Choosing between Linga POS and Helcim for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. Linga POS starts at $69.99/month and is Cloud-based POS for restaurants and bars, 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: Linga POS vs Helcim
| Feature | Linga POS | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $69.99/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 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 | Multi-location restaurants wanting cloud POS | Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing |
Linga POS Overview
Linga POS is a cloud-based restaurant management system with features for full-service, quick-service, and bar operations. Includes online ordering, inventory management, and multi-location support.
Linga POS is offered by Linga Inc. (founded 2013) based in Houston, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, Bars.
Key Features:
- Cloud POS
- Online Ordering
- Inventory Management
- Multi-location
- Loyalty Programs
- 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
Linga POS Features:
- Cloud POS
- Online Ordering
- Inventory Management
- Multi-location
- Loyalty Programs
Helcim Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
When comparing features, Linga POS stands out with True cloud architecture, 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 | Linga POS | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69.99/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Price Range | 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
Linga POS
Pros:
- Cloud flexibility
- Multi-location support
- Comprehensive features
- Modern interface
Cons:
- Newer to market
- Limited third-party reviews
- Learning curve
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 Linga POS?
Linga POS is ideal for Multi-location restaurants wanting cloud POS. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, Bars.
However, Linga POS may not be the best fit for Very small single-location cafes.
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 Linga POS and Helcim are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Linga POS if you’re Multi-location restaurants wanting cloud POS. Choose Helcim if you’re Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Helcim has a higher user rating (4.6 vs 4.0). 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.