Restaurant POS Comparison
Lightspeed Restaurant vs Square for Restaurants
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 RestaurantSquare for Restaurants
Best for quick-service, cafes, and food trucks with a free plan and low-cost entry.
$0/mo (free plan)
Visit Square for RestaurantsQuick comparison
| Lightspeed Restaurant | Square for Restaurants | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/mo | $0/mo (free plan) |
| Processing fee | 2.6% + 10¢ | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| G2 rating | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Best for | multi-location, full-service, bar | quick-service, cafe, food-truck |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | — |
Our verdict
Pick Lightspeed if you run a multi-location full-service restaurant or bar needing integrated KDS and loyalty features. Pick Square if you run a quick-service restaurant, cafe, or food truck and want a free plan with low-cost entry.
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.
Square for Restaurants pros & cons
- Free plan available with no monthly fees.
- Includes KDS, loyalty, and online ordering.
- Handheld and offline mode support.
- Competitive processing rate of 2.6% + 10¢.
- Advanced features require paid plans.
- Limited customization for complex menus.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pricing difference between Lightspeed and Square?
Lightspeed starts at $69/mo; Square offers a free plan. Both charge 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
Do these systems require a long-term contract?
Lightspeed typically requires a 1-year contract; Square has no long-term contract and is month-to-month.
What hardware do I need for each system?
Lightspeed offers integrated terminals and KDS; Square provides free magstripe reader and paid terminals and iPad stands.
Which is cheaper for a small restaurant?
Square is cheaper for small restaurants due to its free plan and no contract, though processing fees are similar.
More: Lightspeed Restaurant review · Square for Restaurants review