Choosing between Toast and ChowNow? 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.
Toast: $0/mo | 4.7/5 rating | Best for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants
ChowNow: $149/mo | 4.4/5 rating | Best for Restaurant Online Ordering
Toast vs ChowNow: Quick Summary
| Feature | Toast | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $149/mo |
| Best For | Full-Service & QSR Restaurants | Restaurant Online Ordering |
| Industry | Restaurant | Online Ordering |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Strength | Built specifically for restaurants | Commission-free |
Toast Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.7/5 | Best For: Full-Service & QSR Restaurants
Toast is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants. Key benefits include: Built specifically for restaurants.
- Restaurant-specific POS
- Online ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Tableside ordering
- Payroll & team management
- Marketing & loyalty
ChowNow Overview
Price: $149/mo | Rating: 4.4/5 | Best For: Restaurant Online Ordering
ChowNow is a Online Ordering POS system designed specifically for Restaurant Online Ordering. Key benefits include: Commission-free.
- Branded ordering
- Mobile apps
- Marketing
- POS integrations
- Analytics
- Customer data
Pros & Cons Comparison
Toast Pros
- ✅ Built specifically for restaurants
- ✅ Excellent hardware options
- ✅ Strong online ordering
Toast Cons
- ❌ Locked into Toast payments
- ❌ Can be expensive for small restaurants
ChowNow Pros
- ✅ Commission-free
- ✅ Branded experience
- ✅ Customer ownership
ChowNow Cons
- ❌ Higher monthly fee
- ❌ No delivery logistics
The Verdict: Toast vs ChowNow
Choose Toast if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants and value Built specifically for restaurants.
Choose ChowNow if your business focuses on Restaurant Online Ordering and you prioritize Commission-free.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Toast and ChowNow compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Toast | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Mid-Market |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Toast?
Toast is the ideal choice for:
- Full-Service & QSR Restaurants who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Built specifically for restaurants
- Those who value Excellent hardware options
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurant Online Ordering who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Commission-free
- Those who value Branded experience
- Companies with budget around $149/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Toast vs ChowNow for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Toast ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Restaurant-specific POS and Online ordering.
Toast vs ChowNow 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.
Toast vs ChowNow for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Toast (rated 4.7/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Toast or ChowNow?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Toast (rated 4.7/5) excels for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants, while ChowNow (rated 4.4/5) is optimized for Restaurant Online Ordering. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Toast cost compared to ChowNow?
Toast starts at $0/mo, while ChowNow starts at $149/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 Toast to ChowNow?
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. Toast features Restaurant-specific POS, Online ordering, Kitchen display system. ChowNow offers Branded ordering, Mobile apps, 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.