Written by Richard Sutherland Published on September 25, 2025 On this page Key Takeaways Comparing the Best POS Hardware Bundles The 5 Best POS Bundles With Hardware for US Restaurants in 2025 What Is a POS Bundle—and Why Consider One for Your Restaurant? Selection Criteria: Key Features of POS Bundles With Hardware Verdict FAQs Expand The point of sale (POS) system is the command center of any new restaurant. However, choosing the right physical equipment is only half the battle; you also need the right software to run it on, and ensuring these two pieces work well together can be a headache.The best POS bundles with hardware solve this issue entirely since your POS equipment comes with software from the start. This saves you from compatibility nightmares and often cuts down on costs.In this article, we explore the top integrated POS solutions that combine software and hardware in bundles designed specifically for restaurants. Best POS Bundles With Hardware for Restaurants: Key Takeaways Bundling saves time and money. Opting for a hardware and software bundle from a single provider ensures all your components, from the point of sale terminals to the kitchen printers, work together perfectly right out of the box.Hardware durability matters as the restaurant environment is tough on electronics. Look for providers like Toast that offer “restaurant-grade” hardware with high IP ratings for dust and spill resistance.“Free” isn’t always cheaper. Providers like Toast and Square offer starter kits with no upfront hardware costs, but these deals come with higher payment processing fees that can make them more expensive in the long run.Your service model dictates your needs. A quick-service restaurant (QSR) has different hardware needs than a full-service dining room. Comparing the Best POS Hardware BundlesHere’s a quick look at which POS providers offer all-in-one hardware systems and what you can expect from their bundles.SoftwareBest forBundle includesPricingToastFull-service restaurantsProprietary terminals, handhelds$0 upfront with a higher processing rate or $69/monthSquareBudget startups, QSRsiPad stands, terminals, printersFrom $149 + iPadCloverQuick-service conceptsDual-screen terminals, handheldsFrom $849 upfront + $89.95/monthLightspeedHigh-volume restaurantsiPad setup, à la carte hardwareQuote-based, from $189/monthRevelMulti-location enterprisesiPad setup, networking gearQuote-based, from $674 upfront (installation fee) + $99/month The 5 Best POS Bundles With Hardware for US Restaurants in 2025We’ve researched the top providers to find the best all-in-one POS hardware solutions for new restaurants. Here’s our breakdown of the systems that deliver the most value, reliability and performance.1. ToastBest for: Full-service restaurants that need durable, purpose-built hardware.Overview: Toast offers a completely integrated, cloud-based platform built exclusively for restaurants. From its rugged POS machines to its in-depth software, every piece works together to handle the unique chaos of a food service environment.Why we picked it: Toast controls the entire experience. You have to use its hardware and payment processing, which may sound restrictive, but it guarantees everything works. Its Starter Kits are designed to get new restaurants up and running with minimal upfront costs.The Handheld Starter Kit, featuring the impressive Toast Go 2, is particularly great for full-service setups looking to implement tableside ordering and payments from day one. The hardware is tough, too, with an IP54 rating to protect against common kitchen spills and dust.Pricing: Toast offers a pay-as-you-go plan that bundles the hardware for $0 upfront, in exchange for a higher processing rate (starting at 3.09% + $0.15). Alternatively, you can purchase hardware and subscribe to software plans starting at $69 per month to get a lower processing rate (starting at 2.49% + $0.15).You can find a more detailed breakdown in our complete Toast Review.2. Square for RestaurantsBest for: New restaurants and food trucks on a tight budget.Overview: Square is the champion of accessibility in the POS world. It has a user-friendly interface, transparent pricing and incredible flexibility that new businesses can greatly benefit from.Why we picked it: Square offers the lowest barrier to entry, period. Its free software plan is a huge advantage for a new restaurant managing cash flow.The hardware lineup is modular, allowing you to build the perfect setup for your needs. The Square Stand Kit for Restaurants is a fantastic bundle that includes a stand for an iPad, a cash drawer, and both receipt and kitchen printers for just over $1,000. The iPad itself is sold separately.Pricing: The core software plan is free. The Square Stand Kit for Restaurants costs $1,079. The fully integrated Square Register is $699. Processing fees on the free plan are 2.6% + $0.15 per transaction.Our Square POS Review covers the platform in greater detail.3. CloverBest for: Quick-service restaurants that value sleek design and customization.Overview: Clover offers a versatile POS solution with modern, attractive hardware and an extensive app market. It provides a secure and reliable platform that can be tailored to fit various restaurant models, particularly those with a high volume of counter-service transactions.Why we picked it: Clover’s hardware is a major selling point. The Clover Station Duo, with its large, merchant-facing touch panel and a separate screen for customers, is one of the top designs for speeding up the checkout process in a QSR or cafe.Clover bundles often include everything you need in one box — the terminal, a cash drawer and a receipt printer — making setup straightforward. The Clover Flex handheld is also a powerful tool for pay-at-the-table or line-busting.Pricing: The Starter bundle (with a Clover Mini) costs $849 upfront, while the larger Standard bundle (with a Clover Station Duo) is $1,799 upfront. Both options require the $89.95 per month software plan, which has a processing rate of 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.For more on its features, check out our Clover Review.4. Lightspeed RestaurantBest for: Established restaurants that prioritize data and deep inventory control.Overview: Lightspeed is a premium commerce platform for more established or complex restaurant operations. Its greatest strengths lie in its powerful analytics and ingredient-level inventory management. The system is iPad-based, offering an intuitive and fluid user interface that runs on hardware you may already be familiar with.Why we picked it: Lightspeed is less about fixed “bundles” and more about building a custom, à la carte hardware kit. This gives you the flexibility to choose the exact components you need.The company offers its own branded iPad stands and supports a curated list of best-in-class third-party printers and payment terminals. The system’s advanced reporting is a huge plus for monitoring exactly how your restaurant is performing.Pricing: Lightspeed’s pricing is quote-based. Software plans start at $189 per month. Hardware is sold separately. For example, a proprietary iPad stand costs $169, and a mobile payment terminal costs $399. The required iPad is at an additional cost.5. Revel SystemsBest for: Multi-location restaurants and franchises.Overview: Revel is another powerful iPad-based system and one of the original players in the space. It’s known for its deep feature set, extreme customizability and robust multi-location management tools. It’s a platform a new restaurant can grow into, yet with the power to manage a large chain all from a single dashboard.Why we picked it: Revel is built for scalability. While it might be overkill for a brand-new cafe, it’s a strong choice for an ambitious owner with a clear growth plan. Resellers offer pre-configured hardware bundles tailored for different restaurant types, like QSRs or full-service dining, which simplifies the initial setup.A key feature is its “Always On Mode”, which provides one of the most reliable offline processing capabilities on the market, allowing you to continue operating even if your internet connection is down.Pricing: Revel requires a three-year contract and a two-terminal minimum, with software starting at $99 per month per terminal. A one-time professional installation fee starts at around $674. Hardware is sold separately and is quote-based. What Is a POS Bundle — and Why Consider One for Your Restaurant?A POS bundle is a package deal that combines point of sale software with the essential hardware needed to run it. For a new restaurant, this offers some serious advantages.Simplified setup: When you get POS hardware bundles, you know every component is guaranteed to work together. This saves you from the nightmare of trying to troubleshoot compatibility issues between a tablet from one brand, a printer from another and a payment reader from a third.Cost predictability: Buying hardware in a bundle is often cheaper than sourcing each piece individually. More importantly, it gives you a clear, upfront cost for your entire system. Many providers also offer financing or subscription models that roll the hardware cost into a manageable monthly payment.Unified support: When something goes wrong, you only have one number to call. Selection Criteria: Key Features of POS Bundles With HardwareWhen you’re comparing POS equipment bundles, focus on these important features:Ease of use: Your staff need to be able to learn to use the system quickly with minimal training. A complicated system slows down service and frustrates both employees and customers.Hardware availability: Does the provider offer all the hardware you require for your specific concept?Affordability: Look beyond the monthly software fee. Calculate the total cost of ownership, including the upfront hardware cost, payment processing fees and any extra charges for add-on modules, like online ordering or loyalty programs.Payment flexibility: Your system must support all payment methods your customers prefer, including traditional credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and digital wallets.Reporting and analytics: For smarter decision-making and to optimize operations, look for systems that provide actionable data on real-time sales, inventory and labor insights, such as peak hours, popular items and staff performance.Reliability and support: What happens when your system goes down during the Saturday night dinner rush? Look for a provider that offers 24/7 customer support. Also, check whether the system can continue taking and processing payments even if your internet connection fails.Scalability: Choose a system that can expand with your business without requiring a complete overhaul.How to pick the best POS bundle for your restaurantFollow these practical steps to make the right choice for your specific business:Map your workflow first: Walk through your typical service from order to payment. Identify exactly where you need terminals, handhelds or kitchen displays before looking at any bundles.Request live demos: Don’t rely on sales presentations. Request hands-on experience with the actual hardware you’ll use in a real restaurant environment.Get itemized quotes: Demand detailed breakdowns, including all hardware, software, processing rates, setup fees and contract terms. Compare total 36-month costs, not just monthly rates.Test customer support: Call the help line during your busiest anticipated hours (Friday evening, Saturday lunch). Time the response and evaluate knowledge quality.Verify integration capabilities: Ensure the system connects with your existing or planned accounting software, online ordering platforms and inventory management tools. Verdict By opting for one of these top POS bundles with hardware, you’re building a reliable foundation for your entire operation. An integrated system from a single provider saves you from technical glitches, simplifies your setup, and provides a single point of contact for support when you need it most.Whether it’s the rugged, all-in-one setup from Toast or the affordable, flexible option from Square, the right bundle will let you deliver unforgettable dining experiences for your guests. FAQs What POS hardware does a new restaurant need? At a minimum, every new restaurant needs a core terminal, a cash drawer, a receipt printer and a payment reader that accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments. Can I use my own iPad with any POS system? It depends on the provider. Systems like Square, Lightspeed and Revel are designed to run on iPads, whereas providers like Toast and Clover require you to use their proprietary, custom-built hardware. How much should I budget for a POS hardware bundle? The cost varies widely. You can get started with a Square Stand kit for around $1,100 (plus the cost of an iPad). A more robust, all-in-one terminal from Toast or Clover can range from $700 to $1,900 for a single station. A full multi-terminal setup for a large restaurant can easily exceed $5,000. Written by: Richard Sutherland Richard has more than 20 years of experience in business operations, computer science and full-stack development roles. A graduate in Computer Science and former IT support manager at Samsung, Richard has taught coding courses and developed software for both private businesses and state organisations. A prolific author in B2B and B2C tech, Richard’s work has been published on sites such as TechRadar Pro, ITProPortal and Tom’s Guide.