Businesses accept and process transactions every day. Choosing one of the best POS systems for your brand is key. A POS system is one of the most standard components for operations; however, each option can drastically differ from one another. 

Whether you want help with demand planning or a monthly point of sale report, the best POS system for your business can meet all your expectations. Now, let's dive into POS software options and key POS system features.

5 Best POS Systems for Restaurants 

Ready to learn how resort and restaurant payment technology can accelerate business operations? All the options below can help you organize your team and successfully deploy orders. Check out five of the best POS systems on the market right now:

1. Toast 

Restaurant-specific POS systems are ideal for food and beverage businesses. With this in mind, opt for a solution that caters to your industry. 

Toast makes it simple for restaurant owners to run their business. With dozens of integrations, restaurants can be completely custom to what the owners have in mind. Plus, this helps each business be unique in a niche market. 

From HR software for restaurants to mobile ordering, Toast makes it easy to diversify the business. For example, its payroll features can check with local and state laws, which can change at any time. 

Or, consider the benefits of its offline version, which is ideal when you encounter spotty internet. No matter what kind of business you operate, Toast can probably make it better. 

Toast constantly ranks as one of the best POS systems for a reason. Want to learn more? Here's a brief list of their most favorable features:

• Restaurant inventory management 
• Built-in payment processing 
• Online ordering options
• App integrations 
• Tableside ordering and payments 
• Mobile POS features 
• Rewards program

2. Aloha

Simplifying restaurant operations is a key feature of Aloha. With this POS platform, restaurants can eliminate work overload. In doing so, they can boost productivity.

One of the best parts about Aloha is that it works well with all business sizes. Whether you're a startup or enterprise, its features can work for you. One of the downsides of tech solutions is that a company can outgrow them. However, POS systems for businesses of any size can adapt to changes. 

As a business evolves, Aloha can grow with it. Over time, seamless changes can improve operations, simplify expectations, and enhance brand loyalty. In the end, it'll benefit both sides of the coin. 

Want to learn more about the many perks of Aloha? Here's some of its top benefits:

• Front of house tools
• Back of house tools
• Strategy suggestions 
• Customer loyalty rewards 
• Data analytics and reports

3. TouchBistro 

TouchBistro is one of the best POS systems for its suite of advanced solutions. It's easy to use and offers a ton of restaurant-specific integrations. Most importantly, it seamlessly integrates with numerous payment processors. 

It might even be safe to say that TouchBistro is the best POS system for customers. Tableside devices, food delivery services, and restaurant reservation software enhances the customer experience. Plus, all these features streamline employee tasks. 

TouchBistro is an affordable option, making it feasible for restaurants of any size to use stellar POS system features. As an example, built-in time clocks and scheduling tools make it easy to manage a team. Plus, there are ways to help the restaurant manager communicate with employees during each shift. 

As a brief recap, here's some of the most sought-after features that make TouchBistro one of the best POS systems:

• Team management
• Customer management
• Restaurant accounting integrations
• Reports data in real-time
• Inventory tracking (by ingredient)
• Marketing tools, such as a customer rewards program
• Restaurant reservation system that accepts restaurant reservations from third-parties

4. Square 

Square offers a plethora of POS system features and add-ons to run your business. Whether you operate an eCommerce or brick and mortar business, Square can make your life a lot easier. 

One of the best features Square has to offer is its dashboard. Employees have complete access to everything, from sales data to customer profiles. It's customizable, too, and staff can quickly move different widgets in and off the screen. This feature alone makes it easy to see the data points most important to you. 

Square is simple, custom, and user-friendly. What else could you ask for? Plus, here are more reasons people rank it as one of the best POS systems:

• Team management
• Loyalty programs 
• Email marketing 
• Sales analytics 
• Offline mode 
• Payroll features 
• Inventory management 

5. Brink POS

Brink POS offers small and medium-sized businesses everything they need to run smooth operations. It comprises a variety of integrations and features that make managing a restaurant simpler than ever. Plus, many tools nurture company-wide strategies. 

For instance, Brink POS allows restaurants to send out surveys. This feature can help a business quickly gather customer reviews. In turn, they'll be able to update the restaurant’s strategies accordingly. 

Brink POS can also send emails straight from the POS system. If you have an email marketing strategy, this will keep one more thing in the same place. Flexible integrations in a single entity makes it easy to manage, update, and review changes. 

Brink POS also offers a combination of POS hardware and cloud-based solutions. In turn, it offers restaurants with an all-inclusive point of sale experience. 

Not convinced yet? Here's a list of just some of the perks that makes Brink one of the best POS systems:

• Digital menu management
• Direct to kitchen orders
• Gift card handling
• Built-in restaurant loyalty program
• Real-time data access
• Scalable system
• Payroll processing

5 Best POS System Features

Now that you know of the best POS systems, it's time to look into various features. A POS system can offer more features than what's necessary for your business. And, there may be certain integrations that are important to your operations. 

Deciding which of the best POS systems is right for your business requires much research. However, there are a handful that we think are vital, regardless of the industry or business model. 

So without further ado, five of the best POS system features include:

1. Inventory Management

Stellar inventory management techniques can cut costs and maximize profits. A POS system that integrates with a restaurant inventory app can improve a business' financial health. Plus, it'll lessen the risk of food spoilage. 

2. Data Storage 

Acquiring consumer data is vital for any business. With a POS system, you can gather details about your customer profile, such as best-sellers, busy shifts, and average cart values. With this data, you can better plan restaurant marketing strategies. 

3. Offline Access 

Have you ever encountered a business that's unable to accept payments due to internet issues? That sounds like a nightmare for any business owner, as most people don't carry cash. With offline access, you can process transactions at all times--even during raging storms and technical difficulties. 

4. Loyalty Programs 

Want to incentivize guests to visit your business again in the future? Reward them for their spending habits. Details about a rewards program can also serve as useful restaurant marketing collateral. 

5. Scheduling Tools 

Delegating shifts and duties to your team is a key task for managers and hosts. However, it can be a bit overwhelming at times. By using a team management add-on, you can avoid understaffed shifts and insufficient operations. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best POS Systems 

Choosing the best POS system for your business is essential. Want to learn more about POS system features and valuable options? Read on! 

What POS System Is the Best?

Five of the best POS systems include:

1. Toast 
2. Square 
3. TouchBistro
4. Aloha
5. Brink POS 

What POS System Do Most Retailers Use?

Most retailers use Shopify as their POS system. Its custom features, integrations, and eCommerce abilities make this a go-to for retailers. 

What Is the Most Widely Used POS System In Restaurants?

The most widely used POS system in restaurants is TouchBistro. Its custom features and integrations make it a fan favorite for many restaurant owners. 

What Is the Simplest POS System?

If you're looking for the simplest POS system, opt for a credit card reader. The ability to swipe or scan a card is simple, efficient, and popular. 

What Are the Most Common Operating Systems for POS Devices?

The three most commonly used operating systems for POS devices are:

• Windows 
• IOS 
• Android

Only the Best 

The best POS systems of all time aims to accomplish one goal: streamline your business operations. After carefully considering your options, onboard whichever one speaks to you. Then, take the time to train your staff and watch sales and productivity soar.