Choosing between Shift4 and Grubhub Direct 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 Grubhub Direct starts at Free setup + processing fees and is Direct online ordering solution from Grubhub. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Shift4 vs Grubhub Direct
| Feature | Shift4 | Grubhub Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Software |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free setup + processing fees |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Enterprise | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions | Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery |
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
Grubhub Direct Overview
Grubhub Direct allows restaurants to accept online orders directly through their website without marketplace commissions. Includes order management and optional delivery through Grubhub drivers.
Grubhub Direct is offered by Grubhub (Just Eat Takeaway) (founded 2004) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Restaurants.
Key Features:
- Online Ordering
- Website Integration
- Order Management
- Delivery Option
- Marketing Tools
- Analytics
Feature Comparison
Shift4 Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
Grubhub Direct Features:
- Online Ordering
- Website Integration
- Order Management
- Delivery Option
- Marketing Tools
When comparing features, Shift4 stands out with End-to-end payments, while Grubhub Direct differentiates itself with Commission-free direct orders. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Shift4 | Grubhub Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free setup + processing fees |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Mid-range to Premium | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Grubhub Direct 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
Shift4
Pros:
- Integrated payments
- Multiple POS brands
- Enterprise scale
- Payment innovation
Cons:
- Complex product lineup
- Custom pricing
- May be overkill for small businesses
Grubhub Direct
Pros:
- No commission on orders
- Grubhub delivery available
- Marketing support
- Free to set up
Cons:
- Delivery fees apply
- Less known than marketplace
- Limited customization
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 Grubhub Direct?
Grubhub Direct is ideal for Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.
However, Grubhub Direct may not be the best fit for Those avoiding third-party delivery platforms.
Our Recommendation
Both Shift4 and Grubhub Direct are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Shift4 if you’re Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Choose Grubhub Direct if you’re Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. Shift4 has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 3.9). Also, choose Grubhub Direct if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.