Clover vs Toast vs Square: Pos Showdown – Which Is Best?
Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system can feel like navigating a minefield. With so many options available, it’s tough to know where to start. This comparison dives deep into three industry leaders to help you make the best decision for your business: clover vs toast vs square.
We’ll be focusing primarily on Clover and Toast, two popular choices known for their robust features and industry-specific solutions. Square, while a strong contender, will serve as a point of reference. Understanding the nuances of each platform is crucial to finding the ideal fit.
This comparison will cover everything from pricing and hardware to features and ease of use. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a retail shop manager, or a budding entrepreneur, this guide will provide valuable insights. Get ready to explore the pros and cons of Clover and Toast, and see how they stack up against the competition.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | clover | toast |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Display | Color | Monochrome |
| Material | Durable Plastic | Wood |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Wired |
| Battery Life | Long | Short |
| Portability | Poor | Excellent |
| Durability | High | Moderate |
| Water Resistance | Yes | No |
| Ease of Use | Complex | Simple |
| Style | Modern | Classic |
| Special Features | Advanced Settings | Quick Start |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Hardware Compatibility
- Clover: Clover systems are designed to work with a range of peripherals, including printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers. They offer a relatively open ecosystem, but may require specific Clover-compatible hardware. The hardware is generally modern and aesthetically pleasing, but can be a more costly upfront investment.
- Toast: Toast POS systems are built on a closed, proprietary hardware platform. This means that Toast controls the entire hardware and software stack. This can lead to seamless integration and excellent performance, but limits hardware choices and potentially increases reliance on Toast for all hardware needs.
- Winner: Toast
Software Features (Core POS)
- Clover: Clover provides a robust core POS system with features like order management, inventory tracking, and reporting. It has a flexible app market, allowing for customization and integrations. Its interface can sometimes feel less intuitive compared to more specialized POS systems.
- Toast: Toast offers a comprehensive POS platform with strong restaurant-specific features, including table management, online ordering, and loyalty programs. It excels in front-of-house and back-of-house operations. The breadth of features can be overwhelming for smaller businesses or those with simpler needs.
- Winner: Toast
Online Ordering & Delivery
- Clover: Clover supports online ordering and delivery through its app market integrations. Offers flexibility in choosing integrations. The quality and features of online ordering capabilities depend on the chosen apps.
- Toast: Toast has integrated online ordering and delivery directly into its platform, creating a seamless experience. Offers robust online ordering features, including menu management, delivery management, and online payments.
- Winner: Toast
Payment Processing
- Clover: Clover offers its own payment processing services, as well as integrations with third-party processors. Provides flexibility in payment processing choices, but may have varying rates depending on the provider.
- Toast: Toast primarily uses its own payment processing services. Offers competitive rates and seamless integration with the POS system. Restricts payment processing options.
- Winner: Toast
Reporting & Analytics
- Clover: Clover provides a solid set of reporting tools, allowing users to track sales, inventory, and employee performance. The reporting features are adequate but might not be as deep or specialized as some competitors.
- Toast: Toast offers extensive reporting and analytics features, providing in-depth insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) for restaurant operations. Provides detailed data analysis.
- Winner: Toast
Customer Support
- Clover: Clover’s customer support can be variable depending on the specific plan and provider. Response times and the quality of support can vary.
- Toast: Toast is known for its responsive customer support, tailored to the needs of the restaurant industry. Offers dedicated support channels and training resources.
- Winner: Toast
Pricing & Fees
- Clover: Clover’s pricing structure is often based on hardware purchase or lease, plus monthly software fees and payment processing rates. The overall cost can vary depending on the chosen plan and add-on features.
- Toast: Toast’s pricing is often bundled, with hardware, software, and payment processing fees combined. Can be more expensive upfront, but often provides a more streamlined cost structure.
- Winner: Toast
Ease of Use & Setup
- Clover: Clover is relatively easy to set up and use, especially for businesses new to POS systems. The user interface is generally straightforward, but customization can make it more complex.
- Toast: Toast is designed specifically for restaurants and is relatively easy to set up, but the large number of features could be overwhelming for smaller businesses. The user interface is designed to be intuitive for restaurant operations.
- Winner: Toast
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | clover |
| Portability | toast |
| Battery Life | clover |
| Ease of Use | toast |
| Customization | clover |
| Style | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Purpose: Both products serve the basic function of providing a user experience.
- Power Source: Both require a power source, either internal or external, to operate.
- User Interface: Both offer a way for the user to interact with the device.
- Physical Presence: Both are physical objects that can be held and used.
- Dependence: Both require the user to be present to function.
Clover Vs Toast Vs Square Buying Guide
Clover Buying Guide
Clover is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system known for its versatility. It’s a great choice for businesses of all sizes, from small boutiques to large restaurants. Clover offers various hardware options, including countertop terminals, handheld devices, and self-service kiosks. The platform’s app market allows for customization, enabling businesses to integrate with accounting software, loyalty programs, and online ordering platforms. Consider your specific needs regarding inventory management, employee tracking, and reporting when evaluating Clover. Its monthly fees can vary depending on the plan and features selected, so factor that into your budget.
Toast Buying Guide
Toast is specifically designed for the restaurant industry, offering features tailored to its unique demands. It excels in areas like online ordering, table management, and kitchen display systems (KDS). Toast’s hardware is robust and designed to withstand the rigors of a busy restaurant environment. The system’s integrated payments processing simplifies transactions and reconciliation. While Toast is well-suited for restaurants, its features may be overkill or not as valuable for other types of businesses. Its pricing structure, which often includes hardware costs and subscription fees, should be carefully examined before making a commitment.
Square Buying Guide
Square is known for its ease of use and affordability, making it a popular choice for small businesses and mobile vendors. Its hardware is sleek and user-friendly, and its setup process is straightforward. Square offers a free plan with basic features, making it an accessible option for startups. The platform’s integrated payment processing simplifies transactions and provides quick access to funds. Square’s features are more limited than Clover or Toast, and it may not be suitable for businesses with complex inventory needs or a large number of employees. Consider its scalability and reporting capabilities.
Clover Hardware Considerations
Clover provides a range of hardware options, from the Clover Mini, a compact countertop terminal, to the Clover Station, a more robust system with a larger display and integrated printer. There are also handheld devices for tableside ordering and payment processing. The hardware is generally reliable, but it’s important to consider the specific needs of your business. Factors to think about are the number of transactions processed, the need for mobility, and the desired level of customer interaction. Evaluate the cost of the hardware and any associated maintenance fees.
Toast Hardware Considerations
Toast’s hardware is designed for the demanding environment of a restaurant. It often includes durable touchscreen terminals, kitchen display systems (KDS), and handheld ordering devices. The hardware is built to withstand spills, drops, and constant use. The systems are designed to operate seamlessly in a kitchen setting. Consider the layout of your restaurant and the need for tableside ordering and payment processing. The cost of Toast hardware is typically bundled into the overall pricing plan. Make sure to assess how the hardware solutions fit in with your staff’s workflow.
Square Hardware Considerations
Square offers a streamlined hardware selection, including its iconic card readers, countertop terminals, and Square Register. The hardware is known for its ease of setup and use. Square’s hardware is generally affordable and can be purchased outright or through a payment plan. Consider the volume of transactions your business processes and the need for features like customer-facing displays or receipt printers. Square’s hardware is well-suited for mobile businesses and those that prioritize simplicity. Assess your budget and your desire for a simplified payment process.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy clover If…
- You need a durable and reliable option.
- You want advanced customization options.
- You need long battery life.
- You don’t mind a larger size.
Buy toast If…
- You prioritize simplicity and ease of use.
- You need something lightweight and portable.
- You appreciate a classic design.
- You need something that is quick to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between Clover and Toast?
Clover is a more versatile POS system suitable for various businesses, while Toast is specifically designed for restaurants. Toast offers specialized features like kitchen display systems (KDS) and advanced table management. Clover has a broader app market for customization, while Toast focuses on restaurant-specific integrations. Toast’s hardware is often more robust, designed to withstand the rigors of a restaurant environment.
Is Square a good option for a restaurant?
Square can be a good option for smaller restaurants or those just starting out. It’s affordable and easy to use. However, it may lack some of the advanced features offered by Toast, such as advanced table management and kitchen display systems. Square’s reporting capabilities might be limited for a complex restaurant operation. Consider how many features you need before committing.
Which system is easiest to set up and use?
Square is generally considered the easiest to set up and use. Its hardware is plug-and-play, and its software interface is intuitive. Clover and Toast offer more advanced features, but their setup process can be more complex, especially if you require extensive customization or integrations. Square excels in simplicity and ease of onboarding, making it a good choice for beginners.
What are the costs associated with each system?
Square offers a free plan with basic features, making it the most affordable entry point. Clover and Toast have monthly subscription fees that vary depending on the features you need. The cost of hardware is typically bundled into Toast’s pricing. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including hardware, software, and payment processing fees, when comparing systems.
Which system offers the best reporting and analytics?
Clover and Toast generally offer more robust reporting and analytics capabilities than Square. They provide detailed insights into sales, inventory, and employee performance. Square’s reporting is more basic. Clover’s app market also lets you integrate with other apps for more detailed reporting. Consider which features you need to make important data-driven decisions.
What kind of customer support is available for each system?
All three systems offer customer support, but the quality and availability may vary. Square is known for its readily available online resources and FAQs. Clover and Toast often provide more personalized support options, including phone and email support. Research the support options and read reviews to assess the level of support you can expect.
Which system is best for online ordering?
Toast is a strong choice for online ordering, as it offers a comprehensive suite of online ordering features designed specifically for restaurants. Clover also offers online ordering capabilities through its app market. Square also offers online ordering, but it may be more limited compared to Toast and Clover, depending on your business’ needs and integrations.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right POS system depends on your business’s specific needs. Toast excels for restaurants, offering specialized features. Clover provides versatility for various businesses with its app market. Square offers ease of use and affordability, making it ideal for small businesses. Weigh the pros and cons of each system to make the best choice.
Winner: Toast