In this article, I will explore the most effective Toast POS alternatives for restaurants in order to assist restaurant owners in selecting the optimal point-of-sale system for their operations. We will investigate the most prominent alternatives
Which will encompass their primary attributes, pricing, payment processing options, integrations, and advantages. These options can be beneficial for both small cafes and large restaurants, as they can streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Key Points & Best Toast POS Alternatives for Restaurants
| POS System | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Square for Restaurants | Offers user-friendly restaurant management, payment processing, menu customization, and affordable pricing options. |
| Lightspeed Restaurant | Provides advanced inventory management, detailed reporting, menu controls, and multi-location restaurant support. |
| Clover POS | Combines flexible payment processing, customizable hardware, employee management, and useful restaurant applications. |
| Shift4 (formerly SkyTab POS) | Delivers integrated payment processing, restaurant management tools, online ordering, and tableside service capabilities. |
| SpotOn Restaurant | Supports restaurant operations through payment processing, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and reporting tools. |
| TouchBistro | Offers iPad-based restaurant management with table layouts, menu controls, and staff management features. |
| Oracle Simphony POS | Provides enterprise-grade restaurant management, centralized reporting, flexible integrations, and multi-location operational controls. |
| Rezku POS | Features restaurant-focused tools for online ordering, menu management, payment processing, and reporting. |
| Epos Now | Delivers flexible POS hardware, sales tracking, inventory management, and restaurant business integrations. |
| SumUp POS | Provides straightforward payment processing, sales management, and accessible POS solutions for smaller restaurants. |
10 Best Toast POS Alternatives for Restaurants
1. Square for Restaurants
Square for Restaurants is a user-friendly point-of-sale system that includes mobile ordering, course firing, split checks, kitchen display support, and table management. The pricing structure is adaptable, with a free plan available for basic requirements, a Plus plan priced at approximately $69 per month per location, and custom Premium pricing for larger operations.
Payment processing is integrated, with in-person card rates of approximately 2.6% + 15¢ and no obligation to sign a long-term contract. DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, and Square’s proprietary online ordering and loyalty tools are all integrated. It is appropriate for small-to-mid-size restaurants, food carts, and cafés.
Square for Restaurants Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Order Management | Manage dine-in, takeaway, and pickup orders through customizable menus and ordering screens. |
| Table Management | Organize floor plans, assign tables, split checks, and coordinate restaurant service efficiently. |
| Inventory Tracking | Monitor item availability and update menu availability to help prevent overselling popular dishes. |
| Reporting and Integrations | Review sales performance and connect compatible delivery platforms, accounting tools, and business applications. |
2. Lightspeed Restaurant
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based point-of-sale system that offers multi-location support, analytics, inventory tracking, menu and modifier control, and floor plan administration. Starting at approximately $69 per month, the cost increases as sophisticated features are added, and there are additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Its integrated processor is Lightspeed Payments, which offers rates of approximately 2.6% plus a nominal per-transaction fee. Additionally, it offers a custom-rate option for higher volumes.
It provides over 300 integrations, such as OpenTable, QuickBooks, Xero, delivery platforms, and loyalty applications. It is an effective solution for full-service restaurants, bars, and expanding organizations that require comprehensive reporting.
Lightspeed Restaurant Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inventory Management | Track ingredients, monitor stock levels, and streamline replenishment with inventory management tools. |
| Tableside Ordering | Let servers enter orders directly at tables and send them to kitchen staff. |
| Kitchen Display System | Route orders to kitchen displays to improve communication between front-of-house and kitchen teams. |
| Analytics and Multi-Location Management | Review sales reports, monitor restaurant performance, and manage multiple locations through centralized tools. |
3. Clover POS
Clover is a POS ecosystem that is adaptable and includes software for table service, quick service, and bars, as well as sleek hardware options like Station Duo, Mini, and Flex. Hardware (approximately $600 to $1,800 or more) and monthly software plans (approximately $15 to $95 or more) comprise the pricing structure.
Clover Payments is the standard processor, with in-person rates ranging from 2.3% to 2.6% + 10¢, contingent upon the reseller and plan.
Its App Market comprises accounting, payroll, loyalty, and online ordering and delivery integrations, including QuickBooks, Grubhub, and DoorDash. It is most suitable for establishments that require a diverse array of hardware and a substantial app ecosystem.
Clover POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Order Customization | Enter orders, modify items, and organize menu categories for different restaurant service requirements. |
| Table Management | Map tables, manage seating arrangements, and coordinate counter or tableside ordering. |
| Kitchen Order Routing | Send orders to kitchen staff and display incoming tickets for smoother preparation workflows. |
| Payment Acceptance | Accept supported payment methods and use compatible devices for convenient customer checkout. |
4. Shift4 (formerly SkyTab POS)
Shift4’s SkyTab POS is a restaurant-specific system that utilizes handheld devices for pay-at-table service, kitchen displays, online ordering, reservations, and reporting. The pricing is determined by the quote, and numerous offers include free or discounted hardware and installation in exchange for a processing agreement.
Therefore, it is important to review the contract terms. Shift4, which facilitates tableside payments, tip management, and adaptable pricing models, is responsible for payment processing.
Online ordering, reservations (including SevenRooms), delivery services, and accounting tools (such as QuickBooks) are all included in the integrations. It is an excellent option for full-service restaurants and bars that are frequently bustling.
Shift4 (formerly SkyTab POS) Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Online Ordering | Accept orders through restaurant websites and synchronize supported online orders with the POS. |
| Mobile Ordering and Payments | Let customers order, pay, and split checks using compatible tableside payment solutions. |
| QR Code Ordering | Allow guests to scan table QR codes, browse menus, and submit orders conveniently. |
| Reservations and Waitlists | Manage reservations, monitor table availability, and organize guest waitlists using supported tools. |
5. SpotOn Restaurant
SpotOn Restaurant integrates a point-of-sale system with marketing, loyalty, online ordering, reservations, and team management tools. Customized pricing is contingent upon the extent of the location, the hardware, and the features. Sales typically provide quotes for software plans that commence at $79 per month.
The primary processor is SpotOn Payments, which offers competitive rates and does not include any hidden hardware lock-in claims on certain plans.
Integrations encompass accounting software, payroll, reservations, delivery platforms, and the company’s own loyalty and reservation systems, SpotOn Reserve. It is an ideal choice for restaurants that require a comprehensive platform for consumer engagement and growth.
SpotOn Restaurant Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Order Management | Coordinate dine-in, takeaway, and online orders through integrated restaurant ordering tools. |
| Tableside Service | Use compatible handheld devices to take orders and process payments near customer tables. |
| Employee Management | Support staff scheduling, time tracking, and workforce management through available features. |
| Marketing and Loyalty | Engage customers through supported loyalty, promotional, and customer relationship management tools. |
6. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a point-of-sale (POS) system that is exclusively designed for full-service restaurants. It provides a variety of features, including table layouts, tableside ordering, menu management, inventory, staff scheduling, and analytics.
The initial monthly fee for each license is approximately $69, with supplementary expenses for hardware and add-ons such as reservations and payments. TouchBistro Payments provides transparent rates that are contingent upon the country and plan.
It is particularly popular in Canada and the United States, and it integrates with OpenTable, Resy, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, and delivery partners. It is appropriate for independent sit-down restaurants and groups that prefer an iPad-based setup.
TouchBistro Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| iPad-Based POS | Manage restaurant orders and sales through an interface designed for compatible iPad devices. |
| Menu Management | Customize menu items, prices, modifiers, and categories to match restaurant requirements. |
| Floor Plan Management | Organize tables and seating arrangements to help staff coordinate dining room service. |
| Reporting and Add-Ons | Monitor business performance and explore compatible tools for inventory, reservations, and kitchen displays. |
7. Oracle Simphony POS
Oracle Simphony is a cloud-native, enterprise-grade point-of-sale system that is designed for multi-unit operations, hotels, stadiums, and massive chains. It offers advanced menu management, centralized configuration, loyalty, kitchen display, and deep analytics at scale.
A sales consultation and an implementation partner are typically necessary to determine the custom and subscription-based pricing. Simphony is processor-agnostic, allowing enterprises to establish connections with their preferred payment providers and negotiate their own rates.
It has a wide range of integrations with Oracle hospitality tools, ERP, inventory, delivery, and workforce systems through open APIs. It is not suitable for small restaurants; however, it is highly effective for large operations.
Oracle Simphony POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enterprise Order Management | Coordinate restaurant ordering and service workflows across complex hospitality operations. |
| Multi-Location Control | Centralize menu configuration, operational policies, and reporting across multiple restaurant locations. |
| Payment Integration | Support integrated payment workflows through compatible payment services and configurations. |
| Reporting and Integrations | Connect supported business systems and analyze operational data across restaurant locations. |
8. Rezku POS
Rezku POS is a cloud-based system that is cost-effective and encompasses table service, fast service, bars, and food trucks. It comprises employee management and reporting, inventory tracking, employee management, kitchen display, and menu and modifier control.
Hardware is sold separately, and pricing is frequently less than that of major competitors, with monthly rates commencing at less than $100. Payment processing is provided by partner processors, and the rates and terms are contingent upon the provider.
Therefore, it is advisable to compare quotes. Online ordering, delivery services, loyalty programs, and accounting tools like QuickBooks are all integrated. It is appropriate for tiny, independent restaurants and bars that require basic features at a reasonable cost.
Rezku POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Order Management | Manage orders, menu options, and service workflows through restaurant-focused POS tools. |
| Kitchen Display System | Send orders to kitchen displays to support preparation and improve order coordination. |
| Online and QR Ordering | Offer supported digital ordering options that help customers place orders conveniently. |
| Loyalty and Reporting | Track sales activity and use available customer loyalty tools to encourage repeat visits. |
9. Epos Now
Table management, order-at-table, kitchen printing, inventory, and reporting are all included in the hospitality edition of Epos Now, a cloud POS. The pricing is competitive, with plans ranging from approximately $39 to $69 per month, contingent upon the region and the features, as well as hardware bundles.
Epos Now Payments offers integrated card processing services at competitive rates that vary by country and are suitable for small businesses.
Xero, QuickBooks, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and loyalty and e-commerce applications are among the integrations. It is particularly effective in the United Kingdom and Europe and is well-suited for modest restaurants, pubs, and cafés.
Epos Now Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sales Management | Process restaurant transactions and review sales activity through configurable POS software. |
| Menu Customization | Organize menu items, product categories, and prices to support different service styles. |
| Inventory Tracking | Monitor stock levels and manage inventory through supported software features or integrations. |
| Business Integrations | Connect compatible third-party applications for accounting, reporting, and hospitality management. |
10. SumUp POS
SumUp POS is a cost-effective and straightforward solution for small restaurants, cafés, and takeaways. It facilitates rudimentary order entry, table management, receipts, and sales reporting. The app is available at no cost or for a nominal fee, and hardware readers and terminals are available at reasonable prices.
Additionally, there is no monthly contract for basic setups. Its primary competency is payment processing, which is characterized by straightforward flat-rate fees (approximately 1.69% in the UK and 2.75% in the US for in-person transactions).
Some delivery and booking applications, accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, and SumUp Online Store are all included in the integrations. It is most suitable for operations that are straightforward and small.
SumUp POS Feature
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing | Accept supported card and contactless payments using compatible SumUp payment devices. |
| Sales Tracking | Review transactions and monitor sales activity through available business management tools. |
| POS Hardware | Choose compatible payment terminals and POS equipment according to business requirements. |
| Business Management | Use available features and integrations to support daily operations for smaller restaurants and cafes. |
Conclusion
In summary, the selection of the most suitable Toast POS alternatives for restaurants is contingent upon the size of the business, operational requirements, and budget. Various restaurant types can benefit from the features of Square, Lightspeed, Clover, SpotOn, and TouchBistro.
Prior to making a decision, evaluate the pricing, hardware compatibility, payment processing fees, and integrations. The appropriate point-of-sale (POS) system can facilitate the management of orders, enhance customer service, simplify daily operations, and facilitate the long-term expansion of your restaurant.
FAQ
Which Toast POS alternative is best for small restaurants?
Square for Restaurants offers accessible pricing and user-friendly tools for smaller businesses.
Is Square for Restaurants cheaper than Toast POS?
Square offers a free plan, but processing fees and hardware increase costs.
Which Toast POS alternative offers inventory management?
Lightspeed Restaurant provides detailed inventory tracking and restaurant sales reporting tools.
Is Clover POS suitable for restaurants?
Clover supports restaurant ordering, payment processing, employee management, and customizable business applications.
