6 Best Self-serve Kiosks for Businesses

Toast is a great overall choice for restaurants and foodservice businesses due to its tailored features and deep integration with restaurant-specific operations. Compared to competitors like Square and Clover, Toast takes the lead in several key areas.

First, Toast offers a strong restaurant-focused feature set that includes everything from ingredient-level inventory tracking to integrated kitchen display systems (KDS). This level of detail is something Square and Clover struggle to match, as these tend to cater more broadly to retail and smaller operations. Also, its ability to manage inventory down to the ingredient level using its xtraCHEF integration gives you better control over food costs and order accuracy.

The provider’s self-payment kiosks are designed to work in sync with its POS system, sending orders directly to the kitchen, thus reducing errors and speeding up service. Its hardware is built to last and endure daily wear and tear, offering a spill-resistant design engineered for the chaotic, fast-paced nature of restaurant kitchens. This hardware longevity is not something offered by Square or Clover, which rely on more generalized hardware options. 

It has continuously enhanced its self-service kiosk with features like SMS alerts for order readiness and real-time menu updates, allowing you to adjust for out-of-stock items or daily specials on the fly.

Customer support and documentation are other areas where it surpasses Square and Clover. While both competitors offer support, Toast’s hands-on approach to onboarding and ongoing support, including its “Toast University” for training, ensures you and your team can leverage its full range of features without being overwhelmed by the learning curve. This speeds up adoption for staff and reduces training hours for managers and owners.

Starter Plan: 

• Monthly software fee: $0

Point of Sale: 

• Monthly software fee: $69

Custom pricing also available to build your own plan

Hardware costs:

• $799.20 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
• $1,024.20 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
• $1,339.20 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)

Processing fees:

• 3.09%-3.69% plus 15 cents per transaction, if you choose a pay-as-you-go plan
• 2.49% plus 15 cents for card-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront
• 3.50% plus 15 cents for card-not-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront

Convenient and contactless: Guests can place orders independently, customize their meals, and pay using the self-serve kiosk.

Make menu updates on the fly: Add daily specials and 86 menu items that are out of stock.

Drive loyalty signups: Encourage loyalty/rewards sign-ups during the checkout process.

Direct integration with kitchen display: Orders are sent directly from the self-ordering kiosk to kitchen display screens on the line.SEE:Best Restaurant POS Systems

The core benefits of a Square kiosk — or any product by the company — is affordability and flexibility. Square is one of the few providers that offers a free version of its POS system, which includes all the features one needs, such as sales tracking and reporting, offline payment capabilities, and a customizable interface. It’s an excellent option for businesses that don’t need advanced or specialized POS features. 

Its kiosks specifically are relatively easy to set up. Toast, for example, requires more hands-on setup and support, while Square’s intuitive wizard allows you to get up and running in less than a day. If your priority is to get started with minimal fuss, Square wins here.

In terms of hardware, Square is incredibly flexible. You can use your existing iPad, or purchase one of the provider’s affordable hardware kits. This makes it much more accessible to businesses that want to start small and grow.

• $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail, and Appointments Free plans
• $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan
• $69 for Square Appointments Premium and Square Restaurants Plus plans
• $89 for Square Retail Plus plan
• $165 for Square Restaurant Premium plan
• Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan

Hardware costs: Sold separately

• $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
• $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
• $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).

Transaction fees:

• 2.6% plus 15 cents for in-person transactions
• 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions
• 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions
• 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices

Flexible devices and setup: Use portable iPad-powered devices compatible with multiple mounting options, like wall and countertop installations, for versatile placements.

Portable power: Operates on iPad battery; ideal for use during power outages or mobile setups.

Square POS integration: Syncs with Square’s POS system for seamless order management and real-time updates.

Multiple payment methods: Supports tap, chip, and magstripe payments, offering secure, flexible options.

User-friendly interface: Intuitive design helps customers complete orders quickly, reducing wait times.

Real-time analytics: Provides immediate sales data and performance tracking through the Square Kiosk app.

Loyalty integration: Integrates with Square Loyalty so customers can easily sign up for loyalty programs directly at the kiosk during checkout.

SEE:Toast vs. Square

A key differentiator for Lightspeed is its data-driven approach to restaurant management. 

The platform offers advanced reporting tools that provide detailed insights into sales, customer preferences, and even individual employee performance at each location. This level of analysis helps you make informed decisions about staffing, inventory, and menu adjustments. Competitors like Square and Toast offer basic reporting features, but they don’t provide the depth of analysis needed for more complex businesses.

In addition to reporting, Lightspeed’s inventory management system gives you complete visibility over stock levels at each location. This system can track inventory usage, manage recipes, and calculate costs.

Lightspeed POS kiosk also boasts a highly customizable interface for each location. Users have the ability to design floor plans and table setups to fit the unique layout of each venue. The software allows customers to utilize the pay-at-the-table functionality — which is a step above what other platforms offer​.

• $189 for Essential plan
• $399 for Premium plan

Hardware cost

Pricing for Lightspeed’s iPad and desktop hardware kits is quote-based. Individual hardware products:

• $79 for Mobile Tap V2 card reader
• $199 for iPad stand or swivel stand
• $329 for WisePOS E countertop reader
• $429 for Lightspeed Lite Server for data backup and offline mode functionality

Payment processing fees

• 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction
• 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions

One fast, intuitive platform: Streamline transactions with integrated payments, plus customize multi-location tools, integrations, and workflows.

Personalized expert support: Receive onboarding support and one-on-one account management from an expert. 

Performance-boosting insights: Get real-time reporting and visibility across your entire business

Extensive customization options: Lightspeed allows you to customize unique workflows, including menus, screens, order settings, and floor plans. 

Clover is a top POS kiosk system for in-person sales largely due to its flexibility, competitive pricing, and range of hardware options that serve businesses in all sectors. Whether you’re running a restaurant, retail store, or service-based business, Clover offers tailored solutions to meet your business needs.

One of Clover’s biggest strengths is its versatility. It offers plenty of hardware bundles and components, so you can choose the right setup for your operations. Clover’s payment processing is handled by Fiserv, a major financial technology provider, but you can also choose your own merchant services provider if you prefer.

Clover also offers some of the most competitive flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. For example, businesses that use Clover’s Standard or Advanced plans get lower rates for in-person transactions — 2.3% plus 10 cents per sale, compared to the 2.6% plus 10 cents in the Starter plan. This makes Clover a great choice for businesses that process a high volume of in-person transactions and want to keep costs predictable and manageable, but may not make it the right choice for budget-conscious online startups or small businesses.

• $0 for Clover Go Payments, Retail Starter, and Personal Services Starter plans
• $14.95 for Clover Go Essentials, Professional Services Starter and Standard, and Home & Field Services Starter and Standard plans
• $49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard, and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans
• $59.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans
• $69.90 for Retail Advanced plan
• $79.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan
• $89.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan
• $109.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan
• $129.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan

Hardware cost:

• $199 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader
• $279 for countertop card reader
• $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with receipt printer and slimmer Flex Pocket with no printer
• $799 for Clover Mini POS
• $799-$899 + $25 per month for kitchen display system
• $1,699 for Clover Station Solo
• $1,799 for Clover Station Duo
• $3,499 + $34.95 per month for a self-ordering kiosk

Payment processing fees:

• 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type
• 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans
• 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions

All-in-one device: Offers a 24-inch display with a versatile payment terminal and built-in printer.  

Optimized self-ordering: Lets customers browse orders and customize them. 

Cross-selling and upselling: Promote options directly from the kiosk to increase order size and restaurant revenue. 

Low-touch setup: Offers guided setup, syncs seamlessly with your Clover POS for real-time menu updates, and sends orders directly to your kitchen display or printer as if placed at the counter.

Specifically designed for industries with specialized needs, like liquor stores, vape shops, cannabis dispensaries, and event ticketing, KORONA POS offers a variety of features that help optimize operations for these unique sectors.

KORONA POS has a customizable interface, which allows businesses to tailor the system to their specific requirements. KORONA’s user-friendly design ensures that the system adapts to the business, not the other way around. This is especially important for retailers who require precise tools, like RFID technology for efficient checkout and loss prevention, or businesses handling regulated products with a necessity for strict compliance.

Additionally, it offers cost-effective self-checkout solutions, which are particularly helpful for quick-service restaurants and retail stores that experience high foot traffic. By automating the checkout process, these kiosks reduce staff workload and speed up customer transactions, which improves overall efficiency.

Its competitive pricing model, which includes both month-to-month and annual payment options, makes it especially accessible to small businesses and any business looking for an efficient, competitively-priced self-service kiosk.

• Core Plan: $59/month, which includes a customizable dashboard, product catalog, and basic reporting
• Retail Plan: $69/month, adding inventory counts, stock management, and supplier integrations
• A variety of other packages ranging from $10-$45 are also offered.

Hardware cost is available through leasing options, and the cost will vary based on the devices needed.

Integrated RFID self-checkout solutions: Can be integrated with advanced RFID checkout software.

Self-service ticketing for events and attractions: Perfect for events and attractions that require ticketing. Let customers quickly purchase tickets themselves. 

POS kiosk system is hardware agnostic: Businesses can either use existing hardware or purchase from KORONA’s available options.

Multi-industry adaptability: A versatile system that supports various industries from retail to quick-service restaurants and events.

Revel stands out as the best self-serve kiosk system for established businesses with its precise inventory management and highly customizable ordering options. Moreover, its real-time reporting capabilities give business owners a competitive edge by providing in-depth analytics on everything from customer preferences to employee productivity.

Compared to its closest competitor, Clover, Revel offers a more robust set of customization tools, particularly around customer profiling and inventory management. Where Clover excels in ease of use and quick setup, Revel provides more control and depth, especially for businesses with complex operational needs. If your business thrives on repeat customers and requires a strong loyalty program, Revel’s integrated rewards system is a perfect match. Its “always-on mode” also sets it apart, offering operational resilience during internet outages.

However, it’s important to note that Revel’s steep initial costs and the complexity of customization may not be ideal for every business.

Base Tier (Starting at $99 per month, per terminal): This includes basic POS functionalities, inventory management, and reporting tools

A one-time fee of $649 is required for a professional installation

*Subscription prices are determined by processing volume and do not include cents per transaction. Processing up to $150,000 per year: $99/month, $150,000-$250,000 in processing per year: $139/month, $250,000+ in processing per year: $199+/month

Low‑touch setup: Guided setup walks through each step, from checking for images to tipping and printer setup.

Seamless integration with loyalty programs: Revel allows businesses to link their self-ordering kiosks with existing CRM and loyalty systems.

Customizable interface: Customize the user’s experience by adding company colors and graphics.

Built-in upselling tools: Increase restaurant revenue by promoting cross-selling and upselling options on the ordering kiosk.