ChowNow and AIOrders are both commission-free online ordering platforms for independent restaurants. Both say restaurants should own their orders and their guest data. The differences are price structure, what is included at each tier, and how much of the marketing is done for you. Here is the comparison using ChowNow's published 2026 pricing.
From ChowNow's pricing page (get.chownow.com/pricing, as of Oct 2026):
| Feature | AIOrders | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Flat-monthly plan with 0% order fees; entry plan adds a per-order fee (see pricing) | $229–$409/mo annual, or $249–$449 monthly |
| Per-order fees | No commission on the flat-monthly plan; Uber Direct delivery billed per delivery | 2.95% + $0.29 per transaction; $7.98 per Flex Delivery order |
| Commission | 0% on direct orders | Commission-free direct ordering |
| QR ordering | Yes, Smart QR table ordering | Grow and Elevate plans |
| Website | AI website builder included | SEO-optimized website included |
| SEO | AI SEO and Google listings included | Included |
| Review automation | Voice of Guest, included | Not listed |
| Loyalty | Included | Included |
| AI phone | Optional add-on | Not listed |
| Contract | Cancel anytime; money-back guarantee, see pricing | Annual or monthly; $119–$499 setup fee |
| Canada / USA | Vancouver-based; serves restaurants in Canada and the USA | USD pricing; ask about Canada |
| POS | Not a POS; Order Hub syncs to Square, Clover, Toast | Not a POS; 30+ integrations |
"Not listed" means we did not find it on the public pricing page when we checked. Ask the vendor if it matters to you.
Assume a $30 average ticket, about 333 orders a month.
If you also use ChowNow's Flex Delivery, add $7.98 per delivered order. With AIOrders, delivery runs through Uber Direct and is billed per delivery.
Two other comparisons owners search for:
See our Square Online alternative and Menufy alternative pages for details.
ChowNow is better for US restaurants that want a mature, widely integrated ordering platform (30+ POS integrations), branded mobile apps and printed marketing, and that are comfortable running their own campaigns with good tools. Multi-location brands will like Grow and Elevate's centralized menu management.
AIOrders is better for independent restaurants in Canada and the USA whose owners want the marketing done for them: Google ranking, review replies, win-back emails, catering capture, plus Order Hub to put every delivery app on one screen.
Import your menu with the free Menu Import tool (PDF, photos, your website or a delivery-app link; nothing is published until you review it), check modifiers and prices, then point your website and Google "Order Online" links to the new page. Run ChowNow and AIOrders side by side for a few weeks; move regulars over with a bag insert or QR code that rewards ordering direct. The migration checklist has the full steps.
See what you would keep. Run your order volume through the AIOrders calculator, then book a demo or see pricing.
No. ChowNow sells commission-free ordering but lists 2.95% + $0.29 per transaction and a $119–$499 setup fee (ChowNow, as of Oct 2026).
Yes, for many. It is an established platform with strong integrations. Compare total monthly cost and how much marketing work you want to do yourself.
Yes. ChowNow lists a branded mobile app on its plans, with a $99 annual Apple developer fee.
Yes. Paste your ChowNow menu link or upload a PDF into the free Menu Import tool (Menu Import, as of Oct 2026).
AIOrders offers a flat-monthly plan with 0% order fees (see pricing; the entry plan adds a per-order fee), with an optional AI phone receptionist add-on.