Choosing between Shift4 and Epos Now? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Shift4: $0/mo | 4.3/5 rating | Best for Restaurants & Hospitality
Epos Now: $39/mo | 4.3/5 rating | Best for Retail & Hospitality
Shift4 vs Epos Now: Quick Summary
| Feature | Shift4 | Epos Now |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $39/mo |
| Best For | Restaurants & Hospitality | Retail & Hospitality |
| Industry | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Key Strength | Free hardware program | Affordable |
Shift4 Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.3/5 | Best For: Restaurants & Hospitality
Shift4 is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Restaurants & Hospitality. Key benefits include: Free hardware program.
- Integrated payments
- SkyTab POS
- Online ordering
- QR ordering
- Gift cards
- Reporting
Epos Now Overview
Price: $39/mo | Rating: 4.3/5 | Best For: Retail & Hospitality
Epos Now is a Multi-Industry POS system designed specifically for Retail & Hospitality. Key benefits include: Affordable.
- Cloud POS
- App store
- Multi-location
- 24/7 support
- Inventory
- Reporting
Pros & Cons Comparison
Shift4 Pros
- ✅ Free hardware program
- ✅ Integrated payments
- ✅ Modern interface
Shift4 Cons
- ❌ Locked into Shift4 processing
- ❌ Newer POS platform
Epos Now Pros
- ✅ Affordable
- ✅ Good app ecosystem
- ✅ 24/7 support
Epos Now Cons
- ❌ UK-based company
- ❌ Add-on costs
The Verdict: Shift4 vs Epos Now
Choose Shift4 if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Restaurants & Hospitality and value Free hardware program.
Choose Epos Now if your business focuses on Retail & Hospitality and you prioritize Affordable.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Shift4 and Epos Now compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Shift4 | Epos Now |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Shift4?
Shift4 is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurants & Hospitality who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Free hardware program
- Those who value Integrated payments
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Who Should Choose Epos Now?
Epos Now is the ideal choice for:
- Retail & Hospitality who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Affordable
- Those who value Good app ecosystem
- Companies with budget around $39/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Shift4 vs Epos Now for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Shift4 ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Integrated payments and SkyTab POS.
Shift4 vs Epos Now for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Shift4 vs Epos Now for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Shift4 (rated 4.3/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Restaurants & Hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Shift4 or Epos Now?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Shift4 (rated 4.3/5) excels for Restaurants & Hospitality, while Epos Now (rated 4.3/5) is optimized for Retail & Hospitality. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Shift4 cost compared to Epos Now?
Shift4 starts at $0/mo, while Epos Now starts at $39/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Shift4 to Epos Now?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Shift4 features Integrated payments, SkyTab POS, Online ordering. Epos Now offers Cloud POS, App store, Multi-location.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.