Handheld POS devices let servers take orders and payments right at the table — no more running back and forth to a fixed terminal. For busy restaurants, this translates to faster table turns, larger checks, and happier guests.

Here's everything you need to know about handheld POS for your restaurant.

Why Handheld POS Matters

Tableside service with handheld devices elevates the guest experience

Benefits of Tableside Ordering

1. Faster order entry: Orders go directly to kitchen (no queue at terminal)
2. Higher check averages: Immediate upselling and suggestive selling
3. Fewer errors: Enter directly while conversing with guest
4. Faster table turns: 10-15% improvement typical
5. Better tips: Guests appreciate attentive service

The Numbers

Studies show restaurants using handheld POS experience:

• 15-20% faster ticket times
• 10-15% higher average checks
• Increased table turns (especially during peak hours)
• Improved server satisfaction (less running around)

Types of Handheld POS Devices

Proprietary Handhelds

Devices designed specifically for restaurant POS use:

Examples: Toast Go, Clover Flex, Square Terminal

Pros:

• Purpose-built for hospitality
• Often include built-in payment processing
• Optimized durability

Cons:

• Locked to specific POS
• Higher cost than tablets
• Proprietary ecosystem

Consumer Tablets

iPads or Android tablets with POS apps:

Examples: iPad mini with Square, iPhone with Toast

Pros:

• Lower cost
• Familiar interface
• Easy replacement

Cons:

• Less durable
• Separate card reader needed
• Battery management challenges

Best Handheld POS Devices

1. Toast Go 2 — Best Overall

Toast Go 2 combines ordering, payments, and durability in one device

Price: $409
Requires: Toast POS

Toast Go 2 is the gold standard for restaurant handhelds. It's purpose-built for hospitality, includes integrated payments, and survives the demands of a busy restaurant floor.

Key Features:

• 8" touchscreen
• Integrated card reader
• Built-in printer (optional Go 2 with printer)
• Spill-resistant design
• All-day battery life
• Full POS functionality

Pros:

• Restaurant-specific design
• Durable (drop-tested)
• Integrated payments
• Same interface as fixed terminals
• 24/7 support

Cons:

• Toast POS required
• Higher upfront cost
• Locked into Toast ecosystem

Best for: Toast POS users wanting premium handhelds

2. Square Terminal — Best Value

Price: $299
Requires: Square account

Square Terminal offers excellent value as an all-in-one handheld device with card reader, receipt printer, and POS in a compact package.

Key Features:

• 5.5" touchscreen
• Built-in card reader
• Built-in receipt printer
• WiFi and battery-powered
• Accept all major cards

Pros:

• Affordable
• All-in-one solution
• No monthly hardware fee
• Works with any Square plan
• Easy setup

Cons:

• Smaller screen than competitors
• Less restaurant-specific features
• Square payments only

Best for: Small restaurants, food trucks, pop-ups

Read our Toast vs Square comparison

3. Clover Flex — Most Flexible

Clover Flex combines POS functionality with payment processing in a portable form

Price: $599
Requires: Clover merchant account

Clover Flex is a versatile handheld that works for table service, counter service, and payment processing.

Key Features:

• 6" touchscreen
• Built-in card reader
• Receipt printer included
• Camera for barcode scanning
• 8+ hour battery

Pros:

• Flexible usage scenarios
• Strong build quality
• Multiple payment types
• Fingerprint login

Cons:

• Clover POS required
• Pricing varies by reseller
• App setup needed for restaurants

Best for: Restaurants using Clover POS

Read our Clover review

4. iPad mini + Square Reader

Price: $499+ (iPad mini) + $49 (reader)
Requires: Square for Restaurants

For restaurants wanting tablet flexibility, an iPad mini with Square provides a larger screen and familiar interface.

Key Features:

• 8.3" Retina display
• Runs full Square app
• Contactless + chip reader
• All iOS apps available

Pros:

• Larger, clearer screen
• Multi-use device
• Lower entry cost than proprietary
• Easy staff training

Cons:

• Separate card reader needed
• Less durable than purpose-built
• More to carry and manage

Best for: Square restaurants wanting larger displays

5. TouchBistro + iPad

Price: iPad cost + TouchBistro subscription
Requires: TouchBistro POS

TouchBistro's iPad app works on iPad mini for handheld use, with full feature parity with fixed terminals.

Key Features:

• Full TouchBistro functionality
• Same interface as counter
• Offline-capable (hybrid mode)
• Works with various readers

Pros:

• Consistent experience
• Reliable offline mode
• Flexible hardware

Cons:

• iPad + case + reader to manage
• TouchBistro POS required
• Bluetooth pairing required

Best for: TouchBistro users

Read our TouchBistro review

Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Handheld

Match your handheld choice to your service style and existing POS

Match Your POS

The most important factor is POS compatibility:

• Using Toast? → Toast Go 2
• Using Square? → Square Terminal or iPad + reader
• Using Clover? → Clover Flex
• Using TouchBistro? → iPad + TouchBistro app
• Using Lightspeed? → iPhone/iPad + Lightspeed app

Consider Your Service Style

Full-service restaurants:

• Need full ordering capability
• Larger screens preferred
• Payment at table important
• Toast Go 2 or iPad recommended

Quick-service/counter:

• Simpler ordering needs
• Payment-focused
• Square Terminal or Clover Flex

Bars:

• Tab management essential
• Durability matters (spills)
• Toast Go 2 or Square Terminal

Food trucks/pop-ups:

• Compact and portable
• All-in-one preferred
• Square Terminal ideal

Implementation Tips

1. Start with One or Two Devices

Don't equip every server on day one:

• Pilot with your strongest servers
• Work out workflow issues
• Expand once proven

2. Establish Charging Procedures

Battery management is critical:

• End-of-shift charging stations
• Mid-shift backup devices
• Monitor battery levels

3. Train on Slow Days

Train servers on handheld devices during slower periods

Don't launch during dinner rush:

• Practice during slow periods
• Role-play ordering scenarios
• Cover common issues (connectivity, battery)

4. Create Backup Procedures

What happens when the handheld fails?

• Fixed terminals as backup
• Manual order entry process
• Paper backup for emergencies

5. Protect Your Investment

Restaurant environments are tough:

• Use protective cases
• Consider insurance/protection plans
• Train on proper handling

ROI Calculation

Example: 50-Seat Restaurant

Without handhelds:

• Average table turn: 60 minutes
• Covers per night: 100
• Average check: $45
• Daily revenue: $4,500

With handhelds:

• Average table turn: 52 minutes (15% faster)
• Covers per night: 115
• Average check: $49 (9% higher)
• Daily revenue: $5,635

Daily improvement: $1,135
Annual improvement: ~$400,000+

Investment:

• 4 handhelds at $400 each: $1,600
• ROI timeline: ~1-2 days

The numbers make sense for most full-service restaurants.

Alternatives to Handhelds

If handheld POS isn't right for your operation, consider:

QR Code Ordering

Let customers order from their phones:

• Fuudey — QR ordering with payments
• Square Self-Serve — QR to customer device
• No hardware investment required

See our QR menu comparison

Fixed Tablets at Tables

Permanent tablets embedded in tables:

• Higher upfront cost
• No device management
• Works for certain concepts

Traditional Terminal-Based

Keep servers at fixed stations:

• Lower tech investment
• Familiar workflow
• Misses efficiency benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do handheld POS batteries last?

Most modern devices last 8-12 hours on a charge. For busy double shifts, have backup devices or mid-shift charging.

Do I need WiFi for handhelds?

Most require WiFi or cellular. Some (like TouchBistro) work offline with local server sync.

Can I accept contactless payments?

Yes, all modern handhelds support NFC (Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap cards).

What happens if a handheld breaks?

Keep backup devices charged. Most vendors offer next-day replacement programs.

How many handhelds do I need?

Start with 1 per 20-30 seats as a baseline. Adjust based on service style and peak volume.

Conclusion

Handheld POS devices transform tableside service efficiency

Handheld POS devices are no longer optional for competitive full-service restaurants. The efficiency gains, increased check averages, and improved guest experience justify the investment for most operations.

Our recommendations:

• Toast users: Toast Go 2 (purpose-built, integrated)
• Square users: Square Terminal (affordable, capable)
• Clover users: Clover Flex (versatile, flexible)
• Budget priority: iPad mini + Square ($549 total)
• Outdoor/mobile: Square Terminal (all-in-one)

For restaurants not ready for handheld investment, QR code ordering offers some similar benefits without hardware costs.