Simple Host vs Toast Tables: 2025 Comparison
Should you use Toast's built-in reservation system or a dedicated solution? Here's what restaurant owners need to know.
Simple Host Team
December 5, 2025
Toast is one of the most popular restaurant POS systems in the US, and Toast Tables is their integrated waitlist and reservation solution. But does bundling make sense, or is a dedicated solution like Simple Host the better choice? Let's break it down.
Toast Tables
Part of Toast ecosystem
- • Requires Toast POS system
- • Integrated with Toast payments
- • Additional monthly fee on top of Toast
- • Android-based (Toast hardware)
Simple Host
Standalone solution
- • No POS required or lock-in
- • Use alongside any POS you have
- • Simple, predictable pricing
- • Works on iPad, Android, and web
The Toast Ecosystem Question
The most important factor in this comparison: Toast Tables requires Toast POS. If you're not already using Toast, you can't use Toast Tables. Simple Host works with any POS system — or no POS at all.
Consider This
- Already on Toast? Toast Tables may seem convenient, but it's an additional cost on top of your POS fees.
- Not on Toast? Don't switch your entire POS just to get their waitlist. Use a standalone solution.
- Vendor lock-in: Using Toast Tables means you're even more tied to Toast's ecosystem.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Factor | Simple Host | Toast Tables |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $69.99 (Pro) | $75/month* |
| Requires Other Products | No | Yes (Toast POS) |
| Per-Cover Fees | $0 | $0 |
| SMS Included | ||
| Contract Required | No | Varies |
| Hardware Required | Any device (iPad, Android, web) | Toast hardware |
*Toast Tables pricing varies. Contact Toast for current rates specific to your situation.
Total Cost Consideration
If you're comparing solutions, remember that Toast Tables is on top of your Toast POS costs. The total investment includes:
- • Toast POS software (various tiers)
- • Toast hardware costs
- • Toast payment processing fees
- • Toast Tables monthly fee
With Simple Host, you pay one predictable fee that works alongside whatever POS you already use.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Simple Host | Toast Tables |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Waitlist | ||
| Online Reservations | ||
| SMS Notifications | ||
| Floor Plan Editor | ||
| Server Sections | ||
| Guest Database | ||
| POS Required | No | Yes (Toast only) |
| Standalone Operation | ||
| No Ecosystem Lock-in |
When Each Option Makes Sense
Toast Tables might work if you...
- Already use Toast POS and are happy with it
- Want POS and waitlist data in one system
- Don't mind being locked into Toast ecosystem
- Value single-vendor support
Simple Host is better if you...
- Don't use Toast POS (or any POS at all)
- Want a dedicated waitlist tool without POS requirements
- Prefer best-in-class tools vs bundled solutions
- Want to avoid additional Toast costs
- Want flexibility to use any device (iPad, Android, or desktop)
The "Integration" Argument
Toast will tell you that having your POS and waitlist integrated is essential. But here's the reality:
What Integration Really Means
- Your host and servers are already integrated. They communicate. That's how restaurants work.
- Most restaurants don't need POS-waitlist sync. The host seats people, the server takes orders. Simple.
- Integration can mean vendor lock-in. If you want to switch POS later, you lose your waitlist too.
The Bottom Line
If you're already on Toast and want everything in one ecosystem, Toast Tables is a reasonable add-on. Just know that you're paying for convenience and deepening your vendor dependency.
If you're not on Toast — or don't want POS lock-in — Simple Host gives you a dedicated, purpose-built waitlist and reservation system. It runs completely standalone, so you can use whatever POS you prefer (or none at all).
The features are comparable. The real question is: do you want everything from one vendor, or do you want the freedom to choose best-in-class tools for each job?