Applova vs Square for Drive-Thru
Applova is a US restaurant technology platform combining a POS, self-order kiosks, commission-free online ordering, branded websites and mobile apps, kitchen display and loyalty. Square for Drive-Thru is Square's drive-thru package for quick-service restaurants, announced in May 2026. Both are listed under Quick Service & Drive-Thru POS. The main differences are in audience, platforms and countries covered.
Key differences
audience
Audience differs between the profiles. Listed by one product alone: Applova: Fast-casual and quick-service restaurants; Square for Drive-Thru: Multi-location quick-service restaurants.
platforms
They do not run on the same platforms. Applova: Web, iOS, Android; Square for Drive-Thru: iOS, Android.
countries covered
Country coverage differs. Applova names 2 countries and Square for Drive-Thru names 1 country. 1 country appears in every list.
integrations
The integration lists differ. Applova names 12 integrations and Square for Drive-Thru names 8 integrations. 1 partner appears in every list.
company background
By founding year, Applova (2016) and Square for Drive-Thru (2009).
Side by side
| Field | Applova | Square for Drive-Thru |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Applova is a US restaurant technology platform combining a POS, self-order kiosks, commission-free online ordering, branded websites and mobile apps, kitchen display and loyalty. | Square for Drive-Thru is Square's drive-thru package for quick-service restaurants, announced in May 2026. |
| Best for | Fast-casual and quick-service restaurants; Cafes, boba shops, pizzerias and food trucks; Restaurants already on Square or Clover | Multi-location quick-service restaurants; Drive-thru-first coffee and fast-food concepts |
| Pricing model | Quote only | Quote only |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | Not published | Not published |
| Free trial | Not published | Not published |
| Contract | Not published | Not published |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Countries | Canada, United States | United States |
| Languages | Not published | Not published |
| Number of integrations | 12 | 8 |
| Certifications | Not published | Not published |
| Security practices | Not published | Not published |
| Founded | 2016 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | United States | United States |
| Owner | Not published | Block, Inc. (Square) |
| Last reviewed | 29 September 2026 | 29 September 2026 |
Integrations
Named by both
- 7shifts
Named only by Applova
- Clover
- DoorDash Drive
- Fivestars
- GoDaddy POS
- Mailchimp
- Omnivore (Micros)
- Paysafe
- rPower
- Square
- Stripe
- TSYS
Named only by Square for Drive-Thru
- ChowNow
- MarketMan
- Nanonation
- OpenTable
- Paytronix
- Restaurant365
- The Howard Company
Which to choose
Applova
Choose Applova if you fit its listed audience: Fast-casual and quick-service restaurants; Cafes, boba shops, pizzerias and food trucks; Restaurants already on Square or Clover.
Weaker fit: Restaurants outside the US: the FAQ says it is built for U.S. restaurants.
Square for Drive-Thru
Choose Square for Drive-Thru if you fit its listed audience: Multi-location quick-service restaurants; Drive-thru-first coffee and fast-food concepts.
What we could not confirm
Applova
- Any price or contract terms
- Founders, funding, headcount
- HQ city
- Security certifications
- Interface languages
- App store listings
Square for Drive-Thru
- Any Square for Drive-Thru price or plan
- General availability date after the early access program
- Which partner integrations are supported specifically in drive-thru
- Countries where it is offered
- Headquarters city
- Security certifications
Go further
Sources
Facts on this page come from the pages below. Prices and features change, so confirm with each vendor before you buy.
Applova, reviewed 29 September 2026
- Homepagehttps://www.applova.io
- FAQhttps://applova.io/faq/
- Planshttps://applova.io/pricing
- Kioskhttps://applova.io/kiosk/
- Partnershttps://applova.io/partners/integrated-partners
- Rebrand from Apptizerhttps://applova.io/news/we-have-rebranded
- Officeshttps://applova.io/contactus
- Pizzeria pagehttps://applova.io/pizzeria
Square for Drive-Thru, reviewed 29 September 2026
- Launch announcement, features, availabilityhttps://squareup.com/us/en/press/square-for-drive-thru
- Product page, hardware partnerhttps://squareup.com/us/en/restaurants/drive-thru
- Square pricing page, drive-thru workflow linehttps://squareup.com/us/en/pricing
- Restaurant integration partnershttps://squareup.com/us/en/restaurants/partners
- KDS platformhttps://squareup.com/us/en/point-of-sale/restaurants/kitchen-display-system