If you're running a small business in the UK, you've probably spent more time than you'd like to admit trying to figure out which POS system won't make you want to throw your till through the window. We get it: there are dozens of options out there, and they all promise to be "the best."
So we did something simple: we tested six of the most popular systems for UK small businesses. We're talking real-world use, actual pricing (not the "from £X" nonsense), and honest thoughts on what works and what doesn't.
What We Actually Tested
We put six systems through their paces across different business types: cafés, retail shops, and restaurants. Here's what we looked at:
- Setup time and ease of use
- Actual monthly costs (including card fees)
- Hardware requirements
- Customer support quality
- Features that actually matter
Let's get into it.
Quick Comparison: The Six Systems
Before we dive deep, here's the snapshot:
| System | Monthly Cost | Card Fees | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epos Now | From £29 | From 1.2% | Restaurants, retail, hospitality | 9/10 |
| Square | Free (basic) | 1.75% | Pop-ups, small shops | 7.5/10 |
| SumUp | £0 | 1.69% | Market stalls, mobile sellers | 7/10 |
| Lightspeed | From £89 | From 1.75% | Multi-location retail | 7.5/10 |
| Toast POS | From £49 | From 1.8% | Restaurants only | 6.5/10 |
| Shopify POS | From £25 | 1.6-2.0% | Online + retail combo | 7/10 |
1. Epos Now: The All-Rounder That Actually Delivers
We'll admit it: we're big fans of Epos Now. After testing it across three different business types, it consistently came out on top for UK small businesses that want something reliable without the faff.
What We Loved:
The system just works. You're not spending days trying to figure out how to add a product or modify a table layout. The interface is clean, the hardware is solid (their touchscreen tills are genuinely nice to use), and the reporting actually tells you useful stuff.
For restaurants, the kitchen display system integration is brilliant: no more lost tickets or angry chefs. For retail, the inventory management keeps pace without being overwhelming. And crucially, it scales. Start with one till, add more as you grow.
The Pricing Reality:
It's from £29/month for the basic package, but realistically you're looking at £40-60 once you add the features you'll actually need. Card processing starts at 1.2%, which is competitive for UK businesses.
The Downsides:
It's not free, so if you're literally just starting out with zero turnover, it might feel like a commitment. Also, some of the advanced features (like loyalty programmes) are add-ons.
Our Take:
If you're serious about running a hospitality or retail business in the UK, Epos Now is worth a proper look. It's built for growth, and you won't outgrow it in six months.
2. Square: The Free Option That Works
Square deserves credit for making POS accessible. Their basic plan is genuinely free, and for a market stall or tiny café, that's hard to argue with.
What We Liked:
Setup took about 20 minutes. You can literally be taking payments the same afternoon. The app is intuitive, and their card reader hardware is decent quality. For a business doing under £10k/month, it's a no-brainer entry point.
The Catch:
You're paying 1.75% on every card transaction, which adds up fast. Once you're doing serious volume, cheaper alternatives like Epos Now start making more financial sense. Also, the free plan is pretty basic: no advanced inventory, limited reporting.
Best For:
Startups, pop-up shops, or businesses testing the waters before committing to a full system.
3. SumUp: Zero Monthly Fees, But Is It Enough?
SumUp's pitch is simple: no monthly fee, just pay 1.69% per transaction. For some businesses, that's genuinely perfect.
The Appeal:
If you're running a mobile business (food truck, market stall, mobile barber), SumUp is brilliant. You've got no fixed costs eating into your margin on slow weeks.
The Limitations:
It's not a full POS system: it's more of a payment processor with basic features tacked on. No proper inventory management, limited reporting, and if you're running a busy restaurant, you'll quickly find it lacking. We'd also point out that systems like Epos Now offer more value once you factor in what you're missing.
Our Take:
Great for micro-businesses or side hustles. Not suitable for serious operations.
4. Lightspeed: The Premium Option (With a Premium Price)
Lightspeed is what you graduate to when your business is growing fast and you need something more robust.
What It Does Well:
Multi-location management is excellent. The inventory system is the most detailed we tested. Reporting is comprehensive. If you're running three shops or planning to, Lightspeed handles it without breaking a sweat.
The Cost:
From £89/month, and that's before add-ons. Card fees start at 1.75%. For most small businesses, this is overkill and overpriced.
Who Needs This:
Growing retail chains or restaurant groups. If you're a single-location café, you're paying for features you'll never use. You might want to check out more affordable options first.
5. Toast POS: Built for Restaurants, But Not UK Ones
Toast is massive in the US restaurant scene, but its UK offering feels like an afterthought.
The Pros:
If you run a restaurant, the features are solid: table management, kitchen tickets, online ordering integration. It's clearly been designed by people who understand hospitality.
The Cons:
Pricing starts at £49/month but climbs fast. Customer support is US-focused, so expect delays. And honestly, Epos Now offers similar restaurant features with better UK support and more competitive pricing.
Our Verdict:
Not bad, but not the best for UK businesses. You're paying extra for a brand name that's stronger across the pond.
6. Shopify POS: Perfect If You're Already Using Shopify
If you're running an online shop through Shopify and want to add a physical location, their POS system makes sense.
The Synergy:
Your online and offline inventory sync automatically. Customers get a unified experience. It's genuinely clever if you're already in the Shopify ecosystem.
The Catch:
If you're not using Shopify for e-commerce, this is the wrong choice. The POS on its own isn't as feature-rich as dedicated systems, and you'll feel like you're paying for integration you don't need.
Card fees vary between 1.6-2.0% depending on your Shopify plan, which can get expensive.
Best For:
Shopify e-commerce stores opening a physical location. Not ideal for standalone retail or hospitality.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Here's our honest recommendation after testing all six:
If you're running a café, restaurant, or retail shop with growth ambitions: Epos Now is the best overall package for UK small businesses. It balances features, reliability, and cost better than anything else we tested.
If you're literally just starting out with minimal sales: SumUp or Square will get you taking payments without monthly commitments.
If you're already using Shopify online: Shopify POS makes life simpler.
If you're planning a retail empire: Lightspeed, once you can justify the cost.
The reality is, most small businesses will get the best value from a system that's specifically built for UK hospitality and retail: which is why we keep coming back to Epos Now. It's not the cheapest, but it's not overpriced either. It just works, scales with you, and doesn't leave you feeling like you've overpaid.
Don't Overthink It
Here's the thing: choosing a POS system matters, but it's not the make-or-break decision for your business. Any of these six systems will take payments and manage your sales.
What matters more is choosing something reliable that won't hold you back as you grow. We'd suggest reading our full Epos Now review if you want proper detail, or checking out our guide on what to look for in a cheap POS system if budget is tight.
The best time to switch POS systems was probably three months ago. The second-best time is right now: before that clunky old till causes you any more headaches.