Toast vs Clover (2026)
Toast and Clover are point-of-sale (POS) systems used by restaurants. Toast is built for restaurants; Clover sells POS hardware and software for many business types, including restaurants. We don't pick a winner; the right choice depends on your needs. We have not tested either product hands-on; everything below comes from the makers' own sites.
| Toast | Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Restaurant POS platform with online ordering, labor management, inventory, loyalty and marketing tools. | POS systems and card readers for businesses including restaurants. |
| Focus | Restaurants (also offers retail POS) | Many business types, including restaurants |
| Software pricing (as of Oct 2026) | Starter Kit from $0/month (1 to 2 terminals); Point of Sale from $69/month; payroll bundle $69/month plus $9 per employee; Build Your Own: custom quote | Plans depend on business type and hardware; Clover shows them after you pick a business type |
| Card processing | Not listed on Toast's pricing page | As low as 2.3% + 10¢ per in-person transaction (higher for keyed-in) |
| Hardware | Terminals in kits; additional add-ons | Station, Mini and Flex devices |
| Restaurant features | Online ordering, labor management, inventory, loyalty and marketing | POS and card readers for restaurants |
| Official site | https://pos.toasttab.com/ | https://www.clover.com/ |
| Details | Toast page | Clover page |
Who each one fits
Based on each maker's stated features, not on our own testing.
- Toast: Full-service and quick-service restaurants that want ordering, payroll and restaurant-specific tools from one vendor.
- Clover: Counter-service spots or businesses that also sell retail and want to pick from several hardware options.
Related pages
FAQ
What is the difference between Toast and Clover?
Toast: Restaurant POS platform with online ordering, labor management, inventory, loyalty and marketing tools. Clover: POS systems and card readers for businesses including restaurants.
What does Clover charge per transaction?
Clover's pricing page says as little as 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction for in-person payments, with a higher rate for card-not-present payments.
Does Toast have a $0 plan?
Toast lists a Starter Kit from $0/month for single-location restaurants needing 1 to 2 terminals (as of Oct 2026).
How was this comparison made?
Only from what each product's official site says. We have not run hands-on tests, and we do not score, rank or pick a winner.
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