When comparing CAKE POS vs NCR Aloha, 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, NCR Aloha, rated 4.1/5, provides Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: CAKE POS vs NCR Aloha
| Feature | CAKE POS | NCR Aloha |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Starting Price | $69/month | $175/month |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | All Sizes |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration | Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features |
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
NCR Aloha Overview
NCR Aloha is a leading restaurant POS system backed by NCR Voyix with over 130 years of experience. It offers both cloud-based (Aloha Cloud) and Windows-based (Aloha Essentials) solutions serving over 75,000 restaurants worldwide, from major chains like Chipotle to independent restaurants.
NCR Aloha is offered by NCR Voyix (founded 1884) based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Quick Service, Full Service, Bars.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based deployment
- Mobile ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Inventory management
Feature Comparison
CAKE POS Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
NCR Aloha Features:
- Cloud-based deployment
- Mobile ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
When comparing features, CAKE POS stands out with Sysco partnership, while NCR Aloha differentiates itself with 130+ years of NCR experience. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | CAKE POS | NCR Aloha |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69/month | $175/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Premium |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
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
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
NCR Aloha
Pros:
- Trusted by major restaurant chains
- 250+ integrations available
- Comprehensive feature set
- Both cloud and on-premise options
- 24/7 customer support included
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Can be complex to program
- Recent fee increases (April 2025)
- Not as user-friendly as newer systems
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 NCR Aloha?
NCR Aloha is ideal for Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Quick Service, Full Service, Bars.
However, NCR Aloha may not be the best fit for Budget-conscious small restaurants, businesses wanting simple setup.
Our Recommendation
Both CAKE POS and NCR Aloha 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 NCR Aloha if you’re Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. NCR Aloha has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.