Compare pager systems
Retekess Pager Alternatives
Retekess is already the low-cost option, so most people looking for an alternative want either a sturdier coaster (LRS, JTECH) or no pagers at all. Bzz turns the guest's own phone into the buzzer with a QR code.
The options
LRS
Commercial coaster pagers
Best for: Busy venues that want sturdier hardware and US dealer support
Watch out: Kits listed from $1,129 for 15 pagers at WebstaurantStore (November 2026)
JTECH (HME)
Commercial coaster pagers
Best for: Venues that want an established hardware brand
Watch out: Dealer pricing only; US systems need an FCC licence
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 Retekess is, and what it costs
Retekess sells budget wireless calling systems direct from its own store and through Amazon. Models such as the TD157, TD158, TD175P, TD177, TD183 and T112 each pair pagers to a keypad with their own button codes.
- Retekess's own EU store listed TD157 kits from around €180 (November 2026).
- Retekess states a 2-year warranty on its paging systems.
- Retekess quotes over 300 m of range for the TD157 with its external antenna, measured in open air.
- Each model has its own pairing and ID codes (for example CALL+DEL then F2 on the TD157, P + 999 within 20 seconds of power-up on the TD183).
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 Retekess fleet costing you each year?
The numbers below are rough estimates. Change them to what you actually pay.
Estimated yearly cost
$475
$85 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 Retekess
- Your Retekess kit works and you rarely lose pagers.
- You want something physical to hand over and the price is the main concern.
- Many of your guests won't have a phone with them.
Keeping your Retekess system? Fix it first:
Switching from Retekess 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 Retekess pagers today.
3.Run both for a shift
Offer the QR code first and keep the Retekess 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 Retekess.