What’s the Best POS (or Epos) System in the UK?

Running a business comes with no shortage of challenges – managing inventory, tracking sales, processing payments, scheduling staff, and more. An electronic point of sale (EPOS) system can provide invaluable help with handling many of these complex tasks in one centralised platform.

To clarify for a new user: POS (Point of Sale) is a term for the place where a customer transaction is completed, while EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) refers specifically to modern, digital systems with additional functionality. For all intents and purposes, they’re the same thing in 2024.

But which system will serve your business the best? I’ve analysed all of the top suppliers in the UK POS market, comparing features and functionality, pricing and customer support.

I’ll also explain the difference between some of the entry-level card readers, which come with basic EPOS functionality through an app, and the more complex full-service machines offered by the top EPOS specialists.

» MORE Read our full article on The Best Card Machines for Small Business

How to Choose the Best POS (Epos) System for Your Business

If you’re new to the world of POS systems, I can help you make an informed decision. I’ve been where you are, and I know that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But don’t worry; let’s tackle this step-by-step.

1. Know your business inside out.

The first step is to really understand your own business. What are the specific needs of your organisation? What areas need streamlining? Who is going to be managing the POS, and what functionality would help that person do their job better?

2. Zero in on must-have features.

Once you know your business needs, make a list of the features that are essential for you. For example, if you’re a retailer, you might need inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and loyalty programs. If you’re a restaurant owner, you might need table management, order tracking, and kitchen display systems.

3. Budget isn’t just a number.

Next, consider your budget. EPOS systems can range in price from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. It’s important to find a system that fits your budget and your needs. If you’re on a tight budget, there are many affordable EPOS systems available, such as Yuma POS or Takepayments. For larger businesses with more complex needs, there are more expensive systems available, such as Lightspeed.

4. Read the fine print.

Before you sign a contract, be sure to read the fine print carefully. Pay attention to the contract length, termination terms, transaction fees, and any other important details. You don’t want to be stuck with a system that you’re unhappy with.

5. Ratings tell a story.

When you’re narrowing down your options, be sure to read customer reviews. This can give you valuable insights into the pros and cons of different EPOS systems.

6. Don’t skimp on support.

Even the best EPOS systems can have problems from time to time. That’s why it’s important to choose a system with reliable customer support. Look for a provider that offers 24/7 support and has a good track record of resolving customer issues quickly.

Avoid common pitfalls.

Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when choosing an EPOS system:

• Flying blind. Don’t choose a system without doing your research. Take the time to compare different systems and read customer reviews.
• Short-sighted choices. Choose a system that can scale with your business. You don’t want to have to upgrade your system in a year or two.
• Ignoring hidden costs. Some EPOS systems have hidden costs, such as add-ons and additional hardware. Be sure to factor in all of the costs when making your decision.

What are the Best POS (Epos) Systems for Business?

Here’s a basic summary of my top choices for POS suppliers in the UK. Further down, I’ll go into more detail about each brand and who they’re appropriate for.

The 8 Best POS Systems: My Verdict

Square: the best entry-level POS system for micro business

Square is a popular POS system that is known for its affordability, ease of use, and range of features. I think it’s one of the best small business EPOS available in the UK.

It’s affordable, intuitive to use, has good customer support, and takes security seriously.

The system is designed to grow with you, so as your business expands, you can seamlessly transition to more advanced features and hardware. No need for a big upfront investment; you scale as you grow.

It’s efficient, adaptable, and, most importantly, it doesn’t tie you down into contracts.

The only real caveat is that Square uses a ‘blended transaction fee’, charging a flat percentage for all card types. This is simple and easy to understand, but it may not be the most cost-effective option for businesses with monthly turnover over £5,000.

In a blended fee structure, debit card transactions cost the same as credit card transactions. However, debit cards generally incur lower fees for merchants, meaning you could be paying as low as 0.3% on these as opposed to 1.75% with Square.

For higher-volume businesses, it is worth considering EPOS systems with unblended fees.

Why We Like It

I like Square because it offers an incredibly easy and affordable way for micro businesses to begin taking payments with minimum hassle. Here are some of the things I like about it:

• The free POS software is easy to use and set up. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can get up and running with Square in minutes.
• The card reader is affordable and reliable. You can start with the £16 card reader and upgrade to more sophisticated hardware as your business grows.
• The system is adaptable. You can start with the basics and then add features as you need them. For example, you can integrate apps from Square’s App Marketplace or upgrade to the Square for Restaurants plan.

Who Is It Good For?

Square is a good choice for micro-businesses of all types, ranging from market stalls right up to a retail store with a small card turnover of up to £5kpm.

How Does It Work?

Square’s POS system is easy to set up and use. You can download the app to your mobile device or tablet, and then connect a card reader. You can also use Square’s hardware, such as the Square Stand or Square Terminal.

Once you have set up your Square account, you can start accepting payments. You can create and manage your menu or product catalogue, and you can also track inventory. Square also offers a variety of reports that can help you track your sales and expenses.

How does Square compare to its competitors?

• Compared to Lightspeed POS, Square offers a more user-friendly and affordable solution but falls short in providing specialized features suitable for businesses with complex needs. Lightspeed excels in integrating with a wide range of third-party applications but comes at a higher cost and with a steeper learning curve. Additionally, its customer support is not as robust as Square’s.
• Shopify POS integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s e-commerce platform, allowing businesses to manage both online and in-store sales. It offers a wide range of features and good customer support but is more expensive than Square and not as flexible or scalable.
• Clover offers competitive pricing and a good selection of hardware options. It also integrates well with a wide range of third-party applications. However, its software is not as user-friendly as Square’s, and its customer support doesn’t match Square’s level of service.
• PayPal Zettle is another affordable and easy-to-use option, with a good selection of hardware. However, it doesn’t offer as many features as some of its competitors and its customer support is not as strong as Square’s.

Zettle: Best Entry-Level POS for Paypal Integration

Zettle POS is another very simple mobile point-of-sale system designed for micro businesses and popups. It offers payments, order management, inventory, reporting, and employee time tracking features.

It’s owned by Paypal, so if that’s a payment method you’re already using, you’ll find the integration perfect.

Zettle gets positive feedback for its simple interface, affordable hardware, and transparent pricing. However, some users report issues with limited features and credit card processing errors. The basic POS app is free.

Overall, I prefer Square for its wider range of features like CRM, loyalty programs, and more robust e-commerce support. It’s also cheaper in terms of hardware, costing £19+VAT for a card reader compared to Zettle’s £29+VAT.

Square also wins on reporting capabilities and customer reviews highlight better support and ease of use.

However, Zettle has its moments. It’s a straightforward option if you’re mainly doing in-person sales. It also has a couple of unique features—repeat payments and barcode scanning—that may fit specific needs.

Why We Like It

Zettle stands out with its free POS app that provides all the essentials to take payments quickly. For those with simple needs or tight budgets, it’s an excellent way to modernize point of sale without monthly costs.

The card reader seamlessly integrates for taking payments on the go. We also like Zettle’s transparent pricing – no hidden fees, just pay per transaction. While it lacks advanced capabilities, the basic features work well for small retailers and hospitality companies.

For basic mobile POS needs, Zettle strikes a great balance between simplicity and core functionality. It’s an affordable way to start taking cards and manage sales.

How does Zettle compare with competitors?

• Square: While both Zettle and Square offer affordability and ease of use, Square has a slight edge in terms of scalability and feature range. Square also has stronger customer support and a more global reach, which could be factors for businesses looking to expand.
• Shopify POS: Shopify POS excels in e-commerce integration and offers a wider range of features than Zettle. However, Zettle comes in as a more affordable option and could be better suited for businesses that don’t require online and in-store sales integration.
• Lightspeed POS: Lightspeed offers a more specialized set of features better tailored for businesses with complex needs. In contrast, Zettle keeps things simple and affordable, making it a good option for small businesses with straightforward requirements.
• Clover EPOS System: Both Zettle and Clover offer competitive pricing and a good selection of hardware options. However, Clover allows for more third-party app integrations, whereas Zettle keeps it simple with fewer features and less scalability.

Lightspeed: Best POS for Retail and Hospitality Businesses

Lightspeed is a major player in the POS industry, offering very feature-rich solutions for both retail and hospitality businesses. For larger businesses, especially with multiple locations, I see them as the best solution out there at the moment: they have 150+ Michelin-starred restaurants on their client list.

Lightspeed’s level of reporting and customer insights is unmatched. They also offer the widest level of integrations of any brand I’ve encountered. On the downside, they do insist you use their own payment processing – Lightspeed Payments – although that’s fairly standard practice in this industry.

Their X Series, (formerly Vend) is a cloud-based POS system aimed at retail businesses. It offers superb inventory management tools, customer profiles, loyalty programs, and reporting, amongst a host of features.

They also have a great solution for hospitality businesses which integrates seamlessly with various Property Management Systems (PMS), and offers advanced reporting and payment options. Additional features include a unified payment platform, cloud-based inventory management, and customer service tools that function on a cloud-based iPad system. The service extends to facilitating both dine-in and takeaway orders through their ‘Order Anywhere’ platform.

Plans start at £39 per month, with add-ons for registers, locations, and advanced features. However, it does offer a free 14-day trial to test it out.

Why We Like It

It offers granular inventory management, omnichannel selling, customisable reports, and loyalty programs help take your business to the next level.

I like that Lightspeed gives you flexibility. It works on any internet-connected Apple device and has mobile apps for checkout and inventory scanning. It also integrates with many e-commerce platforms and accounting software.

While it’s pricier than some POS systems, Lightspeed packs in the features. The two-week free trial lets you experience its capabilities risk-free.

How Does Lightspeed Compare to Competitors?

• Compared to Square, Lightspeed offers more specialized and robust features but at a higher cost. Square has the advantage in user-friendliness, affordability, and a wider range of features suitable for smaller businesses.
• When set against Shopify POS, Lightspeed offers greater flexibility and scalability, although both systems integrate well with various third-party applications. Shopify POS, while integrating seamlessly with its e-commerce platform, is less flexible and more expensive than both Lightspeed and Square.
• Clover, on the other hand, offers competitive pricing and a good range of hardware options but falls short in terms of user-friendly software and customer support when compared to Lightspeed.
• PayPal Zettle is the most affordable and easy-to-use option among the lot but lacks the extensive features offered by Lightspeed. Its customer support is also not as robust.

YumaPOS: Best Priced Complete UK Pos System for Small Business

YumaPOS is a very competitively priced cloud-based POS system for small to medium-sized businesses across various sectors, including retail and hospitality.

Its biggest selling point is the fact that one simple subscription payment gets you everything, including hardware, with no additional or hidden costs. This makes it very easy to get up and running without a large upfront expense.

It offers an array of features such as inventory management, customer loyalty programs, online ordering, and seamless payment solutions, all integrated into a user-friendly interface. YumaPOS aims to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and boost sales with its comprehensive toolkit.

Why We Like It

YumaPOS is definitely the most competitively priced POS solution I’ve encountered. For a small business wanting a decent level of functionality without having to spend a lot, it’s an appealing option. That flat subscription fee covers everything, too, you won’t get charged for additional extras further down the line.

Who is it Good For

YumaPOS is particularly suited for small to medium-sized hospitality businesses that require a comprehensive, all-in-one POS solution.

How Does it Work?

YumaPOS operates as a cloud-based service, allowing users to access the system via any internet-connected device. After setting up an account, businesses can customize the system to suit their specific needs, from tailoring the product catalogue and pricing to configuring the online ordering system. Transactions are processed in real-time, with sales data and inventory levels automatically updated. The system also includes support for managing employee access and roles, ensuring secure operations.

How does YumaPOS compare to its competitors?

• Square: Square is known for its simplicity and ease of use, attracting many small businesses with its straightforward approach to POS. However, it ties merchants into a 1.6% fixed transaction fee, which may not be ideal for all businesses. YumaPOS differentiates itself by offering negotiable transaction rates, potentially providing more cost-effective solutions for businesses based on their volume and needs. Additionally, YumaPOS boasts superior UK customer service, offering more localized and responsive support compared to Square.
• Lightspeed: Lightspeed POS is a comprehensive solution designed for businesses with complex needs, offering advanced inventory management and integration capabilities. While it caters to a broad range of business sizes, its complexity and cost can be daunting for smaller businesses. YumaPOS, in contrast, offers a much simpler and more affordable solution, focusing on providing a complete package that includes hardware for a fixed fee. This makes YumaPOS particularly appealing to smaller businesses seeking an uncomplicated, all-in-one POS solution without the need for extensive customization.
• Shopify: Shopify is primarily celebrated for its e-commerce platform capabilities, recently venturing into the POS sector. While it provides seamless integration for businesses operating both online and offline, its POS features may not be as developed or comprehensive as those dedicated solely to POS services. YumaPOS, on the other hand, is more focused on delivering POS solutions, including hardware bundles and support, making it a more suitable option for businesses prioritizing in-store sales and service over e-commerce integration. This focus allows YumaPOS to offer specialized POS features and support that Shopify is currently developing.

Talech: Best EPOS System for Mobile Businesses

Talech is another major cloud-based POS system designed for retail, restaurant, and service businesses. It offers features like order management, inventory tracking, employee management, and reporting. Talech aims to provide an intuitive and easy-to-use system at an affordable price point.

The software gets positive reviews for usability and customer support. However, some users report issues with technical glitches and credit card processing errors.

Why We Like It

Talech stands out for packing a robust feature set into an intuitive and competitively priced package. It aims to provide everything a small retail or hospitality business needs to get up and running quickly.

The software is easy to set up, even for non-technical users. Talech offers tailored solutions for different industries with relevant features built-in. It also gives you flexibility in payment processing instead of locking you into one provider.

While Talech may not be as advanced as some POS systems, its combination of usability, features, and price make it an appealing choice for budget-conscious small businesses. For those needing just the basics to start taking payments and managing operations, Talech is worth considering.

How Does Talech compare with competitors?

• Square: Square excels in ease of use, affordability, and scalability. It boasts a wide range of features and strong customer support. However, it may not be cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes and lacks specialized hardware and software options.
• Shopify POS: Shopify POS integrates well with its e-commerce platform and offers a wide range of features along with good customer support. However, it is generally more expensive and less flexible than both Talech and Square.
• Clover: Clover offers competitive pricing and a variety of hardware options, along with integration capabilities with various third-party apps. Its software is not as user-friendly as Talech’s or Square’s, and its customer support is not as strong.
• PayPal Zettle: This system is affordable and easy to use, with a good selection of hardware options. However, it lacks the range of features offered by competitors like Talech and has weaker customer support.

Shopify: Best EPOS System for E-commerce Businesses

Shopify POS integrates Shopify’s powerful e-commerce platform with an easy-to-use point of sale system. It syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data. Shopify POS offers mobile checkout, payment processing, order management, inventory tracking, staff management, and reporting.

The system gets strong reviews for its intuitive interface, robust feature set, and seamless omnichannel selling capabilities. However, Shopify POS requires a paid Shopify subscription, so it lacks a free POS option. Monthly fees start at £25 for Shopify Lite or £89 for Shopify POS Pro.

Why We Like It

Shopify POS is ideal for retailers who sell online and in brick-and-mortar stores. It makes omnichannel selling easy by centralizing data across channels on one dashboard. The system ensures inventory stays in sync so you never oversell an item.

We like Shopify POS for its mobile capabilities. You can check out customers anywhere in the store right from the app. It also lets you look up purchase histories and send customers follow-ups from any device.

This is the ideal choice if you’re an e-commerce sell principally with perhaps one location. If you’re larger than this, or not operating online as your primary model, something like Lightspeed offers a more advanced functionality.

How does Shopify POS compare with competitors?

• Square: While Square is generally more affordable and easier to use, Shopify POS offers the distinct advantage of seamless integration with its own e-commerce platform, allowing for a unified online and in-store sales experience.
• Lightspeed POS: Lightspeed offers more specialized features and is better suited for businesses with complex needs, but Shopify POS stands out for its e-commerce integration and potentially easier user experience.
• Clover: Clover may offer more competitive pricing and hardware options, but Shopify POS excels in e-commerce integration and a broader feature set, which could be advantageous for retailers who operate both online and offline.
• PayPal Zettle: PayPal Zettle is more affordable and straightforward for basic needs, but Shopify POS offers a more comprehensive range of features and the benefit of e-commerce integration.

Clover EPOS System

Clover POS is a popular point-of-sale system designed for retail shops, restaurants, and service businesses. It offers hardware, software, and payment processing in one package. Clover features inventory management, employee management, customer loyalty programs, and robust reporting.

The system gets positive reviews for its modern design and intuitive interface. However, Clover has faced complaints about poor customer service and lack of pricing transparency.

Why We Like It

Clover stands out for its polished software and hardware that makes taking payments simple. Even first-time users can get up and running quickly with minimal training needed.

We like Clover’s flexibility – it caters to diverse business types with tailored POS solutions. Options like restaurant floor planning and retail barcode scanning enable owners to create a customized system.

The app marketplace also allows limitless integrations to enhance your setup. While Clover lacks pricing transparency, its features help streamline operations for scaling businesses.

How does Clover EPOS System compare with competitors?

• Square: While Square offers a more user-friendly software and stronger customer support, Clover competes well in terms of pricing and its diverse hardware options. Clover also integrates with a wide range of third-party apps, making it versatile for various business needs.
• Shopify POS: Shopify POS has the unique advantage of seamless e-commerce integration and a broad feature set, but Clover offers more competitive pricing and a variety of hardware options, which may be better suited for businesses focused solely on in-store operations.
• Lightspeed POS: Lightspeed provides specialized and robust features tailored for businesses with complex needs. However, Clover offers a more competitively priced alternative with a good selection of hardware, albeit with less specialized features.
• PayPal Zettle: PayPal Zettle offers affordability and ease of use but lacks the feature depth and third-party integrations that Clover provides. While customer support on both platforms may not be as strong as some competitors, Clover’s hardware options may offer more versatility.

Epos Now: Best All-in-One Epos System for Small Business

Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system designed for retail, hospitality, and service businesses. It offers features like inventory management, purchase ordering, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting.

Epos Now gets mixed reviews, with some praising its ease of use and responsive support while others report technical issues and misleading sales practices. Plans start at £25/month.

Why We Like It

Epos Now stands out for providing an intuitive POS system tailored to diverse business types. The software packs in relevant features for retailers, restaurants, salons, and other industries.

We like that Epos Now offers 24/7 customer support at no extra charge. Users also praise the system’s ease of use, with some reporting they got up and running within 15 minutes.

While Epos Now has faced some criticism over pricing and technical issues, its industry-specific POS can streamline operations for small and medium businesses.

How does Epos Now compare with competitors?

• Square: While Square excels in user-friendliness and affordability, Epos Now offers greater flexibility and scalability, along with a wide range of third-party app integrations. However, Epos Now can come at a higher cost and may have a more complex software interface.
• Shopify POS: Shopify POS stands out for its e-commerce integration and wide feature set, but Epos Now offers greater scalability and flexibility, particularly for businesses not requiring a strong e-commerce component. The complexity and cost of Epos Now could be downsides when compared to Shopify POS.
• Lightspeed POS: Lightspeed specializes in robust features tailored for complex business needs and integrates well with third-party apps. Epos Now competes well in these areas but tends to be more flexible and scalable. However, both platforms can be expensive and may present a learning curve for new users.

What is an EPOS System?

An EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system is a combination of software and hardware designed to facilitate and automate the sales process.

Going beyond the functions of a traditional cash register, an EPOS system integrates various features to manage inventory, customer data, financial reports, and other business operations. It usually comprises:

• a card reader or card payment terminal
• software to manage inventory, track sales data, generate reports
• hardware like barcode scanners, receipt printers

The software component can integrate with other business systems such as accounting, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and e-commerce platforms, creating a cohesive ecosystem for managing various aspects of business operations.

Types of EPOS Systems

For the newcomer, the world of EPOS can seem daunting, with a vast spectrum of systems ranging from entry-level card readers to complex top-tier EPOS systems designed for multi-channel integration.

I’ve outlined that range below

Frequently Asked Questions