In the battle of PAR Brink versus PayPal Zettle, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. PAR Brink is particularly strong for Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators, while PayPal Zettle excels at Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. Whether you prioritize API-first with 250+ integrations or No monthly fees, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: PAR Brink vs PayPal Zettle
| Feature | PAR Brink | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $90/month | $29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Target Business | Mid-Market | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators | Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model |
PAR Brink Overview
PAR Brink POS is a cloud-first enterprise POS for restaurants serious about scaling. Features API-first approach with 250+ integration partners, 150+ reports, pay-at-table, and PCI/P2PE security certifications.
PAR Brink is offered by PAR Technology (founded 1968) based in New Hartford, New York, USA. The system focuses on Fast Casual, Quick Service, Restaurant Chains.
Key Features:
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Kitchen display systems
- Mobile payments
- Real-time reporting
- Multi-unit administration
PayPal Zettle Overview
PayPal Zettle is a mobile POS system with card readers and simple POS software. Features no monthly fees on the basic plan, integration with PayPal, and affordable hardware options.
PayPal Zettle is offered by PayPal (founded 2010) based in Stockholm, Sweden. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.
Key Features:
- Mobile POS
- Card Reader
- Inventory Management
- Reporting
- Digital Receipts
- PayPal Integration
Feature Comparison
PAR Brink Features:
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Kitchen display systems
- Mobile payments
- Real-time reporting
PayPal Zettle Features:
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- Card Reader
- Inventory Management
- Reporting
- Digital Receipts
When comparing features, PAR Brink stands out with API-first with 250+ integrations, while PayPal Zettle differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | PAR Brink | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $90/month | $29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Premium | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
PayPal Zettle is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
PAR Brink
Pros:
- 250+ integration partners
- API-first design
- Enterprise scalability
- 24/7/365 support
- PCI and P2PE certified
Cons:
- Tiered support issues
- Slow feature development
- May be overkill for small operators
PayPal Zettle
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- PayPal integration
- Affordable hardware
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Processing fees on every transaction
- Limited advanced features
- Basic reporting
Who Should Choose PAR Brink?
PAR Brink is ideal for Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. The system is particularly well-suited for Fast Casual, Quick Service, Restaurant Chains.
However, PAR Brink may not be the best fit for Single-location restaurants, very small operations.
Who Should Choose PayPal Zettle?
PayPal Zettle is ideal for Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.
However, PayPal Zettle may not be the best fit for High-volume operations where processing fees add up.
Our Recommendation
Both PAR Brink and PayPal Zettle are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose PAR Brink if you’re Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. Choose PayPal Zettle if you’re Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. PayPal Zettle has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 4.1). Also, choose PayPal Zettle if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.
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