Spoton POS vs Toast POS: Which One’s Better for Your Business?

Spoton and Toast are two top-rated POS systems—but which one actually delivers more value?

I’ve spent weeks researching and comparing their features, pricing, hardware, and ecommerce capabilities to help you make the right choice for your business.

After testing both platforms, I can confidently say this:

Spoton is the better all-around option for ecommerce, retail, and service businesses.

Toast is ideal if you're strictly running a restaurant or food business.

Let’s take a closer look at how these two POS systems compare side by side.

Spoton vs Toast POS: Quick Verdict FeatureSpoton POSToast POSBest ForRetail, ecommerce, servicesRestaurants onlyEcommerce IntegrationsYesNoHardware FlexibilityHighLow (proprietary only)Payment Processing RatesTransparent & lowerLess transparent & higherPricing StructureFlexibleHigher total costBest Support24/7 phone + chatLimited unless upgraded

Spoton POS – Best for ecommerce, retail, and hybrid businesses
Toast POS – Best for full-service and quick-service restaurants

In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through how each system performs across hardware, pricing, ecommerce, payments, support, and more.

Quick Comparison: Spoton vs Toast POS

Let’s start with a simple side-by-side breakdown:

CategorySpoton POSToast POSIdeal Business TypeEcommerce, Retail, ServicesRestaurants & CafesEcommerce FriendlyYesNoIntegrations with ShopifyYes (via connectors)NoPayment ProcessingSpoton (required)Toast Payments (required)Online OrderingVia integrationsBuilt-in for restaurantsHardware RequirementsFlexibleProprietary onlyMonthly Software Costs$25–$195+$0–$399+ (plus add-ons)Support Availability24/7 live phone/chatLimited to business hours Go to the top Best for Ecommerce: Spoton POS

If your business sells both online and in-store—or plans to—Spoton POS is the clear winner. It’s designed to handle both in-person and ecommerce transactions with ease.

I was able to connect Spoton to ecommerce platforms like:

Shopify BigCommerce WooCommerce Square Online

Through third-party middleware and apps, I could sync inventory across my online store and physical POS. That’s a huge benefit for hybrid retailers or service providers who book online and sell in person.

Toast Is Not Built for Ecommerce

When I tried Toast, I quickly realized that ecommerce wasn’t on the roadmap. Toast only supports:

Online food ordering Delivery and pickup for restaurants Digital gift card sales

There’s no integration with retail ecommerce platforms. If you're selling physical products online or running a DTC store, Toast won't cut it.

Winner: Spoton POS FeatureSpoton POSToast POSEcommerce IntegrationsYesNoInventory SyncYesNoDigital Gift CardsYesYesOnline OrderingYes (via partner tools)Yes (for food only)Multichannel SellingSupportedNot supported

Spoton clearly outperforms Toast when it comes to ecommerce functionality. If you're selling products online or across multiple channels, Spoton gives you the tools to manage it all in one place.

Go to the top Pricing: Spoton Is More Transparent

When comparing pricing between Spoton and Toast, I found that Spoton offers clearer, more flexible pricing, while Toast adds a lot of hidden fees.

Spoton POS Pricing

Spoton uses a tiered model with competitive processing rates:

Software Plans: Starter: $25/month Standard: $95/month Advanced: $195+/month Payment Processing: In-person: 1.99% + 25¢ Online: 2.99% + 25¢ Hardware can be included with a long-term contract (usually 3 years)

Spoton’s pricing is consistent, and reps are upfront about what’s included. There are no surprise charges for core features like loyalty or reporting.

Toast POS Pricing

Toast gets expensive quickly, especially when you add key features:

Software Plans: Starter: Free (but very limited) Essentials: $165+/month Custom plans: $300–$400/month+ Add-Ons: Online Ordering: $75/month Loyalty: $50/month Email Marketing: $75/month Delivery: Variable fees Payment Processing: Estimated 2.49%–2.99% + 15¢ per transaction No public rates available

Toast’s pricing looks cheap upfront, but the total cost of ownership is significantly higher once you factor in all the extras.

Winner: Spoton POS

If you’re price-sensitive and want predictable costs, Spoton is the better deal.

Go to the top Hardware and Installation: Spoton POS Wins Again

Both POS systems come with modern hardware, but there’s a major difference in flexibility.

Spoton POS Hardware

Spoton provides all the essentials:

Touchscreen POS terminals Receipt printers Barcode scanners Mobile tablets Customer displays

But here’s the best part—you can often use your own hardware or mix and match. For example, I connected an existing barcode scanner and thermal printer without any issues.

This helps you avoid unnecessary hardware purchases, especially if you're already set up with tablets or cash drawers.

Toast POS Hardware

Toast runs only on its proprietary Android-based hardware. You’re required to buy or lease Toast terminals, handhelds, and accessories.

While Toast’s devices are durable and restaurant-ready, this model adds upfront costs and limits your ability to scale flexibly.

Winner: Spoton POS FeatureSpoton POSToast POSBYO HardwareYesNoMobile POS AvailableYesYes (Toast Go 2)Self-Order KiosksYesYesKitchen DisplaysNoYesProprietary HardwareOptionalRequired

Spoton offers more flexibility, especially if you already own compatible hardware or want to keep upfront costs low. Toast’s hardware is reliable, but being locked into proprietary devices limits your options.

Go to the top Best for Restaurants: Toast POS

Here’s where Toast really shines. It was built for restaurants, and it shows in every feature.

When I tested Toast in a cafe setting, I loved features like:

Kitchen display systems Tableside ordering with handhelds Integrated tipping and check-splitting Menu management Staff scheduling

It’s perfect for:

Full-service restaurants Bars and nightclubs Quick-service chains Food trucks and pop-ups

Spoton offers some restaurant functionality, but it’s basic by comparison. If food and beverage is your core business, go with Toast.

Winner: Toast POS (for restaurants only) Go to the top Payment Processing: Spoton POS Wins for Transparency

Both platforms lock you into their in-house processors, which limits flexibility. But Spoton edges ahead with transparency and cost.

Spoton POS Uses Spoton Payments Rates: 1.99% + 25¢ (in-person) Easy to understand No hidden PCI compliance or monthly gateway fees Toast POS Uses Toast Payments Rates are not published Based on public data, 2.49%–2.99% + 15¢ Some reports of surprise fees (including termination and compliance charges)

While neither system lets you choose your own payment processor, Spoton’s rates are lower and more predictable.

Winner: Spoton POS Go to the top Best for Customer Support: Spoton POS

When you run a busy store or restaurant, support can make or break your day.

Spoton Support 24/7 phone, chat, and email Live onboarding support Dedicated account manager (for most plans)

When I contacted Spoton, I spoke to a real human within two minutes. They handled my request quickly and followed up via email.

Toast Support Phone and email support during business hours 24/7 support available only on higher-tier plans No dedicated rep unless you're on an enterprise plan

Toast’s support is slower and limited unless you’re paying top dollar.

Winner: Spoton POS Go to the top Final Verdict: Which POS System Should You Choose?

Here’s my bottom-line recommendation:

Choose Spoton POS if you run an ecommerce brand, retail store, service business, or a hybrid shop. It’s more flexible, more affordable, and gives you the integrations you need to grow online and in-person. Choose Toast POS if you run a restaurant and want specialized features like kitchen displays, tipping options, and menu tools. It’s excellent for food service but doesn’t support ecommerce. Summary Table CategoryBest OptionEcommerce IntegrationSpoton POSRestaurant FeaturesToast POSHardware FlexibilitySpoton POSPricing and ValueSpoton POSSupport and ReliabilitySpoton POSEase of UseSpoton POS Try Them Both Before You Commit

Both Spoton and Toast offer demos or sales consultations. If you’re unsure, book a session and walk through your real business needs with a rep.

And remember: the right POS system should grow with your business—not hold it back

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