Business Planning

What Is the Best iPad POS System for Your Restaurant?

The Rezku Team

Feb 25, 2025

What Is the Best iPad POS System for Your Restaurant?

The right iPad POS system can transform how your restaurant operates, making order management, payments, and inventory tracking more efficient.

iPad-based POS systems leverage Apple’s ecosystem, offering a user-friendly interface, seamless software updates, and mobility that allows staff to take orders tableside or manage payments on the go.

Whether you run a small café or a full-service restaurant, choosing the best iPad POS system depends on your specific needs. With various options available, each offering different features, pricing, and integrations, it’s important to find one that aligns with your business operations.

Below, we’ll compare the best POS systems for iPad, helping you evaluate their capabilities and decide which one is the right fit for your restaurant.

What Is The Best iPad Pos System? 4 Top Restaurant Pos Systems For iPad

While every iPad POS solution comes with a set of core features, it’s important to pinpoint which ones are essential for your restaurant’s success. The best point of sale system for iPad should not only handle transactions but also support smooth day-to-day operations, enhance efficiency, and provide valuable business insights.

Whether you’re running a small café or a high-volume restaurant, your POS should simplify workflows, reduce errors, and offer tools that help maximize revenue.

By focusing on features that directly impact service speed, inventory control, and customer experience, you can ensure that your POS system is a long-term asset rather than a limitation.

1. Rezku POS – The Best iPad POS System for Restaurants

Rezku is built exclusively for restaurants, making it the best pos system for busy and growing restaurants.

Unlike many iPad POS solutions that cater to retail and hospitality as a whole, Rezku is designed specifically to handle restaurant operations, from full-service dining to quick-service takeout.

One of the biggest advantages of Rezku is its real-time inventory tracking, which helps restaurants reduce food waste and control costs. With Rezku, every time a dish is sold, the system updates ingredient levels automatically, allowing managers to track what’s running low and reorder efficiently.

Another key feature that sets Rezku apart is integrated payment processing. Many iPad POS systems rely on third-party payment providers, which can lead to hidden fees and complications. Rezku’s built-in payment processing ensures seamless transactions while offering competitive credit card processing rates, helping restaurant owners keep more of their revenue.

For restaurants that require a table management system, Rezku makes it easy to assign tables, split checks, and manage orders efficiently. Whether guests need to split the bill multiple ways or modify an order at the last minute, Rezku ensures smooth, frustration-free service.

One of the most critical aspects of any POS system using iPad is reliability, and Rezku delivers. The system includes an offline mode, meaning that if the internet goes down, restaurants can continue processing orders without disruption. When the connection is restored, all transactions sync automatically.

Rezku’s pricing is also one of the most transparent and competitive in the industry. The system offers a free plan for single-location restaurants that covers the basics, while its paid plans start at only $49 per month, including advanced features like detailed analytics, loyalty programs, and multi-location support.

Unlike many competitors, Rezku does not lock restaurant owners into expensive contracts, making it a flexible, cost-effective choice.

2. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed is one of the most robust iPad-based POS systems, offering extensive inventory management, multi-location support, and deep customization options.

One of Lightspeed’s key advantages is its integrated reservations feature, which allows customers to book tables directly through the system. It also includes ingredient-level tracking and menu performance analytics, making it a strong choice for restaurants that need detailed insights into their sales and food costs.

However, this level of sophistication comes at a price. Lightspeed’s basic plan starts at $69 per month, but most restaurant owners will need the $119 to $289 per month plans to access the features they actually need. Additionally, setting up and customizing the system requires a learning curve, which may not be ideal for smaller establishments that need an out-of-the-box solution.

3. Square

Square for Restaurants is one of the most affordable iPad POS apps available. It’s best suited for small restaurants, food trucks, and cafés that need a simple, cost-effective point-of-sale solution.

One of Square’s major selling points is its free plan, which makes it appealing for restaurant owners looking to keep costs low. However, it’s important to note that Square makes its money from transaction fees, charging 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe. While this may not seem like much, it can add up over time, making it more expensive than expected for high-volume restaurants.

The biggest drawback of Square is its limited restaurant-specific features. While it offers basic order and payment processing, it lacks the advanced table management and inventory controls that the best iPad POS systems for restaurants—like Rezku—offer.

4. TouchBistro

TouchBistro’s iPad POS system is built to streamline restaurant operations, helping owners and staff manage orders, payments, and table layouts with ease. Designed specifically for food service, it offers essential tools to enhance efficiency, keep service running smoothly, and improve the overall guest experience.

With features like tableside ordering, built-in menu management, and reporting tools, TouchBistro helps restaurants reduce wait times and optimize workflows. The intuitive iPad interface makes it easy for staff to learn and use, ensuring a smooth transition from traditional POS systems.

While it offers valuable functionality, businesses looking for deeper customization, enhanced reporting, and more advanced integrations may find alternative solutions better suited to their needs.

How to choose the best iPad POS system for your restaurant: 5 tips

Choosing the right iPad-based POS system isn’t just about picking the most popular brand or the lowest price. The best system for your restaurant depends on your unique operational needs, budget, and long-term business goals. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the best iPad POS system for your restaurant:

1. Consider Your Restaurant Type and Size

Different types of restaurants have different operational needs, so choosing the best POS system for iPad starts with evaluating your business model. Whether you run a fast-paced café or a multi-location restaurant, the right POS should support your workflows, enhance efficiency, and improve the customer experience.

Quick-service restaurants

Quick-service restaurants (QSRs), food trucks, and cafés need a system that prioritizes speed, mobility, and ease of use. Features like tap-to-pay, mobile ordering, and kitchen display system (KDS) integration can help reduce wait times and improve order accuracy. Some popular options cater to small businesses with free or low-cost plans, but restaurant-specific POS systems like Rezku provide more tailored solutions without relying on third-party add-ons.

Full-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants require more robust functionality, including table management, order customization, and bill-splitting. A well-designed POS helps servers manage multiple tables efficiently, send accurate orders to the kitchen, and offer guests a smooth payment experience. Since these establishments often operate with a mix of dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, having a flexible POS that can handle all three is a major advantage.

Multi-location restaurants

Multi-location restaurants benefit from cloud-based management and centralized reporting to maintain consistency across all locations.. A POS with real-time data access allows owners and managers to track performance, analyze trends, and make informed decisions from anywhere.

By selecting a POS system that aligns with your restaurant’s size and service model, you can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and create a better experience for both staff and customers.

2. Identify the Features You Can’t Compromise On

While every iPad POS solution comes with a set of core features, it’s important to pinpoint which ones are essential for your restaurant’s success. Some must-have features include:

• Ease of Use – Your staff needs to quickly learn and operate the POS system. A complicated interface can slow down service and frustrate employees. Rezku is designed with an intuitive, restaurant-focused layout that minimizes training time.

• Inventory Management – Ingredient-level tracking helps reduce waste and optimize ordering. Not all POS systems offer this—Rezku does, making it ideal for cost-conscious restaurants.

• Table Management & Order Customization – Can the system handle split checks, seat-specific ordering, and last-minute modifications? Rezku makes this seamless, ensuring smoother service.

• Offline Mode – If your internet goes down, will you still be able to take orders and process payments? Rezku’s offline mode prevents lost sales and service disruptions.

• Customer Loyalty & Gift Cards – Does the system allow you to offer gift cards and rewards? Rezku includes this feature at no extra cost.

3. Evaluate Payment Processing and Fees

POS systems come with different pricing models and transaction fee structures. While upfront costs are important, long-term processing fees can significantly impact a restaurant’s bottom line. Choosing the right iPad-based POS system ensures you get not only the features you need but also cost-effective payment processing that aligns with your business model.

Integrated Payment Processing vs. Third-Party Providers

Some iPad-based POS systems, like Square, require you to use their built-in payment processor, often with higher per-transaction fees. While this can simplify setup, it may not always be the most cost-effective option, especially for high-volume restaurants. Other POS systems allow you to choose your own payment processor, offering more flexibility and potentially lower rates.

Flat Fees vs. Percentage-Based Fees

Payment processing fees typically fall into two categories: flat monthly fees or percentage-based fees on each transaction. A flat-fee model can be beneficial for restaurants with high sales volume, while a percentage-based model might work better for smaller establishments. Rezku offers transparent pricing with competitive processing rates, ensuring restaurants retain more of their revenue while benefiting from a feature-rich POS solution.

When evaluating iPad-based POS systems, consider both the immediate costs and the long-term financial impact. A system with fair processing rates, flexible payment options, and clear pricing can help maximize profitability while keeping operations smooth.

4. Check Hardware Compatibility and Costs

Since you’re looking for an iPad-based POS system, hardware compatibility is crucial. The best POS for iPad should seamlessly integrate with your existing equipment while offering cost-effective options for additional hardware.

Some systems require proprietary hardware, which can be expensive and limit flexibility, while others allow you to mix and match compatible devices to suit your restaurant’s specific needs.

Does the system work with your existing iPads, printers, and card readers?

Not all POS systems for iPad are compatible with third-party accessories, which can lead to unexpected expenses. Rezku is designed to work with multiple iPad models and a variety of industry-standard peripherals, allowing restaurants to use existing hardware or purchase new equipment without unnecessary markups.

What accessories will you need?

Many restaurants require more than just an iPad and a card reader. Receipt printers, cash drawers, and kitchen display systems (KDS) are essential for smooth operations. When evaluating the best POS for iPad, ensure the system supports these accessories at a reasonable cost. Additionally, check whether the POS provider offers bundled hardware packages, which can be a more affordable way to get everything you need.

Are you future proofing your investment?

As your restaurant grows, so will your POS hardware needs. Some systems lock you into specific equipment that becomes obsolete over time, requiring costly upgrades. Rezku provides scalable solutions that adapt to your restaurant’s evolving requirements, allowing you to expand without overhauling your entire setup.

5. Prioritize Reliability and Customer Support

No matter how feature-rich a best iPad POS system is, it’s only as good as the support behind it. Technical issues and downtime can cost restaurants thousands in lost revenue, so fast, reliable customer support is essential.

• 24/7 Support vs. Limited Hours – Some systems only offer support during business hours, while others—like Rezku—offer 24/7 support to keep your operations running smoothly.
• Live Chat, Phone, or Email? – Some POS providers limit support to email-only responses, which can be frustrating when dealing with urgent issues. Rezku provides live, U.S.-based phone support, ensuring quick resolutions in the case of POS troubleshooting if there is ever an issue.
• Ongoing Updates & Improvements – The best iPad POS solutions continually roll out updates to enhance features and fix bugs. Rezku consistently improves its software based on restaurant owner feedback.

FAQs

Can an iPad be used as a cash register in a restaurant?

Yes! An iPad-based POS system can replace traditional cash registers, offering a modern, cloud-based solution. iPad POS solutions process payments, track sales, and manage orders—all from a tablet.

Do I need an iPad POS system for my restaurant?

While not mandatory, an iPad POS system enhances efficiency, speeds up transactions, and improves inventory management. Restaurants that switch to an iPad-based POS often see increased accuracy and customer satisfaction.

How much do iPad POS systems cost?

The cost of iPad POS systems varies based on features and providers. Expect to pay between $50–$300 per month, plus hardware costs. Some iPad POS apps charge transaction fees, so it’s essential to compare pricing models.

What is the best iPad for a POS system in a restaurant?

The best iPad POS system restaurant setups require a reliable Apple iPad with at least 64GB of storage and Wi-Fi + cellular capability to ensure seamless transactions. Rezku’s POS system is optimized for iPad models like the iPad Air and iPad Pro, providing fast processing speeds, a user-friendly interface, and the flexibility needed for restaurants of all sizes.