POS Comparisons

Revel Systems vs Lavu: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Nov 10, 2025 3 min read

When comparing Revel Systems vs Lavu, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to multi-industry point-of-sale technology. Revel Systems, rated 4.1/5, offers Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. Meanwhile, Lavu, rated 4.3/5, provides Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Revel Systems vs Lavu

FeatureRevel SystemsLavu
CategoryMulti-IndustryRestaurant
Starting Price$99/month/terminal (estimated)$99/month (Starter)
Rating4.1/54.3/5
Target BusinessMid-MarketSmall Business
Pricing ModelQuote-basedSubscription
Free TrialYesYes
Free VersionNoNo
Best ForMulti-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chainsQuick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices

Revel Systems Overview

Revel Systems is an enterprise-grade iPad POS platform for restaurants and retail businesses. It offers advanced features, API access, and scalability for growing multi-location operations.

Revel Systems is offered by Revel Systems, Inc. (founded 2010) based in Atlanta, GA. The system focuses on Quick service restaurants, Retail chains, Franchises, Enterprise.

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Key Features:

  • iPad-based POS
  • Open API
  • Inventory management
  • CRM
  • Employee management
  • Reporting

Lavu Overview

Lavu POS is an iPad-based point-of-sale system designed for restaurants, bars, cafes, and food trucks. Features customizable menus, dual pricing options, kitchen display systems, and offline capabilities. Staff can master the system in under 15 minutes.

Lavu is offered by Lavu Inc. (founded 2010) based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food Trucks, Quick Service.

Key Features:

  • Customizable iPad interface
  • Dual pricing (cash/card)
  • Kitchen display system
  • Online ordering
  • Self-ordering kiosks
  • Inventory management

Feature Comparison

Revel Systems Features:

  • iPad-based POS
  • Open API
  • Inventory management
  • CRM
  • Employee management

Lavu Features:

  • Customizable iPad interface
  • Dual pricing (cash/card)
  • Kitchen display system
  • Online ordering
  • Self-ordering kiosks

When comparing features, Revel Systems stands out with Open API platform, while Lavu differentiates itself with 15-minute staff training. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectRevel SystemsLavu
Starting Price$99/month/terminal (estimated)$99/month (Starter)
Pricing ModelQuote-basedSubscription
Price RangePremiumMid-range
Free TrialAvailableAvailable
Free VersionNoNo

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

Revel Systems

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Strong API for integrations
  • Good for franchises
  • Robust reporting
  • Multi-location capable

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Implementation can be complex
  • 3-year contracts typical

Lavu

Pros:

  • Easy to learn (15 minutes)
  • iOS/Apple integration
  • Highly customizable
  • Offline capabilities
  • Dual pricing saves on processing

Cons:

  • No free plan
  • Cannot cancel before term
  • Hardware dependent on Apple
  • Price increases reported

Who Should Choose Revel Systems?

Revel Systems is ideal for Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. The system is particularly well-suited for Quick service restaurants, Retail chains, Franchises, Enterprise.

However, Revel Systems may not be the best fit for Small single-location businesses on tight budgets.

Who Should Choose Lavu?

Lavu is ideal for Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food Trucks, Quick Service.

However, Lavu may not be the best fit for Businesses without Apple hardware, those needing free options.

Our Recommendation

Both Revel Systems and Lavu are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Revel Systems if you’re Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. Choose Lavu if you’re Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. Lavu has a higher user rating (4.3 vs 4.1). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.