Choosing between Chowbus and Lavu? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Chowbus: $0/mo | 4.5/5 rating | Best for Asian Restaurants & Cuisine
Lavu: $59/mo | 4.2/5 rating | Best for Bars & Nightclubs
Chowbus vs Lavu: Quick Summary
| Feature | Chowbus | Lavu |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $59/mo |
| Best For | Asian Restaurants & Cuisine | Bars & Nightclubs |
| Industry | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Key Strength | Designed for Asian restaurants | Great for bar operations |
Chowbus Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.5/5 | Best For: Asian Restaurants & Cuisine
Chowbus is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Asian Restaurants & Cuisine. Key benefits include: Designed for Asian restaurants.
- Multi-language support
- QR code ordering
- Delivery integration
- Kitchen display
- Customer management
- Asian cuisine specialized
Lavu Overview
Price: $59/mo | Rating: 4.2/5 | Best For: Bars & Nightclubs
Lavu is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Bars & Nightclubs. Key benefits include: Great for bar operations.
- Tab management
- Happy hour pricing
- Age verification
- Kitchen display
- Inventory tracking
- Employee management
Pros & Cons Comparison
Chowbus Pros
- ✅ Designed for Asian restaurants
- ✅ Free POS software
- ✅ Strong delivery features
Chowbus Cons
- ❌ Focused on specific cuisine type
- ❌ Limited outside metro areas
Lavu Pros
- ✅ Great for bar operations
- ✅ Easy tab management
- ✅ Affordable pricing
Lavu Cons
- ❌ Interface can feel dated
- ❌ Support response times
The Verdict: Chowbus vs Lavu
Choose Chowbus if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Asian Restaurants & Cuisine and value Designed for Asian restaurants.
Choose Lavu if your business focuses on Bars & Nightclubs and you prioritize Great for bar operations.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Chowbus and Lavu compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Chowbus | Lavu |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Chowbus?
Chowbus is the ideal choice for:
- Asian Restaurants & Cuisine who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Designed for Asian restaurants
- Those who value Free POS software
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Who Should Choose Lavu?
Lavu is the ideal choice for:
- Bars & Nightclubs who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Great for bar operations
- Those who value Easy tab management
- Companies with budget around $59/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Chowbus vs Lavu for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Chowbus ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Multi-language support and QR code ordering.
Chowbus vs Lavu for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Chowbus vs Lavu for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Chowbus (rated 4.5/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Asian Restaurants & Cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Chowbus or Lavu?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Chowbus (rated 4.5/5) excels for Asian Restaurants & Cuisine, while Lavu (rated 4.2/5) is optimized for Bars & Nightclubs. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Chowbus cost compared to Lavu?
Chowbus starts at $0/mo, while Lavu starts at $59/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Chowbus to Lavu?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Chowbus features Multi-language support, QR code ordering, Delivery integration. Lavu offers Tab management, Happy hour pricing, Age verification.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.