The 22 Best Restaurant POS Software, Ranked & Reviewed for 2025
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:
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.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
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 inventory management | Free trial available | From $119/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for cloud storage | Not available | Website | ||
| 3 | Best for UK market | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for large chains | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for free starter plan | 14-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for data security | Free demo available | From $89/month for one station | Website | |
| 7 | Best for custom solutions | Not available | Website | ||
| 8 | Best for Indian restaurants | Free demo available | From $65/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for quick setup | Free plan available | From $69/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for payment flexibility | Free demo available | Pricing available 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.
Lightspeed is a POS system built for restaurants, cafes, and bars that need powerful control over orders, inventory, and customer service. Its intuitive interface supports iPad-based terminals and mobile devices, helping you manage front and back-of-house operations efficiently. The software’s cloud-based platform keeps everything synced in real time, giving you visibility into performance from anywhere.
Why I picked Lightspeed: I picked Lightspeed for its outstanding inventory management, which helps you maintain accurate stock levels and reduce waste, a major win for busy restaurants. You can view item performance and cost trends directly from its analytics dashboard, giving you actionable data to fine-tune menus or adjust pricing. I also like its mobile POS support, which allows you to take orders and payments tableside for a smoother guest experience.
Combined with its detailed reporting tools, Lightspeed helps you make informed decisions and keep your operations running efficiently.
Lightspeed standout features and integrations:
Features include a floor plan management tool that optimizes seating arrangements and service flow, real-time analytics for sales and inventory, and an integrated kitchen display system that eliminates order errors. Lightspeed’s payment processing tools support multiple payment methods, keeping checkout quick and secure.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, 7shifts, MarketMan, Resy, OpenTable, Deliverect, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools
- Integrated payment processing with flexibility
- Advanced inventory tracking and automation
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality during outages
- Higher pricing than competing systems
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
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
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
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
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
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
Square for Restaurants is a POS platform designed for dining establishments of all sizes, offering solutions for order management and payment processing. It caters to restaurants, cafes, and bars, providing tools that simplify operations and enhance service delivery.
As Janice Kuz, Owner at The Nines Emporium with 20+ years in hospitality, puts it: “After switching to Square, our average order time dropped from 4.2 to 2.8 minutes. The game-changer was Square’s menu modification system—everything’s built in with preset modifiers—so we went from 3–4 order mistakes on a busy Saturday to maybe 1. When you’re slinging 200+ coffees, those seconds add up.”
Why I picked Square for Restaurants: Square for Restaurants offers a quick setup process, making it ideal for businesses that need to get up and running fast. The intuitive interface means your team can learn the system with minimal training.
It includes features like customizable menus and table management that cater to various dining formats. With integrated payment processing, you can handle transactions efficiently and securely.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a floor plan management tool that lets you optimize seating arrangements for better service flow. The system also offers a detailed reporting suite that provides insights into sales and performance metrics. Additionally, Square for Restaurants supports mobile POS, enabling your team to take orders and process payments from anywhere in the restaurant.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, 7shifts, MarketMan, Resy, OpenTable, Deliverect, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports mobile POS operations
- Integrated payment processing
- Quick setup process
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited advanced features
Shift4 is a restaurant POS software that caters to the needs of restaurants and bars by handling mobile ordering, payments, and online ordering. It's designed to support both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, providing tools that enhance efficiency and customer service.
Why I picked Shift4: Shift4 offers unique flexibility in payment options, allowing you to manage transactions smoothly. Features like mobile and QR code payments make it easy for you to adapt to customer preferences.
The software supports various payment methods, ensuring your team can handle any payment scenario. The added marketing and loyalty tools help you engage with customers effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include mobile ordering, QR code solutions, and marketing tools. You can easily manage orders and payments through its integrated online ordering system. The reporting and analytics feature gives you insights into your restaurant's performance.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Heartland, Micros, Aloha, Toast, Square, Upserve, and Clover.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Marketing and loyalty tools
- Mobile ordering capability
- Flexible payment options
Cons:
- Potential learning curve
- Pricing details not transparent
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:
- SumUp
For ease of use
- SpotOn
For small businesses
- Toast
For US market adaptability
- LimeTray Restaurant POS
For online ordering
- GOFRUGAL
For budget-friendly options
- Lavu
For iPad compatibility
- Quantic POS
For mobile-first approach
- TouchBistro
For tableside ordering
- Rezku
For fine dining
- Clover
For quick setup
- GoTab
For contactless payments
- POSbistro
For food truck operations
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?
You’ll usually need a tablet or touchscreen terminal, a receipt printer, a cash drawer, and maybe a kitchen display. Some systems play nice with whatever gear you’ve already got—most work best with hardware they’ve vetted.
Double-check compatibility before you drop cash. Your Wi-Fi router matters too. If your POS is “cloud-based,” keep a backup hotspot just in case.
Can a restaurant POS system work when the internet goes down?
Yes, most top POS systems have offline mode—provided you’ve set it up. You can keep punching in orders even if your Wi-Fi tanks faster than a Saturday lunch rush. However, online-only features like updates and credit card processing may stall. The trick: always clarify what works offline before things go dark.
How long does it take to train staff on a new POS?
If your POS needs hours of training, it’s probably made for museums, not restaurants. Most well-designed systems should have your crew rang up and running in under a shift. Plan for about a day if you’ve got a big team or run complex service. The faster your team can pick it up, the sooner you get back to slinging plates, not watching tutorials.
What integrations should I prioritize for smoother restaurant operations?
Start with payroll and accounting platforms—they save hours and headaches. Next: delivery and online ordering integrations, or you’ll be copying tickets by hand. Inventory and scheduling integrations matter, but only if you’ll actually use them. Always check real-world reviews—marketing claims often gloss over painful limitations.
How do I migrate data from my old POS to a new system?
Data migration isn’t magic, but it’s not open-heart surgery either. Most vendors offer imports for menu items and customer lists—just make sure your old system actually exports data first.
Back everything up in spreadsheets, and ask your new provider for help. If they groan or shrug, find another vendor. Migration support is a loyalty test.
Can I use my own hardware with restaurant POS software?
Yes, but check the fine print. Some software welcomes existing iPads or printers; others force you into pricey “exclusive” hardware. Compatibility issues can kill your budget, so ask before you buy.
Sometimes, biting the bullet for the vendor’s hardware saves you hours of troubleshooting and calls to “Steve from IT.”
How does restaurant POS software handle multiple locations?
The short answer: good systems let you see sales, staff hours, and inventory across every spot from one dashboard. Some even do centralized menu updates, so you’re not updating prices in ten places at midnight. Beware setup fees for each new location—vendors love to hide these in the paperwork.
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 mobile 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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