digiQueue vs TablesReady

digiQueue is restaurant queue software that lets guests pay a restaurant-set fee to skip the wait. Guests can join from a mobile browser without installing an app or creating an account. Restaurants can offer standard and priority queues, with QR codes, SMS notifications and a real-time dashboard; staff can scan QR passes using a phone or tablet. The service is listed for Android, iOS and web, and the maker says it works on any phone or tablet. Restaurants connect Stripe to receive priority payments, which are deposited automatically and described as Stripe-secured. Under the free plan, the restaurant receives 25% of priority payments. The Priority Plan raises that share to 75% and adds reservations and multi-queue management. It charges $0.01 per outgoing notification, with no monthly fee listed. The maker says setup takes under 10 minutes and does not require a credit card. digiQueue is made by Thompson Technology LLC, which identifies itself as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.

TablesReady manages digital waitlists, reservations, and guest messaging for restaurants and other businesses handling queues or appointments. Guests can join through staff, a kiosk, SMS, a TablesReady page, a business website, or Reserve with Google. Customizable notifications and two-way SMS let guests confirm, cancel, or reply. Staff can use a visual floor plan to view party statuses, move parties with drag and drop, and track table turns in real time. Listed integrations include Square POS, Reserve with Google, Stripe, Zapier, an API, and webhooks. TablesReady offers a native iOS app, a web app for Android, and browser access on desktop and laptop. The free plan costs nothing and includes 150 messages per month and up to 100 parties. Starter is listed at $39 a year and Business at $79 a year, both billed monthly with annual billing. A 14-day trial is listed. Message quantities apply to the US and Canada; other international destinations receive one-tenth of those quantities. The company says its team has worked on the service since 2011.