POS Comparisons

Shift4 vs Adelo: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Nov 21, 2025 3 min read

Choosing between Shift4 and Adelo for your business? Both are popular multi-industry solutions, but they serve different needs. Shift4 starts at Contact for pricing and is Payment processing and POS technology company, while Adelo starts at $59/month and is Cloud POS from Aldelo family for restaurants. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.

Quick Comparison: Shift4 vs Adelo

FeatureShift4Adelo
CategoryMulti-IndustryRestaurant
Starting PriceContact for pricing$59/month
Rating4.1/54.1/5
Target BusinessSmall Business to EnterpriseSmall Business to Mid-Market
Pricing ModelQuote-basedSubscription
Free TrialNoYes
Free VersionNoNo
Best ForBusinesses wanting integrated payment solutionsRestaurants in Aldelo ecosystem

Shift4 Overview

Shift4 is a payment processing and POS technology company serving hospitality, retail, and other industries. Owns POSitouch, Harbortouch, and other POS brands. Offers integrated payments and software.

Shift4 is offered by Shift4 (founded 1994) based in Allentown, PA. The system focuses on Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.

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Key Features:

  • Payment Processing
  • POS Systems
  • Gift Cards
  • Loyalty
  • Analytics
  • Enterprise Solutions

Adelo Overview

Adelo is part of the Aldelo family of POS solutions, offering cloud-based restaurant management. Features include table management, online ordering, and integrated payment processing for full-service restaurants.

Adelo is offered by Aldelo LP (founded 2002) based in Pleasanton, CA. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service.

Key Features:

  • Cloud POS
  • Table Management
  • Online Ordering
  • Payment Processing
  • Inventory
  • Reporting

Feature Comparison

Shift4 Features:

  • Payment Processing
  • POS Systems
  • Gift Cards
  • Loyalty
  • Analytics

Adelo Features:

  • Cloud POS
  • Table Management
  • Online Ordering
  • Payment Processing
  • Inventory

When comparing features, Shift4 stands out with End-to-end payments, while Adelo differentiates itself with Aldelo family integration. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectShift4Adelo
Starting PriceContact for pricing$59/month
Pricing ModelQuote-basedSubscription
Price RangeMid-range to PremiumBudget to Mid-range
Free TrialNot availableAvailable
Free VersionNoNo

Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Shift4

Pros:

  • Integrated payments
  • Multiple POS brands
  • Enterprise scale
  • Payment innovation

Cons:

  • Complex product lineup
  • Custom pricing
  • May be overkill for small businesses

Adelo

Pros:

  • Aldelo ecosystem
  • Cloud-based flexibility
  • Affordable pricing
  • Restaurant-focused

Cons:

  • Less known than Aldelo Express
  • Limited independent reviews

Who Should Choose Shift4?

Shift4 is ideal for Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. The system is particularly well-suited for Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.

However, Shift4 may not be the best fit for Very small businesses wanting simple solutions.

Who Should Choose Adelo?

Adelo is ideal for Restaurants in Aldelo ecosystem. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service.

However, Adelo may not be the best fit for Retail businesses.

Our Recommendation

Both Shift4 and Adelo are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Shift4 if you’re Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Choose Adelo if you’re Restaurants in Aldelo ecosystem. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.