Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system for your restaurant isn’t just about hardware and software; it’s about finding the right platform to help you serve your guests and grow your business.
If you’ve been comparing various POS options, chances are Peppr and Toast have popped up on your radar. Both offer sleek hardware, easy-to-use software, and helpful features. But which one is the better fit for your restaurant?
In this guide, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of Peppr vs. Toast. Whether you run a cozy café or a bustling full-service restaurant, this breakdown will help you understand what each system offers, and what that means for your day-to-day operations.
Looking for the best restaurant POS system?
Toast is a popular option, serving as a cloud-based restaurant POS system with tools for ordering, payments, online delivery, and staff management. Peppr is a modern POS solution focused on fast, efficient service with built-in tools for kiosks, mobile ordering, and streamlined operations, especially suited for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants.
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the two platforms:
If you want to compare Peppr to other restaurant POS software like Square, check out our Peppr vs. Square guide.
The primary difference between Peppr and Toast POS is that Peppr is designed for independent restaurants, offering transparent pricing and personalized support. In contrast, Toast caters to a broader range of foodservice and retail businesses, with additional costs and less localized service.
The Peppr POS is ideal for real restaurant workflows, not generic retail or franchise setups. Toast is often used by chains, coffee shops, and multi-location brands. Peppr is tailored for the needs of independent operators who need flexibility, fast onboarding, and local support.
Peppr keeps it simple and cost-effective. Plans start at $65/month, and everything you need is included, with a one-time setup fee of $500 to $1,250, depending on your plan tier. You’ll never get blindsided by unexpected fees.
Toast's advertised $0/month “Starter Kit” sounds great until you realize that extra devices, online ordering, or integrations come with a price tag. Even its custom “Build Your Own” plan can spiral in costs with each added feature.
Peppr’s pricing is upfront, straightforward, and contract-free. No need to worry about financial surprises.
Market studies show that restaurants that invest in enhancing guest experiences can experience a 20% increase in guest retention. Peppr is known for delivering genuine restaurant-first support. When your POS breaks down, you wouldn’t want to talk to a chatbot or receive a callback for support.
Peppr gives you hands-on service when it matters most:
Toast offers 24/7 support, but it's mostly remote and shared across 140,000+ locations as of Q1 2025. That’s not exactly “personal.” When your dinner rush hits, Peppr is equipped to handle it quickly.
Read here for more Toast POS alternatives.
Peppr offers secure solutions to everyday challenges that slow down your restaurant, allowing you to boost profits, reduce chaos, and gain more control over your POS system, without hidden fees or corporate headaches.
Peppr is optimized for independent restaurants, featuring built-in ordering, flexible payment options, and transparent pricing. Toast, while feature-rich, often targets enterprise or multi-location setups with add-on software that comes with extra costs.
More than that, Peppr’s user-friendly dashboard and handheld devices focus on speed and simplicity, making it suitable for businesses with busy teams that need to get up and running quickly without a steep learning curve. Toast is customizable but can be more complex to configure.
Peppr is capable of reducing operational headaches. You get quicker setup, better support, and lower fees, plus a platform that’s actually built for how small restaurants operate. Peppr also provides data for smarter staffing and sales tracking, all wrapped in an interface that just makes sense.
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. No DIY nightmares.
Toast has numerous features, particularly for large chains and multi-location establishments. But if you’re running a smaller or mid-sized restaurant, you probably don’t need all the extra features that come with a price.
Peppr provides you with the tools you actually need, such as fast order-taking, simple menu updates, sales reports, and support from real people who know your restaurant. You can still track sales, manage staff, and handle online orders like in Toast. Peppr can also be integrated with 7Shifts, BevCheck, and DoorDash to simplify daily operations.
So no, you won’t lose what you need. You’ll just get a system that’s easier to use, easier to afford, and made for the way independent restaurants really work.
Peppr works seamlessly with tools you already use, like DoorDash and 7Shifts. It’s data-driven, guest-centric, mobile-compatible, and gives you the scalable power you need.
However, what truly sets Peppr apart is its dedicated support, transparent pricing, and a restaurant-focused system that automates tasks related to sales, orders, and staffing. This allows you to focus more on running your restaurant and less on managing your tech stack.
Peppr understands the unique challenges that come with running an independent restaurant. This is why our POS solutions are specifically designed to meet your needs and provide unbeatable customer service, real-time insights, and software that actually works for you.