Restaurant POS Comparison
Square for Restaurants vs TouchBistro
A side-by-side look at pricing, fees, and features to help you pick the right system for your restaurant.
Square for Restaurants
Best for quick-service, cafes, and food trucks with a free plan and low-cost entry.
$0/mo (free plan)
Visit Square for RestaurantsTouchBistro
Best for full-service restaurants, cafes, and bars needing an all-in-one POS.
$69/mo
Visit TouchBistroQuick comparison
| Square for Restaurants | TouchBistro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0/mo (free plan) | $69/mo |
| Processing fee | 2.6% + 10¢ | custom |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| G2 rating | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Best for | quick-service, cafe, food-truck | full-service, cafe, bar |
| Handheld | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | — | — |
Our verdict
Pick Square for quick-service, cafes, or food trucks that want a free plan and low per-transaction fees. Pick TouchBistro for full-service restaurants, bars, or pizzerias needing integrated table management and offline mode, despite higher monthly cost.
Square for Restaurants pros & cons
- Free plan available with no monthly fees.
- Includes KDS, loyalty, and online ordering.
- Handheld and offline mode support.
- Competitive processing rate of 2.6% + 10¢.
- Advanced features require paid plans.
- Limited customization for complex menus.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
TouchBistro pros & cons
- Integrated kitchen display system (KDS) for efficiency.
- Built-in loyalty program to retain customers.
- Handheld ordering speeds up table service.
- Offline mode ensures sales continue without internet.
- No free plan available.
- Processing fees are custom and not transparent.
- Online ordering may require additional setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pricing difference between Square and TouchBistro?
Square offers a free plan with 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction. TouchBistro starts at $69/month with custom processing rates.
Do Square or TouchBistro require a long-term contract?
Square has no contract. TouchBistro typically requires a 3-year contract.
What hardware is needed for each system?
Square works with iPads and offers free magstripe reader. TouchBistro requires an iPad and compatible printer/stand, sold separately.
Which is cheaper for a small restaurant?
Square is cheaper for low-volume restaurants due to no monthly fee. TouchBistro is better for high-volume full-service with lower per-transaction costs.