In 2026, a POS system is no longer just a modern cash register – it is the hub that connects your sales, inventory, customers, and even online orders. Small businesses, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and market traders all rely on their POS to keep things moving smoothly day to day.
The good news is you do not need enterprise‑level software or huge budgets to get started. There are plenty of affordable POS systems in the UK that cover the essentials without locking you into expensive long‑term contracts or complex setups.
This guide walks through 7 of the cheapest POS systems in the UK for 2026, how their pricing really works, and how to choose the best option for your business.
Why Affordable POS Systems Matter in 2026
Modern POS platforms now offer cloud access, mobile POS apps, QR table ordering, and integrated online sales. These features are powerful, but they can also push up costs if you are not careful.
Choosing an affordable POS helps you:
- Keep startup and ongoing costs under control.
- Avoid long, inflexible contracts and high early termination fees.
- Add features only when you actually need them.
- Access essentials like payments, inventory, and reporting from day one.
The key is not just picking the absolute cheapest POS, but finding the best balance between low cost and the features your business needs to operate smoothly.
What to Look for in a Cheap POS System
Even on a tight budget, your POS should still cover core requirements. When comparing low‑cost options, look at the whole pricing picture and not only the headline “free” or “£0/month” claims.
1. Pricing structure
“Cheap” can be misleading if high transaction fees or hardware costs are hiding in the small print. Consider:
- Software subscription fees (free, low‑cost, or tiered).
- Transaction fees per sale (especially for card payments).
- Hardware costs (card machines, tablets, terminals, printers).
- Optional add‑ons for online ordering, loyalty, or advanced reporting.
2. Features versus price
At minimum, an affordable POS should offer:
- Sales and payment processing.
- Basic inventory tracking.
- Sales reports and analytics.
- VAT support for UK businesses.
Advanced features like multi‑location management, online ordering, or loyalty programs might cost extra but can be worth it as you grow.
3. Hardware requirements
Some cheap POS systems are hardware‑light and run on your existing smartphone or tablet. Others require card readers, dedicated terminals, or printers. Factor one‑off hardware spend into your total cost.
4. Online ordering and integrations
In 2026, many customers expect to order online, scan QR codes at tables, or browse your products from their phones. Budget POS systems may:
- Include basic online or QR ordering.
- Offer it as a paid add‑on.
- Integrate with popular delivery or ecommerce platforms.
5. Support and scalability
Even low‑cost POS options should give you reliable support and a path to upgrade features as your business grows, without forcing a full system switch.
The 7 Cheapest POS Systems in the UK (2026)
The list below focuses on real affordability for small businesses and startups, not just low monthly fees.
1. UseTapp — Free and Mobile‑Friendly
UseTapp is designed for businesses that want a simple, hardware‑light setup and minimal fixed costs. It runs on smartphones or tablets and offers a free plan where you mainly pay per transaction.
- Pricing: Free core plan; optional paid tiers for advanced features.
- Key features: Cloud POS on mobile devices, online and QR ordering, AI insights, and simple reporting.
- Pros:
- No subscription fee on the free plan.
- Hardware‑free setup using devices you already own.
- Ideal for mobile and low‑overhead businesses.
- Cons:
- Limited advanced inventory and multi‑site functionality.
- Best for: Food trucks, market stalls, pop‑up shops, solo operators.
2. Square UK — Flexible Budget POS
Square is a popular budget‑friendly POS in the UK because it is easy to start with a free app and optional hardware. It offers a solid set of features for small businesses wanting more than just basic payments.
- Pricing: Free core app; pay for hardware and optional add‑ons.
- Key features: Sales and payment processing, basic inventory, customer directory, online ordering integration.
- Pros:
- Free to start for software.
- Good all‑round functionality for cafés, salons, and small shops.
- Scales up with add‑ons as you grow.
- Cons:
- Premium features and add‑ons can increase monthly costs over time.
- Best for: Cafés, small retail shops, salons.
3. POSApt — Affordable Hospitality POS With Better Long‑Term Value
POSApt is a hospitality‑focused POS that offers budget‑friendly plans while still including features that restaurants and cafés actually need, such as table management, QR ordering, and kitchen display systems.
- Pricing: From around £29/month for POS; from around £75/month for POS plus online ordering.
- Key features: Table and floor plan management, Kitchen Display System (KDS), QR code ordering, online ordering, inventory tracking, and multi‑location support.
- Pros:
- Designed specifically for cafés, casual restaurants, and bars.
- Built‑in online and QR ordering that many “cheap” POS systems charge extra for.
- Multi‑location support without enterprise‑level pricing.
- Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription.
- Hardware (tablets, terminals) is not included.
Why POSApt is still a “cheap” POS in the long run
On the surface, POSApt looks more expensive than free or £0/month systems because it charges a subscription fee. However, many low‑cost POS providers make you use their own card terminals and payment processing, often at higher transaction rates and with less flexibility.
Over time, this can make “free” systems more expensive than a paid subscription like POSApt because:
- You may pay higher fees on every single card transaction.
- You are locked into their card machines and cannot easily switch to cheaper processors.
- Upgrading or replacing terminals can mean buying brand‑specific hardware again.
POSApt’s model is more transparent and flexible:
- You pay a clear monthly subscription but have more freedom over hardware choices.
- You are less locked into one payment provider, giving you room to negotiate better rates.
- By combining predictable software costs with more competitive processing fees, your total cost of ownership can be lower than “free” POS options over the long term.
For hospitality businesses with steady or high transaction volumes, POSApt can therefore be one of the most cost‑effective “cheap” POS solutions, even though it is not free upfront.
4. SumUp — Minimalist and Cost‑Effective
SumUp is a straightforward, low‑friction option for businesses that mainly need to accept card payments and track basic sales data, without paying a monthly fee.
- Pricing: No monthly subscription; pay‑per‑transaction.
- Key features: Payment processing, simple reporting, app‑based sales tracking.
- Pros:
- No ongoing subscription costs.
- Affordable card readers.
- Very quick and simple setup.
- Cons:
- Limited inventory tools and advanced functionality.
- Best for: Micro‑businesses, market stalls, mobile vendors.
5. Zettle by PayPal — Simple Retail POS
Zettle offers low‑cost hardware and a simple app, with the added advantage of tight integration with PayPal. It is a good fit for small retailers and cafés that want a reliable entry‑level POS.
- Pricing: No monthly software fee; transaction fees apply.
- Key features: Sales and payment processing, basic inventory management, PayPal integration.
- Pros:
- Zero monthly subscription.
- Easy connection to PayPal accounts.
- Straightforward onboarding.
- Cons:
- Less advanced reporting and analytics than more complete POS systems.
- Best for: Small retail shops, boutiques, cafés.
6. Epos Now — Mid‑Budget POS With Advanced Tools
Epos Now sits slightly above the ultra‑low‑cost options but offers more robust functionality, making it suitable for growing businesses that need inventory and reporting without going full enterprise.
- Pricing: Entry‑level plans at mid‑budget levels; hardware usually required.
- Key features: Sales and inventory tracking, offline mode, accounting and ecommerce integrations.
- Pros:
- Strong reporting and inventory for the price.
- Offline functionality for when your internet drops.
- Cons:
- Hardware requirements increase total cost.
- Best for: Growing businesses needing more structured stock control.
7. Loyverse — Free POS With Optional Add‑Ons
Loyverse is a lesser‑known but capable free POS solution with optional low‑cost add‑ons for inventory, loyalty programmes, and analytics, making it flexible for small operators who want to start free and upgrade later.
- Pricing: Free core POS; optional paid add‑ons for inventory, loyalty, and advanced reporting.
- Key features: Sales and payment processing, basic inventory management, optional loyalty integration.
- Pros:
- Free core functionality.
- Modular add‑ons so you pay only for what you need.
- Cons:
- Interface and user experience may feel less polished than some competitors.
- Best for: Cafés, small shops, salons that want to start with a free POS.
How Much You’ll Really Pay
Even with “cheap” POS systems, there are a few cost components to add up before deciding.
Hardware
- Card readers: Roughly £20–£50.
- Tablets or POS terminals: Around £200–£800 each.
- Receipt printers and accessories: Often £50–£200.
Subscription and add‑ons
- Free to about £30/month for basic tiers on many systems.
- Additional £10–£40/month for extras like online ordering, loyalty, or advanced analytics.
Processing fees
- Typically 0.5–2% per card transaction, depending on provider and volume.
- Some “free POS” offers rely on higher transaction fees to make their money back.
A useful rule of thumb is to compare your total expected cost (subscription + hardware + transaction fees) over 6–12 months instead of just looking at monthly software price tags.
Real‑Life Use Cases
- Food truck or market stall
UseTapp or SumUp give you an affordable, mobile‑friendly POS you can run from a phone with minimal hardware. - Small café or boutique
Square UK or Loyverse offer low‑cost, scalable POS with enough features to manage sales and basic inventory. - Casual restaurant or bar
POSApt or Square UK provide affordable hospitality features, with POSApt standing out if you want built‑in QR and online ordering plus better long‑term cost control. - Growing retail shop
Epos Now or Loyverse (with inventory add‑ons) balance price and deeper stock management tools.Final Thoughts
You do not need to overspend to get a reliable POS system in the UK in 2026. From free, hardware‑light tools to low‑cost hospitality solutions, there is an option for almost every small business and startup.
For micro and mobile businesses, UseTapp and SumUp keep things extremely lean. For cafés and retail shops, Square UK and Loyverse bring a good mix of features and affordability. For restaurants and bars, POSApt stands out as a cost‑effective choice that combines hospitality‑specific tools with flexible hardware and payment options, helping keep your true long‑term costs down even with a subscription fee.
FAQs About Cheap POS Systems in the UK
What is the absolute cheapest POS system in the UK?
UseTapp and SumUp often provide the lowest entry cost, thanks to free software plans and no fixed subscription fees.
Can these POS systems work offline?
Some, like Epos Now, offer offline modes; many free or very low‑cost systems need a reliable internet connection for full functionality.
Can I use my own tablet or smartphone?
Yes, many budget‑friendly POS platforms – including UseTapp, Square, POSApt (with supported devices), and Loyverse – allow you to use your own hardware.
Are budget POS systems secure?
Reputable providers use encryption and secure servers, but you should always review their security credentials, compliance information, and data protection policies.
