Best POS systems for restaurants 2024

If you’re setting up a restaurant or overhauling an existing one, then choosing a POS system can be one of the most important decisions to make – right after what goes on the menu, of course. An effective POS can be a vital part of your restaurant setup, and, with everything from free POS software to mobile or tablet POS devices available, it’s a busy market that’s full of innovation.

Square is currently the best POS system for restaurants in 2024 overall according to our expert researchers, but the competition was tough:

• Square for Restaurants was determined the best fit for startup restaurants founded in the last three years. You can start serving your customers some delicious bills and receipts with just an iPad.
• Clover is best for small restaurants that also sell products, such as a delicatessen. It has a strong mix of inventory tracking and till management tools, making it perfect for restaurant-cum-retailers.
• Zettle is our top choice for low-maintenance restaurants that need a simple till system, such as food trucks.

Each restaurant POS system has different strengths, so read on or 🔍compare quotes to find out which may be the best choice for yours.

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FEATURED	BEST OVERALL
Provider Lightspeed for Restaurants	Provider Square	Provider Clover for Restaurants	Provider Zettle	Provider EPOS Now	Provider Touchbistro
Best for Growing restaurants	Best for Best overall choice for restaurants	Best for Small restaurants that also sell retail products	Best for Food trucks and other low-maintenance restaurants that need a simple till system	Best for Restaurants with 10+ employees	Best for High-end restaurants that need to prioritise customer experience
Pricing From £59 per month	Pricing Price from FREE	Pricing From £4.12 per month	Pricing Price from FREE	Pricing £399 upfront or £25 per month	Pricing £69 per month
Table management	Table management	Table management	Table management	Table management	Table management
Booking system	Booking system	Booking system	Booking system	Booking system	Booking system
Order and pay app	Order and pay app	Order and pay app	Order and pay app	Order and pay app	Order and pay app
Transaction Fees On request	Transaction Fees 1.75%	Transaction Fees 2.3% + £0.08 per sale	Transaction Fees 1.75%	Transaction Fees 1.7%	Transaction Fees 2.99% plus 15p

Want to use our free comparison tool to compare costs from the best POS systems available? Compare Costs

What is a POS system?

A point-of-sale (POS) system is used by businesses to take card payments from customers and stay on top of their sales. It is a set of hardware and software services working together so businesses to automate transactions, track sales data, generate reports, manage your inventory, track employee hours and much more.

Modern POS systems are entirely digital and allow you to fulfil customer needs wherever they are – as long as you have a POS app and an internet-enabled device.

Users are spending more money through mobile POS payments, with an average transaction value of around £2,100 per person per year in 2023, worldwide, according to Hotel Tech Report.

All in all, Square’s POS system is great value for money, easy to use and packed with the features most restaurants need.

It was determined as best overall because we know that for bustling restaurant businesses specifically, floorplan customisation and booking capabilities are very important – so this is what we focused on as our core research areas including business and stock management, business development and usability.

Then we considered the stresses of inflation, labour shortages and the cost-of-living crisis. The UK may have technically dodged a recession, but business overheads are still rising dramatically. So we know that today’s SMEs need to prioritise cash flow, which means searching for the POS system that provides the most value for money.

For expert advice on picking the right POS system for your restaurant business, simply select which options and features you need with our 🔍free cost comparison tool and get bespoke quotes tailored to the needs of your business.

🥘1. Square for Restaurants

Best for startup restaurants founded in the last 3 years

4.7 out of 5

• Price
  5
• Help and Support
  5
• Till Features
  3.6

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Our team of researchers analysed Square for Restaurants for pricing, help and support, customer reviews, and restaurant features. In every category, it achieved at least a top-three ranking compared to the rest.

Its vast library of features means Square can play the role of multiple systems, which makes it excellent value for money for small business restaurateurs.

Users are offered sophisticated table management features, and the option to integrate booking tools and delivery apps. The Square terminal is also one-touch, making for speedy transactions that can dramatically boost sales. 

Helpfully, users are not required to have a merchant account, which means you can start serving customers as soon as you’ve received the Square card reader and downloaded the Square for Restaurants software onto your iPad.

Indeed, ease of use is a big benefit of the Square for Restaurant POS, so it’s easy to train new staff members on the system.

However, while the software is fairly rudimentary, it also comes with lots of possible integrations to be expanded upon as your restaurant grows. 

Square starts from free – here are some more of the best free POS systems we’ve ranked.

What don’t we like about Square for Restaurants?

The one area that Square is lacking is front-of-house features. Managing orders or reservations isn’t possible in-app – compared to Epos Now, for example, using which you can check or make changes at home from your mobile, desktop, or laptop. Consequently, we don’t recommend Square to full-service eateries or restaurants with multiple service offerings.

You can integrate the platform with third-party extensions like restaurant management tool TapMango to access these functions, but Square’s primary audience is definitely quick-service startups that want to design a simple payment process, like a daytime cafe or sandwich bar.

Square’s POS system in a restaurant

Square’s restaurant POS pricing

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Pricing Price from FREE

Hardware Cost From £149 for a terminal (excl VAT)

Transaction Fees 1.75%

When considering bang for your buck, Square for Restaurants is a solid choice for startups in their first three years. It’s budget-friendly and comes with a range of features, making it versatile for small businesses in the restaurant scene. No need for a merchant account means you can set up quickly, and its features like table management, easy integration with booking and delivery apps, and speedy transactions using the one-touch Square terminal make it a smart investment. Plus, it’s user-friendly, so training new staff is a breeze, boosting overall efficiency.

However, while Square shines in many aspects, some might find its software a bit basic. It starts with a free option, but if you’re running a full-service restaurant or a place with diverse offerings, the absence of in-app order or reservation management might be a drawback. To address this, you can add third-party extensions like TapMango, but keep in mind that Square is mainly designed for quick-service startups, like daytime cafes or sandwich bars, aiming for a straightforward payment process.

In summary, Square for Restaurants provides a wallet-friendly option with solid features for smaller, quick-service eateries. Just be aware that it may lack some of the depth needed for more complex restaurant operations.

🥘 2. Clover

Best for small restaurants that also sell retail products

4.3 out of 5

• Price
  2.8
• Help & Support
  3.0
• Till Features
  4.3

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Clover stands out with its dedicated focus on both retail and restaurant industries, making it an ideal choice for establishments like delis, seamlessly blending food service with product sales, whether in-person or online.

That doesn’t mean Clover strays away from its core purpose as a restaurant POS. We gave Clover an impressive 4.6 out of 5 in our full Clover review for its impressive hospitality features. The app puts in a solid performance for staff management, sales forecasting, and even facilitates sophisticated actions like being able to edit menus directly from the till.

Geared towards sales, Clover’s reporting tools offer a comprehensive sales overview, detailing total sales per item, order types, and VAT. However, it’s worth noting that the platform’s transaction fees are relatively high at 2.3% + £0.08 per sale.

A standout feature is Clover’s extensive app store, allowing customisation to fit specific needs. It’s a rare POS choice that integrates with Mailchimp, enabling users to send marketing emails promoting dining offers or discounted products, enhancing customer engagement.

What don’t we like about Clover POS?

Clover POS’ lowest-priced software tier, Payments Plus, costs £4.12 per month. If this sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.

Payments Plus’ thin library of features is lacking in areas like staff management. Unlike a POS system like Square, which provides a broader range of financial and business services beyond just point-of-sale, including payment processing, payroll, and more – Clover is much simpler with no bells and whistles, primarily offering hardware and software solutions.

An owner using a POS system with a customer

Clover’s restaurant POS pricing

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Pricing From £4.12 per month

Hardware Cost £14.95 per month

Transaction Fees 2.3% + £0.08 per sale

Clover presents a mixed platter in terms of value, being a cost-effective choice for select businesses while leaving others craving more. Targeting small restaurants with retail aspects, it’s versatile, catering to delis blending food service and product sales both in-store and online. However, the transaction fees, high at 2.3% + £0.08 per sale, compromise its affordability, especially for businesses with frequent transactions.

The seemingly appealing price point of the lowest-tier software, Payments Plus at £4.12 per month, comes with limited features, notably lacking in staff management. Unlike competitors like Square, which offers a broader range of financial services beyond POS, Clover keeps it streamlined, focusing primarily on hardware and software solutions.

Clover offers a satisfying option for specific needs, but those craving a more extensive solution might explore other offerings in the POS menu.

🥘 3. Zettle

Best for food trucks and low-maintenance firms

4.4 out of 5

• Price
  5.0
• Help & Support
  3.0
• Till Features
  4.3

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POS systems can have a lot of extra perks or bonuses but the primary objective is simple: to process payments and transactions. Our expert analysis has shown that no tool does this better than Zettle – you can check out our full Zettle review here.

Zettle operates a pay-as-you-go model, which has been the main driver of the company’s popularity in the UK. You simply purchase the card reader, then use it however frequently or sporadically to take payments of any type.

It stands out for food trucks and low-maintenance firms due to its user-friendly interface, portability, and versatile functionality. For food trucks, its mobile card readers facilitate quick transactions on the go, like at bustling festivals where speed is crucial. Plus, its analytics tools help track sales trends, aiding decision-making for both types of businesses.

Despite having recently pushing up their payment processing fee from 1.25% to 1.75%. However, the software itself is much cheaper than Square for Restaurants, as it is completely free to setup.

That easily makes Zettle the best POS system for value for money, particularly if you’re a startup that’s looking to save on overheads. The Zettle hardware is also available for relatively little, with a Zettle 2 card reader at a very affordable £29.

The latest model is lightweight, fairly dirt resistant, and has some clever customer-focused features – like the rubber strips on the back which stop it from slipping off surfaces.

Used in conjunction with the Zettle POS app, you’ll be able to take any payment from anywhere as long as you have a WiFi/4G/3G connection.

What don’t we like about Zettle?

Our expert team of researchers found that Zettle performs well for an affordable POS system that’s popular with users. However, when it came to restaurant features, Zettle was our lowest-scoring software choice for industry-specific functionality.

It’s crucial to note there is also an absence of an offline mode. This means that a stable mobile or Wi-Fi signal is imperative for continuous transaction processing. Without this connectivity, there isn’t a backup option available, potentially leading to service disruptions in areas with poor signal strength. It’s vital for food truck operators relying on Zettle’s POS to ensure they operate in locations with strong and reliable mobile or Wi-Fi coverage to avoid any interruptions in their transaction processes during service hours. No delivery support means Zettle is also unsuitable for takeaways. (See here for POS systems that are suitable for takeaways).

Another drawback of Zettle is that, unlike other POS brands, such as TouchBistro, the app does not provide an internal CRM system within the app. Instead, you’ll have to download third-party customer service extensions.

This lack of customer loyalty tools is another reason that Zettle is a better choice for businesses that don’t involve a lot of customer interaction.

POS system software can be used on mobiles

Zettle’s restaurant POS pricing

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Pricing Price from FREE

Hardware Cost From £29

Transaction Fees 1.75%

Zettle emerges as a frontrunner in the realm of POS systems, particularly for food trucks and low-maintenance businesses. The pay-as-you-go model sets Zettle apart, allowing users to purchase the card reader and use it at their convenience for various payment transactions. Despite a recent uptick in the payment processing fee from 1.25% to 1.75%, Zettle remains an economical choice, with no setup costs for the software. This affordability, coupled with a pocket-friendly £29 for the Zettle 2 card reader, positions it as the go-to option for startups keen on trimming overhead expenses.

While Zettle excels in delivering value for money, it’s crucial to note its limitations in restaurant-specific functionalities. Our research highlights Zettle’s lower score in this aspect, making it less suitable for establishments requiring extensive features for order processing and customer engagement. The absence of offline mode restricts its application in outdoor settings, potentially causing connectivity issues. Furthermore, the lack of support for deliveries makes it less optimal for takeaway-centric businesses. Despite these drawbacks, Zettle shines for businesses with minimal customer interaction needs, thanks to its affordability, reliable hardware, and efficient payment processing capabilities.

🥘 4. Epos Now

Best for restaurants with 10+ employees

4.2 out of 5

• Price
  2.5
• Help & Support
  4.0
• Till Features
  4.3

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Epos Now is a great choice for large restaurants with 10+ employees thanks to its sophisticated staff management features.

Post-COVID, the hospitality industry is suffering from labour shortages as more workers go off sick, requiring complex shift scheduling to manage absences. In fact – these shortages are 83% higher than the same period pre-pandemic – compared to 56% across the economy – and higher than any other major employer sector. All Epos Now systems come with a handy clocking in/clocking out function, enabling you to see exactly how many hours each employee has worked.

There’s also its front and back of house synchronisation, its kitchen management features, and its workplace management system, Deputy. When you add all these to the above, you can see why Epos Now is the best option for established or chain restaurants with large staff volumes.

What don’t we like about Epos Now?

Easily Epos Now’s biggest flaw is its opaque pricing plans. Initially the costs seem clear: you can either choose to purchase the system through a one-off payment of £399, or for £25 per month.

This gets you the Epos Now software, a till system, printer, and personalised training and onboarding for every staff member – handy if you’re hiring new workers regularly.

However, there are lots of hidden charges associated with this promise including an additional £39 charge for their payments, care and support package for example – compared to Square, for example, which has predictable flat-rate pricing.

The payment plan of £25 per month is also based on a three-year payment plan for startup businesses and could differ depending on your firm’s financial position. It’s best to contact the Epos Now customer service desk to understand exactly what you’ll pay.

Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that EPOS systems are notoriously difficult to understand. That’s why we designed our🔍free cost comparison tool that will match you to provider quotes in minutes.

Epos Now’s POS system in a restaurant

Epos Now’s restaurant POS pricing

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Pricing Additional fees via quote

Hardware Cost £399 upfront or £25 per month

Transaction Fees 1.7%

Epos Now presents a compelling value proposition, particularly for larger restaurants with 10 or more employees facing intricate staff management needs. The inclusion of sophisticated features like clocking in/out functionality and workplace management tools such as Deputy positions Epos Now as a robust solution for navigating post-COVID labour shortages and complex shift scheduling. The seamless synchronisation between the front and back of house further contributes to its appeal, making it a frontrunner for established or chain restaurants dealing with substantial staff volumes.

However, the shine on Epos Now’s value proposition is dimmed by its pricing model’s lack of transparency. The initial choices of a £399 upfront payment or a seemingly reasonable £25 per month might catch the eye, but the hidden charges, such as the £39 fee for the payments, care, and support package, introduce a layer of complexity. This stands in stark contrast to competitors like Square, which adopts a more straightforward flat-rate pricing structure. The £25 per month option, contingent on a three-year plan for startup businesses, adds another layer of uncertainty, emphasising the importance of contacting Epos Now’s customer service for a clearer understanding of the actual costs.

🥘 5. TouchBistro

Best for high-end restaurants

4.1 out of 5

• Price
  2.0
• Help & Support
  5.0
• Till Features
  3

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TouchBistro’s specialist-restaurant POS software is rammed full of table management features to help you run and manage your business. These include sophisticated tableside ordering, in-depth back end reporting, and the ability to integrate with plenty of third party apps.  

For high end restaurants that need a cocktail bar POS, staff can process orders in just two taps, giving them more time to make customers feel welcome. At the table, naturally placed menu prompts enable servers to upsell on the spot, or inform customers of any allergy information. 

Similarly, the TouchBistro in-app floor view shows your wait staff how long the customers have sat there, so you can keep an eye on customer wait times and minimise the risk of complaints.

The indirect benefit of this POS system is that restaurateurs can increase customer loyalty, which is particularly important in this industry, given how competitive the restaurant market is. Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 2.3% over the past five years, to reach an estimated £23.3bn in 2023.

Thanks to a built-in loyalty functionality, you can even collect information on what your members are ordering and send them targeted marketing material, such as offers on their favourite dishes or wines.

What don’t we like about TouchBistro?

Just as we recommend TouchBistro for high-end restaurants offering a premium service, it unfortunately does not perform well for less-established firms or startups.

This largely comes down to cost. TouchBistro’s first pricing tier, TouchBistro Solo, costs £59 per month which is over £50 more than our wallet-friendly provider, Clover.

On top of this, a second and third license for costs another £50 per month, while if you want 4+ users you’ll pay £40 per additional license.

Plus, TouchBistro’s significant number of drawbacks mean you’ll also need to fork out for a lot of integrations that can manage basic POS tasks like reporting, payment processing, and online ordering.

Finally, Android users beware – TouchBistro is only compatible with iPad devices so it’s a flat no if you’re a die-hard Samsung or Google fan.

An example of a POS system being used with a customer

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TouchBistro

Software cost Starting at $69/month

Hardware cost Pricing available via quote

Transaction fees 2.99% plus 15p

Compare TouchBistro to other POS providers with our simple online tool Compare

TouchBistro stands out as a top choice for high-end restaurants, offering a specialist-restaurant POS system packed with table management features tailored to elevate the dining experience. With tableside ordering, sophisticated reporting, and seamless integration with third-party apps, TouchBistro empowers staff to process orders with just two taps, ensuring a swift and efficient service. The in-app floor view keeps a watchful eye on customer wait times, helping to minimise complaints and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

However, the opulence comes at a cost. With a starting price of £59 per month for the TouchBistro Solo tier, it leans towards the pricier side, particularly when compared to more budget-friendly options like Clover. Additional licenses incur hefty monthly fees, starting at £50 each for the second and third license and £40 for four or more users.

Furthermore, the need for numerous integrations to handle basic POS tasks adds to the overall expenses. It’s essential to note that TouchBistro’s exclusivity to iPad devices might be a deal-breaker for Android enthusiasts. While the investment aligns with the needs of high-end establishments aiming for premium service and enhanced customer loyalty, it may not be the most cost-effective choice for less-established firms or startups in the fiercely competitive restaurant market.

How does a POS system work?

These days, POS systems are more like little computers. Once hooked up to the internet, they provide a host of tools that help you to take transactions and manage your business. Your POS software works in conjunction with a card machine, and the transaction process runs a bit like this:

• Input the customer’s items into the system – they can be scanned or selected from a menu
• Once they’ve been inputted, store the sale if it’s part of a bill, or total the sale and select whether the customer wants to pay by card or cash
• If they pay by cash, enter the total amount. The cash drawer will then open. Give them any change they require, and the sale will be stored as a cash sale
• If they pay by card, the amount is either transferred to the card machine, or you input the sale amount into the card machine. The sale is then stored as a card sale
• You’ll be able to see how many card or cash sales you’ve taken in the back end of your POS system

What types of businesses are POS systems suitable for?

Every retail or hospitality business needs a POS system, regardless of the specific sector or size. However, there are different types of POS systems that suit certain types of businesses and restaurants better:

• POS Apps – best for small businesses with limited budgets who want a flexible and portable POS
• Mobile POS systems – best for vendors on the move or retailers who want to process transactions on the sales floor.
• Touch-screen POS systems – best for businesses that want to speed up ordering and checkout processes
• Cloud POS systems – businesses that want to access reports and POS data from anywhere
• Open-source POS systems – best for businesses with abundant technical resources who want to set up their own custom system
• Multichannel POS systems – best for businesses that sell online and in-person and need to sync orders and inventory
• Self-service Kiosk POS systems – businesses with self-checkout options such as quick service restaurants, ticketing and hospitality

How to choose a restaurant POS system

Here’s a guide on what to consider when picking the perfect POS system for your eatery:

Essential features

Look for must-haves like order management, inventory tracking, table management, and reporting. But don’t stop there! Think about what else your unique restaurant needs – loyalty programs, online ordering, or even integrations with delivery services.

Trials and demos

Before committing, ask for a trial or a demo. Nothing beats hands-on experience. Let your team explore and get a feel for the system before making the call.

Price points

It’s not just the initial cost; delve into the nitty-gritty. Monthly fees, transaction charges, and hardware costs can sneak up. Don’t let hidden fees spoil the party!

Hardware compatibility

Consider the hardware required. From touchscreen terminals to kitchen printers and handheld devices for waitstaff, ensure they sync seamlessly with the software. Think ruggedness – spills and hectic kitchens demand durable gear.

User-friendly interface

Your staff will thank you for an intuitive system. It should be easy to learn and navigate. Test its user-friendliness – the last thing you want is a system that slows down the service.

Reliable support

Emergencies happen – ensure the POS provider offers responsive customer support. Whether it’s a tech glitch during the lunch rush or a query at odd hours, having reliable support is a game-changer.

Scalability

As your restaurant grows, so should your POS system. Opt for one that can expand and accommodate your evolving needs. Also, check for regular updates to keep your system running smoothly.

Security

With sensitive customer data and transactions, security is non-negotiable. Look for EMV compliance, data encryption, and regular security updates to safeguard your business.

Our Methodology

We’ve been helping small businesses for over two decades. In that time, we’ve carried out extensive research into what makes a great POS system based on our knowledge of the specific pain points of restaurant owners. For example:

• Value for money – Which software is the most value for money overall?
• Floorplan customisation – Does the software provide you with the ability to plan your layouts for maximum efficiency and experience for your customers?
• Booking capabilities – Does the software provide you with the ability to connect with your clientele outside of the establishment and organise it cleanly and digitally?

We conducted various rounds of research using a mix of user testing and existing customer reviews in order to try and reach conclusions to these questions – to reach conclusive scores, and to ensure that we’re providing you with the most well-researched and up-to-date information at all times. 

Final verdict

According to our research, the best POS systems for restaurants are:

1. Square for Restaurants – best for startups needing a cheap all-in-one POS system
2. Clover – best for restaurants selling products on the side
3. Zettle – best for on-the-go food businesses such as market sellers or food trucks
4. Epos Now – best for restaurants employing 10+ workers or agency staff
5. TouchBistro – best for silver-service restaurants

All of the top five restaurant pos systems on our list offer all the features restaurants need to operate effectively during a pandemic, including delivery app integration, booking system integration, and table service facilitation. 

Still, POS systems have plenty of hidden fees and pricing caveats that can differ depending on your firm’s traits, making it difficult to get an accurate cost measurement.

Before you decide on any POS software, we advise using Startups’ exclusive and 🔍free cost comparison tool to get bespoke pricing information.