Compare pager systems
LRS Pager Alternatives
If you are replacing LRS because of cost or upkeep, the main options are a cheaper coaster brand like Retekess, an SMS waitlist app, or a phone-based buzzer such as Bzz, where the guest's own phone replaces the pager.
The options
Retekess
Budget coaster pagers
Best for: Small venues that want physical pagers at a lower price
Watch out: Still hardware: charging bases, pairing codes and replacements
JTECH (HME)
Coaster and staff pagers
Best for: Venues that want an established hardware brand
Watch out: Sold through dealers without published prices; US systems need an FCC licence (JTECH lets you use its own)
SMS waitlist apps (TablesReady, NextMe, Waitlist Me)
Text-message waitlist
Best for: Venues happy to collect a phone number from every guest
Watch out: They text guests, so every check-in needs a number, and texts can carry per-message costs or plan limits
Bzz
Buzzer on the guest's own phone
Best for: Restaurants, cafés and takeaways that want no hardware and no phone numbers
Watch out: Guests need a phone with data or Wi-Fi. Keep a fallback (call the name) for the odd guest without one
Try it free
What LRS is, and what it costs
Long Range Systems (LRS) makes guest and staff pagers, the Table Tracker table-locating system for quick-service restaurants, and LRS Connect, an internet-connected transmitter that adds SMS messaging and reporting. Its coaster pagers charge on stacking bases and are programmed from an LRS transmitter.
- WebstaurantStore listed the LRS Connect Pro guest paging kit at $1,129 for 15 pagers and $1,789 for 30 (November 2026).
- A single LRS Guest Pager Pro was $49.99 at WebstaurantStore (November 2026).
- LRS says basic paging doesn't need the internet, but SMS and the LRS Connect analytics do.
- LRS recommends never leaving pagers off charge for more than four months, and says cracking caused by unapproved cleaners is not covered by warranty.
Bzz has a free plan to start, and paid plans from $11.99 a month. There is no hardware to buy. See pricing for what each plan includes.
What is your LRS fleet costing you each year?
The numbers below are rough estimates. Change them to what you actually pay.
Estimated yearly cost
$650
$260 hardware + $390 staff time
With Bzz, guests scan a QR code and their own phone becomes the pager: a live place-in-line page in the browser that alerts them when it is their turn. There are no pagers to charge, pair or replace.
Free plan to start. Busier venues move to a paid plan, see pricing.
When to stay with LRS
- You already own a working fleet and the pagers rarely go missing.
- You need staff paging or Table Tracker-style table delivery as well as guest paging.
- Many of your guests won't have a phone on them (some venues for older guests or kids' events).
Keeping your LRS system? Fix it first:
Switching from LRS without a big-bang change
1.Make a free Bzz account
Add your venue name. No hardware ships, so there is nothing to wait for.
2.Print the QR code for the counter or host stand
Put it where you hand out LRS pagers today.
3.Run both for a shift
Offer the QR code first and keep the LRS pagers for guests who prefer them. You'll see quickly how many guests are happy on their own phone.
4.Retire the pagers you stop using
Keep a few charged as a backup if you like. Every one you stop buying, charging or replacing is a saving.
Sources
Prices and specs as published by each source when checked. Bzz is not affiliated with LRS.