Key Takeaways

Affordable and reliable POS alternatives to Toast offer better pricing, customization, and support.

The right handheld POS system can boost speed, accuracy, and online sales while reducing costs.

Consider ease of use, integration, pricing, and customer reviews when choosing a POS.

The Problem with Outdated Handheld POS Systems

For restaurant owners, affordability, reliability, speed, and accuracy are crucial for delivering excellent service. However, many are stuck with slow, outdated handheld POS systems that cause long wait times, frequent order errors, and high processing fees—hurting both customer satisfaction and the bottom line.

ToastGo has been a popular choice for handheld POS solutions, but it’s not the best fit for every restaurant. Many business owners struggle with expensive hardware, hidden fees, and limited integration options, making it difficult to find a solution that is both cost-effective and dependable.

If you're looking for a more affordable, reliable, and feature-rich handheld POS system, here are eight of the best ToastGo competitors in 2025.

1. Lightspeed Mobile POS

A High-Performance Option for Fast-Paced Restaurants

Lightspeed’s mobile POS system is designed for high-volume restaurants that need speed, reliability, and advanced features.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• Lightning-Fast Order Taking – Reduces wait times during peak hours.

• Integrated Payments – Accept all major credit cards and digital wallets.

• Cloud-Based & Secure – Keeps data safe and accessible from anywhere.

Best For:

• Busy restaurants and bars that need a high-speed, reliable handheld POS system.

• Multi-location businesses that require seamless management across different branches.

Lightspeed is a great fit for busy restaurants and bars that need a high-speed, reliable handheld POS system.

2. Square Terminal

A User-Friendly, All-in-One Solution

Square Terminal is an easy-to-use handheld POS that allows servers to take orders and accept payments directly at the table. It’s known for its straightforward pricing and no long-term contracts, making it a great alternative to ToastGo.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• No Monthly Fees – Only pay per transaction.

• All-in-One Hardware – Order-taking and payment processing in a single device.

• Offline Mode – Accept payments even without an internet connection.

Best For:

• Small and mid-sized restaurants looking for an easy, reliable POS.

• Businesses that want transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

For small and mid-sized restaurants that want a simple, reliable handheld POS, Square Terminal is a solid option.

3. Clover Flex

A Powerful Handheld POS with Customization

Clover Flex offers more customization options than ToastGo, making it a popular choice for restaurants that need flexible software and powerful analytics.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• Compact & Lightweight – Ideal for tableside service.

• Customizable Software – Tailor the system to your business needs.

• Real-Time Reporting – Monitor sales and customer data on the go.

Best For:

• Restaurants that want full control over their POS software and analytics.

• Businesses looking for customizable software solutions.

Clover Flex is best for restaurants that want full control over their POS software and analytics.

4. Peblla Mobile

The Affordable & Transparent Alternative

Peblla is emerging as a top choice for restaurants looking for a flexible, transparent, and cost-effective handheld POS. Unlike ToastGo, which comes with high transaction fees, Peblla offers affordable processing rates and no hidden costs.

Why It’s a Top Alternative to ToastGo:

• Budget-Friendly Hardware – No expensive upfront investments.

• Lower Processing Fees – More cost-effective than ToastGo.

• Fast & Reliable Transactions – Reduces wait times and improves service.

• Seamless Integration – Works with kitchen display systems (KDS), printers, and more.

Best For:

• Restaurants looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

• Small and medium-sized businesses needing a budget-friendly POS.

Peblla is an excellent choice for restaurants looking to cut costs without sacrificing performance.

5. Revel Systems

Enterprise-Grade Mobility & Integrations

Revel’s handheld POS solution is designed for multi-location restaurants and franchises. It offers enterprise-level features and seamless integration with kitchen printers, KDS, and third-party apps.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• Advanced Inventory Management – Ideal for large-scale operations.

• Robust Offline Mode – Keep running even during internet outages.

• Highly Scalable – Suitable for growing restaurant businesses.

Best For:

• Franchises, fine dining, and high-volume restaurants

• Businesses needing robust offline capabilities

• Restaurants that want enterprise-grade security and analytics

Revel is perfect for franchises, fine dining, and high-volume establishments looking for a feature-rich handheld POS.

6. TouchBistro Handheld POS

Built for Full-Service Restaurants

TouchBistro’s handheld POS is specifically designed for full-service restaurants looking for a server-friendly ordering and payment solution.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• Tableside Ordering & Payments – Improves service efficiency.

• iOS-Based System – Familiar and easy to use.

• Flexible Payment Processing – Works with multiple payment providers.

Best For:

• Dine-in restaurants needing a POS designed for servers

• Businesses looking for intuitive, iOS-based POS software

• Restaurants wanting flexible payment options

If you own a dine-in restaurant and need a POS that prioritizes the customer experience, TouchBistro is a great option.

7. SpotOn Handheld

Feature-Rich POS with Marketing Tools

SpotOn’s handheld POS is more than just an ordering system. It includes built-in marketing tools and loyalty programs, making it an attractive option for restaurant owners looking to increase customer retention.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• Integrated Loyalty & CRM – Reward loyal customers easily.

• Fast & Secure Payments – Supports contactless payments.

• No Long-Term Contracts – More flexibility for restaurant owners.

Best For:

• Restaurants looking to build customer loyalty

• Businesses that want marketing and POS features in one system

• Establishments that prioritize flexible, no-contract pricing

SpotOn is ideal for restaurants that want an all-in-one solution with marketing and loyalty features.

8. Lavu Handheld POS

A Smart Choice for Quick-Service Restaurants

Lavu’s handheld POS is perfect for fast-paced restaurants looking for an intuitive, mobile-first ordering solution.

Why It’s a Strong Alternative to ToastGo:

• iPad-Based POS – Easy to use and highly responsive.

• Quick Order Management – Designed for speed and efficiency.

• Multi-Location Support – Great for restaurant chains and franchises.

Best For:

• Quick-service and fast-casual restaurants

• Businesses needing a highly responsive, mobile-first POS

• Multi-location restaurants requiring scalable software

Lavu is a solid choice for quick-service restaurants that need a fast and efficient handheld POS.

Choosing the Right Handheld POS for Your Restaurant

Not all handheld POS systems are built the same. While ToastGo is widely used, it’s not always the best option due to high fees, limited flexibility, and expensive hardware.

If you’re looking for an alternative, consider what’s most important for your restaurant:

• Cost-Effective Pricing – Avoid unnecessary fees with Peblla or Square.

• Customization & Flexibility – Choose Clover Flex or Revel for more control.

• Speed & Reliability – Lightspeed and Lavu excel in fast-paced environments.

• Marketing & Loyalty Features – Peblla offers built-in CRM and customer rewards.

With the right handheld POS system, you can improve service speed, reduce errors, and increase profitability—all while delivering a better experience for both customers and staff.

Would you like help comparing pricing or integrations for any of these solutions? Let me know!