EPOSNow vs EPOS Direct UK – Which EPOS System Is Better?

This comparison is provided as a general buyer guide for UK businesses. Features and pricing may vary. Last updated February 2026.

Key Takeaways

Pricing structure: EPOSNow often requires ongoing subscriptions, EPOS Direct offers pay-as-you-go
Payment flexibility: EPOS Direct works with any UK payment provider
Contract terms: EPOS Direct offers no long-term lock-in options
Hardware ownership: Buy outright with EPOS Direct means you own your kit

Quick Answer

Both EPOSNow and EPOS Direct serve UK businesses, but they differ in contract flexibility, payment provider choice, and pricing structure. EPOS Direct offers buy-outright options with no lock-in, while EPOSNow typically involves subscription commitments.

UK businesses comparing EPOSNow and EPOS Direct are usually looking for better value, flexibility, and long-term cost control. This guide compares key differences to help you decide which EPOS solution best suits your business needs.

EPOSNow vs EPOS Direct Feature Comparison

Feature	EPOSNow	EPOS Direct
Contract flexibility	Often fixed term	Flexible / buy outright
Payment provider choice	Usually limited	Any provider supported
Setup & onboarding	Varies by package	Assisted setup included
Multi-site support	Available (premium)	Built-in & scalable
UK support	UK-based	UK-based team
Hardware ownership	Subscription often required	Own your equipment

Key Differences to Consider

Pricing structure: EPOSNow often requires ongoing subscriptions, EPOS Direct offers pay-as-you-go
Payment flexibility: EPOS Direct works with any UK payment provider
Contract terms: EPOS Direct offers no long-term lock-in options
Hardware ownership: Buy outright with EPOS Direct means you own your kit
Scalability: Both support multi-site, but pricing models differ significantly

Choose How You Buy Your EPOS System

UK businesses choose EPOS in different ways depending on budget and growth plans:

£49/month + Card Machine

Buy Once & Own Forever

12-Month Finance

Hardware Only

EPOS Without Ongoing Software Subscriptions

Many EPOS providers lock businesses into monthly software fees. EPOS Direct offers a buy-once-own-forever option, allowing retail and restaurant owners to avoid long-term subscriptions and keep full control of their system.

Buy Once & Own Forever – From £999 →

No software subscriptions • Retail & Restaurant EPOS

Need help choosing the right EPOS system?

See £49 EPOS + Card Machine → Buy Once & Own Forever →

Questions to Ask Before Switching

✓ What is the total cost over 3 years including all fees?
✓ Can I choose my own payment provider?
✓ What happens if I want to cancel early?
✓ Do I own the hardware or am I leasing it?
✓ What support is included in the price?
✓ Are there hidden costs for features or add-ons?

Common Comparison Mistakes

✗ Only comparing monthly costs without considering total contract value
✗ Overlooking payment processing rate differences
✗ Not checking what happens to data when switching providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from EPOSNow to EPOS Direct?

Yes, many businesses successfully switch. EPOS Direct can help migrate your product data and provide training on the new system.

Which is better for restaurants?

Both offer restaurant features. EPOS Direct's flexibility with payment providers often appeals to hospitality businesses looking to reduce processing costs.