Choosing between Lavu and Shift4? 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
Shift4: $0/mo | 4.3/5 rating | Best for Restaurants & Hospitality
Lavu vs Shift4: Quick Summary
| Feature | Lavu | Shift4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $59/mo | $0/mo |
| Best For | Bars & Nightclubs | Restaurants & Hospitality |
| Industry | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Key Strength | Great for bar operations | Free hardware program |
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
Shift4 Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.3/5 | Best For: Restaurants & Hospitality
Shift4 is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Restaurants & Hospitality. Key benefits include: Free hardware program.
- Integrated payments
- SkyTab POS
- Online ordering
- QR ordering
- Gift cards
- Reporting
Pros & Cons Comparison
Lavu Pros
- ✅ Great for bar operations
- ✅ Easy tab management
- ✅ Affordable pricing
Lavu Cons
- ❌ Interface can feel dated
- ❌ Support response times
Shift4 Pros
- ✅ Free hardware program
- ✅ Integrated payments
- ✅ Modern interface
Shift4 Cons
- ❌ Locked into Shift4 processing
- ❌ Newer POS platform
The Verdict: Lavu vs Shift4
Choose Lavu if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Bars & Nightclubs and value Great for bar operations.
Choose Shift4 if your business focuses on Restaurants & Hospitality and you prioritize Free hardware program.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Lavu and Shift4 compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Lavu | Shift4 |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Good |
| Hardware Options | Required | Optional |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
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 Shift4?
Shift4 is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurants & Hospitality who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Free hardware program
- Those who value Integrated payments
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Lavu vs Shift4 for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Shift4 ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Integrated payments and SkyTab POS.
Lavu vs Shift4 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 Shift4 for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Shift4 (rated 4.3/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Restaurants & Hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Lavu or Shift4?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Lavu (rated 4.2/5) excels for Bars & Nightclubs, while Shift4 (rated 4.3/5) is optimized for Restaurants & Hospitality. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Lavu cost compared to Shift4?
Lavu starts at $59/mo, while Shift4 starts at $0/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 Lavu to Shift4?
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. Shift4 offers Integrated payments, SkyTab POS, Online ordering.
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.