ChowNow vs Square for Restaurants
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading food & restaurant solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose ChowNow if you need Branded ordering and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Square for Restaurants if you prioritize Table management and want a free tier to start. Both are rated 4.3/5 by users.
ChowNow vs Square for Restaurants: At a Glance
| Criteria | ChowNow | Square for Restaurants |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Pricing | $149/month | Free |
| Pricing Model | subscription | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Category | Food & Restaurant | Food & Restaurant |
| Founded | 2011 | 2009 |
Feature Comparison: ChowNow vs Square for Restaurants
| Feature | ChowNow | Square for Restaurants |
|---|---|---|
| Branded ordering | ||
| Website integration | ||
| Mobile app | ||
| Customer database | ||
| Marketing tools | ||
| Delivery integration | ||
| DoorDash Drive | ||
| Web support | ||
| Ios support | ||
| Android support | ||
| Table management | ||
| Menu customization | ||
| Split checks | ||
| Offline mode | ||
| Real-time reporting | ||
| Kitchen display | ||
| Caviar | ||
| DoorDash | ||
| Postmates | ||
| QuickBooks |
ChowNow vs Square for Restaurants: Pricing Breakdown
ChowNow Pricing
Model: subscription
- Online ordering
- Basic features
- Marketing tools
- Analytics
- Full features
- Priority support
Square for Restaurants Pricing
Model: subscription
- POS
- Menu management
- Basic reporting
- Advanced features
- Live sales
- Seat management
- Custom pricing
- Dedicated support
Pros and Cons
ChowNow
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, Ios, Android)
- Rich feature set with 13+ capabilities
- Strong Branded ordering functionality
- Strong Website integration functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Square for Restaurants
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, Ios, Android)
- Rich feature set with 13+ capabilities
- Strong Table management functionality
- Strong Menu customization functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use ChowNow vs Square for Restaurants?
Choose ChowNow if you:
- Need Branded ordering
- Have a budget of $149/month+
- Work primarily on Web and Ios
- Value Website integration
Choose Square for Restaurants if you:
- Need Table management
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Web and Ios
- Value Menu customization
Frequently Asked Questions: ChowNow vs Square for Restaurants
Is ChowNow better than Square for Restaurants?
It depends on your needs. ChowNow has a 4.3/5 user rating while Square for Restaurants has 4.3/5. ChowNow excels in Branded ordering and Website integration, while Square for Restaurants stands out with Table management and Menu customization. Consider your budget ($149/month vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, ChowNow or Square for Restaurants?
ChowNow starts at $149/month. Square for Restaurants offers a free plan and starts at Free. Square for Restaurants has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use ChowNow and Square for Restaurants together?
While both are food & restaurant tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core food & restaurant needs.
What are the main differences between ChowNow and Square for Restaurants?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs subscription), platform support (Web, Ios, Android vs Web, Ios, Android), and feature focus. ChowNow emphasizes Branded ordering, Website integration, Mobile app while Square for Restaurants focuses on Table management, Menu customization, Split checks. User ratings differ slightly: 4.3 vs 4.3 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both ChowNow and Square for Restaurants.