Choosing the right POS system for your UK business can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's easy to get lost in feature lists, pricing tiers, and sales pitches. But don't worry, we've done the heavy lifting for you.
In this guide, we're putting three of the most popular POS systems head-to-head: Epos Now, SumUp, and Shopify POS. Whether you're running a busy restaurant, a retail shop, or juggling both online and in-store sales, we'll help you figure out which one actually makes sense for your business.
Let's dive in.
A Quick Look at Each POS System
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's a brief overview of what each system brings to the table.
Epos Now is a UK-based POS provider that's been around since 2011. It's designed for small-to-medium businesses in both retail and hospitality. We've covered it extensively in our Epos Now till system review, and it remains one of the most feature-rich options for UK businesses.
SumUp started as a simple card reader company but has grown into a full POS solution. It's known for being budget-friendly and dead simple to use, perfect if you want to get up and running without a steep learning curve.
Shopify POS is the point-of-sale arm of the popular ecommerce platform. If you're already selling online through Shopify, this one integrates seamlessly with your existing store.
Pricing Breakdown: What Will It Actually Cost You?
Let's talk money. After all, your POS system is an investment, and you want to know what you're getting into.
| POS System | Starting Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| SumUp | From £0/month (pay-as-you-go) | Basic POS features, card reader required |
| Epos Now | £29-£50/month per till | Full POS software, hardware bundles available |
| Shopify POS | From £19/month | Requires Shopify subscription for full functionality |
SumUp is the most affordable entry point, no question. You can even start with their free plan if you're just getting going. It's ideal if you're watching every penny.
Epos Now sits in the mid-range. The monthly cost is higher, but you're getting a more comprehensive system designed specifically for UK businesses. It's worth noting that some add-ons and premium support come at extra cost, something to factor into your budget. You can get a full breakdown in our Epos Now review.
Shopify POS can get pricey if you don't already have a Shopify store. You'll need a Shopify ecommerce subscription on top of the POS fee, which adds up quickly. However, if you're already paying for Shopify, adding the POS is relatively seamless.
Features: How Do They Stack Up?
All three systems cover the basics, taking payments, tracking sales, and managing inventory. But the differences are in the details.
Epos Now
Epos Now offers a robust feature set that's particularly well-suited for restaurants and retail shops. You get:
- Comprehensive inventory management
- Staff management and permissions
- Detailed sales reporting
- Integration with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks
- Table management for hospitality venues
The system is flexible and can be customised to fit your specific business needs. That said, some features that come standard with competitors require paid add-ons here. We'd recommend checking out our full Epos Now review to see exactly what's included.
SumUp
SumUp keeps things simple. You get:
- Easy-to-use POS app
- Basic inventory tracking
- Sales analytics
- Multi-location support
- Loyalty programme features
It's got 73 features in total according to Software Advice, which actually edges out Shopify. The trade-off is that it's less powerful for complex operations. If you're running a straightforward business without loads of moving parts, SumUp does the job brilliantly.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS shines when it comes to omnichannel selling. Features include:
- Seamless sync between online and in-store inventory
- Customer profiles that track purchases across channels
- Mobile POS capabilities
- Built-in loyalty and gift card options
- Powerful ecommerce integrations
If your business lives and breathes online retail, Shopify POS makes managing everything from one dashboard a breeze.
Ease of Use: Which Is Simplest to Get Started?
Nobody wants to spend weeks learning a new system. Here's how they compare on usability.
Shopify POS rates highest for ease of use, scoring 4.8 out of 5 in user reviews. The interface is clean, modern, and intuitive, especially if you're already familiar with Shopify.
Epos Now is fairly intuitive too. Staff training is straightforward, and most users find they can get comfortable with the system within a day or two. The touchscreen interface is designed to be user-friendly, even during a busy lunch rush.
SumUp is perhaps the simplest of all. It's designed for people who just want to take payments without fuss. You can literally be up and running in minutes.
Customer Support: Who's Got Your Back?
This is where things get interesting.
SumUp and Shopify POS both offer 24/7 live support, plus email, phone, and chat options. If something goes wrong at 11pm on a Saturday, you can get help.
Epos Now is a bit different. Customer support isn't included in the base pricing, you'll need to pay extra for premium support packages. This has been a sticking point for some users, so it's worth factoring into your decision. On the plus side, the support you do get is UK-based and knowledgeable.
Best Use Cases: Which POS Suits Your Business?
Let's cut to the chase. Here's our take on who should choose what.
Choose Epos Now If…
- You run a restaurant, café, or bar that needs table management and hospitality-specific features
- You want a traditional, all-in-one till system with proper hardware
- You're a small-to-medium retail shop looking for comprehensive inventory management
- You value a UK-based provider with local support
Epos Now is particularly strong for hospitality businesses. If you're looking at the cheapest POS systems for restaurants, it's definitely worth considering alongside the budget options.
Choose SumUp If…
- You're a small business or sole trader on a tight budget
- You want something simple without complex features
- You're mobile or don't need a fixed till point
- You're just starting out and want to test the waters
SumUp is brilliant for market stalls, pop-ups, small cafés, and anyone who values simplicity over bells and whistles.
Choose Shopify POS If…
- You already sell online through Shopify
- You need seamless omnichannel inventory sync
- Your focus is retail rather than hospitality
- You want to manage online and in-store from one platform
If you're not already on Shopify, it's probably not worth switching just for the POS. But if you are? It's a no-brainer.
The Pros and Cons at a Glance
Epos Now
Pros:
- Feature-rich and customisable
- Strong hospitality and retail focus
- UK-based company
- Good hardware options
Cons:
- Add-ons can increase costs
- Premium support costs extra
- Reporting could be more advanced
SumUp
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Dead simple to use
- Great for mobile businesses
- No long-term contracts
Cons:
- Limited features for complex operations
- Less suitable for larger businesses
- Basic reporting
Shopify POS
Pros:
- Best-in-class omnichannel integration
- Excellent user interface
- Strong ecommerce features
- 24/7 support
Cons:
- Requires Shopify subscription
- Can get expensive
- Less suited to hospitality
Our Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Honestly? It depends on your situation.
For budget-conscious small businesses that need something simple, SumUp is hard to beat. You can start for free and scale up as needed.
For retailers who sell online and in-store, Shopify POS offers the best integration, assuming you're already in the Shopify ecosystem.
For restaurants, cafés, and traditional retail shops that want a comprehensive UK-based solution, we'd point you towards Epos Now. Yes, there are some extra costs to watch for, but the feature set and flexibility make it a solid choice for growing businesses.
We'd strongly recommend reading our detailed Epos Now review and getting a demo before making your final decision. It's the best way to see if it fits your specific needs.
If you're still weighing up your options, our guide to the best EPOS systems in the UK covers even more alternatives worth considering.
Whatever you choose, the right POS system can genuinely transform how you run your business. Take your time, do your research, and pick the one that feels right for you.