Software · head to head
SpotOn vs Toast POS
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SpotOn credit card processing issues with handheld devices reported by users; Toast POS free tier limited to one or two terminals
- They diverge on capability: SpotOn covers Reservations, Toast POS covers Menu management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SpotOn and Toast POS actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), platforms (Web, iOS, Android), 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 SpotOn
- Reservations
- Loyalty programs
- Marketing tools
- Reporting
- Yelp
Only in Toast POS
- Menu management
- Real-time reporting
- Inventory tracking
- Employee management
- Grubhub
- Uber Eats
- Xero
Both cover
- Cloud POS
- Online ordering
- DoorDash
- QuickBooks
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SpotOn
- Point of Sale
- Order Management
- Inventory Control
- Staff Scheduling
Toast POS
- 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.
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
Toast POS
- Free tier limited to one or two terminals
- Setup fees and hardware requirements for paid plans
- Mobile ordering requires additional configuration
- Reporting and analytics features limited on entry-level plans
Pricing, plan by plan
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
Toast POS
On request- Starter KitFree
- Cloud-based POS
- Order management
- Reporting
- Point of Sale$69/month
- Menu management
- Reporting & analytics
- 24/7 support
- Build Your Own$165/month
- Online ordering
- Delivery
- Marketing
Which should you pick?
Choose SpotOn if
- You need reservations.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want loyalty programs.
Choose Toast POS if
- You need menu management.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want real-time reporting.
Questions people ask
- Is SpotOn or Toast POS better?
- Neither clearly leads. SpotOn starts at On request and Toast POS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SpotOn or Toast POS?
- SpotOn starts at On request and Toast POS at On request.
- Does SpotOn or Toast POS run on more platforms?
- SpotOn runs on Web, iOS, Android. Toast POS runs on Web, Ios, Android.
- What is SpotOn best used for?
- SpotOn is most often used for point of sale, order management, inventory control, staff scheduling.
- What can SpotOn do that Toast POS cannot?
- SpotOn covers Reservations, Loyalty programs, Marketing tools, Reporting. Toast POS covers Menu management, Real-time reporting, Inventory tracking, Employee management. Both handle Cloud POS, Online ordering, DoorDash, QuickBooks.
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.
SourceToast POS: Does Toast POS have a free tier?
Yes. Toast's Starter Kit is free and designed for small restaurants with one or two terminals. It includes cloud-based POS, payment processing, order and table management, real-time reporting, and 24/7 customer support.
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.
SourceToast POS: What integrations does Toast POS support?
Toast integrates with payment processors, online ordering platforms, delivery services, accounting software, and customer data platforms for comprehensive restaurant operations management.
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