Toast vs Square: Complete 2025 POS Comparison
Quick Verdict: Choose Toast if you run a restaurant and need industry-specific features like tableside ordering, kitchen display systems, and online ordering integration. Choose Square if you want a free POS that works across multiple business types with no monthly fees to start.
Our Recommendation
For Restaurants: Toast wins with purpose-built features
For Versatility: Square wins with free software and multi-industry support
For Budget-Conscious: Square free tier vs Toast $0+ (with fees)
Toast vs Square: Quick Comparison
| Square | Toast | Clover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | $0-$69/mo | $14.95/mo |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Processing Fee | 2.6% + 10c | 2.49% + 15c | 2.3% + 10c |
| Hardware | $49-$799 | $0-$999+ | $599-$1,799 |
| Contract | No contract | 2-year typical | Varies by reseller |
| Free Trial | Yes | No | No |
| Best For | Small Business, Retail | Restaurants, Bars | Retail, Quick Service |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Key Differences Between Toast and Square
1. Industry Focus
Toast is built exclusively for restaurants. Every feature from menu management to tip pooling is designed for food service. This means you get restaurant-specific features like:
- Kitchen display systems (KDS)
- Tableside ordering
- Menu engineering tools
- Online ordering and delivery integration
- Restaurant-specific payroll
Square works for any business type – retail, restaurants, services, and more. While Square for Restaurants exists, the platform is more generalist. This means:
- Works for retail, restaurants, services
- Basic restaurant features in free tier
- Advanced restaurant features require Square for Restaurants Plus ($60/month)
- Easier to switch business types
2. Hardware Approach
Toast uses proprietary hardware – Android-based terminals designed for restaurant environments. These are:
- Spill-resistant and durable
- Purpose-built for high-volume food service
- More expensive upfront ($0-$799+ per terminal)
- Locked to Toast software
Square works with consumer-grade iPads and iPhones, plus Square branded hardware:
- Use existing devices or buy Square hardware
- Square Reader (free with account)
- Square Stand ($149) or Square Terminal ($299)
- Not as rugged for kitchen environments
3. Pricing Structure
Toast Pricing
- Starter Kit: $0/month (pay-as-you-go processing)
- Point of Sale: $69/month
- Build Your Own: Custom pricing
- Processing: 2.49% + $0.15 (in-person) on Starter; negotiable on higher tiers
Square Pricing
- Free Plan: $0/month (all business types)
- Square for Restaurants Plus: $60/month/location
- Square for Restaurants Premium: Custom pricing
- Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 (in-person), 2.9% + $0.30 (online)
4. Online Ordering & Delivery
Toast offers Toast TakeOut (commission-free online ordering) and integrates with DoorDash, UberEats, and other delivery platforms. Toast Delivery Services adds flat-rate delivery.
Square provides Square Online for free (with processing fees) and integrates with major delivery apps. Less restaurant-specific optimization compared to Toast.
Who Should Choose Toast?
- Full-service restaurants needing tableside ordering
- High-volume kitchens needing KDS integration
- Restaurants wanting built-in delivery management
- Businesses willing to invest in purpose-built hardware
- Multi-location restaurant groups
Who Should Choose Square?
- Small cafes or food trucks on tight budgets
- Businesses that do both retail and food service
- Restaurants wanting to test POS before committing
- Businesses needing to use existing iPads
- Those wanting no long-term contracts
Toast vs Square FAQ
Is Toast or Square better for small restaurants?
For small restaurants focused solely on food service, Toast provides better value with its restaurant-specific features. For very small operations or food trucks, Square free tier eliminates monthly costs while you grow.
Can I switch from Square to Toast later?
Yes, but Toast uses proprietary hardware, so you will need new equipment. Many restaurants start with Square then upgrade to Toast as they grow and need more advanced features.
Which has better customer support?
Toast offers 24/7 restaurant-specific support included with paid plans. Square provides 24/7 phone support for all users. Toast support agents specialize in restaurant operations.
Do both support online ordering?
Yes. Toast TakeOut and Square Online both enable online ordering. Toast integrates delivery management more deeply, while Square Online is more versatile for mixed retail/restaurant businesses.
Our Bottom Line
If you run a restaurant and plan to stay in food service, Toast delivers features specifically designed for your needs. The investment in Toast hardware pays off through improved kitchen efficiency and built-in delivery tools.
If you want flexibility, zero upfront costs, or run a hybrid business, Square lets you start free and scale up. The ecosystem works for restaurants but also adapts if your business model changes.
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