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 endless comparison charts. That's why we've done the heavy lifting for you.
In this guide, we're putting three of the most popular EPOS systems head-to-head: SumUp, Epos Now, and Shopify POS. Whether you're running a cosy café, a bustling retail shop, or juggling both online and in-store sales, we'll help you figure out which system actually makes sense for your business.
Let's dive in.
The Quick Verdict
Short on time? Here's our take:
- SumUp is brilliant for small businesses and startups watching their budget
- Epos Now is the powerhouse for restaurants, retail shops, and multi-site operations
- Shopify POS is perfect if you're selling both online and in-store
Of course, there's a lot more nuance to it than that. So let's break down each system properly.
Pricing: What Will It Actually Cost You?
Let's be honest: pricing is usually the first thing we all look at. Here's how these three stack up:
SumUp
SumUp is the budget-friendly champion here. You can get started with their free app and only pay transaction fees starting from around 1.69%. If you want more features like staff management and customer rewards, their paid plan comes in at £99/month. For many small businesses, this is incredibly attractive.
Epos Now
Epos Now sits at the premium end of the market. You're paying more upfront, but you're also getting enterprise-level features that smaller systems simply can't match. If you're running multiple locations or need advanced inventory controls, the investment often pays for itself. We break down the full costs in our Epos Now till system review.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS starts from just £5/month if you're already on a Shopify plan: making it very affordable for existing Shopify users. However, to unlock the really useful features, you'll likely need to upgrade, which can add up.
Our take: If budget is your primary concern, SumUp wins. But if you need a system that'll grow with your business and handle complexity, Epos Now offers better long-term value.
Ease of Use: How Quickly Can You Get Started?
Nobody wants to spend weeks learning a new system. Here's how user-friendly each option is:
SumUp takes the crown here with a 4.8/5 ease-of-use rating. Most users can learn the basics in about 15 minutes: seriously. It's designed to be simple, and it delivers on that promise.
Shopify POS comes in at 4.6/5. If you're already familiar with Shopify's ecosystem, you'll feel right at home. The interface is clean and intuitive.
Epos Now requires a bit more setup time, but it's still fairly easy to navigate once you're up and running. The learning curve is worth it when you consider the depth of features you're getting access to.
Features: What Can Each System Actually Do?
This is where things get interesting. All three systems cover the basics: payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer accounts. But the details matter.
SumUp Features
- Simple inventory tracking
- Basic sales reporting
- Staff management (on paid plans)
- Customer rewards programme
- Email marketing tools
- Works brilliantly for hospitality and retail
SumUp keeps things straightforward. You get what you need without the bloat. Check out our full SumUp POS system review for the complete picture.
Epos Now Features
- Advanced inventory management with purchase orders
- Multi-location support with split team and inventory controls
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- Multichannel selling capabilities
- Integration with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks
- Table management for restaurants
- Loyalty programmes
This is where Epos Now really shines. If you need serious horsepower: think multiple sites, complex inventory, or detailed staff permissions: Epos Now delivers. It's built for businesses that have outgrown basic solutions.
Shopify POS Features
- Seamless online and in-store integration
- Unified inventory across all sales channels
- Staff permissions and management
- Customer profiles synced across platforms
- Built-in marketing tools
Shopify POS is all about that omnichannel experience. If you're already selling online through Shopify, adding their POS creates a beautifully connected ecosystem. Our Shopify POS review has more details.
Which Business Type Suits Each System?
Here's where we get practical. Let's match each system to specific business types:
SumUp Is Best For:
- Small businesses and startups
- Market stalls and pop-up shops
- Small cafés and coffee shops
- Retail businesses with simple needs
- Anyone who needs to keep costs down
If you're just starting out or running a smaller operation, SumUp gives you everything you need without the complexity or cost of bigger systems.
Epos Now Is Best For:
- Restaurants and hospitality businesses
- Multi-site retail operations
- Growing businesses that need scalability
- Shops requiring advanced inventory control
- Businesses needing detailed reporting and analytics
We'd particularly recommend checking out Epos Now if you're running a restaurant. The table management, kitchen display integration, and hospitality-specific features are genuinely excellent. According to UK Hospitality, having the right tech infrastructure is increasingly crucial for hospitality businesses: and Epos Now ticks those boxes.
Shopify POS Is Best For:
- Retailers with both online and physical stores
- Businesses primarily focused on e-commerce
- Brands wanting unified inventory management
- Anyone already using Shopify for their online store
Customer Support: Who's Got Your Back?
Good news here: all three providers offer solid support options:
- 24/7 live phone support
- Email and help desk
- Live chat
- FAQ and knowledge bases
You won't be left hanging with any of these systems, which is reassuring when something goes wrong at your busiest time.
Value for Money: What Are You Actually Getting?
Let's talk bang for your buck.
SumUp offers exceptional value for small businesses. At £99/month, you get staff management, customer rewards, and email marketing: features that competitors often charge extra for.
Shopify POS scores well (4.3/5 for value) if you're already invested in the Shopify ecosystem. The integration alone can save you hours of admin work.
Epos Now might cost more upfront, but for businesses that need its advanced features, the ROI is clear. Being able to manage multiple locations, track inventory in real-time, and generate detailed reports can genuinely transform how you run your business.
Our Final Recommendation
So, which should you choose?
Go with SumUp if: You're a small business, startup, or just need something simple and affordable to get started. It's hard to beat for pure value at the entry level.
Go with Shopify POS if: You're already selling online with Shopify and want a seamless connection to your physical store. The unified experience is genuinely excellent.
Go with Epos Now if: You're serious about growth, running multiple locations, or need advanced features that simpler systems can't provide. For restaurants and established retail businesses, we think Epos Now is the strongest all-rounder.
Honestly? If we were opening a restaurant or scaling a retail business today, we'd go with Epos Now. The depth of features, reliability, and room to grow make it worth the investment.
Ready to make a decision? We'd recommend getting a demo from your top choice before committing. It's the best way to see how a system actually feels in practice. If Epos Now sounds like it might be the right fit, check out our full review here and see if it ticks your boxes.
Got questions? Feel free to get in touch: we're always happy to help you find the right EPOS system for your business.