Toast POS Review 2025: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons, Ratings & More

Toast POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) and management system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It enables restaurants to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately increase sales. The platform is cloud-based, allowing restaurant staff to access the system from anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for managing orders and payments in real-time. During our Toast POS review, we learned that Toast POS includes features such as offline mode to ensure functionality even without internet connectivity, restaurant-grade hardware that withstands the rigors of a busy environment, and 24/7 customer support.

Additionally, Toast POS offers over 200 integrations with other software tools, enabling restaurants to tailor the system to their specific needs. Its user-friendly interface simplifies tasks like payroll processing and inventory management, making it easier for restaurant owners to focus on their core business activities. With its proven track record of helping thousands of restaurants improve their operations, Toast POS stands out as a robust solution in the competitive landscape of restaurant management technology. It can be considered as one of the best POS software.

What's New in Toast POS?

Recent updates to Toast POS have introduced several significant enhancements aimed at improving user experience and operational efficiency for restaurants. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of advanced analytics features, which provide restaurant owners with deeper insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and staff performance. This data-driven approach, like payroll for small business, allows for better decision-making and strategic planning, enabling restaurants to optimize their menu offerings and marketing strategies based on real-time feedback and historical data.

Another significant update is the enhancement, based on our Toast POS review of the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). The latest version features a more intuitive design that simplifies navigation for staff during busy service periods. This includes customizable dashboards that allow users to prioritize the information most relevant to their operations. Enhanced training resources and in-app tutorials have also been introduced to help new employees quickly become proficient with the system, thereby reducing onboarding time. 

What Sets Toast POS Apart?

Toast POS features distinguish itself in the competitive point-of-sale market through its exclusive focus on the restaurant industry. This is one of the highlights of Toast POS reviews. Its features provide a comprehensive suite of features tailored specifically for food service operations.

Security and Data Protection in Toast POS

When choosing a point-of-sale (POS) system for your restaurant, ensuring the security of payment data and customer information is crucial. Toast POS prioritizes data protection with robust security measures designed to safeguard sensitive information and maintain compliance with industry standards, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS).

Toast POS encrypts payment data during transactions and employs secure cloud storage to protect customer records. Additionally, the system's cloud-based nature allows restaurant owners to monitor security remotely, making it easier to address potential threats in real-time. Regular security updates and a dedicated security team also help ensure that the system remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

By providing a secure and compliant platform, Toast POS allows restaurant owners to focus on enhancing customer experiences without worrying about the integrity of their data. To further enhance restaurant operations with secure payment processing, consider exploring restaurant POS systems that offer robust security features like Toast.

Does Toast POS integrate with document management systems?

Toast POS offers robust integration capabilities that extend beyond typical restaurant operations. Its open API framework enables seamless connections with external systems, including software for document management, to optimize record keeping and workflow automation. This integration minimizes manual document handling, facilitates real-time data updates, and supports regulatory compliance by centralizing digital records in a secure environment.

Toast POS pricing plans tailored to the needs of different types of restaurants, from small cafes to multi-location establishments. The pricing structure is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to choose plans based on their specific requirements, size, and operational complexity. Here’s an overview of the available Toast POS pricing, according to our Toast POS review:

• Quick Start Bundle: This plan is free and ideal for small operations, providing essential features like order management and reporting without any upfront costs.
• Core Plan: Starting at $69 per month, this plan includes advanced functionalities such as team management tools and API access, making it suitable for established food and beverage businesses.
• Restaurant Basics Package: Priced at $110 per month plus $4 per employee, this package combines elements from the Core plan with additional employee management tools.
• Growth Plan: Beginning at $165 per month, this plan builds upon the Core plan by adding features like Toast Online Ordering and Toast Delivery Services, catering to businesses looking to expand their reach.
• Custom Plans: For larger or more complex operations, Toast offers a "Build Your Own" plan with custom pricing based on specific needs and additional features required.

In addition to monthly subscription fees, there are hardware costs associated with using Toast POS. Hardware options range from handheld devices to countertop setups, with prices typically between $609 and $1,339 depending on the kit chosen. Furthermore, Toast employs a flat-rate payment processing model with fees that vary based on whether hardware is paid upfront or through a pay-as-you-go option. Based on our Toast POS review Transaction fees range from 2.49% + $0.15 for card-present transactions (with upfront hardware payment) to 3.5% + $0.15 for card-not-present transactions.

• Restaurant-Specific Features: Toast, based on our Toast POS review, is built exclusively for the restaurant industry, ensuring that all functionalities—such as inventory management and payroll processing—are tailored to meet the unique needs of food service operations
• Comprehensive Support: The platform provides 24/7 customer support through various channels including phone, email, and live chat, which is essential for businesses that require immediate assistance
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design allows staff to quickly learn the system with minimal training, enhancing operational efficiency during busy service hours
• Robust Analytics: Advanced reporting capabilities or using data analytics platforms, help restaurants track key metrics like sales and labor costs, facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning
• Flexible Hardware Options: Toast offers a range of hardware solutions designed for the restaurant environment, including spill-resistant devices and handheld options for tableside service

• Limited iOS Compatibility: Toast's software is only available on Android hardware, which may be a drawback for restaurants that prefer using iPads or other Apple devices
• Data Backup Limitations: The system, according to our Toast POS review, does not automatically back up data; users must manually update important information, which could pose risks if not managed properly
• Cost Considerations: While there is a free plan available for smaller operations, costs can escalate with additional features and hardware requirements as the business grows
• Customer Support Variability: Some users have reported that certain support options are not included in lower-tier plans, which could affect businesses that rely heavily on customer service

Toast POS offers a comprehensive suite of features designed specifically for the restaurant industry, making it a powerful tool for managing various aspects of food service operations. Here are the major features that set Toast apart, based on our Toast POS review:

• Point of Sale (POS): Toast provides an intuitive POS interface that allows servers to quickly take orders and process payments. The system supports various payment methods, including EMV chip cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments, enhancing the customer checkout experience.
• Online Ordering: The built-in online ordering feature enables restaurants to accept orders for pickup and delivery directly through their website or app. This functionality integrates seamlessly with the POS system, allowing for real-time updates on order status and inventory levels.
• Delivery Management: Toast includes tools for optimizing delivery logistics, such as route optimization and driver tracking. This feature helps streamline the delivery process, ensuring timely service and improved customer satisfaction.
• Inventory Management: We also learned in our Toast POS review that the software offers real-time tracking of ingredient levels, automatic stock alerts, and detailed reporting on inventory usage. This helps restaurants minimize waste and maintain optimal stock levels.
• Payroll Processing: Toast automates payroll management, including tip pooling and labor cost tracking. This feature simplifies payroll processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws while saving time for restaurant managers.
• Customer Engagement Tools: The platform includes customer relationship management (CRM) features such as guest profiles, loyalty programs, and marketing tools that enable restaurants to engage with customers effectively and encourage repeat business.

Streamlined Operations

Toast POS automates and simplifies various restaurant operations, from order taking to payment processing. This streamlining allows staff to focus on providing excellent service rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. For example, a busy café can utilize Toast’s tableside ordering feature, enabling servers to take orders directly at the table using handheld devices. This reduces wait times and enhances the overall dining experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased table turnover.

Comprehensive Analytics

The platform provides robust analytics and reporting tools that give restaurant owners insights into sales trends, labor costs, and inventory usage. This data-driven approach enables informed decision-making. For instance, a restaurant owner can analyze peak sales hours and adjust staffing levels accordingly to optimize labor costs. Additionally, by tracking inventory levels in real-time, they can minimize waste and ensure popular menu items are always available, ultimately boosting profitability.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

Toast POS includes customer relationship management (CRM) features that help restaurants build loyalty programs and manage customer profiles. This capability allows businesses to personalize marketing efforts based on customer preferences and purchase history. For example, a pizzeria could implement a loyalty program where customers earn points for every order, incentivizing repeat visits. By sending targeted promotions or birthday rewards through the system, the restaurant can foster stronger relationships with its customers.

Integrated Online Ordering

With the rise of off-premise dining, Toast POS integrations for online ordering system is a significant advantage. Restaurants can accept orders directly through their website or app without incurring third-party commission fees. For example, a local diner can set up an online ordering platform that allows customers to place takeout orders during peak hours without overwhelming staff. This feature not only increases sales but also provides a seamless experience for customers who prefer ordering from home.

Toast POS is primarily designed for businesses in the food and hospitality sectors, based on our Toast POS review, this makes it an ideal choice for a variety of establishments. Here’s a breakdown of the types of businesses that benefit most from Toast POS, as well as those for which it may not be the best fit.

• Restaurants: Toast POS is particularly well-suited for full-service and quick-service restaurants. Its features cater to the unique needs of this industry, such as menu management, order tracking, and integrated payment processing. For example, a fine dining restaurant can utilize Toast's advanced analytics to track customer preferences and optimize their menu offerings based on sales data.
• Cafes and Coffee Shops: The system’s ease of use and quick transaction capabilities make it ideal for cafes where speed is essential. A coffee shop can benefit from Toast's online ordering feature, allowing customers to place orders ahead of time, thus reducing wait times during peak hours.
• Bars and Nightclubs: With specific functionalities tailored for beverage service, such as drink recipes and inventory management, Toast POS supports bars in managing their operations efficiently. For instance, a nightclub can use the system to track drink sales in real-time and manage staff schedules effectively.
• Food Trucks and Catering Services: The mobility of Toast’s hardware makes it a great option for food trucks that require a reliable POS system on the go. A catering service can also leverage Toast’s online ordering capabilities to streamline event bookings and manage multiple orders simultaneously.
• Bakeries: Bakeries can take advantage of Toast’s inventory management features to keep track of ingredient levels and manage daily sales efficiently. The system's ability to handle both retail transactions and online orders makes it a versatile choice for bakeries looking to expand their reach.