vs Lightspeed
Which restaurant inventory software is right for your team? We compared the features, pricing, and ease of use.
$0 Setup Fee
Lightspeed
+ Varies setup
Pricing verified November 2025
How We Differ
Beyond just the price, here is the real difference.
Feature Breakdown
See exactly where 86 wins.
Pricing & Setup
| Feature | 86 | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $299 | $69-399 |
| Setup Fee | $0 (FREE) | $0 |
| Team Members Included | Unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Annual Cost (Essential plan) | $2,988 | $2,268 |
| Annual Savings vs 86 (Essential) | - | +$720/year (Essential) |
Core Features
| Feature | 86 | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Management | ||
| Photo-Based Inventory | ||
| Real-time Sync (No Refresh) | ||
| Holiday/Bridge Day Alerts | ||
| Alternative Vendor Suggestions | ||
| Recipe Costing | ||
| POS System Included | ||
| Low Stock Alerts | ||
| Automated Ordering |
Mobile Experience
| Feature | 86 | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| iOS App | ||
| Android App | Limited | |
| Modern, Fast Interface | Good | |
| 15-Minute Count Time |
Team Management
| Feature | 86 | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Text Reminders | ||
| Manager Alerts (Missed Counts) | ||
| Push Notifications | Limited |
Simplicity & Learning
| Feature | 86 | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Same day | 2-4 weeks |
| Learning Curve | Seconds (team), 5 min (web) | Weeks |
| Feature Focus | Full platform | POS + Inventory |
| Works Without POS | Inventory requires POS |
Data & Migration
| Feature | 86 | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Free Data Import | Varies | |
| Import Any Format | Paper, Excel, POS, CSV | Limited formats |
Compare the Cost
See how 86 and Lightspeed compare over time.
Includes $69-399/mo + $0 setup
$299/month flat. No hidden fees.
86 costs $2,760 more
But 86 includes inventory, ordering, AI accounting, recipes, reviews, tasks, and sales in one connected system — with free white-glove setup. Lightspeed covers fewer features and charges for onboarding.
One connected platform vs. separate tools that don't talk to each other.
Get StartedHonest Assessment
We believe in transparency. Here is the bottom line.
Why Choose 86
- All-in-One Platform: $299/mo includes inventory, ordering, financials, recipes, reviews, tasks, and sales
- Simplicity: Team learns it in 5 minutes
- Zero Risk: No contracts, 30-day refund
- Free Setup: We handle the migration for you
Best For
Independent restaurants, bars, and cafes who want to stop overpaying for enterprise bloat.
Why Choose Lightspeed
- •Comprehensive POS integration
- •Real-time inventory tracking with low-stock alerts
- •Strong analytics and reporting
- •Recipe costing and margin tracking
Best For
- →Restaurants needing both POS and inventory
- →Multi-location operations with standardized processes
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Switch from Lightspeed
Migration is free and takes about a week. Here is exactly how it works.
Export your inventory from Lightspeed (Inventory → Products → Export)
Send the export file to hector@use86.com
We'll set up your 86 account with all your items within about a week
Keep Lightspeed running during transition — cancel when ready
Export Tip
In Lightspeed, go to Inventory → Products → use the Export button to download as CSV.
One app. Your whole back office.
Send us your data. We set up everything. Your team counts, your books do themselves, and you see it all from one dashboard.
$299/mo · Free setup · No contracts · 30-day guarantee
Built by Hector, owner of Zaco's Tacos
A restaurant owner who solved his own problem.