Shopping for a new restaurant POS system means comparing some of the biggest names in the industry, which includes taking a look at TouchBistro vs Epos Now.
But while there are many similarities between TouchBistro and Epos Now, it’s not too hard to spot some of the differences. While TouchBistro was created and developed in North America, Epos Now was born in the U.K. As a result, the two companies have taken a different approach when it comes to everything from core features, to customer service.
TouchBistro vs Epos Now Key Takeaways
- TouchBistro: TouchBistro is best for single and multi-location restaurants looking to run and grow their businesses.
- Epos Now: Epos Now is best for basic foodservice businesses.
Quick Comparison of TouchBistro vs Epos Now
| TouchBistro | Epos Now |
| Exclusively designed for restaurants | Designed for restaurants, retail, and other types of professional service businesses |
| Runs on iOS and Apple iPad tablets | Runs on iOS, Android, and Windows |
| Robust native solutions | Limited native add-on solutions |
| Starts at $0-69/month USD | Starts at $39/month USD |
| Best for single and multi-location restaurants | Best for basic foodservice businesses |
We know that no two restaurants are alike, and that what works for the venue down the street may be totally inadequate for your own restaurant. This in-depth review is designed to help you pinpoint your must-haves and figure out whether TouchBistro or Epos Now is the right solution for you.
The information contained on this site is accurate as of the time of publication.
Compare the top restaurant POS systems on features, pricing, payments, and more.
Which Restaurant POS is Better, TouchBistro vs Epos Now? An Overview
TouchBistro and Epos Now each have more than a decade of experience in the POS space. Over time, both companies have developed comprehensive restaurant POS systems and have expanded into international markets. But while the two companies have had similar trajectories, both have developed very different products.
| TouchBistro | Epos Now | |
| Regional Availability | CAD, U.S., and more | U.K., IE, CAD, U.S., MX, and more |
| POS System | Cloud-based | Cloud-based |
| Operating System | iOS | iOS, Android, and Windows |
| Hardware | iPads | iPads, Android tablets, or PCs |
Are TouchBistro and Epos Now Cloud-Based POS System Systems?
Both TouchBistro and Epos Now are modern, cloud-based POS systems. A cloud-based POS system means that all the data is stored in the cloud on remote servers that can be accessed at any time, as long as you’re connected to the internet.
Offline mode is available for both TouchBistro and Epos Now, which means you can continue accepting orders and taking payments even if your internet is not working. You get all the flexibility of the cloud with the offline resiliency of a legacy or hybrid POS system.
What Software Operating Systems Do TouchBistro and Epos Now Use?
Where TouchBistro and Epos Now start to differ is on the type of operating system.
Epos Now’s POS software can be run on iOS, Android, or Windows. The software is compatible with Google Chrome and Safari web browsers, which means that you can run the system on any device that supports those browsers. There is also an iPad app available, so you can use an iPad as a POS terminal and for certain back-office functions.
The flexibility of choosing your operating system can often be seen as a plus for operators because it may allow you to use some of your existing hardware. However, having a mix of hardware solutions can complicate staff training and create some unnecessary workflow issues, which is why Epos Now still strongly encourages the purchase of its own proprietary hardware.
In contrast, TouchBistro exclusively runs on an iOS operating system. While the idea of only using iOS may sound limiting, it’s actually the operating system of choice for most restaurant POS software. iOS is generally considered the gold standard because Apple owns both the hardware (the iPad) and the software (iOS). This allows for a seamless integration between POS software and iPads, and the automatic rollout of security updates across devices. Not to mention, a major benefit of iOS is that it’s a closed platform, meaning it’s less virus-prone than other operating systems.
Where are TouchBistro and Epos Now Available?
Epos Now is a U.K.-based company and the POS system is a popular choice in that market, as well as in Ireland. While Epos Now has established a strong reputation in Britain, it has also extended its reach to include Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and 70 other countries.
In contrast, TouchBistro is a Canadian company and its primary markets include Canada and the U.S. Beyond these primary markets, TouchBistro has a significant footprint in Mexico and the U.K., and has been used in many other countries around the world.
Compare the top restaurant POS systems on features, pricing, payments, and more.
Epos Now vs TouchBistro Features
| Core POS Features | TouchBistro | Epos Now |
| Menu Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Staff Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Floor Plan Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tableside Ordering | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reporting | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1:1 Onboarding | ✔ | ✔ |
| Customer Support | North America-based 24/7/365 | 24/7, but support is an additional fee |
Both TouchBistro and Epos now offer a similar set of core POS features, including menu management, floor plan management, staff management, and tableside ordering.
Howerver, Epos Now was originally designed for retail, with the focus on hospitality and restaurants coming later. As a result, many of Epos Now’s core POS features for foodservice are fairly basic. This means that while everything you need is there and functional, you may not be able to carry out more complex tasks or significantly scale your operation.
It’s also important to note that because Epos Now was originally designed for the U.K. market, not all of its features have been fully adapted to meet the needs of the North American market. For instance, some Epos Now reviews and Reddit threads note problems with the system’s tipping feature, which stems from the fact that tipping and tip adjustments aren’t the norm in the U.K. Though the company has promised to address this issue, it does suggest there may be some idiosyncrasies between the company’s U.K. product and its North American POS system.
On the other hand, TouchBistro was specifically designed for restaurant people, by restaurant people. As a result, all of TouchBistro’s research and development has gone into developing a robust set of core POS features for restaurants of virtually any size. From menu management to reporting, TouchBistro’s POS features have been tailored to cover virtually every aspect of restaurant management, including day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
Epos Now vs TouchBistro POS Hardware
TouchBistro uses Apple hardware (iPads), while Epos Now runs on Android, Windows, or Apple devices.
| Hardware Options | TouchBistro | Epos Now |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld Terminal | iPad, TouchBistro One | Epos Now Pro+ / Smart Pay Terminal, Epos Now Link, Epos Now Air (paired with mobile device), or iOS/Android handhelds running the Epos Now Till app |
| Baseline Countertop or Compact Terminal | iPad | Epos Now Complete Countertop Terminal (15.6″ Touchscreen), Countertop Duo, or iPads/Android tablets/Windows PCs running the software |
| Kitchen Display System (KDS) Screen | iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, Lenovo Tab P11 Pro, Kitchen Armor, Geekland, and Microtouch | Epos Now 21.5″ Touchscreen KDS Hardware, or compatible Android/Windows tablets and monitors |
What Hardware Does Epos Now Offer?
Epos Now differs from just about every other cloud-based POS system on the market in that it has very few hardware requirements. Epos Now is compatible with Google Chrome and Safari web browsers, which means you can run the software on any device that supports those browsers – including phones, laptops, and tablets. As a result, you have the option to source your own POS hardware for the system, which can be a cost-effective option if you’re not picky about your devices.
Though you’re not required to use Epos Now’s own hardware to run the system, the company does sell its own devices as well (and strongly encourages you to use them to ensure operational consistency). If you do choose to purchase Epos Now’s hardware, it’s important to keep in mind that the company’s hardware is quite expensive, with a single countertop POS terminal priced at $1,499. Additionally, there are some users who have noted a lack of seamless integration with existing third-party devices, such as scanners and scale hardware, which can be seen as a major drawback for operators looking for a POS that will work with their existing devices.
What Hardware Does TouchBistro Offer?
TouchBistro runs on iOS, which means you need to use an iPad as your primary POS terminal. The biggest benefit of using iPads is how user-friendly iPads are compared to other devices. The hardware is also incredibly easy to source, whether you purchase them directly from TouchBistro or other retailers. And if you already own an iPad or you’re switching from another iPad-based POS system, you could also save a significant amount of money on setup costs (as long as the devices are a compatible generation).
iPads are also incredibly easy to train new staff on. The experience is the same across all Apple devices – whether it’s an iPhone or an iMac – so any staff who are already familiar with these devices will instantly be able to use an iPad. And if you have a lot of front of house and back of house staff to train on your new, opting for user-friendly devices like iPads can make the initial learning process a whole lot smoother.
What Payment Options Do Epos Now and TouchBistro Offer?
Both TouchBistro and Epos Now offer fully integrated payment processing solutions that allow restaurants to accept credit, debit, and digital wallet payments.
| Payment Processing Solutions | TouchBistro | Epos Now |
| Payment Types Accepted | Credit, debit, check, and mobile wallets | Credit, debit, check, and mobile wallets, including support for regional and international wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay |
| Payment Processing rates | Custom-quoted | 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction |
| Pre-Authorized Bar Tabs | ✔ | ✔ |
| Quick Response (QR) Codes | ✔ | ✔ |
| Invoices | ✔ | ✔ |
| Offline Payments | ✔ | ✔ (basic offline card payment processing only via “store and forward” offline mode) |
For most operators, an integrated payment processing solution is preferable to a standalone solution because data flows directly from the POS to the payment terminals. This not only eliminates manual data entry, but can also reduce costly errors.
Epos Now also does provide its customers with some flexibility to use a third-party payment processor. However, those who choose to use a third-party processor as opposed to Epos Now Payments, which is Epos Now’s proprietary platform following its acquisition of fintech provider Yoello, will be required to pay higher software fees each month. This also means that the third-party processor will be a completely standalone system, resulting in a lot of manual entry for staff – ultimately reducing speed of service and impacting the guest experience.
TouchBistro’s in-house payment processing solution is directly integrated with the POS. An integrated payment solution means that the payment terminals can speak directly with one another, resulting in a seamless flow of data. Having a payment processing solution directly integrated can help reduce errors caused by manual entry and save your staff time.
Epos Now’s Payment Processing Fees
Epos Now payment rates start at 2.6% plus $0.10 per transaction according to Business.com. However, there are custom-quoted rates available for larger businesses. Operators also have the option to integrate a third-party processor, but, as mentioned, this comes with added fees and can often lead to data entry errors.
TouchBistro’s Payment Processing Fees
On the other hand, TouchBistro’s payment processing rates are custom-quoted depending on your venue type, volume type, and can vary whether payments were made with a physical card or remotely via online orders. Discounted rates are also available for businesses that process a higher volume. And once your rates are determined, they are locked in, so you always know what you’re paying.
Comparing Epos Now vs TouchBistro Add-On Solutions
Both TouchBistro and Epos Now offer add-on solutions, but Epos Now has fewer options for restaurateurs to choose from.
| Add-On Solutions | TouchBistro | Epos Now |
| Integrated Payments | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inventor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Labor Management & Staff Scheduling | ✔ | ✘ |
| Online Ordering | ✔ | ✔ |
| Integrated Delivery | ✔ | ✘ |
| Reservations | ✔ | ✔ (for call-in bookings only) |
| Gift Cards | ✔ | ✘ |
| Loyalty and Customer Relationship Management | ✔ | ✘ |
| Marketing | ✔ | ✘ |
| Back Office Management | ✔ | ✘ |
| Self-Serve Kiosks | ✘ | ✘ |
| Kitchen Display System | ✔ | ✔ |
| Customer Facing Display | ✔ | ✔ |
Unlike most restaurant POS providers, Epos Now does not offer native, in-house add-ons for important functions such as reservations, loyalty, and marketing. Instead, Epos Now leans on third-party integrations for these types of services.
While third-party integrations may do the trick for some restaurants, in-house add-ons are generally considered the more preferable option. That’s because proprietary solutions are created to sync directly with your POS system, so there is less risk of errors or data loss. Additionally, it’s much easier to get a hold of support for in-house solutions because there is just one number to call: your POS provider. With third-party integrations, getting a hold of support and fixing pressing issues can be a much more complicated process.
As mentioned, TouchBistro was created by restaurant people, for restaurant people, which is the reason why so many specialized add-on solutions are available. Each of these add-ons have been created to help restaurateurs not only grow their businesses, but also to navigate the challenges of a changing industry.
TouchBistro has several native solutions available for operators that Epos Now does not offer, including marketing, gift cards, loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM), and back office management. In addition, TouchBistro has an in-house solution available for reservations management, which allows operators to accept online bookings, send SMS confirmations, manage waitlists, and more.
Compare the top restaurant POS systems on features, pricing, payments, and more.
What Integrations Do TouchBistro and Epos Now Offer?
TouchBistro and Epos Now both offer third-party integrations, including online ordering and delivery market places, staff management, accounting, and reporting and analytics.
| Integration Partners | TouchBistro | Epos Now |
| Online Ordering and Delivery | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reservations | ✘ (native solution, TouchBistro Reservations) | ✔ |
| Loyalty | ✘ (native solution, TouchBistro Loyalty) | ✔ |
| Marketing | ✘ (native solution, TouchBistro Marketing) | ✔ |
| Staff Management, HR, and Payroll | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inventory Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Accounting | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reporting and Analytics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ecommerce | ✘ | ✔ |
Epos Now integrates with a number of other third-party apps, including MailChimp for email marketing, App4 for reservations, Loyalzoo for loyalty, Shopify for e-commerce, and more. In total, Epos Now boasts more than 100 certified integration partners for its POS system, which helps to fill the gaps left by a lack of in-house solutions.
For some restaurants, having a large number of integration partners to choose from can be beneficial because it means more options for specialized solutions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you have to pay additional fees for all the third-party services you add on. If you find yourself using a lot of these integrations, the monthly fees can quickly add up and turn an affordable POS system into a much more expensive one.
On the other hand, TouchBistro offers a much more curated list of third-party integration partners. This list is largely made up of best-in-class solutions like MarketMan for advanced inventory management, 7shifts for staff management, and Push Operations for payroll.
The reason TouchBistro offers fewer third-party integrations than providers like Epos Now is because TouchBistro already has its own native solutions for the front of house, back of house, and guest engagement. In short, TouchBistro already offers operators an all-in-one restaurant management system, while its integrations are reserved for more specialized functions.
For instance, if you’re using TouchBistro, there’s no need to use a third-party app for online ordering, reservations, or loyalty because you can get all of these products directly through TouchBistro. This is the preferred option for many venues because in-house add-ons carry less risk of errors and data loss, and make getting a hold of customer support far easier because there is only one number to call: TouchBistro.
How Much Do Epos Now and TouchBistro Cost?
TouchBistro’s POS software starts at $69 USD per month, while Epos Now starts at $39 USD per month.
| Pricing | TouchBistro | Epos Now |
| Software Pricing | Point of Sale: starting at $69 USD / month Essentials: starting at $119 USD / month Custom Setup: custom pricing | Point of Sale: Starting at $39 USD / month (pricing varies based on number of locations and number of devices needed) Enterprise: Price available with quote |
Epos Now’s software starts at $39 USD per month, however, pricing varies based on the number of locations you have and the number of POS terminals you need. For operators who need multiple POS licenses for multiple locations, Epos Now also offers an enterprise package, but you’ll need to contact the company directly to receive a quote.
While Epos Now’s monthly software fees may be on the lower end, it’s important to note that there are some hidden fees with Epos Now. For instance, the subscription prices do not include hardware, installation, or set up.
In fact, these fees do not even cover technical support. This means that you have to pay an additional $79 fee each month, just for support coverage. It’s also important to note that the support plans are only available in the form of 12-month contracts so you cannot simply pay for just a month or two of support coverage – you have to sign up for the whole year.
There are also other hidden fees to consider with Epos Now. For instance, Epos Now reviews suggest that there’s an added fee for its Bulk Import App (available through its AppStore), which allows users to upload spreadsheets into the POS, as well as extra fees if you don’t use Epos Now’s integrated payment processing solution.
Beyond the hidden fees, Epos Now often ties its software pricing to complicated hardware bundles. These bundles include heavy hardware discounts, but in order to get the discount, you need to pay a higher monthly software fee. When you add up all these extra costs and hidden fees, the monthly cost to use Epos Now is much higher than it initially appears. Not to mention, you also need to factor in the cost of any additional third-party integrations you will be using – all of which can make Epos Now a more expensive option than other POS systems on the market.
In contrast, TouchBistro’s software pricing is fairly straightforward and starts at $69 USD per month. While this monthly fee is slightly higher than Epos Now’s most basic subscription, you also get a whole lot more, including 24/7/365 North America-based customer support. TouchBistro also offers different pricing bundles, including the Essentials bundle which starts at $119 USD per month with $0 hardware upfront to help offset initial setup costs. In addition, all of TouchBistro’s packages include the full set of core POS features and cloud-based reporting and analytics.
While you do need to factor in the cost of hardware and any add-on solutions with TouchBistro, you don’t have to worry about hidden charges cropping up for basic features like support – something that’s a very real concern with Epos Now.
Comparing Epos Now vs TouchBistro Customer Support
When comparing TouchBistro vs Epos Now for restaurants customer support quality, TouchBistro certainly is the better option.
Despite Epos Now including email support with its Standard package and phone support with its Premium package, the level of assistance operators receive is fairly limited and doesn’t cover any technical issues with your POS. The support is also limited to Epos Now’s regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. In order to get extra coverage, you’ll need to pay an extra fee of $79 per month for 24/7 technical support outside of regular business hours.
Purchasing this additional support package is something to strongly consider because Epos Now has no community page where users can come together to troubleshoot issues, and the brand’s online self-help guides are limited.
In addition to having to pay extra for 24/7 support, there are also some concerns with the quality of Epos Now’s customer support, based on Epos Now reviews.
U.S. customers report difficulty getting a hold of reps during working hours, which may be a result of Epos Now’s support team being based in the U.K. Even for those who are able to get through to customer support, there are some reviews that suggest a less than satisfactory experience. Though every software company is subject to their share of negative reviews, the brand’s Twitter page, Better Business Bureau profile, and other online Epos Now reviews suggest a lot of room for improvement.
On the other hand, TouchBistro definitely comes out on top. TouchBistro also offers award-winning 24/7 customer service and technical support 365 days of the year (including holidays) with all of its subscriptions. TouchBistro’s support team is based out of North America and can be reached by phone or email. This support team is also primarily staffed by former and current restaurant servers, owners, and managers, which means that whenever you call in, you’ll be speaking with someone who has first-hand experience dealing with the issues you’re facing.
Beyond phone and email support, TouchBistro also has an extensive online resource library, complete with step-by-step guides and video tutorials.
Compare the top restaurant POS systems on features, pricing, payments, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better for small restaurants, Epos Now or TouchBistro?
TouchBistro is the better POS option for small restaurants because it is built exclusively for food and beverage service, while Epos Now, which is a generic hybrid system for both retail and hospitality. TouchBistro’s intuitive visual floor plan, drag-and-drop table management, and one-swipe bill splitting, make assigning seats and splitting bills exceptionally fast for lean floor staff. Additionally, TouchBistro’s portable iPad POS enables seamless tableside ordering, allowing servers to instantly take orders at small, tightly spaced tables without having to run back to a stationary POS.
Which POS reduces staff training time, Epos Now or TouchBistro?
TouchBistro significantly reduces staff training time due to its intuitive, iPad interface designed for fast-paced restaurant operations. Front of house staff can quickly learn floor plans, tableside ordering, and course timing with minimal learning curve. On the other hand, Epos Now is not purpose-built for restaurants (especially not restaurants in North America), which can mean a longer setup process and a steeper learning curve for staff.
Is Epos Now or TouchBistro better for inventory?
TouchBistro is better specifically for restaurant inventory management because of its fully integrated Inventory Management solution, which is built for food prep, dish-level recipe costing, and variance tracking. Epos Now provides robust stock tracking out of the box, but its framework is designed for general retail and hospitality, making it better suited for barcode scanning, packaged goods, and stock transfers. While Epos Now handles retail inventory logistics well, it lacks TouchBistro’s dedicated focus on kitchen yield control and food-cost margins.
Which is better for multi-location restaurant chains, Epos Now or TouchBistro?
When deciding whether Touchbistro vs Epos Now is better for restaurants with multiple locations TouchBistro comes out as the better option.. This is because TouchBistro allows operators to update multiple menus, manage staff permissions across all locations, pull reports, and maintain consistent dining operations, all from a single, centralized system. While Epos Now supports multi-store reporting and stock tracking, TouchBistro delivers a more unified, restaurant-first operational experience as you scale.
Best POS for a small bistro, Epos Now vs TouchBistro?
TouchBistro is a better POS option for small bistros than Epos Now because TouchBistro’s iOS interface is purpose-built specifically for food and beverage service, allowing staff to add custom notes, hold and fire courses directly from the handheld device, and send tickets in fewer taps. Additionally, TouchBistro makes it easy for operators to update food specials, rotating wine lists, and menu prices on the fly. While Epos Now’s hybrid platform offers more versatility for retail and small foodservice concepts, a small bistro can benefit far more from TouchBistro’s all-in-one POS system.
TouchBistro vs Epos Now: The Bottom Line
In summary, Epos Now is best suited for basic foodservice businesses with relatively straightforward needs. For example, Epos Now is a great fit for single-terminal venues such as cafes and small-scale QSRs because the POS covers all the basics and won’t overcomplicate its operations with advanced features. These types of locations are also less likely to require advanced technical support, which means the limited customer support would be less of an issue.
In contrast, TouchBistro is the best POS option for single and multi-location quick and full service restaurants looking for a restaurant-specific POS solution, robust native offerings, as well as 24/7/365 North American-based support. And thanks to its extensive suite of add-on solutions and multi-location support, TouchBistro can grow right alongside your business.
When it comes down to pulling the trigger on a new restaurant POS system, you have to think about what solution is best for your specific business needs. This head-to-head comparison of TouchBistro vs Epos Now is designed to give you that need-to-know information so you can determine which POS provider is the right fit for you and your restaurant.
Katherine is the Content Marketing Manager at TouchBistro, where she writes about trending topics in food and restaurants. The opposite of a picky eater, she’ll try (almost) anything at least once. Whether it’s chowing down on camel burgers in Morocco or snacking on octopus dumplings in Japan, she’s always up for new food experiences.
Comparing POS systems? Get our Ultimate Guide
The right POS should help you increase sales
The right POS should help you increase sales.
