Fresh KDS vs Lightspeed: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Fresh KDS and Lightspeed 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Fresh KDS
Optimize kitchen operations and enhance customer service for restaurants.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need restaurant pos features specifically
- • Streamlines kitchen operations by sorting orders based on prep and pickup times.
- • Integrates with major POS systems to display orders instantly.
Lightspeed
Manage and operate every part of your business from one highly configurable system.
Best for you if:
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • All-in-one POS and payments platform for various industries.
- • Comprehensive inventory management and real-time reporting.
| At a Glance |  Fresh KDS |  Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Restaurant POS | Payment Processing |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Fresh KDS | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Restaurant POSKitchen Display | Payment ProcessingInventory Management |
How Fresh KDS and Lightspeed Compare
Fresh KDS
Optimize kitchen operations and enhance customer service for restaurants.
Free
Lightspeed
Manage and operate every part of your business from one highly configurable system.
Paid
Fresh KDS is a restaurant pos tool. Lightspeed is in payment processing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Fresh KDS is free. Lightspeed is paid.
Go with: Fresh KDS
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Fresh KDS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Fresh KDS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Fresh KDS is free. Lightspeed is paid. Go with Fresh KDS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Fresh KDS is a restaurant pos tool. Lightspeed is in payment processing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Fresh KDS
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Lightspeed
- Better fit for payment processing
The Bottom Line
Fresh KDS is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresh KDS or Lightspeed better?
Fresh KDS scores high/100 in our evaluation. Fresh KDS is free and Lightspeed is paid.
What are Fresh KDS and Lightspeed used for?
Fresh KDS: Optimize kitchen operations and enhance customer service for restaurants.. Lightspeed: Manage and operate every part of your business from one highly configurable system..
What does Fresh KDS cost vs Lightspeed?
Fresh KDS is completely free. Lightspeed is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.