Choosing between Lavu and Olo? 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.
Lavu: $59/mo | 4.2/5 rating | Best for Bars & Nightclubs
Olo: Custom | 4.5/5 rating | Best for Digital Ordering for Restaurants
Lavu vs Olo: Quick Summary
| Feature | Lavu | Olo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $59/mo | Custom |
| Best For | Bars & Nightclubs | Digital Ordering for Restaurants |
| Industry | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Key Strength | Great for bar operations | Industry leader in digital ordering |
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
Olo Overview
Price: Custom | Rating: 4.5/5 | Best For: Digital Ordering for Restaurants
Olo is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Digital Ordering for Restaurants. Key benefits include: Industry leader in digital ordering.
- Online ordering
- Delivery dispatch
- Rails integration
- Catering
- Guest data
- Marketing
Pros & Cons Comparison
Lavu Pros
- ✅ Great for bar operations
- ✅ Easy tab management
- ✅ Affordable pricing
Lavu Cons
- ❌ Interface can feel dated
- ❌ Support response times
Olo Pros
- ✅ Industry leader in digital ordering
- ✅ Many integrations
- ✅ Scalable
Olo Cons
- ❌ Not a full POS
- ❌ Enterprise focused
The Verdict: Lavu vs Olo
Choose Lavu if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Bars & Nightclubs and value Great for bar operations.
Choose Olo if your business focuses on Digital Ordering for Restaurants and you prioritize Industry leader in digital ordering.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Lavu and Olo compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Lavu | Olo |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Excellent |
| Hardware Options | Required | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Enterprise |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Yes |
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
Who Should Choose Olo?
Olo is the ideal choice for:
- Digital Ordering for Restaurants who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Industry leader in digital ordering
- Those who value Many integrations
- Companies with budget around Custom per month
Real-World Use Cases
Lavu vs Olo for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Olo (Custom) offers better value while still providing essential features like Online ordering and Delivery dispatch.
Lavu vs Olo 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.
Lavu vs Olo for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Olo (rated 4.5/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Digital Ordering for Restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Lavu or Olo?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Lavu (rated 4.2/5) excels for Bars & Nightclubs, while Olo (rated 4.5/5) is optimized for Digital Ordering for Restaurants. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Lavu cost compared to Olo?
Lavu starts at $59/mo, while Olo starts at Custom. 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 Lavu to Olo?
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. Lavu features Tab management, Happy hour pricing, Age verification. Olo offers Online ordering, Delivery dispatch, Rails integration.
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.