Choosing between Olo and ChowNow? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Olo: Custom | 4.5/5 rating | Best for Digital Ordering for Restaurants
ChowNow: $149/mo | 4.4/5 rating | Best for Restaurant Online Ordering
Olo vs ChowNow: Quick Summary
| Feature | Olo | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Custom | $149/mo |
| Best For | Digital Ordering for Restaurants | Restaurant Online Ordering |
| Industry | Restaurant | Online Ordering |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Strength | Industry leader in digital ordering | Commission-free |
Olo Overview
Price: Custom | Rating: 4.5/5 | Best For: Digital Ordering for Restaurants
Olo is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Digital Ordering for Restaurants. Key benefits include: Industry leader in digital ordering.
- Online ordering
- Delivery dispatch
- Rails integration
- Catering
- Guest data
- Marketing
ChowNow Overview
Price: $149/mo | Rating: 4.4/5 | Best For: Restaurant Online Ordering
ChowNow is a Online Ordering POS system designed specifically for Restaurant Online Ordering. Key benefits include: Commission-free.
- Branded ordering
- Mobile apps
- Marketing
- POS integrations
- Analytics
- Customer data
Pros & Cons Comparison
Olo Pros
- ✅ Industry leader in digital ordering
- ✅ Many integrations
- ✅ Scalable
Olo Cons
- ❌ Not a full POS
- ❌ Enterprise focused
ChowNow Pros
- ✅ Commission-free
- ✅ Branded experience
- ✅ Customer ownership
ChowNow Cons
- ❌ Higher monthly fee
- ❌ No delivery logistics
The Verdict: Olo vs ChowNow
Choose Olo if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Digital Ordering for Restaurants and value Industry leader in digital ordering.
Choose ChowNow if your business focuses on Restaurant Online Ordering and you prioritize Commission-free.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Olo and ChowNow compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Olo | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Hardware Options | Required | Required |
| Target Business Size | Enterprise | Mid-Market |
| Contract Required | Yes | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Olo?
Olo is the ideal choice for:
- Digital Ordering for Restaurants who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Industry leader in digital ordering
- Those who value Many integrations
- Companies with budget around Custom per month
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurant Online Ordering who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Commission-free
- Those who value Branded experience
- Companies with budget around $149/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Olo vs ChowNow for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Olo (Custom) offers better value while still providing essential features like Online ordering and Delivery dispatch.
Olo vs ChowNow for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Olo vs ChowNow for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Olo (rated 4.5/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Digital Ordering for Restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Olo or ChowNow?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Olo (rated 4.5/5) excels for Digital Ordering for Restaurants, while ChowNow (rated 4.4/5) is optimized for Restaurant Online Ordering. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Olo cost compared to ChowNow?
Olo starts at Custom, while ChowNow starts at $149/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Olo to ChowNow?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Olo features Online ordering, Delivery dispatch, Rails integration. ChowNow offers Branded ordering, Mobile apps, Marketing.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.