Software · head to head
TouchBistro vs Aloha POS
The short version
- Each has a real cost: TouchBistro requires annual contracts with no monthly billing option; Aloha POS high upfront hardware costs ($1,000+ per terminal) make it expensive to deploy across multiple locations
- They diverge on capability: TouchBistro covers iPad POS, Aloha POS covers Order management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which TouchBistro and Aloha POS actually diverge.
| Attribute | TouchBistro | Aloha POS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/month | $150/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Platforms | iPad | Windows, Android |
| Founded | 2010 | 1988 |
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 TouchBistro
- iPad POS
- Menu management
- Staff scheduling
- Inventory tracking
- Customer relationship management
- QuickBooks
- Xero
- 7shifts
Only in Aloha POS
- Order management
- Labor scheduling
- Inventory control
- Enterprise reporting
- Loyalty programs
- NCR Back Office
- Third-party delivery
- Accounting software
Both cover
- Table management
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
TouchBistro
- Point of Sale
- Order Management
- Inventory Control
- Staff Scheduling
Aloha 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.
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
Aloha POS
- High upfront hardware costs ($1,000+ per terminal) make it expensive to deploy across multiple locations
- User interface is dated with functionality from 2005-era design, requiring training for staff familiar with modern applications
- Network connectivity issues cause terminals to lose access to central database when Wi-Fi drops, leading to transaction failures
- Requires proprietary terminals unlike competitors that run on standard iPads or Android tablets
- Complex customization requires expensive professional services and cannot be configured by restaurant staff
Pricing, plan by plan
TouchBistro
$69/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the TouchBistro review.
Aloha POS
$150/month- Essentials$150/month
- POS
- Basic reporting
- Professional$250/month
- Advanced features
- Labor management
- EnterpriseFree
- Custom pricing
- Full suite
Which should you pick?
Choose TouchBistro if
- You need ipad pos.
- You work on iPad.
- You also want menu management.
Choose Aloha POS if
- You need order management.
- You work on Windows, Android.
- You also want labor scheduling.
Questions people ask
- Is TouchBistro or Aloha POS better?
- Neither clearly leads. TouchBistro starts at $69/month and Aloha POS at $150/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, TouchBistro or Aloha POS?
- TouchBistro starts at $69/month and Aloha POS at $150/month.
- Does TouchBistro or Aloha POS run on more platforms?
- TouchBistro runs on iPad. Aloha POS runs on Windows, Android.
- What is TouchBistro best used for?
- TouchBistro is most often used for point of sale, order management, inventory control, staff scheduling.
- What can TouchBistro do that Aloha POS cannot?
- TouchBistro covers iPad POS, Menu management, Staff scheduling, Inventory tracking. Aloha POS covers Order management, Labor scheduling, Inventory control, Enterprise reporting. Both handle Table management.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
TouchBistro: 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.
SourceAloha POS: What are the hardware options for Aloha POS?
Aloha offers two main products: Aloha Essentials POS which runs on Windows servers at your location, and Aloha Cloud POS which operates on Android-based mobile terminals connected to cloud systems. Hardware costs approximately $1,000 per terminal or available through subscription.
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.
SourceAloha POS: What features does Aloha include for restaurant operations?
Aloha includes kitchen automation, table management, staff rosters, payment processing, inventory tracking, reporting, customer loyalty programs, and employee time tracking.
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.
SourceAloha POS: Is Aloha POS available as a subscription?
Yes. NCR Aloha offers an all-in-one monthly subscription model that includes software, hardware, payment processing, and 24/7 customer support. Upfront implementation costs vary based on specific needs.
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.
SourceAloha POS: What are the network requirements for Aloha POS?
Aloha Essentials requires a stable network connection between terminals and the Windows server. Network disruptions cause terminals to lose access to the central database, resulting in transaction failures and payment errors.
Source