The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant POS Systems - TouchBistro
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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
The Ultimate Guide In each review,
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
you’ll find:
A basic overview
of each of the top
modern POS systems
for restaurants
Each system’s strengths
and weaknesses
Your payment
processing options
Software pricing
and other fees
The ideal restaurant
for each POS system
If you’re in the market
Key takeaways
Not only are there dozens of different
providers to choose from, but each
In addition to reviews
one has a unique set of features, tools, of each provider,
for a new POS, you’ve and services to offer – it’s enough
information to make anyone’s head
spin. And if you’re a restaurateur, you
we’ve also included:
A comparison
probably discovered
chart featuring all
don’t have the time to scour through
the top modern
company websites and online reviews
POS providers
just to find the information you need. A buyer’s guide
that finding reliable To help you cut through the noise and
make shopping for a new POS a little less
that highlights key
considerations to
take into account
information on the best painful, we’ve put together an ultimate
guide to the best modern POS systems
for restaurants. In this guide, we’ll dive
We know that no restaurant POS
system is a one-size-fits-all solution,
restaurant POS systems into in-depth reviews of all the top cloud
POS providers (including our own).
These comprehensive reviews will cover
and you need all the information you
can get in order to make an informed
decision. We hope that with this guide
can be tricky. everything from pricing to payments, to
help you narrow down the best restaurant
POS for your specific business.
to the best restaurant POS systems,
you’ll find the answers to all your
burning questions (and then some).
2
3
The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Table
of Contents
6 TouchBistro
12 Toast
18 Square for Restaurant
24 Revel
30 Clover
36 Lightspeed
42 Upserve
48 Lavu
54 Epos Now
62 Comparison Chart
66 Buyer’s Guide
4 5
The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
One of TouchBistro’s distinguishing
features (and one of its biggest strengths),
is its unique hybrid architecture. Many of
the top restaurant POS systems on the
market are strictly cloud-based, which
means that when the Internet goes down,
TouchBistro all your POS features go down with it.
In contrast, TouchBistro offers all the
Overview
convenience and remote capabilities of
TouchBistro is an award-
any other cloud POS, but there is also a
winning iPad POS system
hardwired, local connection that acts as
and integrated payment
a backup when the Internet goes down.
processing solution built
This means that even when your WiFi is
for restaurant people, by
out, your POS terminals can continue
restaurant people. Used
talking to one another, allowing you
in Canada, the U.S., the
to continue taking orders and sending
U.K., Mexico, and over
orders to the kitchen. For restaurants that
100 other countries,
can’t afford any service interruptions, TouchBistro also offers an in-house features. Unlike many of the other POS
TouchBistro is one of
this kind of reliability is a major plus. reservations management system, which solutions on the market, TouchBistro
the best restaurant POS
is something no other restaurant POS Payments is structured according to a
systems for independent
Beyond its hybrid design, another provider has. These kinds of carefully cost plus pricing model with no long-
restaurants. It has even
advantage to TouchBistro is the robust crafted, restaurant-specific features help term contracts required. With this kind
been featured as Gordon
features and products it offers. Because distinguish TouchBistro from many of of pricing model, you pay a custom
Ramsay’s POS system of
TouchBistro was designed by restaurant the other POS systems on the market – rate for every transaction, instead
choice on the hit show
industry veterans, its core features and many of which were primarily designed of a flat rate for all transactions. For
Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours
add-on solutions have been specially for retail businesses, not restaurants. most restaurants, cost plus pricing
to Hell and Back.
crafted to meet the unique demands tends to be the cheaper option for
of running a restaurant, such as taking TouchBistro has also applied the same payment processing than fixed rate
orders tableside, processing online careful approach to its integrated pricing – leaving operators with
orders, and menu engineering. payment solution that it has to its POS more money in their pockets.
6 7
The Ultimate Guide TouchBistro
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses Payments
TouchBistro boasts an extensive list of Unlike some of the other POS providers
POS features and add-on solutions that on the market, TouchBistro offers more
make it a great option for restaurants flexibility when it comes to payment
big and small. However, TouchBistro processing. TouchBistro partners with a
lacks some of the enterprise-level number of other payment partners, like
capabilities that other POS providers TSYS and Moneris in Canada, Barclaycard
offer, making it a less suitable option in the U.K., and EVO in Mexico. This
for major restaurant chains. means you have a bit more freedom
to go with the payment processing
Because TouchBistro is largely designed
solution that fits your business model
for independent restaurants and not major
or your location-specific needs.
chains, it does not have an extensive
third-party partner network. Unlike some In addition to partnerships with third-party
POS providers that offer integrations payment processors, TouchBistro also
with dozens of different partners, offers an integrated payments solution. In
TouchBistro supports integrations the U.S., customers can use TouchBistro
for a more curated list of partners. Payments powered by Chase, which is an
in-house, integrated payment processing
For instance, TouchBistro supports solution. Unlike many other payment
industry-leading partners like 7Shifts for processors, TouchBistro Payments uses a
employee scheduling and MarketMan for cost plus pricing model. With a cost plus
advanced inventory management, but pricing model, factors such as the type
it doesn’t support more niche providers of card a customer pays with, processing
like Homebase and Yellow Dog. For volume, and risk criteria are taken into
some restaurants – especially multi-unit consideration. This means you pay a
venues with complex needs – the lack of custom rate for each transaction, instead
available integrations can be a problem. of a flat rate for all transactions. The
result? You get a more competitive rate
than you would with fixed rate pricing.
8 9
The Ultimate Guide TouchBistro
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Pricing The Best POS For:
Not only are TouchBistro’s payment Independent Restaurants
processing fees competitive, but
With all the POS features you need
so are its monthly software fees.
to run a restaurant, TouchBistro
TouchBistro’s software starts at
is a great all-around solution for
$69 per month for a single license,
independent restaurants big and
and its pricing is tiered so the cost
small. And with in-house technology
decreases for each additional license
like self-serve kiosks and integrated
you add. With each package, you
reservations, TouchBistro is one of Key Takeaways
get all of TouchBistro’s core POS
the best restaurant POS systems TouchBistro
features, cloud-based reporting and
for both QSRs and FSRs.
analytics, 24/7/365 support, and -
unlimited users and logins for your A hybrid system that
Though TouchBistro can easily
staff and management. keeps working even without
support larger restaurants, it’s not
an Internet connection
equipped with the kind of enterprise-
Like other POS systems, you’ll
level capabilities required to support Seamless integration
also have to factor in additional between iOS software
nation-wide, multi-unit chains. For
costs to use TouchBistro such as and Apple’s iPad tablets
restaurants with these kinds of
installation, hardware, and payment
complex needs, a more bespoke POS Integrated payments with
processing fees (if you’re using
solution with multi-unit reporting cost-plus pricing and the
integrated payments). Because flexibility to use third-party
capabilities would be a better fit.
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS payment processors
system, you may be able to save on
Ready to get started Restaurant-specific features
some hardware costs by reusing
with TouchBistro? and add-on solutions,
your current iPad tablets (as long including integrated
as it’s a compatible generation). reservations
Book a Demo
TouchBistro also gives you the
Best for independent
option to split the cost of your POS
restaurants both big
tablets over 24 months, which is a and small
great alternative if you don’t want
to purchase your iPads outright.
10 11
The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Toast Strengths
In contrast to some of the other top
restaurant POS systems, Toast’s features
Overview
are very robust and customizable, making
Toast is one of the top
them well suited to the needs of large,
cloud-based POS systems
multi-unit restaurants. For instance, Toast
for restaurants in the
has a strong multi-location management
U.S. Unlike some of the
feature that makes it easy to manage day-
other POS systems on
to-day operations across multiple venues.
the market, Toast runs
on an Android operating
system and uses Toast also shines when it comes to
proprietary tablets as its third-party integrations. Toast works
POS terminals. Beyond its with dozens of best-in-class partners
core POS system, Toast who deliver specialized solutions for
also offers an integrated restaurants. For larger restaurants,
payments solution so you access to such a wide range of
can manage everything integrations can help them carry out
in one platform. more niche functions, such as executing
multi-channel marketing campaigns
or setting up an advanced customer
relationship management system.
12 13 13
The Ultimate Guide Toast
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Payments
Toast offers integrated payments with
all of its POS packages, making it a one-
stop-shop for your POS and payment
processing needs. However, it’s important
to note that Toast is not compatible with
Weaknesses other payment processors, and you’re
Though Toast is well equipped to handle systems are the primary target of malware, required to sign a multi-year contract.
the needs of most restaurants, one of meaning they are at a higher risk of security For many restaurants, this can be a big
Toast’s biggest weaknesses is the fact breaches. Not to mention, Toast’s system commitment to make upfront – especially
that the system is strictly cloud-based uses proprietary Android hardware, which if your business is relatively new.
and completely reliant on the Internet. will not work with other POS systems if you
This means that if your WiFi goes down, choose to make a switch down the line. It’s also important to know that Toast’s
your POS terminals will be unable to talk processing fees are structured according
to one another and you won’t be able Though it may not be a deal-breaker to a fixed rate pricing model. This means
to carry out important functions such for every restaurant, Toast’s lack of that Toast charges your restaurant
as sending orders to the kitchen. For integrated reservations is another major a fixed rate regardless of card type,
restaurants with slow or unreliable WiFi, drawback. Toast does not have an in-house processing volume, and other factors.
this can mean frequent – and potentially reservations management solution, In other words, it doesn’t matter if your
costly – interruptions to service. but instead relies on integrations with customers are using low-cost cards like
third-party reservations apps. Some third- debit cards or credit cards, you pay the
Another major drawback to Toast is that party solutions charge a fee per cover, same fee per transaction regardless.
the system runs on an Android operating which can quickly add up. Not to mention,
system. Though Android offers the some apps also own the restaurant’s On the plus side, this pricing structure
benefits of flexibility and customization, guest booking data, which means that makes your payment processing fees more
Android POS systems are less common the reservation company has control predictable and easier to budget. However,
in the restaurant industry because the of the customer relationship and can it also means you pay more because
operating system comes with a steep use your restaurant’s data to drive more the rates are priced higher than that of
learning curve and updates are often engagement for its own business – other payment processors to cover the
fragmented due to the variances in a problem you won’t have with an fluctuating interchange fees associated
available hardware. Additionally, Android in-house reservations system. with the type of card and type of payment.
14 15
The Ultimate Guide Toast
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Pricing
When compared to other cloud- The Best POS For:
based restaurant POS systems, Enterprise-Level Restaurants
Toast’s monthly software fees are With its robust features and
in line with most other providers. numerous third-party integrations,
Though Toast does have a basic there’s no doubt that Toast is a
subscription that starts at $0 per well-equipped restaurant POS. The
month, this package is primarily system is especially well suited
designed for food trucks and cafes to enterprise-level restaurants
because it includes very limited with multiple units that need the
features. Toast’s more complete kind of bespoke POS solution that Key Takeaways
Android technology can support.
offering is its Essentials package,
Toast
which starts at $165 per month
-
and is best suited for restaurants. However, Toast is less suited to
independent restaurants due to A strictly cloud-based
While Toast’s monthly software POS system
its entirely cloud-based system,
fees are reasonable, they aren’t the Runs on an Android
which can result in major service operating system and
only costs to take into account.
interruptions when the WiFi Toast’s proprietary
Remember that you’re also obligated hardware
connection is down. Toast’s high
to use Toast as your payment
payment processing fees and long- Strong multi-location
processor, which comes with its own management features
term contracts can also be a challenge that make it easy to run
set of fees. Additionally, you also multiple venues
for smaller restaurants with thinner
need to purchase Toast’s proprietary
profit margins and tighter budgets. Required to use Toast’s
hardware in order to use the POS integrated payment
processing solution and
– something that you might not
sign a multi-year contract
need to do if you switch from one
Best for enterprise-level
iPad-based POS system to another.
restaurants
16 17
The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Square for Strengths
Restaurants
Square’s biggest strength has always
been that its products are easy to use
and quick to learn. Square’s POS setup
Overview consists of Apple iPads and proprietary
Square for Restaurants hardware like the Square Terminal.
is restaurant-specific This hardware not only makes for a
software from the quick setup process, but the devices
popular mobile payment are intuitive enough for virtually any
company Square. Like staff member to pick up and learn.
the company’s other
products, Square for As most restaurateurs would probably
Restaurants is designed agree, Square’s other major draw is its
for simplicity, combining price. Square for Restaurants is one of the
an iOS-based POS system more affordable restaurant POS systems
with Square’s signature on the market, starting at just $60 per
payment processing month for one device, and another $40
services. Though Square per month for each additional device.
itself is available in The company even boasts a free version
many countries, Square of its software, though you still need to
for Restaurants is only pay for Square’s hardware and payment
available in the U.S. and processing fees in order to use it.
Canada.
18 19The Ultimate Guide Square for
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems Restaurants
Weaknesses Payments
While Square’s simplicity and Another drawback to Square for Restaurants When you sign up for Square for
affordability are part of the reason is that the system is entirely cloud-based. Restaurants, you also sign up with Square
why it’s one of the top restaurant Cloud-based systems are indeed a major as your payment processor. Square is
POS systems, all this comes at a cost. improvement over the legacy systems of an aggregator, which means it charges
Square for Restaurants is a much the past, because they are faster, more higher payment processing fees because
more basic POS system than many flexible, and can be used remotely. However, it assumes liability for its merchant base.
of its competitors. This means that entirely cloud-based systems are fully
many of Square POS features are less reliant on a strong Internet connection. In other words, the fees are structured
robust and lack some of the unique This means that if your WiFi goes down, according to a fixed rate pricing model so
functions available with other systems. Square for Restaurants goes down with you have to pay the same rate for every
it. And with many restaurants contending transaction, even if your customers are
For instance, Square’s inventory with slow, spotty, or unreliable WiFi using low-cost cards like debit cards or
feature has limited capabilities and connections, this can be a major problem. credit cards. For restaurants that process
lacks complex functions like tracking high ticket items or do a lot of processing
food and ingredient costs. Square A final weakness of Square for Restaurants volume, this means that you will probably
also lacks an in-house reservations is that you’re obligated to use Square’s be paying higher fees than necessary.
management feature, which is a product payment processing services. Though
that a growing number of FSRs rely on, there are benefits to using an integrated
especially in the wake of COVID-19. All payment processor, it also means that
this means that restaurants that need you don’t have the freedom to use other
more built-out features are forced to payment processing partners that may
rely on Square’s third-party integration offer better rates, such as those offering
partners, instead of in-house solutions. cost plus pricing.
20 21The Ultimate Guide Square for
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems Restaurants
Pricing The Best POS For:
Pricing is one area where Food Trucks and Cafes
Square for Restaurant With its affordable monthly software
shines. Unlike most of the fees and easy iPad setup, Square
top restaurant POS systems, for Restaurants is one of the best
Square actually offers a free restaurant POS systems for new
version of its software with no food service venues that are looking
monthly charges. However, to get up and running very quickly.
the free version of Square for Its simple and streamlined design
Restaurants has very limited also makes it a great option for
capabilities and you still need restaurants that process lower ticket
to pay for the necessary items or process a lower volume,
hardware and Square’s such as cafes and food trucks.
payment processing services
in order to use the system.
However, Square for Restaurants Key Takeaways
has much more limited capabilities Square for
A more comparable offering is than other restaurant POS
Restaurants
Square’s Plus package, which systems. For many FSRs and QSRs
-
costs $60 per month per – especially those that plan to
A strictly cloud-based
location, and $40 per month scale – this means that Square for POS system
per added device. This package Restaurants’ POS and reporting Seamless integrations
comes with all of Square’s core features may not be robust enough between iOS software
and Apple iPad tablets
POS features, full reporting, to support their busy operations.
and 24/7 support. Though you More basic POS features
and add-on solutions
still need to account for the
Affordable monthly
cost of hardware and Square’s
software fees, but high
payment processing fees, payment processing fees
Square for Restaurant is one Best for smaller food
of the most affordable POS service venues such as
food trucks and cafes
programs for restaurants.
22 23The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
There’s no question that Revel’s
robust list of enterprise-level features
Revel
is a major plus for many restaurants.
From its bespoke menu management
features to its advanced reporting
Overview functions, Revel’s features are powerful
Revel is an iPad-based enough to handle just about any
POS system that’s used aspect of restaurant management.
across North America, and This is ideal for managing multi-unit
in a number of countries restaurant chains because it allows
in Europe and Asia. you to compare data and insights from
Revel is best known for different venues in different locations.
its robust POS features
and its enterprise-level
Another major advantage that Revel
capabilities. The POS
has over some restaurant POS systems
system is particularly
is that it runs on Apple’s iOS operating
popular among major
system and uses iPads as its POS
multi-unit QSR chains
terminals. Unlike Android systems,
in the U.S.
iOS apps and iPads boast a seamless
integration, and updates are rolled out
automatically across devices so you
never have to worry about your software
being out of date. Not to mention,
iPads are extremely user-friendly, which
can speed up the training process.
24 25The Ultimate Guide Revel
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses Payments
While Revel’s impressive list of In addition to the high monthly As mentioned, Revel does support some
powerful POS features is a plus for software fees, there’s also the fees other payment processing partners
some restaurants, more isn’t always associated with Revel’s payment in addition to its in-house payment
better. For smaller restaurants processor, Revel Advantage. Revel processing solution, Revel Advantage.
with more straightforward needs, Advantage is structured according
Revel’s extensive and complex to a fixed rate pricing model, which Revel Advantage is structured according
features can make navigating the means that you pay a fixed rate to a fixed rate pricing model, which
software overwhelming and tough regardless of card type, processing means that you pay 2.49%, plus $0.15 per
for new staff to learn. In many volume, and other factors. For small transaction – regardless of what type of
cases, independent restaurants will restaurants that have customers card is used. On the one hand, a fixed rate
not need all the bells and whistles primarily using low-cost cards like no- pricing model means that your payment
that come with Revel’s software. fee credit cards and debit cards (versus processing rates will be more predictable
premium or rewards-based cards), and easier to budget. The tradeoff is
And for smaller restaurants, paying you could end up paying much more that you pay more on a per-transaction
for features you won’t use comes at in credit card fees than necessary. basis than other pricing models.
cost. Of all the cloud restaurant POS
systems on the market, Revel’s monthly
software fees are on the higher end.
Revel’s monthly software fees start at
$99 per month for just one terminal
and installation costs start at $649.
For smaller restaurants with thin
profit margins, these high fees can
significantly eat into monthly profits.
26 27The Ultimate Guide Revel
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Key Takeaways
Revel
-
Pricing The Best POS For:
A hybrid POS system that
At $99 per month for one Multi-Unit QSR Chains continues working
without the Internet
terminal, Revel’s monthly With some of the most robust and
software fees are higher than customizable POS features out Runs on an iOS
operating system and
many other POS programs there, Revel is an excellent option Apple hardware
for restaurants. However, this for multi-unit establishments,
Robust, enterprise-level
higher cost does mean you especially major QSR chains. POS features
get a bit more bang for your Unlike other POS providers, Revel
High fees for integrated
buck as all of Revel’s plans offers enterprise-level capabilities payment processing
come with a robust suite of such as an extensive third-party
Best for multi-unit
POS features, reporting and partner network, an open API, businesses, such as
major QSR chains
analytics, 24/7 support, and standardized hardware bundles,
personalized onboarding. and even consultative services.
Of course, not every restaurant
Beyond its monthly software
needs the kind of bespoke POS
fees, it’s also important to
system that Revel provides. For
account for the other costs
independent restaurants with
of using Revel’s POS system,
one or just a few locations, the
including installation fees,
price of Revel’s POS system
hardware, and the payment
may be too steep for features
processing fees for Revel
that can’t or won’t be used.
Advantage. While you may be
able to offset some hardware
fees if you’re switching from
another iPad-based POS
system, Revel is still one
of the priciest restaurant
POS systems out there.
28 29The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
Clover’s most unique feature, and
perhaps its biggest strength, is its app
Clover
marketplace. Clover’s App Marketplace is
stocked with a wide variety of in-house,
restaurant-specific apps, which you can
Overview download to customize your system. As
Clover POS is a cloud- a result, you can build a bespoke POS
based POS system that solution made up of only the features you
runs on an Android need to run your specific restaurant. The
operating system and Clover API is even available to developers
proprietary hardware. if you want to build a custom feature.
Unlike other restaurant
POS systems, the Clover Because Clover is essentially run on
system is made up of a apps, it comes as no surprise that the
series of apps that can company supports a lengthy list of third-
be downloaded to meet party partners. This means that even if
the needs of restaurants, Clover doesn’t offer an in-house solution
retailers, and other for a specific feature, there are plenty
small businesses. of third-party providers you can use.
30 31The Ultimate Guide Clover
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses Payments
While Clover’s unique app-based Cost is also an issue when it comes to As mentioned, Fiserv is the only
system is a plus for many restaurants, Clover’s integrated payment processing integrated payments solution that you
it can also be a drawback. In many solution. Clover was acquired by the can use with a Clover system. This
cases, the free versions of the Clover payment processing company Fiserv means you don’t have the option to shop
apps have very limited capabilities, (First Data), which means that Fiserv is around for other payment processors
meaning you need to pay to access the only integrated payments solution with better rates unless you want to use
more robust POS features – features you’re able to use. Not only does this an unintegrated solution – a situation
that generally come standard on mean you have less flexibility to use that is less than ideal for restaurants.
other POS systems. For restaurants other payment processors, but Fiserv’s
that need many different features fees are also structured according to a Fiserv’s fees are structured according
to run their business, the cost of all fixed rate pricing model, which tends to a fixed rate pricing model, which
these apps can quickly add up. to be more expensive for restaurants. means you pay a fixed rate per
transaction regardless of card type,
Finally, there’s the issue of the POS processing volume, and other factors.
system itself. Unlike many other The benefit to this model is that your
restaurant POS systems, Clover was rates are predictable, but the downside
not specifically designed for the needs is that you pay more than you would
of restaurants. Clover serves a wide with a cost plus pricing model.
variety of industries and places a heavy
emphasis on its retail solutions. As a
result, Clover does not always have
the advanced features or capabilities
to support growing restaurants.
32 33The Ultimate Guide Clover
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Key Takeaways
Clover
-
Runs on an Android
operating system and
Pricing The Best POS For: proprietary hardware
Depending on the type of Retail-Focused
Unique app ecosystem
restaurant you operate, Clover Restaurant Concepts that allows restaurateurs
can be a highly affordable With its unique app ecosystem, Clover to customize their
POS system
POS solution. The company’s is one of the most flexible and versatile
In-house POS solutions
Counter-Service Restaurants restaurant POS systems. The unique have limited capabilities
package starts at just $38.95 set up allows restaurants to pick and
Required to use Clover’s
per month for two systems, choose from a wide variety of apps, integrated payment
while its Table-Service including extensive retail and ecommerce processing solution, which
is structured according to a
Restaurant package starts at functions. As a result, Clover is well fixed rate pricing model
$69.95 per month. suited to restaurants that focus more on
Best for retail-focused
retail sales, and less on dine-in service. restaurants concepts with
less of an emphasis on
In addition to Clover’s dine-in service
monthly software fees, it’s While Clover’s app-based system is
also important to factor in the perfect for unique restaurant concepts
cost of hardware. Clover uses looking for a bespoke POS solution,
proprietary Android hardware, it’s less useful for more traditional
which means that you need restaurants. QSRs and FSRs may find
to invest in Clover’s hardware that many of Clover’s apps lack the
upfront in order to use the robust capabilities of the core features
system. For restaurants that are found on other restaurant POS systems.
currently using Apple hardware, As a result, these kinds of venues may
this is a major consideration. quickly outgrow their Clover POS.
34 35The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
One of Lightspeed’s biggest strengths is
that the system runs on an iOS operating
system and uses Apple hardware. Unlike
Android, iOS is generally considered a
more reliable and user-friendly operating
system because Apple owns both the
hardware (the iPad) and the software
Lightspeed (iOS). This not only makes for a seamless
integration between the POS software
and tablets, but also an intuitive user
Overview
experience. Not to mention, many of
Lightspeed is a popular
the other top POS providers on the
all-in-one iPad-based POS
on market use Apple hardware, which
system that’s used across
means you may be able to reuse your
Canada, the U.S., Mexico,
tablets if you switch to another iPad-
and Europe. Unlike some
based POS system down the line.
other POS systems on the
market, Lightspeed sells
Lightspeed also shines when it comes
POS systems for retail and
to third-party integrations. In addition
golf courses, in addition
to integrations with various third-
to restaurants.
party payment processors, Lightspeed
also offers integrations with best-in-
class partners for services such as
payroll, accounting, staff management,
marketing, ecommerce, and more. For
larger restaurants, these third-party
integrations can help to extend the
functionality of your POS system and
make it easier to manage all your day-to-
day operations in one place.
36 37The Ultimate Guide Lightspeed
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses Payments
While Lightspeed is used in many Another weakness of Lightspeed is its Lightspeed stands out from some of
restaurants, it’s important to note that lack of an in-house reservation system – a the other restaurant POS providers in
Lightspeed is not a restaurant-specific major consideration for just about any FSR. that the company gives you the freedom
POS solution. In addition to restaurants, Though Lightspeed does offer integrations to use third-party payment processors.
Lightspeed also sells POS systems for with third-party reservation apps like This flexibility can be beneficial to
retail businesses and golf courses. SevenRooms, Lightspeed does not have restaurateurs who may want to shop
This broad focus means that there an in-house reservations management around for the best payment processing
may be less emphasis on continuously solution. While using a third-party app may rates for their particular business.
improving features for restaurateurs. not be an issue for every restaurant,
it’s important to keep in mind that some Lightspeed also offers its own integrated
third-party solutions charge a fee per payment processing solution, which
cover, which can be an added cost each is powered by the global payments
month. Additionally, some apps also platform Stripe. Lightspeed Payments
own the restaurant’s guest booking data, is structured according to a fixed rate
which means that you won’t be able pricing model, which means that you
to use your reservations data to drive pay a fixed rate regardless of card type,
engagement for your own business. processing volume, and other factors.
While these rates are predictable, the
Beyond its product offerings, Lightspeed tradeoff is that you end up paying
also lags behind some other restaurant POS more on a per-transaction basis than
providers in terms of customer support. you would with cost plus pricing.
While Lightspeed does offer 24/7 support This is an important consideration for
with all of its POS packages, this support is restaurateurs because it could mean that
not available during major holidays. While this you pay more in payment processing
may not be a problem for some restaurants, fees than necessary if your customers
if your restaurant does remain open during are mainly using low-cost cards.
the holidays, support may not be available
during some of your busiest days of the year.
38 39The Ultimate Guide Lightspeed
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Pricing The Best POS For:
When it comes to POS software, Restaurants with a
Lightspeed’s monthly fees are in Retail Component
line with many other restaurant With expertise in POS solutions for
POS systems. Lightspeed’s retail businesses and ecommerce,
software starts at $69 per Lightspeed is an excellent solution
month for one terminal and for restaurants that also include a
each additional terminal is an retail component, such as breweries
extra $45 per month. The basic with bottle shops, or cafes that
plan includes Lightspeed’s core also sell groceries. Lightspeed
POS software, personalized not only offers in-house solutions
onboarding, basic reporting, for these unique restaurant Key Takeaways
free updates, and 24/7 support. concepts, but it also offers dozens Lightspeed
of third-party integrations that -
If you’re just using Lightspeed’s allow you to create a bespoke
Not a restaurant-specific
core POS features, the system POS solution for your business. POS solution
is fairly reasonable. However, if Runs on an iOS operating
you need a lot of different add- However, for more traditional FSRs system and Apple hardware
on solutions like loyalty, self- and QSRs, Lightspeed may not be the Large selections of
serve kiosks, a kitchen display ideal solution. Lightspeed lacks some third-party integration
partners to choose from
system, and customer facing crucial in-house solutions that many
No customer support
displays, your monthly fees can restaurants rely on for day-to-day available during major
quickly add up. Not to mention, operations, such as robust inventory holidays
if you use Lightspeed Payments, management features. Additionally, Flexibility to choose
you’ll also have to factor in the Lightspeed lacks some valuable between an in-house
integrated payment
costs of fixed rate payment add-on features, such as in-house processing solutions
or a third-party partner
processing fees, which may be reservations, which are important to
on the high end compared to today’s independent restaurants – Best for restaurants with
an integrated retail concept
other payment processors. especially in the wake of COVID-19.
40 41The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
There’s no question that Upserve’s robust
reporting and customizable analytics
is one of the system’s biggest selling
points. Beyond the usual reports that you
Upserve get with most restaurant POS systems,
Upserve also offers some unique reports
and menu intelligence tools. This includes
Overview
the Magic Quadrant report, which
Upserve, formerly known
divides your menu up into quadrants
as Breadcrumb, is an
to illustrate the frequency with which
all-in-one restaurant
each item is ordered and the success
management and
rate it has in drawing repeat customers.
payment processing
Upserve also provides you with Server
solution for restaurants
Report Cards, which can help you better
in the U.S. Upserve works
train and coach your restaurant staff.
on both iOS and Android
systems, making it one
Upserve’s customizable reporting features
of the more versatile POS
are also part of the reason the POS is a
systems on the market.
good choice for many enterprise-level
Upserve is also well known
restaurants. Upserve is equipped with a
for its in-depth reporting
number of great enterprise-level features
functions and custom
such as multi-location management and
analytics.
an open API. These kinds of features are
a huge strength and makes the platform
well suited to major restaurant chains
looking for a bespoke POS solution.
42 43The Ultimate Guide Upserve
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses Payments
While Upserve may be a great option Even for some FSRs, Upserve may not be an Like many of the best restaurant POS
for some major FSR chains, the ideal solution because it lacks an integrated systems on the market, Upserve offers
platform is lacking when it comes reservations management system. Though its own integrated payments solution
to QSR-friendly add-ons. Upserve Upserve does support most of the major called Upserve Payments. This EMV
does not offer self-serve kiosks or third-party reservation platforms, Upserve solution is billed as quick to set up,
customer facing displays – both does not have an in-house solution. This easy to use, and built for modern
of which are high-tech solutions can be a problem because some third- restaurants. However, it’s worth noting
that QSRs increasingly rely on to party systems own the data of the guests that Upserve Payments is structured
enhance the customer experience. who use the platform, meaning you have according to a fixed rate pricing model,
less insight into your guest’s behaviors and which means that you pay a fixed rate
fewer opportunities to use that information for each transaction, regardless of
to drive targeted marketing campaigns. Not card type and other factors. Though
to mention, some third-party reservation this makes your payment processing
platforms also charge a cover fee for each fees very predictable, the downside is
booking – fees that can very quickly add up. that you might end up paying more in
fees than necessary if your customers
A final drawback to Upserve is the lack of are mainly using low-cost cards.
flexibility when it comes to using third-party
payment processors. Though Upserve does If you choose not to use Upserve’s
integrate with other payment processors, integrated payment processing solution,
you need to pay a gateway fee of $99 you do have the option to use a third-
per month in addition to the fees your party processor. But, as mentioned,
processor charges just to use that third- you need to be prepared to pay a $99
party processor. In other words, if you per month gateway fee just to use
don’t want to use Upserve’s integrated your preferred payment processor.
payment processing solution, it’ll cost you.
44 45The Ultimate Guide Upserve
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Key Takeaways
Upserve
Pricing The Best POS For:
-
When it comes to pricing, Enterprise-Level FSRs
Works on both iOS and
Upserve’s Core package With some of the most robust Android systems
is highly affordable at $59 reporting features on the market,
Robust reporting features
per month, plus $60 per there’s no question that Upserve is and custom analytics
terminal per month. The a great restaurant POS option. The No in-house, integrated
drawback to this attractive platform’s custom analytics, lengthy reservations management
system available
pricing is that you don’t get list of third-party integrations, open
to enjoy all of Upserve’s great API, and multi-location management High gateway fees required
to use a third-party
POS features. For instance, features make it especially well suited payment processor
menu optimization, server to enterprise-level FSRs in need of a
Best for enterprise-level
performance, inventory custom solution. FSRs looking for a bespoke
POS solution
management, and online
ordering are all unavailable Of course, Upserve is missing some
with Upserve’s Core offering. important features, such as self-serve
kiosks and integrated reservations
If you opt for Upserve’s Pro software, which make the POS
or Pro Plus subscriptions, system less suited to the needs of
you get to enjoy a more full independent FSRs and QSRs. Not to
range of features. However, mention, Upserve’s Pro and Pro Plus
the Pro and Pro Plus plans plans are on the pricier side, which
come with steep fees, making may make the system too expensive
Upserve one of the pricier POS for some independent operators
systems for restaurants. And working with tight budgets.
keep in mind that even with
the Pro and Pro Plus plans,
you’ll still have to factor in the
monthly cost of certain add-on
features, such as gift cards.
46 47The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
Like many of the best restaurant POS
systems, Lavu offers a wide range
of features, add-ons, and third-party
integrations. However, Lavu has gone
the extra mile to develop dedicated POS
Lavu
solutions for several niche restaurant
concepts. For instance, Lavu offers
a Pizza POS equipped with tools like
Overview the Pizza Creator that allows you to
Lavu is an iPad-based build and customize virtual pizzas
POS and payment on your device for easy preparation,
processing system pricing, and delivery. Lavu also offers
used by restaurants in similar POS solutions for other niche
more than 90 different restaurant concepts such as ice cream
countries worldwide. shops, wineries, breweries, and more.
Founded in 2010, Lavu
has more than 10 years Lavu also sets itself apart from
of experience providing competitors when it comes to its
restaurant management payment processing options. Unlike
solutions and boasts many of the top restaurant POS systems,
more than 300 features Lavu does not require customers to
and add-on solutions. use its in-house payment processing
solution, LavuPay. This means that
customers have the freedom to shop
around and choose from one of Lavu’s
many other integrated payment
processing partners, including PayPal.
48 49The Ultimate Guide Lavu
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses Payments
When it comes to POS features, Lavu Lavu is also lacking when it comes to As mentioned above, Lavu sets itself
offers restaurant-specific tools for just an integrated reservations management apart from many other POS programs for
about any scenario you could think of. solution. Though Lavu does support restaurants by offering a lot of flexibility
However, Lavu’s “do it all” approach third-party reservation partners, there is when it comes to payment processing.
sometimes means that the quality of no in-house solution available. This can Lavu customers can use the company’s
its features is not consistent across the be a problem for restaurants because in-house payments solution, LavuPay,
board. For instance, Lavu’s inventory some of these third-party integration or choose from a number of other
management feature is very robust partners charge per cover fees that can integrated payment processing partners.
and can support restaurants of nearly quickly add up. Some of these reservation This type of flexibility is beneficial for
any size. On the other hand, many of partners also own your restaurant’s restaurateurs because it means you
Lavu’s other features – specifically customer data, which means that you can compare payment processing rates
its staff management and floor plan won’t be able to use that information and choose the most cost-effective
management features – fall short. for your own marketing purposes. option for your specific venue.
Finally, Lavu struggles when it comes to If you do choose to use LavuPay, it’s
providing consistent customer service important to note that this integrated
and technical support. While the company payment processing solution is structured
boasts 24/7 U.S.-based support, user according to a fixed rate pricing model.
reviews note that the support they Fixed rate pricing tends to be more
receive is not always helpful. While every expensive than cost plus pricing because
software certainly has its share of negative payment processors set their rates higher
online reviews, the complaints about to cover the cost of different types of
Lavu’s customer support show some cards. If you know your customers tend to
concerning trends that are worth noting. use low-cost cards, it might be cheaper
to go with one of Lavu’s other payment
processing partners over LavuPay.
50 51The Ultimate Guide Lavu
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Key Takeaways
Lavu
-
Pricing The Best POS For:
Runs on iOS and uses
When it comes to pricing, Highly Specific Apple iPad tablets as the
POS terminals
Lavu’s software starts at a very Restaurant Concepts
reasonable $69 USD per month With an extensive list of features, Cloud-based POS system
with the option to add a
for a single POS terminal. For numerous third-party integration local connection for an
this price, you get all of Lavu’s partners, and flexible payment extra charge
core POS features, including processing options, Lavu is a great No in-house, integrated
24/7 support, and real-time POS option for many restaurants. Lavu reservations management
system available
sales and labor reporting. is particularly well suited to venues
Integrated payments with
If you need more than one such as pizzerias, ice cream shops,
fixed rate pricing pricing
terminal, you will need to breweries, and wineries because or the flexibility to use
third-party payment
contact Lavu directly as the of its highly specialized solutions processors
company does not publicly for niche restaurant concepts.
Best for highly specific
disclose the price of its multi- restaurant concepts
terminal or enterprise plans. While Lavu excels when it comes to such as pizzerias, ice cream
shops, wineries, etc.
creating features for very specific
restaurant concepts like pizzerias,
this “do it all” approach means that
some of Lavu’s core POS features are
lacking. Instead of focusing on the
quality of its core POS features, Lavu
seems to prioritize quantity. For many
busy QSRs and FSRs, this means that
Lavu’s core POS features may not be
robust enough to keep up with the
demands of day-to-day operations.
52 53The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Strengths
Unlike nearly every other restaurant POS
system on the market, Epos Now can be
run on iOS, Android, or Windows. The
POS is compatible with Google Chrome
Epos Now and Safari web browsers, which means
that you can run the system on any
device that supports those browsers.
Overview
There is also an iPad app available, so
Epos Now is a cloud-
you can use an iPad as a POS terminal
based software provider
and for certain back-office functions.
that specializes in POS
This kind of flexibility is extremely
systems for retail and
beneficial for restaurateurs because it
hospitality businesses. The
means you can choose the operating
company is based in the
system and hardware that works best for
U.K., however, it has since
your particular restaurant and budget.
expanded its availability to
North America, Australia,
Epos Now also bills itself as a budget-
and New Zealand.
friendly solution overall. Epos Now’s
software starts at just $49 per month,
and varies based on the number of
locations you have and the number of
POS terminals you need. Though Epos
Now’s basic software package doesn’t
include technical support, it’s still an
affordable option for restaurants that
need a very basic restaurant POS system.
54 55The Ultimate Guide Epos Now
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Weaknesses
Payments
While Epos Now may be relatively you will need to purchase a separate
Unlike some of the major POS providers
affordable, the trade-off of a lower price technical support package for a minimum
on the market, Epos Now gives
tag is that you end up with a much of 12-months – a cost that can quickly
customers the flexibility to choose
more basic POS system. Epos Now add up. While pricey, purchasing this
between several integrated payment
was originally designed for retail, so additional support package is something
processing partners or building a
its restaurant-specific features are still to strongly consider because Epos Now
custom payments integration using the
fairly basic. While you will be able to has no community page where users
company’s API. This is beneficial for
carry out everyday tasks such as taking can come together to troubleshoot
restaurateurs who want to shop around
orders and splitting checks, you won’t issues, and the brand’s online self-
and make sure they choose the payment
be able to carry out more complex help guides are fairly limited.
processing partner that offers the best
tasks or create custom reports. Not to
rate for their particular restaurant.
mention, if you need any special add- Finally, there’s the issue of Epos Now’s
ons like online ordering or reservations, system itself. Epos Now is a strictly
However, it’s important to note that if you
you’ll have to rely on third-party cloud-based POS system that requires
choose to use a payment processor that’s
integrations because Epos Now doesn’t a stable Internet connection to operate.
not integrated with Epos Now, you’ll have
offer any of its own in-house solutions. If your WiFi connection is interrupted
to carry out all credit card transactions
or lost entirely, Epos Now’s terminals
separately and enter the amounts from
Beyond missing features, Epos Now is will be unable to talk to one another
each transaction manually into the
also lacking when it comes to technical and you will instantly lose essential
POS system. For any restaurant that
support. That’s because support is not functions, such as the ability to send
processes a high volume of transactions,
actually included with any of Epos Now’s orders to the kitchen. For restaurants
this is a major consideration because
software packages. This means that if with notoriously slow or unreliable WiFi,
manually entering each transaction is not
you want to ensure you can actually this can mean constant interruptions
only time consuming, but also carries
reach someone when problems arise, to service and even lost revenue.
the risk of costly data entry errors.
56 57The Ultimate Guide Epos Now
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
Key Takeaways
Epos Now
-
Pricing The Best POS For:
Runs on iOS, Android, or
As mentioned already, Small-Scale Windows operating systems
and is compatible with a
Epos Now bills itself as one of Foodservice Businesses wide range of hardware
the most affordable POS systems Based on its affordable pricing, flexible
A strictly cloud-based
out there. And if you need a hardware options, and uncomplicated POS system that relies
bare-bones POS solution and POS features, it’s clear that Epos Now is a on an Internet connection
to operate
basic hardware, Epos Now is good option for small-scale foodservice
indeed a budget-friendly option. businesses with relatively straightforward Basic core POS features
and no in-house add-ons
needs. For instance, businesses such as available
But while Epos Now’s monthly ice cream shops, juice bars, and coffee
Flexibility to choose
software fees may be on the carts would benefit from a system like from several integrated
third-party payment
low end, there are other fees to Epos Now because it covers all the processors
account for. For instance, Epos basics, and won’t weigh you down with
Best for basic foodservice
Now’s software subscriptions do unnecessary features or pricey add-ons. businesses with very
not include technical support,
straightforward needs
so you have to factor in the However, if you need to carry out
added cost of an annual support anything more than basic POS functions,
package. There are also other you’ll likely find Epos Now inadequate.
hidden fees to consider with Epos Now was not originally created
Epos Now, such as the cost to for hospitality businesses and many
upload a spreadsheet to the of its restaurant POS features are still
system, and extra fees if you limited. Not to mention, Epos Now also
don’t integrate your POS with doesn’t offer any in-house solutions for
one of Epos Now’s payment add-ons like online ordering or loyalty
processors within 60 days – all of that can help your restaurant scale.
which can add up to make Epos For many QSRs and FSRs, a system like
Now a much more expensive Epos Now is likely not robust enough to
option than it initially seems. support a growing restaurant business.
58 59The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
When it comes to
choosing a POS
system, ease of use,
affordability, and
reliability are the
top 3 considerations
for today’s restaurateurs.
60 61Square for
TouchBistro Toast Restaurants Revel Clover Lightspeed Upserve Lavu Epos Now
The Ultimate Guide
to the Best Restaurant POS Systems
POS System:
POS System: POS System:
POS System: POS System: POS System: POS System: POS System: Cloud-based POS System:
Hybrid cloud Hybrid cloud
Cloud-based Cloud-based Cloud-based Cloud-based Cloud-based (locally installed
Cloud-based
and POS-based and POS-based connection costs an
additional fee)
Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating
Compare
System: System: System: System: System: Operating Operating Operating
System:
iOS Android iOS iOS Android System: System: System:
iOS, Android,
iOS iOS and Android iOS
and Windows
Your Available in:
CAD, U.S., MX,
Available in:
U.S.
Available in:
CAD, U.S.
Available in:
U.S., CAD, U.K.,
AU, SG, HK, SA,
Available in:
CAD, U.S., U.K.
Available in:
CAD, U.S., MX,
Available in: Available in:
Available in:
U.K., IE, CAD,
Options
U.K., and more KW, U.A.E., U.S. U.S. and MX U.S., MX,
Europe
and more and more
Hardware: Hardware:
Hardware: Hardware: Hardware: Hardware: Hardware: Hardware: Hardware:
iPads and Android tablets,
iPads Android tablets iPads iPads Android tablets iPads iPads
Android tablets or PCs
Core POS Features Core POS Features
Menu Management Menu Management
(limited
Staff Management Staff Management capabilities)
(included in Pro
(limited (CAD and (only basic stock and Pro Plus
Inventory Management capabilities) U.S. only) Inventory Management management
capabilities)
packages; add-on
for Core package)
Floor Plan Management Floor Plan Management
Tableside Ordering Tableside Ordering
Reporting Reporting
1:1 Onboarding 1:1 Onboarding
Customer Support 24/7/365 24/7/365 24/7 (with Plus and 24/7/365 24/7/365 Customer Support 24/7 24/7/365 24/7/365
(support is an
24/7 additional fee)
Premium plans)
Add-On Solutions Add-On Solutions
Integrated Payments
(U.S. only)
Integrated Payments (U.S. only)
(CAD and (included in Pro
and Pro Plus
Online Ordering U.S. only) Online Ordering packages; add-on
for Core package)
Integrated Delivery Integrated Delivery
Delivery Management Delivery Management
(for call-in
Integrated Reservations
(limited Integrated Reservations bookings only)
capabilities)
Gift Cards Gift Cards
(U.S. only)
(included in Pro
Customer Relationship Management, Customer Relationship Management, and Pro Plus
packages; add-on
Loyalty, and Marketing
(U.S. only) Loyalty, and Marketing for Core package)
(CAD, U.S.,
Self-Serve Kiosks and U.K. only) Self-Serve Kiosks
(CAD, U.S.,
Kitchen Display Systems and U.K. only) Kitchen Display Systems
(CAD and
Customer Facing Display U.S. only) (U.S. only) Customer Facing Display
(CAD, U.S.,
Digital Menu Board and U.K. only) Digital Menu Board
62 63You can also read
