Shift4 Direct vs Toast, line by line
A straight comparison of what each system costs to buy, run, and support.
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We price your exact setup against your current Toast bill.
Three steps to go live.
Book a free demo
Tell us how your floor runs. We spec the exact devices you need — no more, no less — and quote it plainly.
We build and install
We program your menu ahead of time, then a local technician installs on-site and stays through your first service.
Go live with support
You open with 24/7/365 in-house support behind you and a lifetime warranty on every device.
Two ways to run a restaurant POS
Toast is a well-known restaurant platform, and many operators run it well. The question is not whether it works, but what it costs to buy in, run per device, and support over a year. That is where Shift4 Direct and Toast diverge.
Shift4 Direct leads with $0 upfront hardware for qualifying merchants on the Advantage program, waived software fees for 12 months, and dual pricing that can bring processing cost toward 0%. Toast's advertised model typically pairs hardware costs with per-device software fees and its own processing rate.
Comparison
| Line | Shift4 Direct | Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront hardware cost | $0 upfront for qualifying merchants, up to 4 devices | Hardware quoted per setup; entry kits and paid bundles advertised |
| Software fee per device | Waived 12 months, then $29.99/device/mo | Per-location plans from around $69/mo, plus per-device add-ons |
| Loyalty / marketing / QR | Included on the platform | Available as paid add-on modules |
| Hardware warranty | Lifetime | Limited term, extended coverage typically paid |
| On-site install & training | Local, included | Self-install kits or paid professional install |
| Sign-up bonus | Up to $5,000 for qualifying new merchants | Not advertised |
| 24/7 support | 24/7/365 in-house | 24/7 support, tiered by plan |
Comparison reflects publicly advertised plans for general guidance. Competitor marks belong to their respective owners.
Where the difference shows up
Over a year, the lines that move the number are software per device and processing on every card. Shift4 Direct waives the software fee for 12 months and, with Advantage dual pricing, qualifying merchants can push processing toward 0%. Add lifetime hardware warranty and local install, and the total cost of ownership usually lands below a comparable Toast setup. New merchants doing at least $30,000 in monthly processing volume can also qualify for the $5,000 sign-up bonus, whether they are switching from another POS or starting fresh.
One platform. Everything the restaurant runs on.
Guest experience
- Online ordering, commission-free
- QR code order & pay
- Reservations & waitlist
- Loyalty program & gift cards
- Email and SMS marketing
Operations
- Customizable floor plans
- Split checks by item or amount
- Inventory management
- Cloud back office & reporting
- Offline processing mode
Team & labor
- Employee timeclock
- Scheduling & shift swaps
- Permissions by role
- Payroll export
- Manager mobile app
Payments
- EMV chip & contactless NFC
- Tap to pay on handhelds
- DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates
- Advantage program to cut fees
- Next-day funding options
Stop overpaying to accept a card.
Between tiered rates and per-device software fees, most restaurants leave money on the table every month. Our Advantage program is built to drive your effective processing cost toward zero.
Run the numbers with usIllustrative only. Rates vary by provider, market, card mix and plan. Advantage program eligibility and surcharge/dual-pricing rules vary by state and card brand; your specialist confirms what applies to you.
Questions, answered.
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(877) 330-6602No. It is a capable platform. This page is about total cost and terms, where Shift4 Direct's $0 upfront, waived fees, and dual pricing tend to come out ahead for qualifying merchants.
Yes. A local technician builds your menu and trains your team on it during install, so you are not rebuilding from scratch alone.
Any new merchant doing at least $30,000 in monthly processing volume, subject to approval. Switching from another POS is not required, though if you are, it is a straightforward way to cover what leaving costs you.
They reflect publicly advertised plans for general guidance. Confirm current Toast pricing directly, as promotions change. See the two systems priced against your volume. Book a demo or request a quote and we will run the lines for your restaurant. Shift4 Direct is an independent authorized reseller. Shift4, SkyTab, and Bar Rescue marks belong to their respective owners.
Let's build your setup.
Tell us how your floor runs and we'll spec the exact devices you need — no more, no less. Free demo, no obligation.
$0 upfront on hardware, up to four devices
12 months with monthly software fees waived
Up to $5,000* to cover your old POS contract