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Head-to-head · Industry Management software

Toast vs Phorest

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Toast #4 in Industry Management software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Toast
Phorest #7 in Industry Management software 8.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Phorest

Toast leads on 0 checks, Phorest on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreToast · 8.6/10

Toast scores higher on our rubric for industry management software: 8.6 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Toast is the better fit for restaurants managing POS and front-of-house operations. Phorest is the better fit for salons needing booking, POS, and client marketing.

  • Toast fits best

    Restaurants managing POS and front-of-house operations

  • Phorest fits best

    Salons needing booking, POS, and client marketing

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Toast 8.6/10 Visit ↗ Phorest 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 8.2
Ranking #4 in Industry Management software #7 in Industry Management software
Best for Restaurants managing POS and front-of-house operations Salons needing booking, POS, and client marketing
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Live chat · 24/7 Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs
Integrations 200+ integrations 10 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Toast 0/2 · Phorest 0/2
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Industry compliance Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Industries supported Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
User limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Listed integrations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines POS and payment processing with online ordering options.
  • Supports reservations, waitlists, floor plans, and table status management.
  • Includes tools for scheduling, payroll, tips, and inventory management.
  • Combines online booking, deposits, POS, and payment processing
  • Automates email and SMS reminders and supports group bookings
  • Adds marketing, inventory, and multi-location reporting
Cons
  • Starter Kit hardware configuration includes only one terminal.
  • Additional charges may apply for subsequent devices.
  • Published pricing applies to new customers and single locations.
  • Quote-based plans make costs harder to compare
  • Advanced tools such as branded apps and two-way SMS are tiered
  • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of booking-only businesses
Our verdict

Toast is a cloud-based restaurant platform for operators that want point of sale and front-of-house tools alongside broader management capabilities. It supports dine-in, takeout, delivery, and online orders, with menu management, sales…

Read the review →

Phorest brings appointment management, payments, staff operations, and client engagement into one cloud-based product for salons, spas, medspas, and aesthetic clinics. Clients can book through websites, social channels, or branded mobile…

Read the review →
  1. ToastIndustry Management software 8.6Paid
  2. PhorestIndustry Management software 8.2Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Toast — where it wins

    • Combines POS and payment processing with online ordering options.
    • Supports reservations, waitlists, floor plans, and table status management.
    • Includes tools for scheduling, payroll, tips, and inventory management.

    Where it doesn't

    • Starter Kit hardware configuration includes only one terminal.
    • Additional charges may apply for subsequent devices.
    • Published pricing applies to new customers and single locations.

  • Phorest — where it wins

    • Combines online booking, deposits, POS, and payment processing
    • Automates email and SMS reminders and supports group bookings
    • Adds marketing, inventory, and multi-location reporting

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based plans make costs harder to compare
    • Advanced tools such as branded apps and two-way SMS are tiered
    • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of booking-only businesses
  • Toast8.6/10 · Paid

    A cloud-based restaurant platform spanning POS, ordering, reservations, staffing, and inventory.

    Visit ToastFull verdict →
  • Phorest8.2/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad salon toolkit for booking, payments, staff, and client marketing.

    Visit PhorestFull verdict →

More comparisons

All industry management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update