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POS Systems Price Comparison

Compare 156 POS systems from HP, Elo Touch Solutions and Capture. Find the best price across top UK retailers and choose the right terminal for your business.

HP
Elo Touch Solutions
Capture

POS Systems price comparison UK

    Point-of-sale hardware is one of those purchases where getting it wrong costs you twice — once upfront, and again every time a slow terminal holds up a queue. Our analysis of 156 POS systems across this catalogue reveals a market split firmly between two camps: ARM-based all-in-ones suited to lighter retail and hospitality workloads, and Intel-powered terminals built for demanding, multi-application environments.

    HP dominates by sheer volume with 58 products, though its average price sits considerably higher than the competition — a reflection of its enterprise-grade positioning rather than necessarily better value for smaller operators. Elo Touch Solutions strikes a compelling balance, offering 46 products at a more accessible average price point, with screen sizes ranging from 15.6" to 21.5" and a consistent focus on commercial-grade touchscreen durability. Capture, meanwhile, has carved out a niche as the budget-conscious option, with 33 products averaging well below the market median — worth considering if you're equipping multiple tills simultaneously.

    Prices span a wide range, from 0 £ for entry-level compact terminals up to 0 £ for fully specified Intel-based all-in-ones. The median sits at 0 £, which is roughly where you'll find a capable 15.6" touchscreen system with solid connectivity — the sweet spot for most independent retailers and café operators. It's worth noting that many systems in this catalogue are hardware-only; budget separately for your POS software licence, which can add meaningfully to the total cost of ownership.

    For businesses comparing options, the choice between an all-in-one and a tablet-based setup deserves careful thought. All-in-ones from Elo and HP integrate cleanly with POS printers and customer displays, reducing cable clutter and simplifying setup. Tablet formats like the Newland NQuire range offer portability for tableside ordering or pop-up retail, but require additional peripherals to match the functionality of a fixed terminal. If you're building out a full counter setup, don't overlook POS system accessories — cash drawers, card reader mounts and barcode scanner stands can make or break the day-to-day experience.

    One thing our data makes clear: brand loyalty in this category often leads to overspending. An Elo Touch 15.6" RK3399 system can deliver perfectly adequate performance for a busy café at a fraction of what an HP enterprise terminal costs. Match the spec to the workload, not the badge.

    How to Choose the Right POS System for Your Business

    Most buying mistakes in this category come down to over-specifying or under-specifying — buying an enterprise Intel terminal for a small boutique, or skimping on screen size and regretting it during the lunch rush. Here's what actually matters when comparing POS systems at this price level.

    Screen size and counter space

    This is more practical than it sounds. A 21.5" all-in-one like the Elo E391414 dominates a counter and is ideal for supermarkets or busy hospitality venues where staff need to see multiple order lines at a glance. A 15.6" system is the most common choice for standard retail tills — enough screen real estate without overwhelming a compact counter. The 7" and 10.1" tablet formats (Newland NQuire range) are best reserved for tableside ordering or queue-busting scenarios, not as primary fixed terminals. Don't underestimate how much a cramped screen slows down your staff.

    Processor: ARM vs Intel — know the difference

    ARM-based processors (RK3399, RK3368) run Android and handle standard POS software efficiently — stock management, card payments, receipts — without breaking a sweat. They're cheaper to run, generate less heat, and are perfectly adequate for most independent retailers and hospitality businesses. Intel Core i5 or i7 systems (typically HP's range) are justified when you need to run Windows-based ERP software, handle complex inventory databases, or integrate with legacy back-office systems. Paying a premium for Intel when you're running a cloud-based POS app on Android is simply unnecessary.

    All-in-One vs modular setup

    All-in-one systems bundle the computer, screen and often a customer-facing display into a single unit — cleaner cabling, faster setup, easier maintenance. The trade-off is flexibility: if one component fails, the whole unit may need to go in for repair. Modular setups (a POS monitor paired with a separate mini-PC) cost more to configure but are easier to upgrade piecemeal. For most small-to-medium businesses, a well-specified all-in-one from Elo or Capture is the pragmatic choice. Only consider modular if you have an IT team to manage it.

    Touchscreen technology in a commercial environment

    Capacitive touchscreens are more responsive and feel more modern, but they can be triggered by water droplets — a real issue in kitchens or bars. Resistive screens are less glamorous but work reliably with gloved hands and in wet conditions. If your terminal will live near a coffee machine or a food prep area, check the IP rating carefully. IP54 is a minimum for hospitality; IP65 or above if there's any risk of direct liquid exposure. Most Elo systems use projected capacitive (PCAP) technology with hardened glass — a good middle ground.

    Connectivity: what ports you actually need

    At minimum, look for Ethernet (for a stable payment network connection — never rely solely on Wi-Fi for card transactions), at least two USB ports for peripherals, and a serial or RJ12 port if you're connecting a cash drawer. Wi-Fi 802.11ac is useful for flexibility but shouldn't be your primary network connection at a fixed till. Bluetooth is handy for wireless barcode scanners. Check the spec sheet carefully — some budget systems skimp on USB 3.0 ports, which matters if you're connecting a fast barcode reader or external storage.

    Total cost of ownership, not just the hardware price

    The hardware price you see — ranging from 0 £ to 0 £ in this catalogue — is only part of the story. Factor in your POS software licence (monthly SaaS fees add up), any required peripherals (receipt printer, cash drawer, card terminal), installation if you're not doing it yourself, and ongoing support. Some manufacturers offer extended warranty contracts; for a business-critical terminal, a three-year on-site warranty is worth paying for. HP's higher average price often reflects bundled support — check what's included before assuming it's overpriced.

    • Entry-level and compact terminals (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Compact tablet-format systems and basic Android terminals. Newland NQuire and 10POS units sit here, alongside some Capture models. Adequate for low-volume retail or a secondary till. Don't expect Intel performance or large screens at this level — but for a pop-up stall or a small café with simple needs, it's a sensible starting point.
    • The sweet spot for most businesses (From 0 £ to 0 £) : This is where Elo Touch Solutions and Capture offer their best value. Expect 15.6" full HD touchscreens, RK3399 or equivalent ARM processors, solid connectivity, and commercial-grade build quality. The right choice for independent retailers, cafés, and hospitality venues running cloud-based POS software. Most operators won't need to spend more than this.
    • Mid-range with more muscle (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Larger screens (21.5"), more RAM, and the first Intel-based options start appearing here. Elo's higher-spec all-in-ones and entry-level HP systems occupy this bracket. Worth the step up if you're running Windows POS software, managing complex stock, or need a customer-facing display integrated into the unit.
    • Enterprise-grade HP territory (Over 0 £) : Predominantly HP's professional range — fully specified Intel Core i5/i7 systems with Windows, enterprise support contracts, and robust build quality designed for high-volume retail environments. Justified for supermarkets, large hospitality groups, or businesses with demanding software requirements. For everyone else, this is likely overspending.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the difference between an ARM-based and an Intel-based POS system?

    ARM-based systems (using chips like the RK3399) run Android and are well-suited to cloud-based POS software — they're cheaper, quieter, and consume less power. Intel-based systems run Windows and are necessary if your POS software requires a full desktop OS, or if you need to integrate with Windows-only back-office or accounting systems. For most independent retailers and hospitality businesses using modern SaaS POS platforms, ARM is perfectly sufficient and significantly cheaper.

    Is a 15.6" screen large enough for a busy till?

    For the vast majority of retail and hospitality environments, yes — 15.6" at 1920×1080 resolution is the industry standard for a reason. It's large enough to display a full order summary, product images, and payment options simultaneously without overwhelming a standard counter. Only consider stepping up to 21.5" if your staff regularly need to view complex order queues, or if your POS software displays a lot of information on a single screen.

    Can I use any POS software on these systems?

    It depends on the operating system. Android-based systems (most Elo, Newland, and Capture units) are compatible with Android POS apps — Square, Lightspeed, Shopify POS, and many others. Windows-based systems (most HP units) run desktop POS software and are compatible with legacy systems. Always confirm OS compatibility with your software provider before purchasing hardware. Some POS software vendors also sell certified hardware bundles, which can simplify the decision.

    Should I avoid buying a POS system without checking the software licence cost first?

    Absolutely — this is one of the most common and costly mistakes. The hardware price is just the beginning. Many businesses are surprised to find that their chosen POS software costs as much per year in subscription fees as the terminal itself. Before committing to hardware, confirm the total annual cost of your software licence, any transaction fees, and whether the software vendor charges extra for features like stock management or multi-location support.

    How important is the IP rating on a POS terminal?

    Very important if your terminal is near food, drink, or a kitchen environment. An IP54-rated system can handle splashes and dust — adequate for a café counter. IP65 or above is recommended for bar environments or anywhere liquids are regularly handled nearby. Most standard retail POS systems have no IP rating at all, which is fine for a dry shop floor but a risk in hospitality. Check the spec sheet carefully, as manufacturers don't always highlight this prominently.

    What peripherals do I need alongside a POS system?

    At minimum, most businesses need a receipt printer, a cash drawer, and a card payment terminal (which is typically provided separately by your payment processor). Depending on your setup, you may also want a barcode scanner and a customer-facing display. Many all-in-one POS systems include a customer display port, but check before assuming. Browse POS system accessories and POS printers to compare prices on the full kit.

    Which POS system brands offer the best value in 2026?

    Elo Touch Solutions offers the best balance of price and commercial-grade quality for most businesses — their 15.6" and 21.5" all-in-ones are well-regarded and widely used in UK retail and hospitality. Capture is the strongest option if budget is the primary concern and you're equipping multiple tills. HP is the right choice only if you specifically need Windows, enterprise support, or high-volume processing power — otherwise you're paying a significant premium for specs most businesses won't fully utilise.