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Software · head to head

Aloha POS vs SpotOn

Aloha POS logo

Aloha POS

Software

Industry-leading restaurant POS solution

From
$150/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SpotOn logo

SpotOn

Software

Restaurant tech that works as hard as you

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; SpotOn credit card processing issues with handheld devices reported by users
  • They diverge on capability: Aloha POS covers Table management, SpotOn covers Cloud POS.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aloha POS and SpotOn actually diverge.

Attributes where Aloha POS and SpotOn differ
AttributeAloha POSSpotOn
Starting price$150/monthOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWindows, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Founded19882017

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
  • NCR Back Office
  • Third-party delivery
  • Accounting software

Only in SpotOn

  • Cloud POS
  • Online ordering
  • Reservations
  • Marketing tools
  • Reporting
  • DoorDash
  • Google
  • Yelp

Both cover

  • Loyalty programs
  • Web support

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

SpotOn

  • 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

SpotOn

  • Credit card processing issues with handheld devices reported by users
  • System crashes and lost tickets in high-volume restaurants
  • Customer tabs can disappear from system, resulting in lost revenue
  • Menu edits live only in back office; no real-time updates to handhelds
  • Limited hardware options with no direct accessory purchases available

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

SpotOn

On request
  • All-In PlanFree
    • Hardware included
    • Card present: 2.79% + $0.20
    • Keyed: 3.79% + $0.20
  • POS Essentials$55/month
    • Best value
    • Card present: 2.45% + $0.15
    • Hardware discounted

Which should you pick?

Choose Aloha POS if

  • You need table management.
  • You work on Windows, Android.
  • You also want order management.
Aloha POS review

Choose SpotOn if

  • You need cloud pos.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want online ordering.
SpotOn review

Questions people ask

Is Aloha POS or SpotOn better?
Neither clearly leads. Aloha POS starts at $150/month and SpotOn at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aloha POS or SpotOn?
Aloha POS starts at $150/month and SpotOn at On request.
Does Aloha POS or SpotOn run on more platforms?
Aloha POS runs on Windows, Android. SpotOn runs on Web, iOS, Android.
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 SpotOn cannot?
Aloha POS covers Table management, Order management, Labor scheduling, Inventory control. SpotOn covers Cloud POS, Online ordering, Reservations, Marketing tools. Both handle Loyalty programs, Web support.

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.

Source
SpotOn: What hardware does SpotOn require?

SpotOn provides proprietary hardware including countertop terminals (Station 15 at $750), tableside handhelds ($297), and kitchen display systems. All hardware is included with the All-In Plan or purchased separately with other plans.

Source
Aloha 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.

Source
SpotOn: Does SpotOn have online ordering?

Yes, SpotOn offers commission-free online ordering with a white-label app option and integration into their Core Bundle. The system supports QR code ordering and digital menus.

Source
Aloha 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.

Source
SpotOn: What payment processing fees does SpotOn charge?

Fees vary by plan. All-In Plan: 2.79% + $0.20 for card-present transactions. POS Essentials: 2.45% + $0.15. Business or custom plans offer negotiated rates.

Source
Aloha 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.

Source
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