The Top 10 Restaurant POS Software You Should Be Using
Before getting into all the details, here are our top picks for the best restaurant POS software and their strengths:
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Restaurant POS software handles orders, payments, inventory, and front-back sync in real time.
You’re still wrestling menus that take days to update, terminals so slow they double as coffee breaks (and not the fun kind), and “one-click” integrations that spit out error logs. Manual reports show yesterday’s mess—not today’s.
I’ve spent over a decade in retail and ecommerce ops and reviewed many dozens of POS platforms—so I know which systems actually deliver.
In this guide, I rank the best restaurant POS systems—covering real-time dashboards, payment processing, integrations, onboarding, and transparent pricing—so you can swap chaos for a workflow that runs like clockwork.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
Comparing the Best Restaurant POS Software Side-by-Side
This table lines up each system’s pricing tiers, trial availability, and standout use case—so you can spot the best fit for your budget and needs in one glance.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for cloud storage | Not available | Website | ||
2 | Best for UK market | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for small businesses | Not available | From $65/month per station + one-time setup fee | Website | |
4 | Best for custom solutions | Not available | Website | ||
5 | Best for data security | Free demo available | From $89/month for one station | Website | |
6 | Best for inventory management | Free demo available | From $189/month | Website | |
7 | Best for ease of use | Free demo available | From 3.25% plus $0.15 per transaction | Website | |
8 | Best for Indian restaurants | Free demo available | From $65/month | Website | |
9 | Best for free starter plan | 14-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for large chains | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
The 10 Best Restaurant POS Software, Reviewed
Below are my top picks for restaurant POS systems, with straight-talk breakdowns on setup, payment processing, inventory control, integrations, and pricing—everything you need to pick your next POS without the guesswork.
Restroworks is a cloud-based POS software designed for restaurants of all sizes, focusing on scalability and efficiency in both front and back-of-house operations. It offers comprehensive tools for order management, inventory control, and customer engagement, making it ideal for dynamic restaurant environments.
Why I picked Restroworks: Restroworks excels in providing cloud storage solutions that ensure your data is accessible and secure. The tool’s centralized management of menus and inventory helps streamline operations across multiple locations.
With real-time analytics, you can make informed decisions to improve service and profitability. Its ability to integrate with various digital ordering platforms enhances your reach and service capabilities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface that simplifies order processing and reduces wait times. The inventory management feature helps you track stock levels and minimize waste. Restroworks also provides tools for creating and managing promotions to boost customer engagement.
Integrations include Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Paytm, Razorpay, Dunzo, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, Justdial, and DotPe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time analytics available
- Centralized menu management
- Extensive cloud storage capabilities
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Pricing details not transparent
Epos Now is a versatile restaurant POS system tailored for cafes, bars, and restaurants, focusing on managing multichannel sales, including in-house, takeaway, and delivery. It offers tools for payment processing, inventory management, and real-time analytics to support food businesses.
Why I picked Epos Now: Epos Now serves the UK market with features like integration with popular accounting platforms and support for various payment methods. The system's real-time data analytics help you optimize menu performance and reduce food waste.
The platform's ability to manage multiple locations with its Multi-Site Manager feature is a significant advantage. The promotional pricing makes it an affordable choice for businesses looking to enhance their operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time reporting, which helps you track sales and inventory levels efficiently. The system also provides tools for customer loyalty programs to enhance engagement. Epos Now's self-service kiosks can improve customer experience by reducing wait times.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Mailchimp, Tyro, Deputy, Shopify, WooCommerce, Zapier, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-location management
- Real-time data analytics
- Suitable for UK market
Cons:
- Integration setup can be complex
- May require internet connection
SpotOn is a restaurant POS system that caters to casual dining, quick service, and fine dining establishments. It offers customizable point-of-sale solutions, labor management, and online ordering to enhance restaurant operations.
Why I picked SpotOn: SpotOn provides an affordable option for small businesses with features like handheld devices and scheduling tools. Its flexible interface allows you to manage menus easily, while cellular backup ensures operations continue during internet outages.
SpotOn's multi-unit management also helps you oversee multiple locations effectively, supporting your growth and expansion.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include curated reports, at-a-glance data visualization, and alerts for cost and sales thresholds. You can collect guest data for marketing purposes, enhancing your customer engagement. The system also supports payroll integration to help manage costs efficiently.
Integrations include MarginEdge, Craftable, Gusto, ADP, DoorDash, QuickBooks, Square, Constant Contact, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multi-unit management
- Cellular backup for outages
- Customizable for small businesses
Cons:
- Integration setup can be complex
- Limited advanced features
3S POS is a flexible POS system designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses, offering tailored solutions for order management and customer service. It serves diverse dining establishments, providing tools for inventory tracking, menu customization, and detailed reporting.
Why I picked 3S POS: 3S POS offers custom solutions that adapt to your specific business needs, making it ideal for unique restaurant setups. The system's menu customization feature lets you tailor offerings to suit your clientele.
With detailed reporting, you can gain insights into sales performance and operational efficiency. Its focus on adaptability ensures that your team can implement changes easily and quickly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a table management system that optimizes seating arrangements and improves service flow. The system also provides a multi-location management feature, allowing you to oversee operations across different sites. Additionally, 3S POS offers a robust loyalty program to enhance customer engagement and retention.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, PayPal, Worldpay, Opayo, Paymentsense, Mailchimp, ResDiary, and Quandoo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong loyalty program
- Supports multi-location management
- Effective table management
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Complex initial setup
Heartland is a comprehensive POS system tailored for restaurants, focusing on secure payment processing and efficient operations. It serves a variety of dining establishments, providing tools for order management, inventory control, and customer engagement.
Why I picked Heartland: Heartland excels in data security, offering encrypted transactions and secure payment gateways. With features like end-to-end encryption and tokenization, you can protect your customers' payment information.
Heartland's real-time reporting helps you keep track of sales and inventory efficiently. The system's ability to support multiple payment types adds flexibility to your operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable reporting that allows you to tailor insights to your business needs. Heartland offers a loyalty program feature to help you retain customers and boost repeat business. The system also provides mobile POS capabilities, allowing you to take orders and process payments on the go.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, OpenTable, Resy, Chowly, 7shifts, and MarketMan.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile POS capabilities
- Supports multiple payment types
- Strong data security measures
Cons:
- Complex system configuration
- Limited offline functionality
Lightspeed Restaurant is a POS system designed for restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering comprehensive tools for managing orders, inventory, and customer service. It serves a wide range of dining establishments, providing features that enhance efficiency and insight into business operations.
Why I picked Lightspeed Restaurant: Lightspeed Restaurant excels in inventory management, helping you keep track of stock levels and reduce waste. The system offers detailed analytics on sales and inventory, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.
With its customizable menu management, you can easily adjust offerings to suit your business needs. The cloud-based platform ensures you're always up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a floor plan management tool that helps you optimize table arrangements and service flow. The system also supports mobile POS, allowing your team to take orders and process payments from anywhere in the restaurant. Additionally, Lightspeed Restaurant offers a comprehensive reporting suite that provides insights into sales trends and performance metrics.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, 7shifts, MarketMan, Resy, OpenTable, Deliverect, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive reporting suite
- Supports mobile POS operations
- Strong inventory management capabilities
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Initial setup may be complex
SumUp is a POS solution designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs, offering simple payment processing and sales tracking. It provides tools for managing transactions and accepting various payment methods, making it ideal for those seeking straightforward functionality.
Why I picked SumUp: SumUp offers an intuitive setup and operation, perfect for businesses without a dedicated IT staff. The card reader is portable, allowing you to accept payments anywhere.
SumUp's dashboard provides clear insights into sales, helping you make informed decisions. With its focus on simplicity, you can quickly train your team to use it effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a virtual terminal that lets you process payments without a card reader. SumUp provides detailed sales reports to help you understand your business performance. The invoicing feature allows you to create and send professional invoices directly from the app.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, BigCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, QuickBooks, Xero, Vend, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick team training
- Portable card reader
- Easy setup process
Cons:
- No dedicated customer support line
- Limited advanced features
Petpooja is a restaurant POS system tailored for Indian eateries, providing tools for billing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It serves a wide range of food businesses, from small cafes to large dining establishments, offering features that streamline operations.
Why I picked Petpooja: Petpooja caters specifically to the Indian market with multilingual capabilities and support for regional payment methods. Its offline mode ensures that your team can continue operations without internet connectivity.
The software’s analytics tools also provide insights into sales trends, helping you make informed business decisions. With its easy-to-use interface, it simplifies the management of day-to-day tasks.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a customizable menu that allows you to modify items and prices quickly. The system offers detailed reports that help you track sales and inventory efficiently. Petpooja also supports digital receipts, reducing paper waste and enhancing customer convenience.
Integrations include Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Paytm, Razorpay, Dunzo, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, Justdial, and DotPe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports regional payment methods
- Offline mode available
- Multilingual support for Indian languages
Cons:
- Integration setup can be challenging
- Regional focus may not suit all
Loyverse is a POS system designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering features that facilitate sales management and customer loyalty. It caters to cafes, restaurants, and retail stores, helping you manage inventory, track sales, and engage with customers.
Why I picked Loyverse: Loyverse provides a free starter plan, making it accessible for businesses with budget constraints. Its loyalty program feature helps you build customer relationships without extra costs.
Loyverse's inventory management tools allow you to keep track of stock levels effortlessly. The system's sales analytics offer insights to help you make informed business decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a customizable dashboard that lets you organize information according to your needs. The employee management feature helps you track staff performance and manage schedules. Loyverse also offers a sales history feature that provides a detailed view of past transactions for better business insights.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, SumUp, Worldpay, PayPal, Tyro, Zettle, Square, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports inventory management
- Detailed sales analytics
- Free starter plan available
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Limited advanced features
NCR Voyix is a cloud-based POS system tailored for large restaurant chains, focusing on streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences. It provides comprehensive tools for order management, payment processing, and real-time analytics, catering to high-volume businesses.
Why I picked NCR Voyix: NCR Voyix offers scalability and robust infrastructure to handle the demands of large chain operations. Features like centralized menu management and enterprise reporting make it easier for you to oversee multiple locations.
The cloud-based system ensures that updates are seamless, reducing downtime for your team. With its focus on efficiency, you can maintain consistent service across all your outlets.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an intuitive order management system that helps your team reduce errors and improve service speed. The system also supports mobile ordering, allowing for more flexible service options. NCR Voyix provides advanced reporting tools that give you insights into sales trends and operational efficiency.
Integrations include Oracle, PayPal, GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Punchh, Avero, MarketMan, and Fourth.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cloud-based for easy updates
- Offers enterprise-level reporting
- Centralized menu management
Cons:
- Potential for additional costs
- Complex setup process
Other Restaurant POS Software
Here are some additional restaurant POS software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Square for Restaurants
For quick setup
- Shift4
For payment flexibility
- Toast
For US market adaptability
- GOFRUGAL
For budget-friendly options
- LimeTray Restaurant POS
For online ordering
- TouchBistro
For tableside ordering
- GoTab
For contactless payments
- Lavu
For iPad compatibility
- Clover
For quick setup
- POSbistro
For food truck operations
- Quantic POS
For mobile-first approach
- Rezku
For fine dining
Our Selection Criteria For Restaurant POS Software
Our selection criteria distill years of hands-on retail and ecommerce ops into seven weighted areas. I’ve chosen what really moves the needle—nothing else.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
I focused on the must-have operational features:
- Efficient payment processing. Handles credit, debit, contactless, and gift cards without hiccups or hidden fees.
- Accurate order management. Supports tableside, kiosk, and mobile order entry with zero lag or dropped tickets.
- Real-time inventory tracking. Delivers live stock updates so you never sell what you don’t have.
- Kitchen display system integration. Sends orders instantly to back of house to keep service moving.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
I looked for extras that actually impact your bottom line:
- Built-in loyalty and gift cards. Keeps regulars engaged without third-party workarounds.
- Advanced reporting and analytics. Let’s you slice data by shift, location, or promotion in seconds.
- Offline mode. Ensures you can take payments and orders even when the internet flakes out.
- Seamless third-party integrations. Plays nice with accounting, delivery apps, and labor tools.
Usability (10% of total score)
I tested how easy it is for teams to pick up and run:
- Intuitive interface. Minimal training to hit the ground running.
- Responsive design. Works smoothly on iPads, terminals, and web dashboards.
- Customization options. Lets you tweak dashboards, menu layouts, and receipts without dev help.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
I measured how quickly you can go live:
- Guided setup and data migration. Step-by-step tutorials or dedicated help to import menus and staff.
- Interactive product tours. Walk-throughs that cut the learning curve in half.
- Training resources. Videos, docs, and webinars to get your team proficient fast.
Customer support (10% of total score)
I evaluated how well vendors bail you out when things go sideways:
- 24/7 availability. Phone, chat, or email support any time service matters.
- Dedicated account management. Someone who actually knows your setup and can escalate fixes.
- Comprehensive help center. Searchable knowledge base with clear, up-to-date articles.
Value for money (10% of total score)
I weighed cost against real-world ROI:
- Transparent pricing. No mystery fees or surprise add-ons once you’re live.
- Feature-to-price ratio. You get the tools you need without paying for fluff.
- Flexible plans. Month-to-month or annual options to match your budget and growth stage.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
I dug into what real operators say:
- Consistency of positive feedback. High marks on uptime, reliability, and ease of use.
- Reported pain points. Frequency of issues like slow terminals or clunky integrations.
- Support satisfaction. Actual user comments on response times and problem resolution.
What is Restaurant POS Software?
Restaurant POS software is a cloud-based all-in-one platform that manages order entry, payment processing, and inventory tracking.
It helps restaurant owners, managers, servers, and kitchen staff coordinate service in real time.
By syncing tableside ordering, credit card processing, and stock levels, it prevents ticket errors, eliminates manual inventory checks, and ensures your menus and pricing stay accurate across front and back of house.
How to Choose Restaurant POS Software
Picking a restaurant POS system demands clarity on your workflows, integrations, and pricing.
Use this action-oriented checklist to zero in on point-of-sale functionality, online ordering integrations, restaurant management features, and support that keep your front-of-house and back office running smoothly.
Step | What to consider | Action tip |
---|---|---|
Define your workflows | Map front-of-house order flow, kitchen display system needs, and inventory management | Sketch your current process end-to-end to spot gaps |
Verify integrations | Confirm compatibility with your accounting software, online ordering platforms, loyalty programs, and labor tools | List existing platforms and test data sync in a demo |
Test usability | Ensure the interface fits tableside, mobile POS, and cloud-based dashboards | Run a seven-day trial with your staff on real shifts |
Compare pricing | Account for subscription tiers, transaction fees, hardware costs, and add-ons | Build a year-one cost model to compare total spend |
Evaluate onboarding and support | Check training resources, live product tours, and customer support SLAs | Request an onboarding roadmap and support response times |
Features of Restaurant POS Software
A solid restaurant POS system packs tools that tackle every stage of service and back-office work. These features streamline operations, improve order accuracy, and tie your front of house to your inventory, integrations, and reporting in real time.
- Real-time dashboard. View sales, labor costs, and inventory levels as they update—so you spot issues before they hit your bottom line.
- Kitchen display system (KDS) integration. Send orders directly to screens in back of house, eliminating paper tickets and cutting prep errors.
- Mobile POS and tableside ordering. Take orders and payments from any tablet or mobile device to speed checkout and boost guest experience.
- Cloud-based menu management. Push price or menu changes instantly across iPads, kiosks, and online ordering channels without manual uploads.
- Built-in loyalty programs. Launch points-based rewards or gift cards in the same platform—no third-party workarounds or extra fees required.
- Contactless and kiosk support. Offer self-service ordering via QR codes or unattended kiosks to reduce lines and labor costs.
- Advanced reporting and analytics. Drill into data by shift, server, or promotion and export to your accounting software for seamless back office.
- Third-party integrations. Connect to payment processors, online ordering services, accounting packages, and labor tools for an all-in-one POS solution.
Benefits of Restaurant POS Software
Choosing the right restaurant management software means cutting manual work, minimizing errors, and boosting profitability.
These benefits show up across the front of house, back office, and in your guest experience.
- Faster checkouts and higher throughput. Integrated payment processing with credit-card and debit-card support keeps lines moving and revenue growing.
- Fewer stockouts and waste. Automated inventory tracking flags low-stock items in real time and triggers reorder alerts—saving you from surprise menu sell-outs.
- Data-driven decisions. Real-time sales and labor reports help you optimize staffing, menu pricing, and promotions for peak profitability.
- Improved guest experience. Mobile POS and tableside payments cut wait times while loyalty programs keep customers coming back.
- Reduced training time. Intuitive interfaces and interactive onboarding tools mean new staff learn the system in hours, not days.
- Centralized control for multiple locations. Manage menus, pricing, and reporting across all your sites from one cloud-based back office.
- Secure, compliant transactions. End-to-end encryption and tokenization protect customer data and reduce your PCI-compliance burden.
- Scalable growth. Whether you’re a quick-service restaurant or full-service chain, your POS solution scales with add-ons like kiosks, kitchen displays, and advanced reporting modules.
Costs and Pricing of Restaurant POS Software
Restaurant POS plans range from free entry-level offerings up to enterprise subscriptions north of $400 per month. Most small and midsize restaurants pay between $20 and $100 monthly for the core software, with hardware and setup typically costing $500–$1,500 up front. Transaction fees usually run 2.6–3.5% plus $0.10–$0.30 per sale. Your actual spend will hinge on how many terminals you deploy, which add-ons you choose, and whether you lock into an annual deal.
Plan type | Average price | Common features | Best for |
---|---|---|---|
Free plan | $0/month | Basic order entry, limited payment processing, simple reports | pop-up cafés and food trucks |
Personal plan | $20–$50/user/month | Order management, inventory tracking, basic analytics | solo operators and small cafés |
Business plan | $50–$100/user/month | Advanced reporting, loyalty programs, multi-device support | busy full-service and quick-service restaurants |
Enterprise plan | $100–$400+/user/month | Multi-location management, API access, dedicated support | large chains and multi-site groups |
Additional cost considerations
- Hardware and installation fees. POS terminals, tablets, printers, network setup, and card readers can add $500–$1,500 up front.
- Payment processing rates. Typically 2.6–3.5% + $0.10–$0.30 per transaction, varying by plan and provider.
- Modules and add-ons. KDS screens, self-service kiosks, tableside payment, and advanced reporting modules often carry extra monthly charges.
- Training and onboarding. Premium support packages include guided setup and live training, while basic plans rely on self-serve resources.
- Contract commitments. Month-to-month plans offer flexibility, while annual contracts may secure discounts but reduce your ability to switch.
Restaurant POS Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about restaurant POS software:
What hardware do I need to run a modern restaurant POS system?
Most cloud-based POS solutions require at minimum a tablet or touchscreen terminal, a cash drawer, receipt printer, and a card reader (magstripe or EMV/NFC). If you’re adding tableside ordering, factor in ruggedized tablets or mobile devices.
Self-service kiosks and kitchen display systems need dedicated screens. Always check manufacturer specs for mounting, network ports, and power requirements before you buy.
Can a restaurant POS system work when the internet goes down?
Top POS platforms include offline mode to queue orders and payments locally. Once your connection restores, the data syncs automatically—no manual re-entry.
Look for systems that store encrypted transactions on-device and support local network printing to keep kitchen printers and cash drawers active during outages.
How long does it take to train staff on a new POS?
With an intuitive interface and interactive onboarding tools, most servers and cooks get up to speed in under a day.
Expect an initial 2–4-hour group session for core order entry and payment flows, plus another hour per user for personal customization (dashboards, modifier buttons). Built-in tutorials and sandbox modes slice training time further.
What integrations should I prioritize for smoother restaurant operations?
Start with accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), labor and scheduling tools (7shifts, ADP), and your main online ordering platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats).
Next, plug in kitchen display systems and loyalty-program engines. Each integration eliminates manual data entry, cuts reconciliation errors, and ties your front-of-house directly into your back office.
How does pricing for restaurant POS software really break down?
Beyond the monthly subscription fee, you’ll see charges for payment processing (typically 2.6–3.5% + $0.10–$0.30 per transaction), hardware leases or purchases, add-on modules (KDS, kiosks, mobile POS), and priority support or onboarding services.
Build a total cost model—subscription plus estimated transaction volume, hardware amortization, and optional features—to compare vendors apples-to-apples.
How do I migrate data from my old POS to a new system?
Most vendors offer CSV or Excel templates to import menus, modifiers, and staff rosters.
If you’ve got historical sales and inventory data, ask about automated migration services—some providers will map and validate your past records for you. Plan for a dry run in a sandbox environment to catch errors before you flip the switch.
Serve Up Smoother Service
You’ve seen how the wrong POS bogs you down—outdated menus, slow payments, and patchwork integrations that leave your back office in chaos.
The right restaurant POS software fixes these pain points by syncing orders, payments, and inventory in real time, so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time serving guests.
Whether you need robust inventory management, seamless online ordering, or tableside payments, there’s a fit here for your operation.
If you're in the process of researching restaurant POS software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
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