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POS systems for Restaurants
Last updated Sep 27, 2026
These lists use the scores we gave for Restaurants, not the all-buyers scores. Toast is #1 here, #3 for all buyers; Helcim is #2 here, #5 for all buyers; SpotOn is #3 here, #7 for all buyers.
POS systems
Our top picks
- Top scoreLowest price
#1 Toast
Restaurants: $0 Starter Kit hardware and software at 3.09% + 15¢, on a 2-year agreement
6.3/10FairOur scoreVisit ToastOn pos.toasttab.com - Lowest price
#2 Helcim
Interchange-plus card pricing with no monthly fee or contract, and a $99 card reader
5.8/10PoorOur scoreVisit HelcimOn helcim.com - Lowest price
#3 SpotOn
Restaurants wanting $0 software and hardware upfront, at 2.79% + 20¢ on a 2-year term
5.3/10PoorOur scoreVisit SpotOnOn spoton.com
- Top scoreLowest priceRank 1
Toast
Restaurants: $0 Starter Kit hardware and software at 3.09% + 15¢, on a 2-year agreement
- Entry plan (Starter Kit Basic) $0.00 a month for one location.
- Cheapest card reader $0.
6.3/10FairOur score - Lowest priceRank 2
Helcim
Interchange-plus card pricing with no monthly fee or contract, and a $99 card reader
- Entry plan (Helcim POS) $0.00 a month for one location.
- Contract: No long-term contract and no monthly fee; no termination fee is mentioned..
5.8/10PoorOur score - Lowest price
Restaurants wanting $0 software and hardware upfront, at 2.79% + 20¢ on a 2-year term
- Entry plan (All-In Plan) $0.00 a month for one location.
5.3/10PoorOur score - Lowest price
A free POS with inventory, loyalty and a kitchen display, used with a separate card processor
- Entry plan (Free) $0.00 a month for one location.
- Contract: No contract: the POS is free and paid add-ons can be added or cancelled at any time..
- Restaurants features published: 3 of 4 (table and floor-plan management, a kitchen display system, split checks).
5.1/10PoorOur score