An EPOS terminal is the touch screen computer at the heart of your till point. It runs your EPOS (electronic point of sale) software, records every sale, connects to your receipt printer, cash drawer and barcode scanner, and feeds your stock and sales reports. If the EPOS software is the brain of your business, the EPOS terminal is the body that does the work at the counter every day.
This guide explains what an EPOS terminal is, the main types available in the UK, and how to choose one that will last. If you are new to the subject, our guide What is an EPOS system? covers the wider picture of software, hardware and payments.
EPOS terminal vs EPOS system: what’s the difference?
People often use the terms interchangeably, but they are not quite the same:
- EPOS system – the whole set-up: software, terminal, peripherals and (usually) card payments.
- EPOS terminal – the hardware unit staff use to take orders and process sales. Also called a POS terminal, touch screen till or EPOS till.
What does an EPOS terminal do?
- Runs your EPOS software (for example ICRTouch TouchPoint and other Windows or Android EPOS applications).
- Takes orders and sales through a fast, responsive touch screen.
- Drives peripherals: receipt printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner, customer display, scales and card reader.
- Sends orders to kitchen printers or a kitchen display system (KDS).
- Syncs sales and stock data to your back office or cloud reporting.
The main types of EPOS terminal
1. All-in-one EPOS terminals
The most common choice for counters. Screen, PC and ports are built into one sealed unit on a stand. HiStone examples include the HK568 / HK568U (15.6″ Full HD, Windows, Intel Celeron to Core i5 options) and the Android HK566Q Luna X. See the full HiStone all-in-one EPOS range.
2. Mobile and tablet EPOS terminals
Handheld or tablet terminals let staff take orders at the table, queue-bust or work on the shop floor. The HiStone HM628N is a 10.1″ Windows 11 tablet with an optional smart dock and built-in 58mm printer, and the HM638N steps up to an 11.6″ Full HD screen. Browse HiStone mobile EPOS.
3. Box EPOS terminals
A compact EPOS PC that sits under the counter or behind a touch monitor, such as the HiStone HK600U. Ideal when you want to choose your own screen or hide the hardware. Our article Box PC POS vs all-in-one EPOS compares the two.
4. Self-service and kiosk terminals
Customer-facing terminals for self-ordering and self-checkout, such as the HiStone HS520U self-checkout. See HiStone self-service kiosks.
Windows or Android EPOS terminal?
Your software decides this. Windows terminals run established desktop EPOS packages and give the most flexibility for peripherals; Android terminals are lower cost and suit app-based EPOS. Read Windows or Android EPOS systems for a full comparison.
What to look for when buying an EPOS terminal
- Screen – 15–15.6″ suits most counters; choose 18″ if you have large menus or product grids, like the HiStone HK788.
- Processor and memory – match to your software; Intel Core i3/i5 for heavy Windows EPOS, Celeron for lighter workloads.
- Ports – serial (COM), powered USB, RJ11 cash drawer port and LAN mean fewer adapters and fewer faults.
- Build quality – sealed, fanless designs cope better with grease, dust and spills.
- Customer display – an optional second screen shows prices and promotions to customers.
- Support – UK stock, spares and a supplier who knows your software.
FAQs
Is an EPOS terminal the same as a card machine?
No. The EPOS terminal records the sale; the card machine takes the payment. Many systems integrate the two so the amount is sent to the card reader automatically.
How long does an EPOS terminal last?
A well-built commercial EPOS terminal is designed for all-day use and will normally outlast consumer tablets or PCs by years.
Can I use my existing EPOS software on a HiStone terminal?
Most Windows and Android EPOS software runs on HiStone hardware, and several models are accredited for ICRTouch. Bring your software to our showroom and test it before you buy.
Talk to B-Spoke Systems about HiStone EPOS terminals
B-Spoke Systems supplies the full HiStone EPOS range in the UK from our Leicester base, for EPOS resellers, software houses and businesses alike. You can build and price a HiStone EPOS terminal in our configurator, book a visit to our Leicester showroom to try the hardware with your own software, or call 0116 260 3100 / email sales@b-spokesystems.com.