Choosing the right taplist software can save your brewery hundreds of dollars monthly and hours of staff time weekly. But with dozens of options available, how do you pick the right one?
This comprehensive guide compares the top 7 taplist software solutions for breweries in 2026, examining features, pricing, ease of use, and overall value. Whether you run a small brewpub or a large production brewery, you'll find the right fit here.
What to Look for in Taplist Software
Before diving into specific products, understand what separates great taplist software from mediocre options:
Essential Features:
✅ Quick updates - Change your menu in under 60 seconds ✅ Multi-display support - Update once, sync everywhere ✅ Mobile-friendly admin - Update from your phone ✅ Customization options - Match your brewery's branding ✅ Beer database - Search millions of beers or add custom ✅ Website integration - Embed your menu on your site ✅ QR code generation - Share menus easily ✅ Reliable uptime - 99%+ availability
Nice-to-Have Features:
- Printed menu builder
- Untappd integration
- Analytics and reporting
- Multiple user accounts
- API access
- Custom domains
Red Flags to Avoid:
❌ Complex setup requiring technical expertise ❌ Requires proprietary hardware ❌ Limited customization ❌ No free trial available ❌ Poor customer support ❌ Hidden fees or forced upsells
Now let's compare the top options.
The 7 Best Taplist Software Solutions for 2026
1. RaspberryPints (Best Overall)
Best for: Most breweries, taprooms, and craft beer bars
Pricing:
- Free: Up to 3 taps
- Basic: $3.99/month (up to 8 taps)
- Professional: $19.99/month (up to 100 taps)
Key Features:
- Cloud-based platform requiring zero technical setup
- Update menu in 30 seconds from any device
- Professional drag-and-drop menu builder for printed menus
- One-line website embed code
- Branded QR code generator
- Custom branding (logos, colors, fonts, backgrounds)
- Multiple display layouts (grid, list, hybrid)
- Real-time sync across all displays
- Auto-refresh every 60 seconds
- Untappd integration for live check-ins
- Mobile-optimized admin panel
- Beer database with 1M+ beers
- Version control and changelog
Pros:
- ✅ Easiest setup (15 minutes)
- ✅ Works on any TV or tablet
- ✅ Free plan for small taprooms
- ✅ Affordable pricing ($0-20/month)
- ✅ Menu builder included (saves $50-100/month)
- ✅ Excellent customer support
- ✅ No contracts - cancel anytime
- ✅ Professional, modern design
Cons:
- ❌ Limited POS integration (manual updates only)
- ❌ No advanced inventory management
Best fit: Breweries that want a simple, affordable solution without technical headaches. Perfect for taprooms focused on customer experience rather than complex back-office integration.
Bottom line: RaspberryPints offers the best value for most breweries. The free tier is genuinely useful (not a trial), and paid tiers remain affordable even for multiple locations. The menu builder alone saves more than the monthly cost.
2. Untappd for Business
Best for: Breweries heavily invested in the Untappd ecosystem
Pricing:
- $49-199/month depending on location count
- Free trial available
Key Features:
- Deep Untappd integration (check-ins, ratings, reviews)
- Menu displays on TVs and tablets
- Website integration
- Analytics on beer performance
- Customer engagement tools
- Social media integration
- Marketing automation
- Large beer database
Pros:
- ✅ Powerful social integration
- ✅ Detailed analytics
- ✅ Large existing user base
- ✅ Marketing tools included
- ✅ Mobile app for updates
Cons:
- ❌ Expensive ($50-200/month minimum)
- ❌ Overkill for simple taplist needs
- ❌ Steep learning curve
- ❌ Focuses on social, not just displays
- ❌ Limited customization for displays
Best fit: Larger breweries with marketing budgets who want deep social media integration and customer analytics.
Bottom line: Excellent if you need the full marketing suite. Overpriced if you just want digital menus.
3. BeerMenus
Best for: Multi-location operations with complex distribution
Pricing:
- Starting at $49/month per location
- Custom pricing for larger operations
Key Features:
- Multi-location menu management
- Distribution network integration
- Consumer-facing mobile app
- Website widgets
- Print menu exports
- Beer availability tracking
- Distributor connections
- Analytics dashboard
Pros:
- ✅ Great for multi-location chains
- ✅ Consumer app drives foot traffic
- ✅ Distribution network features
- ✅ Established brand
Cons:
- ❌ Expensive for single locations
- ❌ Consumer app is the focus (not your displays)
- ❌ Limited display customization
- ❌ Monthly cost per location adds up
Best fit: Brewery chains or restaurants with multiple locations needing centralized menu management and distribution tracking.
Bottom line: Powerful for multi-location operations. Too expensive and complex for single-location breweries.
4. TapHunter
Best for: Breweries wanting POS integration
Pricing:
- $99-299/month depending on features
- Setup fees may apply
Key Features:
- POS system integration (Toast, Square, Clover)
- Automated menu updates from POS
- Keg tracking
- Inventory management
- Digital displays
- Website integration
- Analytics and reporting
- Multi-location support
Pros:
- ✅ Strong POS integrations
- ✅ Automated inventory updates
- ✅ Comprehensive feature set
- ✅ Professional support
Cons:
- ❌ Very expensive ($100-300/month)
- ❌ Complex setup process
- ❌ Often requires POS integration to justify cost
- ❌ Overkill for simple taplist needs
- ❌ Long-term contracts sometimes required
Best fit: Larger operations with complex POS systems who need automated inventory and menu sync.
Bottom line: Great if you need full POS integration. Expensive and complex if you just want digital menus.
5. DigitalPour
Best for: Enterprise breweries and large venues
Pricing:
- Custom pricing (typically $200-500+/month)
- Requires sales consultation
Key Features:
- Enterprise-grade platform
- Advanced flow monitoring
- Keg tracking and inventory
- POS integration
- Multi-location management
- Custom hardware options
- White-label solutions
- Advanced analytics
Pros:
- ✅ Enterprise-level features
- ✅ Scalable for large operations
- ✅ Comprehensive platform
- ✅ Professional implementation
Cons:
- ❌ Very expensive
- ❌ Requires long-term contracts
- ❌ Complex implementation
- ❌ Not suitable for small breweries
- ❌ Vendor lock-in
Best fit: Large multi-location breweries or stadium/venue operations with enterprise budgets.
Bottom line: Overkill and overpriced for 95% of breweries.
6. Taplister
Best for: Budget-conscious breweries with basic needs
Pricing:
- Free (ad-supported)
- $5-10/month (ad-free)
Key Features:
- Simple taplist displays
- Basic customization
- Mobile updates
- Website embed
- QR code generation
- Beer database search
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Free option available
- ✅ Simple to use
- ✅ Quick setup
Cons:
- ❌ Limited features
- ❌ Basic design options
- ❌ Free version shows ads (unprofessional)
- ❌ No menu builder
- ❌ Limited support
- ❌ Less reliable uptime
Best fit: Very small operations (3-5 taps) with minimal budget and simple needs.
Bottom line: You get what you pay for. Works for bare-bones needs but lacks polish and features.
7. Custom/Self-Hosted Solutions
Best for: Tech-savvy breweries with IT resources
Examples: Open-source RaspberryPints, custom builds, WordPress plugins
Pricing:
- $0-500 initial setup
- Ongoing hosting costs
Key Features:
- Full control over data and design
- Complete customization
- No monthly fees (usually)
- Privacy and security control
- API access
Pros:
- ✅ No ongoing monthly costs
- ✅ Complete customization
- ✅ Full data ownership
- ✅ Perfect for unique needs
Cons:
- ❌ Requires technical expertise
- ❌ You handle all maintenance
- ❌ No professional support
- ❌ Security is your responsibility
- ❌ Updates require developer time
- ❌ Downtime if server fails
Best fit: Breweries with in-house IT staff or tech-savvy owners who enjoy tinkering.
Bottom line: Great hobby project. Most breweries prefer managed solutions that "just work."
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | RaspberryPints | Untappd | BeerMenus | TapHunter | DigitalPour | Taplister |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $0-20/mo | $49-199/mo | $49+/mo | $99-299/mo | $200-500+/mo | Free-$10/mo |
| Setup Time | 15 min | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours | 2-4 hours | Days-weeks | 30 min |
| TV Displays | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tablet Displays | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Menu Builder | ✅ | ❌ | Limited | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Website Embed | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| QR Codes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Tier | ✅ (3 taps) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (w/ads) |
| POS Integration | ❌ | Limited | ❌ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ❌ |
| Keg Tracking | ❌ | Basic | ❌ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ❌ |
| Custom Branding | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | Limited |
| Support Quality | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | Limited |
How to Choose: Decision Framework
Choose RaspberryPints if:
- You want simple, affordable taplist displays
- You update menus manually (not POS-synced)
- You need printed menu builder included
- You're a small to mid-size brewery (1-100 taps)
- You want free tier to start
- Budget is under $20/month
→ Best fit for 80% of breweries
Choose Untappd for Business if:
- Social media marketing is a priority
- You want deep customer engagement tools
- Analytics are important to your strategy
- You have budget for $50-200/month
- Untappd check-ins are core to your brand
Choose BeerMenus if:
- You operate multiple locations
- You need distribution network integration
- Driving foot traffic via consumer app is valuable
- Budget supports $50+/month per location
Choose TapHunter if:
- You have Square, Toast, or Clover POS
- Automated inventory sync is essential
- You want comprehensive keg tracking
- Budget supports $100-300/month
- Enterprise features are needed
Choose DigitalPour if:
- You're a large multi-location operation
- Budget exceeds $200/month easily
- Enterprise features are required
- White-label solutions needed
Choose Taplister if:
- You have 3-5 taps maximum
- Budget is under $10/month
- Basic display is sufficient
- You don't mind ads on free tier
Choose Self-Hosted if:
- You have in-house IT resources
- Custom requirements can't be met otherwise
- You enjoy technical projects
- Ongoing costs matter more than setup time
Pricing Comparison: Value Analysis
Let's look at actual costs over one year:
RaspberryPints Professional ($19.99/mo):
- Annual cost: $240
- Includes: Displays, menu builder, website embed, QR codes, custom branding
- Value: $$$ (excellent)
Untappd for Business ($99/mo average):
- Annual cost: $1,188
- Includes: Displays, social integration, analytics, marketing tools
- Value: $$ (good if using social features)
TapHunter ($199/mo average):
- Annual cost: $2,388
- Includes: Displays, POS integration, keg tracking, inventory
- Value: $$ (good if using POS features)
DigitalPour ($350/mo average):
- Annual cost: $4,200+
- Includes: Enterprise features, flow monitoring, custom hardware
- Value: $ (only for enterprise needs)
Traditional Method (No Software):
- Annual cost: $3,600-6,000
- Printing: $300/month = $3,600
- Staff time: 5 hrs/week × $25/hr × 52 weeks = $6,500
- Total: $10,100/year
Conclusion: Even the most expensive software ($4,200/year) saves money compared to traditional methods ($10,100/year).
Real Brewery Use Cases
Small Brewpub (5 taps)
Needs: Simple display, occasional updates, tight budget Best choice: RaspberryPints Free Tier Why: Covers 5 taps for $0/month, includes all features Savings: $10,100/year vs. traditional methods
Mid-Size Taproom (15 taps)
Needs: Professional displays, regular updates, menu builder Best choice: RaspberryPints Professional Why: $20/month includes everything needed Savings: $9,860/year vs. traditional methods
Multi-Location Chain (3 locations, 20 taps each)
Needs: Centralized management, consumer app, analytics Best choice: BeerMenus Why: Multi-location features worth the cost Savings: Still saves vs. traditional per-location printing
Large Brewery with POS (25 taps + restaurant)
Needs: POS integration, inventory automation, keg tracking Best choice: TapHunter Why: Automated sync justifies cost for high-volume operation Savings: Staff time on inventory management
Common Questions
"Can I switch software later?"
Yes, easily. Most taplist software doesn't require contracts. Export your beer list and import to new system. Takes 30-60 minutes typically.
"Do I need special hardware?"
No. Any TV, tablet, or monitor works with all software options listed. Some enterprise solutions (DigitalPour) offer custom hardware, but it's optional.
"What if my internet goes down?"
Your display will show the last-loaded menu until internet returns. Updates won't sync until connection is restored. Consider backup internet (mobile hotspot) for critical operations.
"Can I try before buying?"
Most offer free trials:
- RaspberryPints: Free tier (not a trial)
- Untappd: 14-30 day trial
- TapHunter: Demo available
- Others: Contact for trial
"What about mobile menu apps?"
These are different from taplist displays. Apps like Untappd and BeerMenus focus on consumer mobile experiences. Display software focuses on in-venue screens. Some platforms offer both.
Our Recommendation
For most breweries, RaspberryPints offers the best combination of features, ease of use, and value.
Here's why:
For breweries with 1-3 taps: Use RaspberryPints Free tier. It's genuinely free forever, not a limited trial. Includes all core features.
For breweries with 4-8 taps: RaspberryPints Basic ($3.99/month) is unbeatable value. Cheaper than one beer, includes menu builder worth $50+/month alone.
For breweries with 9-100 taps: RaspberryPints Professional ($19.99/month) provides everything needed without enterprise complexity or cost.
For breweries with special needs:
- Need POS integration? → TapHunter
- Marketing-focused? → Untappd for Business
- Multi-location chain? → BeerMenus
- Enterprise budget? → DigitalPour
Final Thoughts
The "best" taplist software depends on your specific needs and budget. However, for the vast majority of breweries, a simple, affordable, cloud-based solution like RaspberryPints provides everything needed without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Key takeaways:
- Start simple - Most breweries don't need enterprise features
- Try free tiers - Test before committing to paid plans
- Consider total cost - Include time savings, not just subscription price
- Match features to needs - Don't pay for what you won't use
- Prioritize ease of use - Your staff needs to update menus easily
Ready to get started?
Try RaspberryPints free → No credit card required. Set up in 15 minutes.
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and our research as of January 2026. Pricing and features may change. We're the team behind RaspberryPints, so while we've tried to be objective, we obviously think our solution is best for most breweries. Try multiple options and choose what works for you.
