January 4, 2025
Written by: The POS Exchange Team
As a restaurant owner, you know that having the right point-of-sale system is crucial for improving operations and enhancing customer experience. But what happens when your restaurant POS integration no longer meets your needs?
If you’re struggling to get the most out of your Lightspeed POS system, switching to a new provider is often the best way to solve your problems. This guide will help you find a reliable, feature-rich Lightspeed POS alternative that smoothly improves restaurant operations, enhances customer experience, and drives business growth.
The POS Exchange can help you achieve your goals by providing a wealth of resources on different restaurant POS systems. With our help, you can find the solution that will best meet your unique needs.
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Lightspeed Restaurant is a comprehensive cloud-based point-of-sale system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It offers a range of features that streamline operations and enhance customer service. Key features include:
Efficiently manage table assignments and reservations.
Simplify order taking and processing, both in-house and online.
Keep track of stock levels and manage supplies effectively.
Generate detailed reports to analyze sales and performance.
Support for online orders and delivery services.
Facilitate secure and convenient payment options.
Tailor the system to meet specific business needs.
Manage staff schedules, roles, and performance.
Enhance customer interactions and loyalty.
Lightspeed Restaurant is versatile and caters to a wide range of dining establishments.
Lightspeed Restaurant integrates smoothly with various third-party applications, enhancing its functionality and providing a comprehensive solution for restaurant management. Some of the key integrations include:
Additionally, Lightspeed Restaurant offers an API for custom integrations and works with Zapier to connect with numerous other applications.
Though a leading POS system, Lightspeed has some limitations: Costly without Lightspeed Payments – Monthly fees rise significantly without using its processor. Expensive for small businesses – Pricing is higher with monthly software and registration fees. An annual contract is required. You must commit to a year to get lower rates versus monthly terms. iOS only – Not compatible with Android or other devices.
For restaurants wanting more affordable rates, flexible contracts, smooth integrations, and cross-platform hardware support, Lightspeed may fall short. Competitors without these pricing, contract, integration, and device compatibility restrictions should be considered by restaurants needing a POS better tailored to their budget and needs.
Toast has recently become a serious competitor in the restaurant technology sector. With its rapid growth and high-profile acquisitions, Toast aims to become an all-encompassing restaurant operating system, positioning itself as a robust restaurant solution. Fast Company recognized Toast as one of the most groundbreaking companies of 2023.
The platform offers a rich suite of features, including payment processing, inventory and menu management, marketing, and customer loyalty programs, staff management, labor and food costs control, business reporting, and many other services.
Toast caters to a broad spectrum of food service and hospitality businesses, including full-service restaurants, fast food centers, cafes, bars, food trucks, and more. Also, due to its high scalability, Toast matches well with businesses of all sizes. As your business expands over time, the system is designed to scale up efficiently alongside your growth. Why Toast is an Alternative to Lightspeed Payment Processor: While Toast does use a proprietary processor (Toast Payments), the system’s integration allows for a smooth and efficient process that could potentially outweigh the cost factor. However, if using a non-proprietary processor is a priority for you, this may be an area of compromise.
Toast falls mid-range in terms of overall software and hardware fees. It offers a choice of different pricing tiers based on the features and functionality required, making it an affordable option for small and medium-sized businesses that need flexibility.
Toast does require a one-year contract, which might not be as flexible as some other POS systems that offer month-to-month or pay-as-you-go options.
Toast shines in its API, allowing custom integrations. It can smoothly connect with various third-party apps and technologies, enabling you to create a system that matches your restaurant’s unique needs.
Toast’s hardware is Android-based, providing an alternative for businesses looking to diversify from iOS-exclusive systems. With its open-system nature, it can integrate with a wide range of Android devices and peripherals. Innovative Features of Toast Toast Tables – Reservation & Waitlist Management Tableside Ordering and Payments Online Ordering & Delivery Toast Mobile Order & Pay Integration with Third-Party Apps and Services
Square began as a generic POS system, but it has impressively developed Square for Restaurants to suit the distinct demands of food service businesses. With its modern, user-friendly interface, the POS is a fitting solution for many food service ventures. What makes it unique? Its user-friendly design, complimentary basic plan, and powerful marketing features. Why Square is an Alternative to Lightspeed Here’s how Square could be a better restaurant choice:
Square does rely on its proprietary payment processor; however, it excels in delivering smooth transactions, which may outweigh the limitation of choice in this aspect.
Square offers a subscription-free plan, making it cheap, especially for small businesses. There are no long-term contracts – a beneficial point for startups or small establishments needing flexibility.
Square’s no-contract policy offers the flexibility needed for changing business needs, making it more adaptable than services requiring annual contracts.
Square integrates excellently with the broader Square ecosystem and supports various prominent third-party apps crucial to business operations.
The Square Point of Sale app is available on compatible Apple iOS and Android devices.
Square’s payment processing works with its POS and hardware, and you can accept payments anywhere customers are, including in-person, online, and mobile payments. Square’s hardware accessories, such as the Square Reader for contactless and chip, are compatible with iOS and Android devices. Noteworthy Features of Square Square Payment Processing Square Team Management & Payroll Square Online for Restaurants Square Marketing & Loyalty Overview Square Kitchen Display System (KDS)
TouchBistro is an excellent pick for independent full-service restaurants but is equally effective for other eateries needing an easy-to-use and fast system. This system offers an intuitive design and many restaurant-specific features. Its hybrid cloud/server system provides constant access to your data while ensuring its security. TouchBistro is a versatile solution for small to medium-sized full-service restaurants, quick-serve locations, bars, and cafes. However, larger chains, hotel restaurants, or other businesses with complex multi-location needs may find it less suitable. Why TouchBistro is an Alternative to Lightspeed Payment Processing:
fees depend on whether you use TouchBistro Payments (US only) or one of the available payment processing partners like Square. You’ll be able to use different payment processors depending on which one offers the lowest rate.
TouchBistro is notably effective for independent full-service restaurants and small to medium-sized businesses, given its attractive pricing starting at $69 per month.
TouchBistro requires a contract commitment, and the contract term is provided in the quote you get directly from TouchBistro.
While TouchBistro has fewer integrations than the competition, it still offers crucial features like kitchen display systems, reservations, online ordering, menu management, tableside ordering, and profit management. These features integrate well with each other, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for restaurant management.
TouchBistro is designed for Apple devices, offering a quick-to-master solution. Innovative Features of TouchBistro TouchBistro Online Ordering TouchBistro Menu Management TouchBistro Tableside Ordering TouchBistro Gift Cards TouchBistro Profit Management
SpotOn is one of the leading cloud-based restaurant POS systems. Other similar systems include Toast, TouchBistro, Lightspeed, and Square. These newer systems are replacing older legacy systems like NCR and Oracle. SpotOn is a good fit for various restaurants, especially fine-dining and casual restaurants, as well as quick-service restaurants, bars, and food trucks. All the core restaurant POS features and hardware devices you would expect are included, as well as many advanced features and add-ons.
I think it’s notable how many features and hardware choices SpotOn has, considering it’s a relative newcomer in the restaurant POS scene. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in San Francisco. SpotOn serves the restaurant, sports, entertainment, and retail markets, primarily focusing on the restaurant and sports/entertainment sectors. Why SpotOn is an Alternative to Lightspeed Here’s how SpotOn might be a better choice for restaurants when considering the five factors mentioned:
SpotOn offers competitive credit card processing fees when using its payment processing system, with rates as low as 1.99% + $0.25 per transaction. However, if you choose not to use SpotOn’s payment processing services, your monthly cost increases from $25 to $195, making it less cost-effective for those who prefer an alternative payment processor.
SpotOn is suitable for various businesses, including small restaurants and food trucks, with a starting monthly fee of $25 for those using SpotOn’s payment processing service. Considering the software and hardware fees, it has a relatively low entry cost.
SpotOn offers a month-to-month payment model without requiring long-term contracts. This gives restaurants the flexibility to try out the system without making a long-term commitment.
SpotOn is designed to integrate with other software and systems, making it easy for restaurants to work with their existing technology. The POS system supports online ordering, labor management, reporting, and other modern restaurant-specific features.
SpotOn is a Windows-based system that provides excellent hardware devices and support for Android and iOS devices. Noteworthy Features of SpotOn The key advantages of SpotOn for restaurants include the integrated suite of features, user-friendly interface, robust hardware options, competitive payment processing rates, and advanced capabilities like online ordering and marketing tools. Its emphasis on customization also allows it to adapt to specific restaurant needs.
GoTab is a versatile and innovative restaurant POS and commerce platform founded in 2016 with a mission to improve the operation and service of the hospitality industry through technology. Offering a range of features, GoTab focuses on contactless service, mobile ordering, payment, and efficient communication. Its user-friendly interface, integration with various systems, and real-time analytics provide restaurant owners the tools they need to modernize their operations, increase efficiency, and drive growth.
GoTab works on virtually any web-enabled mobile device, meaning you can use your existing hardware and save costs. Why GoTab is an Alternative to Lightspeed Payment Processing: GoTab operates on a proprietary payment processing system. They have a competitive, transaction-based pricing model, meaning there are no monthly costs unless transactions are made.
As GoTab employs a transaction-based pricing structure, it does not burden small businesses with regular subscription fees. This makes it an attractive proposition for small businesses with varying transaction volumes.
GoTab does not require any contract. This means restaurants have the freedom and flexibility to adapt their POS system without commitments, providing flexibility, especially for businesses still exploring the best fit for their operations.
GoTab offers diverse hardware options and can run on any Internet-connected Android, iOS, or Windows tablet or phone.
Innovative Features of GoTab GoTab enables a personalized ordering and payment process for every guest at your restaurant. With features like mobile ordering, diners can enjoy quick, secure service without needing an app. This versatility allows customers to order and pay in the way that suits them best, either in-person, online, or via mobile.
Clover is another highly competitive POS system that offers some of the best hardware options on the market. Its hardware boasts an ultra-sleek design, and we found it super responsive and fast. It also provides advanced features like fingerprint logins, which are ideal for larger restaurants with big teams. However, with no free plan in sight and restaurant packages starting from $59.95 a month, Clover may exceed the budgets of smaller establishments.
Clover offers any restaurant-focused feature, including menu editing, table and floor plan management, bill splitting, and advanced inventory management. Clover offers even more features than Toast, making it an excellent choice for full-service or multi-venue restaurants. Clover’s stock management features are continually improving, too. On top of offering impressive capabilities such as stock alerts, bespoke inventory systems, and real-time stock analytics, the system also integrates with Shopventory – a friendly app with advanced features like discount reporting and ingredient-level tracking.
This makes Clover even better at handling large and complex inventories than our frontrunner, Toast. With the average customer retention rate for US restaurants currently sitting at 30%, attracting loyal customers is one of the biggest hurdles facing food vendors. Fortunately, Clover’s unique CRM app, Clover Rewards, allows you to build contact lists, share promos and rewards, and collect private feedback, helping restaurants forge meaningful relationships with their clientele.
The app also makes it simple to create offers and automate personalized perks for customers, which is a great way to improve the customer experience. If you offer food-to-go options, Clover’s Online Ordering platform lets you manage online ordering and delivery processes in-house. It even integrates the service with its in-house CRM system Stream, unlike systems like Square, which lacks this type of integration. Clover’s integration with Stream also removes the need to enter data manually, making it easier than ever for restaurants to manage orders with delivery partners like GrubHub and Uber Eats.
Great for companies that started online but need a physical presence. There is a Good range of hardware options, a 30-day free trial to test before you buy
Need a pre-existing website, unlike Shopify, for example; additional features cost extra and can become expensive—no inter-store transactions.
Epos Now is a versatile POS system combining feature-rich software and professional hardware. Whether getting started with its tablet-based app or a multi-device POS terminal, Epos Now lets businesses skirt monthly fees by paying upfront and offers sophisticated inventory management features to meet the needs of most large, full-scale restaurants.
Epos Now comes into its own when it comes to inventory management. It offers about any feature a large restaurant would need, including low-stock alerts, bulk uploads, and cost vs profit management tools. For businesses with large, fast-moving inventories, this gives Epos Now an edge over our frontrunner, Toast, which doesn’t currently alert businesses when stocks are low. Epos Now also lets you customize your menu directly through its front end, making it easier for servers to make amendments quickly.
However, unlike rivals Square and Lightspeed Restaurant, Epos Now doesn’t let you create multiple menu types for different services like lunch and dinner, making it less suitable for restaurants that offer more than one dining experience throughout the day. Our product research also suggests that Epos Now could make a great fit for larger restaurants or chains because it offers solid till features and excellent till-based products. It lets you create custom floor plans easily with a drag-and-drop tool, and you can customize tables by size, shape, and label. However, unlike the other restaurant POS systems on this list, Epos Now isn’t the easiest.
While testing it, we didn’t find its interface very intuitive, and the software wouldn’t respond when we tried to handle some basic processes. If usability is a high priority for you, we recommend using Toast instead, as it’s the simplest POS we tested. Who Should Use Epos Now? Food businesses with large or complex inventories Businesses looking for low monthly overheads Restaurants opening up a second branch Who Shouldn’t Use Epos Now? Small businesses looking to avoid upfront costs Restaurants that would benefit from email marketing Businesses owners who are new to POS systems.
Revel Systems is an iPad POS system powerhouse for businesses of any size, even nationwide chains. Revel is suitable for restaurant, retail, and service-based businesses but is especially popular with quick-serve eateries, such as pizzerias and coffee shops. Revel even has enterprise-level quick-serve restaurant (QSR) customers, such as Auntie Ann's Pretzels.
that can be customized for any industry. These features include advanced reporting, employee management, and inventory management, with options such as a customer display system, online ordering, delivery management, digital menu boards, and self-ordering kiosks. One feature we especially like is Revel’s Always On mode, which allows you to continue operating your POS normally and process payments during an internet outage.
Most cloud POS systems, Lightspeed included, only have a partial offline mode. Revel has a proprietary ethernet connection for iPad, which allows for a faster connection than WiFi. When to Choose Revel Over Lightspeed If you have a larger restaurant and need advanced features If you have POS experience and are OK with a slightly higher learning curve If you are a franchise restaurant or operating a drive-thru
SumUp offers a straightforward and affordable solution for businesses seeking easy payment processing. It is beneficial for smaller restaurants or mobile ventures.
This mobile POS is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to businesses without extensive technical knowledge. The pricing structure is appealing to small businesses and startups. The mobile app and card reader allow you to accept payments anywhere, making it suitable for mobile companies and pop-up events. Contactless payments are supported when using this system. Several tools are available to integrate the system into an online store or ordering option to create a smooth omnichannel experience.
The lack of advanced features can prevent specialized or large businesses from accessing necessary resources. While SumUp provides its card reader, it might not be as compatible with various devices as other solutions. The fund's settlement process is longer than competitive systems, potentially impacting your cash flow. Some transaction limits apply, preventing high-volume sales opportunities. While the initial costs seem low, additional features and hardware could add up over time.
As one of the most widely adopted POS systems internationally, POSist warrants strong consideration, especially for multi-location quick-service, fast casual, and full-service restaurants that need rich functionality to centralize data and simplify complex workflows. Operating globally across 50 countries, POSist powers over 18,000 restaurants, from fast casual spots to upscale dining.
Key Highlights Include unified front-of-house management, robust back-office tools for supply chain insights, extensive third-party integrations, in-depth analytics, and customizable reporting. Recent investments into contactless dining, online ordering, and a complete restaurant management platform showcase POSist’s innovation.
While pricing can vary based on add-ons, POSist aims to provide restaurants with a flexible, scalable solution to centralize data and simplify complex restaurant workflows. Key Features of POSist Unified Front-of-House: Effortless dine-in, takeout, and delivery management are complemented by swift server management and innovative contactless dining with instant digital menu access via QR codes.
Offers real-time inventory tracking, a kitchen display system, and a centralized dashboard for smooth supply chain management, bolstered by anti-theft capabilities and comprehensive staff management tools.
Features a marketplace with over 400 partnerships, integrating easily with accounting software, ERPs, and loyalty programs for enhanced operations.
Delivers data-backed insights and incorporates a CRM for improved guest engagement and targeted promotional efforts.
Powerful reporting tools enable swift, clear insights into operations, aiding in strategic planning and effective promotions analysis.
Aloha Cloud has a more extensive variety of online ordering features.
Works online, making connecting with other restaurant tools reliable and easy. Receive instant data from any device that receives an internet connection. Online ordering system lets customers order and pay using their own devices using QR codes Craft tailored menus for different dining experiences, whether for dine-in, pickup, or delivery.
Restaurant owners who are always on the move and want to monitor the restaurant's day-to-day operations remotely. For those looking for a wide range of online ordering features, the key features are payment processing and online ordering, a built-in loyalty program, email marketing tools, and a 24/7 support team that can help with setup and your menu.
Aloha Cloud can be a good solution for streamlining your restaurant tools and improving efficiency, but getting personalized reports can be difficult and crash or slow to use. Here’s what customers are saying according to G2:
Lavu outshines Toast regarding customer service support.
iPad POS can integrate with third-party apps like accounting tools and food delivery services to help grow your customer base. Ability to customize how you keep track of ingredients and control specific parts of your reports. Commission-free delivery capabilities you can set up through your website
Restaurants looking for tableside ordering and self-service kiosks Those looking to reduce delivery costs
Self-ordering kiosk so customers can order by themselves Commission-free delivery capabilities Invoice management that allows you to turn paper receipts into digital records
Reviewers on Capterra love Lavu for its customer support, ease of use on iOS devices, and real-time reporting. However, some have said that the automated billing process can sometimes be inaccurate with software shutdowns.
“We transitioned over our POS system from Toast over to Lavu. The process was simple and very empowering! They we saved about $1,200 a month is fees by making the switch.”
CAKE offers better guest management features than Toast, like reservations and waitlists.
Boasts a user-friendly interface and powerful features like online ordering, sales, payment processing, inventory management, and restaurant analytics. Specializes in guest management features like accepting reservations online or by phone and shortening guest wait times with a real-time floor map view. Offers smooth self-checkout choices, online ordering, reservations through the internet, mobile ordering, and additional features that will attract customers.
Restaurants seeking access to marketing tools, like gift cards and email marketing Owners looking for a loyalty program to keep customers coming back through your doors
Order online with contactless curbside pickup and delivery. Access real-time reports from anywhere. Secure payment processing that meets PCI compliance with transparent, straightforward pricing
Customers praise CAKE’s user-friendly options, solid customer service, and helpful reporting — it currently has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on G2. However, it may not be the best option for detailed reports. See what people are saying:
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When evaluating Lightspeed alternatives, check if they allow you to use your payment processor. Some POS systems force you to use their proprietary processor, which can make your monthly costs skyrocket. Instead, look for systems that let you pick your payment processor to save money. For example, Lightspeed has a payment processing solution that syncs with the POS for smooth operations. However, its rates are high, so you may not want to use them. You can avoid these frustrating situations by researching alternatives that let you use your payment processor.
Many restaurant owners are feeling the financial strain of inflation and rising costs. As a result, you should look for Lightspeed competitors with lower overall pricing to help you save money. Start by checking for free trials and open-source systems that let you pay what you want. Then, look for POS systems with low monthly fees to help you run your restaurant without breaking the bank.
Many restaurant owners are feeling the financial strain of inflation and rising costs. As a result, you should look for Lightspeed competitors with lower overall pricing to help you save money. Start by checking for free trials and open-source systems that let you pay what you want. Then, look for POS systems with low monthly fees to help you run your restaurant without breaking the bank.
A restaurant POS is only as good as its integrations. If the system doesn’t work with the apps and tools you already use, you’ll lose time and money switching to a competitor. Before considering switching to a new POS, list all the software your restaurant uses. Then, look for Lightspeed alternatives that smoothly connect to these solutions to ensure you don’t lose any data during the transition.
Cross-platform compatibility is also essential when evaluating Lightspeed competitors. While most systems work with iOS devices, you also want to ensure the system works with Android and other devices. This flexibility allows you to use your existing hardware, saving you a lot of money and helping you transition to your new POS faster.
The POS Exchange specializes in creating tailored point-of-sale systems for restaurants. With over 20 years of experience working exclusively with the restaurant sector, The POS Exchange has developed solutions that help businesses speed up checkouts by 30%, manage customer reviews, implement dynamic pricing, and reduce overhead.
The company serves over 200,000 merchants and processes billions annually. Its systems work for various restaurants, including full-service pizza shops, coffee houses, and multi-location enterprises. The POS Exchange offers end-to-end service, from innovative consultation and interactive demos to local installation and 24/7 support.
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