The 10 Best POS Systems for SMEs

In today’s digital-first economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must rely on technology to remain competitive and profitable. For food businesses in particular, choosing the right POS platform and restaurant ordering system is critical to managing operations, increasing efficiency, and meeting growing customer expectations.

Modern POS platforms are no longer limited to payment processing. They now integrate inventory management, analytics, customer engagement, and—most importantly—online ordering software. As demand for online ordering for restaurants continues to rise, businesses that adopt reliable online food ordering software gain a significant competitive advantage.

This article presents the 10 best POS software solutions for SMEs, with a strong focus on systems that support restaurant operations, digital ordering, and scalable growth.

1. Square POS – Flexible POS and Restaurant Ordering System

Square POS is one of the most popular solutions among SMEs and is widely used as a lightweight restaurant ordering system. It supports in-store payments, mobile transactions, and integrates seamlessly with online ordering software.

Restaurants using Square can enable online ordering for restaurants through built-in tools and third-party integrations. This makes Square a practical entry point for businesses adopting online food ordering software without high setup costs or technical complexity.

Square is particularly effective for cafes, food trucks, and small restaurants that want a simple yet scalable restaurant ordering system.

2. Shopify POS – Omnichannel POS with Online Ordering Software

Shopify POS is best known for retail, but it is increasingly used as a restaurant ordering system for food brands operating both online and offline. Its ecosystem includes powerful online ordering software that synchronizes menus, orders, and inventory.

With Shopify, online ordering for restaurants becomes part of a unified commerce strategy. Restaurants benefit from professional storefronts, automated order flows, and advanced online food ordering software features such as customer profiles and loyalty programs.

3. Lightspeed POS – Advanced Restaurant Ordering System for Growth

Lightspeed POS is designed for businesses with complex needs and growing operations. In hospitality, it functions as a full-featured restaurant ordering system, supporting dine-in, takeaway, and delivery models.

Lightspeed integrates with enterprise-grade online ordering software, allowing seamless online ordering for restaurants across multiple locations. Its analytics-driven online food ordering software helps operators optimize menus, pricing, and performance.

4. Toast POS – Industry-Leading Restaurant Ordering System

Toast POS is built specifically for restaurants and is widely recognized as a best-in-class restaurant ordering system. It offers table management, kitchen displays, labor tracking, and native online ordering software.

Toast enables direct online ordering for restaurants, reducing dependency on third-party delivery platforms. Its comprehensive online food ordering software supports pickup, delivery, tipping, and real-time order tracking, making it ideal for modern food businesses.

5. Clover POS – Customizable POS with Online Ordering Software

Clover POS provides a flexible ecosystem of hardware and applications, making it a popular restaurant ordering system for SMEs. Through its app marketplace, Clover integrates with multiple online ordering software providers.

Restaurants using Clover can easily enable online ordering for restaurants, while maintaining control over in-store and digital operations. Its adaptable online food ordering software setup suits both quick-service and full-service restaurants.

6. Vend by Lightspeed – Retail POS with Restaurant Ordering Use

Vend is primarily a retail POS, but it is also used as a simplified restaurant ordering system for cafes, bakeries, and takeaway businesses. When combined with compatible online ordering software, Vend supports digital sales efficiently.

Vend allows online ordering for restaurants that require basic functionality without operational complexity. Its lightweight online food ordering software is best suited for small food-focused SMEs.

7. TouchBistro – Table-Service Restaurant Ordering System

TouchBistro is designed exclusively for restaurants and excels as a table-service restaurant ordering system. It offers floor plans, menu customization, and order management tailored to busy dining environments.

TouchBistro integrates with dedicated online ordering software, enabling smooth online ordering for restaurants alongside dine-in service. Its reliable online food ordering software ensures consistent performance, even during peak hours.

8. Revel Systems – Enterprise-Level Online Food Ordering Software

Revel Systems is a powerful POS platform designed for scalability. As a robust restaurant ordering system, it supports franchises, multi-location restaurants, and high-volume operations.

Revel includes advanced online ordering software, allowing professional online ordering for restaurants with deep customer insights. Its data-driven online food ordering software is ideal for brands planning aggressive growth.

9. iPOS – Simple Restaurant Ordering System for Small Businesses

iPOS focuses on speed and simplicity, making it a practical restaurant ordering system for small food outlets. It handles fast billing, basic reporting, and streamlined order processing.

When paired with compatible online ordering software, iPOS supports online ordering for restaurants with limited menus. Its straightforward online food ordering software works well for kiosks and local takeaway shops.

10. GloriaFood and Online Ordering for Restaurants

In addition to POS-based solutions, platforms like GloriaFood focus exclusively on online ordering for restaurants. GloriaFood is widely used as commission-free online ordering software, allowing restaurants to accept direct orders from customers.

Many SMEs integrate their POS-based restaurant ordering system with GloriaFood to strengthen their online food ordering software strategy. GloriaFood is especially popular among small and independent restaurants seeking affordable and reliable online ordering for restaurants without marketplace fees.

Conclusion

A modern restaurant ordering system is essential for SMEs operating in today’s competitive food service market. With customer demand for online ordering for restaurants continuing to grow, investing in reliable online ordering software and scalable online food ordering software is no longer optional.

From full-service platforms like Toast and Revel to POS integrations with GloriaFood, today’s solutions empower SMEs to streamline operations, increase revenue, and build long-term customer loyalty.