Best EPOS System in the UK (2026 Guide): Top Picks, Features & How to Choose
- ghuilkdasrt32
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
Choosing the right EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system is one of the most strategic decisions for UK businesses — whether you run a café, retail shop, hospitality venue, or multi-location operation. A strong EPOS system boosts efficiency, improves reporting, enhances customer experience, and supports business growth.
In this guide, we explore the best EPOS systems in the UK, highlight key features and pricing, and help you find the right fit for your business type.
What Is an EPOS System and Why It Matters
An EPOS system combines hardware (touch terminals, card machines, receipt printers) with powerful point-of-sale software to:
Process sales quickly and accurately
Manage inventory, staff data, and pricing in real time
Generate detailed business reports
Integrate with accounting, CRM, and e-commerce platforms
Support multi-location and omnichannel operations
Modern cloud-enabled systems help you access data from anywhere, scale as you grow, and enhance operational control — far beyond what traditional tills can offer.
How to Choose the Best EPOS System in the UK
Before choosing, evaluate these essential factors:
Core Features
Fast and reliable checkout
Inventory management and stock alerts
Employee controls and reporting
Integrations (e-commerce, accounting, loyalty)
Multi-device support and cloud access
Pricing & Costs
Costs vary widely based on hardware, software and optional add-ons. Expect:
Hardware packages: £300 – £1,500+
Software subscriptions: £20 – £100+ per month
Some providers offer one-off purchase models
Scalability & Support
Choose systems that support growth, with solid UK-based support and reliable updates.
Top EPOS Systems in the UK (2026)
Here are the top EPOS systems worth considering, each strong in specific use cases:
1. EPOS Direct — Best for One-Off Purchase & Control-Focused Businesses
Why it’s worth considering:
EPOS Direct offers an all-in-one hardware and software package that can be purchased outright with no ongoing subscription fees for the EPOS software itself. This can cut recurring costs and give business owners more control over their system. Key features include:
Full EPOS hardware bundles with touchscreen terminal, receipt printer, cash drawer
Inventory and customer loyalty management
Integration with accounting and e-commerce systems
Multi-site cloud capabilities and 24/7 support
Option to choose your own payment processor rather than being tied to one provider
Best for: Retailers and hospitality venues looking to lower long-term costs by owning hardware and avoiding high subscription fees.
Pricing & Model:
Now £999 outright or £99 per month for 12 Months
Option for monthly payment plans with ownership after a set period
User Experience & Reviews (Balanced):
Many customers praise strong customer support and reliable setup, noting that EPOS Direct makes tracking sales, stock and staff easier with cloud access.
Some reviewers express concerns related to refunds, contracts, or customer service challenges — highlighting the importance of reviewing terms carefully before purchase.
2. Square — Best All-Round & Beginner-Friendly
Why it’s great:
Free base software with optional premium features
Simple setup and intuitive interface
Real-time reporting and inventory tracking
Wide range of hardware options
Best for: Small and medium businesses, start-upsSquare is ideal for businesses that want professional features without complexity.
3. Zettle by PayPal — Best for Simple, Low-Cost Setup
Why it’s great:
Easy integration with PayPal ecosystem
No monthly fee (transaction-based pricing)
Works on phones/tablets
Best for: Market stalls, pop-ups, small retailPricing range: Upfront card reader cost + fee per transaction
Ideal for simple setups with minimal ongoing costs.
4. Lightspeed — Best for Growth & Inventory Management
Why it’s great:
Robust inventory and multi-store management
Integrates with accounting and e-commerce
Scales for larger operations
Best for: Multi-location retailers or complex inventory needsGreat for businesses planning expansion.
5. Shopify POS — Best for Omnichannel Retail
Why it’s great:
Seamless integration with Shopify online store
Unified inventory & customer data
Strong e-commerce capabilities
Best for: Retailers with online + physical storesPricing range: From ~£69/month
Fits brands selling in-store and online with one central system.
6. EPOS Now — Flexible Cloud EPOS
Why it’s great:
Cloud-based accessible across devices
Customisable reports and analytics
Integrates with business tools & accounting
Best for: Multi-purpose retail & hospitalityEPOS Now is popular across sectors, though pricing and contract experiences vary among users.
Final Thoughts: Match Your Business to the Right EPOS
There’s no single “best EPOS” for every business. The right choice depends on your budget, industry, scale, and long-term goals.
Quick recommendations:
Startups & new shops: Square, Zettle
Cost-conscious, owned hardware: EPOS Direct
Growing retailers with inventory challenges: Lightspeed
Omnichannel success: Shopify POS
General all-purpose: EPOS Now
Every system has strengths and trade-offs — and reading current user feedback and contract terms pays off before committing.
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