Quick Answer
The best budget EPOS system in the UK is EPOS Direct at £549 one-time — this includes hardware, software, and a card machine in one payment. For outright purchase with no monthly fees, software starts at £399.
What makes an EPOS truly 'budget'?
A low advertised price isn't always a budget EPOS. True budget means low total cost of ownership over 2–3 years. Watch out for: hidden transaction fees that grow with your turnover, per-integration charges for accounting software, and annual contract price increases.
Budget EPOS options in the UK compared
Here's how popular UK EPOS options compare on real 2-year cost for a business doing £8,000/month:
- ✓Square: £0/month + 1.75% = £140/month in fees = £3,360 over 2 years
- ✓EPOS Now: £25/month × 24 = £600 + hardware ~£300 = £900 (minimum)
- ✓SumUp POS One: £499 hardware + 1.69% fees = £1,622 in transaction fees = £2,121 total
- ✓EPOS Direct £549 one-time: complete system + Teya card terminal, no ongoing software fees
The cheapest way to get a complete EPOS system
EPOS Direct's £549 complete package is the lowest-cost way to get a complete EPOS system (till + software + Teya card terminal) in the UK. Alternatively, the software-only option at £399 outright is the cheapest long-term option if you already have compatible hardware.
Complete EPOS + Teya Card Terminal
£549 + VAT
One-time — or own outright from £399 — no monthly software fees ever
- ✓ Hardware + software included
- ✓ Teya card terminal (1% rate)
- ✓ No monthly software fees
- ✓ No long-term contracts
- ✓ Works offline
- ✓ UK-based support team
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest EPOS system in the UK?
EPOS Direct at £549 one-time is the most complete entry-level EPOS package in the UK — including hardware and card machine. The cheapest outright option is the software licence at £399 with no monthly fees.
Is a cheap EPOS system reliable?
EPOS Direct is used by 10,000+ UK businesses despite being one of the most affordable options. Reliability comes from the software quality and UK support, not the price. The system works offline and has no hidden costs that inflate over time.
Are there any free EPOS systems in the UK?
Square and PayPal Zettle have no monthly fee but charge 1.75% per transaction. On any meaningful turnover, this costs more than EPOS Direct's flat fee within a few months. Genuinely free EPOS does not exist without hidden cost somewhere.