Choosing the right EPOS system or till system is a vital decision for any business owner. Whether you run a retail store, café, restaurant, or pop-up, the right setup can streamline sales, improve customer experience, and unlock powerful insights. In this guide, we review the best EPOS systems in the UK for 2025, comparing providers, pricing, features, and setup time so you can find the right fit for your business.
1. EPOS Now: Leading EPOS Systems for Retail and Hospitality
EPOS Now is one of the UK’s most popular POS providers for independent retailers, cafés, and hospitality businesses. Known for its user-friendly software and broad integration library (from accounting tools like Xero to delivery platforms like Uber Eats), it’s a strong choice if you want a system you can start using straight away without heavy training.
EPOS Now offers a choice between buying your hardware outright or opting for a package deal. Starter bundles often include a touchscreen till, cash drawer, and receipt printer for a low upfront fee (sometimes as little as £300 during promotions), with software starting from around £40 per month. Contract terms are usually 12–24 months, and leasing options are available if you’d rather spread costs. Setup fees can apply for more complex configurations, so it’s worth checking before signing.
A 10% discount is currently available on EPOS Now. Just reach out to isaac@hatch-retail.space for more details on how to claim it.
Pros:
- Very fast to set up, even for beginners
- Works well for both retail and hospitality
- Large integration marketplace
Cons:
- Hardware upgrades can be pricey outside of bundle offers
- Some advanced reporting tools require higher-tier plans
2. Till Tech: Customisable EPOS Systems for Growing Businesses
Till Tech is a premium EPOS solution aimed at businesses that want a fully customisable platform. It’s particularly strong in hospitality, with features for order tracking, kitchen display systems, and integrated customer loyalty tools.
Unlike subscription-first providers, Till Tech focuses on high-quality hardware purchases upfront. Packages can cost up to £20,000 depending on the scale of your setup. In exchange, monthly subscription fees remain low, often under £30 per terminal. Contracts can be flexible, but given the significant initial investment, most clients view it as a long-term commitment. Hardware is yours outright, which can make it a better value over 5–10 years.
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade build quality
- Low ongoing costs after purchase
- Fully tailored to business needs
Cons:
- Very high upfront cost
- May be overkill for small, single-site businesses
3. Square POS: Affordable Mobile EPOS for Small Businesses
Square is best known for its sleek, easy-to-use card readers, but its full EPOS system is equally polished. It’s a cloud-based platform with no long-term contract, making it ideal for businesses that want flexibility.
Square’s hardware can be purchased outright, with entry-level kits starting around £500. The software starts from £0/month for a basic plan, with paid tiers (£49/month per location) unlocking more advanced features. No minimum contract and you can cancel anytime.
Pros:
- Extremely fast setup
- No contract commitment
Integrates with Square’s payment processing seamlessly
Cons:
- Higher per-transaction fees than some competitors
- Limited customisation compared to premium providers
4. Lightspeed Retail: Advanced Retail POS Systems with Inventory Control
Lightspeed is a feature-rich EPOS system used by many multi-location retailers and restaurants. It’s known for advanced inventory management, analytics, and integration with e-commerce.
Hardware is sold separately or as part of a custom bundle (expect £800–£1,200 for a full setup). Subscription prices start from around £59/month, with 12-month minimum contracts. Discounts are sometimes offered for paying annually upfront.
Pros:
- Excellent reporting and analytics
- Works well across multiple locations
Cons:
- Can be complex to learn
- Pricier than simpler solutions
5. Vend by Lightspeed: User-Friendly POS for Boutique Retailers
Vend (now part of Lightspeed) focuses heavily on retail, with intuitive inventory tools and loyalty programme features. It offers a bring-your-own-hardware option, which can save money if you already have compatible tills or iPads. If you need hardware, expect £600–£1,000 upfront, plus £49–£129/month depending on features. Standard contracts are 12 months.
Pros:
- Flexible hardware options
- Strong retail focus
Cons:
- Less suited for hospitality
- Add-ons can increase cost quickly
6. Zettle by PayPal: Flexible, Affordable POS for Small Businesses and Pop-Ups
Zettle is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started with card payments and basic till functions.
Zettle’s card reader costs £29–£59, and its POS app is free to use with no subscription fee. You pay per transaction (1.75%), and there’s no contract lock-in. For more advanced setups, hardware bundles start from £199.
Pros:
- Very low barrier to entry
- Perfect for pop-ups and mobile businesses
Cons:
- Limited inventory and reporting tools
- Not ideal for larger, multi-terminal setups
7. Goodtill by SumUp: Scalable EPOS Solutions for Growing Retailers and Hospitality Venues
Goodtill combines affordable pricing with hospitality-focused features like table management and kitchen printing.
Hardware bundles start from £599, and software pricing begins at £29/month per terminal. Standard contract is 12 months, with discounts available for multi-year agreements.
Pros:
- Affordable for small cafés and bars
- Good hospitality-specific functions
Cons:
- Reporting tools are more basic than premium providers
8. Shopify POS: Seamless EPOS Integration for Omnichannel Retailers
Best for businesses with a strong online store presence, Shopify POS integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s e-commerce platform.
Hardware kits range from £300–£700, and Shopify POS Pro costs £69/month in addition to your Shopify e-commerce plan. Monthly rolling contracts mean you can cancel anytime.
Pros:
- Seamless online-to-offline integration
- Ideal for pop-ups linked to online sales
Cons:
- Works best if you already use Shopify for e-commerce
- Physical retail features less advanced than some rivals
Choosing the Best EPOS System for Your Business in 2025
Finding the best till or EPOS system can feel overwhelming given the many options. If you want a trusted, easy-to-use solution with strong London market presence, EPOS Now is a great place to start. For those seeking tailored, scalable options, Till Tech also offers excellent value and personalised service.
No matter your business size or sector, investing in the right EPOS technology will boost efficiency, improve customer experience, and give you the insights to grow with confidence in 2025 and beyond.
