ChowNow vs Revel Systems: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ChowNow and Revel Systems comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: ChowNow is our overall pick for e-commerce workflows. Pick Revel Systems if you need restaurant POS.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ChowNow
Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need e-commerce features specifically
- • Commission-free online ordering for restaurants.
- • Subscription-based model, not per-order commission.
Revel Systems
Supercharge your restaurant or bar with next-gen POS, mobile, and contactless technology.
Best for you if:
- • You need restaurant POS features specifically
- • All-in-one POS and payment platform for restaurants and bars.
- • Offers mobile ordering, QR code payments, and integrated online ordering.
| At a Glance |  ChowNow |  Revel Systems |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | E-commerce | Restaurant POS |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose ChowNow or Revel Systems?
Choose ChowNow if
Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants.
- Eliminates per-order commissions, increasing restaurant profit margins.
- Allows restaurants to own their customer data.
- Provides a branded online ordering experience.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is e-commerce-shaped, not restaurant POS-shaped
Choose Revel Systems if
Supercharge your restaurant or bar with next-gen POS, mobile, and contactless technology.
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution for restaurant management.
- Enhanced security for customer data and payments.
- Competitive pricing with potential for free hardware and waived fees.
- Your work is restaurant POS-shaped, not e-commerce-shaped
| Feature | ChowNow | Revel Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 198 reviews | ★3.8/5 468 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerceFood & Restaurant | Restaurant POSOnline Ordering |
In-Depth Analysis
ChowNow
Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants.
Strengths
- +Eliminates per-order commissions, increasing restaurant profit margins.
- +Allows restaurants to own their customer data.
- +Provides a branded online ordering experience.
- +Integrates seamlessly with existing restaurant digital assets.
- +Offers marketing tools to drive direct orders.
Weaknesses
- -Requires a monthly subscription fee, which can be a barrier for some.
- -Does not provide a marketplace for customer discovery like major delivery apps.
- -Restaurants are responsible for their own delivery logistics if not using a third-party integration.
Key features
Revel Systems
Supercharge your restaurant or bar with next-gen POS, mobile, and contactless technology.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive all-in-one solution for restaurant management.
- +Enhanced security for customer data and payments.
- +Competitive pricing with potential for free hardware and waived fees.
- +Features specifically designed for the food and beverage industry.
- +Improves efficiency with mobile and contactless ordering options.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing details are not transparent and require direct contact.
- -Primarily focused on the food and beverage industry, limiting broader application.
- -Reliance on Shift4 for payment processing may limit choices for businesses.
Key features
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ChowNow has a free tier. Revel Systems is paid only.
Go with: ChowNow
Want the highest-rated option?
ChowNow: 4.7/5 (198 reviews). Revel Systems: 3.8/5 (468 reviews).
Go with: ChowNow
Value user reviews?
ChowNow: 198 reviews (4.7/5). Revel Systems: 468 reviews (3.8/5).
Go with: Revel Systems
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ChowNow is freemium. Revel Systems is paid. ChowNow lets you start free.
What's your use case?
ChowNow is a e-commerce tool. Revel Systems is in restaurant POS. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ChowNow is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
ChowNow
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 3.8/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Revel Systems
- Larger review base (468 reviews)
- Better fit for restaurant POS
The Bottom Line
ChowNow is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ChowNow or Revel Systems better?
ChowNow is rated in our evaluation. ChowNow is freemium and Revel Systems is paid.
What are ChowNow and Revel Systems used for?
ChowNow: Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants.. Revel Systems: Supercharge your restaurant or bar with next-gen POS, mobile, and contactless technology..
What does ChowNow cost vs Revel Systems?
ChowNow is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Revel Systems is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.