In the battle of Chowbus versus Harbortouch, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Chowbus is particularly strong for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS, while Harbortouch excels at Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Whether you prioritize Asian restaurant expertise or Free hardware, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Chowbus vs Harbortouch
| Feature | Chowbus | Harbortouch |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $29.99/month |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Asian restaurants needing specialized POS | Small businesses wanting low startup costs |
Chowbus Overview
Chowbus POS is a restaurant management platform designed specifically for Asian restaurants. Features include multilingual support, online ordering integration, and specialized menu management for Asian cuisine.
Chowbus is offered by Chowbus Inc. (founded 2016) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Asian Cuisine Restaurants.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Multilingual Support
- Menu Management
- Kitchen Display
- Payment Processing
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.
Key Features:
- Tableside ordering (iPad)
- Table tracking
- Reservations (free)
- Online ordering (free)
- KDS
- Waitlist management
Feature Comparison
Chowbus Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Multilingual Support
- Menu Management
- Kitchen Display
Harbortouch Features:
- Tableside ordering (iPad)
- Table tracking
- Reservations (free)
- Online ordering (free)
- KDS
When comparing features, Chowbus stands out with Asian restaurant expertise, while Harbortouch differentiates itself with Free hardware. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Chowbus | Harbortouch |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $29.99/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Harbortouch 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
Chowbus
Pros:
- Asian restaurant specialization
- Multilingual interface
- Online ordering integration
- Cultural understanding
Cons:
- Niche market focus
- Limited to certain cuisines
- Less mainstream support
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
Who Should Choose Chowbus?
Chowbus is ideal for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. The system is particularly well-suited for Asian Cuisine Restaurants.
However, Chowbus may not be the best fit for Western cuisine restaurants.
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.
Our Recommendation
Both Chowbus and Harbortouch are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Chowbus if you’re Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. Choose Harbortouch if you’re Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Chowbus has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.