Find your perfect POS match in our guide to CAKE POS alternatives, with options for every budget and growth plan.
CAKE POS has earned a reputation for its intuitive interface, offline mode, and guest engagement features. But like any tool in the kitchen, it’s not a perfect fit for every service.
For some operators, pricing transparency, advanced integrations, or localized onboarding matter more than CAKE’s current offering. This article explores the top CAKE POS alternatives for 2025, helping you find systems that are best for your service style, budget, and growth plans.
Whether you’re hunting for more flexible contracts or a system that’s built with restaurants (not retail) in mind, we’ll cover options worth putting on your menu.
What is CAKE POS?
CAKE is a cloud-based, hybrid POS system developed by Mad Mobile. It combines software and hardware to manage orders, process payments, track guests, and generate real-time reports.
Core Features:
Order Management: Touchscreen terminals, tableside ordering via handhelds, kitchen display systems (KDS)
Payment Processing: Credit/debit, mobile wallets, QR codes, split checks, refunds
So, who’s it for? CAKE POS is designed for restaurants, cafes, and hospitality venues that need a cloud-based solution with durable hardware. It’s popular among small to medium operators who want something modern but easy to train on.
CAKE POS - Pros & Cons
Strengths:
Easy-to-use interface that shortens staff training time
Offline functionality to keep orders flowing during internet outages
Guest profiles for personalized service
Strong real-time analytics to help improve checkout speed and table turnover
Limitations:
Limited flexibility in payment processors; requires in-house processing
Some feature gaps, like basic loyalty tools and limited reporting customization
Contracts for best pricing (often two years or more)
May be less cost-effective for smaller venues that want more transparent pricing
For operators who want better integration flexibility, more local support, or pricing that starts at a predictable monthly rate, CAKE POS alternatives are worth exploring.
Why Consider CAKE POS Alternatives?
Restaurants switch POS systems for several reasons:
Desire for more competitive payment processing rates to help reduce transaction fees
Need for integrations with delivery, marketing, or staff management tools
Interest in advanced reservation workflows and FOH optimization
Preference for vendors that are easy to set up and come with 24/7 support
Alternatives may also offer similar features to CAKE POS while improving cost transparency or providing hands-on onboarding.
What Are the Best CAKE POS Alternatives?
Below are six options that are rated highly by users and fit different budgets, service models, and growth strategies. Before we dive into the specifics, here’s how the top alternatives compare at a glance:
1) Peppr
Peppr is one of the top alternatives to CAKE POS, as it’s a restaurant-exclusive POS platform with month-to-month pricing and no long-term contracts. It’s designed specifically for restaurants, so every feature directly supports FOH and BOH efficiency without unnecessary retail extras.
Strengths: Commission-free online ordering, local onboarding in LA and Dallas, and live integrations with DoorDash, 7shifts, and BevChek. Core sales, labor, and menu reporting to track performance.
Best For: Independent and multi-location restaurants wanting predictable costs and a system that fits how restaurants actually operate.
Notable Edge: Transparent pricing, dedicated restaurant support, and upcoming enhancements, including KDS (August 2025) and expanded analytics.
2) Epos Now
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS platform serving retail, hospitality, and service industries. While it adapts well to many industries, it’s a generalist. So, restaurant operators who want a POS built specifically for FOH and BOH efficiency may find Peppr’s restaurant-only design a better fit.
Strengths: Provides detailed reporting, offline capability, and a comprehensive integration library, which help businesses maintain smooth operations.
Best For: Businesses that handle online and in-store sales and need versatility across retail and hospitality.
Notable Edge: Hybrid cloud setup for uptime reliability, paired with affordable pricing and broad compatibility with third-party tools.
3) Clover
Clover delivers sleek, modular hardware paired with a broad app marketplace for customization. It serves both hospitality and retail sectors with scalable solutions.
Strengths: Offers robust inventory tools, flexible hardware options, and fast onboarding. Flat-rate fees can reduce transaction fees over time.
Best For: Operators who want a POS that can support multi-location retail and adapt to different service environments.
Notable Edge: Its app marketplace enables tailored solutions without heavy development costs. But when comparing Peppr vs Clover POS, Peppr specializes in restaurant workflows while Clover shines in multi-industry adaptability.
4) Loyverse POS
Loyverse is a free, mobile-based POS that turns smartphones and tablets into sales terminals. It’s one of the rare systems that’s available with free trials and a permanent free tier.
Strengths: Extremely cost-effective for startups, with a free core plan and low-cost add-ons. Plus, a mobile-based setup for fast deployment.
Best For: Budget-conscious small cafés, food trucks, and pop-ups looking for a budget-friendly POS.
Notable Edge: One of the only POS systems offering a permanent free tier with essential sales, inventory, and customer tools.
5) Toast, Inc.
Toast is a restaurant-focused POS platform offering order management, payment processing, and integrations with delivery services. It includes inventory management, menu customization, and loyalty tools.
Strengths: Solid restaurant-specific features like kitchen display systems, delivery integrations, and real-time menu control. Transparent pricing helps with budgeting.
Best For: Full-service and quick-service restaurants that need a feature-rich POS for high-volume orders. Popular among operators exploring Simphony POS alternatives.
Notable Edge: Robust ecosystem for multi-location restaurant chains, though it can feel complex for smaller operators.
6) SpotOn
SpotOn is a customizable POS built for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It combines payment processing with tools for online ordering, loyalty programs, and marketing.
Strengths: Flexible workflows, strong menu management, and real-time reporting for high-traffic service environments.
Best For: Operators who want a single platform for sales, marketing, and customer engagement. Often compared against other SpotOn POS alternatives for its competitive pricing.
Notable Edge: Provides a free hardware plan and high customization potential, though onboarding isn’t as hands-on as Peppr’s.
Comparing CAKE POS with Its Alternatives
In a nutshell, here’s how CAKE POS compares point for point with its main alternatives:
Epos Now: More versatile but less restaurant-focused
Clover: Flexible hardware; not exclusive to restaurants
Loyverse: Best for low-budget startups; fewer advanced tools
Toast: Feature-rich but higher cost
SpotOn: Customizable with strong marketing; less onboarding support
Peppr: Restaurant-specific, transparent monthly pricing, hands-on migration support, with KDS and expanded analytics coming later in 2025
Peppr’s hospitality-first model means no wasted features, predictable billing, and workflows optimized for FOH speed.
What’s the Best CAKE POS Alternative?
While the best fit depends on your restaurant’s needs, Peppr delivers a rare combination of transparent month-to-month pricing, commission-free online ordering, and deep restaurant specialization.
Best for Month-to-Month Pricing
No long-term contracts. No surprise fees. So, if you want predictable costs, FOH speed, and a system that won’t make you wade through irrelevant retail tools, Peppr is the one to watch.
Commission-Free Online Ordering
Every order flows directly to the POS. No third-party commissions nibbling your margins.
Integrated Partner Tools
Live integrations with DoorDash, 7shifts, and BevChek to reduce manual entry and keep service smooth. But more integrations are in progress.
Check Out Why Restaurants Choose Peppr
Restaurants choose Peppr for its easy onboarding, scalability, and omnichannel selling capabilities. Features like handheld FOH devices, cloud-based reporting, and KDS (coming August 2025) keep your crew moving and your guests happy.
Q: Does Peppr provide faster response times than CAKE POS?
Yes. Peppr’s local, hands-on support teams have an average first-response time of under 30 seconds during support hours, which is often faster than many providers.
Q: Can Peppr integrate with DoorDash while CAKE POS requires manual entry?
Yes. Peppr integrates directly with DoorDash, eliminating the need for extra tablets or manual entry.
Q: Can Peppr replace CAKE POS without disrupting your service hours?
Yes. Peppr’s migration process is designed to minimize downtime, with off-hours installation and on-site training.
Q: Is Peppr’s pricing more transparent than CAKE POS?
Yes. Peppr offers no hidden fees, predictable subscriptions with commission-free ordering.
.png){kind=logo}
