Restaurant POS Comparison
Toast POS vs TouchBistro
A side-by-side look at pricing, fees, and features to help you pick the right system for your restaurant.
Toast POS
Best for full-service, multi-location restaurants and bars with integrated payroll and loyalty.
$0/mo (pay-as-you-go)
Visit Toast POSTouchBistro
Best for full-service restaurants, cafes, and bars needing an all-in-one POS.
$69/mo
Visit TouchBistroQuick comparison
| Toast POS | TouchBistro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0/mo (pay-as-you-go) | $69/mo |
| Processing fee | ~2.49% + 15¢ | custom |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| G2 rating | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Best for | full-service, multi-location, bar | full-service, cafe, bar |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | ✓ | — |
Our verdict
Pick Toast if you run a multi-location full-service restaurant or bar and need integrated payroll and loyalty, and want to avoid monthly fees. Pick TouchBistro if you run a single-location full-service restaurant, cafe, or bar and prefer a predictable monthly subscription with custom processing rates.
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.
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 main pricing difference between Toast and TouchBistro?
Toast offers a pay-as-you-go plan with no monthly fee but higher processing rates. TouchBistro charges a monthly subscription with custom processing rates.
Do Toast and TouchBistro require long-term contracts?
Toast does not require a contract for its pay-as-you-go plan. TouchBistro typically requires a 3-year contract.
What hardware do I need for each system?
Toast provides its own hardware (terminals, handhelds). TouchBistro runs on iPad and uses third-party peripherals like printers and card readers.
Which is cheaper for a small single-location restaurant?
TouchBistro is often cheaper for small single-location restaurants due to lower processing rates and no per-transaction fees, despite the monthly subscription.
More: Toast POS review · TouchBistro review