If you’re running a shop on a UK high street today, you know that the "old school" cash register just doesn't cut it anymore. You need an epos system that works as hard as you do, whether you're selling handmade candles in a boutique or running a busy corner shop.
When you start looking for the best pos system, two names always seem to pop up: Shopify POS and Epos Now. Both are heavyweights in the industry, but they approach your business from completely different angles. One was built for the internet and moved into shops; the other was built for the shop floor and moved into the cloud.
Choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake, both in terms of your monthly budget and your daily sanity. We’ve spent a lot of time digging into the guts of both systems to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your counter.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, if you’re looking for a deep dive into the UK's home-grown favourite, check out our comprehensive Epos Now review here.
1. UK Heritage vs Global Ecommerce Giant
The first big difference is where these companies come from. Epos Now is a British success story, founded in Norwich. Because they are based right here in the UK, their epos now till system is built with the UK high street specifically in mind. They understand VAT, UK payment processors, and the specific rhythm of British retail and hospitality.
Shopify, on the other hand, is a Canadian giant. It’s arguably the most famous ecommerce platform in the world. Their shopify pos is an extension of that online power. If your business started on the web and you’re just now opening a physical location, Shopify feels like home. But if you’re a traditional brick-and-mortar shop first and foremost, you might find Epos Now speaks your language a little more clearly.
2. Standalone Flexibility vs The Ecosystem
This is a huge one for your flexibility. Epos Now is designed to be a standalone pos system. You can buy the hardware, set up the software, and you’re ready to trade. While they do offer website integration, the till system is the star of the show. It’s built to handle everything from stock takes to staff rotas right out of the box.
Shopify POS is different. You can’t really use Shopify POS without having a Shopify ecommerce plan. This means you are buying into a whole "ecosystem." For many, this is a dream because it keeps everything in one place. However, if you already have a website you love on another platform (like Wix or WordPress), forcing a move to Shopify just to use their till system can be a right headache.
If you're still weighing up your options and looking for something perhaps a bit more "plug-and-play" for simple payments, you might also want to read our SumUp POS system review.
3. Pricing: Upfront Costs vs Monthly Subscriptions
When looking for the cheapest pos system, you have to look at the "Total Cost of Ownership."
- Epos Now: They often have incredible "bundle" deals for new UK businesses, sometimes offering the hardware for a very low upfront cost when you sign up for a software contract. It’s a great way to get a professional-looking setup without a massive initial layout. You can see their latest pricing structures in our Epos Now till system review.
- Shopify POS: The pricing is a bit more layered. You pay for your Shopify web subscription, and then you pay an extra monthly fee if you want "POS Pro" features (like staff roles and advanced inventory).
We’ve found that for a single-site UK shop, Epos Now often works out as the more predictable cost, whereas Shopify can get pricey as you add more features and locations. According to reports from the Retail Gazette, UK retailers are increasingly sensitive to these recurring software costs as overheads rise.
4. Hardware Quality and Choice
Walking into a shop and seeing a sleek iPad on the counter looks great, and that’s where Shopify excels. Most Shopify setups use iPads, which are intuitive and familiar. However, iPads aren't always the "toughest" pieces of kit for a busy retail environment or a cafe where spills happen.
The Epos Now till system offers dedicated, industrial-grade hardware. Their "Pro-Touch" terminals are built for 24/7 use. They feel more like a traditional till: solid, sturdy, and designed to take a beating. They also offer the "Epos Pocket," a handheld device that’s perfect for "line-busting" or table service if you’re running a hybrid business like a deli with seating.
5. Offline Reliability: The "Broadband Crisis"
Let’s be honest: UK broadband isn't always 100% reliable. If your internet goes down on a Saturday afternoon, can you still take payments?
Shopify POS is heavily reliant on a cloud connection. While it has some limited offline capabilities, it can be a bit of a struggle if you lose your connection for a long period.
Epos Now was built with the understanding that the "show must go on." Their system is designed to handle offline sales much more robustly, syncing everything back up once your Virgin Media or BT line decides to behave again. For a high-street shop where every minute of downtime is lost revenue, this peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. It's one of the reasons many consider it the best pos system for reliability.
6. Industry-Specific Features (Retail vs Restaurant)
One area where Epos Now really pulls ahead is versatility. They offer dedicated versions of their software for different sectors.
- Retail POS system: Includes advanced stock counts, barcode printing, and margin tracking.
- Restaurant POS system: Includes table management, kitchen display screen (KDS) integration, and split billing.
Shopify is, at its heart, a retail pos system. While you can use it for a cafe, it’s not really built for hospitality. If you're running a restaurant or a bar, you'd be much better off looking at Epos Now or even a specialist like Toast. You can read more about that in our Toast EPOS for restaurants guide.
7. UK-Based Support
When your till stops working, you don't want to be talking to a chatbot or a call centre halfway across the world that doesn't understand why your "PDQ machine" isn't connecting.
Epos Now offers 24/7 UK-based support. Having someone on the phone who understands the UK retail landscape is a massive plus. Shopify has great documentation and 24/7 support too, but because they are a global company, the support can sometimes feel a bit more generic. We’ve always appreciated that Epos Now feels like a "local" partner for your business.
For more details on how their support stacks up, head over to the Epos Now review page.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, after looking at the 7 crucial differences, which pos system wins?
Choose Shopify POS if:
- You already have a successful Shopify website.
- You want the sleekest, most modern-looking hardware (iPads).
- Your primary focus is selling online, and your physical shop is a secondary "showroom."
- You can read our full Shopify POS review for more info.
Choose Epos Now if:
- You want a dedicated, "heavy-duty" epos system built for the UK high street.
- You need something that works perfectly for both retail and hospitality.
- You want a UK-based support team and hardware that's built for the long haul.
- You’re looking for a great bundle deal to get your business off the ground.
Our Final Take
In our experience at What EPOS, we reckon Epos Now is the more versatile choice for the average UK small business. It’s a workhorse that doesn't require you to move your entire website to a new platform just to ring up a sale. It’s reliable, the UK-based support is a lifesaver, and the hardware is built for the reality of shop life.
If you’re ready to take the next step and see what they can do for your shop, we highly recommend checking out our full Epos Now till system review. It covers everything from hidden fees to the best features we’ve tested.
Choosing an epos system is a big step, but don't let it overwhelm you. Both of these systems are top-tier; it’s just about finding the one that fits your specific "vibe" and business model.
Ready to upgrade your shop? Read our Epos Now Review now!