Choosing the right restaurant POS system can help you save time, reduce food waste, and serve customers faster. It does not matter if you run a small café, a big full-service restaurant, or many branches — a good POS system will help your business work smoothly and make more profit.
In this guide, we share the best POS systems for restaurants in 2025. We include both free and paid options so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
9 Best POS Systems For Restaurants
Toast
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan Available
Ideal for pizzerias & food trucks. Starter kit starting at $0/month.
- Customize your package
- Features to help your restaurant adapt
Lightspeed Restaurant
Starting from: $189/yr
Save time on restaurant operations. Powering the world’s best businesses.
- Hassle-free online ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Fully-integrated restaurant system
TouchBistro
Starting from: $69/mo
POS system for your restaurant. Customize menus with an easy interface.
- Smart floor plan tools
- Custom rewards plans
- Staff scheduling and payroll
Clover
Starting from: $13/mo
30-Day Free Trial
Virtual terminal for remote and contactless payments.
- Cloud-hosted & accessible anywhere
- Track inventory easily
- Offer gift cards to boost retention
Square
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan Available
All-in-one POS platform. Simple setup and no hidden fees.
- Create customer profiles
- Inventory management
- Free setup & no hidden fees
SumUp
Starting from: $99/mo
Mobile POS for on-the-go payments.
- Built-in CRM tools
- Integrates with e-commerce
- Bluetooth app connectivity
Lavu
Starting from: $59/mo
High-value restaurant POS with easy iPad setup.
- Offset 99% of card fees
- Easy online ordering
- Customizable menus
Revel
Starting from: $11.99/mo
Integrated payment processing and real-time analytics.
- Tableside ordering
- Cloud data access
- Open API integrations
SpotOn
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan Available
Restaurant-focused POS with menu and staff tools.
- 24/7 support
- Custom menu builder
- Staff scheduling & payroll
What is a POS System?
A POS system (Point of Sale system) is a combination of software and hardware that helps businesses run smoothly every day. It is a tool that makes sales easier, keeps track of your products, and helps you manage customer information.
In simple words, a POS system helps you handle the basic work of your business in one place.
What Can a POS System Do?
A POS system can help you:
Speed up sales – quickly process customer purchases
Track inventory – know how many products you have
Save customer data – keep contact info and purchase history
Generate reports – see helpful business information
Accept payments – cash, debit, credit cards, or digital payments
Basically, it makes running your business easier and more organized.
1. Toast POS – Best for Full-Service Restaurants
Toast POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system made especially for restaurants. It’s an all-in-one tool that helps you manage orders, staff, inventory, and payments easily. Whether you run a small coffee shop, a food truck, or a busy full-service restaurant, Toast gives you everything you need to keep your business running smoothly.
Best For
Toast POS is best suited for:
✅ Full-service restaurants
✅ Bars
✅ Quick-service places
✅ Cafes and coffee shops
✅ Food trucks
Key Features
Toast POS comes with a wide range of features that make running a restaurant simple and organized.
Inventory Management: Keep track of all food and supplies so you never run out.
Loyalty Program: Reward your regular customers with points and discounts.
Online Ordering: Customers can order directly from your website or app.
Staff Scheduling: Manage shifts and schedules easily.
Reporting Tools: See detailed reports to understand your sales and performance.
Offline Mode: Continue taking orders even when the internet is down.
Gift Card & Tip Management: Accept and manage tips and gift cards smoothly.
Accounting Integration: Connect with accounting software to track finances automatically.
Mobile Compatibility: Works on phones and tablets for easy use anywhere.
Hardware & Software Support
Toast POS works on multiple platforms including:
Android
iOS
Windows
Mac
It’s cloud-based but also supports on-site installation if needed.
Pricing
Toast POS starts at $69 per month per terminal, but prices may vary depending on your restaurant size and the add-ons you choose.
A free plan and free trial are also available, which makes it great for testing before you buy.
👍 Pros and 👎 Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Makes back-office work simple and efficient | ❌ Only works on Android devices |
| ✅ Smooth connection between kitchen and service staff | ❌ Charges an early termination fee |
| ✅ Easy menu setup for multiple locations | ❌ Not ideal for very large restaurant chains |
| ✅ Affordable price for small and medium businesses |
Key Highlights
Manage orders and tables in real time.
Edit and customize menus quickly.
Handle online orders and deliveries directly.
Manage staff, payroll, and schedules in one place.
Get detailed reports and insights for better decisions.
Stay connected even offline.
Build customer loyalty with rewards and gift cards.
Final Thoughts
Toast POS is a great option for small to mid-sized restaurants that want a reliable, easy-to-use system. It combines all the important tools—ordering, payments, staff management, and reporting—into one powerful platform.
If you run a restaurant and want to save time, reduce errors, and improve customer service, Toast POS is a smart choice to consider.
2. Lightspeed Restaurant – Best for Multi-Location Restaurants
Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system made for restaurants, cafes, and bars. It helps manage daily work like taking orders, tracking stock, and handling payments easily. The system is simple to use, powerful, and great for restaurants with more than one location.
Lightspeed POS connects your sales, inventory, and reporting in one place, helping you save time and improve customer service. It’s also flexible — you can use it on iPads, Windows, or Mac devices.
Best For
Retail stores
Coffee shops
Quick-service restaurants
Bars
Full-service restaurants
Key Features
Cloud-based system – You can use it anywhere with an internet connection.
Real-time inventory tracking – Always know your stock levels.
Multi-location control – Manage all branches from one dashboard.
Custom floor plans – Design your restaurant layout and manage tables easily.
Built-in payment tools – Accept payments quickly and securely.
CRM & loyalty features – Keep your customers coming back.
Powerful reports – See what’s selling and improve profits.
Hardware & Software
Works on iOS, Windows, Mac
100% cloud-based — no need for local servers
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register
Annual plan from $189/year
Extra cost for premium tools and hardware
No free plan or trial available
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ All-in-one platform for POS, payments, and online orders | ❌ Some top features only in higher plans |
| ✅ Works with many hardware types | ❌ Add-ons can make it more expensive |
| ✅ Easy-to-use, clean interface | ❌ Requires a yearly contract |
| ✅ Great support and learning guides |
Final Thoughts
Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a smart and flexible system for restaurants that need advanced inventory, reporting, and multi-location control. It’s best for growing food businesses that want a reliable and easy-to-use POS.
While it’s not the cheapest option, its strong features and cloud setup make it worth the price for serious restaurant owners.
3. TouchBistro – Best for Ease of Use and Quick Setup
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS (Point of Sale) system made specially for restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. It’s very easy to use, quick to set up, and perfect for anyone who wants a simple, reliable solution to manage orders, payments, and customers.
Key Features
iPad-Based POS System – Runs smoothly on iPads with a clean and simple interface.
Offline Mode – Works even if your internet is down, so your business never stops.
Menu Management – Easily add, remove, or change menu items anytime.
Tableside Ordering – Take orders and process payments right from the customer’s table.
Employee Management – Schedule staff and track performance easily.
Detailed Reports – Get insights on your daily sales and best-selling items.
Customer Management – Keep track of regular customers and offer loyalty rewards.
Pricing
Starts From: $69 per month per terminal
Hardware: Available at extra cost
Free Trial: Not available
TouchBistro offers both monthly and yearly subscription options, depending on your business needs.
Best For
TouchBistro is best suited for small to medium-sized restaurants, cafes, and food trucks that want a user-friendly POS system without too much setup. It’s perfect for:
Coffee shops
Bars and nightclubs
Quick-service restaurants
Food trucks
Full-service restaurants
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Very easy to use, designed only for restaurants | ❌ Only works with iPads |
| ✅ Helps manage online orders and reservations easily | ❌ Some add-ons cost extra |
| ✅ 24/7 customer support available | ❌ Pricing for multiple users could be clearer |
| ✅ Offers many add-on options |
Final Thoughts
TouchBistro is one of the best iPad POS systems for restaurant owners who want something simple and powerful. It combines all the key tools you need — from menu and staff management to reports and payments — in one place.
While it may not offer a free plan and works only on iPads, its smooth interface and restaurant-focused features make it a top choice for growing food businesses.
4. Clover POS – Best for Flexibility and Customization
Clover is an easy-to-use Point of Sale (POS) system designed for small and medium businesses. It offers different software and hardware options for many types of industries, like restaurants, cafes, bars, and retail stores.
The system is developed by Clover Network Inc., a part of First Data Corporation. Clover gives a complete solution for payment processing, inventory control, and sales tracking. While it’s not the cheapest POS, its strong features and flexibility make it a great choice for business owners.
Best For
Clover works great for:
✔️ Retail stores
✔️ Coffee shops
✔️ Bars and nightclubs
✔️ Quick-service restaurants
✔️ Full-service restaurants
✔️ Food trucks
Main Features
Clover POS comes with a wide range of tools that help business owners run smoothly:
✅ Inventory management with real-time updates
✅ Loyalty and rewards programs to keep customers engaged
✅ Mobile compatibility for on-the-go use
✅ Online ordering support for digital and delivery sales
✅ Smart reporting and analytics for better business insights
✅ Tip and staff management to organize your team easily
✅ Offline payments (works even without internet)
✅ Gift card options to increase repeat customers
✅ Accounting integration for smooth financial tracking
✅ Table-side ordering and floor plan control for restaurants
✅ Customer profiles and display screens for better service
✅ Self-service kiosk option for faster checkout
Also supports Android and runs on a cloud-based system, so you can manage your business from anywhere.
Pricing
Clover offers flexible pricing options:
Free trial available (30 days)
Monthly subscription starts from $39.95/month
Hardware starts at around $49, depending on setup
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 30-day free trial available | Cannot apply online (must talk to a sales rep) |
| Affordable hardware (starting at $49) | Pricing not very clear |
| Packed with useful features | No completely free plan |
| 24/7 customer support via phone and email | — |
Key Features
Modular hardware: Choose from small handheld devices to full POS terminals.
App Market: Add or remove apps to customize your POS.
Table-side ordering: Take and process orders directly at the table.
Real-time inventory updates: Track stock automatically as sales happen.
Employee management: Manage shifts, roles, and performance easily.
Loyalty tools: Engage returning customers with points and rewards.
Final Thoughts
Clover POS is best for restaurants and retail businesses that want both hardware and software flexibility. It lets you add apps, manage your staff, handle payments, and grow your customer base — all in one system.
It may not be the cheapest POS, but its custom design, reliable hardware, and wide app support make it a solid investment for serious business owners.
5. Square for Restaurants – Best for Budget-Friendly Solutions
Square is one of the most well-known POS brands in the market. It gives restaurant owners everything they need in one platform — from taking orders to managing staff and tracking sales. The system works on both iOS and Android devices and is fully cloud-based, so you can manage your business from anywhere.
Square’s easy setup, clear pricing, and smart features make it a favorite for small and mid-sized restaurants that want to save time and money.
Best For
Square is perfect for:
✅ Small to medium restaurants
✅ Coffee shops
✅ Food trucks
✅ Bars and nightclubs
✅ Quick service restaurants
✅ Retail stores
Main Features
Inventory Management: Keep track of stock and supplies easily.
Loyalty Program: Reward regular customers and build loyalty.
Online Ordering: Accept online orders directly through your POS.
Reporting & Analytics: Get daily sales and performance reports.
Staff Scheduling: Manage shifts and employee hours.
Table & Floor Management: Customize your restaurant’s table layout.
Tips & Split Checks: Easily handle tips and split bills.
Gift Card Support: Offer digital or physical gift cards to customers.
Offline Payments: Accept payments even when the internet is down.
Customer Display & Self-Service Kiosk: Let customers view orders and pay themselves.
Software & Compatibility
Works with iOS and Android
Fully cloud-based for access anywhere
Offers free trial and free plan options
Pricing
Free basic plan available
Plus plan starts at $60/month per location
Processing fees: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
This flexible pricing makes it easy for small restaurants to start without large upfront costs.
Key Highlights
No upfront setup cost — pay only per transaction
Customizable menus and table layouts
Built-in payment system with clear fees
Online order and delivery integrations
Employee management and time tracking
Detailed analytics and business insights
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ No monthly payment on free plan | ❌ Not ideal for every type of business |
| ✅ Next-business-day money transfers | ❌ Some performance issues reported |
| ✅ Low-cost, long-term option | |
| ✅ Strong inventory and reporting tools |
Final Thoughts
Square for Restaurants is a smart choice if you run a small or medium-sized restaurant and want an all-in-one system that’s easy to use and budget-friendly. With no setup costs, clear pricing, and a free plan, it’s a great way to manage orders, payments, and staff — all from one simple dashboard.
6. SpotOn POS – Best for Customer Engagement and Loyalty
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system made for modern businesses. It allows you to accept payments, track sales, manage inventory, and even run marketing campaigns — all from one platform. The system also supports mobile POS, online ordering, and e-commerce, so you can sell both in-store and online.
SpotOn also gives 24/7 customer support, so your business can run smoothly anytime.
Best For:
✅ Retail stores
✅ Coffee shops
✅ Quick-service restaurants
✅ Bars
✅ Full-service restaurants
Main Features:
✅ Inventory management
✅ Loyalty program
✅ Online ordering
✅ Staff scheduling
✅ Reporting and analytics
✅ Split checks and manage tips
✅ Gift card support
✅ Customer profiles
✅ Accounting integration
✅ Tableside ordering
✅ Floor plan management
✅ Self-service kiosk
✅ Customer display screen
✅ Works offline too
Hardware & Software Compatibility:
✅ iOS and Android
✅ Cloud-based or on-site installation
✅ Monthly subscription plans available
Pricing
SpotOn POS pricing starts from $65 per month per terminal.
Payment processing fees and hardware costs depend on your business setup and usage.
Pros and Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| 24/7 customer support | No free trial or money-back guarantee |
| Made for restaurants | Must use SpotOn hardware only |
| Low commission rates | Some add-on features cost extra |
| No annual contract | — |
Highlight Features Explained
1. Built-in Marketing Tools
SpotOn helps restaurants run loyalty programs, send offers, and keep customers coming back.
2. Easy Menu & Floor Plan Setup
You can easily design your restaurant’s digital menu and table layout.
3. Strong Analytics
The reporting tools help you track sales, customer trends, and employee performance.
4. Employee Management
You can manage staff schedules, track hours, and assign roles directly from the POS dashboard.
5. Online Ordering Integration
SpotOn connects smoothly with delivery and online ordering apps, helping restaurants serve more customers.
Final Thoughts
SpotOn is best for restaurants that focus on customer relationships and want an all-in-one solution for POS, marketing, and loyalty programs.
If you’re running a restaurant, café, or bar and want a system that’s simple yet powerful, SpotOn POS is a great choice.
Why Restaurants Need a POS System
A restaurant POS system is more than a payment tool.
It’s the heart of your restaurant operations.
It helps you to:
Manage orders and inventory
Track sales and customer data
Handle staff schedules easily
Give customers a better experience
With a good POS system, you can save time, reduce mistakes, and focus on growing your business.
Make Work Faster: Automate daily jobs like taking orders and payments.
Improve Customer Service: Faster service and accurate orders make customers happy.
Increase Profit: Track sales, manage stock, and cut extra costs.
Grow Easily: Add new locations or menu items without trouble.
How to Choose the Right POS System
1. Type and Size of Your Business
Small restaurants: Choose a low-cost, all-in-one POS (like Toast or Square).
Big or multi-location restaurants: Need strong reporting and multi-location control (like Lightspeed or Clover).
Cafes or food trucks: Go for mobile POS that works offline (like SumUp or TouchBistro).
2. Must-Have Features
🍽️ Menu design and table layout options
🔁 Real-time order and inventory tracking
📊 Reports and sales analytics
📱 Online ordering and delivery tools
🧾 Tip tracking and receipt printing
👥 Employee time and schedule tracking
🌐 Works even without internet
3. Easy to Use and Set Up
Simple systems save training time.
Cloud-based POS updates automatically.
Tablet or iPad POS makes service faster — great for taking orders at the table.
4. Scalable and Customizable
Can the system grow with your restaurant?
Can you add new staff, devices, or features later?
Some systems are modular (like Clover), some are all-in-one.
5. Customer Support
Make sure your POS company gives 24/7 support — that’s important during rush hours.
Cloud POS usually fixes problems faster than offline ones.
6. Hardware Compatibility
Check if it works with your own tablet or needs special hardware.
Consider adding mobile readers, kitchen displays, or printers.
POS Systems for Different Restaurant Sizes
Case 1: One-Person Business – “The Daily Grind”
Best System: Square for Restaurants
Why it fits:
Free software plan, pay only per transaction
Easy to use, runs on iPad or phone
All-in-one with payment processing
Can upgrade later when business grows
Case 2: Small Team (5 Employees) – “Pasta Bella”
Best System: Toast Starter Kit
Why it fits:
Made only for restaurants
Table-side ordering and kitchen display included
Strong, waterproof hardware
Built-in employee time tracking
Case 3: 10-Employee Restaurant – “The Corner Bistro”
Best System: Lightspeed Restaurant
Why it fits:
Tracks food and drink inventory in detail
Gives clear reports on best-selling items
Has loyalty and customer profile tools
Lets you choose your own payment processor
Case 4: 25-Employee Restaurant – “The Grand Oak”
Best System: Toast Growth/Enterprise or Revel Systems
Why it fits:
Great for multi-location businesses
Lets managers set staff permissions
Connects with accounting and payroll software
Has smart kitchen display and 24/7 support
Why POS Software Is Important
A good POS tracks sales, expenses, cash, and stock.
It also makes bookkeeping easier and reduces employee theft.
Some systems track staff hours and manage loyalty programs for repeat customers.
For restaurants with more than one location, POS systems connect and control everything in one place.
Types of Restaurants That Benefit
Fast Food / Food Trucks: Need speed and mobility.
Full-Service Restaurants: Use table-side ordering and detailed reports.
Cafes & Bakeries: Manage busy orders and quick service.
Bars & Breweries: Track drink sales and manage tabs.
Key Benefits
Smooth operations with fewer mistakes
Better control of inventory
Strong customer loyalty and rewards
Real-time data to make smart decisions
Essential Features to Look For
1. Inventory Management
Helps you track stock and reduce waste.
Lightspeed offers excellent automatic inventory tracking.
2. Speed and Simplicity
A slow POS hurts business.
Choose a fast, user-friendly system that saves time and training cost.
3. Reporting
Good reports show clear data — sales, food cost, labor, and more.
TouchBistro is great for full-service restaurant reporting.
4. Marketing Tools
The best POS helps you promote your restaurant online.
It can link with social media, take online orders, and run loyalty programs.
5. Tech Support
If your POS stops working, you need help fast.
Choose a provider with 24/7 support and quick service.
POS Hardware You May Need
1. Mobile POS (mPOS)
Runs on smartphones or tablets.
Works even during power cuts if it has battery.
Square is a good example.
2. Desktop or Laptop POS
Better for larger restaurants with cash drawers and receipt printers.
New POS Trends for Restaurants
Custom Mobile Apps: Restaurants now make their own branded ordering apps.
Smart Reports: Real-time data helps plan staffing and reduce waste.
Food Waste Tracking: Track and cut food waste to save money.
Customer Groups: Target top spenders or loyal guests with offers.
Portable Devices: Smaller, lighter card readers for table-side service.
Real-Time Sync: Front and back of house data stay connected.
Flexible Pricing: Providers now offer more plans for small businesses.
Things to Know Before Switching POS
Always think of your customers first.
Ask — will this system make their experience better?
Also think long-term — can it grow with your business?
Try setting up the new POS in small steps so your team can learn easily and avoid stress.