Android First POS PLATFORM

TRAY vs Aloha POS

Discover why forward-thinking restaurants choose TRAY’s Android platform, hardware flexibility, and open architecture over traditional POS systems.
< 1 Day Installation
Reduced CapEx
Android OS

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

See how TRAY’s Android-first platform and open architecture delivers superior flexibility and cost savings compared to Aloha POS.

Platform & Technology

Feature
TRAY POS
Aloha POS
Android OS Platform
Native Android
Android Clients
Hardware Flexibility
Any Hardware
NCR Bundles Only
Legacy Hardware Support
Androidify x86 Terminals
Limited
Cloud Architecture
Full Cloud
Cloud-Based
Offline Mode
Peer-to-Peer
Basic Offline

Installation & Deployment

Feature
TRAY POS
Aloha POS
Installation Time
< 1 Day
Multiple Days
On-Premise Servers
None Required
None Required
Hardware Conversion
Yes – Legacy x86
No
Remote Setup
Full Remote
Partial Remote

Integrations & Flexibility

Feature
TRAY POS
Aloha POS
Payment Processors
Any Processor
NCR Voyix Focus
Open API
Comprehensive
Limited
Third-Party Hardware
Full Support
NCR Hardware
Back Office Integrations
Open Architecture
NCR Ecosystem

Cost & Operations

Feature
TRAY POS
Aloha POS
Hardware Costs
Low (Android)
Higher (Bundles)
Licensing Fees
Reduced
Standard
CapEx Investment
Significantly Lower
Higher
International Availability
Global
US Only

Why Multi-Unit Restaurants Choose TRAY

TRAY’s modern approach delivers the flexibility, cost savings, and scalability that today’s restaurant operators demand.

Android-First Platform

Native Android OS provides lower costs, easier maintenance, and broader hardware compatibility compared to Windows-based systems.

Lower TCO & Faster Training

Hardware Conversion

Transform legacy Windows terminals (including Aloha hardware) into modern Android POS systems, extending hardware life by 10+ years.

Preserve Existing Investment

Open Architecture

Work with any hardware vendor, payment processor, and back office system. No vendor lock-in or proprietary limitations.

Maximum Flexibility

Rapid Installation

Complete installation in less than one day with no on-premise servers required. Cloud-based architecture simplifies deployment.

< 1 Day Setup

Reduced CapEx

Significantly lower capital investment through hardware conversion, Android device costs, and elimination of proprietary fees.

Up to 60% Savings

Global Scalability

International deployment capabilities with multi-language support, unlike region-limited alternatives.

Worldwide Operations

Real Benefits for Restaurant Operators

See how TRAY’s Android platform delivers measurable improvements in efficiency, costs, and customer experience.

Operational Excellence

Streamline operations with peer-to-peer offline mode, centralized management, and real-time analytics across all locations.

99.9% Uptime
< 1 Second Response
24/7 Operations
Operational Excellence

Staff Efficiency

Android’s intuitive interface reduces training time while handheld devices enable faster table service and higher tips.

50% Faster Training
30% Higher Tips
Reduced Errors
Staff Efficiency

Future-Proof Investment

Open architecture ensures your POS investment grows with your business, supporting new integrations and technologies.

No Vendor Lock-In
Continuous Updates
Scalable Platform
Future-Proof Investment

Rapid Deployment

Get up and running faster with TRAY’s streamlined installation process and hardware conversion capabilities.

< 1 Day Install
Remote Support
Minimal Disruption
Rapid Deployment

What Restaurant Operators Say

Hear from real operators who made the switch to TRAY and achieved measurable results in their business.

We decided to get rid of our custom KDS and utilize Tray as our point-of-sale, really the centralized hub for all things orders and all things menu.

Angell Tsang

Co-Founder & CTO

Tso Chinese

POS systems are essential to efficient operations and have major impacts on the guest and team member experience. Through this process, we’ve seen this technology has the power to decrease table turn times and increase tip and check.

Justin Skelton

CIO and Senior VP of Information Technology

Dine Brands

With new technology like server tablets, our franchisees’ team members can stay closer to our guests and ultimately provide a more efficient and joyful dining experience

Jay Johns

President

IHOP

TRAY’s POS System provides the advanced features and capabilities that we need to run our business more efficiently.

Joe Evans

Chief Marketing Officer

Arctic Circle

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about switching from Aloha to TRAY and understanding the key differences between the platforms.

Yes, TRAY can ‘Androidify’ most legacy Windows terminals, including those from Aloha deployments. This process converts x86 hardware to run TRAY’s Android platform, extending hardware life by 10+ years and preserving your existing investment while upgrading to a modern POS system.

TRAY installations typically complete in less than one day due to the cloud-based architecture requiring no on-premise servers. Aloha installations can take multiple days, especially with hardware setup and server configurations. TRAY’s remote capabilities also reduce on-site time requirements.

TRAY offers significantly lower CapEx through Android hardware costs, hardware conversion capabilities, and reduced licensing fees. Customers typically see 40-60% savings on hardware costs, plus ongoing savings from lower maintenance and the ability to choose any payment processor for better rates.

Absolutely. TRAY’s open architecture supports any payment processor, giving you the flexibility to negotiate the best rates and terms. Aloha primarily focuses on NCR Voyix Payments, which may limit your options for processing rates and features.

TRAY provides centralized menu management, pricing control, and real-time reporting across unlimited locations. The cloud-based platform enables instant updates and standardization globally, while Aloha Cloud may have limitations for very large enterprise operations.

TRAY features automatic peer-to-peer offline mode that maintains full operations including order routing between terminals and kitchen displays without requiring on-premise servers. Aloha Cloud also has offline capabilities, but TRAY’s peer-to-peer architecture provides more robust offline functionality.

Android’s intuitive interface reduces training time by approximately 50% compared to traditional POS systems. Most staff are already familiar with Android from their personal devices, making the learning curve much shorter and reducing ongoing training costs.

Yes, TRAY supports global deployment with multi-language capabilities and international payment processing. Aloha Cloud is currently limited to US operations, which can be a significant limitation for franchises looking to expand internationally.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Join the growing number of multi-unit restaurants choosing TRAY’s Android platform for better flexibility, lower costs, and faster deployment.

Get Your Custom Comparison

Schedule a personalized demo to see how TRAY can transform your restaurant operations. Our experts will show you exactly how much you can save and the specific benefits for your business.

30-minute personalized demo
Free cost analysis and ROI calculation
Hardware conversion assessment

What You’ll Learn

Exact Cost Savings

Hardware, licensing, and operational costs

Hardware Assessment

What can be converted vs. replaced

Implementation Plan

Timeline and deployment strategy

Questions? Call us at (844) USE-TRAY or email