Running a restaurant gets expensive fast, and your POS system is a bigger part of that cost than most people realize.
It’s never just the monthly subscription or the price of hardware. It’s the payment processing rates, paid add-ons, and the amount of time your team actually saves (or loses) during a busy shift.
Toast is a popular pick because it’s restaurant-focused and fairly easy to adopt. But as your sales grow, you add more locations, or you rely more on online ordering, you may start running into limits.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best Toast alternatives in 2025, show you how they compare, and help you figure out when it’s the right time to switch.
Key Takeaways
- When to Switch from Toast: Consider moving on when Toast’s processing fees, contracts, and add-ons eat into your restaurant profit margins, or when you need stronger menu control, multi-location tools, or better support.
- Best Alternatives by Restaurant Type: Square works well for smaller or counter-service spots, Lightspeed is a flexible choice for multi-location or hybrid concepts, and UpMenu is ideal if you want to focus on online ordering, delivery, and marketing.
- What to Look for in a Toast Alternative: Prioritize clear pricing and payment processing fees, compatible hardware, flexible menu management (modifiers, combos), and reliable integrations with your current tools.
- How to Make a Switch: Start with one location, run Toast and the new POS system in parallel, then migrate menus and customer data step by step so you always have a fallback.
Toast Competitors: Key Features Comparison
Before we get into the detailed reviews, here’s a quick side-by-side look at the top Toast competitors.
The table covers the essentials—monthly pricing, hardware costs, payment processing rates, ease of use, and support for online ordering, delivery, and multi-location operations.
| Features | UpMenu | Square | Clover | Lightspeed | SpotOn | Upserve | Shift4 | TouchBistro | Shopify POS | Restroworks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (monthly) | Starts from $49 | Starts from $69 | Starts from $69 | Starts from $89 | Starts from $55 | Starts from $89 | Starts from $20 | Starts from $69 | Starts from $89 | N/A |
| Hardware Cost | Varies by provider | $627-$1,034 | $599-$1799 | $199-$729 | N/A | $199-$729 | $29 monthly | Varies by provider | $49-$459 | N/A |
| Commission per Order | No fees | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.6% + $0.10 | 1.99% + $0.25 | 2.6% + $0.10 | N/A | 2.49% + $0.15 | 2.9% + $0.30 | N/A |
| Free Trial | ||||||||||
| Setup Service | Free | N/A | N/A | N/A | Quoted rate | Free | Free | Quoted rate | Starts from $250 | N/A |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Hard |
| Online Ordering | ||||||||||
| POS System | Coming Soon | |||||||||
| Order Management | ||||||||||
| Delivery Management | ||||||||||
| Delivery Dispatcher | ||||||||||
| Third-Party Orders Aggregation | Coming Soon | |||||||||
| Marketing Tools | ||||||||||
| Loyalty Programs | ||||||||||
| CRM System | ||||||||||
| Integrations | ||||||||||
| Supports Multiple Locations |
Use it as a quick filter. Start with what matters most to you right now: total POS system cost, payment processing fees, delivery management, or third-party order aggregation.
Then, shortlist two or three Square alternatives that match your needs and budget before you dive into the deeper reviews in the next sections.
Start with what matters most to you right now: total POS system cost, processing fees, restaurant delivery software, or third-party order aggregation.
From there, narrow it down to two or three Toast alternatives that fit your budget and your workflow before moving into the deeper breakdowns in the next section.
How I Evaluated Toast Alternatives
To give you a realistic view of Toast competitors, I looked at how each option actually performs in a busy restaurant environment (not just what’s on the sales page).
I focused on how well each platform supports day-to-day operations, from taking payments to managing online ordering, staff, and multiple locations.
My review combines hands-on product research and usage, vendor documentation, and real user feedback from restaurant owners and managers.
1. Core Restaurant Features
For each Toast alternative, I started with the basics: can this system replace or improve your current POS and online ordering setup?
I paid special attention to:
- Online Ordering System: Take online orders directly keeping more control over customer data and your margins.
- POS System: Speed and stability during a rush, handling checks, modifiers, tips, and split payments.
- Delivery Management: How easily you can manage in-house drivers, third-party delivery, and all tickets from one screen.
- Order Aggregation: Pull orders from delivery apps so you will only need one tablet to manage them.
- Marketing Tools: Built-in tools for email, SMS, promos, and rewards to keep customers coming back.
2. Ease of Use and Onboarding
You shouldn’t need a long onboarding process or weeks of training to use a new POS.
I checked:
- How quickly you can set up a single location or add more sites.
- Menu creation, navigation, and how intuitive the main dashboard feels.
- Whether new staff can learn the system in a shift or two.
- Built-in guides, training materials, and how much support you really need to get started.
3. Support Quality
If payment processing breaks or terminals freeze, revenue stops. That’s why I looked closely at support:
- Availability: Business hours only, or true 24/7 help?
- Channels: Phone, chat, email, and self-service help center.
- Response time: How fast restaurant owners actually get help when something critical goes wrong.
4. User Reviews and Real Feedback
Beyond vendor claims, I went through reviews on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot.
I focused on:
- Repeated complaints from Toast customers switching to other options.
- Stability issues, outages, and performance problems.
- Whether users feel they get good value for the monthly fees and payment processing costs.
5. Pricing, Contracts, and Scalability
Finally, I looked past the “from $X/month” headline and checked how the total cost scales as you grow:
- Base software pricing and how it changes with more locations or devices.
- Hardware costs and whether you can reuse what you already have.
- Extra payment processing fees, setup charges, integration fees, and cancellation penalties.
- Tools for multi-location control, cloud access, and integrations with delivery partners, accounting, and other systems so you don’t outgrow your new POS in a year.
Best For
- Restaurants focused on online ordering
- Owners who want all-in-one marketing and loyalty
- Brands moving from third-party apps
Pros
✅ All-in-one online ordering and marketing: Connects your website, online ordering, CRM, campaigns, and delivery tools in one platform, with a native POS system on the way.
✅ Commission-free direct sales: Moves customers from marketplaces to your own channels so you keep more from every order.
✅ Free setup included: Your website and mobile app are built and configured for you, reducing upfront cost and speeding up launch.
Cons
❌ No full POS yet: You still need a separate POS or integration for in-person orders and table service.
Pricing
Plans
- Basic (75 orders):
$49 / month - Standard (210 orders):
$89 / month - Premium (unlimited orders): $169 / month
Addons
- Mobile App:
$49 / month - Loyalty Program:
$19 / month - Delivery Dispatcher:
$49 / month
UpMenu helps you push more online orders while keeping day-to-day operations under control.
It connects your website, online ordering, marketing, and delivery tools so you manage everything from one place instead of juggling multiple systems.
If you depend on third-party apps today, UpMenu gives you a clear path to move customers to your own website or mobile app and cut commission fees.
The online ordering system is built to convert more visitors into paying guests, with smart upselling, tailored recommendations, and automated campaigns that turn one-time orders into loyal, repeat customers.
Core Features
- Online ordering: Commission-free ordering with upsells and a fast, intuitive menu flow designed to convert more customers.
- Restaurant website builder: Build an SEO-optimized website that brings in new guests and turns traffic into orders.
- Branded mobile app: Offer your own app with loyalty rewards, push notifications, and frictionless repeat ordering.
- Delivery tools + driver app: Manage the entire delivery workflow in one place—from ticket to handoff.
- Order aggregation: Pull in orders from Uber Eats, DoorDash, and others into a single dashboard instead of juggling tablets.
Automated marketing: Run email/SMS campaigns, schedule promos, and re-engage customers without manual work.
What users say about UpMenu
“I run a small chain of two pizzerias and UpMenu completely transformed how we handle online orders. Since launching our own website and mobile app through the system, our sales have grown by 27% and we finally have full control over our customer data.“
Verified User, Restaurant Owner (Source: G2)
My conclusion
UpMenu brings online ordering, delivery management, restaurant CRM, and marketing into one platform, with a POS system on the way.
It’s a strong fit if you want more commission-free direct orders, fewer third-party delivery services dependencies, and quick, supported setup.
Best for
- Quick-serve spots and cafés
- New or smaller restaurants that need a fast, simple setup
- Operators wanting in-person + online sales without long contracts
Pros
✅ Quick setup, easy to learn: You can go live the same day. The interface is clean, and staff usually learn it in minutes.
✅ Omnichannel from the start: POS, online ordering, QR codes, pickup/delivery, and unified reporting all work out of the box.
✅ Flexible add-ons: Loyalty, Marketing, Payroll, and Team Management scale with you (no complex migrations).
Cons
❌ Flat processing rates get expensive as volume grows: Limited room to negotiate, which can hurt margins for high-traffic restaurants.
❌ Some users report account holds: Risk reviews may temporarily delay payouts or require additional verification.
Pricing
Plans
- Free:
$0 / month + (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction) - Plus:
$69 / month + (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction) - Premium:
$169 / month + (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction)
Addons
- Loyalty Program:
$45 / month - Email Marketing:
$15 / month - Advanced Access:
$35 / month
Square is a POS and payment processing platform used by restaurants, retail stores, and service-based businesses.
Instead of focusing only on food service, it’s built to support different business models, which makes it useful if you sell both in person and online or run a mixed concept.
Core Features
- Multi-industry POS: Works for restaurants, retail, and service businesses in one system.
- Online ordering & delivery integrations: Accept direct online orders and connect to third-party delivery services.
- Cloud-based, multi-device: Run Square on tablets, smartphones, and dedicated Square hardware.
- Reporting & analytics: Track sales trends and customer behavior in one dashboard.
What users say about Square
“Square is such an easy platform to use for all of your sales and retail needs! It is very simple and straightforward and takes away the headache of taking payments the traditional way.“
Taylor D., Manager (Source: G2)
My conclusion
Square is a flexible, easy-to-use POS and payments solution, especially for restaurants that also sell retail or services.
It doesn’t go as deep into restaurant workflows when you compare Toast POS, but its simple setup and broad functionality make it a solid multi-purpose option.
Best For
- Quick-serve spots, cafés, and food trucks
- New or small businesses that need a simple POS
- Mixed restaurant + retail setups using one checkout
Pros
✅ Fast to launch: Straightforward onboarding and a simple interface, so staff can start using it with little training.
✅ Omnichannel capable: Handles in-person payments, basic online sales, and reporting from one dashboard.
✅ Flexible processing & apps: Works with multiple payment processors and has a large App Market for loyalty, invoicing, and extra reporting.
Cons
❌ Costs vary by provider: Your monthly fees and processing rates depend on the reseller or merchant agreement.
❌ Restaurant features often need add-ons: Deeper restaurant and back-of-house workflows usually require extra apps and subscriptions.
Pricing
Plans
- Starter:
from $14.95 / month - Standard / Table Service:
$89.95 / month for first device, +$14.95 for each additional - Counter Service:
around $54.95 / month
Addons
- Loyalty & Rewards:
from $45 / month - Email Marketing:
$15 / month - Inventory Pro:
$35 / month - Hardware Costs:
$599-1799$
Clover is a flexible POS system built for small businesses and quick-serve restaurants that want fast setup and simple tools for both in-person payments and online sales.
It combines core built-in features with optional add-ons, so you can customize the system without committing to a heavy, restaurant-specific platform.
Because it supports multiple payment processors, Clover is also a good fit if you want more control over fees and hardware choices.
Core Features
- Customizable POS system: Mix and match devices like Clover Station, Mini, or Flex to build a setup that fits your counter space and service style.
- Online ordering tools: Accept credit card payments for online sales and connect with popular apps through Clover’s App Market.
- App Market add-ons: Expand features with tools for loyalty, scheduling, reporting, and more third-party payment solutions.
- Unified reporting: Track in-person payments and online transactions from a single dashboard to monitor daily performance.
What users say about Clover
“It’s a very reliable platform for handling a small business I would say, keeps inventory in order and is easy to use on a daily basis during Sales, returns and such“
Verified User in Food & Beverages (Source: G2)
My conclusion
Clover is a strong option for quick-serve and small restaurants that want an easy start, simple onboarding, and flexible payment processing.
System covers the basics well, and the App Market gives you room to grow. Just keep in mind that more advanced restaurant features often require multiple add-ons, which can increase monthly costs.
Best For
- Quick-serve spots, cafés, and food trucks
- Small businesses wanting a more capable POS
- Mixed restaurant + retail concepts
Pros
✅ Highly customizable: Menus, workflows, and payment options can be tailored to your service style.
✅ Advanced inventory tools: Ingredient-level tracking, bulk imports, and supplier management help control food costs.
✅ Deep reporting: Real-time insights into sales, staff performance, and customer trends support data-driven decisions.
Cons
❌ Higher total cost: Subscriptions, hardware, and add-ons can add up, especially for smaller teams.
❌ Support speed varies: Some users report slower responses or back-and-forth with customer service.
Pricing
Plans
- Essential:
$189 / month + (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) - Premium:
$399 / month+ (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction)
Addons
- Kitchen Display System:
$30 / month per screen
Prices are not provided for the rest of addons.
Lightspeed is a restaurant-focused POS built for full-service venues, quick-serve concepts, bars, and growing hospitality groups.
It goes beyond basic order-taking with strong tools for table management, inventory, and multi-location control.
Core Features
- Restaurant POS: Table management, menu engineering, and kitchen display systems to keep service moving during busy shifts.
- Online ordering & delivery integrations: Connects with third-party delivery and online ordering so all tickets flow into one system.
- Multi-location management: Centralized menus, pricing, and reporting for groups and franchises.
- Real-time inventory tracking: Ingredient-level stock control, low-stock alerts, and recipe links to manage food costs and waste.
What users say about Lightspeed
“As we all know, POS needs for restaurants have changed greatly since the pandemic. Not only does Lightspeed Restaurant fully integrate with all of the delivery platforms, but Lightspeeds online ordering system, Order Ahead, is super easy to set up and manage as well.“
Dustin H., Regional Manager (Source: G2)
My conclusion
Lightspeed is a good fit for restaurants that want more than a basic POS and rely on data to guide pricing, staffing, and menu decisions.
The overall cost is higher, but for multi-location operators looking for tighter control, it’s a strong Toast alternative.
Best For
- Busy full-service and fast-casual restaurants
- Multi-location teams needing centralized menus and reporting
- Restaurants wanting direct online ordering built into the POS
Pros
✅ Restaurant-first: Supports dine-in, takeout, online ordering, and QR ordering in one system.
✅ Strong labor and cost tools: Built-in reporting for food cost, labor, and margin control.
✅ Modern hardware: Handhelds, stations, and customer-facing displays for faster service.
Cons
❌ Costs increase with add-ons: Loyalty, online ordering, and scheduling raise monthly fees.
❌ Locked into SpotOn processing: No option to choose another payment processor.
❌ Hardware is pricier: Terminals and handhelds cost more than typical tablet-based setups.
Pricing
Plans
- Quick Start:
$0 / month + higher processing rate - Counter-Service:
from $99 / month - Full-Service:
from $135 / month
Addons
- On-site implementation & training:
Around $1,000 one-time.
Prices are not provided for the remaining addons.
SpotOn POS is built for operators who want tighter control over orders, payments, and guest experience.
It supports full-service, counter-service, and fast-casual concepts with tools for online ordering, menu management, staff scheduling, and in-person payments, all built around real restaurant workflows.
Core Features
- Restaurant POS: Dine-in, takeout, QR, and online orders from a single dashboard.
- Direct online ordering: Accept orders without relying only on third-party marketplaces.
- Menu & labor management: Update menus in real time, monitor labor, and track performance across locations.
- Integrations & KDS: Connects with major restaurant tools and kitchen display systems for faster ticket flow.
- Reporting & analytics: Tracks sales, labor, and item performance for data-based decisions.
What users say about SpotOn
“I like that it’s pretty user friendly. The way it’s set up was done well by the spot on team, and menu items and functions are fairly easy to find. I also think it crashes less than others as I haven’t experienced it go down and even though I also like toast, I think toast loses its connection a lot which is not convenient during service.
Jessica V., Bartender (Source: G2)
My Conclusion
SpotOn is a strong choice if you want a structured restaurant POS with deeper tools for labor, online orders, and table service, whether you run one location or several.
The trade-off is cost: required payment processing, add-ons, and hardware can push total monthly spend higher than some other Toast alternatives.
Best For
- Busy full-service and fast-casual restaurants
- Multi-location groups needing centralized menus and reporting
- Owners who want POS, online ordering, and analytics in one system
Pros
✅ Restaurant-focused POS: Built around table service, coursing, and check management for busy dining rooms.
✅ Powerful analytics: Menu, sales, labor, and guest insights help you see which items and staff actually drive profit.
✅ Integrated stack: Upserve Payments, online ordering, loyalty, and marketing tools are designed to work together.
Cons
❌ Tied to Upserve payments: Using other processors can mean higher fees or penalties.
❌ Higher overall cost: Software, terminals, and add-on modules can be more expensive than some Toast competitors.
❌ Reliability concerns: Some users report crashes or slow support, especially during peak service.
Pricing
Plans
- Core:
$59 / month - Pro:
$199 / month - Pro Plus:
$359 / month
Addons
- Additional terminals:
$40-$60 / month (prices vary by plan)
Prices for the remaining addons are not provided.
Upserve (now part of the Lightspeed ecosystem) is a restaurant POS for operators who rely heavily on data.
Combines menu engineering, reporting, online ordering, and integrated payments in one workflow, with a strong focus on understanding what drives sales, margins, and staff performance.
It’s popular with full-service restaurants and multi-location groups that want more than basic payment processing.
Core Features
- Restaurant POS: Table management, coursing, split checks, and fast in-person payments during rush periods.
- Menu & sales analytics: Identify top dishes, adjust pricing, and protect margins with real-time data.
- Online ordering & loyalty: Direct ordering, guest insights, and loyalty tools to increase repeat visits.
- Advanced inventory: Ingredient-level tracking, low-stock alerts, and supplier management to control food costs.
What users say about Upserve
“The best thing about Upserve is how user friendly it is. Easy to find products and create new payments types. Customer services are helpful and supportive. Menu setup is easy and intuitive. I like how you can copy an item and change items within seconds.“
Heather H., Operations Manager (Source: G2)
My Conclusion
Upserve is a good fit if you want deeper insight into sales, labor, and guest behavior than a standard POS provides.
You’ll pay more and be tied to Upserve’s payment processing, but for data-driven restaurants, the extra visibility can help keep operations efficient and profitable.
Best For
- Full-service and quick-service restaurants
- Concepts that want low upfront hardware cost
- Operators looking for POS, payments, and online ordering in one platform
Pros
✅ Low monthly cost with hardware: Plans often start around $29.99 per workstation with little or no upfront hardware expense.
✅ Online ordering and marketing included: Built-in ordering, reservations, waitlist, marketing, and loyalty help reduce extra subscriptions.
✅ Restaurant-focused devices: Terminals, handhelds, KDS, and QR order-and-pay are built for in-person restaurant workflows.
Cons
❌ Locked into Shift4 payments: You must use Shift4 for processing.
❌ Complex pricing programs: Dual pricing and cash-discount models can make true fees harder to compare.
❌ Add-on hardware costs: Each extra device (KDS, handhelds, displays) adds its own monthly fee.
Pricing
Plans
- SkyTab POS workstation:
from $29.99/month - SkyTab Mobile handheld: $20/month per device.
- SkyTab Glass tablet POS: $29.99/month per tablet.
- KDS and customer-facing display:
$29.99/month each.
Addons
Costs vary based on customization and integrations.
Prices are not available on the website.
SkyTab POS from Shift4 is a restaurant-focused system for operators who want low upfront costs and predictable monthly fees.
It bundles POS, online ordering, loyalty, and basic marketing into one platform, with hardware often included, which makes it a cost-efficient Toast alternative if you want integrated payments and online sales without juggling multiple tools.
Core Features
- Restaurant POS: Table service, counter service, QR order-and-pay, and fast in-person payments.
- Built-in online ordering: Included without an extra monthly fee.
- Marketing & loyalty: Email tools, promos, and rewards inside the main platform.
- Reservations & waitlist: Integrated booking and walk-in management.
- Hardware portfolio: Workstations, handhelds, KDS screens, and customer-facing displays.
What users say about Shift4
“I inherited a system when I bought a restaurant. We used it for 2 months before we had to switch. It was not user friendly and we found that having handhelds was crucial for our business model.“
Guinevere B., Restaurant Owner (Source: G2)
My Conclusion
SkyTab is a good fit if you want predictable costs and bundled features like online ordering and loyalty in one system.
You’re tied to Shift4’s payment processing, and device fees grow as you add hardware, but for restaurants that want an all-in-one POS without a big upfront spend, the value is strong.
Best For
- Table-service restaurants that want an iPad-based POS
- Cafés and small dining rooms
- Operators who want built-in reservations and waitlist tools
Pros
✅ Works offline: Keeps running when the internet drops, so service isn’t interrupted.
✅ iPad-based POS: Portable, lightweight, and easy for staff to learn and carry between tables.
✅ Built-in reservations & waitlist: Native tools to manage guest flow without extra software.
Cons
❌ Opaque pricing: You need to contact sales for full pricing, which makes comparisons harder.
❌ Stability issues for some users: Reports of freezes and glitches during service.
❌ No delivery management: Lacks tools for dispatching and tracking deliveries.
Pricing
Plans
- Solo (1 User):
$69 / month - Dual (2 Users):
$129 / month - Team (Up to 5 Users):
$249 / month - Unlimited:
$399 / month
Addons
- Online Ordering:
$50 / month - Reservations:
$229 / month - Loyalty Program:
$99 / month
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS for restaurants that want a simple, mobile setup for tableside ordering and fast service.
Runs offline, which is useful when Wi-Fi is unreliable, and it includes built-in reservations and waitlist tools. It’s especially popular with smaller dining rooms, cafés, and table-service spots that prefer portable devices over fixed terminals.
Core Features
- iPad POS: Lightweight, mobile, and easy for staff to pick up.
- Offline mode: Keeps working even when the internet goes down.
- Reservations & waitlist: Built-in guest flow tools, no extra software needed.
- Menu & table management: Designed around table service, modifiers, and quick order entry.
- Integrated payments: Works with selected payment processing partners for in-person card payments.
What users say about TouchBistro
“The software is iPad based, so it’s incredibly easy to learn and teach. The interface is easy to use and integrates with scheduling software such as HotSchedules and 7Shifts.“
Jayelynn W., Store Manager (Source: G2)
My Conclusion
TouchBistro is a good fit if you want a mobile, offline-capable POS that focuses on table service. It lacks delivery management and some advanced features that other Toast alternatives offer, but for smaller restaurants and cafés that prioritize mobility and simplicity, it’s an appealing option.
Best For
- Restaurants with strong online sales or e-commerce
- Brands selling across multiple channels (in person + online)
- Operators who want POS and website inventory in sync
Pros
✅ Omnichannel by design: Syncs in-person payments, online orders, and inventory between your Shopify store and physical locations.
✅ Great for hybrid concepts: Works well if you sell food plus merch, meal kits, or other e-commerce products.
✅ Low barrier to entry: POS Lite is included with any Shopify plan, so you can test in-person selling without an extra POS fee.
Cons
❌ Requires a Shopify store: You need an active Shopify e-commerce subscription to use the POS.
❌ POS Pro costs extra: Advanced features require a per-location POS Pro add-on.
❌ Apps and hardware add up: Third-party apps and hardware bundles can push total POS system cost higher than expected.
Pricing
Plans
- POS Lite:
$0 (included with any Shopify plan; ecommerce plans from $39/month). - POS Pro:
$89/month per location as an add-on to your Shopify plan.
Addons
- Starter hardware (Tap & Chip / reader kits):
from about $49–$219. - Terminal Countertop Kit:
around $459. - Wireless Countertop Bundle:
around $999.
Shopify POS is built for restaurants and food businesses that rely heavily on both online sales and in-person payments.
It connects your website, menu, inventory, and checkout in one system, which is ideal if you also sell merch, gift cards, meal kits, or other e-commerce products.
Compared with other alternatives, it stands out for automatic inventory sync and simple multi-channel payments.
Core Features
- Omnichannel POS: Syncs online sales, in-person payments, and inventory in real time to avoid double-selling.
- POS Lite included: Every Shopify plan comes with POS Lite at no extra cost, so you can test in-person selling on a budget.
- POS Pro upgrade: Adds staff permissions, smarter inventory tools, and multi-location support.
- Integrated online store: Links your menu and product catalog directly to your e-commerce site.
- Modern payments: Accepts contactless, chip cards, and popular digital wallets.
What users say about Shopify POS
“We started out with Shopify POS on our iphones with a little card reader, which was great. We upgraded to the POS Go when it came out in fall 2023, and it’s been a total game changer. The software is essentially the same on the phone or the POS Go.“
Lauren C., Co-Owner (Source: G2)
My Conclusion
Shopify POS is best if your restaurant or café has a strong e-commerce side or sells more than just food.
It’s not as deep in restaurant workflows as some other Toast competitors, but its omnichannel setup, low entry cost, and automatic sync between online and in-store sales make it a solid choice for hybrid businesses.
Best For
- Multi-location restaurant chains and fast-growing brands
- Operators needing unified reporting across outlets and regions
- Teams that prioritize advanced inventory and cost control
Pros
✅ Advanced inventory control: Tracks ingredient-level usage, bulk imports, and supplier orders to cut waste and keep food costs in check.
✅ Built to scale: Used by large chains to manage menus, outlets, and sales across many locations from one platform.
✅ Rich integrations: Connects with online ordering, CRM, delivery, payment processing, and analytics tools for a full restaurant stack.
Cons
❌ Limited pricing transparency: Most plans and modules use custom quotes, so it’s hard to estimate cost upfront.
❌ Delivery tools less mature: Third-party delivery tracking and dispatch aren’t as strong as in dedicated delivery platforms.
Restroworks is a restaurant management and POS system built for multi-location groups, large chains, and brands selling across several channels.
It focuses less on quick setup for small sites and more on deep control over inventory, purchasing, and analytics, helping you keep online sales, in-person payments, and stock levels aligned across every location.
Core Features
- Advanced inventory: Ingredient-level tracking, purchase orders, supplier management, and real-time stock across outlets.
- Multi-location POS: Central dashboards for menus, pricing, promotions, and reporting across many stores.
- Integrations & API: Connects with online ordering, accounting, and payment processing tools for a unified stack.
- Reporting & analytics: Detailed sales trends, store performance, and margins to support data-driven decisions.
- Central menu control: Update items and prices once and sync them to all locations.
What users say about Restroworks
“The 24/7 support provided by the team has been extremely helpful. Every time I reached out, my calls were attended to promptly and handled on priority.“
Prem K., Restaurant Manager (Source: G2)
My Conclusion
Restroworks is best for larger restaurant groups that need tight control over inventory and multi-location operations, not quick setup for a single site.
Pricing is custom and less transparent, but if you run several locations and care about consistency, cost control, and detailed reporting, it’s a strong high-end Toast alternative.
When to Switch From Toast?
I’d start thinking about a Toast alternative when the system costs you more in fees and workarounds than it saves you in time. That usually happens once you add more locations, more staff, or more sales channels.
You’re not alone in re-evaluating your POS: 52% of restaurants plan to upgrade or implement a new POS system in 2025. And with 63% already using a cloud-based POS, switching providers is now the norm, not the exception.
You might be ready to move on from Toast when:
- Fees keep creeping up: Your effective payment processing fees rise with volume, and you feel locked into Toast Payments without much room to negotiate.
- You need more control over payments: You want alternative processors, better rates, or more flexibility around contactless, wallets, and high-volume transactions.
- Inventory and menus are getting complex: You need stronger inventory tools, recipe-level tracking, or multi-location stock control than Toast currently gives you.
- Omnichannel is your default: You’re juggling in-person, online ordering, delivery, and maybe e-commerce, and reporting feels fragmented or requires too many exports.
- Hidden costs add up: Add-ons, hardware, implementation, and statement fees make your total Toast bill hard to predict month to month.
- You’re outgrowing the ecosystem: You need deeper HR, scheduling, menu engineering, or niche integrations that Toast doesn’t support well enough for your concept.
How to Prepare to Switch From Toast
Once you decide to change POS, the goal is a smooth, low-stress switch where you never stop taking payments.
Here’s a simple prep checklist I recommend:
- List what you use in Toast today: Online ordering, menus, discounts, inventory, reporting, virtual terminal, integrations, loyalty, and any recurring billing.
- Export and clean your data: Pull menus, modifiers, categories, customer lists, and order history. Fix duplicates and outdated items so you don’t migrate clutter.
- Clarify payment needs: Decide how you want to accept payments going forward—card present, online, Apple Pay / Google Pay, local methods, and any special rules for high-volume or multi-location operations.
- Review hardware and accessories: Note which tablets, printers, cash drawers, and card readers you can reuse, and what must be replaced. Compare total hardware cost vs. the new provider’s monthly fees.
- Plan roles and training: Assign who manages inventory, who handles refunds/chargebacks, and who will train staff. Schedule short, focused trainings so everyone is comfortable on day one.
- Run both systems briefly: Run Toast and the new POS side by side for a few days. Check that payments, reports, and inventory match before fully switching off Toast.
A bit of prep like this helps you avoid downtime, surprise cancellation fees, and hidden costs, giving your new POS a real chance to support your margins from the first week.
