Restaurant POS Comparison
Lightspeed Restaurant vs TouchBistro
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 RestaurantTouchBistro
Best for full-service restaurants, cafes, and bars needing an all-in-one POS.
$69/mo
Visit TouchBistroQuick comparison
| Lightspeed Restaurant | TouchBistro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/mo | $69/mo |
| Processing fee | 2.6% + 10¢ | custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| G2 rating | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Best for | multi-location, full-service, bar | full-service, cafe, bar |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | — |
Our verdict
Pick Lightspeed for multi-location full-service restaurants or bars needing built-in loyalty and KDS. Pick TouchBistro for single-location full-service restaurants, cafes, or bars wanting an all-in-one POS with custom processing rates.
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.
TouchBistro pros & cons
- Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) for efficiency.
- Built-in loyalty program to retain customers.
- Handheld ordering speeds up table service.
- Offline mode ensures sales continue without internet.
- No free plan available.
- Processing fees are custom and not transparent.
- Online ordering may require additional setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pricing difference between Lightspeed and TouchBistro?
Lightspeed starts at $69/mo with 2.6%+10¢ processing. TouchBistro also starts at $69/mo but processing rates are custom.
Do these POS systems require long-term contracts?
Lightspeed requires a 1-year contract. TouchBistro typically requires a 3-year contract for hardware financing.
What hardware is included with each POS?
Lightspeed sells iPad stands, printers, and KDS separately. TouchBistro offers bundled hardware packages including iPad, stand, and printer.
Which is cheaper for a small single-location restaurant?
TouchBistro may be cheaper due to custom processing rates, but Lightspeed's flat rate can be more predictable for small restaurants.