10 Best ePOS Systems in UK [2026 Edition]

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Choosing the right ePOS system can make a big difference to how smoothly a business runs. Modern POS systems help process payments, manage orders, track inventory, and monitor daily sales in real time.

For cafés, restaurants, takeaway shops, and retail stores across the UK, a reliable POS system can improve service speed and reduce operational mistakes. Many systems also integrate with online ordering, accounting software, and reporting tools.

In this guide, we compare 10 of the best ePOS systems in the UK for 2026, looking at their key features, pricing structure, merchant fees, and the type of businesses they are best suited for.

What is an ePOS System?

An ePOS system (Electronic Point of Sale) is a digital system that businesses use to process transactions and manage daily operations.

Unlike traditional tills, modern ePOS systems combine payment processing with business management tools.

Typical functions include:

• Taking customer orders
• Processing card and cash payments
• Tracking sales
• Managing inventory
• Generating reports
• Monitoring staff activity

Many systems also integrate with accounting software, online ordering platforms, and delivery services.

Because most modern systems are cloud-based, business owners can view reports and monitor operations from anywhere using a laptop or mobile device.

Main Components of an ePOS System

A complete POS setup normally includes three main elements.

Hardware

The hardware is the physical equipment used to run the POS system.

Typical hardware includes:

• Touchscreen POS terminal or tablet
• Card reader or payment terminal
• Receipt printer
• Cash drawer
• Kitchen display system for restaurants

Many modern POS systems use tablets such as iPads or Android devices instead of traditional POS terminals.

Software

POS software controls how orders are taken and how transactions are processed.

Most systems include tools such as:

• Product and menu management
• Inventory tracking
• Sales reporting
• Staff management
• Customer loyalty tools

The software interface is designed to help staff process orders quickly during busy service periods.

Payment Processing

Most POS providers include integrated payment processing.

This allows businesses to accept:

• Contactless payments
• Chip and PIN cards
• Mobile wallets
• Online payments

Payment providers usually charge a small transaction fee for each card payment.

10 Best ePOS Systems in the UK for 2026

The following systems are widely used by hospitality and retail businesses across the UK.

POSApt

Overview

POSApt is a cloud-based POS system designed for hospitality businesses such as cafés, restaurants, and takeaway shops. The platform focuses on combining in-store POS functions with online ordering and operational tools so businesses can manage their venue from a single system.

The system integrates payments, online orders, kitchen communication, and staff management, helping venues run service efficiently while maintaining control over menus, pricing, and reporting.

Key capabilities include:

• Payment integration supporting major card payments through integrated payment partners
• Online ordering integration allowing customers to order directly from the restaurant website
• Branded WordPress website option connected to the POS system for direct online ordering with a small additional cost
• 24/7 human customer support so businesses can receive assistance any time service issues occur
• Staff management tools to monitor employee activity and manage permissions
• Kitchen display system allowing orders to be sent directly to kitchen screens
• Inventory control tools helping track stock levels and ingredient usage
• Sales reporting and analytics to monitor daily business performance

This combination of POS software, online ordering, and operational tools makes POSApt particularly suitable for hospitality businesses that want an integrated system.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS software from £29 per month
• Merchant fee from 0.99%, depending on merchant approval
• POS hardware purchased separately, depending on setup
• Branded website design available with a small additional monthly cost

Square POS

Overview

Square is one of the most widely used POS systems for small businesses in the UK. It is known for its simple setup process and transparent pricing structure, making it attractive for independent cafés, small retailers, and mobile businesses.

The Square POS application can run on tablets or smartphones and includes tools for sales tracking, inventory management, and customer engagement.

Key capabilities include:

• POS software that works on tablets and mobile devices
• Integrated payment processing for card and contactless payments
• Inventory management tools for tracking products and stock levels
• Customer management and loyalty tools
• Online store integration for businesses selling both in-store and online
• Sales reporting dashboards showing daily and monthly performance

Square is widely used by smaller businesses because it allows owners to start with minimal upfront costs while still accessing modern POS features.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS software free plan available
• Restaurant POS subscription from around £69 per month per location
• Merchant fee around 1.75% per in-person card payment
• Hardware such as card readers and terminals purchased separately

Lightspeed POS

Overview

Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS platform designed for hospitality venues and retail businesses that require more advanced operational tools. The system offers detailed inventory tracking, reporting capabilities, and multi-location management.

Lightspeed is commonly used by larger cafés, restaurant groups, and retail chains that need strong reporting and management features across multiple locations.

Key capabilities include:

• Cloud POS system designed for hospitality and retail environments
• Advanced inventory tracking for managing product stock and ingredients
• Customer relationship management tools
• Detailed sales analytics and reporting dashboards
• Multi-location management for businesses operating multiple venues
• Ecommerce integrations for businesses selling both in store and online

The system focuses on providing deeper operational insights for businesses that need more advanced POS capabilities.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS subscription from around £75 per month depending on plan
• Higher tier plans available with advanced reporting and features
• Merchant fees depend on payment provider and merchant agreement
• Hardware purchased separately depending on device setup

Epos Now

Overview

Epos Now is a UK-based POS provider that offers both software and hardware solutions for hospitality and retail businesses. The company provides an all-in-one system designed to manage front-of-house operations, payments, and reporting.

The platform is widely used by restaurants, pubs, and retail stores that want a complete POS solution including hardware packages.

Key capabilities include:

• POS software designed for hospitality and retail environments
• Table management tools for restaurants and bars
• Kitchen display system integration
• Inventory management and stock tracking
• Real-time reporting dashboards
• Hardware bundles including POS terminals and card machines

Epos Now focuses on providing a complete POS ecosystem that includes both software and hardware solutions.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS subscription plans typically start around £39 per month
• Hardware bundles available depending on POS setup
• Merchant fees depend on the payment processing agreement
• Additional services such as installation or support may be available

PayPal POS (Zettle)

Overview

PayPal POS, formerly known as Zettle, is a simple POS solution designed for small businesses and independent retailers. The system focuses on providing a straightforward payment and sales management platform.

The POS application works with portable card readers and mobile devices, making it suitable for businesses that need flexible payment solutions.

Key capabilities include:

• POS mobile application for processing sales
• Portable card reader devices for accepting payments
• Product catalogue and inventory tools
• Sales reporting dashboards
• PayPal integration for payment processing
• Simple setup suitable for small businesses

The system is particularly popular with small retailers and cafés that need a simple POS system without complex setup.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS software free to use
• Card reader hardware available starting around £29
• Merchant fee around 1.75% per card payment
• No fixed monthly subscription required for basic use

SumUp POS

Overview

SumUp offers a simple POS platform designed for small merchants and independent traders. The system combines portable payment terminals with POS software that allows businesses to manage sales and products.

It is commonly used by small retail businesses, market vendors, and cafés that want a simple payment and POS solution.

Key capabilities include:

• POS mobile application for processing transactions
• Portable card readers and payment terminals
• Basic inventory tracking tools
• Sales reporting dashboards
• Payment processing integration
• Optional POS system with expanded features

SumUp focuses on providing an easy entry into POS technology for small businesses.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS software free plan available
• Merchant fee around 1.69% per in-person card payment
• POS Pro system available around £49 per month
• Hardware purchased separately depending on device

Clover POS

Overview

Clover provides POS software combined with dedicated POS hardware devices. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to customise their setup with different hardware options and applications.

Clover is commonly used by hospitality venues and retailers that want integrated payment terminals and POS functionality.

Key capabilities include:

• POS software integrated with Clover hardware terminals
• Inventory management and product tracking
• Reporting dashboards showing sales performance
• Customer loyalty and marketing tools
• App marketplace allowing additional features
• Flexible POS setup depending on business needs

The platform allows businesses to build a POS system that fits their operational requirements.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS service fees starting around £9.99 per month depending on plan
• Merchant transaction fees from around 1.49%, depending on the agreement
• Hardware purchased or leased, depending on setup
• Custom pricing available for higher volume businesses

TouchBistro

Overview

TouchBistro is a POS system designed specifically for restaurants and hospitality venues. The platform focuses on improving table service operations and kitchen communication.

The system provides tools designed for full-service restaurants where managing tables, orders, and staff efficiently is important.

Key capabilities include:

• Table management tools for restaurant floor layouts
• Order routing from POS to kitchen display systems
• Staff management and scheduling tools
• Sales reporting and performance analytics
• Menu management for restaurants and bars
• Integration with payment processing providers

TouchBistro is often used by restaurants that require specialised hospitality POS features.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS subscription starting around £69 per month, depending on plan
• Additional features available depending on subscription level
• Merchant fees depend on the integrated payment provider
• Hardware purchased separately, depending on setup

Zonal EPOS

Overview

Zonal is a UK hospitality technology provider focused on larger hospitality groups and restaurant chains. The system offers advanced operational tools designed for complex hospitality environments.

The platform integrates POS operations with booking systems, reporting tools, and management dashboards.

Key capabilities include:

• Hospitality POS system designed for restaurants and pubs
• Reservation and booking integrations
• Kitchen management and order routing tools
• Advanced analytics and business reporting
• Multi-site management for hospitality groups
• Integration with other hospitality technology platforms

Zonal is commonly used by large hospitality operators that require enterprise-level POS systems.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS rental packages starting around £229 per month depending on setup
• Implementation and installation costs depending on system size
• Merchant fees negotiated with payment provider
• Long-term contracts often required for enterprise deployments

ICRTouch

Overview

ICRTouch is an established POS software provider used widely in hospitality environments across the UK. The company provides modular POS software that can be customised depending on business requirements.

The system supports restaurants, bars, takeaway shops, and hospitality venues.

Key capabilities include:

• Modular POS software designed for hospitality businesses
• Kitchen display system support
• Inventory management and stock control
• Loyalty and customer engagement tools
• Sales reporting and performance analytics
• Integration with payment providers and third-party tools

ICRTouch allows businesses to customise their POS setup using different software modules.

Pricing in the UK

Typical UK pricing includes:

• POS pricing available through authorised resellers
• Monthly subscription or licence depending on provider
• Merchant fees depend on payment processing partner
• Hardware purchased separately depending on installation

Expected ePOS Cost Comparison (Average UK Restaurant)

Calculation Note

The estimated costs in this table are based on a typical restaurant example.

Assumptions used for the calculation:

• Average monthly restaurant revenue: £50,000
• Card payments assumed: 80% of revenue (£40,000)
• Cash payments assumed: 20% of revenue
• Merchant fees are calculated on the £40,000 card transactions
• POS subscription fees are added to the merchant cost to estimate the total monthly POS cost

The pricing information used in this comparison is based on publicly available information from each company’s official website as of March 2026.

Actual pricing, merchant fees, and contract terms may vary depending on business type, payment provider, negotiated rates, and individual merchant approval.

Businesses should request a formal quote from each provider before making a final decision.

Typical ePOS System Costs in the UK

The cost of an ePOS system can vary depending on features, hardware, and payment processing fees.

Typical price ranges in 2026 include:

Some systems offer free POS software but charge higher payment processing fees.

Others charge monthly subscriptions but provide lower transaction rates.

Businesses should consider the total operating cost, not just the monthly software fee.

Key Features to Look for in an ePOS System

Choosing the right POS system requires understanding which features matter most for daily operations.

Fast Order and Payment Processing

Speed is essential in hospitality environments. A good POS system should allow staff to enter orders quickly and process payments without delays.

Key capabilities include:

• Fast order entry screens
• Table management tools
• Split bill functionality
• Quick payment processing
• Refund and discount control

These features help reduce queues and improve customer service.

Inventory Management

Inventory tracking helps businesses maintain stock levels and avoid shortages.

Modern POS systems often include:

• Automatic stock updates after each sale
• Ingredient tracking for menu items
• Low stock alerts
• Purchase order management

This information helps businesses reduce waste and improve purchasing decisions.

Sales Reporting and Analytics

Reporting tools provide valuable insight into business performance.

Most POS systems offer reports showing:

• Best-selling products
• Daily and weekly revenue
• Peak trading times
• Staff performance
• Profit margins

These insights help owners make better operational decisions.

Online Ordering Integration

Online ordering has become essential for many restaurants and takeaway businesses.

Modern POS systems often integrate with:

• Online ordering websites
• Delivery platforms
• Accounting software
• Loyalty programmes

This allows businesses to manage online and in-store orders from a single system.

How to Choose the Best ePOS System

Selecting the right POS system depends on the size and needs of your business.

Important factors to consider include the following.

Business Size and Complexity

Small businesses often prefer simple POS systems with lower monthly costs.

Larger businesses may require more advanced features such as:

• Multi-location reporting
• Complex inventory tracking
• Kitchen management systems

Payment Processing Fees

Transaction fees can significantly affect operating costs.

Businesses should compare:

• Card processing fees
• Monthly subscription fees
• Hardware costs
• Additional feature charges

Even small differences in payment fees can add up over time.

Hardware Compatibility

Different POS systems support different hardware devices.

Businesses should check whether the system works with:

• iPads
• Android tablets
• Dedicated POS terminals

Hardware choice can influence both cost and durability.

Customer Support

Reliable support is essential for hospitality businesses that operate long hours.

Before choosing a system, businesses should confirm:

• Support availability
• Training options
• Setup assistance
• Emergency support procedures

Advantages of Modern Cloud ePOS Systems

Cloud POS systems provide several benefits compared with traditional tills.

Remote Access

Owners can monitor sales and business performance from anywhere.

Improved Efficiency

Fast order entry and integrated payment processing reduce service delays.

Better Business Insights

Detailed reports help businesses understand customer behaviour and sales trends.

Integration with Online Sales

Modern POS systems connect easily with online ordering platforms and delivery services.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ePOS system is one of the most important technology decisions for hospitality and retail businesses in the UK.

A good POS system helps businesses process payments quickly, manage stock effectively, and understand their sales performance.

The UK market offers many strong options in 2026. Systems such as POSApt, Square, Lightspeed, Epos Now, and Zettle each provide different strengths depending on the needs of the business.

Small businesses may prioritise simplicity and affordability. Larger venues often require advanced reporting and multi-location management tools.

Before selecting a system, businesses should compare:

• Software costs
• Transaction fees
• Hardware requirements
• Feature availability
• Support services

Choosing the right POS platform can improve efficiency, increase profitability, and create a better experience for both customers and staff.

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This content is brought to you by Oliver Hayes

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