Choosing between Adelo and Helcim for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. Adelo starts at $59/month and is Cloud POS from Aldelo family for restaurants, while Helcim starts at Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ and is Transparent interchange-plus payment processing with free POS. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Adelo vs Helcim
| Feature | Adelo | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $59/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | Restaurants in Aldelo ecosystem | Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing |
Adelo Overview
Adelo is part of the Aldelo family of POS solutions, offering cloud-based restaurant management. Features include table management, online ordering, and integrated payment processing for full-service restaurants.
Adelo is offered by Aldelo LP (founded 2002) based in Pleasanton, CA. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service.
Key Features:
- Cloud POS
- Table Management
- Online Ordering
- Payment Processing
- Inventory
- Reporting
Helcim Overview
Helcim provides interchange-plus payment processing with free POS software and card readers. Known for transparent pricing, no contracts, and volume-based discounts for growing businesses.
Helcim is offered by Helcim Inc. (founded 2006) based in Calgary, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Service, B2B.
Key Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
- Volume Discounts
Feature Comparison
Adelo Features:
- Cloud POS
- Table Management
- Online Ordering
- Payment Processing
- Inventory
Helcim Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
When comparing features, Adelo stands out with Aldelo family integration, while Helcim differentiates itself with Transparent pricing. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Adelo | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $59/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Price Range | Budget to Mid-range | Budget |
| Free Trial | Available | Available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Helcim 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
Adelo
Pros:
- Aldelo ecosystem
- Cloud-based flexibility
- Affordable pricing
- Restaurant-focused
Cons:
- Less known than Aldelo Express
- Limited independent reviews
Helcim
Pros:
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing
- Free POS and card reader
- No contracts or hidden fees
- Volume discounts
Cons:
- Limited POS features vs competitors
- Processing only – not full POS
- US and Canada only
Who Should Choose Adelo?
Adelo is ideal for Restaurants in Aldelo ecosystem. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service.
However, Adelo may not be the best fit for Retail businesses.
Who Should Choose Helcim?
Helcim is ideal for Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, B2B.
However, Helcim may not be the best fit for Restaurants needing comprehensive POS features.
Our Recommendation
Both Adelo and Helcim are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Adelo if you’re Restaurants in Aldelo ecosystem. Choose Helcim if you’re Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Helcim has a higher user rating (4.6 vs 4.1). Also, choose Helcim if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.