List of 28 Best POS Systems for Restaurants in 2022

Updated as of September, 2022

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Everyone naturally wants reliability and quality at the best price point when it comes to accepting payments and growing your business. While the price is essential, so are the features you need to run a successful operation. There is a lot of restaurant software for restaurants, and our team consistently reviews the top systems.

We’ve put together an updated list of the best POS systems for restaurants of 2022 to help you find the best company to work with that matches your needs and requirements during these challenging times.

The criteria for this list are companies that have proven themselves to be leaders in the market and offer complete products and services specifically for restaurants, bars, and the foodservice industry.

Our proprietary ranking method combines cross-referencing online reviews, current popularity, user feedback, pricing, our experience, and a few other factors. We’ve included a summary and links to reviews for traditional, hybrid, tablet, and iPad POS solutions for a well-rounded and comprehensive list of the best restaurant POS software.

Editor’s Top 3 Picks

Editor choice

1

Toast POS Logo Toast POS

Best for table service, full-service restaurants, and bars. Toast POS is the new industry standard and is one of the best options for new restaurant owners and industry pros alike. Toast offers sleek, easy-to-use POS software with features needed to attract new guests and drive repeat business. Current offers: Free starter kit hardware bundle

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Free!

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Recommended

2

Touchbistro POS Logo Touchbistro

Best iPad POS for QSR, Restaurants, and Bars. TouchBistro is an all-in-one POS and restaurant management system designed to make your restaurant run easier, no matter the size or type. The system runs on Apple iPads and provides restaurateurs with a wide range of features. Current offers: Get 3 Months Free of TouchBistro Reservation

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$

69.00

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Best seller

3

Square POS Square for Restaurants

Best entry-level restaurant POS, easy to get started. Square Restaurant POS is one of the significant new entrants to the restaurant POS market. The company acts both as a POS provider and a payment processor. Best for small restaurants. Current offers: Free version and up to 25% off POS hardware

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$

60.00

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Top 5 Restaurant POS Systems Video

What are the Best POS Systems for Restaurants of 2022?

This list of the best POS systems for restaurants of 2022 was curated by point of sale specialists so you can find the perfect POS solution for your business.

1. Toast POS (Editor’s Top Pick)

? Toast POS system is a complete restaurant management system with modern touch-screen capabilities and is considered the new industry standard by many in the business. Restaurant owners that use Toast can process payments on the go and at tables – you can efficiently manage payments and orders without needing a large computer or central hub.

With Toast, you can expect an intuitive and user-friendly interface with exceptional customer service when you need help. There are additional costs for add-ons, and you’ll be locked into Toast merchant services for credit card processing. So you won’t be able to use your credit card processor of choice as some other systems.

Toast POS Review

We like Toast as the best all-around POS because it has a high satisfaction rating and has become one of restaurant owners’ most popular and top recommended solutions. We like all the optional add-ons and features you get, like Online Ordering & Delivery and the Toast Takeout App. Toast has all the tools you need in a single platform for a small restaurant or multiple locations.

While not the cheapest, their pricing is very straightforward on their website, which is not always the case with other companies. They also offer discounted software and hardware solutions for new restaurants or existing businesses returning to work during these trying times.

Read our full Toast POS review.

Visit Toast

2. TouchBistro

TouchBistro is one of the leading iPad POS solutions for restaurants currently available on the market today and was one of the original pioneers of tablet-based systems. Widely heralded as the “iPad POS built for restaurant people, by restaurant people,” every feature is designed to meet the foodservice industry’s unique needs and fast pace.

In a nutshell, TouchBistro makes running a restaurant easier by streamlining and simplifying all aspects of restaurant management – so restaurateurs have more time to focus on their passion – the reason they opened their business in the first place.

Designed to help restaurateurs run a better and more successful business, TouchBistro enables restaurants to make more money, deliver an exceptional guest experience, and take the guesswork out of making business decisions.

TouchBistro POS Review

TouchBistro offers in-depth training and free 24/7 technical support provided by POS specialists who have also worked in the restaurant industry as former managers, servers, and chefs. To book a live demo and get a free quote, simply fill out this quick contact form.

TouchBistro has earned the top prize of Best POS System for Restaurants 3 years running by Business Daily News, as well as several other distinctions for their company’s rapid growth and customer support.

Their POS solution has also been featured in several episodes of Gordon Ramsay’s new restaurant makeover show “24 Hours to Hell and Back” and was even endorsed by Gordon himself on the show. TouchBistro is available in the USA, Canada (CA), Mexico, and the United Kingdom (UK).

Read our full TouchBistro POS Review.

Visit TouchBistro

3. Harbortouch

Harbortouch Bar and Restaurant POS is one of the most comprehensive POS systems available to restaurant owners. Harbortouch provides its customers with complete touchscreen terminals, SkyTab devices, and EMV processing equipment at no upfront cost.

They also offer free menu programming and free onsite installation to help reduce the cost of purchasing or upgrading your system.

The software provides a wide range of additional features.

For example, the new Lighthouse 5 (cloud-based reporting system) includes Jon Taffer’s revenue-generating tactics and management tools for social media, customer engagement, and loyalty programs.

You can also monitor your reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google, where customers go to find restaurants and stay informed of your online reputation management. 

Watch Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue endorse Harbortouch.

Harbortouch Bar and Restaurant

Not only is Harbortouch one of the most advanced point-of-sale systems on the market and one of the most accessible. You must sign up with a one-year POS service agreement and merchant agreement with Shift4 Payments to join the program.

The good news is there are no longer any termination fees. But if you need a quality solution without breaking the bank, Harbortouch is one of our top picks to consider.

Read our full Harbortouch POS review.

Visit Harbortouch

4. Square for Restaurants

Square for Restaurants offers free POS software for a limited time, and there is no promo code for Square required. This includes a FREE restaurant POS plan including online ordering, menu management, and M-F 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST support.

The free plan comes with all the essentials you need to run a small restaurant with zero monthly charges and unlimited devices/locations. There are no hidden fees, and businesses can cancel or change their subscription anytime.

Square is probably one of the most popular POS systems and providers of merchant services on our list – they’ve done a great job at effectively marketing themselves to small business owners throughout the country.

Square’s goal is to simplify the payment processing industry; they handle more complex payment features such as dividing tabs and predetermining tip percentages. The front-end interface is no-frills, but navigating and finding the items you need is effortless.

Square POS for Restaurants Review

The paid version starts at $60 per month. Square’s restaurant point of sale can accept payments at 2.6% + 10¢ per tap, dip, or swipe. There’s no need for a separate payment processor.

You can use your iPad or purchase a complete Square station. We like that you can remotely access and update your menus, employees, and reports – plus make build changes that work across multiple locations.

There is an offline mode; if your internet connection goes down, you can still accept magstripe payments with Square. They also offer online ordering with the Square Online Store, including options for curbside pickup and local delivery.

We like Square for small restaurants because it’s fast and easy to start. Unlike many other systems, they now offer a free version with all the essentials. If you have an iPad, you can use the app immediately. Plus, we like that there are no commitments or long-term contracts, and they offer a free 30-day trial.

Read our full Square for Restaurants POS review.

Visit Square

5. Rezku POS

Rezku POS is a relative newcomer to the iPad POS market based out of Sacramento, California. Why we like Rezku – one of the biggest challenges restaurant owners face when implementing a new point of sale system is getting the best service and support required for a smooth transition. Working with a company that puts its customers first can’t be overstated.

Rezku is lauded by its end-users and business analysts for its dependable customer service and commitment to ease-of-use. That’s a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by the bottom line.

Rezku POS Review

We also like Rezku for the feature set you get included with your subscription. You’ll get a loyalty & rewards program, EMV enabled processing, automated inventory management, customer relationship management, 24/7 support, and new features as they’re available. Rezku is a full restaurant management system with options for guest seating, reservations, online ordering, and waitlist management.

Not all cloud-based software offers an offline mode to accept credit cards, but Rezku does this well. Never worry about your internet going down again. At $99 per terminal and $49 for each additional terminal, the subscription cost is on point with the number of features you get making Rezku a definite contender worthy of your consideration.

Read our full Rezku POS review.

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6. HungerRush

HungerRush is a hospitality-focused system that offers a wide range of industry- specific features specializing in pizza shops, fast-casual, quick service, and full-service restaurants. HungerRush delivers a comprehensive restaurant management solution that is easy-to-use with the ability to support your growth and scale from one location to multiple units easily.

We really like HungerRush for its online ordering capabilities, delivery functions, and digital marketing solutions for businesses of all sizes, including large chains. For instance, HungerRush is used by Hungry Howies, a pizza chain with over 500 locations, and their rewards program can be interconnected between locations.

Hungerrush POS Review

HungerRush also offers an innovative text ordering solution called OrderAI, where customers can place repeat orders in seconds. It comes with a built-in direct response marketing channel that allows brands to send promotions and reminders to their loyal customers on an opt-in basis.

Read our full HungerRush POS review.

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7. ShopKeep

ShopKeep is one of the top-rated iPad POS solutions available for small restaurant environments like deli’s, cafes, and coffee shops. With inexpensive hardware bundles and reasonable prices for monthly hosting services and no contract commitments, it’s one of the best deals on the market today.

If you’re a small restaurant owner that struggles to maintain your inventory correctly, the software allows you to track your product inventory in real-time and integrate your products into their online portal.

ShopKeep POS Review

ShopKeep also offers some of the lowest payment processing fees available for small businesses and exceptional customer service. If you’re looking for something priced reasonably, easy-to-use, full-featured, and you want to cut down on processing costs, ShopKeep is a sure bet!

Read our full ShopKeep POS review.

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8. Cake POS

Cake POS is a restaurant POS and management system offered by a company called Mad Mobile. The platform is one of the most advanced on the market. You can use the restaurant software to perform transactions quickly, manage guests and tables, and receive online orders.

Cake also offers its clients the ability to purchase or lease hardware at affordable prices. They have one of the most attentive customer service teams in the market – you can call their customer care department 24/7 for technical assistance.

Review of Cake POS

Their business model operates on a 2.5% transaction costs – there are no additional hidden fees or charges. The system has featured in a variety of top tech publications and websites.

Read our full Cake POS review.

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9. Upserve

Upserve POS, formerly Breadcrumb, is a point-of-sale built for the modern full- service restaurant. It’s easy to implement, with personalized onboarding, a dedicated success manager, and professional on-site installation, with a 24/7/365 U.S., based in-house support team. It’s easy for your staff, with a training mode, check split, item hold, and more.

The product includes features for online ordering, table management, restaurant management, inventory, and customer management. Upserve POS also integrates with dozens of companies like GrubHub, Rezi, and Tock.

Over 9,000 restaurants use Upserve to manage relationships with more than 57 million active diners, process over $9.9 billion in annual sales and serve over 36 million meals per month.

Upserve Restaurant POS Review

Here’s what the Director of Operations at Locals 8 Restaurant Group, Matt Cormier, had to say about the system: “Upserve has, hands down, made me wildly successful. We’ve grown sales in most locations. We have increased check averages, we’ve made our staff better sellers, we’re flipping tables a little bit faster. In the first three months, we saw an increase in sales of 14%, we saw covers increase by 36% and we also saw guest check average go up 31%. I’d say that’s a pretty successful system. Upserve gives me every ounce of data I need to coach and develop my teams.”

Read our full Upserve POS review.

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10. SpotOn Restaurants

SpotOn Restaurants (Formerly Emagine POS) is a trailblazing POS solution that integrates credit card processing with cloud-based restaurant software and SpotOn marketing tools.

This particular combination of software and integrated services offered by SpotOn provides tremendous value to business owners. For instance, you can create marketing campaigns to connect with your customers through email, mobile alerts, and social media.

Also, they have online ordering and pay-at-the-table and offer customer review management and integrated loyalty reward programs that SpotOn is very popular with restaurants.

On their website, they mention, “whether you operate a fine dining restaurant, quick-serve restaurant, bar, nightclub, multi-location chain, or franchise, our point-of-sale solution has all the tools you need to help boost efficiency and engage customers like never before to accelerate profit.”

We agree with this assessment considering their product is installed in all the restaurants at several of the busiest airports in the US. Airports are super busy, so providing services at that level is quite challenging. That’s an accomplishment, to say the least, and equates to feature-rich and reliable software.

Read our full SpotOn Restaurant POS review.

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11. Lightspeed Restaurant

Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based iPad POS system from a provider on a mission to help restaurateurs improve business efficiency. The Lightspeed restaurant software is designed for small to medium-sized food establishments.

Not only does their integrated software allow for quick and easy data analysis and payment processing, but it’s also user-friendly and can help bring your staff up-to-speed much quicker than other systems.

We like that you can insert images and information on products to help your employees improve their customer service and knowledge of your offerings. Employee management and reporting are strong, and their pricing is straightforward and affordable.

Read our full Lightspeed Restaurant POS review.

12. Loyverse

Loyverse is for you if you can’t afford to spend money on a new restaurant management system. If you think it’s time for an upgrade, but are low on funds, Loyverse is one of the only free POS software programs on the market.

Despite being a free service, Loyverse offers its clients plenty of functionality – you can track sales data and other figures to help improve your business operations. Also, you can set up notifications for various purposes – Loyverse can even notify you when your current products are low in stock. There are some costs for additional add-ons, but if you need a “starter” solution, you can’t beat free!

Read our full Loyverse POS review.

13. EPOS Now

EPOS Now is a POS system from the UK that allows for expanded capabilities, such as timesheet tracking and inventory management. You can also use their services to receive real-time updates and reporting from your various devices.

If you’re looking to work with a provider that has large, well-known clients, Epos Now could be one of your best options. They’re trusted by large chains and hospitality companies around the world.

Read our full Epos Now review.

14. Clover Station

Clover Station is a versatile Android-based all-in-one POS for all types of restaurants, including counter service, quick service restaurants, and full-service restaurants. Clover is currently our top small business POS system that offers affordable pricing, sleek hardware, tons of features, and easy-to-use software. Its app store also provides you with some of the most extensive feature options currently available on the market.

Clover provides complete POS software and hardware devices to help simplify the process of upgrading your current systems. Clover has additional solutions available like Clover Mini, Clover Flex, and Clover Go designed to align with your specific business environment and needs.

The software includes automated reporting of different datasets to help you stay on top of your numbers. There are supplemental apps you can purchase from the Clover App Marketplace to provide additional features. Clover is a great option for a small to a medium-sized restaurant if you’re looking for a complete and straightforward all-in-one solution at an affordable price.

We really like that Clover is easy to set up and use, they offer free online ordering, and there is a quick turnaround after you sign up compared to other providers.

Read our full Clover Station POS review.

15. Nobly POS

Nobly POS is an App that provides you with vast levels of customization and control. It’s an affordable solution for someone looking for a service that can stay fast-paced in small to mid-sized environments.

You use the App on iPads, but you can access your back-office information on your phone or computer as well. Their back-office portal allows you to access real-time reports, end-of-day reports, menu editing, loyalty schemes, receipt customization, and more.

The platform is cloud-based and has an offline mode to keep your business running smoothly. You can also control your settings and customization remotely through the online portal.

Read our full Nobly POS review.

16. Aloha POS

Aloha POS is one of the most popular POS systems in the world. This unique software has been used by more restaurant staff than any other software on the market – this can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to train new staff.

While data is stored on your hardware, sales figures and other information is also housed in the cloud, which makes it easy to access relevant information when you need it remotely. NCR, the company that produces Aloha POS, also has other software programs that you can integrate into the system for added functionality.

Regarding features, you’ll be able to split checks, keep track of multiple tabs, access tip information, and tip sharing, modify food orders on-the-go, prevent issues and theft with advanced internal controls, and much, much more!

Aloha is one of the more expensive options on the market. However, it is prevalent for high volume restaurants and chains. For professional restaurant staff, chances are they’re familiar with the Aloha software, so the good news is your staff will most likely already be familiar with the user-interface and require less training time.

Read our full Aloha POS review.

17. Revel Systems

Revel Systems is an Apple iPad POS software provider that focuses on cross-site capabilities – they make managing multiple stores and locations easier. Data is uploaded in real-time to ensure that you can keep track of your reporting efficiently and effectively.

This software platform is also great for business owners that need Quickbooks integration and provide promotions, gift cards, and loyalty schemes for their customers. All of these features are built into the App.

Their pricing is based on a monthly subscription fee which is affordable for all the features you get compared to other iPad offerings. They also have Reveal as a Service (Raas) with monthly pricing that includes no upfront cost covering the monthly subscription and hardware.

Read our full Revel Systems POS review.

18. Positouch

POSitouch is one of the most versatile software applications available for the foodservice industry. The company allows you to choose between table service and on-the-go service options. You can also manage reservations and current seating arrangements through their portal – it’s included in the cost of the service.

If you’re looking to purchase a POS system for your restaurant that can help all the components in your business, POSitouch is one of the best options.

Read our full POSitouch POS review.

19. BrewPOS

BrewPOS is a restaurant and bars POS system that is usable across a variety of different hardware platforms. You can install their software on Windows computers and certain Windows tablets. You can use this platform for counter-service and tableside ordering.

Brew POS also offers a delivery mode for business owners that are looking to expand their delivery capabilities. You can use this mode for caller ID recognition, delivery distance, delivery tickets for drivers, and order histories. Many brewpubs and breweries like to use this as their go-to product.

Read our full BrewPOS Review.

20. NCR Silver

NCR Silver is an excellent platform to consider for business owners that use multiple hardware devices within their business. NCR Silver is also one of the few POS systems that offer solutions on both Android and iOS devices.

NCR Silver can customize your package depending on the size of your business and the number of locations you operate. It’s an excellent choice for a business owner of any caliber or capacity, including muli-locations.

NCR Silver Pro Restaurant has added features such as happy hour pricing, floor plan customization, and house accounts that many full-service restaurants, bars, and pubs require.

Read our full NCR Silver POS review.

21. Future POS

Future POS provides you with some of the most advanced customization capabilities on the market. Their software is used across both handheld and table-top hardware devices. You can take advantage of ‘multi-column modifiers’ to greater enhance order modifications and requests.

Future’s platform also allows for theme and menu customization to help you provide a more user-friendly experience for your staff. The company takes advantage of a cloud storage system that allows you to track and store your data remotely.

Future is committed to providing as much data and transaction security as possible. Future is a solid option if you need to keep track of multiple locations, especially for restaurants and bars. You can even schedule a demo through their website if you’d like to give their software a try!

Read our full Future POS review.

22. Focus POS

Focus POS has provided restaurant point of sale software that helps businesses run successfully for over 30 years. Focus has a long history of providing simple, yet powerful restaurant management solutions that are designed specifically for the industry.

With Focus, you can be sure that you are getting all of the features your restaurant needs without any of the extras that you will never use. Focus POS system is a reliable and easy-to-use point of sale system that is perfect for restaurants of all sizes.

The sofware offers a wide range of features and options that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your business. The system is also very user-friendly, making it easy for employees to learn and use. Overall, the Focus POS is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive and customizable POS solution.

Read our full Focus POS review.

23. Maitre’D

Maitre’D offers its clients two different types of platforms – traditional counter-top and tablet-based POS. It’s great if you have a dynamic business that can benefit from multiple forms of payment processing. The platform automatically produces reports on sales data, promotions, revenue, and other integral figures that restaurants require.

It’s a feature-rich solution that works in establishments such as fine and casual dining, table service, hotels, quick service, and small restaurants. One of the critical benefits included with Maitre’D is their mobile alert system – it can help you solve incidences quickly from a distance if a problem arises.

Read our full Maitre’D POS review.

24. Aldelo POS

Aldelo POS is designed with the hospitality industry in mind and works best for restaurants, bars, breweries, nightclubs, quick service, franchises, and pizzerias. Aldelo offers several options for merchants to choose from including the Aldelo Express POS, a cross-platform iPad, and Android POS for small and medium establishments respectively. They also offer a version of Aldelo Restaurant POS for Windows.

Their program is compelling with their new business model; they are now offering their software and equipment for free if you sign up for their in-house merchant services (Aldelo Pay). They also include free remote installation and training as well. Credit card processing rates and software costs are not defined on their website, but we have the pricing for you in the review below.

Read our full Aldelo POS Review.

25. Restaurant Manager POS

Restaurant Manager POS, as the name suggests, is a point of sale software system geared explicitly towards restaurant owners. You can use their application on traditional hardware, as well as tablets and the cloud.

Restaurant Manager has several customizations that allow you to use the software geared towards your specific industry or restaurant type. These custom POS platforms include Restaurant POS, Bar POS, Delivery POS, Coffee Shop POS, Pizza POS, and Quick Service POS.

The company’s software boasts the ability to be scaled to a restaurant of any size – it doesn’t matter if you’re running a food truck or a 50-table restaurant, Restaurant Manager can handle your business efficiently.

Restaurant Manager also has an extensive client base, including restaurants like Relish Gourmet Burgers, La Fonda Latina, Pascal’s Bistro, and Mahoney’s Bar and Grill.

Read our full Restaurant Manager POS Review.

26. Lavu POS

Lavu was one of the first restaurant iPad POS systems on the market. It’s one of the most popular international iPad solutions available in over 80 countries across the world. The Lavu app is feature-rich with over 300+ features to take advantage of, no matter what kind of food establishment you operate.

The front-of-house user interface is easy to use and to navigate. Managers and servers will learn it very quickly. The back-of-house is reasonably intuitive, but it will take some time to set up your menu programming without help. Reporting is accessible from the front end and an iPhone app, but all your detailed sales reports are on the back end available via the cloud.

Lavu has options for online ordering, loyalty, gift cards, inventory, integrated processing, and other restaurant management features to run more efficiently. Lavu is a good fit for single-locations with just a few terminals but is available for multi-location restaurants and franchises.

Read our full Lavu POS review.

27. AccuPOS

AccuPOS is an excellent option if you’re a business owner that already uses QuickBooks or Sage for your business accounting and reporting. AccuPOS integrates with these software programs to automate your reporting and save you loads of time on administrative tasks.

You can purchase the software for Android mobile devices, or you set it up on a Windows computer. It’s an excellent option for in-store and on-the-go payment processing. If you’re someone who likes to stay organized, AccuPOS is a solid option.

Read our full AccuPOS review.

28. MICROS POS by Oracle

MICROS Food and Beverage POS Solutions are produced by Oracle – one of the largest commercial software companies in the United States. With Micros POS, you have the security and reputation of one of the most powerful software companies on the planet.

Not only do they provide integrated payment systems and mobile reporting information, but they also have a great customer service team that can assist you whenever you need it.

Along with Aloha, Micros is one of the biggest point-of-sale companies in the industry working with chains, franchises, and large corporations. Micros boasts an extensive client list that includes IHOP, Hard Rock Café, Cracker Barrel, Sonic, TAO, and plenty of other nationwide restaurants.

There are less expensive solutions that are better suited for smaller private restaurants and mom and pops. If you feel you need the corporate touch though, then check out Micros.

Read our full MICROS POS review.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Why Do You Need a Restaurant POS System?

Efficient and reliable POS software for your restaurant is essential to run a successful business and to be competitive. Purchasing a new restaurant point of sale (POS) system can help you streamline your ordering processes and more effectively manage your business.

Your ability to process transactions quickly at the point-of-sale terminal is critical for ensuring you keep your customers happy. But many modern restaurant owners still operate old restaurant computer systems, point of sale platforms, or cash registers that are outdated and in some cases not secure.

The last decade has seen huge leaps in POS technology and increased benefits from mobile POS solutions – there are now hundreds of new POS companies that can offer you a current solution and help you upgrade from your old platform at affordable prices.

No matter what kind of restaurant you own or manage, if you’re considering buying new software and hardware, it’s essential to be aware of what’s available on the current market.

What are the Top Features to Look for in Restaurant POS Software?

Here are some of the top features to look for in a modern restaurant management system:

  • Menu importing and integration
  • Order modification capabilities
  • Inventory tracking and alerts
  • Cloud storage and back-office capabilities
  • Automated calculations
  • Automated sales tracking and reporting
  • Gift card capabilities
  • Loyalty scheme capabilities
  • Split billing
  • Multiple tab management
  • Employee accounts
  • Timesheet management
  • Online and delivery order capabilities
  • Table management and reservations

This list is a small sample, but as you can see, there are many features and options to consider when choosing the best restaurant software for your business.

Having the perfect POS system with all the features you need to be programmed, installed, and with proper training can save you and your staff tons of time when you’re just starting a new restaurant or while managing your existing restaurant.

Which Point of Sale System is Best for Restaurants?

With literally hundreds of small business, bar, and restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems on the market, buying a new POS solution can become overwhelming rather quickly.

With so many options, which POS provider should you choose? The annoying answer is, it depends. It depends on your specific needs and business environment.

To give you an idea, when comparing the best POS systems, we highly recommend only buying a new POS if it is within your budget and has all the features you require to operate efficiently.

Specifically, for a bar, restaurant, or small business, we’d recommend the following top 5 must-have features:

  1. Reliability and support is a requirement (verify online reviews)
  2. Speed is essential for bars, restaurants, and retail
  3. Customized back-of-the-house reports
  4. Inventory and employee management
  5. PCI DSS compliance to protect your business

These are only the top 5 must-have features and requirements to look for in a quality hardware and software solution. There are many, many more options and features to consider in your purchase of a new point of sale system.

Furthermore, and to make your life easier, you can use our free interactive comparison tool to find the perfect solution and we offer our POS pricing guide to help you make a smart and educated decision when buying a complete POS system.

What are the Different Types of Restaurant POS Systems?

There are many different types of restaurant computer systems including Android POS, iPad POS, Mobile POS, Cloud-based software, and traditional terminals. At POS USA, we represent several different types of POS systems.

We can’t sell and support every system available on the market for every customer; so for that reason, we’ve put together this quick guide to assist in POS system comparisons.

Before you contact a dealer, here are a few tips from our point of sale system buyer’s guide to help with your research:

  • Research – Understand your business requirements and then do your research accordingly. Making an informed decision makes all the difference.
  • References – Don’t skip this step. Be sure to take the time to contact at least 2-3 business references to get feedback from current customers.
  • Do not buy used hardware – We’ve seen used equipment die too many times. Purchase POS software and hardware that is new and under a warrant to avoid any issues.
  • Ask about support – What is the support policy? Is it a phone help desk or onsite support? Is it available on holidays and after-hours?
  • Backup systems – Find out how your data is backed up and stored for piece-of-mind in the event of a system failure or catastrophic event.
  • Training – Make sure there is a full commitment by the reseller to train all employees to ensure you get the most out of this investment.
  • Security – POS security is critical due to SSL vulnerabilities. Ask if the system is PCI compliant. Ask about insurance policies in case of a breach.
  • Get a list of features and prices – When comparing systems, ask for a detailed list of point of sale features and pricing for each package available.

Use our interactive comparison tool to help you find the right POS reseller, narrow down your choices, and to answer all your questions.

Conclusion

As you can see, you have plenty of great companies to choose from if you decide to upgrade or purchase a new point of sale. Obtaining a new restaurant POS software and hardware is an investment in your business efficiency.

Having the ability to properly manage your orders and staff can do wonders for your customer service. It also dramatically reduces the chance that mistakes occur in the workplace.

Automated reporting will give you greater control of your finances and significantly reduce the amount of time you spend on administrative tasks in the workplace.

The bottom line – there are many options to consider when choosing the best restaurant POS system, so think carefully about the features and functions you require, at a price point that is affordable for your business.

By choosing the best option for YOU, you and your staff can focus on the components of your business that matter most, like making money!

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Editor’s note: What is your favorite restaurant POS system? Lets us know below!