When comparing CAKE POS vs Helcim, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to restaurant point-of-sale technology. CAKE POS, rated 4.0/5, offers US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Meanwhile, Helcim, rated 4.6/5, provides Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: CAKE POS vs Helcim
| Feature | CAKE POS | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $69/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Free Trial | No | Yes |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration | Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing |
CAKE POS Overview
CAKE POS is a restaurant point-of-sale system designed for operational efficiency. Features online ordering, QR payments, and 24/7/365 US-based support. Originally launched by Sysco in 2011, acquired by Mad Mobile in 2020.
CAKE POS is offered by CAKE (Mad Mobile/Sysco) (founded 2011) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
- Table Management
Helcim Overview
Helcim provides interchange-plus payment processing with free POS software and card readers. Known for transparent pricing, no contracts, and volume-based discounts for growing businesses.
Helcim is offered by Helcim Inc. (founded 2006) based in Calgary, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Service, B2B.
Key Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
- Volume Discounts
Feature Comparison
CAKE POS Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
Helcim Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
When comparing features, CAKE POS stands out with Sysco partnership, while Helcim differentiates itself with Transparent pricing. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | CAKE POS | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Helcim is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
CAKE POS
Pros:
- 24/7/365 US-based support
- Reduces wait times
- Increases table turnover
- Apple Pay/Google Pay support
Cons:
- Add-ons can be expensive
- Time tracking/scheduling extra
- US-only availability
Helcim
Pros:
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing
- Free POS and card reader
- No contracts or hidden fees
- Volume discounts
Cons:
- Limited POS features vs competitors
- Processing only – not full POS
- US and Canada only
Who Should Choose CAKE POS?
CAKE POS is ideal for US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
However, CAKE POS may not be the best fit for International restaurants, those needing all features in base price.
Who Should Choose Helcim?
Helcim is ideal for Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, B2B.
However, Helcim may not be the best fit for Restaurants needing comprehensive POS features.
Our Recommendation
Both CAKE POS and Helcim are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose CAKE POS if you’re US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Choose Helcim if you’re Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Helcim has a higher user rating (4.6 vs 4.0). Also, choose Helcim if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.