Comparison

DirectOrders vs ChowNow

ChowNow pioneered commission-free ordering. We took it further with AI, voice, and true multi-channel reach.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature
DirectOrders
ChowNow
Commission
0%
0%
Monthly Fee
$449$249/mo*
$149-399
AI-Powered Menu
Voice AI Ordering
NLP Menu Search
SEO + AEO Optimization
Basic SEO
ChatGPT/AI Discovery
Multi-Channel (15+)
3-4 channels
Built-in Delivery
DoorDash only
Same-Day Payouts
AI Re-engagement
Basic email
Branded Mobile App
Setup Time
15 minutes
3-5 days

The Next Generation of Direct Ordering

ChowNow was great for 2015. Here's what modern restaurants need.

AI That Actually Works

Natural language search, dietary filtering, smart recommendations. ChowNow's menu is static - ours understands what customers really want.

Voice AI for Phone Orders

Our AI handles calls 24/7, takes orders, answers questions. ChowNow has zero voice capability - you're still tied to the phone.

Found on ChatGPT & Google

AEO optimization gets you discovered on AI assistants and traditional search. ChowNow's basic SEO misses the AI revolution.

15+ Channels, Not 3

Instagram, WhatsApp, Google Business, Alexa, Siri - all in one dashboard. ChowNow focuses on web and their app.

Flexible Delivery Options

Your drivers, Uber Direct, or DoorDash Drive - choose per order based on demand. ChowNow only integrates DoorDash.

Same-Day Payouts

Get your money today, every day. ChowNow's weekly payouts mean waiting 5-7 days for your cash.

The Real Cost Comparison

Both are commission-free, but DirectOrders delivers more value

ChowNow
$149-399/mo
  • Basic website and app only
  • No AI-powered features
  • Limited to 3-4 channels
  • Weekly payouts (5-7 day wait)
DirectOrders
$449$249/mo*
  • Full AI suite: Voice, NLP, Smart Search
  • 15+ channels included
  • Same-day payouts
  • ChatGPT & voice assistant discovery

* Founding rate. Standard pricing $449-799/mo

Channels That Drive Orders

Where your customers actually are

ChowNow Channels
Limited Reach
  • Website ordering
  • ChowNow app
  • Google ordering
  • No Instagram ordering
  • No WhatsApp
  • No voice assistants
DirectOrders Channels
15+ and Growing
  • Branded website + app
  • Instagram & Facebook
  • WhatsApp ordering
  • Google Business + Maps
  • Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
  • ChatGPT & AI assistants

Switching is Painless

We'll migrate your menu, import your customers, and have you live in 15 minutes. No downtime, no hassle.

1

Import Menu

We pull your menu from ChowNow automatically

2

Migrate Customers

Your customer data comes with you

3

Go Live

Your new AI-powered site is ready

Sources & References

  1. 1. ChowNow Features - Features from ChowNow.com website. [chownow.com/features]
  2. 2. ChowNow Pricing - ChowNow uses custom pricing starting at $149/mo. [chownow.com/pricing]
  3. 3. ChowNow Payouts - Payout schedule per ChowNow FAQ. [chownow.com/faq]

Last verified: January 2026

* DirectOrders founding rate. Standard pricing $449-799/mo.

Ready for AI-Powered Direct Orders?

See why restaurants are upgrading from ChowNow to DirectOrders for the next generation of direct ordering.