Dec 8, 2025
Looking for the best handheld POS? Compare Peppr vs Toast and see which works best
While Toast charges enterprise prices for features most independent restaurants never use, Peppr offers transparent month-to-month contracts and superior local service that eliminates the fear of downtime during peak hours.
Here is a breakdown of the core differences in hardware, pricing, and support models for Peppr and Toast, to help you decide which POS system is right for you.
Speed Up Your Service!
Peppr’s intuitive handheld POS keeps up with your busiest rush.
The main difference between Peppr and Toast lies in performance, pricing transparency, and hands-on local support.
Toast often acts like a giant chain, focusing on scale and self-service setup models where support vanishes when you have a critical problem. Peppr is the agile, forward-thinking alternative that puts the restaurant first.
Both POS systems offer cloud-based handheld ordering for servers and staff. Peppr processes orders and transactions in real time, sending them to the kitchen instantly. The system syncs data across terminals, handhelds, and back-office dashboards, keeping your entire team coordinated during busy service.
Both platforms provide crucial offline functionality. Peppr delivers strong network reliability, protecting your sales when the Wi-Fi drops. The system quickly syncs data across terminals, handhelds, and back-office dashboards once the connection is restored.
Peppr is designed with an intuitive, easy-to-learn interface and doesn't require tech expertise. It also allows custom menu configurations and quick price adjustments. Toast offers deep customization but demands more training time and technical knowledge to optimize effectively.
Device design directly affects restaurant efficiency, order speed, and staff mobility. A clumsy, slow device ruins service.
Toast's Go 3 device improved on previous models, designed to be lighter and tougher than its earlier versions. It features an all-day battery and is rated to withstand dust and liquids, offering solid durability for a restaurant handheld. But here is where Peppr wins.
Peppr offers durable handheld hardware built for restaurant environments with lightweight construction that servers can carry comfortably. This focus on quality and ergonomics ensures the device handles drops, spills, and long shifts without issue.
Peppr's extended battery life means your staff stays mobile and productive throughout their entire shift. Imagine servers handling large sections during weekend brunch or managing outdoor dining areas without having to run back inside to grab chargers. Instant tableside ordering and payment processing reduce wait times and improve table turnover.
Ease of setup and smooth daily operations make or break POS adoption. You don't have time for complicated installations or weeks of training.
Peppr offers a plug-and-play onboarding process with white-glove setup. Their team comes on-site, installs your system, builds your menu, and trains your staff. Most restaurants go live in under a week.
This directly contrasts with Toast’s more traditional setup workflow. Toast requires self-service installation on basic plans or paid professional setup for complex configurations. Staff training takes longer because the system packs in features most independent restaurants don't use.
Pepper’s intuitive design leads to proven operational speed. For instance, Franco's Italian Restaurant saw an immediate impact, cutting its order processing time by 30% thanks to the platform's efficient interface.
Peppr is the preferred option for independent restaurants because it combines transparent, affordable pricing and durable hardware with genuine local support.
The biggest differences are pricing and support. Peppr offers month-to-month contracts with local support teams. Toast requires 2-year contracts and shares remote support across 140,000+ locations.
Peppr's intuitive dashboard is fast and easy to use, while Toast is more complex, requiring longer training periods and more technical knowledge.
Peppr also integrates with major payment providers like Worldpay and Adyen, giving you processor flexibility. Toast locks you into their payment processing with no choice.
Switch to Peppr to reduce operational headaches. You get faster setup, better support, lower fees, and a platform built specifically for how small restaurants manage operations. Peppr also provides data for smarter staffing and sales tracking, all wrapped in an intuitive interface.
Transitioning is easier than you think. Peppr helps you switch with ease through white-glove migration and menu import. Additionally, you'll have a Peppr team member on-site to handle setup, train your staff, and ensure everything runs smoothly on day one.
Yes. The platform syncs data across terminals, handhelds, and back-office dashboards for a consistent experience. It integrates with popular services like DoorDash and 7Shifts to simplify daily operations. You won't lose the essential tools needed to manage your business.
Peppr is the best alternative because it focuses on affordability and streamlined operations for small restaurants. It is data-driven and mobile-compatible, but what truly sets Peppr apart is its dedicated support, transparent pricing, and a restaurant-focused system that automates transactions, orders, and staffing. This allows you to focus more on running your restaurant and less on managing your tech stack.
Book a demo and see why independent restaurants trust Peppr for handheld ordering.
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