7 Best POS Software in the UK (2026 Buyer’s Guide)

Choosing the best POS software in the UK in 2026 isn’t just about accepting payments anymore. A modern Point of Sale (POS) system powers your entire business — from inventory tracking and staff management to online orders, customer loyalty, and real-time reporting.

Whether you run a café, retail boutique, or multi-site restaurant, the right POS system can save you hours each week and boost profitability. The wrong one can create bottlenecks that slow down growth.

This updated 2026 guide showcases the 7 best POS software in the UK, based on real-world performance, pricing transparency, customer support, and suitability for British businesses.

How We Ranked These POS Software

Every POS in this list was reviewed using key criteria important to UK businesses:

• Pricing transparency – No hidden monthly fees or lengthy contracts.
• Core features – Sales, inventory, reporting, staff management, and payment processing.
• Ease of use – Simple enough for non-technical staff to learn quickly.
• UK support – Handles GBP, VAT, and local payment methods.
• Scalability – Grows easily as your business expands.
• Reliability and support – Fast customer service when you need it most.

7 Best POS Software in UK for 2026

1. Square – Best Overall POS System in the UK

Best for: Small to medium businesses wanting an all-round solution.

Square tops the list for 2026 thanks to its flexible, user-friendly design. There are no monthly POS fees — you only pay a transaction fee per sale. Setup is simple, making it perfect for pop-ups, cafés, or retail shops that want to get started quickly.

Key features:

• Free POS software
• Real-time reporting and analytics
• Inventory management
• Staff time tracking
• Online store integration

Pros:

• No monthly subscription
• Easy setup and clean interface
• Scales with your business

Cons:

• Transaction fees (typically 1.75%–2.5%) can add up at scale
• Advanced features may require extras

Verdict: Square remains the best all-purpose POS software in the UK for 2026, ideal if you want flexibility with minimal risk.

2. POSApt – Best POS Software for Hospitality & Multi-Location Businesses

Best for: Cafés, bars, restaurants, and chains.

POSApt stands out as the top hospitality POS system designed specifically for the UK market. It supports table management, kitchen display systems, and QR code ordering — features restaurants and cafés depend on daily.

Key features:

• Table and floor plan management
• Kitchen Display System (KDS)
• Inventory and recipe costing
• Online and QR ordering integration
• Advanced analytics

Pros:

• Built for hospitality workflows
• Low transaction rates
• Comprehensive online ordering features

Cons:

• Limited brand awareness compared to global giants
• Retail features are secondary

Verdict: POSApt is excellent for hospitality businesses that want control over customer data and modern digital ordering without third-party delivery costs.

3. Shopify POS – Best for Omnichannel Retailers

Best for: Businesses selling both online and in-store.

Shopify POS integrates seamlessly with the Shopify eCommerce platform, allowing real-time syncing between your website and physical stores. Ideal for retailers building a unified online and offline presence.

Key features:

• Centralised inventory management
• Unified customer profiles
• Smart reporting tools
• Seamless ecommerce integration

Pros:

• Perfect for omnichannel retail
• Scales with business growth
• Robust app marketplace

Cons:

• Higher monthly fees for advanced features
• Dependent on Shopify’s ecosystem

Verdict: Shopify POS is best for retailers keen to expand online while keeping in-store operations smooth.

4. Lightspeed – Best POS Software for Advanced Retail Inventory Management

Best for: Retailers with large or complex inventory.

Lightspeed is a premium POS platform built for retailers that demand precision. It manages suppliers, product variants, and multi-location stock tracking exceptionally well.

Key features:

• Advanced inventory control
• Multi-store management
• Supplier and purchase order tools
• Real-time analytics dashboard

Pros:

• Excellent stock visibility
• Detailed reporting
• Great for established retailers

Cons:

• Higher upfront and monthly costs
• Learning curve for new users

Verdict: Lightspeed is ideal for established retailers that need deep inventory data and detailed business insights.

5. SumUp POS – Best Budget POS for Small Businesses

Best for: Startups, solo traders, and market stalls.

SumUp POS focuses on simplicity and affordability, pairing neatly with SumUp’s mobile card readers. Perfect for small businesses or mobile vendors getting started with digital payments.

Key features:

• Simple interface
• Basic product tracking
• Mobile-friendly hardware
• Transparent transaction pricing

Pros:

• Low setup costs
• No contracts
• Quick and portable

Cons:

• Basic functionality only
• Limited growth options

Verdict: SumUp POS is great for startups and sole traders but may not scale for growing multi-site businesses.

6. Epos Now – Best Customisable POS Solution

Best for: Businesses that want tailored setups across industries.

Epos Now offers both retail and hospitality-focused options with flexible hardware and module add-ons. Being a UK-based provider, it also handles VAT and UK compliance with ease.

Key features:

• Modular system with industry-specific tools
• Inventory, staff, and sales management
• Custom reporting
• Integration with third-party apps

Pros:

• Highly customisable
• Works across multiple sectors
• UK-based support

Cons:

• Complex pricing structure
• Setup requires some configuration

Verdict: Ideal if you want a custom POS tailored to your workflow and don’t mind a bit of setup time.

7. Clover – Best for Integrated Hardware and Software

Best for: Businesses seeking an all-in-one POS ecosystem.

Clover combines stylish, secure hardware with tightly integrated software. It’s a plug-and-play solution that suits cafés, salons, and retail stores wanting simplicity.

Key features:

• Built-in POS hardware and software
• App marketplace
• Inventory and employee management
• Detailed sales reports

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Reliable performance
• Easy setup for non-tech users

Cons:

• High upfront hardware costs
• Less flexibility outside the Clover ecosystem

Verdict: Clover is perfect for businesses wanting a visually polished, easy-to-maintain POS system in one compact package.

Best POS Software Costs in the UK (2026)

Depending on your setup:

• Software subscription: £0–£200+/month
• Hardware: £50–£1,500+ one-time cost
• Transaction fees: 1.5%–3.5% per card payment

For hospitality and high-volume businesses, transaction fees often make a bigger impact on total costs than monthly subscriptions.

How to Choose the Right POS System for Your Needs

Before committing, consider:

Do you need retail-specific or hospitality-specific features?

Are you planning to sell online as well as in-store?

How many staff or locations are involved?

Do you want monthly pricing or pay-per-transaction flexibility?

Your “best POS” depends on your size, sector, and growth goals — not just software ranking.

Final Verdict: The Best POS System in the UK for 2026

Best overall: Square

Best for hospitality: POSApt

Best for omnichannel retailers: Shopify POS

Best for advanced retail: Lightspeed

Best for small businesses: SumUp

Most customisable: Epos Now

Best all-in-one hardware: Clover

The right POS should fit your current operations and scale with your ambitions. Whether you prioritise price, power, or simplicity, each of these 2026-ready POS systems offers proven value for UK businesses.