Best ChowNow Alternatives for Restaurants
Discover powerful commission-free ordering platforms with better value, more features, and lower costs than ChowNow.
11 min read
Updated Jan 1, 2026
2,700 words
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Look for ChowNow Alternatives
Quick Comparison
Top Alternatives
Feature Comparison
Pricing Breakdown
How to Switch
FAQs
ChowNow has positioned itself as a commission-free alternative to third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and UberEats, helping restaurants build direct customer relationships without paying per-order commissions. While ChowNow pioneered the commission-free model and offers valuable features like branded ordering and Google Food Ordering integration, many restaurant owners are discovering that newer alternatives provide similar or better functionality at lower costs. **The ChowNow Value Proposition:** - Commission-free ordering (0% per order) - Branded ordering experience - Google Food Ordering integration - Facebook/Instagram ordering - Customer data ownership **The Challenges:** - Monthly cost: $149/month + $399 one-time setup fee - Limited mobile app capabilities compared to competitors - Email marketing only (no SMS or push notifications) - Fewer POS integrations than modern alternatives - Basic loyalty program features - No built-in delivery management For restaurants currently using ChowNow or evaluating it as an option, this guide explores alternatives that offer better value, more advanced features, stronger marketing tools, and more comprehensive support—often at lower total costs.
Why Restaurants Look for ChowNow Alternatives
Higher Monthly Cost ($149 + $399 Setup)
ChowNow charges $149/month plus a $399 one-time setup fee, totaling $2,187 in the first year. While commission-free, this is 50% more expensive than competitors like RestauNax at $99/month ($1,188/year) with no setup fee.
💡 Over 3 years, ChowNow costs $5,763 vs. RestauNax at $3,564—saving $2,199 for the same core functionality.
Limited Marketing Capabilities
ChowNow provides email marketing but lacks SMS messaging, push notifications, and advanced marketing automation. In today's mobile-first world, SMS and push notifications drive significantly higher engagement and order frequency.
💡 Studies show SMS marketing has 98% open rates vs. 20% for email, and push notifications drive 88% higher app engagement. ChowNow's email-only approach limits marketing effectiveness.
Basic Mobile App Functionality
While ChowNow offers mobile apps, the functionality is more limited compared to modern alternatives. Features like advanced loyalty programs, gamification, personalized recommendations, and rich push notifications are either absent or basic.
Fewer POS Integrations
ChowNow integrates with major POS systems but has fewer integrations than newer platforms. This can be limiting for restaurants using less common POS systems or planning to switch POS providers in the future.
💡 ChowNow supports approximately 10-12 major POS systems, while RestauNax integrates with 20+ POS platforms including emerging systems.
No Built-in Analytics Dashboard
ChowNow provides basic reporting but lacks the comprehensive analytics dashboards found in modern alternatives. Real-time insights into customer behavior, order patterns, marketing ROI, and lifetime value are limited or require manual analysis.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ChowNow | RestauNax | Owner.com | Toast Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $149 + $399 setup | $99/mo | $99-299/mo | $50/mo* |
| Commission Rate | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| First Year Total Cost | $2,187 | $1,188 | $1,188-3,588 | $600* |
| SMS Marketing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Push Notifications | Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| POS Integrations | 10-12 systems | 20+ systems | 15+ systems | Toast only |
| Analytics Dashboard | Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Good |
| Loyalty Program | Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Advanced | Basic |
| Setup Complexity | Medium | Easy (3-5 days) | Medium | Easy |
Top ChowNow Alternatives for 2026
1. RestauNax - Best Overall Alternative
Commission-free ordering platform offering more features than ChowNow at 34% lower cost ($99/month vs $149/month). Includes advanced mobile apps, AI phone ordering, SMS marketing, push notifications, 20+ POS integrations, and comprehensive analytics—with no setup fee.
Pricing
$99/month, no setup fee, 0% commission
Best For
Restaurants wanting maximum value and advanced features
Pros
• 34% lower monthly cost than ChowNow ($99 vs $149)
• No setup fee (saves $399 immediately)
• AI phone ordering — never miss a call, save $3K+/month
• SMS marketing + email + push notifications (ChowNow email only)
• Advanced mobile apps with rich features
• 20+ POS integrations (vs ChowNow's 10-12)
• Real-time analytics dashboard
• Advanced loyalty program with gamification
• Faster support response times
• Free onboarding and training
• Multi-location support at same price
Cons
• Newer platform (less brand recognition than ChowNow)
• You manage delivery (same as ChowNow)
2. Owner.com - Best for Marketing Automation
Comprehensive restaurant commerce platform with commission-free ordering, advanced marketing automation, customer acquisition tools, and Google Ads management. Higher tiers offer more features than ChowNow.
Pricing
$99-299/month based on features, 0% commission
Best For
Restaurants wanting comprehensive marketing suite
Pros
• Commission-free ordering
• Advanced marketing automation (beyond ChowNow)
• Google Ads management tools
• Customer data platform with analytics
• Multi-location support
• Delivery integrations
• Website builder included
Cons
• Higher tiers needed for advanced features ($199-299/mo)
• Steeper learning curve than ChowNow
• May be complex for small single-location restaurants
3. Toast Online Ordering - Best for Toast Users
Commission-free online ordering for Toast POS customers. Lower base price than ChowNow but requires Toast POS subscription. Excellent integration if you're already in Toast ecosystem.
Pricing
$50/month (requires Toast POS $69-165/month)
Best For
Restaurants already using Toast POS
Pros
• Lower base cost than ChowNow ($50 vs $149)
• Seamless Toast POS integration
• Commission-free orders
• Unified reporting with POS
• Included free in some Toast plans
Cons
• Requires Toast POS subscription (total $119-215/month)
• No standalone mobile apps
• Toast-only (not portable to other POS)
• Limited marketing features vs ChowNow
• Higher payment processing fees than competitors
4. Square Online for Restaurants - Best Budget Option
Commission-free online ordering for Square POS users. Free basic plan or $72/month premium—significantly cheaper than ChowNow. Good for small restaurants with basic needs.
Pricing
Free basic, Premium $72/month (vs ChowNow $149)
Best For
Small restaurants using Square POS on tight budget
Pros
• Free basic plan available
• Premium still cheaper than ChowNow ($72 vs $149)
• Easy Square POS integration
• Simple setup
• Low barrier to entry
Cons
• Limited restaurant-specific features
• No mobile apps (web only)
• Basic marketing tools (email only)
• Better for retail than restaurants
• Limited customization
• No loyalty program
5. BBot - Best for QR Code Ordering
QR code-based ordering platform for dine-in, pickup, and delivery. Commission-free with focus on contactless ordering. Different approach than ChowNow's branded app strategy.
Pricing
$99-199/month based on features
Best For
Restaurants emphasizing QR code and contactless ordering
Pros
• Commission-free ordering
• QR code dine-in ordering
• No app download required
• POS integrations
• Lower cost than ChowNow
• Fast setup
Cons
• Less focus on branded apps vs ChowNow
• Marketing tools less developed
• Better for QR ordering than mobile app strategy
6. Custom Development - Best for Large Chains
Build your own proprietary ordering system with full control. Higher upfront cost but no ongoing platform fees. Makes sense for large chains or unique requirements.
Pricing
$15,000-50,000 initial + maintenance
Best For
Large restaurant chains (5+ locations) with unique needs
Pros
• Complete control and customization
• No platform fees (only hosting)
• Own all technology and data
• Custom features for your workflow
• Long-term cost savings at scale
Cons
• High upfront development cost
• Ongoing maintenance required
• Need technical team or agency
• Longer time to launch (3-6 months)
• Risk of technical issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I switch from ChowNow if it's also commission-free?
While both are commission-free, RestauNax offers superior value: 34% lower monthly cost ($99 vs $149), no $399 setup fee (saves $999 first year), SMS marketing + push notifications (ChowNow has email only), 20+ POS integrations (vs 10-12), advanced analytics, and better mobile apps. You get more features for less money.
Can I keep my customer data when switching from ChowNow?
Yes, absolutely. You own your customer data. Export your customer list from ChowNow (contact their support if needed) and import it into RestauNax. We provide free data migration assistance to ensure seamless transfer of customer information, order history, and preferences.
How does RestauNax compare to ChowNow's Google integration?
Both platforms integrate with Google Food Ordering, allowing customers to order directly through Google Search and Maps. RestauNax additionally offers advanced SEO tools, Google Business Profile optimization, and Google Ads integration features that ChowNow doesn't provide.
What if my POS system works with ChowNow but not RestauNax?
RestauNax supports 20+ POS systems including all major platforms that ChowNow integrates with (Toast, Square, Clover, Aloha, Micros, etc.) plus many more. In the rare case your POS isn't currently integrated, we can typically build custom integration within 2-4 weeks at no additional cost for committed customers.
Will switching platforms confuse my customers?
Minimal confusion if communicated properly. Send email announcing the upgrade with instructions and incentive (10% off first order). Update website and social media. Most customers adapt immediately—the ordering process is similar, often better. Restaurants typically see smooth transitions with 85-90% of customers successfully migrating within 2 weeks.
How much will I actually save switching to RestauNax?
First year: Save $999 (RestauNax $1,188 vs ChowNow $2,187). Every year after: Save $600 annually ($99 vs $149 monthly). Over 3 years: Save $2,199 total while getting better features. Plus the avoided $399 setup fee. Many restaurants invest these savings into marketing to drive more orders.
Does RestauNax offer the same branded mobile apps as ChowNow?
Yes, RestauNax provides fully branded iOS and Android apps in your restaurant's name, just like ChowNow. However, RestauNax apps include more advanced features: SMS & push notifications, advanced loyalty tiers, gamification, personalized recommendations, and richer ordering experience. Customer feedback shows higher satisfaction with RestauNax apps.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Join thousands of restaurants that switched to RestauNax and started keeping 100% of their revenue.