Restaurant POS Comparison
Lightspeed Restaurant vs Toast POS
A side-by-side look at pricing, fees, and features to help you pick the right system for your restaurant.
Lightspeed Restaurant
Best for multi-location full-service restaurants and bars needing integrated KDS and loyalty.
$69/mo
Visit Lightspeed RestaurantToast POS
Best for full-service, multi-location restaurants and bars with integrated payroll and loyalty.
$0/mo (pay-as-you-go)
Visit Toast POSQuick comparison
| Lightspeed Restaurant | Toast POS | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/mo | $0/mo (pay-as-you-go) |
| Processing fee | 2.6% + 10¢ | ~2.49% + 15¢ |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| G2 rating | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Best for | multi-location, full-service, bar | full-service, multi-location, bar |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | ✓ |
Our verdict
Pick Lightspeed if you run a multi-location full-service restaurant or bar that needs integrated KDS and loyalty at a lower monthly fee. Pick Toast if you want a pay-as-you-go option with no monthly minimum and integrated payroll, ideal for full-service multi-location operations.
Lightspeed Restaurant pros & cons
- Integrated KDS and handheld ordering for efficiency.
- Built-in loyalty program to drive repeat business.
- Offline mode ensures sales continue during internet outages.
- Online ordering included with no extra cost.
- No free plan; $69/month starting price.
- Processing fee of 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
- Setup and training can be time-consuming.
Toast POS pros & cons
- Integrated payroll and loyalty features.
- Handheld and offline mode available.
- Free pay-as-you-go plan option.
- Kitchen display system included.
- Processing fees can add up.
- Contract terms may be required.
- Advanced features cost extra.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pricing difference between Lightspeed and Toast?
Lightspeed starts at $69/mo plus 2.6%+10¢ per transaction. Toast offers a pay-as-you-go plan at $0/mo with processing around 2.49%+15¢.
Do these POS systems require long-term contracts?
Lightspeed typically requires a 1-year contract. Toast offers month-to-month options with no long-term commitment.
What hardware is included with each system?
Both offer terminals, tablets, printers, and cash drawers. Lightspeed's hardware is proprietary; Toast's is flexible with third-party options.
Which is cheaper for a small single-location restaurant?
Toast's pay-as-you-go plan is cheaper upfront at $0/mo, but processing fees may be higher. Lightspeed's monthly fee suits those with higher transaction volumes.