Canary Contactless Check-In vs. EPOS: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 15, 2026  ·  1,508 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 1,508 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:

Canary Technologies shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for independent properties (4.9/5) , with exclusive features like Payment & Authorizations and Hotel Website Check-in Portal.

Tevalis shines .

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Canary Contactless Check-In Compare to EPOS?

Side-by-side ratings based on 1,508 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
100
0
Likelihood to Recommend
95%
0%
Ease of Use
4.8/5
0.0/5
Customer Support
4.7/5
0.0/5
Value for Money
4.6/5
0.0/5
Starting Price From $300/mo Contact sales
Verified Reviews 1,508 0

What Are the Pros and Cons of Canary Contactless Check-In vs EPOS?

After analyzing 1,508 verified reviews, Canary Technologies users most value its contactless check-in, guest messaging, upselling features, while Tevalis users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Canary Technologies Canary Technologies Tevalis
Pros
+ Contactless Check-In
+ Guest Messaging
+ Upselling Features
+ Automatic Notifications
Cons
Credit Card and ID Verification
Technical Integration

Canary Technologies vs Tevalis: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Contactless Check-in vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment Canary Technologies Canary Technologies Tevalis
Small (10-24 rooms) #2 98 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #1 1042 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #1 228 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #1 105 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Canary Technologies Canary Technologies Tevalis
Boutique #1 727 reviews
Luxury #1 573 reviews
Branded / Chain #1 680 reviews
Extended Stay #1 116 reviews

By Region

Segment Canary Technologies Canary Technologies Tevalis
North America #1 1308 reviews
Europe #3 65 reviews
Asia Pacific #1 27 reviews
Middle East #2 11 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Canary Contactless Check-In and EPOS by Tevalis hinges on your hotel’s primary operational needs. Canary is a dedicated guest management platform that emphasizes contactless check-in, guest engagement, and revenue from ancillary services, while Tevalis specializes in electronic point-of-sale (ePOS) solutions that streamline sales and inventory management. Both claim to optimize hotel operations but serve distinctly different functions.

If your focus is reducing front-desk congestion, enhancing guest experience, and boosting ancillary revenue, Canary is the clear choice. Conversely, if your hotel needs a reliable, integrated sales system that simplifies order processing and inventory control, Tevalis might be more suitable. So, which solution aligns best with your current priorities?

Is Canary Contactless Check-In or EPOS by Tevalis Better for Hotels?

Canary Contactless Check-In and Tevalis serve different core hotel functions. Canary aims to elevate the guest arrival experience through contactless check-in, secure digital authorizations, and personalized communication, all while increasing revenue via upselling. It’s designed to reduce staff workload and improve guest satisfaction in the process.

Tevalis, on the other hand, targets operational efficiency in retail and hospitality sales with a focus on transaction processing, inventory tracking, and real-time analytics. Its strengths lie in streamlining order management and improving customer service at the point of sale.

Both products aim to improve hotel operations, but their approaches are divergent—Canary enhances the front-end guest experience, while Tevalis optimizes transactional backend processes. Do you need a guest-facing platform or a sales management system?

Canary vs Tevalis: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel requires a contactless, guest-centric platform that reduces check-in times, minimizes front-desk congestion, and increases revenue from upsells, Canary is the recommended solution. It has over 1,391 reviews, a 4.68/5 overall rating, and a recent review count of 368 in the last six months—highlighting its active, satisfied user base.

Tevalis, with no publicly available reviews or ratings, offers a transactional sales system that’s better suited for hotels or properties with significant F&B or retail operations needing sophisticated POS features. For properties prioritizing guest experience and digital engagement, Canary clearly outperforms.

Given the more recent reviews and higher user confidence, Canary’s proven track record makes it the stronger choice for hotels seeking to modernize guest interactions. Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

Which Has Better Ease of Use: Canary or Tevalis?

Canary scores a remarkable 4.82/5 for ease of use, with many users praising its intuitive interface, quick setup, and straightforward onboarding process, which typically takes just 20 minutes. Reviewers also mention that staff adapt quickly, finding the platform user-friendly and adaptable to different hotel types.

Tevalis, with no specific user ratings or reviews available, lacks publicly documented feedback on usability. Its focus on POS and inventory management suggests a more complex setup primarily designed for staff familiar with retail or F&B operations.

Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

Which Has Better Features: Canary or Tevalis?

Canary offers a suite of 26 features, including PMS integration, self-service check-in, ID verification, document scanning, multilingual support, and pre-arrival upselling. These features directly enhance guest engagement and operational control, enabling a seamless, paperless check-in process.

Tevalis, with no detailed feature list or review data, is primarily an ePOS system, providing transaction processing, inventory management, and real-time analytics. It lacks the specialized guest engagement or pre-arrival functionalities that Canary provides.

Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Canary or Tevalis?

Canary scores a 4.69/5 for customer support, with reviews highlighting quick response times, helpful onboarding, and proactive assistance. Users frequently note that Canary’s support team is attentive and effective in resolving issues rapidly.

Tevalis does not provide publicly available support ratings or testimonials, making it difficult to assess its customer service. Given the detailed feedback for Canary, it clearly maintains a high standard of support.

Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

Which Has More Integrations: Canary or Tevalis?

Canary integrates with 54 verified partners, including major property management systems, keyless access providers, and marketing platforms. Its extensive partner network facilitates smooth integration into existing hotel tech stacks, enhancing flexibility and operational continuity.

Tevalis has no publicly documented integrations or partner data, suggesting a more standalone system that may require additional customization or middleware to connect with other hotel systems.

Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Canary or Tevalis?

Canary’s 1,391 reviews yield a 4.68/5 average rating, with recent reviews praising its ease of use, security features, and revenue uplift. Hoteliers across segments, especially luxury, boutique, and branded hotels, rate it highly for improving guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Tevalis, with no available reviews or ratings, cannot be compared in terms of user satisfaction. Based on review volume and recency, Canary is clearly the preferred option among hoteliers.

Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

How Much Do Canary and Tevalis Cost?

Canary charges a straightforward $300 monthly base price. There’s no freemium or trial, but this predictable rate includes access to its extensive features and support.

Tevalis does not publicly disclose pricing details or trial options, which suggests a customized quote based on hotel size and requirements. Without transparent pricing, Canary offers a more accessible and predictable investment.

Edge: Canary Contactless Check-In.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Canary Contactless Check-In?

  • Hotels prioritizing contactless, speedy check-in processes
  • Properties aiming to enhance guest satisfaction through digital solutions
  • Hotels seeking to increase revenue from upselling during arrival
  • Properties with a focus on security and fraud prevention
  • Hotels with a global customer base needing multi-lingual support

Not ideal if your hotel relies heavily on traditional, in-person check-in or has minimal digital infrastructure.

What Type of Hotel Should Use EPOS by Tevalis?

  • Hotels with significant retail or F&B operations needing a unified sales platform
  • Properties aiming to optimize inventory management and real-time analytics
  • Hotels with staff experienced in POS systems seeking operational efficiency
  • Businesses that require detailed transaction and customer data

Not ideal if your primary goal is guest engagement or contactless check-in, as Tevalis’s strengths lie in backend sales management.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Which Is the Clear Winner?

Canary Contactless Check-In stands out as the more proven, reviewed, and recent solution for hotels focused on guest experience and operational efficiency. Its 1,391 reviews with a near-perfect rating demonstrate widespread confidence and satisfaction among hoteliers worldwide.

If your hotel seeks to reduce check-in times, enhance guest engagement, and increase revenue from ancillary services, Canary is the clear choice. Its ease of use, extensive integrations, and support network reinforce its value for a broad range of property types.

However, if your hotel primarily needs a sophisticated POS system to handle retail, F&B, and inventory management, Tevalis might be more appropriate—though its lack of reviews or publicly available data makes it a less compelling option for now.

In summary, for most hotels aiming to modernize guest check-in and elevate the guest journey, Canary Contactless Check-In offers a more reliable, well-supported, and highly-rated solution.

How Much Do Canary Contactless Check-In and EPOS Cost?

Contactless Check-in pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.

Canary Technologies Canary Technologies Tevalis
Starting Price From $300/mo

Which Features Does Canary Contactless Check-In Have That EPOS Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Canary Contactless Check-In and EPOS share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Canary Technologies Canary Technologies Tevalis
Compliance readiness
Network security
PCI compliance audit
PMS Integration
Penetration testing
Threat lifecycle management

Showing top differences. 14 more features differ between these products.

Real-World Results: Canary Technologies vs Tevalis by Business Goal

We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.

Increase Revenue & Reduce Costs
Canary Technologies Made Hotel Small
+ The property created a more streamlined experience that not only enabled the MADE team to adhere to local safety regulations, but guests actually preferred to traditional check-in.
+ Chargebacks and cases of friendly fraud went from a high spike to practically zero.
+ The MADE Hotel team was able to drive more incremental revenue by offering upsells during the hotel's check-in process.

"In short, we’ve been able to improve the guest experience, eliminate fraud, and drive incremental revenue from upsells."

Eric Freitas
Eric Freitas
General Manager
Tevalis

No published case study for this goal yet.

Improve Guest Experience
Canary Technologies The Commonwealth Small
+ Canary's Contactless Check-In solution removed the administrative tasks from the on-site arrival experience and created better interpersonal interactions at The Commonwealth front desk.
+ The Canary platform increased upsell revenue at The Commonwealth and helped their team set expectations for guests regrading early arrival fees, pet fees, etc.
+ The Canary platform helped to drastically increase the efficiency of housekeeping staff by notifying hotel staff immediately upon when a room is vacated and ready to be turned.

"Anytime a software works well and makes my life easier, I like it and Canary has done exactly that. I absolutely recommend the platform to all other hotel operators."

Christina Norton
Christina Norton
General Manager
Tevalis

No published case study for this goal yet.

Canary Technologies vs Tevalis: The Bottom Line

Canary Technologies
Canary Technologies
4.8/5 from 1,508 reviews

What hoteliers love

Contactless Check-In 100% positive

Many users praised Canary's contactless check-in for its efficiency and convenience, allowing guests to avoid long lines and complete check-in faster.... Many users praised Canary's contactless check-in for its efficiency and convenience, allowing guests to avoid long lines and complete check-in faster. This feature integrates well with other tools to provide a seamless arrival experience for guests, although some users noted occasional technical glitches.

Guest Messaging 89% positive

The guest messaging feature was frequently highlighted for enhancing communication between guests and staff. It allows real-time interaction before, d... The guest messaging feature was frequently highlighted for enhancing communication between guests and staff. It allows real-time interaction before, during, and after the stay, which helps resolve issues quickly and keeps guests informed. However, some reported that AI responses can occasionally misinterpret guest messages, requiring manual intervention.

Upselling Features 88% positive

Canary's upselling capabilities were noted for increasing hotel revenue by allowing guests to easily choose upgrades and additional services. Users ap... Canary's upselling capabilities were noted for increasing hotel revenue by allowing guests to easily choose upgrades and additional services. Users appreciated the ability to offer tailored recommendations, leading to higher conversion rates. Some suggested further customization of upsell options by guest profile.

Where hoteliers push back

Credit Card and ID Verification 42% negative

This feature provides security benefits by verifying guest identities before arrival, reducing the risk of fraud. Reviewers stated it enhances operati... This feature provides security benefits by verifying guest identities before arrival, reducing the risk of fraud. Reviewers stated it enhances operational efficiency but raised concerns about occasional data synchronization issues with PMS systems.

Technical Integration 59% negative

While many found Canary's platform user-friendly, several users reported issues with integrating it with their existing Property Management Systems (P... While many found Canary's platform user-friendly, several users reported issues with integrating it with their existing Property Management Systems (PMS) and suggested that enhancements in this area would further smooth operations.

Unique capabilities

PMS Integration Network security Threat lifecycle management Compliance readiness PCI compliance audit
4.8/5 ease of use 4.7/5 support 54 integrations
Visit Website
Tevalis
0.0/5 from 0 reviews
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 0 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Canary Technologies 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)
Ease of Use Canary Technologies 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Customer Support Canary Technologies 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)
Value for Money Canary Technologies 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)
Onboarding Canary Technologies 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)

Frequently Asked Questions About Canary Contactless Check-In vs EPOS

Can Canary Contactless Check-In replace EPOS?

It depends on your requirements. Canary Contactless Check-In and EPOS share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. Canary Contactless Check-In offers 54 verified integration partners, while EPOS offers 0. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Canary Contactless Check-In leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 0.0/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.

Do Canary Contactless Check-In or EPOS offer a free plan?

Canary Contactless Check-In: No. EPOS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Contactless Check-in vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Canary Contactless Check-In and EPOS?

The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Canary Technologies has an HT Score of 100 and Tevalis has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

How highly do users recommend this product?

Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories

The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias.

Partner Ecosystem

How highly do tech partners recommend this company?

Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality

Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack.

Customer Centricity

How customer-centric is this organization?

Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness

Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features.

Reach, Staying Power & Resources

How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing?

Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score

Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity.

Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →

Get personalized product recommendations

Product recommendations advisor

Ghostel icon

Let´s lookup your hotel information