Picking the right restaurant pos system feels a bit like trying to choose a wine for a table of twenty, everyone has an opinion, the stakes feel high, and you really don't want to get it wrong. In the world of hospitality, your till system is more than just a place to take cash; it’s the heartbeat of your business. It handles your orders, manages your staff, tracks your inventory, and tells you exactly where your money is going.
Two names usually come up at the top of the list: Toast and Epos Now. Both are heavyweights in the industry, but they approach things quite differently. At What EPOS, we’ve spent plenty of time playing around with these systems to see which one actually holds up when the Saturday night rush hits.
In this guide, we're going to break down the best pos system options for your eatery, comparing Toast and Epos Now side-by-side so you can figure out which one is the right fit for your kitchen.
What Are We Actually Looking For?
Before we dive into the comparison, let's talk about what makes a best pos system for a restaurant. It isn't just about the sleekest iPad stand. You need something that can handle:
- Table Management: Can you see which tables are waiting for food and which are ready for the bill?
- Menu Customisation: How easy is it to add a daily special or swap out an ingredient?
- Reporting: Can you see your profit margins in real-time, or do you have to spend Sunday morning with a calculator?
- Reliability: Does the system work offline if your Wi-Fi decides to take a nap?
If you're just starting out, you might also be looking for the cheapest pos system, but remember: sometimes "cheap" ends up costing you more in lost orders and grey hairs.
Meet the Contenders: Toast vs Epos Now
The Toast POS Approach
Toast has a very specific "vibe." They are built exclusively for the food and beverage industry. Because they don't try to cater to shoe shops or florists, every single feature they develop is designed with a chef or a server in mind.
It’s a robust, Android-based system that’s famous for its "Toast Go" handheld devices. If you’ve ever seen a server taking an order on a sleek little tablet and having the kitchen ticket fire off before they've even left your table, that was likely Toast.
The Epos Now Approach
Epos Now is a bit more of an all-rounder, but don't let that fool you. They are one of the most popular choices in the UK for a reason. Their epos now till system is incredibly flexible. Whether you run a small coffee shop or a massive multi-site restaurant, the software can be tailored to fit.
What we love about Epos Now is the "AppStore" approach. You get a solid core system, and then you can bolt on whatever you need, be it Xero for accounting or various delivery integrations like UberEats. It makes it one of the most versatile retail pos system and hospitality options on the market. If you want a deep dive into how they operate, you should definitely check out our full Epos Now till system review for the nitty-gritty details.
Alt Text: A modern restaurant counter featuring an Epos Now till system with a customer paying via contactless.
Feature Face-Off: How They Compare
1. Ease of Use and Interface
Let’s be honest, your staff don't want to spend three days in training. They want to be able to tap a button and send a burger to the kitchen.
- Toast: Very intuitive. It’s designed to mimic the workflow of a restaurant. Adding "no onions" or "extra cheese" is a breeze.
- Epos Now: Equally user-friendly. It uses a clean, tile-based interface that’s very hard to mess up. We think it’s one of the easiest systems to train new staff on, which is a lifesaver in an industry with high staff turnover.
2. Industry-Specific Tools
Toast wins points for things like "Kitchen Display Systems" (KDS) that are built-in and specifically tuned for high-volume kitchens. They also have great "Menu Engineering" tools that show you which dishes are your "stars" (high profit, high popularity) and which are your "dogs."
Epos Now, however, holds its own with its integration capabilities. While Toast is a "walled garden," Epos Now plays well with others. If you already use a specific inventory tool or a loyalty program, chances are Epos Now can link up with it. It’s why it’s often cited as the best pos system for those who want a custom setup.
3. Payment Processing
This is where things get a bit "businessy."
Toast requires you to use their own payment processing. It’s convenient because it’s all in one place, but you are stuck with their rates.
Epos Now gives you a bit more freedom. While they have their own "Epos Now Payments," they also integrate with various other providers. If you’re looking for a comparison with other payment-heavy systems, you might want to look at our SumUp POS system review to see how they stack up on the hardware side.
Alt Text: Close up of a server using a handheld POS device to take an order at a restaurant table.
The Money Talk: What’s it Going to Cost?
We know that for many business owners, the decision often comes down to the cheapest pos system that actually works.
- Toast: Usually operates on a subscription model starting around $69 (£55-ish) per month. However, once you add in the hardware and the various modules for loyalty or online ordering, that monthly bill can climb quite quickly.
- Epos Now: They are often much more aggressive with their upfront pricing. You can often find deals for a full hardware bundle for around £225-£250. Their monthly software fees are competitive, making them a very attractive option for startups or those looking to keep overheads low.
It’s worth noting that Epos Now frequently runs offers for new customers. If you're currently weighing up your options, taking a look at the Epos Now till system review will give you the latest on their pricing structures and hardware deals.
Hardware: Style vs Substance
Toast hardware is purpose-built. It’s "spill-proof" and designed to survive the harsh environment of a busy bar. Their handheld "Toast Go 2" is particularly impressive, it’s drop-resistant and has a long battery life.
Epos Now offers a range of hardware, from their own branded terminals to tablets. Their latest "Pro" terminals are sleek, water-resistant, and look great on a counter. Plus, because the software can run on iPads or Android tablets, you’ve got the flexibility to use hardware you might already own, which is a great way to save a bit of cash.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, Toast or Epos Now? It’s the million-pound question (well, hopefully not a million pounds, unless you’re opening a very large chain).
Choose Toast if:
- You are a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
- You want a system that is 100% focused on food and drink.
- You love the idea of specialized handheld devices for your servers.
- You don't mind being tied into their payment processing.
Choose Epos Now if:
- You want a versatile, reliable system that offers great value for money.
- You are based in the UK and want a system that is widely supported and used.
- You like the flexibility of an "AppStore" to add features as you grow.
- You’re looking for a competitive upfront cost.
In our opinion, for most UK-based small to medium restaurants, the epos now till system offers the best balance of features, support, and price. It’s hard to beat the sheer amount of data and control you get for the price point.
Alt Text: A comparison chart showing the features of Toast vs Epos Now for restaurant owners.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a restaurant pos system is a big step, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Both Toast and Epos Now are excellent choices that will serve you much better than an old-fashioned cash register.
If you're still on the fence, we highly recommend getting a demo of both. See how the interface feels to you. Does it make sense? Is it fast? Can you see yourself using it during a 12-hour shift?
And if you want to see how Epos Now stacks up against other popular systems like Shopify, have a look at our Shopify POS review or our guide on the best EPOS systems in the UK.
Ready to make a move? We think the first step should be checking out the full breakdown of what Epos Now can do for your business. It might just be the best decision you make for your restaurant this year.
Don't wait until your current till system lets you down: head over to our Epos Now till system review and see why so many UK restaurants are making the switch.