When comparing Shift4 vs Focus POS, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to multi-industry point-of-sale technology. Shift4, rated 4.1/5, offers Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Meanwhile, Focus POS, rated 4.0/5, provides Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Shift4 vs Focus POS
| Feature | Shift4 | Focus POS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Restaurant |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Quote-based |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Enterprise | Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Quote-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions | Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises |
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
Focus POS Overview
Focus POS is a restaurant management system with enterprise-grade features including advanced reporting, labor management, and multi-location support. Known for detailed analytics and customization.
Focus POS is offered by Focus POS Systems (founded 1990) based in Dallas, Texas, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Restaurant Groups, Enterprise.
Key Features:
- Advanced reporting
- Labor management
- Multi-location
- Enterprise dashboards
- Inventory management
- Kitchen display
Feature Comparison
Shift4 Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
Focus POS Features:
- Advanced reporting
- Labor management
- Multi-location
- Enterprise dashboards
- Inventory management
When comparing features, Shift4 stands out with End-to-end payments, while Focus POS differentiates itself with Advanced analytics. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Shift4 | Focus POS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Quote-based |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Quote-based |
| Price Range | Mid-range to Premium | Premium |
| 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
Focus POS
Pros:
- Detailed analytics
- Enterprise scalability
- Customization options
- Multi-location support
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Complex setup
- Quote-based pricing
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 Focus POS?
Focus POS is ideal for Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Restaurant Groups, Enterprise.
However, Focus POS may not be the best fit for Single small restaurants, budget-conscious operators.
Our Recommendation
Both Shift4 and Focus POS are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Shift4 if you’re Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Choose Focus POS if you’re Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises. Shift4 has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.