Choosing an EPOS system means comparing more than a monthly price. The hardware, the software, card payments, contract terms and support all add to what you pay and how well the system works for you. This page brings our comparison pages together and gives you a checklist for comparing any provider, including us.
Our comparison pages
- Switch&Save vs Epos Now: how pricing, contracts, card payments and support compare for UK retail and hospitality businesses.
- Switch&Save vs Xepos: software and licence fees, contract terms and how card payments are set up.
- Switch&Save vs SumUp: a full EPOS system compared with a card reader and POS app, including how transaction pricing works.
- Switch&Save vs iPOSg: contract terms, minimum charges and how clearly pricing is published.
Providers change their prices and terms, so always check the current details with each provider before you decide.
What to compare
Use these questions with any EPOS or card machine provider, us included:
| What to compare | Why it matters | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront hardware cost | Some deals have a low upfront price but a higher monthly cost, or the reverse. | What exactly is included: terminal, printer, cash drawer, scanner? |
| Monthly software fee | This is often charged per device, so it grows with every extra till. | Is the fee per device or per site, and what does it include? |
| Card processing pricing | For a busy business, card fees can outweigh software fees. | Is pricing blended or interchange++, and what is my effective rate? |
| Other card charges | Per-transaction, PCI, terminal rental and minimum monthly charges add up. | Can I see every fee on a sample statement? |
| Contract length and notice | Long terms and auto-renewal can lock you in. | What is the minimum term, and how do I give notice? |
| Exit fees | Leaving early can cost the rest of the contract. | How is the early termination fee calculated? |
| Hardware ownership | Rented kit goes back when you leave. | Do I own the hardware, or rent it? |
| Integrations | Delivery apps, card terminals and online ordering should work with the till. | Which integrations are included, and which cost extra? |
| Support | A till that’s down costs you sales. | What are the support hours and channels, and is support UK-based? |
| Your data | You’ll need your products and sales history if you ever move. | Can I export my data, and in what format? |
Work out the real cost over 12 or 24 months
A fair comparison adds up everything you’d pay over the same period:
- hardware and any setup or installation charges;
- monthly software fees × number of devices × number of months;
- card fees, which are your monthly card takings × your effective rate × number of months, plus any fixed card charges;
- add-ons you’ll actually use, such as online ordering, delivery-app connections and extra terminals;
- any exit fee you’d pay to leave your current provider.
Our card machines page explains how we compare card providers. To see what’s included in our own packages, browse our EPOS bundles.
Comparing card machine providers
We work with three UK card providers: DNA Payments, Teya and Dojo (Dojo for retail). So rather than writing against them, we compare them for your business. We look at the rate for your card mix, the contract, the terminals, when your money is paid out, and whether the terminal works with your till.
How we write our comparisons
- We’re not neutral. SWITCH&SAVE sells EPOS systems and introduces card payment and finance providers, so read our comparisons with that in mind.
- Like for like. We aim to compare similar setups, such as one terminal with the closest equivalent software plan.
- Public sources. Competitor information comes from each provider’s public UK website and terms, and each comparison should say when it was last checked.
- Corrections welcome. If something is out of date, email hello@switch-and-save.uk and we’ll review it.
- No affiliation. We’re an independent UK provider and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the companies we compare. All trademarks belong to their owners.
Comparing EPOS systems: frequently asked questions
What is the best EPOS system in the UK?
There isn’t one best system for everyone. A takeaway needs delivery-app orders and kitchen printing, a convenience store needs fast barcode scanning and stock control, and a café needs quick modifiers and table ordering. Compare systems on the features you’ll use and the total cost over the contract.
Are “free” EPOS systems really free?
Often the hardware or software is free because the cost is recovered somewhere else, for example through card processing fees, a long contract or a supply agreement. Check the total cost over the full term before you decide.
How do I compare EPOS prices fairly?
Add up hardware, monthly fees for every device, card fees and any add-ons over 12 or 24 months, and compare those totals rather than the headline monthly price.
Can I switch to Switch&Save part-way through a contract?
Usually yes, though your current provider may charge an early termination fee. We’ll help you check your contract dates and work out the best time to switch.
Get a like-for-like quote
Tell us what you use now and we’ll give you a written quote to compare. You can also see our system in a free 20–30 minute remote demo, with no hard sell. Book your free demo or get in touch:
SWITCH&SAVE Business Services Ltd, 3A Perry Common Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7AB · 0333 0389707 · hello@switch-and-save.uk · WhatsApp +44 7432 391811