Choosing the right online ordering software can be overwhelming, especially with so many platforms available. Whether you’re a POS reseller looking for the best solutions for your clients or a restaurant owner searching for the perfect tool to grow online sales, this guide will help you compare the top 10 options.
Each platform is ranked based on key features, pros and cons, pricing, and best use cases.
1. Toast Online Ordering – Best for Restaurants Using Toast POS
A seamless solution for restaurants already on the Toast ecosystem
Key Features:
✔ Fully integrated with Toast POS
✔ Real-time menu updates & inventory sync
✔ Tableside ordering via QR codes
✔ Customer loyalty programs
✔ Integrated online payments
✔ Supports curbside pickup and delivery
Pricing:
Requires a Toast POS subscription
Online ordering is available in higher-tier plans
Pros:
Seamless POS and online ordering experience
Guest profiles help track ordering habits
Delivery and pickup options
Marketing features to engage customers
Cons:
Limited for restaurants not using Toast POS
Customer support delays reported
Pro Tip: If you already use Toast POS, this system is a no-brainer for in-house online orders. Consider pairing it with third-party delivery services to expand your reach.
2. Olo – Best for Multi-Location Chains
A high-end solution for enterprise-level restaurants
Key Features:
✔ Aggregates orders from multiple platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, etc.)
✔ Custom branded online ordering page
✔ POS and loyalty program integrations
✔ Analytics dashboard for real-time insights
✔ Multi-location menu syncing
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on restaurant size
High setup and monthly fees
Pros:
Built for large chains with multiple locations
Eliminates manual entry errors with direct integrations
Custom API options for deeper customization
Cons:
Expensive for small businesses
Requires technical expertise to set up
Pro Tip: If running multiple locations, Olo can automate your ordering system while integrating third-party apps into a single dashboard.
3. ChowNow – Best for Commission-Free Online Ordering
Keep more profits by eliminating third-party commissions
Key Features:
✔ Zero-commission online ordering
✔ Branded mobile app
✔ Google and Yelp menu integration
✔ Automated email & SMS marketing
✔ Works with multiple payment processors
Pricing:
Starts at $149/month (flat fee)
Pros:
No pre-order commissions
Encourages direct customer orders
Custom-branded website and app
Cons:
No built-in delivery drivers (you need to manage your own)
Basic design options
Pro Tip: Use Google integration to capture local searches and bring in new customers without paying commissions.
4. DoorDash Storefront – Best for Restaurants Already on DoorDash
Commission-free orders with DoorDash’s driver network
Key Features:
✔ No commission fees on direct orders
✔ Branded online ordering page
✔ Uses DoorDash’s driver network
✔ Built-in marketing & promotions
Pricing:
Free to use for direct orders
Delivery fees apply
Pros:
Leverages DoorDash’s driver network
Zero commission on direct orders
Simple setup
Cons:
Still charges service fees
Less control over customer data
Pro Tip: DoorDash prioritizes orders from its own marketplace, so mix DoorDash Storefront with a direct-ordering system to retain more profits.
5. Uber Eats Online Ordering – Best for Marketplace Exposure
Tap into Uber’s massive user base
Key Features:
✔ Free online ordering setup
✔ POS integrations
✔ Access to Uber Eats' marketplace
✔ Flexible delivery options
Pricing:
No setup fee, but Uber Eats takes a commission
Pros:
Huge customer base
Built-in marketing and promotions
Works with third-party POS systems
Cons:
High commission fees
Limited branding control
Pro Tip: Use Uber Eats for discovery, but shift regular customers to direct ordering to save on commissions.
6. Square Online Ordering – Best for Small Restaurants and Cafes
Simple, budget-friendly online ordering
Key Features:
✔ Free online ordering setup
✔ Mobile-friendly interface
✔ Social media integrations
✔ Works with Square POS
Pricing:
Free basic plan, paid plans start at $29/month
Pros:
Easy to set up
No monthly fees on free plan
Works with in-person POS
Cons:
Basic features compared to enterprise solutions
Limited customization
Pro Tip: Great for coffee shops and fast-casual spots looking for low-cost online ordering.
7. Menufy – Best for Budget-Friendly Setup
Get started with no upfront costs
Key Features:
✔ Zero monthly fees
✔ Integrated delivery services
✔ Easy website integration
✔ Text and email marketing
Pricing:
Customers pay a $1.75 per order fee
Pros:
No setup costs
Easy to implement
Built-in loyalty program
Cons:
Customer pays the fees
Not as feature-rich as others
Pro Tip: Use Menufy to test online ordering, then upgrade to a more advanced system once sales grow.
8. ezCater – Best for Catering Businesses
Optimized for large catering orders
Key Features:
✔ Bulk order scheduling
✔ Automated invoicing
✔ Corporate order tracking
✔ Delivery management
Pricing:
Commission-based pricing
Pros:Best for catering orders
Attracts corporate clients
Efficient large-order managementCons:Not for daily takeout orders
Commission-based feesPro Tip: EzCater can bring in high-value corporate clients if your restaurant offers catering.
9. BentoBox – Best for Upscale Restaurants
A premium online ordering experience
Key Features:
✔ Custom restaurant websites
✔ High-end design focus
✔ SEO-optimized pages
Pricing:
Custom pricing
Pros:
Beautiful designs
Optimized for upscale dining
Cons:
More expensive than basic options
Pro Tip: If branding matters, BentoBox is an excellent choice for fine-dining restaurants.
10. Owner.com – Best for Increasing Direct Sales
Drive more direct online orders
Key Features:
✔ High-conversion online ordering
✔ Loyalty programs
✔ Automated email & SMS marketing
Pros:
Great for customer retention
Reduces reliance on third-party apps
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Pro Tip: If you want more direct orders, Owner.com is the best investment.
The best online ordering software depends on your business model, goals, and budget. Here’s how to choose the right one:
For POS resellers: If you want to offer your clients a fully integrated system, Toast, Square, and Olo are the best choices. They provide seamless synchronization between POS and online orders, reducing errors and making restaurant operations smoother.
For independent restaurants: If you want to increase direct orders and avoid third-party commissions, ChowNow, Owner.com, and BentoBox are excellent options. They help restaurants build direct relationships with customers while keeping more profits.
For large chains and franchises: Olo, Uber Eats, and DoorDash Storefront are best suited for multi-location restaurants needing centralized order management. These platforms offer automation and analytics at scale.
For catering businesses: If your restaurant focuses on bulk orders, ezCater is the best choice. It helps manage large, scheduled orders efficiently and connects restaurants with corporate clients.
For small businesses and startups: If you’re just getting started, Square Online, Menufy, and ChowNow provide low-cost entry into online ordering without high upfront investments.
The restaurant industry is shifting toward direct online ordering and customer-owned data. Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash provide exposure, but their high commission fees cut into profits. That’s why many restaurants are looking for hybrid solutions – using third-party platforms for discovery while building direct online ordering to retain customers.
The key takeaway? Restaurants and POS resellers should prioritize online ordering solutions that balance visibility, automation, and profitability. Whether you go for commission-free ordering, seamless POS integration, or large-scale enterprise solutions, the right platform can increase efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive higher revenue.
