Best POS Systems For Restaurants in 2025

Last updated: September 2025

The right restaurant point of sale (POS) system can make all the difference. Whether you run a small café, a bustling pizzeria, or a full-service restaurant, this guide compares the top restaurant POS systems to help you find the perfect fit. From Toast to Lightspeed, we’ll break down features, pricing, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

Best for Restaurants
Toast
Toast
Ideal for pizzerias & food trucks
Starter kit starting at $0/month
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan
  • Start for free
  • Customize your package
  • Features to help your restaurant adapt
iconicon
Toast
Starting from:
$0/mo
Free Plan
Ideal for pizzerias & food trucks
iconicon
Save time on restaurant operations
Powering the world's best businesses
Starting from: $189/yr
  • Hassle-free online ordering
  • Kitchen display system
  • Fully-integrated restaurant system
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Lightspeed Restaurant
Starting from:
$189/yr
Save time on restaurant operations
iconicon
POS system for your restaurant
Customize menus with an easy interface
Starting from: $69/mo
  • Manage tables with smart floor plan tools
  • Boost loyalty with custom rewards plans
  • Simplify staff scheduling and payroll
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TouchBistro
Starting from:
$69/mo
POS system for your restaurant
iconicon
Utilize virtual terminal for remote payments
Accept payments with contactless options
Starting from: $13/mo
30-Day Free Trial
  • Cloud-hosted & accessible from anywhere
  • Accept payments & track inventory
  • Offer gift cards to boost customer retention
iconiconicon
Clover
Starting from:
$13/mo
30-Day Free Trial
Utilize virtual terminal for remote payments
iconiconicon
All-in-one POS platform
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan
  • Free setup & no hidden fees
  • Create customer profiles in seconds
  • Simple to use inventory management
iconiconicon
Square
Starting from:
$0/mo
Free Plan
All-in-one POS platform
iconiconicon
Mobile POS for on-the-go payments
Boost loyalty with built-in CRM tools
Starting from: $99/mo
  • Integrates with top e-commerce platforms
  • Automated rewards & marketing
  • Seamless Bluetooth app connectivity
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SumUp
Starting from:
$99/mo
Mobile POS for on-the-go payments
Learn More
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High value restaurant POS system
Customize restaurant menus effortlessly
Starting from: $59/mo
  • Offset 99% of credit card fees
  • Affordable and easy-to-use iPad technology
  • Offer easy online ordering to boost sales
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Lavu
Starting from:
$59/mo
High value restaurant POS system
Learn More
iconicon
Utilize integrated payment processing
Enhance service with tableside ordering
Starting from: $11.99/mo
  • Securely access your data from the cloud
  • Get powerful analytics on real-time sales
  • Leverage open API & integrated partners
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Revel
Starting from:
$11.99/mo
Utilize integrated payment processing
Learn More
iconiconicon
Restaurant focused POS platform
Starting from: $0/mo
  • 24/7 support & low commission rates
  • Ability to build custom menus
  • Simplify staff scheduling and payroll
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SpotOn
Starting from:
$0/mo
Restaurant focused POS platform
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pos for restaurants

Choosing the right restaurant POS system can save you hours of manual work, reduce waste, and improve service speed. Whether you’re opening a small café, managing a full-service restaurant, or running multiple locations, the best POS software helps you stay efficient and profitable. In this guide, we break down the top-rated POS systems of 2025 —including free and paid options—so you can find the perfect fit for your restaurant’s needs and budget.

TL;DR – Top Restaurant POS Picks

  • Best Overall POS: Toast – Free plan + excellent for full-service restaurants
  • Best for Multi-Location: Lightspeed – Advanced inventory & central management
  • Most Budget-Friendly: Square for Restaurants – $0/month basic plan
  • Best for Cafes & Food Trucks: SumUp – Mobile POS with compact hardware

Scroll down to see full comparisons, features, and pricing breakdowns.

What is a Restaurant POS System?

A restaurant POS (Point of Sale) system combines hardware and software to help food businesses run smoothly. It’s where you take orders, accept payments, track sales, and manage daily tasks—all in one place.

Unlike basic cash registers, a restaurant POS is designed specifically for food service. It can handle table management, split bills, tips, online orders, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling. Some systems also include features like kitchen display screens, loyalty programs, and real-time sales reports.

Whether you’re running a food truck, coffee shop, or full-service restaurant, a POS system helps you save time, reduce errors, and improve the overall dining experience for both staff and customers.


Why You Can Trust the Expertise of Sonary

At Sonary, we are committed to providing accurate and trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions. Our research process is meticulous, transparent, and guided by a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ensuring accurate, real-world insights.

Read more Unlike many other review platforms, we conduct in-depth evaluations of the software and services we feature. Our expert team tests and actively uses the tools we review to understand their features, performance, and value comprehensively. Our assessments are based on real-world use, giving you insights beyond surface-level descriptions. Our research methodology includes analyzing key consumer factors such as pricing, functionality, device usability, scalability, customer support quality, and unique industry-specific features. This hands-on approach and dedication to transparency mean you can trust Sonary to deliver regular, up-to-date content and recommendations that are well-researched and genuinely helpful for your business needs.

Comparison Table of the Best POS Software for Restaurants

POS Software Best For Starting Price Key Features
Toast POS Full-Service Restaurants $0; Free basic plan Order & table management, online ordering, payroll integration, loyalty programs, offline mode
Lightspeed Restaurant Multi-Location Restaurants $189/year Cloud-based, advanced inventory, multi-location management, CRM features
TouchBistro Ease of Use and Quick Setup $69/month per terminal iPad-based, offline capabilities, tableside ordering, detailed reporting
Clover POS Flexibility and Customization $89.95/month Modular hardware, customizable apps, inventory management, loyalty programs
Square for Restaurants Budget-Friendly Solutions $0; Free basic plan No upfront costs, integrated payments, online ordering, transparent fees
SumUp POS Small Cafes and Food Trucks $99/month Compact mobile POS, simple payment processing, basic reporting
Lavu POS Customizable Restaurant Operations $59/month per terminal Customizable workflows, integrated payments, inventory tracking, robust reporting
SpotOn POS Customer Engagement and Loyalty $0; Free basic plan Integrated marketing tools, advanced analytics, online ordering, employee management

1. Toast POS – Best for Full-Service Restaurants

Toast POS is a cloud-based, all-in-one solution specifically designed for restaurants. Its robust feature set caters to full-service establishments, fast-casual dining, and bars.

Brand Logo
Toast
Starting from:
$0 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Toast review.
Toast POS is a cloud-based POS system tailored to restaurants. It offers special features for restaurant management and a diverse array of features for restaurant management and revenue maximization.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants
v-pro
Food Truck

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Android
v-pro
Cloud-Based
v-pro
On-place Installation
v-pro
Windows
v-pro
Mac

Pricing Options

v-pro
Free Trial
v-pro
Monthly Subscription
v-pro
Annual Subscription
v-pro
One-Time License
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Streamlined back office operations
v-pro
Excellent integration between kitchen and service staff
v-pro
Multi-location menu management
v-pro
Fairly priced

Cons

x-con
Only available on Android
x-con
Early termination fee
x-con
Not suitable for large restaurants or chains

Key Features:

  • Order and table management with real-time updates.
  • Customizable menus with modifiers and easy item editing.
  • Integrated online ordering and delivery options.
  • Employee management tools, including scheduling and payroll.
  • Robust reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions.
  • Offline mode for uninterrupted service.
  • Loyalty programs and gift card integration.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $69/month per terminal, with additional fees for add-ons.
  • Hardware costs are separate and can vary based on setup.

Best For:

Toast is best for full-service restaurants that need a comprehensive solution for front-of-house and back-of-house operations.

2. Lightspeed Restaurant – Best for Multi-Location Restaurants

Lightspeed Restaurant offers a flexible and scalable POS system ideal for restaurants with multiple locations. It’s known for its advanced inventory management and powerful integrations.

Brand Logo
Lightspeed Restaurant
Starting from:
$189 /yr
Free plan / Free trial:
Not Available
Learn more about Lightspeed Restaurant review.
Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to streamline operations for various dining establishments. Its intuitive interface simplifies order management, while robust inventory tracking ensures optimal stock levels. The system's customizable menu options and detailed sales analytics empower restaurateurs to make informed decisions, enhancing efficiency and profitability. In this Lightspeed Restaurant POS review, I'll discuss features, performance, customer service, and Lightspeed pricing.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Retail Store
v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Cloud-Based
v-pro
Windows
v-pro
Mac

Pricing Options

v-pro
Free Trial
v-pro
Monthly Subscription
v-pro
Annual Subscription
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Payments, POS and eCommerce all in one place
v-pro
Wide hardware compatibility makes customization easy
v-pro
Interface is intuitive and simple to use
v-pro
Lots of support options and helpful tutorials

Cons

x-con
Some desirable features only included in the top tier plans
x-con
Add-ons can ramp up the cost
x-con
You are tied in to an annual contract

Key Features:

  • Cloud-based system accessible from anywhere.
  • Advanced inventory management with real-time tracking.
  • Multi-location management for centralized control.
  • Customizable floor plans and table management.
  • Integrated payment processing and reporting.
  • CRM features to build customer loyalty.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $69/month per register.
  • Additional costs for premium features and hardware.

Best For:

Lightspeed is best for multi-location restaurants or establishments with complex inventory and management needs.

3. TouchBistro – Best for Ease of Use and Quick Setup

TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS system designed with ease of use in mind. It’s perfect for restaurants, cafes, and food trucks looking for a straightforward, intuitive solution.

Brand Logo
TouchBistro
Starting from:
$69 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Not Available
Learn more about TouchBistro review.
TouchBistro is an all-in-one POS and restaurant management system that makes running a restaurant easier. Providing the most essential front of the house, back of the house, and guest engagement solutions on one powerful platform, helps restaurateurs streamline and simplify their operations.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Nightclub
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants
v-pro
Food Truck

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Cloud-Based
v-pro
On-place Installation
v-pro
Mac

Pricing Options

v-pro
Free Trial
v-pro
Monthly Subscription
v-pro
Annual Subscription
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Intuitive system build specifically for restaurants
v-pro
Easily manage online ordering and table reservations
v-pro
24/7 support available
v-pro
A wide choice of add-ons

Cons

x-con
Some additional features cost extra
x-con
Only supports iPads
x-con
Pricing for multiple users could be more transparent

Key Features:

  • iPad-based POS system with a user-friendly interface.
  • Offline capabilities for uninterrupted service.
  • Menu management with easy updates and customization.
  • Tableside ordering and payment processing.
  • Detailed sales reports and analytics.
  • Employee management tools.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $69/month per terminal.
  • Hardware packages available at additional cost.

Best For:

TouchBistro is best for small to mid-sized restaurants looking for an easy-to-use, quick-to-implement POS system.

4. Clover POS – Best for Flexibility and Customization

Clover POS is known for its customizable features and flexible hardware options. It’s ideal for restaurants that want to tailor their POS system to specific business needs.

Brand Logo
Clover
Starting from:
$13 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Clover review.
Clover is a user-friendly point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium businesses, offering a range of software and hardware tailored to different industries, from retail to restaurants. While not the most affordable, its diverse payment partners make it a reliable choice. Developed by Clover Network Inc., a First Data Corporation subsidiary, Clover POS delivers a comprehensive solution for payment processing, inventory management, and sales tracking.

Features

Best For

v-pro
Retail Store
v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Nightclub
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants
v-pro
Food Truck

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
Android
v-pro
Cloud-Based

Pricing Options

v-pro
Free Trial
v-pro
Monthly Subscription
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Attractive pricing 30-day trial at no cost
v-pro
Affordable hardware beginning at $49
v-pro
Feature-packed Ideal for businesses with an online presence
v-pro
Round-the-clock phone and email assistance.

Cons

x-con
You can't apply for the POS online; it requires interaction with a sales representative
x-con
Pricing information isn't clear-cut
x-con
No complimentary plan available

Key Features:

  • Modular hardware options, from handheld devices to full terminals.
  • Customizable apps from the Clover App Market.
  • Tableside ordering and payment.
  • Inventory management with real-time updates.
  • Employee and shift management.
  • Integrated loyalty programs and customer engagement tools.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $39.95/month for basic plans.
  • Hardware costs vary based on setup.

Best For:

Clover is best for restaurants looking for flexibility in both hardware and software, with the ability to customize features via third-party apps.

5. Square for Restaurants – Best for Budget-Friendly Solutions

Square for Restaurants is a popular choice for its affordable pricing, ease of use, and comprehensive features tailored for restaurant management.

Brand Logo
Square
Starting from:
$0 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Square review.
Square is one of the most popular and effective POS systems on the market. The company’s success can be credited to the overall excellent performance they offer. They provide you with a powerful tool excellent for many different business types.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Retail Store
v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Nightclub
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants
v-pro
Food Truck

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Android
v-pro
Cloud-Based

Pricing Options

v-pro
Free Trial
v-pro
Freemium
v-pro
Monthly Subscription
v-pro
One-Time License
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
No monthly payment
v-pro
Next-business-day transfers
v-pro
Inexpensive long-term option
v-pro
Comprehensive inventory management

Cons

x-con
Not great for all industries
x-con
Some performance issues

Key Features:

  • No upfront costs with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  • Customizable menus and table layouts.
  • Integrated payment processing with transparent fees.
  • Online ordering and delivery integrations.
  • Employee management and time tracking.
  • Detailed reporting and analytics.

Pricing:

  • Free basic plan available; plus plans start at $60/month per location.
  • 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction for payment processing.

Best For:

Square is best for small to mid-sized restaurants looking for an affordable, all-in-one POS solution with minimal upfront costs.

6. SumUp POS – Best for Small Cafes and Food Trucks

SumUp POS offers simple, mobile-friendly POS solutions that are ideal for small cafes, food trucks, and pop-up restaurants.

Brand Logo
SumUp
Starting from:
$99 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Not Available
Learn more about SumUp review.
SumUp is a cutting-edge provider of point-of-sale (POS) solutions designed to simplify payment processing for businesses of all sizes. Offering versatile hardware and software, the SumUp software supports chip, swipe, and contactless payments, making it easy for merchants to accept all payment methods. Its mobile POS systems connect seamlessly to the SumUp app via Bluetooth, enabling businesses to process transactions anywhere. SumUp's POS systems boast features like real-time sales tracking, customizable receipts, multi-user accounts, and integration with popular e-commerce platforms, ensuring businesses have all the tools they need to manage payments efficiently. With a range of affordable options, SumUp delivers unmatched convenience, empowering companies to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. In this SumUp POS review I'll discuss SumUp pricing, features, performance, and more.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Retail Store
v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Nightclub
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants
v-pro
Food Truck

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Android
v-pro
Cloud-Based
v-pro
Windows
v-pro
Mac

Pricing Options

v-pro
Monthly Subscription
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Lower-than-average transaction fees
v-pro
Ability to process international cards
v-pro
Easy-to-use platform
v-pro
They provide you with a card reader

Cons

x-con
Customer service may be difficult to reach at times

Key Features:

  • Compact, mobile POS system for on-the-go use.
  • Simple payment processing with transparent fees.
  • Inventory management for small-scale operations.
  • Sales tracking and basic reporting.
  • No contracts or hidden fees.

Pricing:

  • No monthly fees; 2.75% per transaction.
  • Affordable hardware options starting at $19.

Best For:

SumUp is best for small businesses and mobile vendors needing a simple, low-cost POS solution.

7. Lavu POS – Best for Customizable Restaurant Operations

Lavu POS is a flexible, iPad-based system that caters to a wide range of restaurant types, from quick-service to full-service establishments.

Brand Logo
Lavu
Starting from:
$59 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Not Available
Learn more about Lavu review.
Lavu’s Point of Sale (POS) software is an innovative and versatile solution designed for the food and beverage industry. Serving businesses like full-service and quick-service restaurants, bars, nightclubs, food trucks, ice cream shops, cafes, and wineries, Lavu simplifies key operational tasks. With its intuitive interface, it streamlines POS systems, kiosks, online ordering, cash discounts, invoice management, and payment processing. Lavu's POS tool stands out for its robust features, including mobile POS, inventory tracking, integrated payment solutions, and customer relationship management (CRM). It ensures efficient sales analytics, seamless e-commerce integration, and comprehensive multi-location management, making it a powerful choice for businesses looking to scale. In this Lavu POS review, I’ll discuss features, performance, Lavu POS pricing, and more.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Nightclub
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants
v-pro
Food Truck

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Cloud-Based
v-pro
Mac

Pricing Options

v-pro
Monthly Subscription
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Supports local server use
v-pro
Supports kitchen display system
v-pro
Ideal for all restaurant types
v-pro
Wide range of third-party integration

Cons

x-con
Limiting software requirement

Key Features:

  • Customizable workflows to fit various restaurant types.
  • Integrated payment processing and online ordering.
  • Inventory tracking with low-stock alerts.
  • Employee scheduling and management tools.
  • Robust reporting for sales and performance insights.
  • Offline mode for uninterrupted service.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $59/month per terminal.
  • Additional fees for premium features and hardware.

Best For:

Lavu is best for restaurants looking for a highly customizable POS system that can adapt to unique operational needs.

8. SpotOn POS – Best for Customer Engagement and Loyalty

SpotOn POS combines powerful POS features with strong customer engagement and marketing tools, making it ideal for restaurants focused on building customer loyalty.

Brand Logo
SpotOn
Starting from:
$0 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Not Available
Learn more about SpotOn review.
SpotOn is an all-in-one, cloud-based Point of Sale system that equips businesses with everything they need to thrive. With its robust POS software, SpotOn enables you to process payments, manage inventory, and track sales effortlessly. This user-friendly system integrates Mobile POS, e-commerce, and Integrated Payment Solutions, making it ideal for both in-store and selling online. Plus, SpotOn offers 24/7 support to ensure your business stays operational without hiccups. In this SpotOn POS review, I'll dive into its features, performance, SpotOn POS pricing, and more.
Features

Best For

v-pro
Retail Store
v-pro
Coffee Shop
v-pro
Quick Service
v-pro
Bars
v-pro
Restaurants

General Features

v-pro
Inventory Management
v-pro
Loyalty Program
v-pro
Mobile Compatibility
v-pro
Online Ordering
v-pro
Reporting
v-pro
Split Checks
v-pro
Manage Tips
v-pro
Staff Scheduling
v-pro
Offline Payments
v-pro
Customer Profiles
v-pro
Multidevice Payments
v-pro
Gift Card Support
v-pro
Accounting Integration
v-pro
Tableside Ordering
v-pro
Floor Plan Management
v-pro
Customer-Facing Display
v-pro
Self-Service Kiosk

Hardware & Software

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Android
v-pro
Cloud-Based
v-pro
On-place Installation

Pricing Options

v-pro
Monthly Subscription
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
24/7 customer support
v-pro
Restaurant-focused platform
v-pro
Low commission rates
v-pro
No annual contract

Cons

x-con
Add-on costs
x-con
No free trial or money-back guarantee
x-con
Must use SpotOn hardware only

Key Features:

  • Integrated marketing tools for promotions and loyalty programs.
  • Customizable menus and floor plans.
  • Advanced reporting and analytics.
  • Employee management and scheduling.
  • Online ordering and delivery integrations.
  • Flexible hardware options.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $65/month per terminal.
  • Payment processing fees and hardware costs vary.

Best For:

SpotOn is best for restaurants that prioritize customer engagement and loyalty, offering built-in marketing tools alongside robust POS features.

Why Do Restaurants Need a POS System?

A restaurant POS system is more than just a tool for processing payments. It’s the backbone of your operations, helping you:

  • Manage orders and inventory
  • Track sales and customer data
  • Streamline employee scheduling
  • Improve customer experiences
  • With the best POS software for restaurants, you can save time, reduce errors, and focus on growing your business.
  • Improve Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks like order entry and payment processing.
  • Enhance Customer Experience: Faster service, accurate orders, and personalized interactions.
  • Boost Profits: Track sales trends, manage inventory, and reduce operational costs.
  • Scale Operations: Easily adapt to growing business needs, whether you’re adding new locations or expanding your menu.

How To Choose A POS System For Your Restaurant

1. Business Type & Size

  • Small restaurants: Look for affordable, all-in-one systems with free plans (e.g., Toast, Square).
  • Large or multi-location: Prioritize centralized inventory, multi-location support, and advanced reporting (e.g., Lightspeed, Clover).
  • Cafes/food trucks: Choose compact, mobile POS systems that work offline and on-the-go (e.g., SumUp, TouchBistro).

2. Core Features You Shouldn’t Skip

  • 🍽️ Menu customization & table layouts
  • 🔁 Real-time order & inventory tracking
  • 📊 Actionable reporting & sales analytics
  • 📱 Online ordering & delivery integrations
  • 🧾 Tip tracking & receipt printing
  • 👥 Employee scheduling & time tracking
  • 🌐 Offline mode support

3. Ease of Use & Setup

  • Simple onboarding reduces staff training time
  • Cloud-based systems offer easy updates and remote access
  • Tablet/iPad-based interfaces speed up service (especially for table-side ordering)

4. Scalability & Customization

  • Does the POS grow with your business?
  • Can you add users, devices, or features later?
  • Is the system modular (like Clover) or all-in-one?

5. Customer Support

  • Look for 24/7 tech support—essential during peak hours
  • Cloud POS typically resolves issues faster than on-premise setups

6. Hardware Compatibility

  • Check if you can use your own tablet or if proprietary hardware is required
  • Consider mobile readers, KDS displays, and printers

What exactly is a POS system?

A POS system is used to process transactions. In the case of a restaurant, for the payments made for the food and drinks ordered. This software calculates the amount of money to be paid, as well as processes the payments, and creates receipts for both sides. POS systems of today do far more than simply make seamless transactions. They can also record data that can be used for more long-term business purposes. Modern POS systems can do much more than facilitate transactions. They offer seamless integration with existing accounting software, enhancing operational efficiency. For a restaurant, POS software is really a core component, if not the main part of the business, providing the ability to bring everything together in daily operations.

Another crucial feature of restaurant POS systems is inventory tracking, which allows business owners to monitor stock levels closely.

The importance of a restaurant POS software

A dependable POS software is needed to track various things for your restaurant, such as sales, cash flow, expenses, and inventory. With the right POS system, you can also ease the bookkeeping process for your restaurant. Having a good restaurant computer system also helps make things a lot easier. POS systems such as Toast have been specifically designed with food service in mind.

Many POS service providers offer credit card processing agreements, removing the need for other providers. Furthermore, employee theft is also lowered thanks to POS systems, which tend to be a common workplace problem. Certain POS systems also enable you to keep track of the hours of your employee’s work. Additionally, customer loyalty programs integrated within these systems enhance customer retention and improve operational efficiency. For businesses managing multiple locations, these systems offer features that streamline operations across various sites.

Types of Restaurants That Benefit from a POS System

  • Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs): Fast food joints and food trucks benefit from speed and mobility.
  • Full-Service Restaurants: Fine dining establishments use POS systems for tableside ordering and detailed reporting.
  • Cafes and Bakeries: Manage complex menus and high customer turnover with ease.
  • Bars and Breweries: Track drink sales, manage tabs, and monitor inventory.

Benefits of Using a POS System for Restaurants

  • Streamlined Operations: Reduce errors and save time with automated processes.
  • Better Inventory Management: Avoid overstocking or running out of key ingredients.
  • Improved Customer Loyalty: Offer rewards programs and personalized experiences.
  • Real-Time Insights: Make informed decisions with up-to-date sales and performance data.

Important features for restaurant POS

Not all restaurants are exactly the same. When searching for the right POS system for your restaurant, remember this, as you’ll likely need some specific features for your specific business. For instance, a food truck requires a POS system that is adaptable and functional in a mobile environment. The importance of a restaurant’s POS in enhancing operational efficiency cannot be overstated.

In any POS system, however, there are features that are a basic must-have. A web-based, or cloud POS tends to be the best option as it provides more security, flexibility, and access.

1. Inventory management

Inventory control or management is a restaurant manager’s dream, especially if it’s done well and with ease. This is key to making a profit as a restaurant business.

This specific feature can help you closely track the margins that define your revenue to help ensure long-term profits. Lightspeed has a top-notch inventory automation feature for restaurant managers that eases and speeds up the process of tracking.

2. Easy & quick

A slow POS system for your restaurant is never a good idea, especially for business growth. That’s why a fast and easy system should be a priority, to help you keep up with the fast-paced vibe of the restaurant and food business. Ensure ultimate efficiency and minimal frustration with a good system.

When it comes to anything, not just POS for restaurants, a user-friendly, straightforward system is always best. The quicker your employees learn the system, the less money is therefore invested in onboarding too. Within seconds you can already improve your expenses with a speedy POS system.

3. Actionable reporting

Actionable reporting gives quantifiable insights into your status and can be used to improve business outcomes. TouchBistro offers a full-service restaurant manager POS. Their system is arguably among the best available, providing top-botch actionable reporting.

With a POS system, you can reduce the chances of inaccurate numbers, since it’s close to impossible to play around with the data from it. The system will present you with exactly what you asked for, covering everything from sales to food costs, and even labor investments, as just a few examples of KPIs that are made easily visible from a POS system.

4. Tools to market your restaurant

To effectively market your restaurant, you’ll need the tools and strategies for both inbound and outbound marketing. A website and social media presence are among the most crucial for restaurants, allowing your research to be more discovered in a competitive market.

Ideally, POS systems for restaurants should allow for customer outreach with features that help to bring more engagement across social media platforms that can assist in making direct revenue to your restaurant. The best restaurant POS system enables outreach to customers and includes features that encourage social media engagement (e.g. likes, followers, or shares). Additionally, managing online orders through these systems can enhance customer engagement and boost revenue by providing a seamless ordering experience. These features can allow you to make immediate impacts on business revenues.

5. Tech support

If your restaurant system were to break, it would be a complete disaster on so many levels. Attempting to find technical support when you’re in a panic and in need of assistance right away, can be a really unnecessary hassle. That’s why you’ll want to double-check that the POS provider you choose for your restaurant offers tech support.

Not only should they just offer tech support, but it should also be one that’s highly responsive and that you can rely on, ideally with 24/7 support. A cloud or web-based POS system can usually solve issues faster compared to those that are physical, on-premise software.

With on-premise-based software, you won’t be able to get tech support remotely in a situation where the internet is lost or down. For all these reasons, we recommend opting for a POS provider that you can really rely on.

In our Restaurant POS comparison, we evaluate the top systems designed to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and boost sales for restaurants and bars, focusing on features, usability, and their overall impact on business efficiency and profitability.

What type of hardware is needed?

Make sure you’re getting the maximal ROI by using the right POS hardware, and that can be done with two main approaches: networking and the internet.

1. Mobile hardware

A POS system that runs on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or iPads is known as mPOS, which is short for mobile point of sale and is very common for restaurants. What’s great about these types of systems is that even with a power failure they can stay functioning, provided they have enough battery.

A mPOS is often web-based, meaning all you’ll have to do is download the software, attach a card reader to the device and you’ll be able to start processing orders.

Certain providers might give you their own hardware with the POS system, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. The fact that you won’t need to upgrade the hardware independently down the line is a big benefit, assuming they would mail you a replacement if need be. One example of a POS provider that offers this is Square.

But usually, the hardware isn’t included in the cost of the POS system, which means your expenses can add up. In certain cases, buying the hardware separately can be cheaper than the one being offered by the company.

2. Desktop or laptop

If you hear the term desktop POS, it means that the software is for your laptop or computer. Similar to mPOS for mobile devices, they can also be either on-premise or web-based. These types of systems are generally used for businesses that have dedicated cashiers and that require more options of hardware, such as cash drawers, printers or barcode scanners. However, it’s important to note that these features are also available on a mPOS and mobile devices.

Latest Trends in POS Systems for Restaurants

The restaurant POS industry is buzzing with excitement as new tools and features are making it easier than ever for the restaurant industry to thrive! These innovations are transforming operations, delighting customers, and paving the way for a more sustainable future. Ready to discover the game-changing trends that are setting the stage for the future of restaurant POS systems? Let’s dive in!

1. Customizable Mobile Ordering Apps

POS systems now offer branded mobile ordering solutions that allow restaurants to create apps tailored to their unique identity. These apps improve online ordering processes and strengthen customer loyalty by providing a cohesive brand experience.

2. Advanced Reporting and Analytics

Modern POS systems are integrating real-time reporting tools to help restaurants better manage reservations and optimize operations. These features provide insights into metrics like party sizes and reservation patterns, enabling smarter staff scheduling and resource allocation.

3. Waste Reduction Features

In response to sustainability concerns, POS systems now include food waste tracking tools. These tools generate detailed reports on food wastage and offer educational resources to help restaurants cut costs and reduce their environmental footprint.

4. Smarter Customer Segmentation

Enhanced customer segmentation capabilities allow restaurants to categorize guests into groups like “Top Spenders,” “Loyal Customers,” and “At-Risk Customers.” These features enable targeted marketing campaigns to boost retention and revenue.

5. Portable and Flexible Hardware

The latest POS hardware emphasizes portability, with compact card readers and mobile devices designed for table-side service and streamlined payments. These tools improve the dining experience and offer greater flexibility for staff.

6. Real-Time Data Integration

POS systems focus on the seamless integration of front-of-house and back-of-house operations. By syncing data in real-time, these systems provide accurate menu availability and reduce errors, ensuring a smoother customer experience.

7. Changing Pricing Models

As the demand for robust features grows, some POS providers have adjusted their pricing for entry-level plans. These changes reflect the need for more comprehensive tools, even for smaller businesses, as restaurants seek solutions that support scalability.

Considerations before moving to a new POS system

The customer should always come first. You’ll need to ask yourself how the switch will affect their restaurant business, and how exactly you will be improving their services. In many cases, businesses think about their needs and don’t properly prioritize the customer. You’ll want to make sure that a new POS system offers you the right balance to serve the needs of both sides.

It’s also important to think about your business goals on a more long-term scale. Consider your business goals and what will happen with any potential expansions. Before moving to a new restaurant POS system, make sure you understand why you’re doing it and what you hope to get from the change. Having this deeper understanding can make finding a solution much easier.

You might also want to consider setting up your new POS system for your restaurant in stages. This can help make the learning process less overwhelming and more gradual for your team to get used to. This can also help you learn to better prepare for any issues that may arise.

FAQs About Restaurant POS Systems

1. What is the best POS system for small restaurants?
Toast is an excellent choice for small restaurants due to its free plan and scalable features.

2. How much does a restaurant POS system cost?
Costs vary widely. Toast starts at 0/month. Always check for hidden fees.

3. What features should I look for in a restaurant POS system?
Key features include inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and actionable reporting.

4. Can I use a POS system for online orders?
Yes, most modern POS for restaurants integrate with online ordering platforms for seamless management.

5. What hardware do I need for a restaurant POS system?
Common hardware includes tablets, touchscreen monitors, receipt printers, and card readers. Many systems are compatible with iPads or Android devices.