EPOS Costs UK 2026: How Much Does an EPOS System Cost? Quick answer
An EPOS system in the UK can cost anywhere from £0 per month for basic free POS software to £50-£200+ per month for more advanced retail or hospitality systems, before hardware, card processing fees, installation and add-ons are included.
For a small business, a basic EPOS setup may cost from around £19-£300 upfront for card reader or till hardware, plus payment processing fees. More advanced EPOS systems with terminals, cash drawers, receipt printers, stock control, staff permissions, integrations and support can cost £500-£2,000+ upfront, or be spread through monthly rental.
As a guide:
EPOS type Typical UK cost
Free POS app/software
£0/month, plus transaction fees
Basic card reader + app
From around £19-£100+ upfront
Small business EPOS package
Around £25-£80/month
Restaurant or retail EPOS
Around £50-£150+/month
Multi-site EPOS system
Around £100-£300+/month
Full hardware setup
Around £300-£2,000+ upfront
Card transaction fees
Usually around 1.5%-2.5%+, depending on provider and payment type
Square, for example, offers free POS software with no monthly fee and charges 1.75% for chip and PIN or contactless payments in the UK. Lightspeed Restaurant says its UK subscription plans begin at £79/month for the first terminal, while Epos Now promotes complete POS systems from promotional upfront prices such as £149-£249, depending on the offer at the time.
Need a proper EPOS system for your business? Free EPOS software can work for very small setups, but if you need stock control, payments, reporting, table management, bookings or support, compare paid EPOS quotes u sing out EPOS caculator.
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Contents
What is included in EPOS pricing?
EPOS costs by business type
EPOS hardware costs
EPOS software costs
EPOS payment processing costs
EPOS rental vs buying outright
EPOS provider cost comparison
Cheapest EPOS systems in the UK
How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: July 2026
EPOS Costs at a Glance
Cost area Typical price range What affects the cost
POS software
£0-£200+/month
Provider, features, business type and number of users
EPOS terminal
£150-£1,000+ upfront
Device type, brand, screen size and spec
Card reader
£19-£100+ upfront
Basic mobile reader vs integrated terminal
Receipt printer
£100-£300+
Wired, Bluetooth, kitchen or thermal printer
Cash drawer
£40-£150+
Size, build quality and integration
Barcode scanner
£40-£250+
Retail scanning needs
Kitchen display system
£200-£800+
Hospitality workflows and kitchen setup
Installation
£0-£500+
Self-setup vs on-site installation
Training
£0-£500+
Staff numbers and complexity
Payment fees
Around 1.5%-2.5%+
Provider, turnover, card type and online/offline payments
Add-ons
£5-£100+/month
Loyalty, stock, booking, accounting, rota and reporting tools
Key Takeaways
EPOS costs vary widely because software, hardware, payments, support and add-ons are often priced separately.
The cheapest EPOS is not always the cheapest long term once card fees, hardware, support and contract terms are included.
Small businesses can use free or low-cost POS software, but may pay more through transaction fees or limited features.
Restaurants, pubs, cafés and takeaways usually pay more because they need tables, kitchen printing, order management or delivery integrations.
Retailers may need barcode scanners, stock control, labels, customer accounts, loyalty and e-commerce integrations.
Multi-site businesses should compare reporting, permissions, integrations and central management before choosing.
Always compare the total cost over 12, 24 and 36 months, not just the monthly software fee.
What is included in EPOS pricing? An EPOS system is rarely just one cost and most businesses pay for a combination of software, hardware, payments and support.
EPOS cost What it means
Software subscription
The monthly fee for your till, stock, reporting and business tools
Hardware
The till, screen, card machine, printer, scanner, cash drawer or kitchen display
Payment processing
The fee charged on every card transaction
Installation
Setup, data migration, menu/product upload and configuration
Training
Staff training for tills, reports, refunds, stock or table service
Support
Phone, live chat, out-of-hours or priority support
Add-ons
Extras such as loyalty, bookings, accounting, stock or online ordering
Contract fees
Minimum term, cancellation fees, leasing or renewal costs
The cheapest EPOS quote may not be the best deal if it has higher transaction fees, expensive add-ons or a long contract.
EPOS costs by business type Small business EPOS costs
Small businesses can often start with a simple POS app, card reader and basic reporting.
Setup Typical cost
Free POS app
£0/month
Basic card reader
Around £19-£100+ upfront
Simple receipt printer
Around £100-£250
Basic software plan
£0-£50/month
Transaction fees
Usually around 1.5%-2.5%+
This works well for sole traders, market sellers, mobile businesses, salons, small shops and businesses that do not need advanced stock or staff management.
Best providers to compare: S quare, SumUp, Zettle, Epos Now, Clover.
Retail EPOS costs
Retail businesses usually need more than a payment terminal. Stock control, barcode scanning, product variants, returns, customer records and e-commerce integrations can all increase the cost.
Retail EPOS feature
Stock control
Often included in paid plans
Barcode scanner
Label printer
Customer accounts
Loyalty tools
Often an add-on
E-commerce integration
May increase monthly fees
Multi-location reporting
Retail EPOS systems commonly cost around £50–£150+ per month, depending on how many tills, products and integrations you need.
Best providers to compare: Lightspeed, Shopify POS, Epos Now, Square, Clover, Zettle.
Restaurant EPOS costs
Restaurants usually need table management, split bills, kitchen printing, handheld ordering, menu changes, service charge settings and integrated payments.
Restaurant EPOS feature
Main till terminal
£300-£1,000+
Kitchen printer
£150-£300+
Kitchen display system
£200-£800+
Handheld ordering
Extra device and software costs
Table management
Usually paid hospitality plan
Online ordering
Often add-on or higher-tier plan
Booking integration
Often add-on
Staff permissions
Lightspeed Restaurant states that its UK plans begin at £79/month for the first terminal, making it a useful benchmark for more advanced restaurant EPOS.
Best providers to compare: Lightspeed, Zonal, TouchBistro, Epos Now, Square, Clover, Tevalis.
Café EPOS costs
Cafés usually need a fast till, integrated payments, simple product buttons, modifiers, staff logins, receipts and sometimes loyalty.
Café EPOS setup Typical cost
Basic tablet/card reader setup
£19-£300+ upfront
Paid software
£0-£80/month
Receipt printer
£100-£250+
Cash drawer
£40-£150+
Loyalty or customer tools
Optional add-on
A small café should be able to use a lower-cost setup from Square, SumUp or Zettle, while busier cafés may benefit from Epos Now, Lightspeed or Clover.
Pub and bar EPOS costs
Pubs and bars need fast order entry, tabs, table service, staff permissions, stock control, promotions and integrated card payments.
Pub/bar EPOS feature
Multiple tills
More hardware and software licences
Staff logins
Required for permissions and reporting
Stock control
Useful for alcohol margins and wastage
Table tabs
Hospitality-specific feature
Handheld ordering
Extra devices and software
Integrated payments
Reduces errors but may limit payment provider choice
A basic pub EPOS setup should cost around £50-£150+ per month, but larger venues or multi-site operators may pay more.
Best providers to compare: Zonal, Epos Now, Lightspeed, Clover, Square, Tevalis.
Takeaway EPOS costs
Takeaways often need order management, kitchen printing, delivery integrations, caller ID, online ordering and menu management.
Takeaway EPOS feature
Kitchen printer
Online ordering
Monthly add-on or commission model
Delivery integration
Caller ID
Multiple menus
May require hospitality plan
Driver management
Usually add-on or specialist software
Takeaway EPOS systems can range from low-cost POS apps to more advanced systems costing £80-£200+ per month, depending on delivery and ordering requirements.
EPOS hardware costs EPOS hardware costs depend on whether you buy equipment upfront, rent it monthly or use existing tablets and devices.
Hardware Typical UK cost guide
Card reader
£19-£100+
Tablet stand
£30-£150+
EPOS terminal
£300-£1,000+
Receipt printer
£100-£300+
Kitchen printer
£150-£300+
Cash drawer
£40-£150+
Barcode scanner
£40-£250+
Label printer
£100-£300+
Customer display
£100-£400+
Kitchen display screen
£200-£800+
Full till bundle
£500-£2,000+
Square lists POS hardware starting from £19 + VAT with its Square Reader, while Epos Now promotes complete POS systems through time-limited offers from around £149-£249 depending on the current package.
EPOS software costs EPOS software is usually charged monthly, although some providers offer free software with payment processing fees
Software type Typical monthly cost Best for
Free POS software
£0
Small sellers, basic payments, simple stock
Basic EPOS plan
£10-£50/month
Small shops, cafés, salons
Standard EPOS plan
£50-£100/month
Growing retailers and hospitality businesses
Advanced EPOS plan
£100-£200+/month
Multi-site, advanced stock, reporting or integrations
Enterprise EPOS
Custom pricing
Larger chains and complex operations
Square’s free POS software is a useful benchmark for businesses that want no monthly EPOS subscription, but the trade-off is that you still pay transaction fees when taking payments.
EPOS payment processing costs Card payment fees can have a bigger long-term impact than the EPOS software fee, especially if your business takes a high volume of card payments.
Payment type
In-person card payments
Percentage fee per transaction
Online payments
Percentage plus fixed fee
Invoices
Percentage fee
Virtual terminal
Often higher than in-person payments
Amex/business cards
May cost more
International cards
Chargebacks
Fixed admin fee may apply
Square UK lists 1.75% for chip and PIN or contactless payments, 2.5% for Virtual Terminal and invoices, 1.4% + 25p for UK online card transactions, and 2.5% + 25p for non-UK online card transactions.
Why payment fees matter
A provider with free software may still cost more if your card turnover is high. For example:
Monthly card sales 1.5% fee 1.75% fee 2.5% fee
£5,000
£75
£87.50
£125
£10,000
£150
£175
£250
£25,000
£375
£437.50
£625
£50,000
£750
£875
£1,250
For higher-turnover businesses, even a small difference in transaction fees can outweigh a cheap monthly EPOS subscription.
EPOS rental vs buying outright You can usually either buy EPOS hardware upfront or spread the cost through rental, leasing or bundled monthly plans.
Option Pros Cons
Buy outright
Lower long-term cost, you own the hardware
Higher upfront cost
Rent monthly
Lower upfront cost, easier budgeting
May cost more over time
Lease package
Hardware and support may be bundled
Contract can be harder to exit
Use tablet/app
Cheapest setup for simple businesses
May not suit busy or complex operations
Full managed EPOS
More support and setup help
Higher monthly cost
When buying may be better Buying outright will suit you if:
you have the cash available
you want to reduce long-term costs
you only need a simple setup
you do not want a long hardware lease
When rental may be better
Rental will suit you if:
you want to avoid upfront cost
you need several tills
you want support and replacement hardware
you are opening a new venue and need cash flow flexibility
Hidden EPOS costs to watch out for The headline monthly cost is only part of the picture. Before signing, check for these possible hidden costs.
Hidden cost What to ask
Installation
Is setup included or charged separately?
Training
Is staff training included?
Data migration
Will product/menu upload cost extra?
Support
Is phone support included? Is weekend support extra?
Payment integration
Do you have to use the provider’s payment processor?
Contract length
Is there a 12, 24, 36 or 48-month term?
Cancellation fees
What happens if you leave early?
Hardware warranty
Who pays if hardware fails?
Software updates
Add-ons
Are loyalty, stock, delivery or accounting integrations extra?
Extra users
Do more staff accounts cost more?
Extra tills
Does each terminal need a separate licence?
Chargebacks
Are there admin fees for disputes?
PCI compliance
Is compliance support included?
EPOS provider cost comparison
Provider Typical pricing style Best for Cost note s
Square Free POS software plus transaction fees
Small businesses and simple setups
£0 monthly POS software; card reader hardware from £19 + VAT; 1.75% in-person card fee
SumUp Low-cost hardware and simple payments
Micro-businesses and mobile sellers
Good for basic card payments and simple POS needs
PayPal POS Card reader and app-based POS
Small sellers and mobile businesses
Simple setup; check transaction fees and PayPal integration
Epos Now Hardware/software EPOS packages
Retail, hospitality and SMEs
Promotes complete POS systems from promotional upfront package prices
Lightspeed Advanced retail and hospitality EPOS
Restaurants, retail and growing businesses
Restaurant plans begin at £79/month for first terminal
Clover EPOS and card payment packages
SMEs wanting hardware and payments
Pricing often depends on package, device and payment setup
Shopify POS Retail and e-commerce
Shops with online/offline selling
Strong for businesses already using Shopify
TouchBistro Restaurants
Hospitality and table-service venues
Good for restaurant workflows
Zonal Pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels
Established hospitality businesses
Quote-based and suited to more complex hospitality needs
Worldpay EPOS Payment-led EPOS
Businesses wanting EPOS and card processing
Check transaction fees, terminal rental and contract terms
Cheapest EPOS systems in the UK The cheapest EPOS systems are usually app-based or payment-led systems where the software is free or low cost, and you mainly pay through card processing fees.
Provider type Best for Watch out for
Free POS apps
Small sellers and startups
Limited features
Card reader apps
Mobile businesses
Higher transaction fees may matter
Tablet POS systems
Cafés, salons and small shops
Hardware still adds up
Promotional EPOS bundles
New shops and venues
Check contract and support terms
Payment-led systems
Businesses wanting simple setup
You may be tied to one payment processor
Best low-cost options to compare: Square, SumUp, Zettle, Epos Now and Clover.
Is free EPOS software really free? Free EPOS software can be genuinely free in terms of monthly subscription, but it is not cost-free overall.
You will probably still pay for:
card transaction fees
hardware
online payments
invoices
premium features
loyalty tools
advanced stock management
team management
customer marketing
extra locations
integrations
Free EPOS can be a great starting point for small businesses, but growing businesses often move to paid plans once they need better stock, reporting, permissions, integrations or multi-site tools.
How to reduce EPOS costs You can reduce EPOS costs by choosing only the features your business actually needs.
Start with your business type
A café, shop, pub and takeaway all need different EPOS features.
Avoid overbuying hardware
Do not pay for tills, printers or screens you will not use.
Compare transaction fees
Payment fees can cost more than software for high-turnover businesses.
Check contract length
A cheap monthly quote may be expensive if you are locked in for years.
Ask about add-ons upfront
Loyalty, delivery, bookings, stock and accounting integrations may cost extra.
Compare buying vs rental
Monthly rental is easier upfront but may cost more long term.
Get multiple quotes
Comparing providers helps you understand what is fair for your business size.
How to choose the right EPOS system The right EPOS system is the one that fits your business operations, not just your budget.
Business need
Small shop
Simple payments, stock, receipts and reports
Café
Fast checkout, menu buttons, receipts and loyalty
Restaurant
Table management, split bills, kitchen printing and handhelds
Pub/bar
Tabs, staff permissions, stock and fast payments
Takeaway
Online ordering, kitchen printing and delivery tools
Retailer
Barcode scanning, stock, returns and e-commerce
Multi-site business
Central reporting, user permissions and integrations
High-volume business
Lower transaction fees and reliable support
Our verdict: how much should you budget for EPOS? For a very small business, you may be able to start with a card reader and free POS app for under £100 upfront, plus card transaction fees.
For a typical small shop, café or salon, a realistic EPOS budget is often around £25–£100 per month, plus hardware and payment processing.
For restaurants, pubs, retailers and growing businesses, costs are more likely to sit around £50–£200+ per month, depending on tills, handhelds, software features, stock, reporting and integrations.
For multi-site or more complex businesses, EPOS pricing is usually quote-based and can be significantly higher.
Bottom line: do not compare EPOS systems on monthly software cost alone. Compare the total cost of software, hardware, payments, support, installation and contract terms.
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FAQs: EPOS costs UK How much does an EPOS system cost in the UK?
An EPOS system can cost from £0 per month for basic free POS software to £50-£200+ per month for more advanced systems. Hardware, card payment fees, installation, support and add-ons can increase the total cost.
What is the cheapest EPOS system?
The cheapest EPOS systems are usually free or low-cost POS apps from providers such as Square, SumUp or Zettle. These can work well for small businesses, but you still need to pay card transaction fees and may need to buy hardware.
Is EPOS software free?
Some EPOS software is free. For example, Square says its POS software has no monthly fee, with businesses paying when they take a payment. Free software may have limits, and you may still pay for hardware, payment processing and premium features.
How much does EPOS hardware cost?
EPOS hardware can cost from around £19 for a basic card reader to £500-£2,000+ for a full till setup with terminal, printer, cash drawer, scanner and accessories.
How much does a restaurant EPOS system cost?
Restaurant EPOS systems often cost around £50-£200+ per month, depending on table management, kitchen printing, handheld ordering, online ordering, payments and reporting. Lightspeed Restaurant says its UK plans begin at £79/month for the first terminal.
How much does retail EPOS cost?
Retail EPOS systems often cost around £50-£150+ per month, depending on stock control, barcode scanning, customer accounts, loyalty, returns and e-commerce integrations.
Do EPOS systems charge transaction fees?
Yes, many EPOS providers also provide or integrate with card payment processing. Transaction fees vary by provider, card type and payment method, so they should be compared carefully.
Is it better to rent or buy EPOS hardware?
Buying hardware can be cheaper over the long term, but renting can reduce upfront costs and may include support or replacement equipment. The best option depends on cash flow, contract terms and how long you expect to use the system.
What hidden EPOS costs should I watch for?
Watch for installation fees, training costs, support charges, payment integration fees, cancellation fees, hardware warranty costs, add-ons, extra tills, extra users and higher transaction fees.
Do I need an EPOS system or just a card machine?
If you only need to take payments, a card machine may be enough. If you need stock control, reports, staff logins, receipts, product management, table service or integrations, an EPOS system is usually better.
How much should a small business spend on EPOS?
Many small businesses can start with a low-cost setup for under £100 upfront plus transaction fees. Businesses needing a full till, printer, stock control and reporting may spend £25–£100+ per month plus hardware.
Can EPOS costs be negotiated?
Yes, especially for higher-turnover businesses, multiple tills or multi-site operations. You may be able to negotiate transaction fees, installation, hardware, support or monthly software costs.
What is the most important EPOS cost to compare?
Payment processing fees are often the most important long-term cost, especially if you take a lot of card payments. Always compare transaction fees alongside monthly software and hardware costs.
Are EPOS contracts long term?
Some EPOS providers offer monthly plans, while others use 12, 24, 36 or even longer contracts. Always check the minimum term, renewal rules and cancellation fees before signing.
Should I compare EPOS quotes before buying?
Yes. EPOS costs vary significantly by provider, business type, hardware, payments and contract terms. Comparing quotes helps you avoid overpaying and find a system that fits your business.
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Related EPOS Guides If you’re researching EPOS systems, the guides below cover costs, business types, providers, hardware and future trends in more detail.
EPOS costs & pricing
Understand how EPOS pricing works in the UK, including rental, software fees and hidden charges:
EPOS by business type
Different industries need very different EPOS features. These guides focus on sector-specific requirements:
EPOS hardware & technology
Learn how EPOS hardware, devices and system architecture affect performance and cost:
EPOS providers & software (full reviews)
Detailed, provider-specific reviews are covered separately to keep comparisons unbiased:
Integrations, data & advanced use
For businesses needing deeper integrations and reporting:
EPOS comparisons & future trends
Understand how EPOS systems are evolving and how to compare options fairly:
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Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
