Head-to-head · POS Software
Lightspeed Restaurant vs Squirrel Systems
Lightspeed Restaurant leads on 1 check, Squirrel Systems on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreLightspeed Restaurant · 9.3/10
- Lowest starting priceLightspeed Restaurant · $69/mo
Lightspeed Restaurant scores higher on our rubric for pos software: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
Lightspeed Restaurant is cheaper to start at $69/mo against $90/mo.
Lightspeed Restaurant is the better fit for restaurants needing a mature, full-service POS. Squirrel Systems is the better fit for restaurants centralizing service across locations.
- Lightspeed Restaurant fits best
Restaurants needing a mature, full-service POS
- Squirrel Systems fits best
Restaurants centralizing service across locations
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Side by side
| Feature | Lightspeed Restaurant 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Squirrel Systems 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in POS Software | #5 in POS Software |
| Best for | Restaurants needing a mature, full-service POS | Restaurants centralizing service across locations |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $69/mo (best) | $90/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Features Lightspeed Restaurant 0/2 · Squirrel Systems 0/2 | ||
| Offline mode | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Inventory management | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Industry focus | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Sales channels | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Staff accounts | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based point-of-sale and restaurant management platform for hospitality businesses. Its feature set spans customizable menus with modifiers and combos, adjustable floor plans, online ordering, reservations,… Read the review → |
Squirrel Systems provides restaurant and hospitality POS software and hardware for independent restaurants, multi-unit groups, hotels, resorts, and casinos. Its features cover orders and payments, online ordering for pickup and delivery,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Lightspeed Restaurant — where it wins
- Combines ordering, reservations, floor plans, inventory, and staff tools
- Offline operation syncs with the cloud for continued service
- Integrates with 7shifts, OpenTable, Uber Eats, PMS, and accounting tools
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; paid tiers start at $69 per month
- Reservations and some ordering capabilities may be add-ons
- Advanced inventory management is available only on Premium
Squirrel Systems — where it wins
- Combines table service, online ordering, and kitchen routing
- Centralizes menus, configuration, reporting, and multi-location management
- Supports labor, payroll, reservations, and payment integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; monthly plans start at $90
- Full Service costs $100/month, with device charges listed separately
- Multi-location management is an add-on
- Lightspeed Restaurant9.3/10 · Paid
A full-service restaurant POS covering ordering, tables, inventory, staff, and multi-location operations.
Visit LightspeedFull verdict → - Squirrel Systems8.7/10 · Paid
A restaurant-focused POS spanning service, kitchen, labor, and multi-location operations.
Try Squirrel SystemsFull verdict →
More comparisons
All POS software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update