Choosing between Shift4 and ChowNow for your business? Both are popular multi-industry solutions, but they serve different needs. Shift4 starts at Contact for pricing and is Payment processing and POS technology company, while ChowNow starts at $149/month and is Commission-free online ordering for restaurants. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Shift4 vs ChowNow
| Feature | Shift4 | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Software |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $149/month |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Enterprise | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions | Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering |
Shift4 Overview
Shift4 is a payment processing and POS technology company serving hospitality, retail, and other industries. Owns POSitouch, Harbortouch, and other POS brands. Offers integrated payments and software.
Shift4 is offered by Shift4 (founded 1994) based in Allentown, PA. The system focuses on Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.
Key Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
- Enterprise Solutions
ChowNow Overview
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform for restaurants. Provides branded apps, website ordering, and marketing tools without per-order commissions like third-party delivery apps.
ChowNow is offered by ChowNow Inc. (founded 2010) based in Los Angeles, CA. The system focuses on Restaurants.
Key Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
- Loyalty Programs
Feature Comparison
Shift4 Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
ChowNow Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
When comparing features, Shift4 stands out with End-to-end payments, while ChowNow differentiates itself with Zero commissions. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Shift4 | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $149/month |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range to Premium | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
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
Shift4
Pros:
- Integrated payments
- Multiple POS brands
- Enterprise scale
- Payment innovation
Cons:
- Complex product lineup
- Custom pricing
- May be overkill for small businesses
ChowNow
Pros:
- No commission fees
- Branded experience
- Customer data ownership
- Marketing tools
Cons:
- Monthly subscription cost
- No delivery drivers
- Limited to online ordering
Who Should Choose Shift4?
Shift4 is ideal for Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. The system is particularly well-suited for Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.
However, Shift4 may not be the best fit for Very small businesses wanting simple solutions.
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is ideal for Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.
However, ChowNow may not be the best fit for Those needing full POS or delivery services.
Our Recommendation
Both Shift4 and ChowNow are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Shift4 if you’re Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Choose ChowNow if you’re Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. ChowNow 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.