POSApt, SwiftPOS, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant and OrderMate are five restaurant POS systems to consider in Australia. From managing table orders and kitchen communication to tracking sales and controlling costs, each system approaches restaurant operations differently.
This guide explores their key features, pricing and suitability for different types of restaurants, helping owners identify the right solution for their needs.
Quick Comparison: 5 Restaurant POS Systems in Australia
| POS System | Best For | Key Strength | Starting Price |
| POSApt | Small to medium restaurants | All-in-one hospitality features | $66/month |
| SwiftPOS | Large venues and hospitality groups | Multi-venue management | Custom quote |
| Square | Cafés and takeaway shops | Easy setup and integrated payments | Free plan available |
| Lightspeed | Full-service restaurants | Reporting and restaurant management | Contact for pricing |
| OrderMate | Busy restaurants | Flexible ordering and kitchen operations | Custom quote |
Prices are in AUD. Hardware, payment processing and optional services may cost extra. Confirm current pricing and inclusions before purchasing.
5 Best POS Systems for Restaurants: QSR, Casual & Fine Dining
1. POSApt
POSApt is an Australian restaurant POS system designed to bring everyday hospitality operations together in one platform. It is particularly suitable for independent restaurants, cafés, takeaway shops and growing hospitality businesses.
The system supports table management, split bills, kitchen printing and a Kitchen Display System (KDS). Restaurants can also use QR code ordering, loyalty programs and digital gift cards to provide additional ways for customers to order and return.
One of POSApt’s main advantages is its online ordering solution, which can be integrated into an existing website or provided with a three-page WordPress website. A table reservation system is also included with the online ordering package.
POSApt offers 24/7 Australian support, which can be particularly valuable for restaurants operating outside standard business hours.
Pricing
- POS system: $66 per month
- Online ordering package: $185 per month
- Kitchen Display System: $5 per month
POSApt is worth considering for restaurants looking for a broad range of hospitality features without managing numerous separate software subscriptions. Businesses should confirm which services are included in their selected package.
2. SwiftPOS
SwiftPOS is an Australian hospitality POS provider with roots in Brisbane. It offers a comprehensive system suited to larger restaurants, pubs, clubs and multi-venue hospitality businesses.
Its strength lies in managing more complex operations. SwiftPOS supports centralised product and pricing management, detailed reporting, loyalty programs and integrations with other hospitality technologies.
For businesses operating several venues, centralised management can reduce the need to update menus, prices and promotions separately at each location.
SwiftPOS also offers offline trading capabilities, providing additional flexibility when internet connectivity is interrupted.
Pricing
SwiftPOS uses customised pricing based on business requirements, hardware and system configuration. Restaurants need to request a quote.
It is a strong option for established hospitality businesses that require extensive operational control, although smaller venues should consider whether they need its full range of capabilities.
3. Square for Restaurants
Square for Restaurants is a popular choice for cafés, takeaway shops and smaller restaurants seeking a straightforward POS system.
Its biggest attraction is accessibility. Businesses can start with a free POS plan, use compatible hardware and manage payments and basic restaurant operations through a single platform.
Square also offers table management, kitchen display functionality, sales reporting and additional business tools through its paid plans and services.
The integrated payment system simplifies setup, particularly for new businesses that prefer not to arrange a separate merchant services provider.
Pricing
Square offers a free restaurant POS plan, while its Plus plan has been advertised at $129 per month per location.
Additional costs may include:
- Kitchen Display System access on plans where it is not included
- Optional loyalty and other paid services
- Hardware purchases
- Card payment processing fees
Square’s published standard processing rates have included 1.6% for in-person card payments and 2.2% for online payments.
For example, a restaurant processing $40,000 in monthly in-person card sales would pay approximately $640 in processing fees at 1.6%, before any software subscription or optional services.
This does not necessarily make Square more expensive than other providers, as merchant fees also apply elsewhere. However, its free starting price should not be confused with the total cost of running the system.
Square is particularly appealing for businesses wanting a simple starting point, provided they carefully compare ongoing expenses.
4. Lightspeed Restaurant
Lightspeed Restaurant provides hospitality POS software designed for restaurants that need detailed information about their daily operations.
The system supports table service, menu management, staff permissions and kitchen workflows. Its reporting tools help operators understand sales patterns, identify popular menu items and monitor business performance.
Lightspeed also offers integrations with other hospitality applications, allowing restaurants to extend the system as their requirements develop.
Its combination of operational tools and reporting makes it particularly relevant to full-service restaurants that want greater visibility over their business.
Pricing
Lightspeed Restaurant’s Australian pricing has been listed at approximately $79 per month for Starter, $179 for Essential and $359 for Premium, excluding GST, based on annual billing.
Additional registers, kitchen displays and optional services may increase the total cost. Payment processing fees also apply.
Restaurants should request a current quote to confirm pricing, included features and contract terms before choosing a plan.
5. OrderMate
OrderMate is an Australian hospitality POS provider with a strong focus on restaurant ordering and service operations.
The system is designed to handle busy dining environments where orders frequently involve changes, special requests and multiple courses.
OrderMate supports table management, bill splitting, menu modifiers and kitchen communication. These capabilities can be useful for restaurants managing complicated menus or a high volume of orders.
Its hospitality-focused approach makes it suitable for venues that need more than a basic payment and sales system.
Pricing
OrderMate provides pricing based on individual business requirements. Restaurants should request a quote covering software, hardware, installation and any additional services.
OrderMate is a practical option for busy restaurants that place particular importance on accurate order handling and efficient communication between front-of-house and kitchen staff.
3 Restaurant POS Systems Worth Considering on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast restaurants often need to manage busy weekends, holiday crowds and a mix of dine-in and takeaway orders. These three POS systems offer different advantages depending on the type of venue.
POSApt – For Restaurants and Takeaway Businesses
POSApt combines table management, kitchen operations and online ordering, making it a practical choice for restaurants handling multiple order channels. Its 24/7 Australian support is also useful for venues operating late or on weekends.
SwiftPOS – For Larger Hospitality Venues
Brisbane-based SwiftPOS offers multi-venue management, extensive integrations and local Gold Coast support. It is particularly suitable for larger restaurants, pubs and hospitality groups.
Square – For Small Cafés and Quick-Service Venues
Square offers a straightforward setup and a free starting plan, making it attractive to smaller cafés and takeaway shops. However, businesses should consider payment processing fees and optional paid features when comparing overall costs.
How to Choose the Right Restaurant POS System in Australia
Before selecting a POS provider, restaurant owners should focus on three practical considerations.
1. Choose Features That Match Your Restaurant
A takeaway shop may need fast checkout and online ordering, while a full-service restaurant may depend on table management, split bills and kitchen coordination.
Identify the features used every day before paying for advanced tools that may rarely be needed.
2. Compare the Total Cost, Not Just the Monthly POS Fee
The advertised subscription price does not always represent the full cost of a restaurant POS system.
Consider software fees, hardware, additional features, payment processing and setup expenses together.
For example, a free POS system with several paid services may cost more than a subscription that already includes the required functionality.
When comparing merchant fees, request rates based on your expected transaction volume and payment methods. A small percentage difference can become significant for a busy restaurant.
3. Check Support and Future Requirements
A POS system should be practical for the restaurant today while allowing room for growth.
Ask providers about technical support, staff training, integrations and the cost of adding terminals or new locations.
A product demonstration using your own menu and typical ordering scenarios can also reveal whether the system is genuinely easy for staff to operate.
Final Thoughts
Australia has several capable restaurant POS providers, but their strengths differ.
POSApt offers a broad hospitality feature set and 24/7 support. SwiftPOS provides extensive tools for larger operations, while Square offers an accessible starting point for smaller venues. Lightspeed focuses on restaurant management and reporting, and OrderMate specialises in handling demanding service environments.
Rather than choosing a system based on popularity or its advertised starting price, restaurant owners should compare the features they need, the total ongoing costs and the support available.
The right POS system is one that makes daily service easier and remains practical as the business grows.
