Lightspeed vs Toast
POS: Which software
is best? [compared
in 2024]

Choosing between Lightspeed and Toast POS for your coffee shop? We'll compare the two, focusing on features crucial to the barista industry, to help you decide which is the froth on your cappuccino.

Choosing the right POS for your coffee shop isn't just about transactions; it's about overcoming the daily grind of inventory management, customer flow, and sales analysis. Lightspeed and Toast POS both promise solutions, but how do they really stack up? Plus, we'll introduce Vev, a newcomer combining the perks of both to perfectly brew with the barista industry's demands.

Lightspeed vs Toast POS

LightspeedToast POS

Website

Website

lightspeedhq.com

pos.toasttab.com

Pricing

LightspeedToast POS

Pricing

Pricing

$69 - $399

$0 - $69

Features

LightspeedToast POS

Top Features

Top Features

  • Payment Processing

  • Reporting

  • User-Friendly Interface

  • CRM

  • Mobile App

  • Support for taxes

  • Customer Support

  • Online Booking

  • Brand customization

  • Delivery tools

  • Payment Processing

  • Reporting

  • User-Friendly Interface

  • CRM

  • Mobile App

  • Support for taxes

  • Customer Support

  • Online Booking

  • Brand customization

  • Delivery tools

Pros & Cons

LightspeedToast POS

Pros

Pros

  • Excellent understanding and solution provided by tech support.
  • Reliable performance.
  • Easy setup without expensive equipment requirements.
  • Loved by staff and management, facilitating smooth operations.
  • Expansion options for businesses with multiple locations.
  • Easy integration for management teams and staff.
  • User-friendly interface simplifies food ordering process for customers.
  • Straightforward steps on the app make ordering easy and convenient.

Cons

Cons

  • Limited options for payment processing.
  • Unintuitive system for retail shops.
  • Frustrating user experience.
  • Lack of customer support for setting up online ordering can be frustrating.
  • Display screen functionality may not meet expectations.
  • Complicated drop-down menu in the new online ordering system leads to guest confusion.

Which is better?

Deciding between Lightspeed and Toast POS is like picking the best coffee bean – it boils down to your taste. Lightspeed shines for its in-depth inventory and analytics, perfect for detail-lovers. Toast brings the heat with its user-friendly interface and strong customer support, making it ideal for those favoring simplicity and reliability. Your ultimate choice hinges on what flavors you value most in your business operations.

Have you considered Vev?

While Lightspeed and Toast POS offer solid functionality for the barista industry, Vev presents a compelling alternative. It's designed to be a breeze for any device, adapting to phones, tablets, and computers with ease. This means no matter where you are, managing your café or barista business is just a few clicks away. Even more, Vev evolves with your business. Its software dynamically updates based on how you use it, ensuring it gets smarter and more efficient every day, simplifying your workflow without extra effort on your part. Consider Vev for a more intuitive and adaptive solution that grows with your business.

Do you have a small business?

Expand and improve your small business. Vev has the tools to help you out.

Start for free, no credit card needed.

Screenshot of lightspeed

1. Lightspeed

Who is it for

Lightspeed caters to baristas seeking an efficient solution blending operational flexibility, contactless payments, and personalized customer experiences. Its standout 24/7 support caters to businesses valuing immediate assistance.

Features overview

Lightspeed offers powerful tools for baristas, ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. It includes scan and pay capabilities for contactless transactions and QR code ordering, reflecting the demand for quick and secure transactions. Real-time transaction updates enable swift decision-making, while customization features cater to unique customer preferences. Tools for scheduling pickups and managing online orders enhance service flexibility. Integrated loyalty programs and split invoice options encourage repeat business and hassle-free payments. With menu management and a branded mobile app, cafes can offer a consistent and engaging customer experience. This comprehensive approach optimizes operations and boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Pricing

  • Starter $69/month Essential $189/month Premium $399/month

  • $69 - $399

Website

lightspeedhq.com

Pros

  • Excellent understanding and solution provided by tech support.
  • Reliable performance.
  • Easy setup without expensive equipment requirements.

Cons

  • Limited options for payment processing.
  • Unintuitive system for retail shops.
  • Frustrating user experience.
Screenshot of toast-pos

2. Toast POS

Who is it for

Toast caters to baristas. Its all-in-one platform incorporates features like POS, Open View ordering, and many more.

Features overview

Toast POS offers a suite of features tailored for baristas's dynamic needs, ensuring efficient and organized operations. It includes a point-of-sale (POS) component, open view ordering, back-of-house (BOH) organization, and a kitchen display screen to replace paper processes and minimize errors. Supporting mobility and convenience, it enables mobile order and pay, allowing customers to place orders directly from their devices.

Specialized hardware like POS terminals, mobile order gadgets, kitchen displays, and printers integrate seamlessly with Toast's software suite. While cloud-based management is possible, Toast's dedicated hardware options maximize the system's capabilities, particularly in order-taking, processing, and overall management.

Pricing

  • Starter kit $0 Point of Sale $69 Build your own: custom pricing

  • $0 - $69

Website

pos.toasttab.com

Pros

  • Loved by staff and management, facilitating smooth operations.
  • Expansion options for businesses with multiple locations.
  • Easy integration for management teams and staff.
  • User-friendly interface simplifies food ordering process for customers.
  • Straightforward steps on the app make ordering easy and convenient.

Cons

  • Lack of customer support for setting up online ordering can be frustrating.
  • Display screen functionality may not meet expectations.
  • Complicated drop-down menu in the new online ordering system leads to guest confusion.

Do you have a small business?

Expand and improve your small business. Vev has the tools to help you out.

Start for free, no credit card needed.