Cash register vs billing machine vs POS
| Cash register | Billing machine | POS system | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Rings up a sale and opens the drawer | Prints a bill, often from a simple item list | Sales, stock, reports, VAT invoices, many outlets |
| Stock tracking | No | Limited or none | Yes |
| Reports | Basic daily total | Basic | Item, staff, branch and time reports |
| VAT and e-invoicing | Limited | Depends on model | Built in or connected. See e-invoicing for POS |
| Best for | Very small, simple counters | Small shops needing printed bills | Shops, restaurants, salons, chains |
Prices and features differ by model. We confirm what fits your business at the site visit.
The parts of a POS till
- TOUCH
Touch terminal
All-in-one screen running Windows or Android. Windows suits advanced control; Android suits simple set-ups.
- PRINT
Receipt printer
Thermal printer for bills; a second printer can serve the kitchen. Thermal paper rolls are a running cost.
- SCAN
Barcode scanner
Fast item entry. Choose a scanner that reads the codes on your products.
- DRAWER
Cash drawer
Opens from the till and locks. Needs a printer connection to open.
Optional extras
- LABEL
Label printer
Shelf and barcode labels for your own products.
- DISPLAY
Customer display
Shows the price to the customer at the counter.
Check before you buy
- 1
Software match
Confirm the terminal, printer and scanner are supported by your POS software. Some listings are hardware only.
- 2
Warranty and repair
Ask who repairs it, how fast and whether a loan unit is provided. POS support and AMC
- 3
Whole price
Compare the full price: hardware, software, set-up, training and monthly fees. POS prices in the UAE
Hardware, VAT and e-invoicing
A till that issues tax invoices must work with software that meets UAE VAT and e-invoicing rules. Hardware alone does not make a business compliant. Ask which accredited provider the software connects to, and see our e-invoicing page for the dated position.
Why buy POS hardware from Quicknet
- Hardware, software, installation, training and AMC from one team
- Set up and tested with your software before handover
- Branches in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain; Dubai on a project basis
- ADMCC approved; ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified; in business since 2012
- Free site visit and a written quote
Tell us what you need
A free site visit and a written quote follow every enquiry.
- Business type
- Number of tills
- Windows or Android
- Do you have software already?
- Kitchen printer or screen, scale, label printer?
Send the details on WhatsAppRequest a quoteCall +971 50 852 9609
POS Hardware UAE: FAQs
What hardware does a POS system need?
A touch terminal, receipt printer, barcode scanner and cash drawer, running POS software. Kitchen screens, scales, label printers and customer displays are optional.
What is the difference between a cash register and a POS?
A cash register rings up sales and opens the drawer. A POS system also tracks stock, produces reports, issues VAT invoices and can run several outlets.
How much does POS hardware cost in the UAE?
Other sellers list hardware-only terminals from about AED 2,000 and bundles from about AED 3,000 (read 8 October 2026). Quicknet publishes AED 4,000-12,000 for a small retail setup of one or two terminals, plus AED 100-300 a month for software.
Should I choose Windows or Android?
Windows suits advanced control and wider software support; Android suits simple set-ups. We recommend one after seeing your workflow.
Can I buy hardware without software from you?
Tell us what you have. We confirm compatibility first, because some hardware only works with certain software.
Is a free POS machine really free?
A free card terminal is usually offered by a bank or payment provider and is not a POS system. Ask about fees and what it does.
More POS: POS Machine Supplier
Barcode scanners and receipt printers
Two items buyers often price separately. A barcode scanner can be wired, wireless or a 2D/QR reader; choose by what you scan (shelf barcodes, phone screens, small labels). A receipt printer is usually thermal: check paper width, speed, auto-cutter, USB, LAN or Bluetooth, and that it works with your POS software. Also budget for thermal paper rolls. Confirm every model with your software before buying. Card machine vs POS system
Brands we supply
We supply point-of-sale hardware from brands including Posiflex, Aures, ELO and HP touch terminals, Star and Epson receipt printers, Honeywell and Zebra barcode scanners, plus cash drawers, customer displays and EMV readers. Stock and models change, so we confirm the exact model and that it works with your POS software in the written quote. POS supplier in Abu Dhabi