If you're running a small business in the UK, you've probably heard of Epos Now. It's been a major player in the POS game for years, and it's still one of the most talked-about epos systems on the market. But here's the thing, the POS landscape has changed a lot, and what worked brilliantly a few years ago might not be the best pos system for your needs today.
So, is Epos Now still worth your money in 2026? We've done the digging so you don't have to. Let's break it all down.
What Exactly Is Epos Now?
Epos Now is a UK-based point-of-sale system designed for both retail and hospitality businesses. It offers a full package: hardware (tills, card readers, receipt printers), software, and payment processing all rolled into one.
The company has been around since 2011, and they've built up a solid reputation for delivering reliable, feature-packed systems. Whether you're running a coffee shop in Manchester or a boutique in Brighton, their epos now till system is built to handle everything from inventory tracking to staff management.
Key Features That Make Epos Now Stand Out
Inventory Management That Actually Works
If you've got a lot of stock to manage, this is where Epos Now really shines. We love how you can bulk-import products, get live stock updates, and set up automated restock alerts. No more running out of your best-sellers on a busy Saturday afternoon.
For businesses with extensive product ranges, this level of control is a game-changer. You can track what's selling, what's sitting on shelves, and make smarter purchasing decisions based on real data.
Flexible Payment Options
In 2026, customers expect to pay however they like. Epos Now supports chip and pin, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and pretty much every digital wallet you can think of. Quick, seamless payments keep your queues moving and your customers happy.
One thing we particularly appreciate is that Epos Now lets you choose your own payment processor. That means you're not locked into their rates, you can shop around for the best deal on transaction fees. According to Business Insider, payment processing fees can seriously eat into small business margins, so having this flexibility is a big plus.
Solid Hardware Quality
The hardware feels premium. The touchscreen tills are responsive, the card readers are reliable, and everything is built to handle the daily grind of a busy business. Setup is straightforward too, most users report being up and running within a day.
24/7 Customer Support
Things go wrong. It's just part of running a business. When they do, Epos Now offers round-the-clock support via chatbot, phone, and email. Having that safety net, especially during peak trading hours, gives you peace of mind.
Epos Now Pricing: The Elephant in the Room
Alright, let's talk money: because this is where Epos Now gets a bit divisive.
The monthly subscription fees are pretty competitive. You're looking at around £25-£50 per month depending on your package and features. That's on par with most mid-range epos systems.
However, there's a catch: the upfront costs.
Epos Now charges substantial fees for hardware bundles. We're talking anywhere from £300 to over £1,000 depending on what you need. For businesses watching every penny, this can be a dealbreaker.
If you're a smaller seller wanting to minimise overhead, you might find better value elsewhere. For example, SumUp offers a much lower barrier to entry with minimal upfront costs: though you do sacrifice some of the advanced features.
The Pros and Cons: Let's Be Honest
What We Love
- Excellent inventory management – Seriously, it's one of the best we've seen
- Flexible payment processing – Choose your own provider and save on fees
- Quality hardware – Built to last through busy shifts
- 24/7 support – Help whenever you need it
- Great reporting tools – Understand your business with detailed analytics
What Could Be Better
- High upfront costs – That initial investment stings
- Clunky advanced features – Splitting bills and applying discounts can feel awkward
- Learning curve – New POS users might find some functions confusing at first
The good news? They do offer a dedicated training mode, which helps you get familiar with the system before going live. It's definitely worth taking advantage of.
Who Is Epos Now Best For?
Based on everything we've seen, Epos Now is ideal for:
- Restaurants with complex operations – Multiple tables, split bills, busy service? It can handle it.
- Retailers needing robust inventory control – If you're managing hundreds or thousands of SKUs, this is your friend.
- Businesses that want flexibility – Being able to choose your payment processor is a rare perk.
- Companies planning to scale – The system grows with you.
On the flip side, if you're a solo entrepreneur or running a very small operation, the upfront costs might not make sense. You could start with something like Shopify POS or SumUp and upgrade later as your business grows.
How Does Epos Now Compare to the Competition?
The UK POS market is crowded, and Epos Now has some stiff competition.
Square is often cited as the go-to for cost-conscious businesses. No monthly fees for the basic plan and affordable hardware make it attractive for startups. But it doesn't quite match Epos Now's inventory depth.
SumUp is brilliant for mobile businesses and market traders. Super affordable, easy to use, but limited when it comes to advanced features.
Shopify POS is perfect if you're already running a Shopify online store. The integration is seamless. But for brick-and-mortar-only businesses, it might be overkill.
Toast dominates the restaurant scene, especially in the US, but it's gaining traction in the UK too. Worth considering if you're in hospitality.
For a full breakdown of all your options, check out our guide to the best epos systems in the UK.
Our Verdict: Is Epos Now Worth It in 2026?
Here's the bottom line: Epos Now is still a fantastic choice for UK small businesses that need powerful features and don't mind the upfront investment.
If you're running a restaurant with complex operations or a retail shop with serious inventory needs, it's hard to beat. The stock management alone is worth the price of admission for many businesses. Add in flexible payment processing, solid hardware, and 24/7 support, and you've got a reliable system that can grow with you.
That said, it's not for everyone. If you're just starting out or running a lean operation, the initial costs might be hard to justify. In that case, starting with a more affordable option and upgrading later is a perfectly valid strategy.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If Epos Now sounds like it could be the right fit for your business, we'd definitely recommend getting a demo to see it in action.
👉 Read our full Epos Now Till System Review here to get all the details, pricing breakdowns, and our honest take on whether it's the right epos system for you.
Got questions? Drop us a message on our contact page: we're always happy to help you find the best pos system for your needs.