Meta Description: Choosing a retail POS system is a big decision. We compare Shopify vs Epos Now vs SumUp to help you find the best EPOS system for your UK business and keep your shop running smoothly.
If you’re opening a shop in the UK, you’ve probably quickly realised that your till is the heart of your business. It’s not just about taking payments anymore; it’s about tracking every single item of stock, managing your staff, and understanding your sales data so you can actually grow.
But with so many options out there, choosing the best pos system can feel like a bit of a minefield. Do you go for the sleek, online-first approach of Shopify? The budget-friendly simplicity of SumUp? Or a powerhouse like Epos Now?
We’ve spent a lot of time looking at these systems, and we know that what works for a tiny pop-up might be a disaster for a busy high-street boutique. In this guide, we’re going to break down the big three, Shopify vs Epos Now vs SumUp, to help you decide which retail pos system is the right fit for your counter.
What is a Retail POS System anyway?
Before we dive into the comparison, it’s worth a quick refresher. You might hear people use "POS" and "EPOS" interchangeably. While they’re similar, an EPOS system (Electronic Point of Sale) is the modern, connected version of the old-school cash register. It’s a combination of hardware (the screen, the drawer, the printer) and software that helps you run the whole show.
If you’re still wondering about the technicalities, you can check out our post on the difference between POS and EPOS. But for now, just know that a good epos system should make your life easier, not harder.
Alt Text: A modern retail shop counter with a sleek EPOS system installed.
Shopify POS: The E-commerce Champion
If you already have a thriving online shop, Shopify POS is probably the first name that popped into your head. It’s built specifically to bridge the gap between your physical store and your website.
The Pros
The biggest win here is "unified commerce." If you sell a t-shirt in-store, your website stock updates instantly. We love how user-friendly the interface is; if you can use an iPad, you can use Shopify POS. It also has a massive app store, meaning you can add almost any feature you can think of.
The Cons
It’s not always the cheapest pos system choice. While the basic app is included with Shopify plans, the "POS Pro" features (which you’ll likely need for a proper retail store) come with an extra monthly fee per location. Also, if you don't use Shopify Payments, they’ll sting you with additional transaction fees, which can really add up.
You can read more in our full Shopify POS review.
SumUp POS: The Budget-Friendly Entry Point
For those just starting out or running a very small setup, SumUp POS is a popular contender. You’ve likely seen their little white card readers in coffee shops and craft fairs across the country.
The Pros
Simplicity is SumUp’s middle name. There are no heavy monthly contracts for the basic hardware, and it’s incredibly easy to set up. It’s often cited as one of the best options for those looking for a low-cost entry point. They also offer a more "Pro" version now for retail, which adds better inventory features.
The Cons
While it’s great for starters, it can feel a bit limited as you grow. The reporting isn’t as deep as what you’d get from a dedicated retail pos system, and the transaction fees can be higher than others if you’re doing a lot of volume. If you’re curious about the costs, we’ve broken down how much SumUp charges per transaction to help you do the maths.
Check out our SumUp POS system review for a deeper look.
Epos Now: The Versatile Heavyweight (Our Top Pick)
When it comes to a dedicated, robust epos now till system, this is often where we point retailers who want a "do-it-all" solution without the Shopify price tag or the SumUp limitations. Epos Now has been a staple in the UK market for years, and for good reason.
Why we like it for Retail
Epos Now is built for high-volume retail. Whether you’re running a grocery store, a fashion boutique, or a pharmacy, the software is incredibly flexible. One of our favourite features is the inventory management, it handles complex product variations (like sizes and colours) much better than most budget systems.
On top of that, the reporting is top-tier. You can see exactly what’s selling, who’s selling it, and when your quietest hours are. It also integrates with a huge range of third-party apps, from accounting software like Xero to marketing tools like Mailchimp. You can even use Zapier for POS integrations to connect it to almost anything else you use.
If you want a system that grows with you and offers 24/7 support, we’d definitely suggest checking out our Epos Now till system review. It’s a solid investment for any serious business owner.
Alt Text: An Epos Now till system showing the retail interface and inventory screen.
Comparing the Trio: At a Glance
| Feature | Shopify POS | SumUp POS | Epos Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Multi-channel sellers | Startups/Small kiosks | Growing retailers |
| Ease of Use | Very High | High | Moderate/High |
| Inventory | Good (Pro needed) | Basic | Excellent |
| UK Support | Online/Phone | Online | 24/7 Phone/Online |
| Price Point | Mid to High | Low (No contract) | Competitive/Value |
Key Factors When Choosing Your Retail POS System
Still not sure? It’s worth sitting down with a cuppa and thinking about these three key areas:
1. Inventory Management
If you only sell five items, any system will do. But if you have hundreds of SKUs, you need a system that doesn't make stock-taking a nightmare. Epos Now is particularly strong here, allowing you to set low-stock alerts so you never run out of your best-sellers. You can even learn how to add upsell products to boost your average order value.
2. Hardware Quality
Don't forget the physical stuff! You need a screen that’s responsive and a card reader that doesn't disconnect every five minutes. While Shopify uses iPads (which are great but can be fragile), systems like Epos Now offer purpose-built, sturdy hardware designed for constant use in a busy retail environment.
3. Reporting and Insights
A pos system should tell you more than just how much money is in the drawer. It should tell you your profit margins, your best performing staff members, and your customer retention rates. We’ve found that dedicated systems like Epos Now generally provide more "business intelligence" than the simpler, payment-focused apps.
Alt Text: A business owner looking at sales reports on a tablet.
Which One Should You Pick?
So, who wins the battle of the best pos system?
- Choose Shopify POS if your business is "Online First." If 80% of your sales happen on your website and you just need a till for the occasional market or a small showroom, the integration is unbeatable.
- Choose SumUp POS if you’re on a very tight budget or just starting out as a sole trader. It’s the cheapest pos system to get up and running with quickly.
- Choose Epos Now if you are a dedicated retailer looking to grow. It’s the most balanced all-rounder for the UK market, offering the best mix of powerful software, reliable hardware, and local support.
In our opinion, for most bricks-and-mortar shops in the UK, the Epos Now till system provides the best value for money and the most room to scale. It’s built for the long haul, and the 24/7 support gives you that peace of mind that’s hard to put a price on.
If you’re still weighing up your options, why not take a look at our guide on what is the best epos system in the uk? It covers even more brands to help you make the perfect choice.
And hey, if you're actually looking for something specifically for food and drink, you might want to see how these compare to a restaurant pos system or even something like Toast POS.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a system that works for you, not one that you have to work for. Happy selling!