TouchBistro vs Toast: Complete 2025 Restaurant POS Comparison
Quick Verdict: Choose TouchBistro if you prioritize iPad-based simplicity, want local data storage, or are based in Canada. Choose Toast if you need robust online ordering, integrated delivery, and a complete restaurant operating system.
Our Recommendation
For iPad Preference: TouchBistro runs natively on Apple devices
For Online/Delivery: Toast has superior digital ordering ecosystem
For Canadian Restaurants: TouchBistro offers strong local support
TouchBistro vs Toast: 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 TouchBistro and Toast
1. Platform Architecture
TouchBistro is an iPad-native restaurant POS built on Apple hardware:
- Data stored locally on iPad with cloud backup
- Works offline by default
- Familiar iOS interface
- Runs on consumer Apple hardware
- Mac Mini server for multi-device setups
Toast is a cloud-first platform with proprietary Android hardware:
- Cloud-based with offline capability
- Purpose-built restaurant hardware
- Android-based terminals
- Spill and grease-resistant devices
- Handheld and tableside options
2. Geographic Strength
TouchBistro is headquartered in Toronto, Canada:
- Strong presence in Canadian market
- Canadian payment processors supported
- CAD pricing and support
- Understanding of Canadian restaurant needs
Toast is US-headquartered (Boston):
- Dominant in US market
- Expanding internationally
- US-focused feature development
- Larger customer base for feature requests
3. Pricing Comparison
TouchBistro Pricing
- Solo: $69/month (1 license)
- Dual: $129/month (2 licenses)
- Team: $249/month (5 licenses)
- Unlimited: $399/month (unlimited licenses)
- Add-ons: Online ordering, reservations, gift cards (additional fees)
Toast Pricing
- Starter Kit: $0/month (pay-as-you-go processing)
- Point of Sale: $69/month
- Build Your Own: Custom pricing
- Online Ordering: Included with commission or flat-rate options
4. Online Ordering and Delivery
TouchBistro offers online ordering as an add-on:
- TouchBistro Online Ordering module
- Integration with DoorDash, UberEats
- Additional monthly fee required
- Adequate but not central to platform
Toast has online ordering built into its DNA:
- Toast TakeOut (commission-free online ordering)
- Toast Delivery Services for in-house delivery
- Native integration with all major delivery apps
- Online ordering data flows into marketing tools
5. Feature Comparison
Where TouchBistro Excels:
- Offline reliability: Local data = always works
- Simplicity: Clean, focused interface
- Staff scheduling: Built-in labor tools
- Reservations: TouchBistro Reservations module
- iPad familiarity: Easy staff adoption
Where Toast Excels:
- Online ecosystem: Ordering, delivery, marketing
- Hardware durability: Restaurant-grade devices
- Kitchen displays: Purpose-built KDS
- Payroll: Toast Payroll integration
- Free tier: No monthly fees to start
Who Should Choose TouchBistro?
- Restaurants preferring iPad-based systems
- Canadian restaurants wanting local support
- Operations prioritizing offline reliability
- Full-service restaurants with reservations focus
- Establishments with existing Apple hardware
- Restaurants not heavily dependent on delivery
Who Should Choose Toast?
- Restaurants with significant online ordering volume
- Operations managing in-house delivery
- High-volume restaurants needing durable hardware
- Businesses wanting marketing automation
- Budget-conscious restaurants using free tier
- Multi-location restaurant groups in US
TouchBistro vs Toast FAQ
Which works better offline?
TouchBistro has an edge here with local data storage. Your menu, prices, and transactions live on the device. Toast offers offline mode, but TouchBistro was built offline-first.
Which is easier for staff to learn?
Both are intuitive. TouchBistro benefits from familiar iOS interface. Toast terminal design is restaurant-specific. Most restaurants report quick training with either system.
Which has better tableside ordering?
Toast has dedicated handheld devices (Toast Go) designed for tableside. TouchBistro uses iPad mini for tableside, which works well but is not as rugged.
Can I use my own payment processor?
TouchBistro integrates with multiple payment processors. Toast requires Toast Payments, which simplifies setup but limits processor choice.
Which is better for bars?
TouchBistro has strong bar features including tab management and liquor inventory. Toast also handles bars well. Both are solid choices for bar operations.
Our Bottom Line
Choose TouchBistro if you want a straightforward iPad POS focused on core restaurant operations. It is particularly strong for Canadian restaurants and those prioritizing reliable offline operation.
Choose Toast if online ordering and delivery are significant revenue streams. Toast has built a comprehensive restaurant operating system that goes beyond POS into marketing, payroll, and digital guest management.
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Need Help Deciding?
Both are excellent restaurant POS options. The best choice depends on your specific priorities:
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