POS Comparisons

Chowbus vs PayPal Zettle: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Oct 12, 2025 3 min read

In the battle of Chowbus versus PayPal Zettle, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Chowbus is particularly strong for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS, while PayPal Zettle excels at Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. Whether you prioritize Asian restaurant expertise or No monthly fees, this comparison covers everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison: Chowbus vs PayPal Zettle

FeatureChowbusPayPal Zettle
CategoryRestaurantMulti-Industry
Starting PriceContact for pricing$29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction
Rating4.2/54.2/5
Target BusinessSmall Business to Mid-MarketSmall Business
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Free TrialNoNo
Free VersionNoYes
Best ForAsian restaurants needing specialized POSSmall businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model

Chowbus Overview

Chowbus POS is a restaurant management platform designed specifically for Asian restaurants. Features include multilingual support, online ordering integration, and specialized menu management for Asian cuisine.

Chowbus is offered by Chowbus Inc. (founded 2016) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Asian Cuisine Restaurants.

Looking for a POS system? Get free quotes from top vendors

Key Features:

  • POS System
  • Online Ordering
  • Multilingual Support
  • Menu Management
  • Kitchen Display
  • Payment Processing

PayPal Zettle Overview

PayPal Zettle is a mobile POS system with card readers and simple POS software. Features no monthly fees on the basic plan, integration with PayPal, and affordable hardware options.

PayPal Zettle is offered by PayPal (founded 2010) based in Stockholm, Sweden. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

Key Features:

  • Mobile POS
  • Card Reader
  • Inventory Management
  • Reporting
  • Digital Receipts
  • PayPal Integration

Feature Comparison

Chowbus Features:

  • POS System
  • Online Ordering
  • Multilingual Support
  • Menu Management
  • Kitchen Display

PayPal Zettle Features:

  • Mobile POS
  • Card Reader
  • Inventory Management
  • Reporting
  • Digital Receipts

When comparing features, Chowbus stands out with Asian restaurant expertise, while PayPal Zettle differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectChowbusPayPal Zettle
Starting PriceContact for pricing$29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Price RangeMid-rangeBudget
Free TrialNot availableNot available
Free VersionNoYes

PayPal Zettle 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

Chowbus

Pros:

  • Asian restaurant specialization
  • Multilingual interface
  • Online ordering integration
  • Cultural understanding

Cons:

  • Niche market focus
  • Limited to certain cuisines
  • Less mainstream support

PayPal Zettle

Pros:

  • No monthly fees
  • PayPal integration
  • Affordable hardware
  • Easy setup

Cons:

  • Processing fees on every transaction
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic reporting

Who Should Choose Chowbus?

Chowbus is ideal for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. The system is particularly well-suited for Asian Cuisine Restaurants.

However, Chowbus may not be the best fit for Western cuisine restaurants.

Who Should Choose PayPal Zettle?

PayPal Zettle is ideal for Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

However, PayPal Zettle may not be the best fit for High-volume operations where processing fees add up.

Our Recommendation

Both Chowbus and PayPal Zettle are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Chowbus if you’re Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. Choose PayPal Zettle if you’re Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. choose PayPal Zettle if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.