Whether you’re running a bustling café in Brighton, a boutique hotel in the Cotswolds, or a fine dining restaurant in London, your electronic point of sale (ePOS) system is one of the most important pieces of technology in your business. It’s the nerve centre of your front-of-house and back-of-house operations, helping you manage orders, streamline service, track inventory, and improve the customer experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of ePOS systems available, helping you decide which one suits your unique needs.
- What is an ePOS system?
- Types of ePOS systems for the hospitality industry
- Choosing the right ePOS system
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What is an ePOS system?
An ePOS (electronic point of sale) system allows restaurants to process transactions and manage key parts of their operations like menus, staff rosters, and table assignments, all in one place. Modern ePOS systems do far more than just ring up orders; they’re a central part of how your business runs, connects with customers, and stays competitive.
Read more about how an ePOS system works in hospitality.
Types of ePOS systems for the hospitality industry
There are several types of ePOS systems that cater to different hospitality environments. Each comes with its own strengths depending on the size of your operation, the type of service you offer, and your mobility requirements.
Hospitality‑focused ePOS system types
| ePOS Type | ePOS key features | |
| Cloud-based ePOS | – Real-time updates – Remote access – Automatic backups – Mobile compatibility – Centralised reporting | |
| Mobile / Tablet ePOS | – Handheld devices – Quick service – Contactless payments – Intuitive interface – QR code integration | |
| Tablet-based ePOS system | – Easy onboarding – Cloud-based updates – Customer data tracking – Inventory management – Multi-channel support | |
| Self-service Kiosks | – Custom UI – Upselling prompts – Payment integration, – Queue reduction – Accessible for high-volume venues | |
| Multichannel POS systems | – Real-time inventory – CRM integration – Consolidated sales reporting – Unified guest experience | |
| Legacy POS system | – Offline operation – Local data storage – Secure closed networks – Hardware-dependent – Slower onboarding |
1. Cloud-based ePOS systems
What is a cloud-based ePOS?
A cloud-based ePOS system is one in which data is stored in the cloud, rather than on a local device or network. That means that you can access business data, and make changes, from anywhere.
Most modern ePOS systems are cloud-based. While data can be accessed from anywhere, this also means this system is more vulnerable to security breaches than a legacy ePOS system. And because it relies on an internet connection to post data, the system could be down when the internet is down (this is the case with some ePOS suppliers).
Like other modern POS systems, this system usually operates on sleek, portable hardware. It also comes with self-onboarding and training documentation.
Best for: Multi-location restaurants, fine-dine restaurants, fast-paced cafés and pubs, and any venue requiring real-time syncing and mobility.
Key features:
- Real-time updates
- Remote access
- Automatic backups
- Mobile compatibility
- Centralised reporting
Other advantages of a Cloud ePOS include scalability, integration capabilities and cost efficiency.
Pricing
Cloud-based ePOS systems have costs similar to other modern ePOS systems. That means you have to pay for hardware, pos system software, and sometimes customer support.
When it comes to hardware costs, you could pay anywhere from about £350 and upwards for an iPad. Software costs start at £69 per month. You’ll also have to think about payment processing fees, which point-of-sale system providers pass on to their customers, usually this is a percentage and a few cents per transaction.
2. Mobile ePOS systems
What is a mobile ePOS?
A mobile ePOS system runs on portable devices like tablets or smartphones. It’s ideal for venues that offer tableside ordering, handheld checkout, or pop-up service.
Best for: Casual dining, food trucks, beer gardens, and mobile catering.
Key features:
- Increased table turnover with handheld ordering
- Staff mobility and flexible service
- Queue-busting at the bar or till
- Syncs with kitchen display systems (KDS)
Advantages of a Mobile ePOS include increased mobility, cost effectiveness and flexibility, which will also benefit the customer service.
Pricing
Mobile point-of-sale systems have similar ePOS software costs as tablet-based systems (between £69 and £199 per month). The main difference is hardware costs, which will depend on what kind of device you choose. For example, an iPhone-based mobile ePOS system starts at £599, while iPads start at £329. Hardware costs are typically lower for Android-based devices, but not all software works on Android.
3. Tablet-based POS system
What is a tablet ePOS?
Unlike a legacy POS system, a tablet-based ePOS system is considered a “modern ePOS system” (like the remaining types of POS systems on this list). A tablet-based system is also known as a touchscreen oriPad ePOS system and gets its name from the hardware on which it runs.
Because this system runs on hardware that many people are familiar with, training and onboarding tend to be easy. These systems are convenient due to the sleek size of their hardware.
Most tablet-based hospitality ePOS systems run on a cloud-based network system, which means you can make changes to the business from anywhere. For example, you could change your name from your desk at home.
Key features and benefits
- Familiar tablet hardware that’s intuitive to use and easy to train on
- Several options for processing transactions, including scanning a barcode and looking up products
- Calculate purchase totals, including taxes and discounts
- Payment processing for all kinds of payment types
- Collect data about your customers and add shopper notes to each transaction
- Inventory management features like low-stock alerts and built-in inventory counting
- Multiple fulfillment options, like click and collect and ship to customer
- Sophisticated reporting about your sales, staff, customers, and inventory
- Integrations with hundreds of other tech tools
- Social media integrations for seamless marketing
Pricing
With a tablet-based point-of-sale system, you’ll need to pay for the tablet hardware, an ongoing ePOS software license, and if it’s not included in your license costs, a fee for customer support.
iPads, for example, start at $329. Depending on your provider, POS software can range from $69 to $199 per month.
4. Self-service ePOS kiosks
What is a self-service ePOS system?
A self-service kiosk ePOS is a type of point of sale system that allows customers to independently browse, order and pay for a meal without the direct assistance of store staff. These kiosks are typically placed in high-traffic areas within restaurants where they can significantly improve customer service efficiency and reduce wait times.
Self-service kiosk ePOS systems can help reduce operational costs by minimising the need for additional staff during peak hours. This not only lowers labor expenses but also allows employees to focus on other critical tasks, such as inventory management and customer assistance.
Best for: Takeaways, fast-casual restaurants, hotel lobbies, and cafes with high footfall.
Key features:
- Customisable user interface
- Upsell prompts at checkout
- Multilingual options for tourist-heavy areas
- Integrated with kitchen workflows
Pricing
The cost of self-service kiosk POS systems varies depending on the complexity of the setup, the number of kiosks required and the features included. Typically, prices range from £1,500 to £5,000 per kiosk, with additional costs for software licenses, customisation and maintenance.
5. Multichannel POS systems
What is a multi-channel ePOS system?
Multichannel ePOS systems are designed to manage operations and sales across multiple service platforms, such as in-venue dining, online ordering, takeaway, and mobile. These systems consolidate all transactional data into a single platform, giving hospitality operators a unified view of their business. Multichannel ePOS systems are particularly valuable for venues offering a mix of dine-in, delivery, and click-and-collect, ensuring a consistent guest experience across every touchpoint.
In addition to streamlining sales data, multichannel ePOS systems enable centralised inventory management across all order sources. Hospitality businesses can monitor ingredient and menu item availability in real-time, ensuring that stock levels are accurate whether the order comes from the table, a third-party delivery app, or the venue’s own online menu. This level of operational control helps prevent out-of-stock issues, reduces waste, and ensures service continuity across channels.
What’s more, multichannel ePOS systems often include built-in CRM tools, allowing operators to capture and analyse guest data from all service channels. This insight can be used to create targeted marketing campaigns, personalised promotions, and loyalty programmes that truly resonate with regulars and new guests alike. By fully leveraging the capabilities of a multichannel ePOS, hospitality businesses can deliver a seamless experience, drive repeat visits, and optimise performance—regardless of how, when or where customers engage.
Key features and benefits
- Unified customer experience
- Shopping across different channels—such as online and in-store
- Real time inventory management
- Consolidated view of sales and customer interactions across all platforms
- Streamline the order process, whether it’s shipping from a warehouse, fulfilling from a store, or enabling in-store pickups
- Data on sales performance, customer behavior and channel effectiveness
Pricing
Pricing for multichannel POS systems varies widely depending on the number of channels supported, the complexity of integrations and the level of customisation required.
Basic systems might start at around $100 per month, while more advanced solutions could cost upwards of $500 per month, plus additional fees for setup, integrations and support.
6. Legacy POS system
What is a legacy ePOS system?
A legacy ePOS system is also known as an on-premises ePOS or traditional ePOS. The biggest difference between a legacy system and other types of ePOS systems is that this system saves data locally. That means that all of your transactions and other information are saved to one device (or other devices on your closed network), and you can only access that data from those devices.
This system runs on hardware that’s typically proprietary and can only be purchased through the ePOS provider. Legacy point of sale systems usually require a lot more training than other types of systems, making onboarding a slow and long process. You’ll also need someone to come and install the system, and be present on-site to provide maintenance, when needed.
Key features and benefits
- Scan product barcodes or look up products in the system
- Ring up customers
- Calculate purchase totals, including taxes and discounts
- Process payments
- Provide reporting on key aspects of the business
- Doesn’t require an internet connection
- Offers strong data security
Pricing
A legacy POS system typically costs between $500 and $3,000 for one-time hardware costs. Often you need to pay translation costs and monthly support fees.
Choosing the right ePOS system
There are lots of different types of ePOS systems on the market. So, how do you compare them?
First, you need to know your business’ needs. Before you shop around for a POS system, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s your budget for an ePOS system?
- What do you need the ePOS system to do?
- Do you want a fixed checkout point, or the flexibility to take orders and payments from anywhere on the premises?
- How many locations does your business operate?
- Do you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, or do you rely on ethernet?
- What kind of data and insights do you want to collect about your business?
- What other tools or platforms does your venue use (e.g. accounting, reservations, delivery)?
- Does the ePOS system you’re considering integrate with your existing tech stack?
Specific hospitality software considerations include:
- menu management
- online ordering support
- reports and analytics
- support for industry-specific tools
- inventory management
Specific ePOS hardware considerations to look into are:
POS terminal
- Cardreader
- Kitchen Display System
- Receipt printer
- Impact printer
- Thermal receipt printer
- Cash drawer
Once you’ve answered those questions and thought about your needs, go through your options (as discussed above) to determine the right type of ePOS you need and the specific vendor you should work with.
Need help deciding? Speak to an ePOS expert to find the best fit for your venue.
Everything you need to know about Lightspeed ePOS for hospitality
Lightspeed Restaurant ePOS is a versatile and robust electronic point-of-sale system built specifically for the needs of hospitality businesses, ranging from independent cafés and bustling pubs to fine dining restaurants and multi-site hotel groups. Known for its intuitive interface and powerful functionality, Lightspeed enables operators to streamline service, increase efficiency, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Designed with the fast-paced hospitality environment in mind, Lightspeed Restaurant ePOS includes tools to optimise both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. From dynamic table management and real-time order tracking to seamless integration with kitchen display systems (KDS), it ensures orders flow smoothly from server to chef to guest.
The system also supports mobile ordering and payments, allowing staff to take orders and process transactions directly at the table or on the floor. This reduces wait times, increases table turnover, and enhances overall service quality.
In addition, Lightspeed ePOS integrates with essential hospitality tools, such as online ordering platforms, inventory systems, staff scheduling software, loyalty programmes, and accounting tools, creating a connected ecosystem that simplifies day-to-day management.
Whether you run a single-location bistro or a multi-venue group, Lightspeed Restaurant ePOS gives you the flexibility, insights, and control to grow your business and keep guests coming back.
FAQs
What are different types of ePOS?
There are four main types of ePOS (Point of Sale) systems:
- Legacy ePOS systems: Also known as traditional or on-premises ePOS systems. They store data locally and often require proprietary hardware.
- Tablet-based ePOS systems: These are modern ePOS systems that run on tablet devices like iPads, offering ease of use.
- Mobile POS systems: Portable POS systems that run on mobile devices, such as smartphones or small tablets. They are ideal for on-the-go transactions and in-store customer service.
- Cloud-based ePOS systems: These ePOS systems store data in the cloud and can be accessed from various devices, offering flexibility and real-time data access.
What are the two 2 most common operating systems for POS devices?
The two most common operating systems for POS devices are:
- Microsoft Windows: Widely used in various POS systems due to its compatibility with a range of hardware and software options.
- iOS: Particularly popular in tablet-based and mobile POS systems, known for its user-friendly interface and robust security features.
What is the difference between a POS system and a POS terminal?
An ePOS system is the complete set of hardware and software used to manage sales transactions in a business. It includes not only the physical equipment, such as a tablet, printer, or cash drawer, but also the software that handles order processing, inventory management, customer data, reporting, and other operational functions.
The ePOS terminal, on the other hand, is just one component of the overall system. It refers specifically to the physical device used to conduct a sale transaction, which could be a touchscreen tablet, a computer, or a purpose-built terminal at the point of sale.
What are the features of a good ePOS system?
A good ePOS system for hospitality should include features that support smooth operations, streamline service, and enhance the guest experience:
- Robust inventory management to track ingredient usage, menu item availability, and automate reordering
- Reporting and analytics with customisable dashboards and performance insights (e.g. staff productivity, popular menu items)
- User-friendly interface that staff can learn quickly—even during peak service hours
- Integrated payment processing supporting cards, contactless, mobile wallets, and tips
- Advanced security features for protecting transaction data and user access
- Integration capabilities with tools like accounting software, reservation platforms, loyalty programmes, and delivery apps
Finally, it’s essential to understand the different types of ePOS systems available—such as cloud-based, mobile, and hybrid—so you can choose the one that best fits your venue’s operations and service model.
Step-by-step guide to comparing ePOS systems for hospitality
- Define your venue’s specific needs
Identify the core features your business requires—such as mobile ordering, kitchen display integration, or multi-location management. - Understand the types of ePOS systems
Familiarise yourself with options like cloud-based ePOS, tablet-based setups, and offline-enabled hybrid systems. Choose one that suits your size and service style (e.g. QSR vs. full-service restaurant). - Evaluate the interface and ease of use
A good ePOS should be intuitive, reducing training time and helping staff stay efficient during busy shifts. - Assess payment capabilities
Ensure the system supports all major payment types, including chip and pin, contactless, mobile pay, and tipping workflows. - Review security features
Look for user-level access controls, encrypted transactions, and GDPR-compliant data practices. - Consider customer support
Choose a provider with strong onboarding, 24/7 technical support, and hospitality-specific training. - Read hospitality-specific testimonials and reviews
Feedback from other venues—especially similar in size or service style—offers valuable insight into real-world performance and reliability.
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