Software · head to head
Aloha POS vs TouchBistro
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; TouchBistro requires annual contracts with no monthly billing option
- They diverge on capability: Aloha POS covers Order management, TouchBistro covers iPad POS.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Aloha POS and TouchBistro actually diverge.
| Attribute | Aloha POS | TouchBistro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $150/month | $69/month |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Windows, Android | iPad |
| 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
- Order management
- Labor scheduling
- Inventory control
- Enterprise reporting
- Loyalty programs
- NCR Back Office
- Third-party delivery
- Accounting software
Only in TouchBistro
- iPad POS
- Menu management
- Staff scheduling
- Inventory tracking
- Customer relationship management
- QuickBooks
- Xero
- 7shifts
Both cover
- Table management
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
TouchBistro
- 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
TouchBistro
- Requires annual contracts with no monthly billing option
- Add-on pricing for features like online ordering, reservations, loyalty programs is not transparent and requires custom quotes
- Limited to iPad hardware, reducing flexibility compared to multi-device systems like Lightspeed or Clover
- Mandatory use of TouchBistro Payments for new customers reduces payment processor options
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
TouchBistro
$69/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the TouchBistro review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Aloha POS if
- You need order management.
- You work on Windows, Android.
- You also want labor scheduling.
Choose TouchBistro if
- You need ipad pos.
- You work on iPad.
- You also want menu management.
Questions people ask
- Is Aloha POS or TouchBistro better?
- Neither clearly leads. Aloha POS starts at $150/month and TouchBistro at $69/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Aloha POS or TouchBistro?
- Aloha POS starts at $150/month and TouchBistro at $69/month.
- Does Aloha POS or TouchBistro run on more platforms?
- Aloha POS runs on Windows, Android. TouchBistro runs on iPad.
- 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 TouchBistro cannot?
- Aloha POS covers Order management, Labor scheduling, Inventory control, Enterprise reporting. TouchBistro covers iPad POS, Menu management, Staff scheduling, Inventory tracking. Both handle Table 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.
SourceTouchBistro: Can TouchBistro process payments offline?
Yes. TouchBistro has offline payment capabilities where you can accept payments and store credit card information when offline, with transactions processing once Internet is restored. However, you cannot dip or tap the card in offline mode; you must swipe instead.
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.
SourceTouchBistro: Can I integrate TouchBistro with DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Yes. TouchBistro integrates with delivery platforms through Deliverect and UrbanPiper, which aggregate orders from DoorDash, Uber Eats, and other services directly into your TouchBistro POS, eliminating manual order entry.
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.
SourceTouchBistro: What are the minimum hardware requirements for TouchBistro?
TouchBistro runs on Apple iPads and works with compatible printers, cash drawers, and payment terminals. The system leverages iPad hardware you may already own, potentially reducing initial hardware costs compared to dedicated POS systems.
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.
SourceTouchBistro: Do I have to sign a long-term contract with TouchBistro?
Yes. All TouchBistro plans require annual contracts, and the system requires TouchBistro Payments (powered by Chase) for payment processing on all new customer accounts.
Source