This guide takes a close look at five low-cost POS systems that restaurant businesses in the UK are commonly considering in 2026: POSApt, Loyverse, TouchBistro, Kounta, and Zettle. Each of these platforms is positioned as a more affordable alternative to enterprise-level restaurant POS systems, but they differ widely in how they balance cost, functionality, and scalability.
For many UK restaurant operators, keeping POS costs under control has become increasingly important. Rising food costs, labour pressures, and higher operating expenses mean technology decisions are now closely tied to profitability. A POS system that looks inexpensive on paper can quickly become costly if it lacks essential features or struggles during busy service periods.
A reliable low-cost restaurant POS should still support core operational needs, including dine-in service, takeaway orders, menu and modifier management, kitchen order flow, and basic reporting. At the same time, it should allow restaurants to manage hardware costs sensibly and avoid paying for features they do not actually use.
Rather than focusing purely on headline pricing, this guide looks at how each of these POS systems performs in real restaurant environments. It examines what type of restaurant each system is best suited to, where cost savings are typically found, and what trade-offs operators should be aware of when choosing a cheaper POS solution in 2026.
What “cheap” really means for restaurant POS systems
A low-cost POS is not always the one with the lowest headline price. For restaurants, the real cost usually includes:
- Monthly software fees
- One-off POS hardware costs
- Payment processing fees
- Optional add-ons for reporting, tables, or online orders
A system that looks cheap upfront can become expensive if it lacks essential features or slows service during busy periods. The systems below are considered “cheap” because they keep monthly costs low, allow flexible hardware choices, or reduce reliance on paid add-ons.
Quick Cheap Restaurant POS System overview
| POS system | Typical monthly cost | POS hardware (one-off) | Notes |
| POSApt | from £29/month | £200 – £800+ | Entry-level pricing that scales with devices and features |
| Loyverse | £0/month with paid add-ons | £200 – £600 | Core POS software is free; optional paid add-ons |
| TouchBistro | ~£40 – £49/month per licence | £300 – £1,200+ | Restaurant-focused pricing; costs rise with additional licences |
| Kounta | Entry-level tier available; mid-range options | £250 – £900 | Flexible plan tiers for small restaurants |
| Zettle | £0/month | £29 (reader) / £149 (terminal) | Free POS software; hardware purchased separately |
Top 5 Cheapest Restaurant POS Systems in the UK
1. POSApt
POSApt is positioned as the best and cheapest restaurant POS system designed to handle restaurant operations across dine-in, takeaway, and online ordering within one environment. Its pricing structure makes it attractive for restaurants looking to keep software costs under control while still having room to grow.
Why it suits budget-focused restaurants
- Low entry cost compared with many restaurant-specific POS platforms
- Flexible hardware choices, avoiding expensive proprietary terminals
- Ability to run multiple terminals without moving into enterprise pricing quickly
Cost considerations
POSApt typically starts at a low monthly subscription, with costs scaling based on features and devices rather than forcing restaurants into expensive bundled plans. Hardware is chosen separately, which helps restaurants manage upfront spending.
POSApt often appeals to small and mid-size restaurants that want affordability without locking themselves into a limited “starter” system.
2. Loyverse
Loyverse is one of the few genuinely free POS systems available, making it attractive to very small restaurants, pop-ups, and new operators testing a concept.
Where it works well
- Small restaurants with simple menus
- Owner-operated venues with limited staff
- Businesses prioritising zero software cost
Cost considerations
- No monthly software fee
- Hardware purchased separately
- Optional paid add-ons for advanced reporting or inventory features
The trade-off with Loyverse is that while it is free, it may lack some of the workflow depth larger restaurants need during peak service.
3. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a restaurant-focused POS system designed specifically for table service environments. While not the cheapest option available, it sits at the lower end of restaurant-grade POS pricing compared with enterprise systems.
Why it’s considered affordable
- Pricing aimed at independent restaurants rather than chains
- Strong dine-in features without expensive enterprise modules
- Designed for restaurants that need tables, splits, and modifiers
Cost considerations
TouchBistro uses a monthly subscription model, with costs increasing based on terminal count and optional features. For restaurants that need proper table management but want to avoid premium POS pricing, it often sits in a reasonable middle ground.
4. Kounta
Kounta is a cloud-based POS system that has been popular with cafés and small restaurants looking for flexibility and reasonable pricing.
Where it fits best
- Small restaurants with mixed dine-in and takeaway
- Businesses that want flexibility without high monthly costs
- Operators comfortable with tablet-based setups
Cost considerations
Kounta offers tiered monthly pricing, making it possible to start small and scale gradually. While not free, it remains cheaper than many full-service restaurant POS platforms, especially for single-location venues.
5. Zettle
Zettle follows a pay-as-you-go model, making it one of the cheapest ways to start taking orders digitally without committing to a monthly POS subscription.
Why do restaurants choose it
- No monthly software fee
- Simple setup
- Low barrier to entry for new restaurants
Cost considerations
- Software is free
- Costs are mainly tied to payment processing fees
- Limited restaurant-specific features compared with dedicated POS systems
Zettle works best for very small restaurants or venues with simple service models.
Understanding the trade-offs of cheap restaurant POS systems
Software vs hardware costs
Low software pricing often means hardware is purchased separately. This can be an advantage, as restaurants avoid long-term contracts and expensive bundled equipment.
Feature limitations
Cheaper systems may lack:
- Advanced table mapping
- Kitchen display systems
- Detailed reporting
For some restaurants, these are acceptable trade-offs. For others, they quickly become pain points.
Choosing the right low-cost POS for your restaurant
Instead of asking “Which POS is cheapest?”, it’s better to ask:
- How busy is my restaurant during peak hours?
- Do I need table management or just order taking?
- How many terminals will I need in 12 months?
General guidance
- Very small or new restaurants: Loyverse or Zettle
- Budget-conscious restaurants planning to grow: POSApt or Kounta
- Table-service restaurants on a budget: TouchBistro
FAQs
Is free POS software enough for a restaurant?
It can be, but only for simple operations. As volume increases, limitations often become visible.
Are cheap POS systems reliable?
Many are reliable for small setups. Reliability issues usually come from hardware quality or internet dependence, not just price.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes, but switching POS systems can be disruptive. Choosing a cheap system that can scale is often better than choosing the cheapest possible option.
Final thoughts
Affordable restaurant POS systems have improved significantly in recent years. In 2026, UK restaurant owners no longer need to choose between cost and functionality — but they do need to understand the trade-offs.
The five systems in this guide represent some of the most cost-effective restaurant POS options available, each suited to different stages of restaurant growth. The best choice depends on how your restaurant operates today and how you expect it to operate tomorrow.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
