As more UK businesses modernise their operations, investing in a reliable EPOS system has become a necessity—not a luxury. Whether you run a retail shop, café, bar, salon or pop-up stall, an EPOS system will significantly help you and your business to streamline sales, manage inventory, and track performance with ease.
But one of the first questions many business owners ask is:
“How much does an EPOS system cost in the UK in 2025?”
Join us as we break down the real costs of setting up and running an EPOS system—covering software, hardware, ongoing fees, and hidden extras. We’ll also include provider comparisons and money-saving tips to help you make a smart investment.
💻 What’s Included in an EPOS System?
An EPOS system typically includes either all, or a combination of the following:
- Software – usually cloud-based platform to manage sales, stock, and reporting
- Hardware – which generally includes a terminal, touchscreen, cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer, card reader
- Support & updates – which is likely in the form of ongoing access to customer support, software updates, and security features
- Optional add-ons – such as loyalty programs, integrations (eCommerce, accounting), staff management tools
Some systems run on iPads or Android tablets, while others come as full all-in-one touchscreen units.
💷 EPOS System Cost Breakdown (UK 2025)
Let’s look at the average price ranges for UK businesses in 2025.
| Plan type | Typical monthly fee (per register) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free / light versions | £0–£10 | Basic sales tracking, limited reporting |
| Standard | £20–£49 | Inventory, staff management, reports |
| Advanced / pro | £50–£100+ | Multi-location, CRM, loyalty, integrations |
🔹 1. Software Costs
| Plan Type | Typical Monthly Fee (per register) | Features Included |
|---|---|---|
| Free / Lite | £0–£10 | Basic sales tracking, limited reporting |
| Standard | £20–£49 | Inventory, staff management, reports |
| Advanced / Pro | £50–£100+ | Multi-location, CRM, loyalty, integrations |
🔹 2. Hardware Costs
Some providers offer bundled hardware kits with discounts if you sign up for a software plan or merchant account.
| Hardware Component | Average Cost (One-Off) |
|---|---|
| iPad or tablet | £250–£450 |
| Touchscreen terminal | £400–£800 |
| Receipt printer | £100–£200 |
| Cash drawer | £50–£100 |
| Barcode scanner | £50–£150 |
| Card reader | £29–£150 |
🔹 3. Card Payment Processing Fees
Most EPOS systems integrate with payment processors, but these typically charge per transaction:
| Provider | Transaction Fee (UK cards) |
|---|---|
| Square | 1.75% |
| Zettle by PayPal | 1.75% |
| Dojo | From 1.4% + VAT |
| SumUp | 1.69% |
🏪 EPOS Pricing Examples (2025)
Here’s what wehave seen that a typical business can expect to pay depending on its size and setup:
💼 Small Retail Shop (just 1 till)
- Software: Free or £29/month
- Hardware: £400 (tablet + printer + drawer)
- Card fees: ~1.75%
- First-year cost: £750–£1,200
☕ Busy Café/Bar (with 2 tills, advanced features)
- Software: £70–£100/month
- Hardware: £800–£1,200 (2 terminals + peripherals)
- Card fees: ~1.4%–1.75%
- First-year cost: £2,000–£3,000+
🎪 Pop-up or Market Stall
- Software: Free plan
- Hardware: £29 (card reader only)
- First-year cost: Under £100
💡 Hidden Costs to Watch For
Not all EPOS pricing is transparent so be sure to always look out for:
- Setup or onboarding fees
- Support charges (some providers charge extra for priority support)
- Software add-ons (loyalty, online ordering, etc.)
- Multi-user or multi-location surcharges
- Early cancellation fees (if on contract)
Always request a full quote before signing up.
🛠️ Best Value EPOS Providers in 2025
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Free Plan? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Startups, pop-ups | £0 (1.75% per transaction) | ✅ Yes |
| Zettle | Small shops and salons | £0 + hardware | ✅ Yes |
| Epos Now | Retail and hospitality | From £25/month | ❌ No |
| Lightspeed | Growing retailers | From £69/month | ❌ No |
| Shopify POS | Online/offline retailers | From £19/month | ❌ No |
So, How Much Should You Budget?
In 2025, UK EPOS systems are more accessible than ever. You can start for less than £100 with a basic card reader, or invest £2,000+ for a complete multi-location setup.
✅ For startups and solo traders we suggest you begin with a free or low-cost system like Square or Zettle
✅ For growing shops or cafés we recommend you invest in a robust EPOS with reporting, inventory, and integrations
✅ For multi-site businesses you should look for scalable platforms with advanced features and support