December 17, 2024
Written by: The POS Exchange Team
Slow service and long wait times can frustrate diners and detract from their experience. This is especially true during peak hours when your restaurant is packed and keeping track of orders and payments is hard. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
A tablet POS system for restaurants, especially with Restaurant POS integration, can streamline order management and payment processing across different platforms, ensuring a seamless workflow. It can simplify operations, speed up service, and increase overall efficiency to enhance customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth. This guide will discuss how a tablet POS system can help your restaurant solve everyday challenges.
The POS exchange’s restaurant POS systems solution can help you find a reliable tablet POS system for restaurants that meets your operations' goals. A good tablet POS system streamlines restaurant operations, improving order accuracy and speeding up service to enhance customer satisfaction.
Tablet POS systems are point-of-sale software that operates on tablets like iPads instead of traditional countertop systems. They’re typically cloud-based, easy to use, and allow users to complete mobile or stationary sales transactions. A tablet POS is often used in food service businesses.
Tablet POS systems have been around for a while. They’ve existed ever since the creation of modern POS, but only as a complement to the rest of the hardware in touch screens. However, tablets have evolved and can integrate with all POS software. This is mainly because the technology has advanced, and they’ve fully penetrated the end-consumer market.
That’s also why numerous affordable and competent options are available, from the classic iPad to Android alternatives. If you think tablets are viable, you can expect a lot of support, numerous brands, and excellent compatibility with the best POS software. Also, since they’re more powerful than ever, they can handle complex tasks while providing affordable prices and wonderful mobility.
A tablet POS is a clear advantage if you own a food truck, cart, or catering business. However, when it comes to restaurants, there are more than a few advantages that often go unnoticed:
Unlike traditional POS systems that are stuck in one place, tablets are portable. This allows servers to take orders tableside, improving customer service and speeding up table turns.
With tablets, servers can input orders quickly and easily, reducing customer wait times and allowing servers to turn tables faster.
Tablets help reduce errors in order-taking and billing.
Tablets can be used to show customers menus and pictures of dishes and even allow them to split bills and pay directly at the table.
Tablet POS systems are often less expensive than traditional POS systems, and they can also save restaurants money on things like paper receipts and labor costs. If you have a considerable budget, you can also use tablets as tableside hubs and allow customers to order themselves without getting up or needing help from a waiter. It’s the perfect contactless dining experience!
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to using tablets as your leading hardware for a POS system.
Tablets can break from drops or spills, unlike sturdier traditional systems. Protecting them with stands or even anti-spill covers is necessary, primarily if used in service.
Dead batteries can halt operations, requiring constant charging or backup solutions.
Some tablet POSs need features like specific restaurant needs compared to traditional ones.
Tablets might be easier to steal or access compared to secured traditional POS. It might also be challenging to pick a tablet that suits your needs—thousands of models and new ones appear daily. There’s also the fact that tablets are not as durable as laptops or desktop computers, which makes them a little more expensive in the long term—changing them often.
However, a good practice might also bring extra costs, such as new training guides for your staff, and the need for compatible accessories, among other things. But worry not because some excellent POS system options can help you bypass those limitations.
Square POS is the best tablet POS system in the industry because it works well for almost any business, is compatible with iOS and Android tablets, and has no upfront costs (except your tablet). Square doesn’t charge a monthly fee for its software; you even get a free card reader to accept credit cards. There are payment processing fees, but you will pay those regardless of which POS system you use.
Processing fees vary depending on how you accept payments. Square is an omnichannel solution that you can use for online or phone sales. Here are the rates you should expect per transaction using Square’s POS:
Square’s base POS software includes inventory management to track your stock easily. You can modify items in your inventory, which is vital for restaurants and mobile food trucks. If you can’t find a feature you need from Square, you’ll likely see it in the marketplace, where hundreds of apps can be integrated to make your POS system even more powerful.
Square is easy to use, includes built-in payment processing, and no monthly fees to use the tablet POS software, so it’s an ideal pick for almost any small business. It’s mainly a good choice for solo sellers and small businesses just getting started because of the flat fees for processing.
Free software Free card reader iOS and Android compatible Easy to use Built-in payment processing Inventory management included
Processing rates are pricey for high-volume sellers and Not suitable for high-risk industries (age-restricted goods/services)
Loyverse sets itself apart from other top tablet POS systems for its free software and includes a loyalty program (most other POS software charge extra for loyalty features). The base POS software is free and compatible with iOS and Android devices. You get the standard POS features you need to run a business online or off, including inventory management, the ability to accept various types of payments, and reporting.
The primary reason for choosing the open-source Loyverse POS software is its free loyalty program. You can track customers and their purchases and keep notes on them for future interactions—it’s similar to having a mini customer relationship management (CRM) program.
Additionally, you can set up a points system to encourage repeat purchases, administer loyalty cards, and turn those loyalty points into discounts for your customers.
There’s no built-in payment processing with Loyverse, which could be a pro or con, depending on your perspective. If you have an established business, you likely already have a merchant services account to handle payment processing, so that Loyverse could be a good choice. Newer companies may have difficulty finding merchant accounts so that a different tablet POS system may be better.
The good news is that Loyverse doesn’t charge its customers a transaction fee for using a third-party processor. Loyverse only charges for add-on features, including employee management ($25 per month per store), advanced inventory ($25 per month per store), and integrations ($9 per month per store). You can try out any optional feature set in a 14-day free trial to see if it suits your business.
Loyverse is best for established businesses with a merchant services account and looking for a solid loyalty program at no added cost.
Free plan Free trial for add-ons Loyalty program included Works for any business type Affordable business management add-ons iOS and Android compatible.
No built-in payment processing integrations are allowed with paid add-ons.
TouchBistro is a specialty tablet POS system with restaurants in mind. The POS software is only compatible with iOS, so it’s suitable for food service businesses primarily using iPads for countertops and mobile POS. Pricing is a bit high compared to similar tablet POS software, starting at $69 monthly. Your monthly subscription to TouchBistro gives you access to tools not typically found in retail POS software.
You’ll get restaurant-specific features like menu and table management, tableside ordering, and floor plan management. Standards such as reporting, inventory management, and integrations are included, as is staff management. The details make the difference with TouchBistro; inventory management provides recipe logging, so you can more easily track costs and portions for more accurate stock counts and repurchasing.
You can add optional services at an extra cost to make TouchBistro more functional for your food service business. Gift cards, a loyalty program, online ordering, marketing, and reservations come with monthly fees ranging from $25 to $229. You can opt for Touchy Bistro’s built-in payment processor (by Chase) or keep your existing merchant account provider.
TouchBistro is one of the best restaurant POS systems, explicitly honed for food service businesses and iPads.
Good value for money Restaurant-specific features Add-ons increase functionality Staff management included at no added cost.
Expensive monthly fee No pricing details on payment processing rates Not compatible with every type of business Not compatible with Android devices.
Lightspeed is an iPad POS system that can work well for many businesses, but its features are most helpful for restaurants. It’s an expensive system compared to some of the best tablet POS platforms available, and it doesn’t support the Android operating system, so it’s a bit limiting for some businesses. Where Lightspeed shines is with its inventory management features. You get more than the standard stock counts that most tablet POS software provides.
Lightspeed gives you built-in purchase ordering and many integrated vendor catalogs, and you can import items with its bulk item import tool. If the features in the three plans aren’t enough for you, Lightspeed can create a custom POS solution to fit your needs. Lightspeed plans offer a single register for the cloud-based POS software, built-in payment processing, and 24/7 support. Payment processing rates are the same across all three plans: 2.6%, plus 10 cents per transaction (card-not-present rate is 2.6%, plus 30 cents per transaction). The only way to get lower rates is to opt for the quote-based plan intended for enterprises.
Lightspeed offers a version of its tablet POS software for restaurants, but the base program is designed for retailers. You can upgrade your plan to get omnichannel POS support, but it will get pricey.
Excellent inventory management features Competitive built-in payment processing rates Custom POS solutions are available.
Expensive monthly plans are not compatible with Androids. Integrations require an upgraded plan.
Waiterio is the best omni-device restaurant POS system you can get for small, mid, or even big food businesses. It’s one of the most versatile restaurant POS solutions because you can almost run it in a toaster—you can use it on any device with a browser, which many devices have nowadays. That makes Waiterio a highly valuable and viable software because it doesn’t force you to use expensive tablets such as iPads or high-end Samsung tablets. Instead, you can use it with an updated browser on older models or smaller devices.
Considering that alone, you can equip your entire staff with a tablet so they can provide the best tableside experience. Waiterio has all the features a restaurant POS system needs. From advanced daily, weekly, and monthly reports to QR code support. In a few steps, you can even create an affordable website to allow customers to order online for takeout or delivery. Finally, Waiterio is one of the most affordable POS systems, which highly benefits small or new restaurants by lowering operating costs.
It’s compatible with any tablet that supports modern browsers. It has all the features a restaurant POS system needs. It’s easy to use and very intuitive, so implementation is smooth. It’s one of the most affordable tablet POS systems on the market. You can effortlessly scale your operations—you can create an affordable hardware ecosystem with other devices, like thermal printers and even KDS. It offers features that can improve your sales, such as QR code menus, contactless menus, a simple SEO-optimized website with your restaurant’s location, and an interactive menu (it also doesn’t require maintenance!)
It doesn’t have an inventory management system yet
Revel Systems is yet another outstanding service provider in the restaurant POS industry. It offers all the features a restaurant could need. However, it’s similar to Square POS in that implementation costs can be considerably high. For example, setting it up costs around USD 680, which can be tricky on your budget if you are barely starting.
Also, they have both a flat processing fee for all transactions and a monthly USD 99 subscription. The subscription is much higher than the average monthly cost of restaurant POS, without considering the processing fees. Still, the company will ensure they set up everything so you can start operating your business immediately.
Excellent customer service and fast setup. Good software and hardware. It has most, if not all, of the features your business needs.
It’s expensive to implement and requires you to schedule closing the company to get it done. The monthly subscription is 100%+ more expensive when compared to other systems (especially considering it’s a tablet POS)
Epos Now is a top choice if you're looking for a versatile tablet POS system for your business. It’s great for mobile and countertop setups, making it ideal for cafes, restaurants, and retail stores. The system (a retail POS system for tablets and a hospitality POS system for tablets) is designed to simplify your operations, letting you handle sales, inventory, and customer data all from one place. One of Epos Now’s standout features is its all-in-one tablet bundle, which includes a tablet, stand, receipt printer, and card machine.
This setup makes it easy to get started and keeps everything running smoothly. Plus, with its cloud-based software, you can manage your business from anywhere, which is a big win for busy owners. Epos Now also integrates with popular business tools like Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks to automate your accounting and loyalty programs. The system’s flexibility means you can scale up as your business grows, adding new devices and features as needed. For payment processing, Epos Now Payments offers a smooth experience with flat rates and easy management. And with a 24/7 premium support package, you’ll always have help when needed.
All-in-one tablet bundle with a tablet, stand, receipt printer and card machine Easy to set up and use Cloud-based software for remote management Integrates with popular business tools Flexible and scalable with over 100+ integrations smooth payment processing with flat rates 24/7 support for your POS and payments
We like the fact that Clover allows you to purchase your tablet hardware, POS software, and payment processor from one place. Having the freedom to choose your payment processor means you can shop around for the lowest payment processing fees for your business. You also get access to Clover's extensive app market of 400+ apps, allowing you to build a fully customized POS solution that meets your needs.
Lots of sleek tablet hardware and accessories to choose from Easy to use Lots of third-party apps available Free online ordering page
Some resellers need better contract terms. Must purchase proprietary Clover hardware. Add-ons can get expensive.
You want the ability to customize the POS tablet software and hardware. You’re interested in third-party app integrations that other POS systems don’t offer. You don’t mind purchasing proprietary hardware.
We love that Toast takes a unique approach to restaurant management by providing software for every facet of running your restaurant. Toast allows you to build a personalized restaurant ecosystem, with software like Toast Payroll and Toast Delivery syncing with your core POS system to create a smooth restaurant management experience. After some initial investment and setup, your Toast-powered tablet POS system makes it easy to train new employees and handle your busiest rushes.
Best built-in loyalty program for restaurants Free to start for some restaurants Durable Android-based hardware Management, accounting, and delivery integrations
Early termination fee add-ons can get expensive, and no payment processor is flexible. When To Choose Toast You want a POS system designed specifically and only for restaurant management. You prefer durable, Android-based proprietary software. You want access to the best and most robust built-in loyalty programs for restaurants.
We love that MYR (Master Your Rush) POS is explicitly built for quick-serve establishments and offers so much at an affordable price. The POS system provides single location and franchise management plans, with several add-ons designed to help quick-serve restaurants take drive-through orders, phone orders, orders from a mobile app, and a handheld iPad tablet. MYR POS is a newer Canadian POS system offering only a few integrations or documentation. Still, it's worth a try for fast-food joints that want to speed up ordering times and even franchise locations.
Excellent pricing Built-in third-party delivery app integrations Franchise management portal Drive-through, phone, and online ordering capabilities
There are few US payment processors. It is a newer company with less documentation, and only a few POS hardware accessories are available.
You’re a Canada-based restaurant owner who wants a POS system dedicated to your locale. You need franchise/multi-location management features. You want free built-in third-party direct delivery app integrations.
Rezku is an iPad POS that, like TouchBistro, is built specifically to support food and beverage businesses. However, unlike the other systems on this list, Rezku aims to include every function an independent restaurant needs in its baseline POS. And I mean everything. It offers everything from gift cards to online ordering, delivery management, and marketing tools for $0 for one terminal. A significant positive to Rezku is that its middle-tiered price dropped to $50 a month (previously $99), but now, only one terminal is included with the free plan. While losing a terminal in the free plan is a downgrade, the lower price tier on the Growth plan is an advantage for users of Rezku.
Rezku is excellent for users looking for key POS functionality for an iPad at an affordable rate. Even Rezku’s higher-priced tier is affordable and offers users many different tools.
All functions included in baseline POS Gift cards are included for no extra cost. Includes robust loyalty and customer management software
Reporting has limitations Vendor management requires third-party integration Requires a two-year contract
Lavu is a downloadable POS app that is self-installable and easy to use. Its functionality on the iPad makes it an excellent pick for different restaurant types, and its features make offering great customer experiences easy. While Lavu misses some key features, like unreliable offline modes and poor customer support, it is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable POS system for their restaurant. Customer management is an extra focus for Lavu, allowing you to create detailed customer profiles that track key info for each customer. Its loyalty tools build on this, offering customers birthday deals and other recs before issuing a final check.
This iPad POS system is excellent for businesses that want to focus on customer management and creating loyalty with their customer base. Robust customer tools make it a highlight for companies that rely on customer loyalty and positive online customer reviews.
Downloadable from the App Store and self-installable Niche features for all restaurant types. Great FOH and customer experience tools
Customer support is not well-reviewed, and offline functionality is glitchy. Customization and add-ons can get pricey.
Selecting the best tablet POS system for your restaurant starts with understanding your unique needs. A tablet POS can perform just about any restaurant function you can think of. Typical tablet restaurant POS system functions include:
Most can create and edit menus for different day parts, add modifiers, build combos, and make timed menus like happy hour.
You should be able to start checks, split them, hold them for later, and accept multiple payment types.
Most iPad restaurant POS systems include a copy of your floor plan so you can assign orders to tables if needed.
Many allow you to pre-authorize credit cards on tabs for bar operations or simply manage multiple open tabs in a quick-service restaurant setting.
The best iPad POS systems for restaurants have integrated or built-in payment processing for cards, digital wallets, and gift cards.
Built-in online ordering ensures your online orders appear in your POS order stream without double entry from a third-party tablet.
This baseline function ensures your employees only have access to the information they need to do their jobs.
Most iPad POS systems can also act as a time clock to record your employee's hours.
Built-in or integrated KDS screens can help streamline kitchen operations, especially in quick-service restaurants.
Your iPad POS should show you reports of the products you sold, and this information can typically be filtered by date to show daily, weekly, monthly, and annual figures.
Your POS should have basic customer profiles to help you track customers who visit frequently; advanced iPad restaurant POS systems may also have full-blown reservation and waitlist software.
Simple points-based loyalty is becoming an expected part of independent restaurant operations, and your iPad POS should make it easy to track and redeem points.
Usually syncing with your customer management system, email, and text message marketing allow you to send custom promotions to a filtered customer list to turn first-time customers into regulars.
Some iPad restaurant POS systems will also support reservations, self-service kiosks, menu displays, ingredient-level inventory tracking, delivery management, and cash discounting. The sky might be the limit. List everything you want to run your restaurant. And don’t forget about your staff needs. Your employees will use this system daily, so if there is a feature (like KDS screens or tip pool management) that will make their lives easier, add it to your list.
You can find iPad POS systems for restaurants at virtually every price point, from $0 per month to more than $100 per tablet. Most iPad POS systems require monthly software fees. You’ll also need to budget for hardware; even if you have your iPads already, you may need printers, card readers, Wi-Fi boosters, and routers. Finally, you’ll need to determine what payment processing fees you can afford. If your menu is priced low, you may prefer a POS that supports cash discounting or surcharging so you can pass credit card fees on to your customers (where legally permitted).
Look at your sales and profitability and determine how much you can afford monthly. There is no use looking at a system you ultimately can’t afford. So, know your limits before you test-drive any systems.
Every restaurant iPad POS offers a demo, where a live agent walks you through the system on a video call. Some (like Square) also provide a free trial. Search for systems that fit your budget, then schedule demos or free trials with three to five POS providers. To ensure they show you the most relevant features, most POS brands will ask for your restaurant style and sometimes your location before scheduling a demo. They’ll also want an email address and phone number.
Have your list of desired features on hand for any demo you attend. It’s also helpful to write down a list of questions you might have about granular functionality or additional costs. Most demos take around 30 minutes, but I’ve seen them go 45 minutes to an hour if I have many questions.
You might love the first system you demo. But I always like to look at least two more. By considering multiple systems, you can feel more confident in your final choice.
After getting several demos or free trials, compare each system to your list of must-have features and your budget. Comparison of systems should be based on the features that are specific to your business. For example, one POS system may offer more total features, while another has more substantial niche features for your particular business type. Comparing your business needs is the best way to make a decision on which iPad POS is best for you.
The best iPad restaurant POS system for your restaurant is the one that has most of your desired features at a price you can afford. The best POS may be different for different restaurant types. Get input from your managers and chefs to help you make your selection. Then, follow up with the brands you demoed to let them know you’ve made a decision.
This is an essential step because the sales representatives from the POS brands you contacted will continue following up with you via phone or email until you either sign up or tell them you’ve selected a different POS provider. This can be annoying, so save the back and forth by letting the sales teams know you’ve made your choice.
It’s OK if you choose a system different from the one used by neighboring restaurants or if you take a risk and try a new system you’ve never heard of before. One of the bonuses of an iPad POS is that most of these systems’ contracts only last a year or less, so you have some flexibility if your initial POS provider proves lackluster.
With iPad POS systems, installation is frequently as simple as creating an account with the POS provider’s sales team, then downloading an app from the Apple App Store and installing the app on the hardware you already own. However, some iPad restaurant POS systems only operate on iPads purchased directly from the brand. In that case, some lead time will be waiting for your hardware to ship. Though typically purchased hardware will come with at least some pre-configuration already done for you.
Once you have created your POS account and received your hardware, most iPad restaurant POS companies provide you with remote installation assistance. A customer support representative will walk you through connecting receipt printers, kitchen printers, cash drawers, and other hardware. The rep will also help install your card readers and ensure your payment process works. Once your hardware is configured, you can enter your menu and start ringing in orders.
The POS Exchange brings over 20 years of restaurant expertise, serving 200,000+ merchants and processing billions annually. Our tailored POS system solutions help businesses speed up checkouts by 30%, implement dynamic pricing, and manage customer reviews while reducing overhead. Perfect for full-service restaurants, pizza shops, coffee houses, and multi-location enterprises. We offer end-to-end service, from brilliant consultation and interactive demos to local installation and 24/7 support. Our mobile iPad POS systems streamline operations with features like order management, bill splitting, and inventory control.
With integrations for business management tools and advanced security measures, we ensure your POS system grows with your business. Trust our expertise to help you avoid the common pitfall that affects 38% of new business owners who choose the wrong POS system. Whether managing a busy restaurant, a local café, or operating a multi-location business, The POS Exchange delivers customized POS system solutions that tell your unique business story. Book a free demo with POS exchange to learn about our customized POS system solutions today.
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