iPad POS systems have revolutionized restaurant technology. Gone are the legacy hardware costing $10,000+ — today you can run a professional restaurant on iPads you might already own, with monthly software subscriptions instead of massive upfront investments.

But which iPad POS is right for your restaurant? Here's our comprehensive comparison of the top options in 2025.

Why Choose an iPad POS?

iPad POS systems offer professional features at a fraction of legacy system costs

Advantages Over Legacy Systems

1. Lower upfront cost — iPads cost $329-449 vs. $2,000+ for legacy terminals
2. Familiar interface — Staff already know how to use iPads
3. Portable options — Take orders tableside with the same devices
4. Regular updates — Software improves without buying new hardware
5. Sleek aesthetics — Modern look that matches contemporary restaurant design

Potential Drawbacks

1. Durability — iPads aren't as rugged as commercial terminals
2. Theft risk — Consumer devices are attractive targets
3. Battery management — Need to keep devices charged
4. iOS ecosystem — Locked into Apple's hardware

Quick Comparison: Top iPad POS Systems

1. Square for Restaurants — Best for Most

Square is perfect for cafés, quick-service, and small full-service restaurants

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Square for Restaurants is the most accessible iPad POS for restaurants of all sizes. The free tier is genuinely usable, and the paid plans add powerful features without breaking the bank.

Pricing

Processing: 2.6% + $0.10 (in-person)

Key Features

• Table management with floor plan
• Online ordering included
• Kitchen display support
• Menu customization
• Staff management
• Inventory tracking
• Integrations marketplace

Pros

• Free tier actually works
• Transparent pricing
• No contracts
• Easy setup
• Works with standard iPads

Cons

• Less feature-rich than specialized systems
• Limited offline functionality
• Processing rates locked

Best for: Cafés, quick-service, small full-service restaurants, food trucks

Read our Square vs Toast comparison

2. TouchBistro — Best for Reliability

TouchBistro's hybrid architecture keeps running even when internet drops

Overall Rating: 4/5

TouchBistro is built specifically for restaurants and offers something unique: hybrid cloud architecture. Your system runs on a local Mac server while syncing to the cloud, meaning you never go down during internet outages.

Pricing

Processing: Flexible (can use Square, Worldpay, or TouchBistro Payments)

Key Features

• Hybrid offline mode
• Excellent kitchen display system
• Built-in reservations and waitlist
• Staff scheduling
• Customer database
• Tip management
• Floor plan builder

Pros

• Works during internet outages
• Payment processor flexibility
• Strong KDS integration
• Restaurant-specific design

Cons

• Requires Mac Mini server ($700+)
• iPad-only (no Android)
• Add-ons get expensive

Best for: Full-service restaurants, bars, venues prioritizing reliability

Read our TouchBistro review

3. Lightspeed Restaurant — Best for Inventory

Lightspeed offers sophisticated inventory tracking at the ingredient level

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Lightspeed stands out for its ingredient-level inventory management. When you sell a dish, the system automatically deducts all the individual ingredients — not just the finished item. This enables true food cost tracking and waste reduction.

Pricing

Processing: Lightspeed Payments required

Key Features

• Ingredient-level inventory
• Multi-location management
• QR code ordering built-in
• Advanced reporting
• Delivery integrations
• Staff performance tracking
• Recipe costing

Pros

• Best-in-class inventory
• Multi-location support
• Clean, intuitive interface
• Strong analytics

Cons

• More expensive than competitors
• Requires their payment processing
• iOS only

Best for: Multi-location restaurants, inventory-focused operations, restaurant groups

Read our Lightspeed review

4. Lavu — Best for Customization

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Lavu offers extensive customization options, making it suitable for restaurants with unique operational needs. The open API and flexible modifier system allow for highly tailored setups.

Pricing

Processing: Multiple options available

Key Features

• Highly customizable interface
• Open API for integrations
• Multi-language support
• Dual pricing (happy hour, etc.)
• Advanced modifier logic
• Self-ordering kiosk mode
• Offline functionality

Pros

• Payment processor flexibility
• Deep customization options
• Good for international restaurants
• Strong offline mode

Cons

• Steeper learning curve
• Interface less polished than competitors
• Support quality varies

Best for: Restaurants needing custom workflows, international operations

5. Revel Systems — Best for Enterprise

Overall Rating: 4/5

Revel is designed for larger restaurant operations and chains. It offers enterprise-grade features, though at enterprise-grade prices.

Pricing

Processing: Revel Payments required (or integrated alternatives)

Key Features

• Enterprise reporting
• Franchise management
• Advanced employee scheduling
• Inventory with vendor management
• CRM and loyalty
• API for custom integrations
• Multi-location dashboards

Pros

• Enterprise-ready features
• Strong multi-location tools
• Comprehensive reporting
• Robust security

Cons

• Overkill for small restaurants
• Higher price point
• Can be complex to set up

Best for: Restaurant chains, franchises, large operations

Choosing the Right iPad POS

Match your POS choice to your restaurant type and operational complexity

Decision Framework

Choose Square if:

• You're on a tight budget
• You want simplicity
• You run a café, QSR, or small restaurant
• You want month-to-month flexibility

Choose TouchBistro if:

• Reliability is critical (can't afford downtime)
• You want payment processor flexibility
• You run a full-service restaurant or bar
• You're comfortable with Mac ecosystem

Choose Lightspeed if:

• Food cost control is a priority
• You have multiple locations
• You want advanced analytics
• You're willing to pay for premium features

Choose Lavu if:

• You need heavy customization
• You have unique operational requirements
• You want payment processor options
• You operate internationally

Choose Revel if:

• You're a chain or franchise
• You need enterprise reporting
• You have multiple locations with complex needs
• Budget is less of a concern

iPad Hardware Recommendations

Which iPad to Buy?

For restaurant POS use, we recommend:

Tips:

• Get WiFi-only models (no need for cellular)
• 64GB storage is sufficient for POS use
• Consider AppleCare+ for coverage

Essential Accessories

• iPad stand/enclosure: $50-150 (Heckler, Square Stand)
• Card reader: $49-299 depending on system
• Receipt printer: $200-400
• Cash drawer: $50-150
• Kitchen display: $300-500

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating Training Time

Even intuitive iPad POS systems require staff training. Budget 1-3 days for proper onboarding.

2. Not Testing Offline Mode

Test what happens when your internet goes down. Some systems handle it better than others.

3. Ignoring Integration Needs

Consider what else you need to connect: accounting, delivery apps, reservations, loyalty. Check compatibility before committing.

4. Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider total cost including add-ons, processing, and time saved.

5. Forgetting About Support

When something breaks during dinner rush, you need help fast. Evaluate support quality and hours.

Alternatives to Full iPad POS

If you don't need a complete POS system, consider:

• Fuudey: QR ordering and payments without POS hardware
• GloriaFood: Free online ordering system
• Square Online: E-commerce for pickup/delivery only

These options work well for simpler operations or as supplements to existing systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any iPad for restaurant POS?

Most systems support recent iPad generations (6th gen and newer). Check specific system requirements before purchasing.

Do I need to buy a new iPad?

If you have a recent iPad (2-3 years old), it likely works. Older devices may not support the latest POS software.

What happens if my iPad breaks?

Most systems let you quickly log in on a replacement device. Your data is in the cloud. This is an advantage over proprietary terminals.

Are iPad POS systems secure?

Yes, when properly configured. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep iOS updated.

Can I use an Android tablet instead?

Square and some other systems support Android. TouchBistro, Lightspeed, and Revel are iPad-only.

Conclusion

iPad POS systems bring professional restaurant technology within reach

The best iPad POS for your restaurant depends on your specific needs:

• Best overall: Square for Restaurants — great balance of features and price
• Best for reliability: TouchBistro — hybrid mode keeps you running
• Best for inventory: Lightspeed — ingredient-level tracking
• Best for customization: Lavu — flexible for unique needs
• Best for enterprise: Revel — built for chains

All five options represent solid choices that can professionalize your restaurant operations. The key is matching the system's strengths to your specific requirements.

For simpler operations focused on QR ordering, you might not need a full POS at all — Fuudey and similar solutions can handle digital menus and payments without the complexity.