Choosing between Shift4 and Grubhub Direct? 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.
Shift4: $0/mo | 4.3/5 rating | Best for Restaurants & Hospitality
Grubhub Direct: $0/mo | 4.1/5 rating | Best for Restaurant Delivery
Shift4 vs Grubhub Direct: Quick Summary
| Feature | Shift4 | Grubhub Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $0/mo |
| Best For | Restaurants & Hospitality | Restaurant Delivery |
| Industry | Restaurant | Online Ordering |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Key Strength | Free hardware program | Commission-free direct |
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
Grubhub Direct Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.1/5 | Best For: Restaurant Delivery
Grubhub Direct is a Online Ordering POS system designed specifically for Restaurant Delivery. Key benefits include: Commission-free direct.
- Direct ordering
- Delivery
- Marketing
- Loyalty
- POS integration
- Analytics
Pros & Cons Comparison
Shift4 Pros
- ✅ Free hardware program
- ✅ Integrated payments
- ✅ Modern interface
Shift4 Cons
- ❌ Locked into Shift4 processing
- ❌ Newer POS platform
Grubhub Direct Pros
- ✅ Commission-free direct
- ✅ Delivery network
- ✅ Marketing tools
Grubhub Direct Cons
- ❌ Marketplace commissions
- ❌ Competition on platform
The Verdict: Shift4 vs Grubhub Direct
Choose Shift4 if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Restaurants & Hospitality and value Free hardware program.
Choose Grubhub Direct if your business focuses on Restaurant Delivery and you prioritize Commission-free direct.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Shift4 and Grubhub Direct compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Shift4 | Grubhub Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Optional |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
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
Who Should Choose Grubhub Direct?
Grubhub Direct is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurant Delivery who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Commission-free direct
- Those who value Delivery network
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Shift4 vs Grubhub Direct 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.
Shift4 vs Grubhub Direct 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.
Shift4 vs Grubhub Direct 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: Shift4 or Grubhub Direct?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Shift4 (rated 4.3/5) excels for Restaurants & Hospitality, while Grubhub Direct (rated 4.1/5) is optimized for Restaurant Delivery. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Shift4 cost compared to Grubhub Direct?
Shift4 starts at $0/mo, while Grubhub Direct 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 Shift4 to Grubhub Direct?
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. Shift4 features Integrated payments, SkyTab POS, Online ordering. Grubhub Direct offers Direct ordering, Delivery, Marketing.
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.