Epos Now vs Toast POS: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Epos Now and Toast POS 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Epos Now
A powerful, portable card terminal for businesses to accept payments anywhere, anytime.
Best for you if:
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Portable card terminal for EMV Chip & PIN and contactless payments.
- • Flat-rate transaction fees with no hidden costs or monthly charges.
Toast POS
All-in-one restaurant management platform for front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need restaurant pos features specifically
- • Cloud-based restaurant POS system
- • Integrates front-of-house and back-of-house operations
| At a Glance |  Epos Now |  Toast POS |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | €29 im Voraus/moEpos Now Payments Lite | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available |
Best For | Payment Processing | Restaurant POS |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Epos Now or Toast POS?
Choose Epos Now if
A powerful, portable card terminal for businesses to accept payments anywhere, anytime.
- Highly portable and flexible for on-the-go payments
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or monthly contracts
- Fast access to funds with two-business-day payouts
- Your work is payment processing-shaped, not restaurant pos-shaped
Choose Toast POS if
All-in-one restaurant management platform for front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement.
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution for restaurants
- Cloud-based access and real-time data
- Integrated online ordering and delivery capabilities
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is restaurant pos-shaped, not payment processing-shaped
| Feature | Epos Now | Toast POS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 860 reviews | ★4.2/5 1,832 reviews |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingFinance | Restaurant POSPayment Processing |
In-Depth Analysis
Epos Now
A powerful, portable card terminal for businesses to accept payments anywhere, anytime.
Strengths
- +Highly portable and flexible for on-the-go payments
- +Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or monthly contracts
- +Fast access to funds with two-business-day payouts
- +Robust security features ensure safe transactions
- +User-friendly setup and operation
Weaknesses
- -Currently only supports Android devices (iOS support coming soon)
- -Does not include a built-in printer for physical receipts
- -Higher transaction fees for premium, international, and commercial cards
Key features
Toast POS
All-in-one restaurant management platform for front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive all-in-one solution for restaurants
- +Cloud-based access and real-time data
- +Integrated online ordering and delivery capabilities
- +Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
- +Purpose-built, durable hardware
Weaknesses
- -Can be a significant investment for smaller businesses
- -Proprietary hardware can limit flexibility
- -Contractual commitments may be required
Key features
Pricing: Epos Now vs Toast POS
| Plan | Epos Now | Toast POS |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | €29 im Voraus Epos Now Payments Lite | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Epos Now pricing and Toast POS pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Toast POS has a free tier. Epos Now is paid only.
Go with: Toast POS
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Epos Now
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Epos Now
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Epos Now is paid. Toast POS is freemium. Toast POS lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Epos Now is a payment processing tool. Toast POS is in restaurant pos. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Epos Now
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Toast POS
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (1,832 reviews)
- Better fit for restaurant pos
The Bottom Line
Epos Now is our pick. Toast POS has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epos Now or Toast POS better?
Epos Now is rated in our evaluation. Epos Now is paid and Toast POS is freemium.
What are Epos Now and Toast POS used for?
Epos Now: A powerful, portable card terminal for businesses to accept payments anywhere, anytime.. Toast POS: All-in-one restaurant management platform for front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement..
What does Epos Now cost vs Toast POS?
Epos Now is a paid tool. Toast POS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.