In the battle of Toast versus Payanywhere, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Toast is particularly strong for Full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, bars, and cafes, while Payanywhere excels at Small businesses wanting fast funding. Whether you prioritize Restaurant-specific features or Next-day funding, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Toast vs Payanywhere
| Feature | Toast | Payanywhere |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $0/month (Starter kit) to $165+/month | $49.95 (terminal) + 2.69% per transaction |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | Yes | No |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Best For | Full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, bars, and cafes | Small businesses wanting fast funding |
Toast Overview
Toast is a restaurant-specific point-of-sale and management system built exclusively for the food service industry. It offers hardware and software solutions for dine-in, takeout, and delivery operations.
Toast is offered by Toast, Inc. (founded 2012) based in Boston, MA. The system focuses on Full-service restaurants, Quick service, Bars, Cafes, Food trucks.
Key Features:
- Tableside ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Delivery management
- Menu management
- Payroll integration
Payanywhere Overview
Payanywhere offers mobile payment solutions with card readers and POS apps. Features next-day funding, invoicing, and business management tools for small businesses.
Payanywhere is offered by North American Bancard (founded 2011) based in Troy, MI. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile.
Key Features:
- Mobile POS
- Card Readers
- Invoicing
- Next-day Funding
- Inventory
- Analytics
Feature Comparison
Toast Features:
- Tableside ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Delivery management
- Menu management
Payanywhere Features:
- Mobile POS
- Card Readers
- Invoicing
- Next-day Funding
- Inventory
When comparing features, Toast stands out with Restaurant-specific features, while Payanywhere differentiates itself with Next-day funding. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Toast | Payanywhere |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/month (Starter kit) to $165+/month | $49.95 (terminal) + 2.69% per transaction |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Budget |
| Free Trial | Available | Not available |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Payanywhere 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
Toast
Pros:
- Built specifically for restaurants
- Robust reporting
- Excellent kitchen management
- Strong online ordering
- Good hardware durability
Cons:
- 2-year contracts typical
- Can be expensive with add-ons
- Limited to restaurant industry
Payanywhere
Pros:
- Next-day funding
- Free mobile app
- Multiple hardware options
- Invoicing included
Cons:
- Mixed customer reviews
- Transaction fees vary
- Contract requirements possible
Who Should Choose Toast?
Toast is ideal for Full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, bars, and cafes. The system is particularly well-suited for Full-service restaurants, Quick service, Bars, Cafes, Food trucks.
However, Toast may not be the best fit for Non-restaurant businesses.
Who Should Choose Payanywhere?
Payanywhere is ideal for Small businesses wanting fast funding. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile.
However, Payanywhere may not be the best fit for Large operations needing advanced POS.
Our Recommendation
Both Toast and Payanywhere are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Toast if you’re Full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, bars, and cafes. Choose Payanywhere if you’re Small businesses wanting fast funding. Toast has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 3.9). Also, choose Toast if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.