Advertiser Disclosure

💳 Save money on credit card processing with one of our top 5 picks for 2022

5 Best POS Equipped With Drive-Thru Ordering Systems

Looking for an update to your drive-through point of sale options? Here are the five best POS systems best equipped for drive-throughs!

    Nicolette Kier
  • UPDATED

Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.

A drive-thru system offers restaurants another way to quickly take and deliver orders, manage staff shortages, and give customers the convenient option to order without leaving their cars. The best system has quick-ordering screens, integrations with software and hardware, and order routing through kitchen display systems.

We evaluated 11 different POS systems that offer drive-thru and curbside ordering capabilities based on pricing, feature set, and software/hardware integrations to help you find the best drive-thru ordering system for your restaurant.

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
Toast POS

Read More

  • Digital menu board integrations, excellent loyalty program, several ways to order
  • $0 - $165+/month
  • Two-year standard contract, early termination fee
  • Digital menu board integrations, excellent loyalty program, several ways to order
  • $0 - $165+/month
  • Two-year standard contract, early termination fee

Visit Site

Read More

Revel POS Systems

Read More

  • Drive-thru lane hardware integrations, drive-thru mode on POS, excellent kitchen display integration
  • $198+/month
  • Custom contracts, early termination fee
  • Drive-thru lane hardware integrations, drive-thru mode on POS, excellent kitchen display integration
  • $198+/month
  • Custom contracts, early termination fee

Visit Site

Read More

talech POS

Read More

  • Affordable, curbside pickup alerts/server notifications, good inventory management
  • $29+/month
  • Monthly/annual contracts, no termination fee
  • Affordable, curbside pickup alerts/server notifications, good inventory management
  • $29+/month
  • Monthly/annual contracts, no termination fee

Visit Site

Read More

Lavu POS

Read More

  • Lots of partner integrations, several payment processor options, customizable monthly plans
  • $59+/month
  • Monthly/annual/custom contracts
  • Lots of partner integrations, several payment processor options, customizable monthly plans
  • $59+/month
  • Monthly/annual/custom contracts

Visit Site

Read More

MYR POS

Read More

  • Made for fast food ordering, franchise management portal, designated expo screen
  • $70+/month
  • Custom contracts
  • Made for fast food ordering, franchise management portal, designated expo screen
  • $70+/month
  • Custom contracts

Visit Site

Read More

Show Fewer Options

Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

Table of Contents

Best Drive-Thru System For Restaurants

The best drive-thru systems include fast POS ordering, integrations with drive-thru software like drive-thru digital menu boards, kitchen display system customization, and other ways for customers to order. Revel Systems, Toast, Lavu, talech, and MYR POS are great drive-thru system options.

1. Toast POS: Best For Large & Multi-Section Restaurants

Toast POS


Visit Site

Pricing

$0-$165 plus custom plan

Online Ordering

Yes

Equipment Cost

$0-$847

Pros

  • Efficient built-in loyalty program
  • Durable POS/kitchen hardware options
  • Digital menu board integrations
  • Very customizable kitchen workflows

Cons

  • Long-term commitment and early termination fees
  • High payment processing rate on online orders
  • Add-ons get expensive

Toast drive-through system

Toast POS drive-through terminal setup.

Why We Chose Toast POS For Drive-Thru Restaurants

We love that Toast offers highly durable, versatile restaurant-grade hardware and flexible software so that servers, cooks, and managers in large restaurants can easily take care of customers and back-of-house operations. With Toast, you can offer customers several ways to skip the line. This includes online ordering for pickup, drive-up self-ordering options, and curbside ordering through a server stationed outside with a handheld POS.

The POS also has great features to accommodate dine-in customers, making Toast a great option for versatile, sit-down/fast casual restaurants that offer takeout and drive-thru options.

Toast also offers one of the most comprehensive loyalty program builders in the restaurant software industry, and we highly recommend it for any restaurant looking to bring in a customer base with this marketing tactic.

Toast POS Pricing

Toast POS Plans Price  When To Use
Starter Kit $0/month You have a small, single-location restaurant with basic feature needs
Point of Sale $69/month You need a full point of sale suite with processing and custom hardware
Essentials $165/month You need advanced features and are looking to bundle with digital ordering
Custom Custom Larger businesses looking to access the entirety of Toast’s features

You must use Toast hardware with Toast software, so there will be an initial hardware investment for everyone except those on the Quick Start Bundle plan who only sign up for one POS terminal. You can technically get two POS systems on the Quick Start Bundle plan, but only one of the terminals will have no upfront or monthly costs.

You can add any number of POS terminals to a Core, Growth, or New Restaurants package. You’ll pay a custom upfront and monthly software fee, and Toast often provides bulk discounts for purchasing multiple terminals at once.

Depending on the size/needs of your restaurant, strongly consider adding these Toast modules to your basic subscription:

  • Online Ordering: $75/month
  • Kitchen Display Screens: $25/device/month (plus an upfront kitchen display hardware investment)
  • Loyalty Program: $50/month
  • Self-Ordering Kiosks: $90/device/month (plus an upfront kitchen display hardware investment)
  • Gift Cards: $50/month

Note: If you opt into the Quick Start Bundle plan, you can bundle the online ordering, loyalty, and gift card programs into your plan.

Toast Drive-Thru System Features

Toast POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Like Revel, Toast is an all-around excellent POS system for restaurants, but large restaurants with drive-thru/pickup options will appreciate these features the most:

  • Loyalty program that syncs with payment methods, so drivers can earn points without having to pull out a physical loyalty card
  • Durable Android-based handheld POS systems to take curbside orders
  • Self-ordering restaurant kiosks and contactless QR code ordering, so users can order from their car or indoors and get their orders brought out to their cars
  • Integration with Raydiant restaurant digital signage board software
  • Excellent floor planning to manage drive-thru, takeout, and dine-in options
  • Durable Android-based kitchen display screens that can withstand the heat and spills that come with a busy kitchen

Toast also offers a number of add-on products so that large restaurant owners can easily manage their locations. For example, Toast Scheduling and Toast Payroll make it easy to hire, schedule, and pay several staff members at different pay rates.

Hardware Cost & Options

Toast POS hardware

Toast POS mobile app, admin dashboard on PC, kitchen display system, Toast Go 2 mobile handheld POS, and countertop POS.

Toast is the only software provider on this list that requires you to purchase proprietary POS hardware. These are the base prices for Toast hardware, although you will get a better price when you get a custom quote for several POS systems, kiosks, and/or kitchen displays:

  • Toast Countertop POS: $875
  • Toast Go 2 Handheld POS: $607
  • Self-Ordering Kiosk: $809
  • Kitchen Display Screen: $629
  • Guest-Facing Display: $124 (only compatible with Toast’s countertop POS)
  • Cash Drawer: $134
  • Customer Receipt Printer: $296

On the Quick Start Bundle plan, you can get a free countertop or handheld POS system (the Toast Go 2 is one of the best handheld restaurant POS systems on the market), but will pay a reduced upfront cost as well as a monthly fee for a second POS terminal and accompanying Toast POS software.

You’ll have to get a custom quote for Raydiant digital signage hardware.

Payment Processing Costs

You can only use Toast as your payment processing provider. If you own a larger or multi-location drive-thru restaurant business, you’ll get a custom payment processing quote from Toast.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

Contracts with Toast are set for at least two years, with huge early termination fees if you decide to cancel your contract early. Also, the price of Toast software increases with every new contract term. You have to buy Toast hardware and can’t do anything with it if you decide to use another restaurant POS provider.

Essentially, Toast POS is a huge investment that you shouldn’t take lightly.

Keep this in mind before signing on with Toast, and make sure to negotiate the best payment processing rate for your business.

Get Started With Toast POS

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

2. Revel Systems: Best For Building Drive-Thru Lanes

Revel POS Systems


Visit Site

Pricing

$99/month

Contract

Three-year commitment for lowest rate

Equipment Cost

$20-$1,500

Pros

  • Drive-thru specific integrations
  • Drive-thru hardware options
  • Full offline functionality
  • Multiple payment processing options

Cons

  • Pricing not transparent
  • Requires multi-year contract for best pricing

Revel POS drive-thru

Why We Chose Revel Systems For Drive-Thru Restaurants

We appreciate that Revel Systems offers a fully connected POS ordering, checkout, and kitchen order display screen solution so that no orders ever get lost in the shuffle. This is very important for fast-paced restaurants taking orders from multiple customer touchpoints. Servers will also appreciate the two-way ordering chat, the ability to write down a customer’s name and vehicle information, and the ability to take orders and payments without leaving the ordering screen.

Revel’s POS integrations with digital menu and signage boards, drive-thru headsets, and drive-thru timers will also help restaurants with drive-thru lanes run smoothly and efficiently.

Revel Systems POS Pricing

Revel POS Systems Plans Price  When To Use
Revel plan $99/month with three-year commitment Use if you are committed to the product and have a need for high-end features.

Revel Systems’ advertised pricing requires you to sign a three-year contract with the POS provider, use the company’s in-house payment processing system (Revel Advantage), and use a minimum of two terminals. The bare minimum pricing becomes $198/month (two terminals at $99/month each).

Since you’ll likely have more than two terminals at your drive-thru restaurant, you’ll be paying more than $198/month and you’ll have to contact Revel for a custom quote.

There’s also a one-time implementation fee, which starts at $674. Make sure to ask about implementing drive-thru integrations with Delphi Display Systems.

You’ll also pay for any third-party software such as drive-thru communications software.

Revel Systems Drive-Thru System Features

Revel POS Systems Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Revel Systems is an excellent POS software and hardware provider with the following drive-thru lane features:

  • Integration with Delphi Display Systems, which offers drive-thru timers, headsets, digital menu boards, and more
  • Automatically or manually update drive-thru digital menus/signage boards to reflect the latest menu offerings and promotions
  • Offline mode so outdoor systems will work whether there’s WiFi or not
  • Order display that can be placed outside in drive-thru lanes in the form of an iPad or television
  • Two-way video chat between customers and servers
  • Servers have the option to enter customer names, vehicles, and phone numbers

Revel also has a quick order and payment flow on POS systems, which allows servers to take an order and payment on the same screen rather than having to enter in information and then move to a separate payment screen. This reduces order input times and increases order accuracy, two very important parts of providing a good fast food ordering experience.

Additionally, Revel has one of the best kitchen display systems, and drive-thru orders can be sent to designated kitchen stations as well as an expo screen placed at drive-thru windows. Servers can check each bag before handing orders out the window to make sure customers got everything they ordered and can leave satisfied.

While not necessarily important for drive-thru lanes, Revel also offers “order ready” screens that, when connected to Revel POS and kitchen display software, can show customers in your restaurant the status of their dine-in or takeout order. Since many restaurants with drive-thru lanes are fast-paced and offer several dining options, giving customers standing in your store the ability to see their order progress will improve their satisfaction as well.

Revel’s franchise management system makes this software a suitable option for chain restaurants.

Hardware Cost & Options

Revel POS hardware

Revel iPad POS register, iPad stand, iPad customer-facing display, cash drawer, receipt printer, and card reader.

Revel Systems is iPad-based. You can purchase iPads to use as registers, kitchen display systems, order display systems (to place outdoors in drive-thru lanes), and self-serve kiosks indoors.

The company offers Revel-compatible card readers, iPad stands, printers, routers, access points, and more. Revel does not disclose pricing online, so you’ll have to contact a representative for a quote.

In some cases, you can bring your own hardware accessories. For example, if you have an Epson kitchen printer or Verifone card reader, you may be able to add it to your POS setup. You’ll have to get permission from Revel, as the company wants to make sure you’re adding the right POS hardware to your restaurant.

Revel also integrates with Delphi Display Systems, which provides hardware and software for all things drive-thru related, including drive-thru digital menu boards, order timers, server headsets, two-way customer chat boxes, and order confirmation screens. You’ll get a custom quote on your drive-thru lane hardware when you contact a Delphi Display Systems representative.

Payment Processing Costs

Revel advertises that its in-house payment processing system, Revel Advantage (backed by Worldpay), offers the lowest flat-rate payment processing for business owners. You have to complete a request form, fill out business information on an order form, and get a custom payment processing rate.

In general, the more transactions you process and the less “risky” your business is, the lower your payment processing rates will be.

You can also integrate Revel with a number of third-party payment processing providers, such as Heartland, TSYS, Elavon, and Chase Merchant Services (formerly Chase Paymentech) for an additional monthly fee.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

Be wary of Revel’s contract length and lack of transparency in terms of pricing and payment processing fees. Make sure to read your merchant agreement carefully before signing anything.

Also, try to negotiate some form of a free trial or month-to-month pricing before making a long-term commitment, and shop around for payment processing rates to get a sense of what a fair rate for your business looks like.

Get Started With Revel POS Systems

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

3. talech: Best For Curbside Pickup

talech POS


Visit Site

Pricing

$0-$99/month

Online Ordering

Standard & Premium plans only

Equipment Cost

Contact talec for pricing information

Pros

  • Excellent contactless dining features
  • Affordable pricing
  • Purchase ordering
  • Lots of payment processor options

Cons

  • Very few integrations
  • Can’t accept card payments offline

talech POS drive through system

Why We Chose Talech For Drive-Thru Restaurants

We appreciate that talech is a highly affordable option for drive-thru restaurants, as owners can get an online ordering platform, loyalty program, digital/physical gift card program, and employee management features for $99/month. POS hardware is also affordable, and you have the freedom to choose whether you want to work with Android or iPad-based devices.

One of the best features of talech is its online ordering for pickup system. Customers can easily order from your branded website and get an email confirmation with status updates. They can alert servers that they’ve arrived and servers can carry orders out. Customers can show their order confirmation number before driving away, which will ensure they have the right order (and you’re not paying to correct mistakes).

Talech POS Pricing

talech POS Plans Price  When To Use
talech Mobile $0/month If you need a simple way to accept payments on the go
talech Starter $29/month If you operate a cafe or small retail shop
talech Standard $69/month If you operate a quick-service restaurant, a fast-casual establishment, or a medium retail shop
talech Premium $99/month If you operate a full-service restaurant, salon, spa, or another business with multiple locations

Drive-thru restaurant owners should opt for talech’s Premium plan, and add as many devices as they need at an extra $29/device/month.

talech does not charge extra for features like an online ordering platform, loyalty program, or gift cards on the Premium plan, making it the most straightforward and affordable POS solution for restaurant owners who want to add a drive-thru option.

Talech Drive-Thru System Features

talech POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support Starter plan & up
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards Starter plan & up
Customer Loyalty Standard & Premium plans
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering Standard & Premium plans only
Inventory Management Starter plan & up
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management Standard & Premium plans
Text Messaging

talech is an affordable POS system that offers some of the best drive-thru/curbside order pickup features, including:

  • Online ordering platform and QR code ordering for pickup and delivery
  • Contactless order status tracking and notifications
  • Customers can alert servers that they’ve arrived with the “I’m here” button in order confirmation emails
  • Customers get a collection code so servers can identify their order

talech’s general restaurant features include an affordable inventory management system with purchase ordering and inventory alerts, the ability to convert registers to self-serve kiosks, and kitchen printer/display system integrations.

talech’s loyalty program is more basic than Toast’s but is a more affordable alternative.

Hardware Cost & Options

talech POS hardware

talech POS iPad, iPad stand, cash drawer, and receipt printer.

talech has partnered with several hardware providers to offer restaurant owners the freedom to choose what works for them. You may use iPad-based or Android-based hardware for your register setups. There are countertop and handheld POS systems available.

You may choose from providers such as Ingenio, Moby, and Epson for card readers and other peripheral hardware.

You can source your hardware on your own, being mindful of compatibility and warranty information, or purchase it directly from talech.

Payment Processing Costs

talech also offers many payment processing options from providers such as Global Payments, Chase Merchant Services, Elavon, Bank Of America Merchant Services, and Worldpay.

With the freedom to choose your own payment processor, you can get the best payment processing rates.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

talech contracts are refreshingly straightforward compared to many other restaurant POS providers on this list.

You may sign up for a monthly or yearly talech contract, with no cancellation fees or refunds if you choose to stop using talech software. If you reactivate a canceled contract, you will be charged a reactivation fee.

Sign up for a monthly contract before dedicating yourself to an annual one.

Get Started With talech POS

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

4. Lavu: Most Flexible Option

Lavu POS


Visit Site

Pricing

Starts at $59/month

Online Ordering

Yes

Equipment Cost

$55-$2,500

Pros

  • Local server option for full offline functionality
  • Lots of payment processor options
  • Park-to-pay integrations
  • Digital signage integrations

Cons

  • Add-ons get expensive
  • Not many hardware options

Lavu POS ordering screen

Why We Chose Lavu For Drive-Thru Restaurants

Lavu has spent a lot of time building integration partnerships to help restaurant owners succeed. Drive-thru restaurant owners will appreciate integrations with digital signage boards, text-to-pay/park-to-pay features, ordering with a cash acceptance option, and advanced restaurant inventory software.

With Lavu, there’s a lot of flexibility in terms of payment processors, POS hardware, and add-on features. Restaurant businesses both large and small can build the custom drive-thru POS solution they need.

Lavu Drive-Thru POS Pricing

Lavu POS Plans Price  When To Use
Lavu POS Starter Plan Starts at $59/month If you have a small fast casual eatery and don’t want to take online orders
Lavu POS Growth Plan Starts at $129/month If you want to take online orders and offer delivery services
Lavu POS Optimize Plan Starts at $279/month If you have a full-service establishment or a very busy fast casual foodservice

You can choose a higher-level plan, or start with the lowest-level plan and only add on the features you need. For example, you can add on:

  • Additional Terminals: $30/month/device
  • Self-Service Kiosk: $50/month
  • Online Ordering: $99/month (included free on Growth and Optimize plans)
  • Open API Access: $30/month

Lavu Drive-Thru System Features

Lavu POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Lavu offers the following features for drive-thru restaurants:

  • Offline ordering and payments mode
  • Self-serve kiosks for takeout orders
  • Quick-serve mode to take orders faster
  • Automated drive-thru order firing to Lavu KDS
  • Online and QR code ordering to take contactless orders
  • Nutritional information on menu items

With Lavu’s numerous integration partners, you can set up more restaurant features, such as:

  • Digital menu boards
  • Purchase ordering, stock taking, and perishable inventory tracking
  • Text-to-pay/park-to-pay (great for curbside ordering)
  • Customer ordering that includes a “pay at the drive-thru window” option

Hardware Cost & Options

Lavu POS hardware

Lavu iPad, iPad stand, cash drawer, and Epson receipt printer.

Lavu software is iPad-based, so you can purchase any compatible iPad to start taking orders.

Card readers cost $59, and KDS screens range from $729 to $2,799.

Lavu also offers a $259 iPad case with an optional hand strap available, so servers can take POS devices outside and take curbside orders.

Payment Processing Costs

Lavu integrates with several payment processors, including in-house processor LavuPay as well as PayPal, Square, Moneris, and Heartland.

While you are charged more every month to use an external payment processor, you might get better payment processing rates from a provider other than Lavu Pay. Shop around to find the best payment processing rates and you’ll save in the long run.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

Users have reported that Lavu sales representatives attempt to lure potential customers into long-term contracts and equipment leases.

It’s best to buy your POS hardware outright or finance equipment so you don’t get stuck paying a lot of interest or risk your hardware being taken away if you decide to cancel a software subscription.

In general, carefully read through any merchant agreement terms, take advantage of free trials, and consider signing up for a month-to-month contract before committing for the long run.

Get Started With Lavu POS

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

5. MYR POS: Best For Busy Restaurants & Franchises

MYR POS


Visit Site


Pros

  • Designed specifically for fast service
  • Dispatch screen ensures all orders are correct
  • Franchise portal to manage several franchise locations
  • Several ways for customers to order

Cons

  • Pricing not transparent
  • Not many software integrations
  • Not the best payment processing options available

MYR POS drive-through system

Why We Chose MYR POS For Drive-Thru Restaurants

We believe that while MYR (Master Your Rush) POS is not as well known as other restaurant POS providers, the company keeps up with and, at times, surpasses the competition. Franchise owners will appreciate franchise-specific features such as automated royalty invoicing, location performance reports, and the franchise partner portal.

All drive-thru restaurant owners will find that the software’s fast-paced ordering system, custom KDS order fulfillment options, and the system’s ability to remember a customer’s previous orders will dramatically decrease order fulfillment times. Orders will not only be fast, but they’ll be correct, with servers being guided by a designated dispatch screen. You will master your rush with this software.

MYR POS Pricing

MYR advertises two plans. The “leaner” Starter Kit costs $70/month (billed annually) and the “everything” plan costs $150/month. The company advertises that the everything plan includes multiple tablet POS registers and kitchen displays, but does not get specific about exactly how many you get and whether the price increases based on the number of software licenses you purchase.

The core POS costs $100, and the direct integrations with third-party platforms cost $50, so together, they make up all of MYR POS’s add-ons and integration offerings (a.k.a. everything.)

You’ll get a custom quote on franchise plans.

MYR POS Drive-Thru System Features

MYR POS is an emerging POS provider that offers drive-thru restaurant features such as:

  • Designated dispatch screen to ensure all orders are completed and correct before being handed off
  • MYR POS mobile ordering app which servers can use to take curbside orders
  • Designated drive-thru order prep kitchen displays
  • Fast order entry that was designed specifically for fast food restaurants

Like Revel, we like the multilocation/chain features that are included with MYR POS, such as:

  • Digital loyalty program that works across all locations
  • Back-office with franchise portal
  • Automated royalty invoicing from franchisers to franchisees
  • Multi-location performance reports monitoring how your franchise is doing
  • Set up a new franchise with a single click, then allow franchise owners to modify their store as much (or as little) as you want them to

In addition to your standard drive-thru features, MYR POS also allows you to take phone orders, orders from your own branded app, your own website, social media profiles, all major third-party ordering platforms, and your Google My Business profile. This makes MYR POS a great option for businesses like pizza places that want to accept curbside and phone orders.

Plus, a strong online presence makes it easy for customers to order for pickup and then come through a drive-thru lane, curbside pickup spot, or come into the store to receive their order. This is something that large, busy chain locations (e.g. Taco Bell) do to minimize the number of people waiting in one spot and cope with minimal in-store staff.

Hardware Cost & Options

MYR POS hardware

MYR POS tablet ordering screen.

MYR is available in the form of iPad apps, so you can use any iPad you like.

The company offers a line of card readers and hardware accessories, most notably from FISERV. You must contact MYR for pricing.

Payment Processing Costs

MYR integrates with payment providers such as Payroc and TD Merchant Solutions. You’ll need to get a quote on payment processing fees.

Contract Requirements/Warnings

MYR offers monthly and annual plans. If you cancel your plan early, you still have to pay through the end of your subscription term. Start with a monthly plan to minimize any amounts owed if you decide to stop using MYR.

All hardware sales through MYR are final. If you purchase hardware through MYR, you have five days from when you received your hardware to notify the company that your order was received in good condition, or the 30-day limited warranty will not recover any repairs or replacements.

If you return your hardware, the company will charge a restocking fee.

Get Started With MYR POS

Jump back to comparison chart

Our Methodology For Choosing The Best Drive-Thru Systems For Restaurants

To find the best restaurant drive-thru software, we evaluated 11 different POS systems that can be used for drive-thru lanes, curbside ordering, and/or curbside pickup. We based our evaluation on pricing, ease of use, core POS feature set such as POS/kitchen display system syncing, drive-thru specific features such as drive-thru digital menu board integrations, and restaurant hardware availability.

We read recent reviews from real, unincentivized customers on software review sites such as G2 and software advice, used free trials when possible, and extensively researched software demos when free trials were not available. We also used our own expert restaurant industry software knowledge when deciding on the best drive-thru systems.

Why We Don't Recommend These Drive-Thru POS System Options

HungerRush

HungerRush has historically been a popular restaurant POS system for large chain restaurants. However, the software is outdated and no longer worth the price compared to other POS options. Reviewers have also complained about poor customer service and unexpected price increases.

Larger restaurant owners may find MYR or Toast is a better fit for their businesses.

What Does Your Drive-Thru Need Besides A POS?

Listed below are some other pieces of equipment you may need for your drive-thru. Some of these items might be offered from your POS manufacturer, while others you might have to purchase separately:

  • Drive-thru intercom system
  • Menu boards (digital or static)
  • Other external signage (digital or static)
  • Self-serve kiosk
  • Kitchen printers
  • Electronic kitchen display system
  • Camera system
  • Vehicle sensor
  • Employee headsets

Most of the best POS systems, including the ones on this list, offer or integrate with self-serve kiosks, kitchen printers, and kitchen display systems.

Revel Systems has the most drive-thru equipment integrations, as the system integrates with Delphi Systems. Delphi Systems provides drive-thru hardware such as intercom systems, headsets, timers, and digital signage boards.

HME and 3M are popular drive-thru communications system providers you can add to your hardware setup if you choose a drive-thru POS system other than Revel.

In general, try to find equipment that integrates with your POS system, such as a digital signage board that automatically updates with menu changes.

5 Ways To Optimize Your Drive-Thru Ordering System

Use these five tips to improve your drive-thru operations:

  • Upgrade Your Menu Board: Upgrading your static menu board to a digital menu board adds eye-catching visual interest to your drive-thru and can be used to upsell, promote specials, and change your menu on the fly. When integrated with your POS system, the drive-thru digital menu board will automatically update every time you change the menu in your POS.
  • Add Online Ordering & Delivery: Many customers want to either order ahead on a website or app or have their order delivered to their doorstep through a service (such as DoorDash). Besides adding a convenient ordering option for customers, letting customers order ahead online also speeds up your drive-thru line. To speed things up even further, you might create a separate drive-thru lane for online/mobile order pickups.
  • Include An Order Confirmation Board: Most POS systems give you the option of adding a customer-facing display. You can use this display to show customers’ ordered items and totals. This helps minimizes errors and can also include upselling prompts. Depending on your POS, your customers may also be able to pay using this display and add a tip. If you want a fully automated order screen, you could add a self-service kiosk.
  • Use A Customer Management System: POS systems typically include some customer management or analytics suite, or your system might integrate with third-party customer management software to gain useful information about your customers. Additionally, there are customer detection/analytics systems made specifically for drive-thrus, which can even track your customers’ license plates.
  • Consider An Equipment Loan: If you can’t afford to purchase POS equipment outright, you may be able to finance your system, either from your POS company directly or using a third-party equipment loan. Some POS companies offer 0% equipment financing, which is ideal. You should avoid leasing your POS hardware (think of it as renting the hardware rather than making payments on it to own it eventually), as you will almost always end up overpaying for your equipment.

Which Drive-Thru System Is Right For Your Business?

The best drive-thru system for your restaurant offers multiple ways for customers to order, will accommodate the physical space of your restaurant, and fits your budget.

Some restaurants, such as fast casual and sit-down restaurants that want to offer drive-thru or curbside ordering features, will need a restaurant POS such as Toast that works well for indoor and curbside servers. Other restaurants may focus solely on quick-serve orders and should use a POS system that’s designed to handle a lot of tickets and check for accuracy, like MYR POS.

Restaurants that can add a physical drive-thru lane should choose a POS such as Revel, which integrates with hardware such as intercom systems and car sensors. Smaller restaurants may not need this kind of equipment and can use a more flexible system like talech or Lavu.

If none of these options seems to fit your restaurant’s needs, or you just want to research more restaurant POS options, read our post on the best restaurant POS systems.

FAQs: Drive-Thru System

How much does a drive-thru ordering system cost?

A drive-thru ordering system costs between $99+/month and hundreds of dollars per month, depending on how your customers order and what hardware you want to add to your system.

For example, you can add an online to-go ordering platform and curbside QR code ordering system for free with the $99/month talech POS Premium plan.

Or, you can purchase a Revel or MYR POS ordering system at a custom price, which tends to get more expensive (but it’s usually worth it for larger restaurants.)

What features do drive-thru POS systems have?

Drive-thru POS systems have features such as a quick-serve mode for taking orders fast, syncing with kitchen printers/digital kitchen display systems, curbside and online ordering platforms, menu management, and integrations with digital menu boards.

The best drive-thru POS systems also include features such as a loyalty program, gift card program, and customer database building for marketing campaigns.

In Summary: Best Drive-Thru System For Restaurants

  1. Toast POS:
    • Digital menu board integrations, excellent loyalty program, several ways to order
    • $0 - $165+/month
    • Two-year standard contract, early termination fee
  2. Revel POS Systems:
    • Drive-thru lane hardware integrations, drive-thru mode on POS, excellent kitchen display integration
    • $198+/month
    • Custom contracts, early termination fee
  3. talech POS:
    • Affordable, curbside pickup alerts/server notifications, good inventory management
    • $29+/month
    • Monthly/annual contracts, no termination fee
  4. Lavu POS:
    • Lots of partner integrations, several payment processor options, customizable monthly plans
    • $59+/month
    • Monthly/annual/custom contracts
  5. MYR POS:
    • Made for fast food ordering, franchise management portal, designated expo screen
    • $70+/month
    • Custom contracts
Nicolette Kier

Nicolette Kier

Senior Staff Writer
Nicolette began writing on small business topics in 2020. After hundreds of hours researching, testing, and assisting small business owners with web building and point of sale software, she is now an expert on all things eCommerce and point of sale. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Nicolette Kier
View Nicolette Kier's professional experience on LinkedIn.