Best EPOS Systems for Small UK Businesses in 2025

Why EPOS Matters for Small Businesses

We should all be on the same page now, knowing that a reliable EPOS system is an essential tool for any growing small business in the UK. A modern EPOS system can also be crucial in helping you streamline your business operations.

So what else can they do? Well, they can help you manage your inventory, track valuable customer data which can help to increase your overall sales This is why we believe that having the right EPOS system will not only save you time but it can also be key in streamlining your administration,while at the same time being a cost-effective solution for your business!

However, there are numerous options available on the market, and we know that it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your business needs, so read on as we dissect some of the main players in 2025, their key features, pricing, and usability.

What Should You Look for in a Small Business EPOS System

Before diving into the top picks, we recommend you consider our below must-have features and decide what’s non-negotiable for your business:

✅ How easy is the system to use?

The system should be quick to set up and simple for staff to operate.

✅ What’s your budget?

Always check for transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

✅ Are they scalable?

Ensure it can scale with your business.

✅ Do you need cloud-based access?

This is ideal if you want to manage your business from anywhere.

✅ Do you need to be able to manage your inventory?

With a lot of systems, you can track stock in real time.

✅ Do you value customer relationship tools?

Loyalty, CRM, and marketing integrations can be game changers.

✅ Do you need existing integration support?

Make sure the system is compatible with accounting, payment, and eCommerce platforms.

1. Square – Best All-Around EPOS for Small Businesses

Pricing: Free basic plan + hardware from £19

Ideal for: Retailers, cafés, market stalls, service providers

Why Choose Square?

No monthly fees for essential features!
It works incredibly well with most smartphones and tablets
They offer built-in payment processing
You get a free online store integration
We think they have powerful analytics and inventory tools

📌 We think Square is ideal for small businesses seeking a budget-friendly/all-in-one EPOS system.

2. Zettle by PayPal – Best for Mobile & Pop-Up Businesses

Pricing: Free software + card reader for £29

Ideal for: Food trucks, mobile beauty services, pop-up shops

Why choose Zettle?

Incredibly fast setup with sleek, portable hardware
Super affordable transaction fees (1.75%)
You can add on barcode scanning, discounts, and product library
They integrate nicely with PayPal, Shopify, and accounting tools

📌We think Zettle is ideal for on-the-go businesses.

3. Lightspeed – Best for Growing Retail Businesses

Pricing: From £39/month + hardware costs

Ideal for: Fashion boutiques, gift shops, homeware stores

Why choose Lightspeed?

Powerful inventory management with multi-store capabilities
Customer profiles and loyalty programmes
Advanced reporting tools
eCommerce and CRM integrations

📌 We think Lightspeed is ideal for small retailers seeking to scale and therefore needing to manage inventory across multiple locations.

4. Epos Now – Best for Hospitality Businesses

Pricing: From £25/month + hardware from £199

Ideal for: Pubs, restaurants, salons, takeaways

Why choose Epos Now?

Nice, customisable dashboards and modules
Kitchen display system (KDS) support
Simple appointment scheduling and table management
They integrate seamlessly with Xero, QuickBooks, and more

📌 We think Epos Now is a flexible option for small businesses that are in the hospitality industry.

5. Shopify POS – Best for Online Stores with Physical Locations

Pricing: From £5/month (Lite) or £65/month (Retail)

Ideal for: eCommerce businesses expanding into bricks-and-mortar

Why choose Shopify POS?

As the name suggests, seamless integration with Shopify online stores
Simple, unified product and customer database
You can choose to add on in-store pickup and delivery options
They have a customisable checkout and loyalty tools

📌 We think that Shopify POS is ideal for online-first businesses (ecommerce).

Our Final Thoughts: Which EPOS Is Best for Your Small Business?

At the end of the day, we believe that the best EPOS system for your business will depend on your industry, size, and growth plans. That being said, for most UK small businesses, we think that Square and Zettle offer excellent value and ease of use.

If you need a more tailored solution, then we suggest looking into Lightspeed and Epos Now are definitely worth considering, especially if you’re scaling or managing multiple services.

Before choosing (and dropping some serious cash!), We always recommend considering a free trial or demo to see how each system fits your daily operations.

💡Use our comparison tool to find the best EPOS deals tailored to your business type and budget.