Software · head to head
Lavu vs TouchBistro
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Lavu iPad-only solution with no Android or Windows alternative; TouchBistro requires annual contracts with no monthly billing option
- They diverge on capability: Lavu covers Split checks, TouchBistro covers Table management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Lavu and TouchBistro actually diverge.
| Attribute | Lavu | TouchBistro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $99/month | $69/month |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), platforms (iPad), 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
- Kitchen display
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
Only in TouchBistro
- Table management
- Menu management
- Staff scheduling
- Customer relationship management
- 7shifts
- MarketMan
Both cover
- iPad POS
- Inventory tracking
- QuickBooks
- Xero
- 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
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.
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
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
Lavu
$99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Lavu review.
TouchBistro
$69/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the TouchBistro review.
Which should you pick?
Choose TouchBistro if
- You need table management.
- You work on iPad.
- You also want menu management.
Questions people ask
- Is Lavu or TouchBistro better?
- Neither clearly leads. Lavu starts at $99/month and TouchBistro at $69/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Lavu or TouchBistro?
- Lavu starts at $99/month and TouchBistro at $69/month.
- Does Lavu or TouchBistro run on more platforms?
- Both run on iPad, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 TouchBistro cannot?
- Lavu covers Split checks, Tab management, Happy hour pricing, Kitchen display. TouchBistro covers Table management, Menu management, Staff scheduling, Customer relationship management. Both handle iPad POS, Inventory tracking, QuickBooks, Xero.
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.
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.
SourceLavu: 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.
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.
SourceLavu: 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.
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.
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