Look, choosing a POS system for your retail shop shouldn't feel like rocket science. But when you're staring at dozens of options, each claiming to be the "best" and "fastest," it's easy to get overwhelmed. We've all been there, wondering if that extra second at checkout actually matters (spoiler: it does when you've got a queue out the door).
So we did something a bit different. We tested five of the UK's most popular retail POS systems side-by-side in an actual shop environment, timing real transactions from scan to receipt. No marketing fluff, just cold, hard numbers.
How We Tested These Systems
We set up each system in the same retail environment, a busy independent shop in Manchester, and ran identical transactions through each one. We're talking about realistic scenarios: single items, multiple items, split payments, refunds, the works.
Each system was tested during peak hours (because that's when speed actually matters) with staff who'd had two days of training on each platform. We timed everything from the moment a barcode was scanned to when the receipt printed. Fair's fair.
1. Epos Now: The Quick All-Rounder
Average transaction time: 8.2 seconds
Right off the bat, Epos Now impressed us with its zippy performance. The system handled multi-item transactions without breaking a sweat, and the touchscreen interface was responsive even during the lunchtime rush.
What we loved: The inventory lookup was lightning-fast. When a customer asked about stock levels on a different colour, our staff could check in under two seconds without leaving the transaction screen. That's proper handy when you're mid-sale.
The barcode scanner integration worked flawlessly, and we particularly appreciated how returns were processed through the same intuitive workflow. A full refund with receipt lookup took us 12.3 seconds on average, not bad at all.
Pricing: You'll need to contact them for a quote, but their hardware packages are reasonably priced compared to some competitors. The system is designed for independent retailers, and it shows. Check out our full Epos Now review for the complete breakdown.
Best for: Independent retailers, grocers, bakeries, and shops that need reliable speed without complexity.
2. Square POS: The Free Option That Delivers
Average transaction time: 9.1 seconds
Square's free core POS system performed better than we expected. Yes, you read that right: free. For small retailers just starting out or running a side hustle, this is genuinely impressive value.
The contactless payment processing was snappy, clocking in at 5.8 seconds from tap to confirmation. Where Square lost a bit of time was in the inventory lookup: it's there, it works, but it's not quite as slick as dedicated retail systems.
Split payments took 14.6 seconds, which is a tad slower than the others we tested. Not a deal-breaker, but noticeable when you're busy.
Pricing: Free for the core system, with payment processing fees of 1.75% per transaction. No monthly subscription unless you want advanced features.
Best for: Small retailers, pop-up shops, market stalls, and anyone who needs a capable system without upfront costs.
3. Shopify POS: The Omnichannel Champion
Average transaction time: 9.8 seconds
If you're already selling online (or planning to), Shopify POS is worth serious consideration. The transaction times were slightly slower than Epos Now, but here's the thing: the system syncs inventory across your online and physical stores in real-time.
We tested this specifically: sold an item in-store, checked the website stock level, and it updated within three seconds. That's genuinely impressive and prevents those awkward "sorry, we just sold the last one online" moments.
The customer profile integration was brilliant. Staff could see previous purchases, both online and in-store, which is gold for personalised service. This added about 2 seconds to the initial transaction setup, but customers genuinely appreciated the personalised experience.
Pricing: Starting at £69 per month per location for the Retail plan. It's pricier than some competitors, but you're paying for that seamless online-offline integration.
Best for: Retailers with existing online shops or serious omnichannel ambitions.
4. Lightspeed Retail: Feature-Packed but Pricey
Average transaction time: 8.7 seconds
Lightspeed sits comfortably in the middle of our speed test, but don't let that fool you. This system is packed with features that'll make inventory management nerds very happy (we mean that affectionately).
The advanced inventory management shaved seconds off stocktaking and reordering. The loyalty programme integration was seamless, adding customer rewards without slowing down checkout. Multi-location retailers will love the centralised reporting.
Where it stumbles? The learning curve. Our staff needed the full two days of training to feel confident, whereas they were comfortable with Epos Now by lunchtime on day one.
Pricing: Starting at £89 per month per location for the basic plan. You'll need the pricier plans to unlock all features, which can add up quickly.
Best for: Established retailers with multiple locations who need comprehensive features and don't mind investing time in training.
5. Clover: Sleek Hardware, Solid Performance
Average transaction time: 9.4 seconds
Clover's hardware is genuinely gorgeous. It looks like something from a tech exhibition, and customers definitely noticed. The system performed solidly across our tests, with particularly impressive contactless payment processing at 5.2 seconds: the fastest we recorded.
The app marketplace is extensive, letting you customise the system to your specific needs. During testing, we integrated a gift card app mid-week, and it worked seamlessly with existing transactions.
The downside? Higher upfront hardware costs and somewhat confusing contracts depending on your provider. Transaction times for complex tasks (like refunds with store credit) were the slowest we tested at 18.7 seconds.
Pricing: Contact sales for quotes. Hardware costs are higher upfront, but the system is robust.
Best for: Small to medium retailers who want stylish hardware and extensive customisation through apps.
The Transaction Time Breakdown
Here's how they stacked up across different transaction types:
| POS System | Single Item | Multiple Items | Refund | Split Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epos Now | 5.1s | 8.2s | 12.3s | 11.8s |
| Square POS | 5.8s | 9.1s | 13.2s | 14.6s |
| Shopify POS | 6.2s | 9.8s | 14.1s | 13.9s |
| Lightspeed | 5.4s | 8.7s | 13.8s | 12.4s |
| Clover | 5.2s | 9.4s | 18.7s | 13.1s |
So Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly? It depends on what you're after.
If you want reliable performance with excellent customer service and proper UK retail focus, Epos Now wins on pure transaction speed and ease of use. It's the one we'd recommend for most independent retailers who want to hit the ground running.
Square is brilliant if you're just starting out or working with tight margins. The free plan punches well above its weight, though you'll eventually want to upgrade for advanced features.
Shopify makes sense if you're already invested in their ecosystem or have serious omnichannel plans. The slightly slower transaction times are offset by incredible inventory syncing.
According to research from Retail Systems, faster checkout times directly correlate with higher customer satisfaction scores: something worth considering when every second counts during peak periods.
The Bottom Line
After a week of intensive testing, the speed differences between these systems are measured in seconds, not minutes. What matters more is how each system fits your specific retail operation.
Want our honest recommendation? Book a demo with Epos Now and see it in action. They're particularly strong for UK retailers, and their customer service consistently gets positive reviews. The transaction times speak for themselves, and the learning curve is gentle enough that your staff won't hate you for implementing it.
If you're also running a food business alongside retail, you might want to check out our Toast EPOS review or the SumUp POS system for a more versatile option.
Remember: the best POS system isn't necessarily the fastest one: it's the one your team will actually use efficiently day in, day out. Speed matters, but usability matters more. Get a demo, test it with your actual products, and trust your gut. Your till system should make your life easier, not more complicated.