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Software · head to head

Lavu vs Revel Systems

Lavu logo

Lavu

Software

iPad POS for restaurants and bars

From
$99/month
Rated
-
Revel Systems logo

Revel Systems

Software

Cloud-based iPad POS for enterprise

From
$99/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Lavu iPad-only solution with no Android or Windows alternative; Revel Systems requires 3-year contract with high early termination fees making it difficult to cancel
  • They diverge on capability: Lavu covers Split checks, Revel Systems covers Inventory management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lavu and Revel Systems actually diverge.

Attributes where Lavu and Revel Systems differ
AttributeLavuRevel Systems
PlatformsiPadiPad, Web

Identical on both: starting price ($99/month), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2010).

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 Lavu

  • Split checks
  • Tab management
  • Happy hour pricing
  • Inventory tracking
  • Kitchen display

Only in Revel Systems

  • Inventory management
  • CRM
  • Employee management
  • Delivery management
  • Multi-location management
  • 7shifts

Both cover

  • iPad POS
  • QuickBooks
  • Xero
  • DoorDash
  • Uber Eats
  • Ios support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Lavu

  • 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.

Lavu

  • iPad-only solution with no Android or Windows alternative
  • Hardware costs are significant with devices starting at $700
  • Limited offline functionality compared to some competitors

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

Lavu

$99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Lavu review.

Revel Systems

$99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Revel Systems review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Lavu if

  • You need split checks.
  • You work on iPad.
  • You also want tab management.

Choose Revel Systems if

  • You need inventory management.
  • You work on iPad, Web.
  • You also want crm.

Questions people ask

Is Lavu or Revel Systems better?
Neither clearly leads. Lavu starts at $99/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, Lavu or Revel Systems?
Lavu starts at $99/month and Revel Systems at $99/month.
Does Lavu or Revel Systems run on more platforms?
Lavu runs on iPad. Revel Systems runs on iPad, Web.
What is Lavu best used for?
Lavu is most often used for point of sale, order management, inventory control, staff scheduling.
What can Lavu do that Revel Systems cannot?
Lavu covers Split checks, Tab management, Happy hour pricing, Inventory tracking. Revel Systems covers Inventory management, CRM, Employee management, Delivery management. Both handle iPad POS, QuickBooks, Xero, DoorDash.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lavu: What devices does Lavu support?

Lavu is iPad-based and works with iPad Pro, Air, and Mini models. It is compatible with peripherals from Ingenico, Magtek, and supports various receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners.

Source
Revel 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.

Source
Lavu: Does Lavu offer financing for hardware?

Yes. Lavu offers 0% no-interest financing on hardware for 3-year contracts, and supports both 1-year and 3-year contract terms.

Source
Revel Systems: How long does implementation take?

Revel implementation typically takes 2-4 weeks, including hardware setup, menu configuration, staff training, and system integration.

Source
Lavu: What is Lavu's pricing range?

Lavu monthly POS software costs range from $99 to $279 per month, with hardware starting at $700 and up to $1,500 for full systems.

Source
Revel 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.

Source
Revel 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

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