Best POS Systems for Restaurants in 2025: Otter, Square, Clover, Lightspeed, and Toast

Best POS Systems for Restaurants in 2025: Otter, Square, Clover, Lightspeed, and Toast

Choosing the right point-of-sale system is one of the most important decisions for restaurant operators in 2025. Modern POS systems process credit card payments, but that’s not all. They also streamline operations, unify menus across multiple channels, track customer loyalty programs, and provide real-time analytics that drive profitability. With online ordering continuing to grow and multi-location concepts expanding rapidly, the stakes for selecting the best POS systems have never been higher.

This guide compares six leading restaurant POS solutions—Otter, Square, Clover, Lightspeed, EPOS Now, and Toast—across the factors that matter most: pricing, functionality, integration capabilities, and customer support. Below is a clear, honest breakdown for quick-service restaurant operators to make a confident, informed decision that supports their business needs. 

Quick Comparison Table

Platform Overview

Here's what these leading restaurant POS providers offer:

What is Otter POS?

Otter POS is a cloud-based restaurant POS system built for modern establishments of all sizes, particularly useful for quick-service businesses needing speed, multi-location management, and delivery optimization. Business owners can unify menus, orders, and payment processing across in-store, online, and third-party delivery platforms. All of this can be done from a single dashboard, eliminating the tablet chaos that slows down operations. With user-friendly onboarding, automated management tools, and direct integrations with leading delivery apps, Otter excels for high-volume, multi-location businesses seeking both operational control and ease of use.

What is Square?

Square POS has established itself as a leading payment processor and business management solution, appealing to both small businesses and growing multi-location brands. Known for its intuitive touchscreen interface, iPad-based hardware, and flexible mobile payment options, Square offers solid reporting, basic customer loyalty features, and easy online ordering. 

What is Clover?

Clover distinguishes itself through proprietary POS hardware—including counter terminals and handheld devices—paired with an app-based ecosystem for extensions and integrations. This multiuse POS solution automates front- and back-of-house operations with built-in functionality for inventory management, table service, and contactless payment options. 

What is Lightspeed?

Lightspeed offers a cloud-based platform designed for restaurants wanting custom configuration and advanced analytics: menu control, multi-location support, comprehensive inventory tracking, and customizable workflow tools. Integration with various payment methods and mobile-friendly management appeal to businesses with complex operational needs.

What is Toast?

Toast is purpose-built for the restaurant industry, focusing on establishments requiring advanced online ordering, inventory management, and employee management capabilities. Available exclusively on Android hardware, Toast's restaurant POS system supports tableside ordering, multi-unit operations, and analytics tools. It particularly serves busy operators who need reliable service and deep operational control across locations.

What is EPOS Now?

EPOS Now delivers a comprehensive, cloud-based system with inventory control, menu management, and staff scheduling features, plus support for third-party app integrations. Scalable for single- or multi-location operations, it helps restaurants streamline payment processing, labor management, and real-time reporting. EPOS Now's flexibility makes it accessible to startups and growing chains.

Feature Breakdown

Understanding how each POS system handles core restaurant operations—from POS hardware setup to online ordering integration—helps identify which platform aligns with your business needs and growth plans.

Hardware & Setup

Otter: Cloud-based restaurant POS system supporting most receipt printers, barcode scanners, touchscreen terminals, and cash drawers; user-friendly onboarding, works with a restaurant's preferred POS hardware. Allows multi-location setup and offline mode for reliability across all payment methods.

Square: Plug-and-play hardware options including iPad-based terminals, proprietary card readers, and contactless payment kiosks; extremely fast setup with ease of use for teams to learn; supports mobile payments and offline mode up to 24 hours.

Clover: Proprietary POS hardware models (Station Duo, Flex, Go) with integrated cash registers and payment processors; upfront hardware costs but are usually required but come with advanced features.

Lightspeed: Optimized for iPad and web-based terminals with flexible hardware options; supports third-party equipment including barcode scanners and receipt printers for retail and restaurant operations.

Toast: Demands proprietary Android-based hardware including handheld devices and self-service kiosks; built for restaurant-specific functionality with offline capability and kitchen display systems.

EPOS Now: Broad POS hardware compatibility offering its own terminals while supporting third-party devices for flexibility; cloud-based system scalable for multi-location chains with various payment options.

Why Otter works for QSRs: Fast, uniform deployment across multiple locations.

Menu & Order Management

Otter: Provides centralized, real-time menu management across all service channels (in-store, online ordering, third-party delivery, kiosk). Inventory tracking and automated menu updates can be managed seamlessly for both virtual and physical restaurant brands.

Square: Intuitive menu builder with inventory management, stock level tracking, and auto-86 functionality to prevent overselling. Updates sync instantly across locations and ecommerce platforms.

Clover: Flexible menu setup with add-on apps to support complex inventory tracking needs and advanced restaurant management tools.

Lightspeed: Deep inventory management integration supporting multi-location menus with detailed configuration options and automated reorder capabilities for optimal stock levels.

Toast: Kitchen display system and menu management features with comprehensive inventory tracking for both in-house and online sales.

EPOS Now: Cloud-based menu and inventory management with multi-location support, customizable promotions, and automated stock tracking.

Why Otter works for QSRs: Automated inventory tracking eliminates complexity and minimizes manual entry.

Delivery & Third-Party Integration

Otter: Best-in-class delivery aggregator support (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and more). Orders from all channels unified in a single dashboard with automated processing and real-time tracking to optimize fulfillment speed.

Square: Online ordering support via add-ons; integrates with major delivery platforms and ecommerce solutions but requires additional monthly fees for full functionality.

Clover: Third-party delivery available via marketplace apps with contactless payment options, not built into the core POS features.

Lightspeed: Integrates with delivery providers and online store functionality, but delivery management isn't the primary focus of this retail POS system.

Toast: Online ordering and delivery available via add-ons with basic integration capabilities rather than native restaurant POS system functionality.

EPOS Now: Integrates with top delivery and ecommerce platforms through third-party connections, but doesn’t streamline as well as dedicated restaurant POS solutions.

Why Otter works for QSRs: Minimizes order confusion while optimizing fulfillment speed.

Analytics & Reporting

Otter: Multi-location reporting with real-time dashboard analytics and automated insights designed for chain visibility and operational control across all payment processing channels.

Square: Clean, real-time sales reporting with simple analytics focused on payment processing and basic customer data tracking.

Clover: Analytics functionality available with enhanced reporting through add-on apps and advanced features for detailed business analysis.

Lightspeed: Comprehensive analytics on inventory management, cost analysis, and customer relationship management with customizable dashboard views.

Toast: Robust reporting for sales performance, employee management, and operational analytics with real-time tracking capabilities.

EPOS Now: Customizable dashboard with automated reporting across multiple sites and comprehensive business analytics tools.

Why Otter works for QSRs: Automated insights empower quick decision-making.

Loyalty, Marketing & CRM

Otter: Offers customer loyalty programs, marketing options, and customer relationship management platform integration is supported for multi-location restaurant groups.

Square: Basic customer loyalty programs and CRM features included, with marketing add-ons available for enhanced customer data management.

Clover: Customer loyalty and CRM functionality through marketplace apps with contactless payment integration and gift card support.

Lightspeed: Advanced multi-location CRM with comprehensive customer loyalty options and automated marketing tools for retail businesses.

Toast: Integrated loyalty programs, automated email and SMS marketing, and gift card functionality built into the restaurant POS system.

EPOS Now: CRM and customer loyalty features through integrations with in-app promotional tools and gift card support.

Why Otter works for QSRs: Marketing support optimizes customer experience and retention.

User Experience

Otter: Intuitive, touchscreen interface built for rapid onboarding and frontline ease of use; modern design minimizes staff training while supporting efficient workflows across all locations.

Square: User-friendly interface with highly visual, touchscreen design optimized for ease of use and rapid employee training cycles.

Clover: Flexible touchscreen interface that can be complex for new users due to extensive app-based functionality and advanced features.

Lightspeed: Modern, powerful interface requiring more comprehensive onboarding but offering advanced features for complex business needs.

Toast: Restaurant-centric interface efficient for staff with Android-based hardware designed for quick learning and operational efficiency.

EPOS Now: Modern cloud-based interface with straightforward learning curve and user-friendly design for various business types.

Why Otter works for QSRs: Minimizes operational disruptions and ensures smooth customer experience.

Pricing Comparison

To understand the true cost of modern POS systems, look beyond the monthly fees. The largest expenses over time generally include transaction fees, hardware costs, and add-on functionality, especially as volume grows for quick-service businesses.

Otter

Plans: Starter and Main plans begin at roughly $99–$149/month/location for comprehensive restaurant POS system functionality, billed monthly or annually with transparent pricing.

Features: Menu management, automated order processing, real-time analytics, inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and marketing tools. Many advanced delivery management, CRM, and reporting features available as add-ons.

Hardware: POS hardware available for purchase or monthly lease (e.g., touchscreen terminals from $50/mo, self-service kiosks from $85/mo, receipt printers from $20/mo) with flexible hardware options.

Transaction Fees: Starting at 2.39% + 15¢ (card-present) or 2.99% + 30¢ (card-not-present) payment processing, depending on plan and payment methods.

Other Fees: Setup fee ~$150/location, add-on modules for online ordering, automated marketing, and advanced features with no upfront hardware requirements.

Flexibility: Transparent, SaaS-style pricing with no hidden lock-in contracts; easy to add or remove locations as quick-service groups expand their business needs.

Square

Plans: Free POS software for basic functionality, paid plans from $69–$165+/month depending on advanced features and add-ons for small businesses.

Hardware: iPad-based terminals, Square card readers, cash registers, and contactless payment hardware available; purchase cost or monthly payment plan with various hardware options.

Transaction Fees: 2.6–3.5% + 10–15¢ per transaction for payment processing, with higher processing fees for card-not-present online sales.

Notes: Add-on monthly fees for customer loyalty programs, delivery integration, and advanced inventory management features.

Clover

Plans: Monthly subscription from $59–$129/location for all-in-one POS solutions, plus upfront hardware costs (starting at ~$1,400 for complete bundles).

Transaction Fees: Generally 2.3 – 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction through integrated payment processor with competitive processing fees.

Notes: Some advanced features require additional apps at extra monthly fees, increasing total cost for full functionality.

Lightspeed

Plans: Monthly subscriptions start around $69/month for core retail POS functionality, with higher rates for advanced features and multi-location management tools.

Transaction Fees: Typically 2.6% + 10¢ (varies by payment processor and plan) with flexible payment methods and hardware options.

Notes: Integration costs, customer loyalty programs, and advanced analytics can add significant monthly fees for comprehensive functionality.

Toast

Plans: Subscriptions $69–$189+/month for restaurant POS system functionality, with required proprietary Android hardware bundles (starting at ~$799 for essentials).

Transaction Fees: 2.49–2.99% + 15–30¢ per transaction with integrated payment processing and various payment options.

Notes: Integrated online ordering, gift cards, and automated loyalty programs usually require additional monthly fees beyond base pricing.

EPOS Now

Plans: $39–$69/month/location for cloud-based POS software, with hardware bundles available (from $349+ upfront or monthly lease options).

Transaction Fees: Varies based on payment processor selection (usually 2.5–2.9% + 10¢) with flexible payment methods and processing options.

Notes: Customer loyalty programs and advanced analytics modules may require additional monthly fees for full business management functionality.

Key Takeaway

Monthly subscription fees represent just one piece of your total POS investment. Processing fees have the biggest impact on long-term costs, especially for high-volume quick-service businesses. Factor in hardware costs, essential integrations, and scalability when comparing true value. Otter's transparent pricing structure and automated native integrations often deliver better total cost of ownership for growing QSR chains, eliminating the need for multiple third-party POS solutions and reducing overall monthly fees.

Support & Reliability

When POS systems go down, every minute costs you revenue. The quality of customer support and system reliability can make or break busy service periods, especially for high-volume quick-service operations that depend on quick and seamless payment processing.

Support Channels & Availability

Otter: 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email with dedicated onboarding specialists and account managers for multi-location clients. Known for responsive technical support during critical issues and comprehensive management tools training.

Square: 24/7 phone support for paid plans, chat and email available for all users including free POS software plans. Community forums and extensive help documentation with basic onboarding resources for small businesses.

Clover: Phone, chat, and email customer support during business hours with dedicated onboarding process including training sessions. Extended support available for enterprise clients using advanced features.

Lightspeed: 24/7 support via phone and live chat with comprehensive onboarding program featuring dedicated specialists. Training resources and webinars available for complex inventory management and retail POS functionality.

Toast: 24/7 phone and chat customer support with extensive onboarding process including staff training. Help center with detailed documentation and video tutorials for restaurant POS system features.

EPOS Now: Phone, chat, and email support during business hours with 24/7 support available as a paid upgrade. Onboarding assistance and training materials included for all-in-one POS solutions.

Customer Testimonials & Reviews

Reading customer feedback confirms what you need to know about the provider. Otter customers consistently highlight the customer support experience and ease of use. Dave Goodhart from Mustard's Last Stand notes: "Otter's made everything easier. You just need the one tablet, instead of having four or five tablets up there. You only have to deal with one thing."

Jules Ngankou, owner of Amore Pizzeria, emphasizes the support quality: "Their support team is always really responsive with every question, and they give detailed answers to help us with managing our deliveries and processing orders."

For multi-location operations, reliability and automated functionality are critical. Matt Smith from Big Daddy Bagels describes the impact: "I would describe Otter as 'simplification of technology'. You don't have to worry about multiple tablets. You don't have to worry about accepting orders... it's super, super simplified."

Platform Reliability & Offline Capabilities

Otter: Cloud-based architecture with robust offline mode supporting contactless payments and mobile payment processing. Multi-location chains report consistent uptime and seamless failover during internet disruptions.

Square: Strong offline capabilities up to 24 hours with automated cloud sync when connection resumes. Generally reliable uptime for small businesses and medium operations with various payment methods.

Clover: Offline mode available on most terminals with integrated cash drawer and payment processor functionality. App-based systems can experience variability depending on third-party integrations.

Lightspeed: Reliable cloud-based platform with offline functionality supporting both retail stores and restaurant operations. iPad-based systems perform well with consistent connectivity.

Toast: Android-based hardware with solid offline capabilities and automated backup systems. Purpose-built for restaurant environments with reliable performance across payment options.

EPOS Now: Cloud-based system with offline mode and flexible hardware compatibility. Third-party hardware integration can affect reliability depending on POS hardware setup.

Training & Onboarding

Look for intuitive design that doesn’t require extensive staff training. Otter customer Karina Carmona from Taqueria La Estrella explains: "We get our direct orders and our delivery app orders in the same tablet, with the same procedure. We didn't have to learn anything new."

For enterprise clients, comprehensive onboarding with modern POS systems matters significantly. Tip Horne from Lip Eats, which runs multiple virtual brands, emphasizes the scalability of Otter POS: "When you consider the fact that you can use it to build multiple brand concepts within one system, it's worth its weight in gold."

Why Otter’s Support and Reliability Systems Work for QSRs

Otter's 24/7 customer support, combined with streamlined operations and reliable cloud-based architecture, reduces the technical burden on quick-service business owners. With automated order management and responsive customer service, restaurant teams can focus on food quality and customer experience rather than troubleshooting multiple systems during peak hours.

Which POS Is Best for Your Type of Restaurant?

No two restaurants are identical, and neither are their business needs for POS solutions. The best platform depends on service style, growth plans, and how much technology integration is required for payment processing, online ordering, and back-of-house operations.

Quick-Service Chain

Quick-service restaurants demand POS systems that drive speed, consistency, and real-time delivery performance. Otter empowers chains to manage all in-store and online sales from a single dashboard. 

With direct integrations to major delivery platforms and contactless payment options, Otter is especially recommended for quick-service businesses handling high volume and multi-location complexity. As Greg Willman, CEO of Naf Naf Grill, explains: "Otter has played a crucial role in uncovering insights and opportunities we had not previously explored. This partnership allows us to effectively take control of our finances and save time by consolidating our stores and delivery partners onto a single platform."

Full-Service Dine-In

Full-service concepts require advanced table management, check splitting, employee management, and deep customization for modifiers and courses. Toast and Clover stand out for strong in-house ordering, robust kitchen display systems, and staff performance tools with comprehensive POS features. While Otter offers dine-in functionality, quick-service focused solutions are its specialty.

Delivery-First Restaurant or Ghost Kitchen

For delivery-driven brands, POS software that unifies third-party orders and automated dispatch is crucial for optimizing customer experience. Otter's aggregator support and delivery dashboard cut order errors while allowing ghost kitchens to handle higher volume with fewer tablets and streamlined payment processing. 

Marlon Medina from Jose Chiquito emphasizes the partnership approach: "When we discovered Otter, we learned that everything they did was for the good of my team. We're working with them, and they're helping us to be better... with Otter, I'm always finding new ways to expand how I want to."

Small Café or Counter-Service

Independent cafes and small counter-service shops often prize ease of use, flexible payment options, and low startup costs. Otter is a strong choice for its features and affordability. Alternatively, Square POS offers a free plan with plug-and-play hardware including iPad terminals and card readers. 

Food Trucks and Pop-Up Operations

Food trucks and pop-up restaurants need mobile payment solutions with offline capabilities and portable POS hardware. Otter POS and Square POS excel with smartphone integration, contactless payments, and reliable offline modes. For a deeper, industry-specific dive, here are the 5 best POS systems for food trucks in 2025.

Franchise or Multi-Unit Group

Otter's cloud-based menu syncing, automated inventory tracking, and bulk location management address the core business needs of growing brands. Management tools can be adapted as franchises expand or new online ordering channels are added.

Enterprise & Large-Scale Operations

Major chains and enterprise clients require robust infrastructure and comprehensive POS system functionality. Otter serves large-scale operations like Cinemark's 500+ locations, with David Haywood, SVP of Food and Beverage, noting: "Otter has helped us deliver the best possible guest experience when it comes to cinematic snack delivery. Our theater teams appreciate all Otter has to offer and its ability to streamline our third-party delivery process, resulting in order increases and productivity growth."

Final Verdict

Choosing the right POS software will shape every customer experience, online ordering transaction, and growth milestone for your restaurant. Here's how the leading POS providers stack up in 2025:

Otter is the clear choice for quick-service and multi-location restaurants, delivering comprehensive delivery management, seamless third-party aggregator integrations (including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and more), and a unified dashboard that lets business owners manage everything—from menus to automated marketing—across all locations. Trusted by thousands of brands worldwide, Otter offers over 400 integrations and partners directly with leading delivery platforms and restaurant technology providers. 

Square POS is ideal for small businesses and independent operators who need ease of use, rapid setup, and flexible payment options, offering solid cloud-based functionality and an intuitive touchscreen interface perfect for single-location concepts and startups.

Clover best serves hybrid concepts and those wanting comprehensive POS hardware suites, pairing proprietary terminals with an app-based ecosystem for extra functionality across both quick-service and full-service formats with advanced features.

Lightspeed is tailored for operators who need advanced analytics, custom workflow management tools, and extensive integrations—especially useful for concepts blending retail stores and food service or scaling across multiple channels with complex inventory management.

Toast stands out for venues demanding in-house ordering, kitchen display systems, and comprehensive employee management controls, with specialized tools for both full-service and counter-service models as they grow their restaurant operations.

EPOS Now delivers broad compatibility and value with solid customer support for single or multi-location sites, strong staff scheduling, and real-time reporting at competitive monthly fees for various business types.

Choose Otter if you want:

• Direct, tablet-free delivery management across all major platforms with automated processing
• Seamless multi-brand and multi-location operations with cloud-based management tools
• Global reach with integrations that industry leaders depend on for payment processing and online sales
• Quick-service focused, chain-ready performance and scalability with comprehensive POS features
• 24/7 customer support with a proven reputation for reliability and measurable results

Consider the best alternatives if your priorities include:

• Ultra-simple startup operations with free POS software (Square POS for small businesses)
• Full-service, table-centric workflows with advanced employee management (Toast, Clover with comprehensive POS features)
• Data-heavy operations requiring custom analytics and inventory tracking (Lightspeed for retail and restaurant operations)
• Budget-friendly entry for growing single-location concepts (EPOS Now with flexible hardware options and low monthly fees)

For quick-service restaurants and ambitious, multi-location groups, Otter provides the modern restaurant POS system toolkit needed to thrive in today's fast-paced, delivery-driven market. With proven results from major operators and recognition as a leader in integrations and customer support, Otter delivers the operational control, automated functionality, and growth capabilities that drive long-term success for business owners across the restaurant industry.