Choosing between Olo and ChowNow for your business? Both are popular software solutions, but they serve different needs. Olo starts at Enterprise pricing (contact) and is Enterprise digital ordering platform for restaurant brands, 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: Olo vs ChowNow
| Feature | Olo | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Software | Software |
| Starting Price | Enterprise pricing (contact) | $149/month |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | Mid-Market to Enterprise | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Multi-location chains wanting unified digital ordering | Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering |
Olo Overview
Olo is a leading restaurant ordering and delivery platform powering digital transformation for 700+ brands including Shake Shack, Wingstop, and Denny’s. Provides ordering, dispatch, rails integrations, and guest engagement tools.
Olo is offered by Olo Inc. (founded 2005) based in New York, NY. The system focuses on Quick Service, Fast Casual, Enterprise Chains.
Key Features:
- Digital Ordering
- Delivery Dispatch
- Rails Integration
- Guest Data Platform
- Payment Processing
- Catering
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
Olo Features:
- Digital Ordering
- Delivery Dispatch
- Rails Integration
- Guest Data Platform
- Payment Processing
ChowNow Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
When comparing features, Olo stands out with Powers 700+ restaurant brands, 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 | Olo | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Enterprise pricing (contact) | $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
Olo
Pros:
- Powers major restaurant brands
- Comprehensive digital platform
- Strong delivery integrations
- Public company stability
Cons:
- Enterprise-focused pricing
- Complex implementation
- Not for small operations
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 Olo?
Olo is ideal for Multi-location chains wanting unified digital ordering. The system is particularly well-suited for Quick Service, Fast Casual, Enterprise Chains.
However, Olo may not be the best fit for Single-location independent restaurants.
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 Olo and ChowNow are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Olo if you’re Multi-location chains wanting unified digital ordering. Choose ChowNow if you’re Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.