Best EPOS Systems UK: 2025’s Top Picks for Retail & Hospitality Businesses

In the fast-paced world of UK retail and hospitality, having the best EPOS system can be the deciding factor between an effective and a struggling business plagued by inefficiency. Whether you’re a café owner in London, a mobile vendor in Manchester, or managing multiple stores across the UK, a modern EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system will streamline your sales, inventory, and customer experience. But with so many options, what’s the best EPOS system in the UK for your business? This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down the top EPOS systems in the UK, their pros and cons, pricing, features, and who they’re best suited for.

What Is an EPOS System?

EPOS systems comprise both hardware and software used by businesses to process sales, track inventory, and manage various operational aspects, including employee scheduling, customer data, loyalty programs, and financial reporting.

Unlike traditional cash registers, modern EPOS systems integrate with cloud technology, mobile devices, e-commerce platforms, and payment processors, offering a seamless experience for both sellers and customers.

Why Choosing the Best EPOS System in the UK Matters

Whether you’re running a local shop, food truck, or a chain of restaurants, the right EPOS system can help you:

• Reduce checkout times
• Automate stock management
• Accept card, mobile, and contactless payments
• Gain insights from detailed sales reports
• Integrate online and in-store sales
• Boost customer loyalty with marketing tools

Now, let’s explore the best EPOS systems in the UK based on functionality, price, and industry focus.

Square – Best All-Rounder for Small Businesses

Square is a leading EPOS solution in the UK, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Key Features:

• Free EPOS software
• Affordable card readers (£19–£99)
• Seamless mobile and tablet integration
• Inventory and employee management
• E-commerce integration

Pricing:

• Software: Free basic plan; paid plans start at £20/month
• Transaction fee: 1.75% per in-person payment

Best For:

• Cafés, salons, retail shops, and pop-up stalls

Pros:

• Simple setup with no long-term contracts
• Integrates with delivery apps and e-commerce stores
• Beautiful UI and intuitive dashboard

Cons:

• Limited advanced features for large-scale businesses

Epos Now – Best for Hospitality and Retail Chains

Epos Now is a UK-based EPOS system trusted by over 40,000 businesses. Its modular approach is perfect for growing companies.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based POS accessible anywhere
• Inventory, staff, and table management
• Extensive reporting tools
• Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, and WooCommerce

Pricing:

• Software: Starts at £25/month
• Hardware: Bundles start at £325
• Transaction fees vary based on the provider

Best For:

• Bars, restaurants, and retail stores

Pros:

• Tailored solutions for hospitality and retail
• Customizable with add-ons and third-party integrations
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• It can get expensive with add-ons
• Interface has a slight learning curve

Zettle by PayPal – Best for Mobile Businesses

Previously known as iZettle, Zettle by PayPal is ideal for businesses that want a lightweight, mobile EPOS solution.

Key Features:

• Free software and affordable card reader
• Works on smartphones and tablets
• Sales analytics and inventory management
• Integration with PayPal and Xero

Pricing:

• Software: Free
• Card reader: £29 (one-time)
• Transaction fee: 1.75% per in-person sale

Best For:

• Market stalls, mobile vendors, freelancers

Pros:

• Instant PayPal settlement
• Super fast setup and easy to use
• Excellent for micro businesses

Cons:

• Not suitable for large-scale operations
• Limited advanced reporting

Lightspeed – Best for Advanced Inventory Management

Lightspeed is a premium EPOS system tailored for businesses with complex inventory or multi-location management needs.

Key Features:

• Advanced inventory tracking
• Loyalty programs and CRM
• E-commerce integration
• Detailed analytics and reporting
• Staff performance tracking

Pricing:

• Starts at £59/month (basic), with custom plans for enterprise
• Add-ons and hardware are priced separately

Best For:

• Restaurants, retailers, hospitality chains

Pros:

• In-depth inventory and purchase ordering
• Multi-store functionality
• Exceptional customer support

Cons:

• Higher learning curve
• Not budget-friendly for smaller businesses

Shopify POS – Best for Omnichannel Retail

If you run an online store on Shopify and want to expand into physical retail, Shopify POS is your go-to system.

Key Features:

• Syncs online and offline inventory
• Manages product catalog, staff, and customers
• Customizable checkout
• Integrated marketing and email tools

Pricing:

• Starts at £19/month
• Transaction fees: 1.7%–2.2% depending on plan

Best For:

• Online retailers moving into physical retail

Pros:

• Seamless Shopify store integration
• Great for click-and-collect
• Scalable with advanced plans

Cons:

• Not ideal if you’re not using Shopify
• Hardware sold separately

SumUp – Best Budget EPOS for Startups

SumUp is a cost-effective and straightforward EPOS solution for entrepreneurs just starting.

Key Features:

• Free app and account
• Basic inventory and sales reports
• Bank account and invoicing included
• Multiple card readers are available

Pricing:

• Free software
• Card readers from £39
• Transaction fee: 1.69% or lower with plan

Best For:

• Freelancers, new small businesses, local vendors

Pros:

• No monthly fees
• Fast payment settlement
• Clean, simple interface

Cons:

• Basic features only
• No advanced inventory or staff management

Clover – Best for Full-Service Restaurants

Clover offers stylish hardware and powerful EPOS software, making it an excellent choice for table-service businesses.

Key Features:

• Fully integrated hardware bundles
• Employee scheduling and permissions
• Tableside ordering and tipping
• App market with 300+ integrations

Pricing:

• Custom pricing via resellers
• Software from ~£29/month
• Hardware bundles from £599+

Best For:

• Restaurants, bars, cafés

Pros:

• Custom hardware for hospitality
• Modular software
• Offline mode

Cons:

• You must buy their hardware
• No free trial

How to Choose the Best EPOS System in the UK

Here are essential factors to consider when choosing an EPOS system:

Factor	What to Look For

Business Size

Entry-level systems for startups; enterprise features for chains

Industry Type

Retail, hospitality, mobile, eCommerce

Budget

Monthly fees, hardware cost, transaction rates

Features Needed

Inventory, staff, loyalty, table layout, CRM

Integration Options

Accounting, e-commerce, delivery platforms

Customer Support

24/7 UK-based support is a big plus

Scalability

Can the system grow with your business?

EPOS System Comparison Table

EPOS System	Best For	Starting Price	Key Strength

Square

Small businesses

£0/month

Free plan, great design, mobile-first

Epos Now

Retail & hospitality

£25/month

Robust UK support, tailored features

Zettle

Mobile businesses

Free

Budget-friendly, portable

Lightspeed

Inventory control

£59/month

Advanced stock features

Shopify POS

Omnichannel retail

£19/month

Syncs online and offline

SumUp

Startups

Free

Simple, no contracts

Clover

Restaurants

£29+/month

Full-service dining support

Final Thoughts

The best EPOS system in the UK depends on your business type, size, and goals. For most small businesses, Square and Zettle offer unbeatable simplicity. If you’re scaling, Epos Now or Lightspeed are excellent choices. Hospitality businesses should explore Clover, while online-first sellers will benefit from Shopify POS.

Frequently Asked Questions

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