UK EPOS Cost Guide
EPOS System Cost UK – Complete Pricing Guide 2026
Written by Calvin Lo, Founder of Aphelios Software | July 2026 | 8 min read
How much does an EPOS system cost in the UK? Compare pricing from £0/mo to £199/mo with no hidden fees, no long contracts, and no expensive hardware.
How Much Does an EPOS System Cost?
EPOS system costs in the UK vary widely. You can find free options like Aphelios that offer core features at no cost, or premium enterprise systems costing £199+/mo. The total cost depends on subscription fees, hardware requirements, transaction fees, and contract terms.
This guide breaks down every cost component so you can make an informed decision. See our pricing page for the latest plans, compare with our EPOS system, explore the free POS option, or read our guide to the best POS for small businesses.
EPOS Pricing Models
There are four main EPOS pricing models in the UK:
- Monthly subscription: Pay a recurring fee (typically £20-£200/mo) for software access. Includes updates and support.
- One-time purchase: Buy the software licence outright. Usually £500-£3,000 upfront, with ongoing support fees.
- Transaction-based: Low or no monthly fee but higher per-transaction charges. Common with payment processor POS systems.
- Free models: Fully functional POS at no cost, with optional paid upgrades for advanced features. Aphelios offers this model.
Hardware is a separate cost. Some providers require proprietary terminals costing £500-£2,000. Aphelios works on devices you already own.
Aphelios Pricing Comparison
| Feature | Free | Starter | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £0 | £29.99 | £119.99 | £199.99 |
| Users | 2 | 2 | 10 | 20 |
| POS System | ||||
| Inventory Tracking | ||||
| Barcode Scanning | ||||
| Stripe Payments | ||||
| Sales Reports | ||||
| Customer Management | ||||
| Multi-Location | ||||
| API Access | ||||
| Setup Fee | None | None | None | None |
| Contract Length | None | None | None | None |
| Hardware Required | None | None | None | None |
All prices exclude VAT. No setup fees, no long-term contracts, no proprietary hardware required on any plan.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing EPOS system costs, watch out for these hidden charges:
- Hardware costs: Some providers require proprietary terminals costing £500-£2,000. Aphelios works on devices you already own.
- Contract terms: Many EPOS providers lock you into 1-3 year contracts with early termination fees. Aphelios has no contracts.
- Transaction fees: Some providers charge additional per-transaction fees on top of payment processing. Aphelios does not.
- Setup fees: Installation and onboarding fees can add £100-£500. Aphelios has no setup fees.
- Support costs: Premium support tiers can add £20-£50/mo. Aphelios includes support in all plans.
- Upgrade fees: Some providers charge to upgrade your plan. Aphelios upgrades are instant and free.
Total Cost Comparison: Aphelios vs Competitors
Here is how Aphelios compares to other EPOS providers for a typical UK small business over 1 year and 3 years:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | 1 Year Total | 3 Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aphelios (Free) | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Aphelios (Starter) | £29.99 | £359.88 | £1,079.64 |
| Square (Free) | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Square (Premium) | £20 | £240 | £720 |
| Lightspeed | £69 | £828 | £2,484 |
| Zettle | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Shopify POS | £89 | £1,068 | £3,204 |
Excludes payment processing fees and optional hardware. Prices correct as of July 2026.
How Much Does a POS System Cost in the UK 2026
A complete guide to POS pricing in the UK from free to enterprise.
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Calculate the true cost of a POS system for your UK business.
Read moreEPOS vs POS System UK 2026
What is the difference between EPOS and POS systems in the UK?
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Are there any hidden fees with EPOS systems?
Many EPOS providers charge setup fees, hardware markups, and long-term contract penalties. Aphelios has no setup fees, no long-term contracts, and no hidden charges. You only pay for your subscription and standard Stripe payment processing.
What is the cheapest EPOS system in the UK?
Aphelios offers a free plan at £0/mo for 2 users with no time limit. This makes it the most affordable EPOS system for UK small businesses. Paid plans start from £29.99/mo.
Do I need to buy expensive hardware for an EPOS system?
No. Aphelios works on any phone, tablet, or computer with a web browser. You can add optional hardware like barcode scanners or receipt printers, but no proprietary equipment is required.
How long do EPOS contracts usually last?
Many EPOS providers require 1-3 year contracts with early exit fees. Aphelios has no long-term contracts. You can cancel or change your plan at any time with no penalties.
What is included in the EPOS subscription price?
Aphelios subscriptions include the POS system, inventory management, barcode scanning, sales reports, customer management, and support. No additional costs for core features.
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