No spin, no asterisks. Real published prices, real features, where we win and where the other guys win. Updated April 2026.
| ChowHub | Toast | Square for Rest. | Clover | Moneris | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry software | $29/mo | $0 / $69/mo | $0 / $69/mo | ~$60/mo | ~$0–$30/mo + terminal |
| Mid-tier software | $59–$120/mo | $165–$300+/mo | $69 + add-ons | $100–$180/mo | ~$59 CAD |
| Processor lock-in | No | Yes (Toast) | Yes (Square) | Yes (Fiserv) | Yes (Moneris) |
| Typical card-present rate | ~2.6% + 10¢ (your processor) | ~2.49% + 15¢ | 2.6% + 10¢ | ~2.3–2.6% + 10¢ | ~1.9–2.95% |
| Hardware required | No — BYO / Pi | Their terminals | Their terminals / iPad | Their terminals | Their terminals |
| Typical hardware cost | $0–$200 | $900–$5,000+ | $300–$800 | $800–$1,800 | $500–$1,500+ |
| Contract | Monthly | 2–3 year typical | Monthly | Often 3-year | 3-year typical |
| KDS included | Yes (Base) | Add-on | $20/mo per device | Add-on | Add-on |
| Recipe inventory / COGS | Yes (Pro) | Yes (higher tier) | Limited | Via apps | Limited |
| Online ordering | Yes (Enterprise) | Yes (add-on) | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on |
| Loyalty / marketing | No | Yes | Add-on | Via apps | Limited |
| Payroll | No | Yes | Add-on | Via apps | No |
| Native 3P delivery dispatch | No | Yes (DoorDash Drive) | Limited | Limited | No |
| Self-host / offline-capable | Yes (Docker / Pi) | Limited | Limited | No | No |
Competitor pricing changes frequently. Always verify on their sites before signing anything.
Each guide is honest — including where the competitor genuinely beats us.
Best-in-class features. Locked into their processor + a 3-year contract. Frequently $300+/mo all-in.
Switching from ToastSlick UX. Free tier. But $20/mo per KDS, processor-locked, and add-ons get expensive fast.
Switching from SquareSold via banks at $100+/mo per device. App marketplace is broad but every plug-in stacks the bill.
Switching from CloverEstablished Canadian processor. Their POS is fine; the 3-year processing contract is the catch.
Switching from Moneris