Software · head to head
BentoBox vs SpotOn
The short version
- Each has a real cost: BentoBox bentoBox is now Clover, and its own site states that BentoBox products and services are only available to Clover POS customers; SpotOn credit card processing issues with handheld devices reported by users
- They diverge on capability: BentoBox covers Website builder, SpotOn covers Cloud POS.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which BentoBox and SpotOn actually diverge.
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 BentoBox
- Website builder
- Email marketing
- Gift cards
- Catering
- Event management
- OpenTable
- Resy
- Toast
Only in SpotOn
- Cloud POS
- Reservations
- Loyalty programs
- Marketing tools
- Reporting
- DoorDash
- Yelp
Both cover
- Online ordering
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
BentoBox
- Restaurant websites with integrated online orderingnot SpotOn
- Gift cards, events and catering enquiries from a restaurant's own sitenot SpotOn
- Marketing and customer data capture for restaurants on Clover POSnot SpotOn
SpotOn
- Point of Salenot BentoBox
- Order Managementnot BentoBox
- Inventory Controlnot BentoBox
- Staff Schedulingnot BentoBox
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
BentoBox
- BentoBox is now Clover, and its own site states that BentoBox products and services are only available to Clover POS customers
- The pricing page publishes no plan price, setup fee, online ordering commission or contract length
- Existing customers wanting to add services are directed to a customer success manager or an email address rather than a self serve price
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
BentoBox
$99/month- Starter$99/month
- Website
- Basic features
- Essential$199/month
- Online ordering
- Marketing
- Pro$399/month
- Full features
- Catering
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 SpotOn if
- You need cloud pos.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want reservations.
Questions people ask
- Is BentoBox or SpotOn better?
- Neither clearly leads. BentoBox starts at $99/month and SpotOn at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, BentoBox or SpotOn?
- BentoBox starts at $99/month and SpotOn at On request.
- Does BentoBox or SpotOn run on more platforms?
- BentoBox runs on Web. SpotOn runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- What is BentoBox best used for?
- BentoBox is most often used for restaurant websites with integrated online ordering, gift cards, events and catering enquiries from a restaurant's own site, marketing and customer data capture for restaurants on clover pos. Of those, restaurant websites with integrated online ordering and gift cards, events and catering enquiries from a restaurant's own site are not what SpotOn is typically brought in for.
- What can BentoBox do that SpotOn cannot?
- BentoBox covers Website builder, Email marketing, Gift cards, Catering. SpotOn covers Cloud POS, Reservations, Loyalty programs, Marketing tools. Both handle Online ordering, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceSpotOn: 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.
SourceSpotOn: 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