Compare > Clover vS KORONA POS

Clover’s Charm vs. The KORONA POS Performance

Take a look at how KORONA POS compares to Clover. We break down features and performance so you pick the right POS software—no guessing needed.

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Why Choose KORONA POS

KORONA POS, developed by Combase USA, was one of the first cloud-based POS solutions and has become a top choice for merchants across North America and Europe. It delivers a solution with advanced customization, offering more functionality with inventory management, employee controls, and payment processing. KORONA POS provides processor and hardware flexibility and advanced tools and reporting.

Built for high-volume businesses (retailers, QSRs, wineries, and ticketing attractions), KORONA POS combines its features with scalable growth. KORONA POS also prioritizes in-house support, no contracts, transparent pricing, and features that adapt as a merchant expands.

Why Choose Clover

Clover is a popular POS system known for its user-friendly design and signature white hardware. It offers a streamlined setup process, making it ideal for small businesses and quick-service operations that need a ready-to-use, cost-friendly solution. Clover provides basic point of sale features and payment processing—all bundled into its proprietary hardware and software.

While Clover’s approach is easy to use, it has limited flexibility when it comes to payment processing and hardware. The system works well for lower volume businesses, mobile shops, and service-based operations that prioritize simplicity over customization.

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KORONA POS vs. Clover – A Side by Side Look

Choosing the right point of sale system is crucial for any business’s success. Both KORONA POS and Clover offer popular solutions, but they cater to different needs and priorities. This table explores some more specific differences between KORONA POS and Clover.


Cloud-Based or On-Premise	(Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access)	(Cloud-Based, Minimal Setup)
eCommerce Integration	(Integrates with WooCommerce, Shopify via API)	(With Clover Online Store or 3rd-party apps)
Compliance & Reporting	(Advanced Compliance & Audit Logs, PCI Compliant)	(Basic Reports, PCI Compliant)
Payment Processing	(Processing-Agnostic, Choose Any Provider)	(Requires Fiserv/First Data only)
Multi-Store Support	(Built-In, Centralized Management)	(Limited, requires separate accounts or upgrades)
Hardware Compatibility	(Works with Various Hardware, Including Custom Setups)	(Locked to Clover Hardware Only)
Pricing Model	(Transparent Monthly Fee, No Contract, Unlimited Trial)	(Flat rate + Monthly Fee per Device, Long-Term Contracts)
Dual Pricing (Cash Discounting)	(Fully Supported Natively)	(Not officially supported)
Age Verification	(ID Prompt + ID Scanner Support Built-In)	(3rd-Party App Support)
Inventory Management	(Advanced Inventory with Auto Reordering, Bundling, etc.)	(Basic Inventory Features)
Employee Management & Time Tracking	(Integrated with Permissions, Clock-in/out, Audit Trail)	(Standard Tools, Some Paid Add-ons)
Offline Mode	(Offline Mode with Auto-Sync Upon Reconnection)	(Limited functionality without internet)
POS Customization	(Highly Customizable with Open API Access)	(Limited by App Market & Closed System)
Franchise/Enterprise Features	Central Reporting, Unified Inventory, User Permissions by Location)	(Requires multiple logins, basic support)
Training & Onboarding	(1:1 Training + Ongoing Support + Knowledge Base)	(Video Tutorials & Support Team)
Customer Loyalty Program	(Built-In Loyalty, No Extra Cost)	(Available via Clover apps, extra fee)
Gift Cards	(Included in Base Package)	(Available, extra fees may apply)
Sales Tax Management	(Automatic Calculation, Multi-Region Tax Support)	(Manual Entry or Integrated via Apps)
Return & Refund Management	(Return Reasons, Employee Tracking, Stock Reconciliation)	(Basic Return Tools)
Third-Party App Ecosystem	(Select Integrations via API or Request)	(Extensive App Market)
User Interface / Ease of Use	(Clean, but steep learning curve )	(Intuitive, Touch-Based)
Industry Specialization	(Strong in Liquor, Vape, Cannabis with Partner Processors)	(General Retail, No High-Risk Support)
Contract Flexibility	(Month-to-Month, Cancel Anytime)	(Often requires multi-year agreements)
API Access	(Fully Open API for Custom Integrations)	(Limited or Not Provided)
Customer Support	(US-Based, 24/7 Emergency Support,	(Support varies by plan and provider)
Data Export & Portability	(Full Data Portability, No Vendor Lock-In)	(Not all data easily exportable)

Cloud-Based or On-Premise

(Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access)

(Cloud-Based, Minimal Setup)

eCommerce Integration

(Integrates with WooCommerce, Shopify via API)

(With Clover Online Store or 3rd-party apps)

Compliance & Reporting

(Advanced Compliance & Audit Logs, PCI Compliant)

(Basic Reports, PCI Compliant)

Payment Processing

(Processing-Agnostic, Choose Any Provider)

(Requires Fiserv/First Data only)

Multi-Store Support

(Built-In, Centralized Management)

(Limited, requires separate accounts or upgrades)

Hardware Compatibility

(Works with Various Hardware, Including Custom Setups)

(Locked to Clover Hardware Only)

Pricing Model

(Transparent Monthly Fee, No Contract, Unlimited Trial)

(Flat rate + Monthly Fee per Device, Long-Term Contracts)

Dual Pricing (Cash Discounting)

(Fully Supported Natively)

(Not officially supported)

Age Verification

(ID Prompt + ID Scanner Support Built-In)

(3rd-Party App Support)

Inventory Management

(Advanced Inventory with Auto Reordering, Bundling, etc.)

(Basic Inventory Features)

Employee Management & Time Tracking

(Integrated with Permissions, Clock-in/out, Audit Trail)

(Standard Tools, Some Paid Add-ons)

Offline Mode

(Offline Mode with Auto-Sync Upon Reconnection)

(Limited functionality without internet)

POS Customization

(Highly Customizable with Open API Access)

(Limited by App Market & Closed System)

Franchise/Enterprise Features

(Central Reporting, Unified Inventory, User Permissions by Location)

(Requires multiple logins, basic support)

Training & Onboarding

(1:1 Training + Ongoing Support + Knowledge Base)

(Video Tutorials & Support Team)

Customer Loyalty Program

(Built-In Loyalty, No Extra Cost)

(Available via Clover apps, extra fee)

Gift Cards

(Included in Base Package)

(Available, extra fees may apply)

Sales Tax Management

(Automatic Calculation, Multi-Region Tax Support)

(Manual Entry or Integrated via Apps)

Return & Refund Management

(Return Reasons, Employee Tracking, Stock Reconciliation)

(Basic Return Tools)

Third-Party App Ecosystem

(Select Integrations via API or Request)

(Extensive App Market)

User Interface / Ease of Use

(Clean, but steep learning curve )

(Intuitive, Touch-Based)

Industry Specialization

(Strong in Liquor, Vape, Cannabis with Partner Processors)

(General Retail, No High-Risk Support)

Contract Flexibility

(Month-to-Month, Cancel Anytime)

(Often requires multi-year agreements)

API Access

(Fully Open API for Custom Integrations)

(Limited or Not Provided)

Customer Support

(US-Based, 24/7 Emergency Support,

(Support varies by plan and provider)

Data Export & Portability

(Full Data Portability, No Vendor Lock-In)

(Not all data easily exportable)

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POS and the Checkout Experience

KORONA POS

Clover

KORONA POS stands out with its vast customization, allowing businesses to build button layouts and workflows that match their operations—improving checkout efficiency and speed. In addition, the software supports advanced capabilities like integrated self-checkout kiosks and RFID technology, making it ideal for high-volume businesses that need quick transaction speeds.

KORONA POS prioritizes flexibility, being able to cater to retailers and scale with any business.

Clover has a user-friendly interface that cashiers can learn quickly, making it ideal for fast onboarding. Businesses can also easily add specialized functionalities through Clover’s App Market (usually with extra costs).

While it covers standard retail and restaurant needs efficiently with simple checkout features, its capabilities rely heavily on third-party integrations rather than adaptable built-in tools.

POS Hardware

KORONA POS

Clover

KORONA POS has the benefit of hardware flexibility, allowing retailers to use a wide range of hardware solutions depending on their business needs. This includes being able to integrate to existing compatible equipment, saving upfront costs.

KORONA POS also provides hardware leasing options for desktop terminals, tablets, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and more.

Clover uses its own line of hardware, including devices like the Station, Mini, and Flex, known for their contemporary design. These devices run on a Clover-specific operating system and can simplify initial setup, but come with more limitations.

Integrating with third-party accessories is restricted to approved devices, limiting retailers with more custom needs. This also makes it difficult and potentially expensive to switch POS systems or upgrade without replacing the entire setup.

Payment Processing

KORONA POS

Clover

KORONA POS is one of the few payment processing agnostic solutions in the industry. Unlike many point of sale solutions that force businesses into their payment processing (typically at inflated rates), merchants have the flexibility to choose your own payment provider and shop around for more cost-effective rates.

The system can seamlessly integrate with payment providers and accepts all modern payment methods. Whether you prioritize low rates, reliability, or flexibility, KORONA POS offers a transparent and honest solution.

Clover systems typically come with payment processing bundled with their hardware. While this offers a simple setup, it limits the merchant’s ability to choose your processor or negotiate rates.

Furthermore, Clover often involves long-term contracts with hefty early termination fees. This makes it difficult to switch to a new POS system and comes with higher long-term costs and less flexibility.

Back Office Features

KORONA POS

Clover

All KORONA POS users have access to its back-office, KORONA Studio. It offers advanced tools like automated ABC product analysis and order level optimization to calculate ideal ordering cadences. Its inventory management and sales reporting are equally powerful, providing in-depth, customizable reports and KPIs accessible in real-time.

In addition, KORONA POS can easily adjust user and cashier permissions for employee roles and enhanced security. The software also includes a point-based loyalty program, allowing businesses to build customer relationships.

Clover’s back-office tools include the standard point of sale software basics for tracking stock and reporting. For more advanced functionalities in inventory or other areas, Clover users must go through their App Market. This allows businesses to add capabilities through third-party integrations at an additional cost.

Clover’s system fits smaller businesses with simpler needs, but for more customized and advanced operations, it can be costly to the retailer.

KORONA Studio on a labtap and on a mobile

Customer Support

KORONA POS

Clover

KORONA POS consistently earns high praise for its customer support. The support team is entirely in-house and dedicated to consistent assistance. Users frequently highlight the team’s responsiveness, patience, and effectiveness in resolving issues.

To reach the KORONA POS support, phone, email, and chat are offered during business hours, including training and installation assistance. 24/7 emergency phone support is available to all clients for critical issues that halt business operations, offering vital peace of mind for retailers.

KORONA POS also provides interactive tutorings, customer demos, and extensive support videos in addition to a complete online manual.

Support is offered by phone, email, and through Clover accounts. While Clover states 24/7 support availability, user experiences have often stated otherwise. Reviews across platforms like G2, BBB, and TrustPilot report difficulties reaching their support. Clover’s support is also often handled by the third-party reseller that sold the system or agents based overseas.

My favorite aspect of KORONA POS is its inventory management feature. It offers comprehensive tools that make tracking stock levels, managing reorders, and analyzing inventory turnover straightforward and efficient.

– Mohammed A.