Introduction

When I first started looking for the best EPOS system in the UK, I was overwhelmed by the number of options. From big-name brands to local startups, each claimed to be the most advanced or the easiest to use. But as a small business owner, I needed something reliable, affordable, and tailored to my needs. In this article, I’ll walk you through what I learned, what to look for, and the top EPOS systems in the UK, so you don’t waste the time I did.

What Is an EPOS System?

First, let me explain what an EPOS system is. EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale. It’s a combination of hardware (like a touchscreen, printer, and barcode scanner) and software that helps you manage sales, track inventory, and even understand customer behaviour.

In short, it’s more than just a till. A good EPOS system becomes the brain of your business.

Why I Needed an EPOS System

Before getting an EPOS, I used to manage everything manually—stock, receipts, cash drawer, customer orders. It was chaotic. I lost track of inventory, made pricing mistakes, and couldn’t easily check what was selling and what wasn’t.

After installing an EPOS system, everything changed. I could track sales in real-time, check inventory automatically, and even send digital receipts to customers. It saved me hours every week.

What to Look for in the Best EPOS System UK

While researching, I found that not all EPOS systems are the same. Here are the key features I looked for (and I recommend you do too):

1. Ease of Use

If the system is complicated, your staff won’t use it properly. I chose one with a clean interface and simple navigation.

2. Customisation

Every business is different. I needed an EPOS system that let me customise menus, products, and categories easily.

3. Cloud-Based Access

Despite my absence from the store, I still wanted to monitor sales. A cloud-based EPOS lets you log in from any device.

4. Inventory Management

This is a must. A good EPOS should update stock levels automatically and alert you when items run low.

5. Customer Support

Things can go wrong. I chose a provider with 24/7 UK-based support, and it made a big difference.

The Most Popular 3 EPOS Systems I Tested in the UK

Here are the top three systems I tried before settling on my final choice.

1. Square for Retail

Best for: Small businesses and cafes
Square is super easy to set up and use. It comes with free software and works on tablets. There’s no long-term contract, and you only pay per transaction. I loved the clean design and how fast it processes sales.

Pros:

No monthly fee
Easy to install
Excellent customer app integration

Cons:

Limited advanced features unless you pay

2. Lightspeed EPOS

Best for: Retail shops and multi-location stores
Lightspeed is powerful. It has deep inventory management and can handle thousands of products. I found it slightly more complex, but if you have a lot of stock or run a chain, it’s worth considering.

Pros:

Great for inventory
Very scalable
Integrates with e-commerce

Cons:

Learning curve
Pricier monthly plans

3. EPOS Now

Best for: Hospitality and quick-service businesses
This one is made in the UK and is especially good for restaurants, pubs, and salons. It offers great reporting tools and comes with 24/7 support.

Pros:

UK-based
Works offline
Excellent hospitality features

Cons:

Monthly cost can add up
Some features are add-ons

My Final Choice

After trying these systems, I went with Square for my store. It gave me everything I needed at no upfront cost, and the support was excellent. It might not be the best for everyone, but for a small UK business like mine, it was perfect.

Start with a Free Trial

Most EPOS providers offer a free trial. Use that to test it in your real working environment. That’s what I did and it helped me make the right decision. If you’re in the UK and searching for an easy, affordable, and powerful EPOS system, there’s something out there for you. Just be clear about your needs, and don’t settle until you find the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best EPOS system in the UK depends on your business type and what you need. Don’t just go for the flashiest system—go for the one that actually solves your problems.

Here’s my quick advice: