personalized service and marketing, helping optimize operations and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Powerful guest CRM integration for personalized waitlist experiences
- Seamless mobile app for hosts and guests with real-time notifications
- Advanced analytics and reporting on wait times and turnover
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for small restaurants
- Overkill for simple waitlist needs without broader CRM use
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants or groups needing integrated waitlist, reservations, and guest marketing tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $300-$500/month per location, scaling with covers and features.
Toast
enterpriseIntegrates waitlist and reservation features within a full restaurant POS system.
POS-driven predictive wait times using historical turnover data for accuracy
Toast is a full-service restaurant management platform with integrated waitlist software that digitizes guest queuing, estimated wait times, and table management. Hosts use a mobile app to create virtual waitlists, send automated text notifications, and notify parties when tables are ready, reducing lobby congestion. It leverages POS data for accurate wait predictions and seamless transitions to seating and ordering.
Pros
- Deep integration with Toast POS for real-time data syncing
- Automated text alerts to minimize no-shows and improve guest experience
- Mobile-first interface for on-the-go waitlist management
Cons
- Requires Toast POS subscription, limiting standalone use
- Higher costs compared to dedicated waitlist-only tools
- Occasional syncing issues reported in high-volume settings
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants using Toast POS that need integrated waitlist and table management without third-party add-ons.
Pricing
Waitlist add-on at $50/month per location; often bundled in POS plans starting at $69/month per terminal.
Square for Restaurants
specializedOffers affordable POS with built-in waitlist and booking tools for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Real-time text notifications and table turnaround integration directly within the POS dashboard
Square for Restaurants is a POS system with built-in waitlist management, enabling hosts to create digital waitlists, track party sizes and estimated wait times, and send automated text notifications to customers when tables are ready. It integrates seamlessly with table management, floor plans, and payment processing for streamlined restaurant operations. While not a standalone waitlist tool, it provides essential features for busy dining environments without additional software.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS and payments
- No extra subscription fees beyond transaction processing
- Intuitive mobile app for quick waitlist management
- Automated text notifications reduce no-shows
Cons
- Limited advanced features like reservations or VIP queuing compared to dedicated tools
- Tied to Square ecosystem, less flexible for non-Square users
- Basic customization and reporting capabilities
- Scalability issues for very high-volume restaurants
Best For
Small to medium restaurants already using Square POS that want simple, integrated waitlist management without added costs.
Pricing
Included free with Square for Restaurants POS (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction processing); Plus plan at $60/month per location for advanced features.
Eat App
specializedStreamlines restaurant reservations and waitlists with mobile check-ins and automated notifications.
AI-powered table optimization that automatically suggests seating arrangements to minimize wait times and maximize turnover
Eat App is a comprehensive restaurant management platform with robust virtual waitlist capabilities, enabling customers to join waitlists via QR code, website, or app and receive automated SMS notifications when tables are ready. It seamlessly integrates waitlist management with online reservations, table assignments, and guest profiling for efficient operations. The software also offers real-time updates for diners and staff, reducing no-shows and improving turnover.
Pros
- Automated SMS notifications reduce waitlist friction and no-shows
- Seamless integration with reservations and table management
- Mobile app provides real-time visibility for staff
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or single-location restaurants
- Full feature set requires higher tiers
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants or chains needing an integrated waitlist with reservation and table management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month per location (Essentials plan), up to $199+/month for advanced plans; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 restaurant waitlist software reveals tools with distinct strengths, but NoWait leads as the clear top choice— excelling in remote management and text notifications for seamless guest experiences. Waitwhile follows with its modern queueing and analytics, perfect for efficient operations, while Hostme impresses with AI-driven table management to reduce wait times. Each tool offers value, catering to diverse needs, but the trio of NoWait, Waitwhile, and Hostme sets the standard for effective waitlist solutions.
Don’t miss out—try NoWait today to let customers join remotely, receive real-time updates, and elevate your waitlist management for a smoother, more satisfying dining experience.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison