Comparison

DirectOrders vs Toast

Toast is a POS company that added online ordering. We're a direct ordering platform built from day one to maximize your revenue.

See DirectOrders in Action View Pricing

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature
DirectOrders
Toast
Commission
0%
0-2.99%
Processing Fee
2.9% + 30¢
2.49-3.69%
Monthly Fee
$449$249/mo*
$0-165+ (add-on)
Hardware Required
AI-Powered Menu
Voice AI Ordering
NLP Menu Search
SEO + AEO Optimization
Basic
Multi-Channel (15+)
Limited
Built-in Delivery Network
DoorDash only
Same-Day Payouts
Contract Required
None
2 years
Setup Time
15 minutes
2-4 weeks

* Toast requires their POS system. Online ordering is an add-on module with additional fees.

Why Restaurants Switch from Toast

Toast sells hardware and POS. We focus 100% on maximizing your direct orders.

No Hardware Lock-In

Toast requires expensive hardware and 2-year contracts. DirectOrders works with your existing setup - start in 15 minutes, cancel anytime.

AI-First Platform

While Toast bolts on basic features, we built AI into our core - powering smart search, voice ordering, and personalized recommendations.

Modern Discovery

We optimize for Google, ChatGPT, Alexa, and every way customers find restaurants today. Toast's SEO is an afterthought.

Voice AI That Works

Our AI answers every call, takes orders, and never puts customers on hold. Toast has no voice ordering capability.

Delivery Freedom

Choose your own drivers, Uber Direct, or DoorDash Drive per order. Toast locks you into DoorDash with limited flexibility.

Same-Day Payouts

Get paid today. Toast's standard 2-day payout means waiting for your money while bills pile up.

The True Cost of Toast

Beyond the monthly fee, Toast's costs add up fast

Toast Total Cost
$500-1,500+/mo
  • Hardware purchase/lease: $500-2,000+
  • Online ordering add-on: $50-75/mo
  • Higher processing fees (2.49-3.69%)
  • Marketing suite extra: $75/mo
  • 2-year contract with early termination fees
DirectOrders
$449$249/mo*
  • No hardware required - use any device
  • All features included, no add-ons
  • Lower processing: 2.9% + 30¢
  • AI marketing and voice included
  • No contract - cancel anytime

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

Sources & References

  1. 1. Toast Pricing - Toast pricing tiers from pos.toasttab.com. [pos.toasttab.com/pricing]
  2. 2. Toast Online Ordering - Features listed on Toast website. [pos.toasttab.com/products/online-ordering]
  3. 3. Toast Processing Fees - Payment processing rates per Toast. [pos.toasttab.com]

Last verified: January 2026

Already Have a POS? Keep It.

DirectOrders integrates with Square, Clover, Lightspeed, and more. Add AI-powered direct ordering without replacing your existing system.

Square
Clover
Lightspeed
Revel
TouchBistro

Direct Orders Without the Hardware Hassle

See why restaurants are choosing DirectOrders over Toast for a simpler, more powerful direct ordering solution.

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