Software · head to head
Aloha POS vs Revel Systems
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Aloha POS high upfront hardware costs ($1,000+ per terminal) make it expensive to deploy across multiple locations; Revel Systems requires 3-year contract with high early termination fees making it difficult to cancel
- They diverge on capability: Aloha POS covers Table management, Revel Systems covers iPad POS.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Aloha POS and Revel Systems actually diverge.
| Attribute | Aloha POS | Revel Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $150/month | $99/month |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Windows, Android | iPad, Web |
| Founded | 1988 | 2010 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Aloha POS
- Table management
- Order management
- Labor scheduling
- Inventory control
- Enterprise reporting
- Loyalty programs
- NCR Back Office
- Third-party delivery
Only in Revel Systems
- iPad POS
- Inventory management
- CRM
- Employee management
- Delivery management
- Multi-location management
- QuickBooks
- Xero
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Aloha POS
- Point of Sale
- Order Management
- Inventory Control
- Staff Scheduling
Revel Systems
- Point of Sale
- Order Management
- Inventory Control
- Staff Scheduling
Both are used for point of sale, order management, inventory control, staff scheduling, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Aloha POS
- High upfront hardware costs ($1,000+ per terminal) make it expensive to deploy across multiple locations
- User interface is dated with functionality from 2005-era design, requiring training for staff familiar with modern applications
- Network connectivity issues cause terminals to lose access to central database when Wi-Fi drops, leading to transaction failures
- Requires proprietary terminals unlike competitors that run on standard iPads or Android tablets
- Complex customization requires expensive professional services and cannot be configured by restaurant staff
Revel Systems
- Requires 3-year contract with high early termination fees making it difficult to cancel
- System crashes and glitches frequently, especially at high transaction volumes
- Mandatory payment processing through Revel's Advantage processor with external processors heavily penalized
- Customer support quality is poor with Level 1 support described as ineffective
- Expensive upfront costs and numerous hidden fees for add-on features
Pricing, plan by plan
Aloha POS
$150/month- Essentials$150/month
- POS
- Basic reporting
- Professional$250/month
- Advanced features
- Labor management
- EnterpriseFree
- Custom pricing
- Full suite
Revel Systems
$99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Revel Systems review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Aloha POS if
- You need table management.
- You work on Windows, Android.
- You also want order management.
Choose Revel Systems if
- You need ipad pos.
- You work on iPad, Web.
- You also want inventory management.
Questions people ask
- Is Aloha POS or Revel Systems better?
- Neither clearly leads. Aloha POS starts at $150/month and Revel Systems at $99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Aloha POS or Revel Systems?
- Aloha POS starts at $150/month and Revel Systems at $99/month.
- Does Aloha POS or Revel Systems run on more platforms?
- Aloha POS runs on Windows, Android. Revel Systems runs on iPad, Web.
- What is Aloha POS best used for?
- Aloha POS is most often used for point of sale, order management, inventory control, staff scheduling.
- What can Aloha POS do that Revel Systems cannot?
- Aloha POS covers Table management, Order management, Labor scheduling, Inventory control. Revel Systems covers iPad POS, Inventory management, CRM, Employee management.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Aloha POS: What are the hardware options for Aloha POS?
Aloha offers two main products: Aloha Essentials POS which runs on Windows servers at your location, and Aloha Cloud POS which operates on Android-based mobile terminals connected to cloud systems. Hardware costs approximately $1,000 per terminal or available through subscription.
SourceRevel Systems: What does Revel Systems cost?
Revel pricing starts around $99 per month per terminal with a minimum 3-year contract requirement. Customers also pay for additional features like reporting, workforce management, integrations, and Advantage payment processing which is typically mandatory.
SourceAloha POS: What features does Aloha include for restaurant operations?
Aloha includes kitchen automation, table management, staff rosters, payment processing, inventory tracking, reporting, customer loyalty programs, and employee time tracking.
SourceRevel Systems: How long does implementation take?
Revel implementation typically takes 2-4 weeks, including hardware setup, menu configuration, staff training, and system integration.
SourceAloha POS: Is Aloha POS available as a subscription?
Yes. NCR Aloha offers an all-in-one monthly subscription model that includes software, hardware, payment processing, and 24/7 customer support. Upfront implementation costs vary based on specific needs.
SourceRevel Systems: What integrations does Revel support?
Revel integrates with multiple payment processors through Stripe and Square connectors, plus accounting, payroll, and ecommerce solutions. Payment gateways vary by region.
SourceAloha POS: What are the network requirements for Aloha POS?
Aloha Essentials requires a stable network connection between terminals and the Windows server. Network disruptions cause terminals to lose access to the central database, resulting in transaction failures and payment errors.
SourceRevel Systems: What are Revel's contract terms?
Revel requires a minimum 3-year contract with high early termination fees. Use of Revel's Advantage payment processing is typically mandatory, and using outside processors is heavily penalized or not allowed.
Source