TouchBistro vs Square
Both are iPad-based POS systems. TouchBistro is restaurant-only with deep service features. Square for Restaurants is a restaurant mode on a general-purpose platform. For full-service restaurants, TouchBistro's specialization helps. For simple operations, Square's ecosystem and free tier win.
Our Verdict
TouchBistro for full-service restaurants wanting restaurant-specific depth. Square for counter service, coffee shops, food trucks, and anyone who values Square's ecosystem and free starting tier. Both work—match to your operation's complexity.
Best for:
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TouchBistro | Square | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/mo | $0 (Free plan) | Square |
| Restaurant focus | 100% | Restaurant mode available | TouchBistro |
| Table management | Excellent | Good (Plus plan) | TouchBistro |
| Offline mode | Excellent | Good | TouchBistro |
| Ecosystem breadth | Restaurant only | Full business platform | Square |
| Online ordering | Add-on cost | Built-in | Square |
| Payment processor | TouchBistro Payments | Square only | Tie |
| Hardware investment | iPad + peripherals | iPad or Square hardware | Square |
TouchBistro
Pros
- ✓Restaurant-native design
- ✓Strong table management
- ✓Excellent offline mode
- ✓Tableside ordering
Cons
- ✗No free tier
- ✗Add-ons increase cost
- ✗Smaller ecosystem
- ✗Restaurant only
Square
Pros
- ✓Free to start
- ✓Full business ecosystem
- ✓Better online ordering
- ✓Multi-use flexibility
Cons
- ✗Restaurant features less deep
- ✗Table management requires Plus
- ✗Less restaurant-specialized
In-Depth Analysis
Full-Service Workflow
TouchBistro thinks in tables and courses. Floor plans, seat assignments, course firing—it's native. Square can do table service but it feels added-on. If your servers need to manage a dining room, TouchBistro's interface is more intuitive.
The Free vs Paid Trade-off
Square's free tier is legitimately useful for small restaurants. TouchBistro has no free option. But compare fairly: Square Plus ($60/mo) vs TouchBistro Solo ($69/mo) is closer. At that level, TouchBistro's restaurant focus might be worth $9 more.
Offline Reliability
TouchBistro stores everything locally on iPad—works great offline. Square is more cloud-dependent. For restaurants in areas with spotty internet, or during outages, TouchBistro's architecture is more robust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try both before deciding?
Square: yes, it's free. TouchBistro: they offer demos but no free trial. You can start with Square free plan to learn POS basics, then evaluate TouchBistro if you need more restaurant depth.
Which has better support?
Square has more resources (help center, community, chat). TouchBistro has restaurant-specialized support but smaller team. Both have room for improvement based on user reviews.