POS systems run retail in the UK.

The market is already worth $871M in 2024 and will hit $1.49B by 2030.

Terminals alone bring in billions. 

That tells you one thing: POS isn’t optional, it’s the backbone of selling today.

And this list isn’t random. It’s built from data, market trends, and what UK shop owners say when they share their real experiences. 

In this guide, we break down 5 POS systems UK retailers use every day: 

• UseTapp, 
  
  

• Lightspeed, 
  
  

• Epos Now, 
  
  

• Square, and 
  
  

• ConnectPOS.

We’ll cover their main features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one suits your store best.

Let’s get started.

What to Look for in Retail POS Software?

Thick of it as a buying guide for you before we dive into specific POS tools. 

• Ease of setup & hardware needs → Does the POS work on a phone/tablet, or does it require expensive tills and scanners? This matters for small vs. big retailers.
  
  

• Payment processing fees & integrations → Some charge monthly, some charge per transaction. Readers want to know the “hidden costs.”
  
  

• Inventory management & multi-store support → A basic POS may work for one shop, but multi-store retailers need synced inventory.
  
  

• Reporting, analytics, and CRM → Helps track sales, customer data, and loyalty programs—important for growth.
  
  

• Cost transparency → Many POS companies hide fees. Readers want clarity (e.g., free plan vs. transaction-based).

So basically, now you know what criteria to judge POS systems by.

That way, when we discuss UseTapp, Lightspeed, etc., you have a mental checklist to compare them against.

Comparison Table – Quick Look at All 5 POS Systems

Now, let’s get into the details.

UseTapp – POS + Text Marketing in One

UseTapp combines a point of sale system with built-in SMS marketing and loyalty rewards.

That means every transaction isn’t just a sale, it’s a chance to build a following and bring customers back.

Core Features: 

• At its core, UseTapp is mobile-first. You don’t need bulky tills or scanners to get started. A phone or tablet is enough. 

• For businesses that want a more traditional setup, hardware like stands, scanners, and NFC readers are available as add-ons.

• What really makes UseTapp stand out is its text automation. 

• Instead of just collecting payments, it collects customer phone numbers at checkout, online, or even through kiosks. 

• From there, you can send offers, reminders, and rewards automatically. 

• Another selling point is the Cash Discount Program. Instead of the business covering card transaction fees, customers keep more margin in the shop’s pocket.

Pros and Cons:

Pricing:

Best for: 

Independent retailers, cafes, salons, and consignment shops that want a POS + marketing tool in one simple system without heavy upfront costs.

Lightspeed – POS Built for Scaling Retail

Lightspeed positions itself as more than a POS; it’s a unified commerce and payments platform trusted by over 165,000 businesses worldwide. 

For UK retailers, it’s designed to handle the complexity that comes with running multiple stores, managing suppliers, and selling both in-store and online.

Core Features: 

• Lightspeed is inventory-first. It helps retailers manage stock across locations, order wholesale via NuORDER, and prevent stockouts with forecasting. 

• Lightspeed adds real-time analytics and reporting. Store owners can spot trends, monitor performance across branches, and use insights to guide buying decisions or marketing campaigns. 

• The platform also comes with integrated payments, e-commerce features, and open API options for customization.

• It also supports retailers with hardware bundles, from iPad stands and scanners to mobile card readers, so stores can set up modern checkout counters or fully wireless systems.

Pros and Cons: 

Lightspeed Retail (X-Series) Pricing (2025)

⚠️ Notes:

• Prices are based on monthly billing for 1 location and 1 register.

• For annual billing, the prices are $75, $149, and $189, respectively.
  
  

• Hardware sold separately (iPad POS, receipt printer, handheld payment device).
  
  

• Additional service fees may apply depending on business type/industry.
  
  

• Custom pricing available for multi-location enterprises.

Best for: 

Medium to large retailers with multiple locations or a growing ecommerce presence who need advanced inventory management, deep reporting, and an all-in-one POS system that scales.

Epos Now – Retail & Hospitality-Focused POS

Epos Now is one of the UK’s most widely adopted POS platforms, powering over 80,000 businesses worldwide. 

It’s designed to be an all-in-one EPOS solution, bundling hardware, software, payments, and integrations into a system that works for both retailers and hospitality operators.

For small shops, pubs, or multi-location businesses, Epos Now offers a mix of affordability and scalability, with cloud access so owners can run their business from anywhere.

Core Features:

• Inventory & Stock Control: Automates purchase orders, sets stock alerts, and gives real-time visibility across multiple locations.
  
  

• Reporting & Insights: Access sales, margins, staff, and customer data instantly from any device.
  
  

• Payments: Integrated Epos Now Payments with flat-rate card processing, plus support for Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
  
  

• Integrations: Connects with 100+ third-party tools including Shopify, Xero, QuickBooks, and Deliveroo.
  
  

• Flexibility: Works on Android, iPad, or Epos Now’s own touchscreen tills.
  
  

• Hospitality Tools: Kitchen Display System (KDS), table management, and delivery integrations.
  
  

• Support: 24/7 customer support with onboarding and unlimited training.

Pros and Cons:

Epos Now reviewed by Sian Carberry on 16/8/2025

Retail EPOS System Pricing

• Complete EPOS Solution Bundle: From £249 upfront (discounted from £899) + monthly subscription (from £54/mo).
  
  

• Includes a POS terminal with a touchscreen, a built-in receipt printer, a cash drawer, and onboarding.
  
  

• Payments processed at a flat per-transaction rate, no hidden fees.
  
  

• Hardware like portable card readers (“Air”), stationary readers (“Link”), and all-in-one tills are sold separately.

Notes:

• Pricing depends on hardware choices, business type, and subscription length.
  
  

• Add-ons like loyalty, delivery, and advanced reporting may carry extra fees.
  
  

• Epos Now Payments Lite is available for mobile businesses at £15/mo or £179/yr.

Best for: 

Small to medium-sized retailers, cafes, pubs, and restaurants that want an affordable, complete POS with hardware included and the ability to scale with integrations as they grow.

Square POS – Low-Cost, Flexible Option

Square has grown into one of the most trusted POS platforms globally, powering over 4 million businesses and processing billions in transactions each year. 

For UK retailers, Square combines sleek hardware with a full suite of software tools to sell anywhere, whether in-store, online, or on the go.

Core Features:

• Omnichannel selling: Sell in person, online, via social media, or even over the phone with synced inventory across all channels.
  
  

• Payment flexibility: Accept chip & PIN, contactless, Clearpay (BNPL), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more with transparent processing rates.
  
  

• Inventory & reporting: Real-time stock tracking, barcode scanning, automatic purchase orders, and advanced sales reports.
  
  

• Customer engagement: Built-in loyalty programs, gift cards, email/SMS marketing, and centralised customer directories.
  
  

• Team management: Control labour costs with staff scheduling, time tracking, and permissions.
  
  

• Hardware options: From the lightweight Square Reader (£19 + VAT) to the Square Terminal and new Square Handheld, retailers can tailor checkout to their business size.

Pros and Cons:

Pricing (Square for Retail, UK 2025):

NOTE: Transaction fees: 1.75% (in-person), 1.4% + 25p (online UK cards), 2.5% + 25p (online non-UK cards), 6% + 30p (Clearpay).

Best For:

Retailers of any size who want a flexible, affordable POS system with no long-term contracts, transparent pricing, and easy scalability from a single shop to multi-location operations.

ConnectPOS – Best for Omnichannel Retailers

ConnectPOS positions itself as a true omnichannel retail POS designed to unify in-store, online, and marketplace sales under one system. 

With 3,000+ active customers and a strong partner ecosystem, it’s built for businesses that need real-time synchronization across inventory, orders, and customer data.

Unlike more rigid POS systems, ConnectPOS leans heavily on integration and customization. 

It makes it popular with retailers in high-complexity sectors like fashion, furniture, supermarkets, and even high-risk industries (cannabis, vape, firearms).

Core Features:

• Unified Multichannel Management: Sync sales, inventory, and customer data across multiple locations, eCommerce platforms, and sales channels in real time.
  
  

• Advanced Customization: API-first and microservices-based architecture allows retailers to tailor workflows, receipts, user permissions, and checkout experiences.
  
  

• Flexible Payments: Compatible with global and local gateways (Stripe, Adyen, PayPal, Flutterwave, Global Payments, etc.), plus BNPL, store credit, and cash.
  
  

• Global Reach: Supports multi-currency and multi-language transactions — critical for international expansion.
  
  

• Customer Engagement Tools: Loyalty programs, self-checkout, AI-powered personalization, and detailed analytics to refine offers and boost retention.
  
  

• Enterprise-Grade Security: PCI DSS compliance, encrypted logins, and secure transaction protocols for data protection.
  
  

• Training & Support: 24/7 support, two-week onboarding, and reseller/white-label programs for businesses wanting a partner-first model.

Pros and Cons:

ConnectPOS reviewed by Grainne on 5/1/2025

ConnectPOS Pricing (2025)

⚠️ Notes:

• Pricing is per register, per month.
  
  

• Enterprise plan is fully tailored, pricing depends on scale, integrations, and customizations.
  
  

• Annual billing usually offers cost savings (of almost $10).
  
  

• ConnectPOS positions itself as transparent (no hidden fees), but advanced features like loyalty, custom workflows, or large-scale integrations may require higher plans.

Best for:

• Mid-size to enterprise retailers needing deep integration with eCommerce, ERP, and accounting software.
  
  

• International businesses require multi-currency and multi-language support.
  
  

• Verticals with compliance needs (cannabis, vape, firearms) where tailored solutions matter.
  
  

• Agencies/Resellers who want a white-label POS to sell under their own brand.

How to Choose the Right POS for Your UK Retail Business?

The truth: there’s no one “best” POS for everyone.

Each system shines in a different scenario depending on your store size, budget, and growth stage. 

Here’s how to decide:

Conclusion and TL, DR

Choosing the right POS in the UK isn’t just about payments — it’s about how well your system fits your business model. From what we’ve seen:

Don’t want to buy tills or hardware? → Use UseTapp

Running multiple shops with complex stock? → Go with Lightspeed

Need an all-in-one POS + hardware bundle at a low cost? → Pick Epos Now

Just want simple, free, and quick to set up? → Use Square

Selling online + offline, need full sync? → Choose ConnectPOS

At the end of the day, your decision comes down to simplicity vs. scalability. 

If you’re still undecided, start small with Square or UseTapp, then upgrade to Lightspeed or ConnectPOS once your operations grow.