Best Restaurant Point of Sales (2023)
We did our homework and this is the list of the best restaurant Point of Sales (POS) for 2023:
- Toast
- Lightspeed
- TouchBistro
- Aloha by NCR
- Square
- Revel
- Micros by Oracle
- Clover
- Heartland
- Restaurant360
Please continue reading for more details on each vendor:
Toast POS is a cloud-based point of sale system designed specifically for restaurants. It provides a range of features such as order management, menu customization, inventory tracking, and reporting. Toast POS is known for its user-friendly interface and ability to streamline restaurant operations. It also offers integration with other tools like online ordering, loyalty programs, and payroll management. With Toast POS, restaurants can easily manage their business from a single platform, ultimately saving time and improving the customer experience.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Toast POS is intuitive and easy to use, allowing restaurant staff to quickly learn and navigate the system.
- Customizable: Toast POS offers a high level of customization, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
- Scalable: Toast POS is scalable, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes, from small cafes to large restaurant chains.
- Comprehensive features: Toast POS includes a variety of features, such as inventory management, employee management, menu customization, and reporting and analytics.
- Integration: Toast POS integrates with a variety of other software, such as payment processors, accounting software, and online ordering platforms.
Cons:
- Cost: Toast POS can be expensive, particularly for small businesses with limited budgets.
- Customer support: Some users have reported issues with customer support, citing long wait times and difficulty getting in touch with support representatives.
- Updates: Some users have reported that updates to the system can cause issues or disrupt normal operations.
Lightspeed POS is a cloud-based point of sale system that caters to retail and restaurant businesses. It provides a range of features such as inventory management, order processing, payment processing, and customer relationship management. Lightspeed POS also offers advanced analytics tools that help businesses gain insights into their sales and customer behavior. It can be easily integrated with other tools like accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and marketing tools. Lightspeed POS is known for its user-friendly interface and customization options, making it a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking for a reliable and efficient POS system.
Pros:
- Customizable: Lightspeed POS is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
- Comprehensive features: Lightspeed POS includes a variety of features, such as inventory management, employee management, reporting and analytics, and customer relationship management.
- Multi-channel selling: Lightspeed POS offers multi-channel selling capabilities, allowing businesses to sell products and services in-store, online, and through social media.
- Integration: Lightspeed POS integrates with a variety of other software, such as payment processors, accounting software, and e-commerce platforms.
- User-friendly: Lightspeed POS has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for staff to learn and use the system.
Cons:
- Cost: Lightspeed POS can be expensive, particularly for small businesses with limited budgets.
- Limited offline functionality: Lightspeed POS is cloud-based, which means that it requires an internet connection to function. This can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity or during internet outages.
- Technical support: Some users have reported issues with technical support, citing long wait times and difficulty getting in touch with support representatives.
- Limited restaurant-specific features: While Lightspeed POS does offer restaurant-specific features, such as table management and menu customization, it may not be as robust as other POS systems specifically designed for the restaurant industry..
TouchBistro POS is a popular iPad-based point of sale system designed for restaurants and foodservice businesses. It provides a range of features such as table management, menu customization, order processing, and payment processing. TouchBistro POS is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, allowing restaurant staff to easily manage orders and payments. It also offers integration with other tools like online ordering, loyalty programs, and accounting software. TouchBistro POS is a cloud-based system, making it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. With TouchBistro POS, restaurants can streamline their operations and improve their customer experience.
Pros:
- User-friendly: TouchBistro has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to learn and navigate. This makes it a popular choice for restaurants of all sizes.
- Customizable: The software is highly customizable, allowing restaurants to tailor the POS system to their specific needs. This includes custom menus, table layouts, and reporting.
- Comprehensive reporting: TouchBistro provides comprehensive reporting capabilities that allow restaurant owners to track sales, inventory, and employee performance.
- Tableside ordering: The software supports tableside ordering, allowing servers to take orders directly from the table using a handheld device. This can help reduce wait times and increase efficiency.
- Cloud-based: TouchBistro is a cloud-based system, which means that data is stored remotely and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows restaurant owners to access real-time sales and inventory data from any device.
Cons:
- Price: TouchBistro is a premium POS system, and as such, it can be expensive for some restaurant owners. The software requires an upfront purchase fee, as well as ongoing monthly fees.
- Limited integrations: While TouchBistro integrates with many third-party applications, it has limited integrations with some of the most popular restaurant management software.
- Learning curve: Although the software is user-friendly, it still requires a learning curve, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. This can be a challenge for some restaurant owners and employees.
- No 24/7 customer support: TouchBistro does not offer 24/7 customer support. This can be problematic if a restaurant experiences technical issues outside of normal business hours.
- Hardware requirements: TouchBistro requires specific hardware to run, which can be an additional expense for some restaurant owners..
NCR Aloha is a comprehensive point of sale system designed for restaurants of all sizes. It offers a range of features such as order management, inventory tracking, menu customization, and employee management. NCR Aloha is known for its flexibility and scalability, making it a popular choice for both single-location restaurants and large restaurant chains. It also offers integration with other tools like online ordering, loyalty programs, and accounting software. NCR Aloha is a cloud-based system, providing access to real-time data from anywhere with an internet connection. With NCR Aloha, restaurants can improve their operations, increase their efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.
Pros:
- Customizable: NCR Aloha is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
- Comprehensive features: NCR Aloha includes a variety of features, such as order management, menu customization, inventory management, employee management, and reporting and analytics.
- Integration: NCR Aloha integrates with a variety of other software, such as payment processors, accounting software, and online ordering platforms.
- Scalable: NCR Aloha is scalable, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes, from small cafes to large restaurant chains.
- Reliable and secure: NCR Aloha is known for its reliability and security, with features such as automatic backups and PCI compliance.
Cons:
- Cost: NCR Aloha can be expensive, particularly for small businesses with limited budgets.
- Complexity: Some users have reported that NCR Aloha can be complex and difficult to learn, with a steep learning curve that can make it challenging for new users to get started.
- Limited offline functionality: NCR Aloha is cloud-based, which means that it requires an internet connection to function. This can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity or during internet outages.
- Customer support: Some users have reported issues with customer support, citing long wait times and difficulty getting in touch with support representatives..
Square POS is a popular cloud-based point of sale system designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features such as payment processing, inventory management, employee management, and reporting. Square POS is known for its affordability, ease of use, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for small business owners. It also offers integration with other tools like accounting software, marketing tools, and e-commerce platforms. Square POS can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and is compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. With Square POS, small business owners can easily manage their operations and accept payments from customers.
Pros:
- Affordability: Square POS is very affordable, with a low upfront cost and no monthly fees for basic features.
- Ease of use: Square POS is very user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows staff to quickly learn and navigate the system.
- Mobile compatibility: Square POS is compatible with mobile devices, allowing businesses to process payments and manage operations on the go.
- Integration: Square POS integrates with a variety of other software, such as accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and marketing tools.
- Scalability: Square POS is scalable, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations.
Cons:
- Limited customization: Square POS is somewhat limited in terms of customization, with fewer options for menu management, inventory management, and reporting than some other POS systems.
- Limited offline functionality: Square POS is cloud-based, which means that it requires an internet connection to function. This can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity or during internet outages.
- Customer support: Some users have reported issues with customer support, citing long wait times and difficulty getting in touch with support representatives.
- Processing fees: Square POS charges processing fees for transactions, which can add up and be costly to your business..
Revel POS is a cloud-based point of sale (POS) system designed to streamline operations and increase efficiency for businesses of all sizes. With its intuitive user interface, powerful reporting tools, and customizable features, Revel POS offers a comprehensive solution for managing sales, inventory, employees, and customers. From quick-service restaurants and retail shops to salons and spas, Revel POS can help businesses improve their operations, enhance the customer experience, and grow their bottom line.
Pros:
- Comprehensive features: Revel POS includes a variety of features, such as order management, menu customization, inventory management, employee management, and reporting and analytics.
- Customizable: Revel POS is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
- Integration: Revel POS integrates with a variety of other software, such as payment processors, accounting software, and online ordering platforms.
- Multi-location management: Revel POS allows businesses to manage multiple locations from a single dashboard, making it a great option for larger enterprises.
Cons:
- Cost: Revel POS can be expensive, particularly for small businesses with limited budgets.
- Complexity: Some users have reported that Revel POS can be complex and difficult to learn, with a steep learning curve that can make it challenging for new users to get started.
- Limited offline functionality: Revel POS is cloud-based, which means that it requires an internet connection to function. This can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity or during internet outages.
- Customer service issues: Some users have reported issues with customer service, citing long wait times and difficulty getting in touch with support representatives..
Micros POS is a point of sale system developed by Oracle Corporation. It is primarily designed for the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, and casinos. The system offers a range of features, such as order management, inventory control, employee management, and payment processing. Micros POS provides businesses with detailed reports and analytics to help them make informed decisions and improve their operations. It also integrates with a variety of other software and hardware, such as payment terminals and kitchen display systems. Micros POS is highly customizable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes and types. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, Micros POS is a popular choice among hospitality businesses worldwide.
Pros:
- Comprehensive features: Micros POS includes a wide range of features, such as order management, menu customization, inventory management, employee management, and reporting and analytics.
- Customizable: Micros POS is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
- Scalability: Micros POS is scalable, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
- Integration: Micros POS integrates with a variety of other software, such as payment processors, accounting software, and online ordering platforms.
- Customer support: Micros POS has a reputation for excellent customer support, with responsive and knowledgeable representatives available to help with any issues.
Cons:
- Cost: Micros POS can be expensive, particularly for small businesses with limited budgets.
- Complexity: Some users have reported that Micros POS can be complex and difficult to learn, with a steep learning curve that can make it challenging for new users to get started.
- Limited offline functionality: Micros POS is a cloud-based system, which means that it requires an internet connection to function. This can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity or during internet outages.
- Hardware compatibility: Micros POS is only compatible with specific hardware, which can be a limitation for businesses that already have existing hardware or want to use specific devices..
Clover POS is a point-of-sale system designed to help businesses manage sales, inventory, and customers. It consists of a hardware device that includes a touchscreen display, card reader, and receipt printer, as well as software that can be customized to fit the needs of different types of businesses. With Clover POS, businesses can accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments, and they can track sales and inventory in real-time. Additionally, Clover POS offers features like customer loyalty programs, employee management tools, and the ability to integrate with other business software systems.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Clover POS has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that requires minimal training, which makes it a great option for small businesses with limited resources.
- Customizable features: The software can be customized to fit the needs of different types of businesses, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific requirements.
- Accepts multiple payment types: Clover POS can accept various payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments, making it easy for customers to pay using their preferred payment method.
- Real-time inventory tracking: Clover POS allows businesses to track their inventory levels in real-time, which helps them to manage stock and avoid stock-outs.
- Integration with third-party software: Clover POS integrates seamlessly with other business software systems, such as accounting software, payroll software, and customer relationship management software.
Cons:
- Cost: The cost of Clover POS can be relatively high compared to other POS systems, and some businesses may find it difficult to justify the expense.
- Limited hardware options: The hardware options for Clover POS are limited, and businesses may not be able to find a device that meets their specific needs.
- Dependence on internet connectivity: Clover POS is a cloud-based system, which means that businesses must have a stable internet connection to use the software.
- Customer support: Some users have reported that the quality of customer support provided by Clover POS is not always satisfactory.
- Limited access to data: Clover POS offers limited access to data, and businesses may not be able to generate customized reports or access data outside of the software's pre-built templates..
Heartland POS is a point-of-sale system that helps businesses manage sales, inventory, and customers. It includes both hardware and software components, with the hardware consisting of a touchscreen display, card reader, and receipt printer. The software is cloud-based, allowing businesses to access it from anywhere with an internet connection. With Heartland POS, businesses can accept a variety of payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. They can also track inventory in real-time and generate reports to help them make informed business decisions. Additionally, Heartland POS offers features such as customer loyalty programs, employee management tools, and integrations with other business software systems.
Pros:
- Scalability: Heartland POS is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
- Cloud-based: The software is cloud-based, which means businesses can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, making it a convenient option for businesses with multiple locations.
- Customizable: The software is customizable to fit the specific needs of different types of businesses, allowing them to tailor the system to their unique requirements.
- Comprehensive reporting: Heartland POS provides businesses with access to real-time data, allowing them to generate comprehensive reports to help them make informed decisions.
- Multiple payment options: Heartland POS allows businesses to accept multiple payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments, making it convenient for customers to pay using their preferred payment method.
- Customer support: Heartland POS offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring businesses can receive assistance when they need it.
Cons:
- Cost: The cost of Heartland POS can be relatively high, which may not be feasible for some small businesses.
- Limited hardware options: The hardware options for Heartland POS are limited, and businesses may not be able to find a device that meets their specific needs.
- Dependence on internet connectivity: Heartland POS is a cloud-based system, which means that businesses must have a stable internet connection to use the software.
- Steep learning curve: Some users have reported that the software can be challenging to learn, which may require additional training and support.
- Limited third-party integrations: Heartland POS offers limited integration options with third-party software systems, which may limit the ability of businesses to customize the system to their specific needs..
R365 is a cloud-based restaurant management software designed to help businesses manage their day-to-day operations. It includes various features, such as POS, inventory management, labor management, accounting, and reporting. The software is designed to be user-friendly and customizable, making it an ideal solution for restaurants of all sizes. With R365, businesses can track inventory levels, manage employee schedules and payroll, and generate detailed reports to help them make informed decisions. Additionally, R365 offers integrations with third-party software systems, such as payroll and accounting software, to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Overall, R365 provides restaurants with a comprehensive management solution to help them run their business more efficiently.
Pros:
- Cloud-based: R365 is cloud-based, which means that businesses can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, making it a convenient option for businesses with multiple locations.
- Comprehensive features: R365 offers a variety of features, including POS, inventory management, labor management, accounting, and reporting, making it a comprehensive solution for restaurant management.
- Customizable: R365 is customizable to fit the specific needs of different types of restaurants, allowing them to tailor the system to their unique requirements.
- Third-party integrations: R365 offers integrations with third-party software systems, such as payroll and accounting software, to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Customer support: R365 offers customer support via phone and email, ensuring businesses can receive assistance when they need it.
Cons:
- Cost: The cost of R365 can be relatively high compared to other restaurant management software systems, which may not be feasible for some small businesses.
- Dependence on internet connectivity: R365 is a cloud-based system, which means that businesses must have a stable internet connection to use the software.
- Steep learning curve: Some users have reported that the software can be challenging to learn, which may require additional training and support.
- Limited hardware options: R365 has limited options for hardware, which may not meet the specific needs of some businesses.
- Limited mobile app functionality: The R365 mobile app has limited functionality, which may limit the ability of managers to perform certain tasks while on-the-go.
by Marylise Fabro
CMO