by WooshThe ChowNow alternative for independent restaurants
ChowNow is a solid platform. It also starts at $229 a month and takes 2.95% plus 29 cents of every order. Seared is $99 a month per location, with no card fees on your side.
Seared vs. ChowNow, side by side
| What | Seared | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $99 per location | $229 to $449 (from $229 billed annually) |
| Setup | Quoted on your demo call; includes hardware, apps, website, and menu work | $119 to $499, plus $250 to $420 for a printer |
| Per-order fees on you | $0 | 2.95% + $0.29 per transaction |
| Fee on the diner | 5%, $1.99 minimum, $7.50 cap | Not listed on their pricing page |
| Branded iOS and Android app | Included | Included, plus a $99 a year Apple developer fee |
| Contract | Month-to-month | Monthly or annual billing |
| POS connections | Toast, Square, Clover, Revel, PAR Brink, NCR Aloha, Foodhub, CaterEase | 20+ POS integrations |
ChowNow prices are from ChowNow's public pricing page and its features from ChowNow's homepage, both as of October 8, 2026. Prices change, so check with ChowNow. ChowNow is a trademark of its owner; Seared is not affiliated with ChowNow.
What it costs you
Say your restaurant does $15,000 a month in online orders at a $44 average, about 340 orders.
- ChowNow Launch, billed annually: $229 + 2.95% of $15,000 ($442.50) + $0.29 on 340 orders ($98.60) = about $770 a month.
- Seared: $99 a month. Card processing is covered by the diner's checkout fee.
That's about $670 a month that stays with your restaurant, every month. Both platforms charge a one-time setup: ChowNow lists $119 to $499 plus a printer, and Seared's, with your hardware included, is quoted on your demo call.
Where ChowNow is strong
- A diner marketplace app, plus listings across Google, Apple Maps, and Yelp.
- 20+ POS integrations.
- Full credit card fraud and chargeback protection.
- 24/7 support by phone, chat, and text.
- Extras like catering, QR code ordering, and their own delivery service.
Pick ChowNow if
Pick ChowNow if you want their diner marketplace, you run a POS Seared doesn't connect to, or round-the-clock support matters more to you than the lower price.
Pick Seared if
Pick Seared if you want the lowest monthly cost with no per-order fees on your side, a setup that includes your hardware, website, apps, and menu work, and a team that knows your restaurant by name. It's month-to-month, and your customer list leaves with you if you ever do.
How switching works
Switching takes 2 to 3 weeks. My team builds your website, loads your menu, connects your POS, sets up your branded apps, and ships your hardware. You review everything before launch, and you can keep your current system running until the day you switch.
Questions about switching
Is Seared cheaper than ChowNow?
Yes. Seared is $99 a month per location with no per-order fees on your side. ChowNow starts at $229 a month and adds 2.95% + $0.29 per transaction.
Does Seared charge per-order fees?
Not to you. The diner pays a small checkout fee: 5%, with a $1.99 minimum and a $7.50 cap. You keep 100% of your menu price.
Can I keep my POS if I switch from ChowNow?
Yes, if it is one Seared connects to: Toast, Square, Clover, Revel, PAR Brink, NCR Aloha, Foodhub, or CaterEase.
How long does switching from ChowNow take?
Usually 2 to 3 weeks. My team handles the build and menu work, and you can keep ChowNow running until launch day.
See what you'd save on your own numbers.
$99 a month per location. Book fifteen minutes and bring your current bill.