When comparing PAR Brink vs NCR Aloha, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to restaurant point-of-sale technology. PAR Brink, rated 4.1/5, offers Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. Meanwhile, NCR Aloha, rated 4.1/5, provides Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: PAR Brink vs NCR Aloha
| Feature | PAR Brink | NCR Aloha |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Starting Price | $90/month | $175/month |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Target Business | Mid-Market | All Sizes |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators | Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features |
PAR Brink Overview
PAR Brink POS is a cloud-first enterprise POS for restaurants serious about scaling. Features API-first approach with 250+ integration partners, 150+ reports, pay-at-table, and PCI/P2PE security certifications.
PAR Brink is offered by PAR Technology (founded 1968) based in New Hartford, New York, USA. The system focuses on Fast Casual, Quick Service, Restaurant Chains.
Key Features:
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Kitchen display systems
- Mobile payments
- Real-time reporting
- Multi-unit administration
NCR Aloha Overview
NCR Aloha is a leading restaurant POS system backed by NCR Voyix with over 130 years of experience. It offers both cloud-based (Aloha Cloud) and Windows-based (Aloha Essentials) solutions serving over 75,000 restaurants worldwide, from major chains like Chipotle to independent restaurants.
NCR Aloha is offered by NCR Voyix (founded 1884) based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Quick Service, Full Service, Bars.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based deployment
- Mobile ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Inventory management
Feature Comparison
PAR Brink Features:
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Kitchen display systems
- Mobile payments
- Real-time reporting
NCR Aloha Features:
- Cloud-based deployment
- Mobile ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
When comparing features, PAR Brink stands out with API-first with 250+ integrations, while NCR Aloha differentiates itself with 130+ years of NCR experience. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | PAR Brink | NCR Aloha |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $90/month | $175/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
PAR Brink
Pros:
- 250+ integration partners
- API-first design
- Enterprise scalability
- 24/7/365 support
- PCI and P2PE certified
Cons:
- Tiered support issues
- Slow feature development
- May be overkill for small operators
NCR Aloha
Pros:
- Trusted by major restaurant chains
- 250+ integrations available
- Comprehensive feature set
- Both cloud and on-premise options
- 24/7 customer support included
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Can be complex to program
- Recent fee increases (April 2025)
- Not as user-friendly as newer systems
Who Should Choose PAR Brink?
PAR Brink is ideal for Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. The system is particularly well-suited for Fast Casual, Quick Service, Restaurant Chains.
However, PAR Brink may not be the best fit for Single-location restaurants, very small operations.
Who Should Choose NCR Aloha?
NCR Aloha is ideal for Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Quick Service, Full Service, Bars.
However, NCR Aloha may not be the best fit for Budget-conscious small restaurants, businesses wanting simple setup.
Our Recommendation
Both PAR Brink and NCR Aloha are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose PAR Brink if you’re Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. Choose NCR Aloha if you’re Full-service restaurants, growing chains, and enterprises needing robust features. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.