Best Point of Sale Software for Restaurants: Choosing the Right POS

Why Your Restaurant Needs the Best POS Software

The right point of sale software for restaurants does more than just process transactions. It streamlines operations, enhances customer experience, and boosts profitability. With so many options available, how do you choose the best restaurant POS point of sale system for your business?

In this guide, we’ll compare top restaurant POS software, break down key features, and highlight why protecting your investment is just as important as choosing the right system.

What to Look for in Restaurant POS Point of Sale Software

Before diving into specific options, here’s what every restaurant point of sale POS should include:

✅ Order Management – Take, modify, and track orders seamlessly.
✅ Integrated Payments – Securely process credit cards, mobile payments, and online orders.
✅ Inventory Tracking – Keep real-time tabs on ingredients and supplies.
✅ Employee Management – Schedule shifts, track hours, and manage payroll.
✅ Table & Seating Management – Optimize service flow for dine-in guests.
✅ Reporting & Analytics – Gain insights into sales, peak hours, and best-selling items.

💡 Bonus: Choose a POS system that offers hardware protection options—your devices will take a beating in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Best Point of Sale Software for Restaurants in 2024

1. Toast POS – Best All-in-One System

📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Built exclusively for restaurants.
  • Tableside ordering & handheld devices for faster service.
  • Robust reporting & analytics for better decision-making.

💰 Pricing:

  • Software: Starts at $69/month (Official Pricing)
  • Hardware: Toast Go 2 Handheld – $627+ (See Hardware)
  • Processing Fees: Custom rates based on plan.

⚠️ Biggest Drawback: Expensive replacements—Toast does NOT cover accidental damage, so if a device breaks, you’re paying full price.

🛡 Solution: Protect your Toast POS devices with durable shockproof cases & screen protectors (Shop Now).

2. Square for Restaurants – Best for Small Businesses

📌 Why It’s Great:

  • No monthly fees for basic use.
  • Simple, user-friendly interface.
  • Free online ordering integration.

💰 Pricing:

  • Software: Free for basic; $29+/month for advanced features.
  • Hardware: Square Stand – $149+; Square Register – $799.
  • Processing Fees: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.

⚠️ Biggest Drawback: Limited customization—great for small restaurants but lacks enterprise-level tools.

3. Lightspeed Restaurant – Best for Multi-Location & Fine Dining

📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Cloud-based with offline mode for uninterrupted service.
  • Advanced inventory management for tracking ingredient usage.
  • Excellent for multi-location businesses.

💰 Pricing:

  • Software: Starts at $69/month.
  • Hardware: Custom pricing.
  • Processing Fees: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.

⚠️ Biggest Drawback: Steep learning curve compared to Square or Toast.

4. Clover POS – Best for Customization

📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Highly customizable with an extensive app marketplace.
  • Multiple hardware options for different restaurant types.
  • Built-in loyalty programs & marketing tools.

💰 Pricing:

  • Software: Starts at $44.95/month.
  • Hardware: Clover Flex – $599; Clover Station Duo – $1,649.
  • Processing Fees: Varies based on provider.

⚠️ Biggest Drawback: High upfront costs and limited third-party integrations.

Which POS System Is Right for You?

POS System Best For Monthly Software Cost Hardware Cost Processing Fees
Toast POS Full-service & quick-service Starts at $69 $627+ Custom rates
Square Small restaurants & cafés Free - $29+ $149 - $799 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
Lightspeed Fine dining & multi-location Starts at $69 Custom 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
Clover Customization & flexibility Starts at $44.95 $599 - $1,649 Varies

Protecting Your POS Investment

Restaurants are high-impact environments, and POS devices are constantly exposed to drops, spills, and wear. Since Toast and other POS brands don’t cover accidental damage, you’ll end up paying out-of-pocket for replacements.

🛡 How to protect your investment:

  • Shockproof Toast Go 2 Cases → Prevents drop damage. (Buy Now)
  • Shatterproof Screen Protectors → Stops costly screen replacements. (Get One)
  • Holsters & Mounts → Secure your POS devices for extra protection.

💡 Pro Tip: A small investment in POS protection today prevents expensive replacements later.

Final Verdict: The Best POS Software for Restaurants

For full-service & quick-service restaurants, Toast POS is the clear winner with industry-specific features and top-tier performance. However, the high hardware replacement costs make protecting your devices essential.

🚀 Before investing in a POS system, ensure your hardware is protected! Shop POS Protection

Back to blog