A cash register is one of those purchases you can’t make by looks alone. It might be used at a shop counter, in a restaurant or at an outdoor market, and each setting has different requirements: power, space, service speed, software and the devices it needs to connect to.

Meanwhile, the tax rules for cash registers change from time to time, so the device you choose needs to suit your business activity. That’s why we’ve gathered the features that make a difference, to help you find the cash register that’s right for your business. Let’s take a detailed look at them all and answer any questions you may have!

1. Which point of sale do you need: a shop, restaurant, or outdoor market?

The first and most important decision is where the cash register will be used and what you need it to do. This depends on the space you have, whether there is a fixed power outlet next to the till, and whether you serve customers at tables.

Fixed shop cash registers are the classic solution for a counter or till in a permanent location. They’re designed for everyday use in the same place and, since they don’t need to be moved, they usually run on mains power. If your till always stays in the same spot, there’s no need to pay for mobility features you won’t use.

Choose one if: you have a shop or counter with a fixed till and a power outlet nearby.

Restaurant cash registers have hospitality features, such as table and order management, so you don’t have to push them to do something they weren’t designed for. If you serve customers at tables, check with your accountant which type of device is permitted for your business, as regulations for the hospitality sector have changed in recent years.

Choose one if: you run a café, restaurant, or other hospitality business that takes table orders.

Portable cash registers for outdoor markets are more compact and designed for places without a permanent till, such as market stalls, farmers’ markets, and outdoor points of sale. In this category, battery life matters—we’ll cover that in section 3.

Choose one if: you sell outside a shop or often move your till.

Use the tiles below to go straight to the products in each category.

2. Cash register or fiscal device (EAFDSS)?

Not every device in this category is a standalone cash register with its own keypad. A fiscal device (EAFDSS) is a device that does not operate as a standalone cash register: it connects to a computer or to the sales software you already use and applies the required fiscal marking to the receipts that software issues.

Your decision depends on whether you already use sales or ERP software, and whether you want a standalone checkout point that does not require a computer. Since the device must be compatible with your software, ask the software provider first which device they recommend.

Choose a fiscal device if: you already use sales software and only need fiscal marking for your receipts.

Choose a regular cash register if: you want a standalone cash register that works without a computer or external software.

SkroutzTip: Before you buy, confirm with your accountant and software provider that this type of device is permitted for your business. The rules for fiscal devices have changed in recent years, so it’s worth checking them before every purchase.

3. Battery: what happens if the power goes out or you need to move?

A battery isn’t a luxury if your checkout doesn’t have a reliable power supply. It depends on where you work and how serious a problem it would be if the power went out while you had customers.

Cash registers sold with a battery can keep working for a while without power. This is useful at outdoor markets, at locations without a power outlet near the checkout, and in areas with frequent power outages. Before buying, check the specifications to see how many hours the battery lasts.

Choose one if: you work outside your store or can’t stop sales when the power goes out.

Cash registers sold without a battery support a battery, but it isn’t included in the package. Check the specifications to see whether and how you can add one later.

Cash registers that don’t support a battery run exclusively on mains power. They’re suitable for a fixed checkout with a power outlet nearby. If you want protection from power outages, you can pair one with a UPS—a device that temporarily powers your equipment when the power goes out.

The table below gives you a quick comparison of the three options:

SkroutzTip: The battery protects against brief power outages and interruptions, not prolonged blackouts. If power cuts are frequent in your area, consider a UPS as well, especially for equipment that runs continuously.

4. Printing speed: how quickly does the receipt print?

Printing speed is measured in millimeters per second (mm/s) and shows how quickly the receipt prints. If you serve only a few customers, an extra second or two may go unnoticed. But at a checkout with a queue, every slow receipt keeps the next customer waiting.

Cash registers with speeds of up to 70 mm/s are sufficient when receipts are printed occasionally and there’s no queue at the checkout. They’re usually the simplest devices in this category.

Choose one if: you have a steady, relaxed sales pace and no queue at the checkout.

Cash registers with speeds of 70 to 100 mm/s are a middle-ground option. They’re suitable for a store with steady customer traffic, where receipts are printed frequently but not nonstop.

Cash registers with speeds of 100 mm/s or higher print faster during peak hours, helping the queue move without delays at the printer.

Choose one if: you have frequent customer traffic, such as at a kiosk, restaurant, or store with queues during peak hours.

SkroutzTip: Printing speed isn’t the only thing that affects checkout speed. Also consider how quickly you enter products and how often you replace the receipt roll.

The tiles below show cash registers in each speed category.

Don’t forget! By considering the features above and combining those that suit your point of sale and business, you can find the ideal option. Before deciding, take a look at reviews from other users to see what their experience was like, which may help you make your choice more easily.

This article was created with the help of AI and reviewed and edited by the Skroutz team.