If you're running a business in the UK, you know that the right till isn't just about taking cash anymore. Whether you're serving up sourdough in a busy Shoreditch café or selling handmade jewellery in a boutique in Manchester, your epos system is the heart of your operation.
But let’s be honest: looking for a new POS system is a bit of a headache. With so many brands shouting about being the "best pos system" or the "cheapest pos system," it’s hard to know who to trust. At What EPOS, we’ve spent years digging into the nitty-gritty of these systems so you don’t have to.
In this guide, we’re going to break down how to choose the right one and compare our top five picks for 2026. Spoiler alert: if you want a robust, all-rounder that scales with you, the Epos Now till system is usually our first recommendation. But let’s see which one fits your specific needs.
What Exactly is an EPOS System (And Why Do You Need One)?
Before we dive into the reviews, let's clear up the jargon. If you're wondering what is an epos system, it stands for Electronic Point of Sale. It’s essentially a fancy combination of hardware and software that does way more than a traditional cash register.
A modern epos system handles your inventory, tracks your staff hours, manages customer loyalty, and gives you deep insights into what’s actually selling. If you aren't using one, you're likely leaving money on the table through missed upsell opportunities or inefficient stock management.
How to Choose the Right System for You
Choosing a system isn't just about picking the one with the sleekest iPad stand. You need to consider how you actually work day-to-day. Here are the four big questions we always tell business owners to ask:
1. What’s Your Industry?
A restaurant pos system needs table management and kitchen display features. A retail pos system, on the other hand, needs rock-solid inventory tracking and perhaps an integration with your online shop.
2. What’s Your Real Budget?
Don’t just look at the monthly software fee. Look at the transaction fees and hardware costs. Sometimes the "cheapest pos system" ends up being the most expensive over two years because the payment processing rates are sky-high.
3. Does it Play Well With Others?
You probably already use accounting software like Xero or marketing tools. You want a system that integrates easily. For instance, many businesses love using Zapier POS integrations to automate their boring admin tasks.
4. Can You Get Someone on the Phone?
When your till goes down on a busy Saturday night, "email support only" isn't going to cut it. Check the support levels before you sign any contracts.
The Top 5 EPOS Systems Compared
We’ve narrowed down the market to five heavy hitters that cover almost every type of UK business.
1. Epos Now: The Best All-Rounder
We’re going to start with our favourite. In our opinion, Epos Now offers the most complete package for UK SMEs. Whether you’re in retail or hospitality, their software is incredibly flexible.
The reason we rank the Epos Now till system so highly is its scalability. You can start with a basic setup and add modules as you grow. Plus, their hardware is built for the "real world": it’s sturdy and can handle the occasional splash of coffee or a busy retail environment.
- Best for: Most UK businesses (Retail & Hospitality).
- Top Feature: Massive AppStore for custom integrations.
- Verdict: You really can't go wrong here. Check out our full Epos Now review to see the latest deals.
2. Square: The King of Flexibility
Square changed the game by offering a system with no monthly fees for the basic software. You just pay for the hardware and a flat transaction fee. It’s a very popular choice for startups and mobile businesses.
While Square is great, it can get expensive as you grow because you can’t shop around for better payment processing rates: you’re locked into theirs. However, for ease of use, it’s hard to beat.
- Best for: Small startups and market traders.
- Top Feature: Simple, transparent pricing.
3. Shopify POS: The Retail Specialist
If you already have a Shopify website, then their POS system is a bit of a no-brainer. It syncs your online and offline inventory perfectly.
We’ve found that for pure retail, the Shopify POS review scores highly because of its "Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store" (BOPIS) features. However, if you run a pub or a restaurant, Shopify isn't going to have the table management features you need.
- Best for: Omnichannel retailers.
- Top Feature: Seamless inventory sync with e-commerce.
4. SumUp: The Budget Pick
If you're looking for the cheapest pos system just to get started, SumUp is often the first port of call. It’s incredibly low-cost upfront. You can buy a small card reader for the price of a couple of pizzas and start taking payments.
However, keep an eye on the fees. You might want to check how much SumUp charges per transaction before you commit, as high-volume businesses might find more traditional systems cheaper in the long run.
- Best for: Low-volume businesses and side hustles.
- Top Feature: No monthly subscription on basic plans.
5. Toast: The Restaurant Powerhouse
Toast has recently made waves in the UK market. It is a dedicated restaurant pos system that was built by people who actually understand the chaos of a professional kitchen.
From handheld ordering tablets to sophisticated kitchen display systems, it’s built for speed. You can read more about it in our Toast EPOS for restaurants guide.
- Best for: Mid-to-large restaurants and fast-food chains.
- Top Feature: Handheld "Toast Go" devices for tableside ordering.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Feature | Epos Now | Square | Shopify | SumUp | Toast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | All-Rounder | Startups | Retailers | Micro-biz | Restaurants |
| Contract | Usually 12 months | No contract | Monthly | No contract | 12-24 months |
| Pricing | Competitive Hardware | Free Software | Monthly Sub | Low Entry Cost | Premium |
| Support | 24/7 Available | Standard | 24/7 | Standard | 24/7 |
| Learn More | Review Page | Review Page | Review Page | Review Page | Review Page |
Why We Keep Coming Back to Epos Now
While all the systems above have their merits, we often steer our readers toward the Epos Now till system. Why? Because it sits in that "Goldilocks" zone: it’s powerful enough for a busy high-street shop but simple enough that you don't need a degree in IT to set it up.
According to industry data from sources like Startups.co.uk, Epos Now consistently ranks as one of the most versatile providers for the UK market. We particularly love their "Multiple Choice Products" feature, which is great for upselling. If you're curious about that, we've got a handy guide on how to add upsell products in Epos Now.
Don't Forget the "Hidden" Costs
When you’re comparing the best pos system options, don't just look at the shiny terminal. Think about:
- Receipt Paper: It sounds silly, but it adds up!
- Card Machine Integration: Ensure your card reader actually talks to your till. If it doesn't, you'll have to type the amount in twice, which leads to mistakes.
- Wired vs. Wireless: If your Wi-Fi is patchy, you need a system that can run on an Ethernet cable or has an "offline mode."
The Final Verdict
If you are just starting out and doing very low volume, SumUp or Square are fantastic. They get you taking payments quickly with very little risk.
However, if you are opening a shop in the UK and you plan to stick around, you need something more robust. For retail, Shopify is a strong contender, and for dedicated dining, Toast is brilliant.
But for the vast majority of our readers who want a balance of price, features, and support, we recommend the Epos Now till system. It’s a system that grows with you, and their UK-based support is a massive plus when you’re in a pinch.
Ready to upgrade your business?
Don't just take our word for it. It's always worth getting a personalized quote to see exactly how much you can save. Head over to our Epos Now review page to see the latest offers and book a free demo. Trust us, your future self (and your accountant) will thank you!
