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description: Compare Lightning Online vs Toast POS regarding their features, reviews, pricing, specifications, screenshots & more.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/software_advice/og_logo-55146305bbe7b450bea05c18e9be9c9a.png
title: Lightning Online vs Toast POS Comparison
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Hardware and Building Materials Store POS Software](/directory/49/hardware-pos-software/software) > [Lightning Online \<span\>vs\</span\> Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/compare/2684/4997/lightning-online/vs/toast-pos)

# Compare Lightning Online vs Toast POS

Canonical: https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/compare/2684/4997/lightning-online/vs/toast-pos

> Detailed comparison between Lightning Online and Toast POS. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | Lightning Online | Toast POS |
| **Overall rating** | 4.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 8 | 551 |
| **Starting Price** | US$139.00 | US$69.00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | No |
| **Free Version** | No | Yes |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Android (Mobile) |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Chat | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep) |
| **Training** | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Key features

### Lightning Online

- Barcode/Ticket Scanning
- Commission Management
- Customer Accounts
- Discount Management
- Electronic Signature
- Employee Management
- Gift Card Management
- Inventory Management
- Loyalty Program
- Multi-Location
- Ordering Automation
- Payment Processing
- Returns Management
- Sales Reports
- eCommerce Management

### Toast POS

- Barcode/Ticket Scanning
- Commission Management
- Customer Accounts
- Discount Management
- Electronic Signature
- Employee Management
- Gift Card Management
- Inventory Management
- Loyalty Program
- Multi-Location
- Order Scheduling
- Ordering Automation
- Payment Processing
- Pricing Management
- Reservations Management
- Returns Management
- Sales Reports
- Status Tracking
- Table Management
- eCommerce Management

## Links

- [View Lightning Online Profile](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/software/2684/lightning-online)
- [View Toast POS Profile](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/software/4997/toast-pos)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/compare/2684/4997/lightning-online/vs/toast-pos)

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