Choosing between Toast and Lavu? 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
Lavu: $59/mo | 4.2/5 rating | Best for Bars & Nightclubs
Toast vs Lavu: Quick Summary
| Feature | Toast | Lavu |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $59/mo |
| Best For | Full-Service & QSR Restaurants | Bars & Nightclubs |
| Industry | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Key Strength | Built specifically for restaurants | Great for bar operations |
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
Lavu Overview
Price: $59/mo | Rating: 4.2/5 | Best For: Bars & Nightclubs
Lavu is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Bars & Nightclubs. Key benefits include: Great for bar operations.
- Tab management
- Happy hour pricing
- Age verification
- Kitchen display
- Inventory tracking
- Employee management
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
Lavu Pros
- ✅ Great for bar operations
- ✅ Easy tab management
- ✅ Affordable pricing
Lavu Cons
- ❌ Interface can feel dated
- ❌ Support response times
The Verdict: Toast vs Lavu
Choose Toast if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants and value Built specifically for restaurants.
Choose Lavu if your business focuses on Bars & Nightclubs and you prioritize Great for bar operations.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Toast and Lavu compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Toast | Lavu |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| 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 Lavu?
Lavu is the ideal choice for:
- Bars & Nightclubs who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Great for bar operations
- Those who value Easy tab management
- Companies with budget around $59/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Toast vs Lavu 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 Lavu 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 Lavu 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 Lavu?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Toast (rated 4.7/5) excels for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants, while Lavu (rated 4.2/5) is optimized for Bars & Nightclubs. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Toast cost compared to Lavu?
Toast starts at $0/mo, while Lavu starts at $59/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 Lavu?
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. Lavu offers Tab management, Happy hour pricing, Age verification.
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.