Restaurant POS Comparison
Lightspeed Restaurant vs SkyTab POS
A side-by-side look at pricing, fees, and features to help you pick the right system for your restaurant.
Lightspeed Restaurant
Best for multi-location full-service restaurants and bars needing integrated KDS and loyalty.
$69/mo
Visit Lightspeed RestaurantSkyTab POS
Best for full-service, quick-service, and bar owners seeking a free POS with handheld and offline capabilities.
$0/mo
Visit SkyTab POSQuick comparison
| Lightspeed Restaurant | SkyTab POS | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/mo | $0/mo |
| Processing fee | 2.6% + 10¢ | custom |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| G2 rating | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Best for | multi-location, full-service, bar | full-service, quick-service, bar |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | — |
Our verdict
Pick Lightspeed if you run a multi-location full-service restaurant or bar and need integrated KDS, loyalty, and advanced reporting. It’s worth the monthly fee for established operations. Pick SkyTab if you own a small full-service or quick-service restaurant and want a free POS with reliable offline mode and handheld ordering. It’s ideal for budget-conscious owners.
Lightspeed Restaurant pros & cons
- Integrated KDS and handheld ordering for efficiency.
- Built-in loyalty program to drive repeat business.
- Offline mode ensures sales continue during internet outages.
- Online ordering included with no extra cost.
- No free plan; $69/month starting price.
- Processing fee of 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
- Setup and training can be time-consuming.
SkyTab POS pros & cons
- Free plan available with no monthly fees.
- Handheld POS for tableside ordering and payment.
- Offline mode ensures uninterrupted service.
- Integrated loyalty and online ordering features.
- Custom processing fees may be high.
- Limited advanced reporting in free plan.
- Hardware costs not included in free tier.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main pricing difference?
Lightspeed charges $69/mo plus 2.6%+10¢ per transaction. SkyTab is free with custom processing rates.
Do these require long-term contracts?
Lightspeed typically requires a 1-year contract. SkyTab offers month-to-month with no long-term commitment.
What hardware is included?
Lightspeed sells proprietary terminals and tablets. SkyTab provides a free terminal with processing, plus optional handhelds.
Which is cheaper for a small restaurant?
SkyTab is cheaper because it has no monthly fee. Lightspeed’s $69/mo adds up, but includes more features.