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Best EPOS System for UK Businesses: Complete Comparison
No matter what type of customer-facing business you've got, your till setup can do far more than ring up sales. The right EPOS system can help you with everything from managing sales to stock tracking. But which one could suit your business best?
In this guide, we've compared the features and fees of the best EPOS systems in the UK to help you make an informed decision.
We've also explained how Wise Business can support retailers and hospitality businesses that pay international suppliers, receive overseas marketplace proceeds or manage foreign-currency revenue.
Wise Business offers a free Essential plan for basic spending and transferring. If you need to receive money, set up direct debits, or generate invoices, you'll pay a one-time £50 setup fee to unlock the Advanced features.
⚠️ This comparison is based on publicly available UK pricing and feature information from provider websites. It is not a full-market review and provider suitability depends on your unique business needs.
Summary of providers
| Provider | Summary of features and fees |
|---|---|
| Square | Square may suit small retailers, cafes, pop-ups and mobile sellers that want a simple EPOS setup. Square lists free Square Point of Sale apps, 1.75% for in-person UK card transactions, and 1.4% + 0.25 GBP for online UK card transactions.1 |
| Zettle by PayPal | Zettle by PayPal may suit small businesses already using PayPal or wanting simple card payments, invoices and payment links. PayPal Point of Sale lists 1.75% card transactions, 2.5% Zettle Invoice, 2.5% Payment Links, and no long-term commitments or rentals.3 |
| SumUp | SumUp may suit businesses that want low-cost card acceptance and simple POS needs. SumUp lists 1.69% for card reader transactions and 2.50% for payment links.2 |
| Lightspeed | Lightspeed may suit growing retailers, restaurants and multi-location businesses that need more advanced EPOS tools. Lightspeed’s UK transaction-fee table notes estimated monthly transaction volume and monthly transaction fees may fluctuate with exchange rates.5 Check your quote and payment setup. |
| Epos Now | Epos Now may suit retail, hospitality and businesses wanting bundled hardware and software. Epos Now lists card payments at 1.7% and says customer refunds are free, with custom pricing options for larger businesses.6 |
| Shopify POS | Shopify POS may suit retailers selling online and in-store, especially if their online store already runs on Shopify. Shopify says POS cost combines your plan, transaction fees and POS Pro locations. POS Pro is listed at 69 GBP/month/location.4 |
| Clover | Clover may suit retail and hospitality businesses wanting all-in-one POS hardware. Clover’s fee schedule lists interchange and assessment fees, and says additional charges may apply with details available in monthly statements.7 |
Square
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Small retailers, cafes, pop-ups and mobile sellers that want a simple EPOS setup. |
| POS software | Square lists free Square Point of Sale apps, which may suit businesses that want to start with low upfront software costs.1 |
| Payment setup | Square combines POS tools with card payment processing, which can make it easier to manage checkout and payments in one place.1 |
| Business fit | Square may suit small businesses that need simple stock, sales and payment tools from a tablet-based checkout. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| In-person UK cards | Square lists 1.75% for in-person UK card transactions.1 |
| Online UK cards | Square lists 1.4% + 0.25 GBP for online UK card transactions.1 |
| Software | Square lists free Square Point of Sale apps.1 |
| Hardware and add-ons | Check card readers, terminals, registers, accessories, advanced features and any add-ons before choosing. |
| Limitation | A pay-as-you-go setup can be simple, but your total cost depends on card volume, transaction mix and any hardware or paid features you need. |
Zettle by PayPal
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Small businesses already using PayPal or wanting a simple card reader and POS setup. |
| POS tools | PayPal Point of Sale can support small businesses that need card payments and basic point-of-sale tools.3 |
| Payment options | PayPal Point of Sale lists card transactions, Zettle Invoice and Payment Links on its pricing page.3 |
| Contract fit | PayPal Point of Sale says there are no long-term commitments or rentals.3 |
| Business fit | Zettle by PayPal may suit small businesses that want straightforward payment acceptance. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Card transactions | PayPal Point of Sale lists 1.75% card transactions.3 |
| Invoices | PayPal Point of Sale lists 2.5% Zettle Invoice.3 |
| Payment links | PayPal Point of Sale lists 2.5% Payment Links.3 |
| Contracts | PayPal Point of Sale says there are no long-term commitments or rentals.3 |
| Limitation | Check whether Zettle’s POS features are enough if you need advanced inventory, multi-location reporting or sector-specific tools. |
SumUp
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Businesses that want low-cost card acceptance and simple POS needs. |
| Card reader setup | SumUp may suit small businesses that want to take card payments without a complex EPOS setup. |
| Payment links | SumUp lists payment links as an available payment method on its pricing support page.2 |
| Business fit | SumUp may suit businesses that want simple payment acceptance and basic POS features. |
| Limitation | SumUp may be less suitable if you need deeper inventory, multi-site reporting or advanced sector-specific tools. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Card reader transactions | SumUp lists 1.69% for card reader transactions.2 |
| Payment links | SumUp lists 2.50% for payment links.2 |
| Hardware | Check the upfront cost of any card reader, terminal or POS hardware you need. |
| Add-ons | Check whether additional software, invoicing, online payments or POS features cost extra. |
| Limitation | A simple transaction-fee model can be easy to understand, but costs can increase as transaction volume grows. |
Lightspeed
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Growing retailers, restaurants and multi-location businesses. |
| Retail fit | Lightspeed may suit retailers that need more than a basic checkout, such as inventory, reporting and multi-location tools. |
| Hospitality fit | Lightspeed may also be relevant for restaurants that need more advanced service and reporting workflows. |
| Multi-location fit | It may suit businesses that need a centralised view across more than one site. |
| Limitation | Lightspeed may be more than a very small business needs if you only want basic card acceptance. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction fees | Lightspeed’s UK transaction-fee table notes estimated monthly transaction volume and monthly transaction fees may fluctuate with exchange rates.5 |
| Software plan | Check your quoted monthly software cost and which retail or restaurant features are included. |
| Hardware | Check the cost of terminals, receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, kitchen displays or other devices. |
| Add-ons | Check whether advanced reporting, inventory, integrations or multi-location features cost extra. |
| Limitation | Because pricing can depend on setup and payment volume, compare your quote against your expected card sales and feature needs. |
Epos Now
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Retail, hospitality and businesses wanting bundled hardware and software. |
| Hardware and software | Epos Now may suit businesses that want an EPOS package rather than sourcing every component separately. |
| Retail fit | It may work for retailers that need tills, payments, reporting and stock tools. |
| Hospitality fit | It may also be relevant for cafes, pubs and restaurants that need restaurant-focused EPOS tools. |
| Limitation | Compare package costs carefully, especially if you need multiple terminals, locations or add-ons. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Card payments | Epos Now lists card payments at 1.7%.6 |
| Refunds | Epos Now says customer refunds are free.6 |
| Custom pricing | Epos Now notes custom pricing options for larger businesses.6 |
| Hardware and setup | Check whether your quote includes hardware, installation, training and support. |
| Limitation | Bundled packages can be convenient, but check contract terms, ownership of hardware and total monthly cost. |
Shopify POS
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Retailers selling online and in-store. |
| Online and in-store fit | Shopify POS may be useful if your online store already runs on Shopify. |
| POS included | Shopify says casual in-person selling features are included with every paid plan.4 |
| POS Pro | Shopify says POS Pro adds advanced retail features such as staff permissions, inventory management and professional retail reports.4 |
| Limitation | Shopify POS may be less relevant if you do not sell online or do not plan to use Shopify for e-commerce. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| POS cost | Shopify says POS cost combines your plan, transaction fees and POS Pro locations.4 |
| POS Pro | Shopify POS Pro is listed at 69 GBP/month/location.4 |
| Shopify plan | Check the monthly cost of the Shopify plan you need for your online store and POS setup. |
| Transaction fees | Check Shopify’s payment and transaction fees for in-person and online sales. |
| Limitation | Your total cost can increase if you need POS Pro across multiple locations. |
Clover
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Retail and hospitality businesses wanting all-in-one hardware. |
| Hardware fit | Clover may suit businesses that want dedicated POS devices rather than a tablet-only setup. |
| Retail fit | It may be relevant for shops that need checkout, payments and reporting in one system. |
| Hospitality fit | It may also suit cafes, restaurants and other hospitality businesses that want integrated payment hardware. |
| Limitation | Compare the full package carefully, including software, hardware, processing fees and any monthly charges. |
Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing fees | Clover’s fee schedule lists interchange and assessment fees.7 |
| Additional charges | Clover says additional charges may apply, with details available in monthly statements.7 |
| Hardware | Check the cost of Clover devices, accessories and any replacement or rental terms. |
| Software and support | Check monthly software, service and support charges before signing up. |
| Limitation | Clover pricing can depend on your package and payment setup, so check the full fee schedule and monthly statement details. |
Manage international supplier payments with Wise Business
Your EPOS system helps you take payments and manage sales. But many UK businesses also need to move money internationally.
For example, you might:
- pay overseas suppliers for stock
- pay international contractors or agencies
- receive marketplace or payment service provider proceeds in foreign currencies
- hold EUR or USD sales revenue before converting it
- convert takings into another currency to pay invoices
This is where Wise Business can help.
Wise Business offers a free Essential plan for basic spending and transferring. If you need to receive money, set up direct debits, or generate invoices, you'll pay a one-time £50 setup fee to unlock the Advanced features.
With Wise Business, you can:
- 🌍 Send money to 70+ countries at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees and no hidden exchange rate markups (product availability varies by region)
- 📥 Receive payments in 24 currencies and counting
- 💵 Get local account details for 8+ currencies, including USD and EUR, to let your customers pay in a currency they know and trust - convenience for them and peace of mind for you
- 💰 Hold money in 40+ currencies
- 🔁 Convert currencies anytime at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees
- ⚡ Use the batch payments tool to create and send up to 1,000 payments in a single transfer
- 👥 Run payroll and make international payments for up to 1,000 employees all over the world - including paying suppliers using local payment methods like ACH, SEPA, and Faster Payments
- 💳 Get business debit cards with 0.5% cashback for you and your team to keep track of team expenses and spend all over the world, with real-time visibility and categorisation
- 🏢 Manage cash in 55+ currencies across international offices from a single business account and move money between business accounts in seconds (exact speeds can vary depending on individual circumstances and may not be the same for all transactions)
- 🧾 Connect and sync every business transaction to your favourite accounting software, including Xero, Quickbooks, and more
- 🔐 Create your own payment approvals process to manage your team better with customised access for different team members, roles and permissions
- 📑 Create custom professional invoices and schedule invoice payments for future dates
- 📈 Earn variable returns on GBP, USD and EUR with Wise Interest (Capital at risk, growth not guaranteed. Your money is at risk if governments default or interest rates go negative. Rates vary by country and currency. Rates are variable. Visit Wise Interest to find out more)
- 🔗 Create payment links and QR codes to get paid easily (Card payment acceptance for new Wise Business customers is currently unavailable. Payment methods subject to eligibility and availability.)
- ⚙️ Automate payouts with the Wise API (comes with 24/7 customer support, a sandbox account to test integrations, API tokens, and clear documents on how to implement and make the most of our API)
Make the wise choice when selecting a business account for your domestic and global needs.
Be Smart, Get Wise.
**Investments are not guaranteed, and your capital is at risk.
Wise is an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), so features like Interest and Stocks may be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). For standard cash balances, we safeguard your funds to meet regulatory obligations.
In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets, the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 839689).
We do not provide investment advice, and taxes may apply. If unsure, seek qualified financial advice. Full fund information is available on our website.
FAQs
What is an EPOS system?
An EPOS system is a digital checkout system that combines hardware and software to help a business sell products or services, take payments and record transactions.
A basic EPOS setup might include a tablet or touchscreen, a card reader, a cash drawer and a receipt printer. A more advanced setup might include barcode scanners, kitchen display screens, inventory tools, staff logins, loyalty features, e-commerce integrations and accounting software connections.
Depending on the provider, an EPOS system can help you:
- take cash, card, contactless and digital wallet payments
- create printed, email or text receipts
- record sales and returns
- update stock in real time
- manage product catalogues and menus
- track staff activity and permissions
- view sales reports and business insights
- connect to accounting, e-commerce and delivery tools
- manage multiple locations from one dashboard
Can Wise replace an EPOS system?
No. Wise Business isn’t an EPOS system and does not replace checkout software, tills or card readers.
Wise Business can support the international money management side of your business, such as paying overseas suppliers, receiving selected foreign-currency payments and converting currencies at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees.
EPOS vs POS: what’s the difference?
POS stands for Point of Sale. EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale.
In everyday use, people often use "POS" and "EPOS" to mean the same thing. The difference is that EPOS usually refers to a more modern, software-led system that does more than a traditional till.
| Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| POS | The place or system where a sale happens. This could be a till, terminal or checkout. |
| EPOS | A digital POS system that connects hardware, software, payments, reporting and other business tools. |
So, a traditional till can be a POS. A cloud-based checkout system with card payments, stock control, reports and integrations is usually described as an EPOS system.
How does an EPOS system work?
A typical EPOS system works by connecting your checkout hardware to software and, often, a payment processor.
Here’s a simple EPOS workflow:
- A customer chooses a product or service.
- A staff member scans the barcode, selects the item on screen or adds it from a menu.
- The EPOS software calculates the price, discounts, taxes and total.
- The customer pays by card, cash, contactless, mobile wallet or another supported method.
- The system records the sale.
- Stock levels update automatically, if inventory tools are enabled.
- The system prints, emails or texts a receipt.
- The system stores sales data in reports.
- The transaction can sync with accounting, e-commerce or other connected tools.
What EPOS hardware might I need?
EPOS hardware is the physical equipment your team and customers use during checkout.
Common EPOS hardware includes:
- touchscreen tills
- tablets
- card readers and payment terminals
- barcode and QR code scanners
- cash drawers
- receipt printers
- customer-facing displays
- kitchen display screens
- label printers
- self-service kiosks
The hardware you need depends on your business. A market trader may only need a phone or tablet and a card reader.
A restaurant may need table ordering, a kitchen display screen and multiple terminals. A multi-site retailer may need scanners, receipt printers, stock tools and centralised reporting.
What EPOS software features should I check?
EPOS software is the system that runs your checkout and stores your sales data.
Depending on your provider and plan, EPOS software may include:
- product or menu management
- payment processing
- sales reporting
- inventory tracking
- customer profiles
- loyalty and promotions
- staff permissions
- returns and refunds
- e-commerce integrations
- accounting integrations
- multi-location reporting
- VAT and tax settings
When comparing EPOS software, check which features are included in the monthly plan and which cost extra.
Some providers offer a free or low-cost entry plan but charge for advanced reporting, staff tools, loyalty features, multi-location controls or hospitality-specific features.
Cloud vs on-premise EPOS: what’s the difference?
Most modern EPOS systems are cloud-based, but some businesses still use on-premise systems.
| Type | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud EPOS | The system stores your sales data so you can access it through an app or browser. | You may need reliable internet, although some systems offer offline mode. Monthly fees can increase with add-ons. |
| On-premise EPOS | You host the software and data on local servers or devices at your premises. | Setup and maintenance costs can be higher. Updates and remote access can be more difficult. |
For many small UK businesses, cloud EPOS may be flexible because it can be quicker to set up, easier to update and simpler to access from multiple devices.
The right choice depends on your budget, internet reliability, reporting needs and whether you want to manage hardware and servers yourself.
How much does an EPOS system cost in the UK?
EPOS costs vary by provider, hardware, payment processing, contract length and the features you need.
Some providers offer free POS software with transaction fees. Others charge monthly software fees, hardware costs, payment processing fees and add-on fees.
| Cost type | What to check |
|---|---|
| Software subscription | Monthly or annual plan cost. Check whether prices are per location, register or user. |
| Hardware | Card reader, tablet, terminal, till, scanner, printer, cash drawer or kitchen display. |
| Card processing fees | In-person, online, invoice, keyed-in and international card rates can differ. |
| Add-ons | Loyalty, advanced inventory, staff tools, table management, reporting or delivery integrations. |
| Setup or onboarding | Some providers charge for installation, training or custom setup. |
| Contract terms | Check the minimum term, cancellation fees and whether hardware is rented or bought. |
| Support | Some plans include phone or 24/7 support, while others limit support channels. |
Pricing changes regularly, so always confirm the provider’s current fees before choosing a system.
How do I choose an EPOS provider?
Use this checklist when comparing EPOS systems.
Start with your business type. Different businesses need different features, so avoid paying for tools you do not need and make sure your provider can support the features you do need.
Calculate total cost, not just the monthly fee. Compare the full cost of:
- software
- card processing
- hardware
- add-ons
- setup
- support
- contract cancellation
- extra locations or terminals
A provider with no monthly fee may cost more at higher card volumes. A provider with a monthly fee may be better value if it offers lower processing rates or specialist tools you need.
Check payment processing. Some EPOS systems require you to use their own payment processor. Others allow integrations with third-party processors.
Check rates for UK cards, non-UK cards, online payments, keyed-in payments, refunds, chargebacks and payout timing.
Check integrations. Your EPOS system may need to connect with:
- accounting software
- e-commerce platforms
- delivery apps
- booking tools
- loyalty platforms
- inventory systems
- payroll tools
If you already use accounting software, check whether the integration is included or costs extra.
Think about international payments. If you import stock, pay overseas suppliers or receive proceeds from international marketplaces, your EPOS system is only one part of your money flow.
You may also need a way to hold, convert and send money in different currencies.
What is the cheapest EPOS system in the UK?
There is no single cheapest EPOS system for every business. Compare software fees, hardware, payment processing, add-ons, contract terms and support before choosing.
Square, SumUp and PayPal Point of Sale all publish pay-as-you-go style card payment pricing, while Shopify POS, Lightspeed, Epos Now and Clover may involve different plan, hardware or package considerations.
What should I check before choosing EPOS software?
Check whether the system fits your business type, supports your payment methods, integrates with your existing tools and gives you the reports you need.
You should also model your monthly card processing costs using your expected sales volume, average transaction size and mix of in-person, online, keyed-in and international card transactions.
Sources:
- Square Processing Fees, Plans and Software Pricing
- Pricing and fees - SumUp Support Centre
- Pricing and fees | PayPal GB - Zettle by PayPal
- POS System Pricing - Shopify UK
- Lightspeed transaction fees - Lightspeed UK
- Portable Card Machine | Point of Sale | Epos Now
- Clover UK fee schedule update 1222
Sources last checked on 8 July 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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