Do you run a food truck, market stall, mobile salon, or any other kind of on-the-go-service? If so, you’ll know these businesses come with unique challenges. You need to accept payments quickly, manage sales on the move, and operate in a space where Wi-Fi and electricity might be limited.
That’s where a mobile EPOS system comes in. Designed to work wirelessly, with smartphones, tablets or compact hardware, these systems are lightweight, easy to set up, and powerful enough to manage everything from payments and inventory to customer data and receipts.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best EPOS systems for mobile businesses in the UK, helping you choose a solution that fits your workflow and budget.
What to Look for in a Mobile EPOS System
✅ The right systems should be portable, you need compact devices and mobile apps that work on the go
✅ Look for the ability to continue taking payments without an internet connection
✅ You’ll need fast, secure card and contactless payment processing
✅ Look for lasting battery and hardware for all-day use
✅ You’ll need a plug-and-play design
✅ cloud-based access will allow you to view sales and performance data from anywhere
1. Square – Best All-Round Mobile EPOS
Pricing: Free software! Their card readers start at £19
We think they would suit: Food trucks, mobile beauty services, service providers
Why are they Great:
- Free POS app for iOS and Android
- Square Reader accepts chip & PIN and contactless payments
- Offline mode supported
- They offer instant sales reporting and inventory management
- They include a free online store for hybrid sales
📌 Square is the most popular mobile EPOS in the UK for good reason! They prove to be reliable, affordable, and easy to use.
2. Zettle by PayPal – Best for Market Stalls
Pricing: Free software; Zettle Reader £29 (no monthly fee)
We think they would suit: Pop-up retailers, market traders, food vendors
Why are they Great:
- Compact, sleek card reader with fast payment processing
- Compatible with tablets and phones
- Track inventory and generate sales reports on the go
- Connects to receipt printer if needed
- Integrated with PayPal for online/offline sales
📌 we think Zettle are a top choice for traders who want quick setup and trusted PayPal integration.
3. SumUp – Best for Simple, Low-Volume Sales
Pricing: Free app; card reader from £39
We think they would suit: Small mobile traders, crafters, solo service providers
Why are they Great:
- One of the lowest-cost card readers available in the UK
- Super easy to set up and operate
- Flat-rate transaction fees (1.69%)
- You will have access to an optional SumUp POS app with product library
- They accept mobile wallet payments
📌we think SumUp are ideal if you need a fuss-free, affordable solution without extra features.
4. Shopify POS – Best for Mobile Retailers with Online Stores
Pricing: From £5/month (Lite) or £65/month (Pro)
We think they would suit: Retailers who sell online and in-person
Why are they Great:
- You can easily sync online and offline inventory
- They have powerful customer and order management tools
- Mobile app works on iPad, iPhone, and Android
- Accept payments anywhere with Shopify card reader
- Detailed reporting and analytics
📌 We think Shopify POS are ideal if you need to manage pop-ups alongside their eCommerce platform.
5. Lightspeed POS (Retail or Restaurant) – Best for Growing Mobile Food or Retail Businesses
Pricing: From £39/month + hardware
We think they would suit: Mobile food trucks, events-based catering, boutique pop-ups
Why are they Great:
- Customisable POS options for retail or hospitality
- They offer real-time inventory and menu syncing
- They work offline and online
- Advanced sales tracking and analytics
- Multiple payment integration options
📌 we think Lightspeed is great for mobile vendors ready to scale or manage multiple stalls or events.
Our Final Thoughts: Choose the Right EPOS for Your Mobile Setup
When choosing a mobile EPOS system, you should first consider your sales volume, device compatibility, internet availability, and payment preferences.
We think that majority of the time, Square and Zettle will be able
to offer you the perfect blend of price, portability, and performance.
But, if you’re planning to grow or run an online store alongside your mobile setup, Shopify POS or Lightspeed may offer the extra tools you need!
💡 Need help comparing mobile EPOS systems? Use our free comparison tool to find the best fit for your mobile business in 2025.
Read more about EPOS Systems here: