Moving Beyond the Static Menu
You’ve heard the story before—paper menus that are stained, handwritten specials pinned to a counter, and customers waiting while staff explain what’s out of stock. Paper menus are not just expensive to reprint but are also slow to revise and become outdated easily.
Introduce online menu boards—dynamic, affordable, and bright. They allow you to adjust them within seconds and communicate visually in a way that never existed before through signage.
But there’s one question every business owner asks first:
“How much do digital menu boards cost?”
The truth? The digital menu boards price depends on several moving parts—hardware, software, and design. At Nento, we simplify this with transparent pricing and complete, all-in-one solutions that fit every scale and budget.
Ready to see a clear price for your business? Get Your Instant Quote from Nento Today →
The Real Cost of Digital Menu Boards: It’s More Than Just a Screen
The overall digital menu board expenditure is beyond the purchase of a TV or screen. It is a mixture of three necessary elements that cooperate: hardware, software, and design.
1. Hardware—The Screens & Players
That is the basis: your screens and media players (the mini-computers that drive the graphics).
Cost depends on:
Screen size and resolution (HD vs. 4K)
- Commercial grade and consumer grade.
- Outdoor/indoor installation.
- Media player specification and connectivity.
Nento Value: We suggest and acquire certified hardware packages that are both performance and cost-effective, with your screens being bright, dependable, and durable.
Quick note: “Switching to commercial-grade screens may cost slightly more upfront but lasts up to 3× longer than consumer models—a major long-term saving.”
2. Software—The Brain Behind It All
This is the magic that occurs. The digital menu board gives you the ability to create, schedule, and update your content, and in many cases, it can be done on your phone.
Common Pricing Models:
- Subscription-Based (SaaS): Monthly or yearly payments that consist of updates, cloud storage, and support.
- One-Time License Fee: The initial cost will be higher, and the support will be limited.
The true benefit is in systems such as Nento, where you can edit a digital menu board on your phone in seconds—perfect for dayparting, quick promotions, or reflecting changing inventory.
Success snippet: “A local café chain using Nento’s app updates its breakfast specials daily from staff phones—cutting admin time by 70%.”
3. Design & Content—The Visual Experience
The customers actually see what you display. The price of the digital menu design depends on the complexity.
Cost Factors:
Templates: Fast, cheap, and customizable.
Custom Designs: Custom design layouts that represent your own brand.
Photography & Animation: Quality graphics that would increase attractiveness and sales.
At Nento, you have the opportunity for a simple template or graphics design of full-service digital menu boards designed by our in-house creative team.
Pro insight: “Restaurants that invest in custom menu visuals report up to 28% higher conversions on featured items.”
Breaking Down the Investment: Sample Pricing Tiers
| Tier | Ideal For | Hardware Cost | Software (Monthly) | Design Options |
| Tier 1 – Basic Startup (1-2 Boards) | Cafés, food trucks | $600–$1,200 | $20–$40 | Template-based (included) |
| Tier 2 – Growing Business (3-5 Boards) | Full-service restaurants, small chains | $2,000–$4,000 | $60–$120 | Mix of template and custom |
| Tier 3 – Enterprise (6+ Boards) | Large chains, stadiums, franchises | Custom Quote | Custom Pricing | Fully branded, custom content |
Tip: These are ballpark ranges. Your actual quote depends on screen specs, design needs, and integrations.
Not sure which tier fits? Contact Nento for a Personalized Pricing Plan →
The Hidden ROI: Why Digital Menu Boards Are a Smart Investment
Digital menu boards are not only an investment but also a business engine.
Eliminate Costs in Printing: Save thousands every year on reprints and wasted signage.
Grow Sales and AOV: Display upsells, combos, and limited-time deals that make people buy impulsively.
Agility on Demand: Edit items, add new products, or adjust prices on your phone in real time.
Elevate Brand Perception: A clean, digital menu is an indicator of innovation and quality.
Proof in numbers: “Quick-service restaurants adopting digital menus report average sales lifts of 15–25% within six months.”
How to Get the Most Accurate Quote for Your Business
To get the most accurate estimate, please provide the following information when requesting your Nento quote:
- Number of screens and locations.
- Size and positioning of the screens (indoor, outdoor, drive-thru).
- Any hardware that you are going to reuse.
- Style of design desired (custom or template)
- Required integrations (POS, social feeds, inventory data).
With this info, we’ll deliver a transparent proposal—no hidden fees, just value-driven pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the typical range for a complete setup?
Single-screen configurations are available as cheap as 600 dollars, whereas enterprise networks are custom-priced. We make each solution to suit your size and objectives.
Is the digital menu board software price a one-time fee?
The majority of the providers (Nento included) have a subscription model that includes updates, support, and cloud hosting so that your system remains secure and future-proof.
Can I update the menu from my phone?
Absolutely. The digital menu board creator by Nento will allow you to refresh images and add or change prices in real time, even on a smartphone.
What affects the digital menu design price most?
Customization level. Templates are also affordable, whereas customized animations and photography are high-end add-ons.
Are there hidden costs?
None. Nento subscribes to the transparent pricing of digital menu boards—hardware, software, and design are presented initially.
Your Next Step Toward a Dynamic, Profitable Menu
Modern dining requires contemporary presentations. The cost of digital menu boards is not just a cost; it is an investment in responsiveness, customer relationships, and brand development.
Nento brings all the benefits of clarity, creativity, and control in a single place.
Quick stat: “Over 80% of restaurants that switched to digital menus say the system paid for itself within the first year.”
Stop wondering, “How much do digital menu boards cost?”
