GastroSystem vs. Lightspeed Restaurant
Lightspeed is an enterprise POS from Canada. GastroSystem is a German ordering and POS system for independent restaurateurs — simpler, more affordable, commission-free.
Lightspeed Restaurant (formerly iKentoo) is a cloud POS system from the Canadian company Lightspeed Commerce. It targets larger hospitality businesses and chains with a focus on POS, inventory and reporting. An online ordering system of its own is only available through third-party integrations. GastroSystem targets small and mid-sized restaurateurs in the DACH region — with ordering system and POS in one solution.
Our verdict
Lightspeed is a powerful enterprise POS for larger chains. For independent restaurateurs and small businesses in the DACH region it is oversized and expensive — and without its own ordering system. GastroSystem is built specifically for this market: POS + ordering system, German servers, German support.
Frequently asked questions about Lightspeed alternatives
Does Lightspeed have an ordering system?
Not directly. Lightspeed Restaurant is a POS system. For online orders you need a third-party integration like Deliverect, which incurs additional costs. GastroSystem has the ordering system built in.
Is Lightspeed GDPR-compliant?
Lightspeed is a Canadian company with servers in North America. For GDPR compliance you need to check the data processing agreement and may need additional measures. GastroSystem hosts all data in Germany.
What does Lightspeed Restaurant cost?
From €69/month for the Essential plan, up to €399/month for the Premium plan. On top of that come costs for hardware, add-ons and third-party integrations. GastroSystem costs €299/month all-inclusive.
Who is Lightspeed suited for?
Lightspeed is suited for larger restaurant chains with complex inventory and staff management needs. For independent restaurateurs, pizzerias, kebab shops or snack bars, GastroSystem is the simpler and more affordable solution.
Can I switch from Lightspeed to GastroSystem?
Yes. Since Lightspeed has no ordering system, you simply start fresh with GastroSystem. Set up your menu, configure the POS — ready to go in under an hour.