POS Comparisons

Revel Systems vs Harbortouch: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Aug 12, 2025 3 min read
Revel Systems vs Harbortouch: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

When comparing Revel Systems vs Harbortouch, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to multi-industry point-of-sale technology. Revel Systems, rated 4.1/5, offers Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. Meanwhile, Harbortouch, rated 4.0/5, provides Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Revel Systems vs Harbortouch

FeatureRevel SystemsHarbortouch
CategoryMulti-IndustryMulti-Industry
Starting Price$99/month/terminal (estimated)$29.99/month
Rating4.1/54.0/5
Target BusinessMid-MarketSmall Business
Pricing ModelQuote-basedSubscription
Free TrialYesNo
Free VersionNoNo
Best ForMulti-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chainsSmall businesses wanting low startup costs

Revel Systems Overview

Revel Systems is an enterprise-grade iPad POS platform for restaurants and retail businesses. It offers advanced features, API access, and scalability for growing multi-location operations.

Revel Systems is offered by Revel Systems, Inc. (founded 2010) based in Atlanta, GA. The system focuses on Quick service restaurants, Retail chains, Franchises, Enterprise.

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Key Features:

  • iPad-based POS
  • Open API
  • Inventory management
  • CRM
  • Employee management
  • Reporting

Harbortouch Overview

Harbortouch (now SkyTab) offers free POS hardware with low monthly fees. Features include tableside ordering, table tracking, free reservations, and online ordering. No upfront costs with lifetime hardware warranty.

Harbortouch is offered by Shift4 Payments (founded 1999) based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Salons.

Key Features:

  • Tableside ordering (iPad)
  • Table tracking
  • Reservations (free)
  • Online ordering (free)
  • KDS
  • Waitlist management

Feature Comparison

Revel Systems Features:

  • iPad-based POS
  • Open API
  • Inventory management
  • CRM
  • Employee management

Harbortouch Features:

  • Tableside ordering (iPad)
  • Table tracking
  • Reservations (free)
  • Online ordering (free)
  • KDS

When comparing features, Revel Systems stands out with Open API platform, while Harbortouch differentiates itself with Free hardware. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectRevel SystemsHarbortouch
Starting Price$99/month/terminal (estimated)$29.99/month
Pricing ModelQuote-basedSubscription
Price RangePremiumBudget
Free TrialAvailableNot available
Free VersionNoNo

Harbortouch is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Revel Systems

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Strong API for integrations
  • Good for franchises
  • Robust reporting
  • Multi-location capable

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Implementation can be complex
  • 3-year contracts typical

Harbortouch

Pros:

  • No upfront hardware costs
  • Low monthly fees
  • Lifetime hardware warranty
  • Free online ordering
  • 24/7/365 support

Cons:

  • 1-year contract required
  • Must use their payment processing
  • Rebranded to SkyTab

Who Should Choose Revel Systems?

Revel Systems is ideal for Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. The system is particularly well-suited for Quick service restaurants, Retail chains, Franchises, Enterprise.

However, Revel Systems may not be the best fit for Small single-location businesses on tight budgets.

Who Should Choose Harbortouch?

Harbortouch is ideal for Small businesses wanting low startup costs. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Salons.

However, Harbortouch may not be the best fit for Businesses wanting processor flexibility, those avoiding contracts.

Our Recommendation

Both Revel Systems and Harbortouch are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Revel Systems if you’re Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. Choose Harbortouch if you’re Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Revel Systems has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.