POS Comparisons

Harbortouch vs Grubhub Direct: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio • Oct 14, 2025 • 3 min read

When comparing Harbortouch vs Grubhub Direct, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to multi-industry point-of-sale technology. Harbortouch, rated 4.0/5, offers Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Meanwhile, Grubhub Direct, rated 3.9/5, provides Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Harbortouch vs Grubhub Direct

FeatureHarbortouchGrubhub Direct
CategoryMulti-IndustrySoftware
Starting Price$29.99/monthFree setup + processing fees
Rating4.0/53.9/5
Target BusinessSmall BusinessSmall Business to Mid-Market
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Free TrialNoNo
Free VersionNoYes
Best ForSmall businesses wanting low startup costsRestaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery

Harbortouch Overview

Harbortouch (now SkyTab) offers free POS hardware with low monthly fees. Features include tableside ordering, table tracking, free reservations, and online ordering. No upfront costs with lifetime hardware warranty.

Harbortouch is offered by Shift4 Payments (founded 1999) based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Salons.

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Key Features:

  • Tableside ordering (iPad)
  • Table tracking
  • Reservations (free)
  • Online ordering (free)
  • KDS
  • Waitlist management

Grubhub Direct Overview

Grubhub Direct allows restaurants to accept online orders directly through their website without marketplace commissions. Includes order management and optional delivery through Grubhub drivers.

Grubhub Direct is offered by Grubhub (Just Eat Takeaway) (founded 2004) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Restaurants.

Key Features:

  • Online Ordering
  • Website Integration
  • Order Management
  • Delivery Option
  • Marketing Tools
  • Analytics

Feature Comparison

Harbortouch Features:

  • Tableside ordering (iPad)
  • Table tracking
  • Reservations (free)
  • Online ordering (free)
  • KDS

Grubhub Direct Features:

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  • Online Ordering
  • Website Integration
  • Order Management
  • Delivery Option
  • Marketing Tools

When comparing features, Harbortouch stands out with Free hardware, while Grubhub Direct differentiates itself with Commission-free direct orders. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectHarbortouchGrubhub Direct
Starting Price$29.99/monthFree setup + processing fees
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Price RangeBudgetBudget
Free TrialNot availableNot available
Free VersionNoYes

Grubhub Direct offers a free version, which is great for testing or small operations. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Harbortouch

Pros:

  • No upfront hardware costs
  • Low monthly fees
  • Lifetime hardware warranty
  • Free online ordering
  • 24/7/365 support

Cons:

  • 1-year contract required
  • Must use their payment processing
  • Rebranded to SkyTab

Grubhub Direct

Pros:

  • No commission on orders
  • Grubhub delivery available
  • Marketing support
  • Free to set up

Cons:

  • Delivery fees apply
  • Less known than marketplace
  • Limited customization

Who Should Choose Harbortouch?

Harbortouch is ideal for Small businesses wanting low startup costs. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Salons.

However, Harbortouch may not be the best fit for Businesses wanting processor flexibility, those avoiding contracts.

Who Should Choose Grubhub Direct?

Grubhub Direct is ideal for Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.

However, Grubhub Direct may not be the best fit for Those avoiding third-party delivery platforms.

Our Recommendation

Both Harbortouch and Grubhub Direct are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Harbortouch if you’re Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Choose Grubhub Direct if you’re Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. Harbortouch has a higher user rating (4.0 vs 3.9). Also, choose Grubhub Direct if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.

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Written by

Sarah Martinez

Restaurant Technology Editor
Verified Expert

Sarah Martinez is a Restaurant Technology Editor with 8 years of experience covering the hospitality industry. She has interviewed hundreds of restaurant owners and published extensive research on POS adoption trends. Sarah previously served as Senior Editor at Restaurant Business Magazine and is a regular speaker at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Former Senior Editor, Restaurant Business MagazineNRA Show Speaker (2021-2024)Published in Nation's Restaurant News
Expertise:
Restaurant TechnologyFood Service OperationsPOS Pricing AnalysisIndustry Trends