Restaurant POS Comparison
Square for Restaurants vs Toast POS
A side-by-side look at pricing, fees, and features to help you pick the right system for your restaurant.
Square 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 RestaurantsToast POS
Best for full-service, multi-location restaurants and bars with integrated payroll and loyalty.
$0/mo (pay-as-you-go)
Visit Toast POSQuick comparison
| Square for Restaurants | Toast POS | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0/mo (free plan) | $0/mo (pay-as-you-go) |
| Processing fee | 2.6% + 10¢ | ~2.49% + 15¢ |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| G2 rating | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Best for | quick-service, cafe, food-truck | full-service, multi-location, bar |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | ✓ |
Our verdict
Pick Square for quick-service, cafes, and food trucks needing a free plan and low-cost entry. Pick Toast for full-service, multi-location restaurants and bars requiring integrated payroll and loyalty.
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.
Toast POS pros & cons
- Integrated payroll and loyalty features.
- Handheld and offline mode available.
- Free pay-as-you-go plan option.
- Kitchen display system included.
- Processing fees can add up.
- Contract terms may be required.
- Advanced features cost extra.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pricing difference between Square and Toast?
Square offers a free plan with 2.6% + 10¢ processing. Toast has pay-as-you-go at ~2.49% + 15¢, but no free plan.
Do Square and Toast require long-term contracts?
Square has no contracts. Toast offers month-to-month or multi-year contracts; early termination fees may apply.
What hardware is included with Square vs Toast?
Square sells standalone terminals and iPad kits. Toast offers proprietary terminals and handhelds, often bundled.
Which is cheaper for a small restaurant?
Square is cheaper for small quick-service restaurants due to free plan and lower processing fees for small tickets.