GastroSystem vs. Orderbird
Orderbird is one of the older iPad POS providers in the DACH market. Solid as a pure till, but without an integrated online ordering system, with expensive hardware packages and many paid add-ons. Anyone who needs an ordering system, delivery, their own app and a TSE till today pays for them separately at Orderbird. The Orderbird alternative is one integrated system from one provider. Till, ordering, delivery, app, all included.
orderbird is an iPad POS system for hospitality and retail based in Berlin. It covers POS functions, table planning and reporting — but lacks a built-in online ordering system. Restaurants that want online orders with orderbird need to connect a third-party tool. GastroSystem combines POS and ordering system in one solution — without commission and without separate contracts.
Our verdict
orderbird is a solid POS system — but without its own ordering system. If you want to offer online orders through your own app, orderbird requires additional tools and contracts. GastroSystem delivers both in one package: POS + ordering system, no commission, no extra costs.
Frequently asked questions about the Orderbird alternative
What does Orderbird really cost per month?
The pure till licence starts in the low three-figure range per month, but for a realistic restaurant setup, add-ons pile up quickly: TSE module, reservation module, an online ordering system via a third party (Lieferando commission or extra tools), delivery, receipt printer integration, hardware leasing for iPads and receipt printers. In total, you often end up at €350–500/month. With GastroSystem, all of that is included in €99–359/month, with no hardware tie-in.
Can I migrate Orderbird data to GastroSystem?
Yes. Master data like your menu (products, categories, prices, allergens) can be imported via CSV or backup file. We handle the migration for free on request. Order history and revenue stay archived in Orderbird's accounting (a DSFinV-K export for the tax authority should be done before switching), and customer data can be transferred, provided you can pull it as an export from Orderbird. Hardware (receipt printers, tablets, drawers) stays. No new purchases needed.
Do I need new hardware when switching from Orderbird?
Usually not. GastroSystem runs on iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, Android phone, web in the browser or PC. For the receipt you need an Epson receipt printer from the TM series, on the router or directly on the tablet. We don't support other brands like Star or Bixolon, then the paperless route via PDF remains. If you're locked into Orderbird hardware leasing, you can keep using the tablets and a matching Epson printer for the remaining term. Unlike Orderbird, GastroSystem has no hardware lock-in: you buy wherever it's cheapest, and swap freely.
Does Orderbird have its own online ordering system?
Not in a fully integrated sense. Orderbird is primarily a till. For online ordering you're referred to third parties (Lieferando, Wolt, Smoothr, etc.), which mostly work with commission or their own monthly costs. That means two or three systems side by side: till from Orderbird, order intake via a third party, delivery coordinated manually. GastroSystem has ordering system, till and delivery in one system, your shop runs in the browser under your own name. One menu, one workflow, one provider.
How do I switch from Orderbird to GastroSystem?
Step by step, with no interruption to your business. First pull the DSFinV-K export from Orderbird and archive the TSE data. Then export the menu as CSV or take it over from the Orderbird backup. Set up GastroSystem, import the menu, pair the receipt printer, define delivery zones. Run a test in parallel for one shift first, then switch over completely. Finally cancel the Orderbird contract on the proper notice, your hardware stays yours. Migration is usually done in a day, and we handle it for free on request.
Is GastroSystem TSE and KassenSichV compliant?
Yes. The built-in till system signs through a BSI-certified cloud TSE, generates KassenSichV-compliant receipts, exports DSFinV-K for the tax authorities, and is GoBD compliant. The mandatory receipt requirement from 2026 is covered. Unlike Orderbird, the TSE module isn't billed separately or tied to specific hardware. It's part of the base rate. A DATEV export for your accounting is included too.
Do I get my own app in the App Store with GastroSystem?
Not yet. Your own app in the App Store and on Google Play is in preparation and not yet bookable. Today your shop runs in the browser, with your colours, your logo and your menu, no download, as an icon on the home screen if you want. Regulars order directly with you, with no platform cut, and get push notifications about promotions and new dishes. With Orderbird, your own app isn't included as standard. It's either a third party or custom development.
Can I test Orderbird and GastroSystem in parallel?
Yes, and that's the recommended path. You can run GastroSystem on a tablet alongside your running Orderbird till, for example just for online orders or just for delivery. The digital menu is free forever, and the modules are cancellable monthly. That way you compare in daily operation whether the integrated system fits your restaurant. Only once you're convinced do you make the complete switch.
How many locations does GastroSystem support compared to Orderbird?
Unlimited, but each location stays on its own: its own menu, its own shop, its own prices and delivery zones. There's no shared overview across all locations yet, you switch the location at the top and see its numbers. One account is enough for all of them, with its own role per location. With Orderbird, multiple locations are possible, but are usually handled through higher-tier plans or separate modules, with extra setup work per branch. With GastroSystem, every additional location is added through the Multiple Locations module.