Choosing between NCR Aloha and ChowNow for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. NCR Aloha starts at $175/month and is Industry-leading restaurant POS serving 75,000+ restaurants worldwide., while ChowNow starts at $149/month and is Commission-free online ordering for restaurants. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: NCR Aloha vs ChowNow
| Feature | NCR Aloha | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Software |
| Starting Price | $175/month | $149/month |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | All Sizes | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features | Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering |
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
ChowNow Overview
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform for restaurants. Provides branded apps, website ordering, and marketing tools without per-order commissions like third-party delivery apps.
ChowNow is offered by ChowNow Inc. (founded 2010) based in Los Angeles, CA. The system focuses on Restaurants.
Key Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
- Loyalty Programs
Feature Comparison
NCR Aloha Features:
- Cloud-based deployment
- Mobile ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
ChowNow Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
When comparing features, NCR Aloha stands out with 130+ years of NCR experience, while ChowNow differentiates itself with Zero commissions. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | NCR Aloha | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $175/month | $149/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-range |
| 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
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
ChowNow
Pros:
- No commission fees
- Branded experience
- Customer data ownership
- Marketing tools
Cons:
- Monthly subscription cost
- No delivery drivers
- Limited to online ordering
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.
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is ideal for Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.
However, ChowNow may not be the best fit for Those needing full POS or delivery services.
Our Recommendation
Both NCR Aloha and ChowNow are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose NCR Aloha if you’re Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. Choose ChowNow if you’re Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. ChowNow has a higher user rating (4.3 vs 4.1). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.