Revel Systems vs ChowNow: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Revel Systems and ChowNow 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: Revel Systems is our overall pick for restaurant POS workflows. Pick ChowNow if you need e-commerce.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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.
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.
| At a Glance |  Revel Systems |  ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Restaurant POS | E-commerce |
Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Choose Revel Systems or ChowNow?
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
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
| Feature | Revel Systems | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★3.8/5 468 reviews | ★4.7/5 198 reviews |
| Categories | Restaurant POSOnline Ordering | E-commerceFood & Restaurant |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
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?
Revel Systems: 3.8/5 (468 reviews). ChowNow: 4.7/5 (198 reviews).
Go with: ChowNow
Value user reviews?
Revel Systems: 468 reviews (3.8/5). ChowNow: 198 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Revel Systems
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Revel Systems is paid. ChowNow is freemium. ChowNow lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Revel Systems is a restaurant POS tool. ChowNow is in e-commerce. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ChowNow is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Revel Systems
- Larger review base (468 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
ChowNow
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 3.8/5
- Better fit for e-commerce
The Bottom Line
Revel Systems is our pick. ChowNow has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Revel Systems or ChowNow better?
Revel Systems is rated in our evaluation. Revel Systems is paid and ChowNow is freemium.
What are Revel Systems and ChowNow used for?
Revel Systems: Supercharge your restaurant or bar with next-gen POS, mobile, and contactless technology.. ChowNow: Commission-free online ordering for local restaurants..
What does Revel Systems cost vs ChowNow?
Revel Systems is a paid tool. ChowNow is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.