Top 10 Alternative Restaurant POS Systems for 2025

When was the last time you walked into a restaurant and saw one of those old-school cash registers? Exactly, those days are long gone. 

Restaurant management has evolved significantly, and with 2025 near, alternative POS systems are introducing advanced features for all types of eateries, from cozy cafés to upscale fine dining.

As the mobile POS payments market continues to grow, the number of users is expected to amount to 3.55 billion by 2029. That’s a huge number, and it speaks volumes about how crucial it is for restaurants to adopt more efficient, modern POS solutions. 

With so many options on the market, though, the question is: how do you find a system that fits your restaurant’s unique style, meets your operational needs, and stays within your budget?

The article below compares the top ten alternative restaurant POS systems for 2025, providing a detailed breakdown of each system’s features, starting costs, and unique offerings.

Top 10 Alternative Restaurant POS Systems for 2025

Choosing the right alternative restaurant POS system is critical for restaurants aiming to enhance efficiency and elevate the customer experience. With many options available, each offering unique features, pricing, and benefits, finding the best fit can be challenging. 

Here’s a table comparing the top 10 alternative restaurant POS systems for 2025.

Alternative restaurant POS System	Key Features	Best For
LimeTray POS	Comprehensive analytics, smooth integrations, customizable menu, loyalty program, delivery management	Quick-service restaurants, multi-location chains, and delivery-focused establishments
Square	Easy setup, customizable menus, integrated payments	Single-location restaurants and businesses valuing hardware flexibility and insightful analytics
Toast POS	Cloud-based inventory management, customer insights, employee management	Restaurants seeking comprehensive restaurant management features alongside payroll and scheduling integration
TouchBistro	User-friendly iPad-based, tableside ordering, inventory management, built-in CRM	Restaurants prioritizing ease of use for iPad-based systems and restaurants that need a built-in reservation system
Revel Systems	Hybrid cloud-based, multi-location support, loyalty programs, customizable reporting	Large restaurants and chain restaurants
SpotOn	Free upfront package for new users,dedicated hardware and software tools designed for bars, mobile ordering, iOS/Android apps	Restaurants need a system that is strong in employee management and customer engagement tools.
SkyTab	Durable and reliable alternative restaurant POS hardware options,commission-free online ordering system,mobile ordering,QR code technology	Chains and franchises with strong delivery integrations and a focus on tableside ordering.
Lightspeed	Cloud-based, advanced reporting integrates with delivery apps inventory tracking.	Restaurants focused on customer retention and inventory management.
Lavu POS	Customizable, offline functionality, mobile ordering, employee time tracking	Restaurants are seeking payment flexibility and offering a wide variety of inventory items.
Clover POS	User-friendly interface, customizable hardware, supports gift cards, secure payments.	Restaurants prioritize professional-grade hardware and a high degree of customization.

1. LimeTray POS

Running a quick-service or delivery-heavy restaurant? LimeTray has your back. Our system is an all-in-one alternative restaurant POS solution tailored specifically for the restaurant industry, aiming to simplify operations and enhance customer engagement. 

Its user-friendly interface, loyalty programs, order management, delivery tracking, and third-party integrations make operations smoother than butter on a hot pan.

Additionally, this alternative restaurant POS system’s customizable menu options allow restaurant owners to adjust offerings quickly and easily, while its reporting tools offer insights into performance metrics. 

Because of its versatility and reliability, our restaurant POS is trusted by top partners such as Sagar Ratna, Domino’s Indonesia, Famous Brands Group, and Goila Butter Chicken. 

Here’s what Burger Singh has to say about Limetray’s restaurant POS—their trusted tech partner for integrated restaurant management. Watch the full success story here!

Pros

• User-friendly Interface: The intuitive design makes it easy for staff to use, ensuring quick adoption and efficient operations.
• Scalable Solution: Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from small cafes to large multi-location franchises, offering flexibility as the business grows.
• Third-party Integration: LimeTray’s integration capabilities with popular delivery establishments like Swiggy, Uber Eats, and Zomato, as illustrated in the image below, ensure smooth order processing and efficient delivery management.

• Feedback System: LimeTray’s restaurant feedback system helps restaurants stay connected to customer experiences, gathering insights to address concerns and improve service quality quickly. 

With the instant feedback feature, businesses can respond proactively to maintain high customer satisfaction.

• Customer Relationship Management: The integrated restaurant CRM feature captures essential customer data, allowing restaurants to personalize promotions and loyalty rewards. 

Understanding customer preferences drives targeted marketing efforts that increase repeat visits and build lasting customer relationships.

• Inventory Management: LimeTray’s restaurant inventory tool simplifies stock management and inventory control, automating the ordering process to ensure you never run out of essential ingredients, as reflected in the snapshot below.

Cons

• Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs may not be as transparent as fixed-cost systems, requiring direct contact with the provider for quotes.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the system is easy to use, some of the more advanced features require training or onboarding.

2. Square

The biggest inconvenience for small restaurants is finding an affordable POS system that’s powerful enough to handle everything but doesn’t break the bank. 

Square POS solves this problem by offering an affordable and flexible alternative restaurant POS system, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized food establishments. 

It’s known for its simplicity and ease of use, which allow for quick order processing and payment integration. 

Square also offers online ordering features and customizable menu layouts, making it a versatile solution for businesses looking to automate their operations on a budget.

Pros

• Affordable Pricing: With a free base tier, Square is ideal for small businesses that need an economical solution without compromising functionality.
• Ease of Use: Its intuitive interface makes it simple for staff to learn and use quickly.
• Customizable Menu Layouts: Restaurant owners can easily adjust their menu and offerings, even during busy hours.
• Integrated Payments: Square’s payment system is integrated, offering a smooth and secure transaction process.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Features: While great for small businesses, Square’s feature set may not meet the needs of larger, high-volume restaurants.
• Transaction Fees: Square charges transaction fees on payments, which may add up over time, especially for high-volume businesses.

3. Toast POS

Toast POS is an industry favorite known for enhancing restaurant efficiency and profitability. This alternative restaurant POS system enables staff to process orders quickly while providing restaurant owners with insights to maximize revenue. 

Equipped with menu management and integrated payment solutions, Toast is a powerful choice for restaurant-centric businesses looking for a reliable system with excellent customer service.

Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy for staff to navigate, ensuring fast order processing and reducing mistakes.
• Real-Time Menu Management: Allows for quick updates and adjustments to the menu, helping to keep offerings fresh and up-to-date.
• Integrated Payment Solutions: Simplifies the payment process, improving checkout speed and reducing wait times for customers.

Cons

• Higher Starting Cost: It may be on the pricier side for small restaurants or those with limited budgets.
• Limited Offline Capabilities: While it offers cloud-based features, it may experience interruptions during internet outages.

4. TouchBistro

Managing a restaurant involves juggling multiple tasks at once, and many traditional POS systems struggle to meet all of these demands systematically. 

TouchBistro stands out for its iPad-based design, which is perfect for smaller setups or anyone who loves an Apple ecosystem. 

This alternative restaurant POS system includes features like tableside ordering and in-depth analytics, making it a strong choice for small to medium-sized restaurants.

Pros

• Tableside Ordering: Enhances customer service and speeds up the ordering process by allowing servers to take orders at the table.
• Customizable Floor Plan: Provides flexibility in designing the restaurant layout to improve operational flow.
• CRM Integration: Helps with customer relationship management, enhancing guest experiences.

Cons

• iPad-Only: The alternative restaurant POS system relies on iPads, which can be limiting if you’re not an iOS user or have limited hardware.
• Monthly Fees for Advanced Features: Some of the more advanced features come with additional costs.

5. Revel Systems

Revel is a powerhouse for multi-location setups. It is a comprehensive, iPad-based alternative restaurant POS system that supports both quick-service and full-service eateries. 

It offers flexible ordering and payment options, delivery integration, and inventory management, making it ideal for larger businesses that require more advanced functionality.

Additionally, our alternative restaurant POS system provides a scalable solution that supports growth for restaurants of any size, from small cafes to multi-location franchises. Curious about how it works? Take a look here!

Pros

• Flexible Ordering & Payment Options: Supports a variety of ordering methods, including tableside ordering and delivery integration.
• Multi-location Management: Great for businesses with multiple locations, offering centralized control and reporting across sites.
• Powerful Analytics: Offers live reporting and in-depth analytics to optimize restaurant operations.

Cons

• Expensive: Revel’s pricing may be a barrier for smaller restaurants.
• Requires iPads: As an iPad-based system, Revel may not be suitable for businesses that do not want to use Apple devices.

6. SpotOn

SpotOn is a relatively new player in the alternative restaurant POS market, but it has quickly garnered attention from industry publications and restaurant owners. 

The system also offers a range of first-party order hardware designed specifically for quick-service restaurants and bars.

A key focus for SpotOn is customer loyalty, and it provides various tools to help businesses drive repeat orders, both in-person and online. 

However, SpotOn is still in the early stages of its development, and businesses should note that it may lack some of the standard features offered by more established alternative restaurant POS systems.

Pros

• Flexible Payment Options: Supports payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards, providing customers with convenient choices.
• Round-the-Clock Reservations: 24/7 reservation acceptance to accommodate customer bookings anytime.
• Customer Feedback Collection: Built-in customer satisfaction surveys make gathering valuable feedback easy.
• Data-Driven Marketing: Targeted marketing campaigns utilize in-house customer data for personalized outreach.

Cons

1. Mixed Customer Support: Customer support has received varying reviews, with some users reporting inconsistent experiences.
2. Limited Technical Support: Technical support can be inadequate at times, potentially delaying issue resolution.

7. SkyTab POS

SkyTab is widely recognized as one of the best alternative restaurant POS systems, offering comprehensive solutions that connect front-of-house to back-of-house operations. 

With tens of thousands of satisfied customers, SkyTab has earned its reputation as a top-rated system suitable for a range of establishments, including full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, bars, pizza shops, and coffee shops.

Pros

• Third-Party Integration: Offers quick integration with popular third-party platforms, enhancing flexibility and expanding service capabilities.
• Effective Targeted Marketing: Utilizes in-house customer data to create targeted marketing campaigns, boosting engagement and loyalty.

Cons

• Occasional Technical Limitations: Technical support may fall short during high-demand periods, affecting quick issue resolution.

8. Lightspeed Restaurant

Managing multiple locations and large inventories can quickly become overwhelming for chain restaurants. That’s where Lightspeed, a cloud-based alternative restaurant POS system, comes in. 

Restaurant owners can effectively manage their operations across locations with Lightspeed’s integrated payment solutions, comprehensive inventory management, and advanced reporting.

Pros

• Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Lightspeed provides in-depth reporting features, helping restaurant owners monitor performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Detailed Inventory Management: Its inventory tracking feature ensures that restaurant owners always have a clear view of stock levels and can manage supplies efficiently.
• Customizable for Multi-location Operations: Lightspeed excels in managing multiple locations and tailoring the system to meet the specific needs of each one.

Cons

• High Starting Cost: Due to its high price range, smaller restaurants or those with limited funds might not find it to be the best option.
• Complex Setup: The advanced features and customization options may require more time for setup and employee training.

9. Lavu POS

Lavu is an iPad-based alternative restaurant POS system that offers multilingual support, mobile ordering, and flexible payment options. It’s an excellent choice for international or multicultural environments, as it can support multiple languages. 

Lavu also offers detailed inventory tracking and a loyalty program, making it a solid choice for restaurants that want to build customer retention.

Pros

• Multilingual Support: Lavu’s ability to support multiple languages makes it an ideal choice for restaurants with diverse staff or international customers.
• Mobile Ordering: Allows customers to place orders from their smartphones, enhancing convenience and reducing wait times.
• Loyalty Program: A built-in loyalty program helps restaurants retain customers and encourage repeat business.

Cons

• iPad-Only: Like other iPad-based systems, Lavu is limited to Apple devices, which may not be suitable for all restaurants.
• Cost: Lavu’s pricing is typically higher than basic systems, making it more suitable for mid-range to larger establishments.

10.  Clover POS

For smaller restaurants that want an alternative restaurant POS system that’s both affordable and customizable, Clover POS is a strong contender. 

One of the biggest problems for small restaurants is a lack of flexibility in their POS system, especially if they want to add new features or scale as they grow. 

Clover solves this by offering a highly versatile and user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both small restaurants and quick-service establishments. 

Clover also offers customizable hardware, menu management, and a variety of payment options. It also integrates with third-party applications, expanding its range of capabilities and allowing restaurants to tailor the system to their specific needs.

Pros

• Customizable Hardware: Clover allows businesses to choose from a wide range of hardware options, tailoring the system to their space and needs.
• Easy to Use: The user-friendly interface makes it quick and easy for staff to adopt the system and begin using it effectively.
• Supports Multiple Payment Options: Offers support for various payment methods, including mobile wallets and gift cards.

Cons

• Cost of Hardware: Clover’s hardware options can be pricey, especially if businesses opt for custom solutions.
• Transaction Fees: Like Square, Clover charges transaction fees on payments, which may increase costs over time.

Other Types of Alternative Restaurant POS Systems for 2025

While the systems listed above are some of the top alternative restaurant POS systems in 2025, there are many other POS solutions tailored to specific types of restaurants and business models. 

Whether your restaurant is focused on fine dining, speedy service, or expanding your delivery business, let us look at some additional options that meet your specific needs.

1. Restroworks POS

Restroworks is an all-in-one alternative restaurant POS system that integrates crucial features like inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and loyalty programs into a single platform. 

It’s particularly beneficial for businesses seeking smooth integration with third-party apps and a unified management experience across all locations.

2. ShopKeep by Lightspeed

ShopKeep is a cloud-based alternative restaurant POS system that caters to smaller cafes and eateries, offering features like inventory tracking, employee management, and sales reporting. 

Its simple interface and ease of use make it an excellent choice for new restaurant owners or small teams. ShopKeep’s integration with Lightspeed offers additional customization options and robust support.

3. Upserve by Lightspeed

Upserve by Lightspeed is a restaurant-centric alternative POS system with a focus on customer experience. Upserve’s in-depth analytics make it a strong choice for full-service restaurants looking to improve their overall service. 

Similar to this, LimeTray’s alternative restaurant POS system features an advanced reporting and analytics tool to provide the insights you need to drive profitability for your business. 

As seen in the screenshot below, their sales reports and analytics tools enable you to make data-driven decisions, maximize the performance of your restaurant, and keep one step ahead of the competition.

4. CAKE POS

For restaurants focused on inventory and catalog management, CAKE POS stands out as a reliable option. Its straightforward interface simplifies staff operations, from order processing to table management. 

Additionally, this alternative restaurant POS system integrates effectively with online ordering platforms, making it ideal for high-traffic establishments seeking dependable service.

5. NCR Silver

NCR Silver is a hybrid alternative restaurant POS system that combines cloud-based features with on-premise functionality, providing stability even in the event of an internet outage. It includes powerful marketing tools, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting, making it ideal for fast-casual and full-service dining establishments.

Similarly, LimeTray’s user-friendly restaurant POS system ensures your operations run smoothly, even in high-demand situations. With an intuitive interface and strong functionality, it enables staff to take orders quickly, manage tables efficiently, and process payments without delays, as shown in the snapshot below.

6. Aloha POS

Aloha POS, developed by NCR, is another alternative restaurant POS system designed primarily for QSRs, bars, and multi-location chains. 

It offers a hybrid POS solution, combining both cloud and on-premise functionalities to ensure stability even during internet outages. 

This makes it especially useful for busy restaurants that need constant reliability in high-traffic environments. Its pricing plans are tailored to each restaurant’s specific needs and can vary based on the size and scale of the business.

Conclusion

If your current POS system feels like it’s holding you back, it probably is. The right alternative restaurant POS system can transform how you manage operations and drive profits. 

From Toast’s robust analytics to Square’s budget-friendly pricing, there’s an alternative restaurant POS system tailored for all business needs. You can find a system aligned with your business growth goals by exploring features like cloud access, inventory management, and mobile capabilities.

If you’re looking for a solution that combines cutting-edge tech with ease of use, LimeTray’s alternative restaurant POS system might be your match. This will allow your restaurant to connect with popular delivery platforms and other essential tools for a fully integrated and automated operational experience.

Curious? Book a demo today and see how LimeTray can transform your operations.