Operating a pizza shop is different from other foodservice businesses; the dishes are endlessly customizable, and delivery service and meal deals are expected. Those are all tall orders, and the best pizza point-of-sale (POS) system should help you do all of them. I’ve worked shifts in friends’ and relatives’ pizzerias and used several pizza POS systems over the years. I’ve also consulted with colleagues who worked in pizzerias in different regions to identify the best pizza POS options.
The team at Fit Small Business updates the pizza POS ranking several times a year, so this list reflects all of our opinions about which POS is best for pizza shops. My colleagues and I have scored dozens of popular POS systems for their cost, ease of use, and pizzeria-specific functions. Based on our evaluations, the best pizza POS systems are:
- Toast: Best overall pizza POS for all pizzeria types
- SpeedLine: Best for complex orders and combos
- Revel: Best for 5+ location pizzerias that want a cloud POS
- HungerRush 360: Best for pizza technology
- Slice Register: Best for quick setup
- Square for Restaurants: Best free POS for slice shops and small shops
Top Pizza POS Systems Compared
Minimum Monthly Software Fee | Hardware Cost | Self-managed Delivery Tools | Custom Pizza-building Module | Pay at Door Card Readers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$0 | $0–$1K+ | Good | Good | ✕ | |
Custom-quoted | Custom-quoted | Advanced | Advanced | ✓ | |
$99 | Custom-quoted | Advanced | Advanced | ✕ | |
$99 | Included with software fee | Good | Advanced | ✓ | |
Custom-quoted | Custom-quoted | Good | Good | ✕ | |
$0 | $0–$1K+ | Good | ✕ | ✕ | |
Quiz: Which Pizza POS Is Right for You?
Toast: Best Overall Pizza POS for All Pizzeria Types
Pros
- No software fees on pay-as-you-go plan
- Pay-as-you-go hardware options reduce your upfront costs
- Affordable marketing and loyalty add-ons
- Options for in-house and third-party delivery
Cons
- Locked into Toast Payments
- Requires two-year contract
- Inventory costs extra
Toast Pricing
- Monthly software subscription fee:
- Quick Start Bundle – $0
- Core – $69
- Growth – $165
- Build Your Own – Custom quote
- Hardware costs: $0–$1K+
See hardware section below for detailed pricing
- One-time Installation fees: $0 for self-installation; $250 for guided installation
- Processing fees:
- Standard – 2.49% + 15 cents per in-person transaction
- Pay-as-You-Go – 2.99% + 15 cents per in-person transaction
- Pay-as-You-Go with Marketing tools – 3.39% + 15 cents per in-person transaction
- Contract length: 2 years
What We Like
Toast is a best-in-class hybrid POS system that operates on industry-grade Toast terminals and handheld devices. I’ve used Toast in multiple restaurants over the years, and have been consistently impressed with its user-friendliness and sheer volume of available functions. Toast offers several key features—complex nested modifiers, delivery management, driver management, and online ordering—that make it a great fit for pizza shops. It earns the top spot because it offers the best value for money for the most independent pizzerias.
Plus, Toast offers pay-as-you-go options for up to two POS terminals to help small pizzerias get started for no upfront cost. I’ve also found that Toast’s industry-grade hardware is great in a busy pizza environment. And it has gotten even more user-friendly with its updated fast order screens and revamped server and driver shift reports that reduce button presses and speed service and staff closeouts.
Toast earned a 4.14 out of 5 in our pizza POS ranking. The system earned points for its free starter software price and ease of use. It has all of the pizza-supporting functions, like delivery management and pizza combo-building tools. Toast lost some points because it locks users into the built-in Toast Payments, requires a two-year contract, and charges extra for inventory and ordering tools.
More than 25% of our quiz respondents use a combination of in-house and third-party delivery drivers. Toast is a perfect fit for these types of operations.
Take a deeper look at Toast by exploring our rankings where Toast came out on or near the top:
- Best Bar POS
- Best Online Ordering Systems
- Best Kitchen Display Systems
- Best Quick Service Restaurant POS
SpeedLine: Best for Complex Orders & Combos
Pros
- Dynamic order screens show ingredients and modifiers at a glance
- In-field credit card payments via long-range card readers reduce fees
- Advanced mapping tools aid driver dispatch and marketing strategies
- Flexible coupons and multiprice offers for peak-time customer engagement
Cons
- Not fully cloud-based
- Some updates can only be made by the SpeedLine support team
- Price requires a custom quote
SpeedLine Pricing
- Subscription fee: Custom-quoted, all-in-one software and hardware price
- One-time installation fees: Custom-quoted
- Processing fees: Custom-quoted from compatible payment gateways (WorldPay, Monetra)
What We Like
SpeedLine is a legacy, locally installed POS that has been supporting pizzerias for decades. This system includes all order variations on a single screen with automated promo applications, that automatically recognize when an order qualifies for a combo or existing promotion. SpeedLine also integrates with call center software so you can turn over your phones on busy nights. The order screen highlights ingredients on signature pies so your cashiers don’t waste any time adding and subtracting ingredients and building custom pizzas.
SpeedLine scored 4.08 out of 5 on our pizza POS evaluation criteria. Like Revel, SpeedLine earned a ton of points for its mountain of functions, with a perfect 5 out of 5 for niche pizza functions.
But, also like Revel, SpeedLine’s biggest weakness is the price. With a system that requires on-site installation and custom quotes, the cost can be high, in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. Most of that cost is upfront, with few ongoing monthly fees. But if you don’t have that kind of cash on hand, SpeedLine won’t be a fit.
Did you know?
More than 60% of our quiz respondents are traditional pizzerias, with lots of delivery orders plus on-site dining. These operations are exactly what SpeedLine was designed to support.
Revel Systems: Best for 5+ Location Pizzerias Wanting a Cloud POS
Pros
- Map-based driver dispatch with inbuilt smartphone app
- Multiple integrated payment processors
- Combo builders and pizza-building screens support complex orders
- Automated inventory tools with PO management and smartphone counting app
Cons
- No free trial or free baseline subscription
- Hardware requires custom-quote
- 3-year contract
- Doesn’t support pay-at-the-door credit card readers
Revel Pricing
- Software subscription fee: Custom-quoted (formerly $99 per terminal, monthly)
- Hardware costs: Custom quote
- One-time installation fees: Starting at $674
- Processing fees: Rates vary by processor. Choose from Revel Advantage, First Data, Heartland, TSYS, Worldpay, Chase Paymentech, and Elavon
- Contract length: 3 years
What We Like
Revel Systems is a massively functional iPad POS. This multifaceted POS includes integrated, maps-based dispatching and staff-facing smartphone apps for delivery drivers. It also supports multiple payment processors, so high-volume pizzerias can shop for the best processing rates. Add in the complex combo-building features, and open application programming interface (API), and Revel Systems is a natural fit for pizzerias that want an infinitely customizable cloud-based POS.
Revel earned an overall score of 3.95 out of 5 in our pizza POS ranking criteria. It earned the highest score on this list for its general POS functions. Its niche, pizzeria-supporting tools also come right behind SpeedLine and HungerRush (two systems designed specifically for pizzerias)—although Revel lacks pay-at-the-door capabilities and the coupon configurations are less robust.
Not supporting just one or two locations, however, impacts Revel’s final rating on this system. Because of the high upfront cost, two-terminal minimum, and three-year contract (the longest on our list, along with HungerRush), Revel should only be considered by pizzerias with 5+ locations. The scale of its POS only really works for businesses of this size.
HungerRush 360: Best for Pizza Tech
Pros
- Accepts orders through in-person, online, phone, app, and text channels
- Includes long-range card readers for at-the-door payments
- Dynamic order screens display ingredients and modifiers
- Customer loyalty and rewards system
Cons
- Systems can be pricey
- 3-year contract
- More machine than small pizza shops need
HungerRush Pricing
- Subscription plans (1-5 units)
- Starter – $99 per month
- Advanced – $199 per month
- Subscription for 5+ units – Custom quote
- Hardware costs: Included with software subscription
- One-time installation fee: Custom quote
- Payment processing: Varies by processor
- Contract length: 3 years
What We Like
HungerRush 360 is a cloud POS built from the former legacy, locally installed POS, Revention. The system was initially developed specifically for pizza shops. The updated cloud-enabled HungerRush includes a ton of the insightful tools developed by its grandaddy system, like speed screens that include build-your-own pizza and payment options on a single screen. It includes built-in tools for ordering via multiple channels—online, mobile app, and text. I’ve seen this POS in detailed live demos, and HungerRush is basically like SpeedLine, only it’s cloud-based, and with even more tech-forward tools.
HungerRush earned a score of 3.94 out of a possible 5 on our pizza POS criteria. It earned top marks for niche pizza functions like complex order modifiers and delivery management. In fact, it tied with SpeedLine, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 in this category. But like SpeedLine and Revel, HungerRush lost points on cost. At $99 to $199 per month, HungerRush is mid-priced on this list but requires a three-year contract.
Slice Register: Best for Quick Setup
Pros
- Easy-to-use system; takes no time to learn
- Integrated driver app supports in-house delivery teams
- Integrated Slice platform showcases your shop to new customers
- Advanced features for AI monitoring and self-managed delivery via app
Cons
- Only supports one payment processor (Ayden) so you can’t shop for better rates
- Doesn’t include inventory tools
- Doesn’t support pay-at-the-door credit card readers
Slice Pricing
- Subscription plans: Custom-quoted (formerly From $69 per month + $2.50 per online order)
- Third-party ordering integration: $75 per month
- One-time Installation fees: Custom quote
- Payment processing: From 2.5% per in-person transaction
- Contract length: 3+ years
What We Like
Slice Register is a POS built by the popular Slice online pizzeria marketplace, which has more than 18,000 independent pizza shop members. Slice Register’s software and hardware offer the simplest plug-and-play solution of all the pizza POS systems on this list.
Small shops can plug in the Slice terminal, add menu items, and start accepting in-person and online orders in a single afternoon. Slice Register also has a ton of options for brand management and customer marketing. It allows you to customize your website to showcase your business. It offers SEO assistance with search engines, reputation monitoring for online reviews, and boosted search results on Google.
On our ranking criteria, Slice Register earned a 3.80 out of 5. The software scored incredibly well for its niche pizza functions like maps-based driver management and user-friendly ordering screens. Slice Register could have scored higher overall if it supported pay-at-the-door card payments and was more transparent about their pricing. Slice also charges $2.50 per online order over $10, which can add up if you do a lot of online business.
Square: Best Free POS for Slice Shops
Pros
- No long-term contracts
- Free baseline POS for unlimited terminals
- Free 30-day trial for higher-tier software subscriptions
- Can use hardware you already own
Cons
- In-house driver management requires a third-party integration
- No pizza-builder functions and limited combo ordering tools
- Square is the only supported payment processor
Square Pricing
- Three subscription tiers:
- Free – $0 per month
- Plus – $60 per month
- Premium – Custom-quoted
- Hardware costs: From $49 for a contactless card reader to $1,439 for a full restaurant POS station kit
- One-time installation fee: $0; Square is self-installed, but you can request on-site installation assistance for $600
- Processing fees: 2.6% + 10 cents for in-person transactions, 2.9% + 30 cents for online or invoice transactions; 3.5% + 15 cents per transaction for manually keying in a credit card
What We Like
Square for Restaurants is the food and beverage POS built by the popular payment brand Square. This cloud-based POS operates on iPads and Square-designed hardware. The baseline software subscription is free to use on unlimited terminals. You can use hardware you already own, and there are no long-term contracts. Slice shops—which don’t need complex order modifiers—will be well supported by this user-friendly system. Your Square POS comes with a free online ordering site so you can easily accept online orders, too.
Square for Restaurants earned a 3.58 out of 5 on our pizza POS criteria. It earned the highest marks on our list for overall price. The free integrated online ordering site and excellent user reviews also gained points. But, Square for Restaurants lacks the pizza-specific tools that others on this list support.
Dig deeper into the Square ecosystem of small business tools by reading:
- How to Set Up a Free Square Online Store in 10 Steps
- The Ultimate Square POS Setup Guide
- Square Fees & Pricing: The Ultimate Guide
- Square Payroll Review
Methodology: How We Evaluated Pizza POS Systems
We compared dozens of the most popular POS systems based on vital pizzeria functions, including cost, ease of use, underlying POS functions, and niche pizzeria tools. We also considered our resident restaurant expert’s personal experience with each system.
Click through the tabs below for our full evaluation criteria:
10% of Overall Score
Pizzerias have a lot of tech needs and tend to have a slightly higher software budget than other restaurant types. Still, we looked at whether or not each software offers a free plan, free trial, and a plan option under $75 monthly. Because most shops are high-volume, we also looked for systems that allow you to shop around for best payment processing rates. Since shop needs can fluctuate over time, we awarded points to systems that have service contracts that are one year or less.
25% of Overall Score
30% of Overall Score
This category was the real battleground. We looked for everything from driver management to robust coupon support and automated ingredient-level inventory with vendor management. Because pizzas are so highly modified, we specifically looked for pizza-building modules and robust combo-building functions. We also gave the highest marks to systems that support pay-at-the-door card readers so you can save money on card-not-present transaction fees.
15% of Overall Score
Here, we looked for systems that come with 24/7 customer support, guided installation (with bonus points if it is free), and comprehensive training materials. We also awarded points to cloud-based systems that free you from your back office and have strong offline functions so your operation doesn’t crash if your internet does.
20% of Overall Score
Meet the Experts
My colleagues and I evaluate pizza point of sale systems multiple times a year. So each ranking includes insights and recommendations from several experts. Learn more about our pizza and POS experience in the table below.
Mary King has worked in every type of food service business from coffee shops and pizzerias to full-service fine dining restaurants. With over 14 years of industry experience, she has used many POS systems in real-world food service businesses, including pizza shops. She has evaluated restaurant and pizzeria software for more than four years. | |
Ray Delucci has 10 years of experience in the food industry. Early in his career, he worked in an on-campus pizzeria at the Culinary Institute of America. He’s also managed pizza creation in full-service restaurants and even wood-fired catering events in the Napa Valley. | |
Katie-Jay Simmons has over 10 years of experience in retail and hospitality settings, with a significant portion dedicated to working in pizzerias. In addition to her hands-on expertise, she has been reviewing retail and restaurant software for 2+ years. | |
Meaghan Brophy has 10-plus years of retail experience, during which she has operated a variety of cash registers and POS systems in different settings and applications. Since working in retail, Meaghan has 7-plus years of experience writing for retailers and 4-plus years of experience evaluating POS systems. |
What to Look for in a Pizza POS System
Your POS system should provide you with features that can cater to the unique demands of a pizzeria while streamlining your daily operations. Here are the most important features to look for when considering a pizza POS system:
- Online ordering functionality: As more customers seek contactless transactions, having an efficient online ordering feature is crucial. Your POS should enable customers to place orders from the comfort of their homes, either through your website or a convenient mobile app.
- Integrated order management: The best pizza POS systems should seamlessly merge various types of orders—dine-in, online, or phone-in—into one easy-to-manage platform. This kind of order management integration ensures operational efficiency and order accuracy.
- Custom pizza builder: A pizza builder tool that accommodates custom orders is key for many pizza restaurants. Most of these features allow for the creation of half-and-half pizzas, specific topping combinations, and other customizations.
- Loyalty program integration: Implementing a loyalty program helps stimulate repeat business, so it’s important that your POS supports it. Loyalty programs typically act as a POS add-on that reward customers with points leading to perks (like a free pizza).
- Ingredient-level inventory management: The ability to automatically track ingredients used per order and update your inventory in real time is another essential feature. Some advanced systems may also allow for ingredient reordering directly from the app.
- Delivery management capabilities: If your restaurant offers in-house delivery, choose a POS system equipped with robust delivery features, including tools like delivery mapping and at-the-door payment processing.
- Third-party delivery integration: Pizza POS systems that integrate with third-party delivery services (like GrubHub, DoorDash, and UberEats) can help broaden your delivery range and efficiency while outsourcing the logistics.
- Comprehensive customer management: A POS with a robust customer management system is essential. It should store key information like customer contact details and preferences. Some advanced systems even have the ability to record dislikes and other notes for personalized service.
- Payment processing: Your pizza POS should offer diverse and efficient payment options, from chip cards to mobile and contactless methods, all at affordable rates. Some providers only support their own proprietary payment processors, while others integrate with multiple processors (offering you the flexibility to seek better rates).
- Reporting and analytics: A successful pizza POS system should provide comprehensive reporting and analytics. This feature allows you to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), informing strategic planning based on sales data, inventory levels, and customer behavior insights.
- Manageable pricing and terms: One of the most important pizza POS system features is a price that fits into your budget. Many systems also require 1- to 3-year contracts, so be sure to seek a provider with terms that fit your future plans.
- Tailored features: Additional features may be required depending on your unique business needs. For instance, an intuitive POS system that requires minimal training could be vital in a high staff turnover environment. Or, If your pizzeria also serves alcoholic beverages, consider a POS that caters to specific liquor service needs. A sit-down restaurant will likely benefit from table management, pre-auth for bar tabs, and tableside ordering capabilities.
By considering these attributes in your search for a pizza POS system, you can find a solution that is not only reliable and easy to use, but also tailored to the specific operational needs of your pizzeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to our ranking criteria, the best POS for most pizzerias is Toast. However, there are several types of pizza shops—from slice shops that do mainly small cash sales to high-volume, delivery-heavy spots—that have different needs. For those smaller slice shops, we recommend Square, and for high-volume pizzerias, Revel or SpeedLine may be better.
It’s hard to determine the most popular pizzeria POS since many pizza shops have different needs.
Choose a pizza POS system by assessing your pizzeria’s needs and budget and finding a system that fits both. Schedule demos of a few different systems to make sure you’ve got the right fit before committing. Many pizza POS systems don’t offer free trials or short-term contracts, so take the time to research the software before you sign a two- to three-year contract.
Bottom Line
Pizza POS systems should be easy to use, enable customizable orders, and integrate seamlessly with delivery apps. In short, it should create an efficient experience for your customers and employees.
With this in mind, we found that Toast is the best overall pizza POS system for small, independent pizza shops. With user-friendly, industry-grade hardware, a pizza-building module, and built-in options for driver management and third-party delivery, Toast can expand to fit any operation. Pay-as-you-go hardware options also make it easy for new pizzerias and slice shops to get started for no upfront cost. See if Toast is right for you by getting a full demo.