Compare > Lightspeed vS KORONA POS

Choosing Between Lightspeed and KORONA POS

Both KORONA POS and Lightspeed offer robust retail management, but they cater to different business needs. Compare the solutions – including inventory, pricing, hardware, processing, and scalability – to find your ideal fit.

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KORONA POS logo

Why Choose KORONA POS

Developed by COMBASE, KORONA POS was designed as one of the first cloud point of sale solutions in the industry. Users often choose the system for its robust features tailored to multi-location and franchise businesses, its strong emphasis on customization and detailed reporting, and its flexible pricing model with add-on modules.

The native support for dual pricing (cash discounting) and comprehensive CRM with a point-based loyalty program are also significant advantages for retailers looking to optimize pricing strategies and customer engagement.  KORONA POS has a highly customizable interface, checkout experience, and strong inventory management features make it a compelling option for businesses seeking operational efficiency and control. 

Lightspeed logo

Why Choose Lightspeed

Businesses frequently select Lightspeed for its seamless and well-integrated eCommerce capabilities, making it an excellent choice for companies with a strong online presence or those looking to expand into online sales. Its user-friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of hardware on various operating systems provide flexibility.

Lightspeed’s strong matrix inventory system is particularly beneficial for retailers with numerous product variations. While it integrates with multiple payment processors, its own Lightspeed Payments offers a streamlined experience. Its growing ecosystem of integrations and focus on providing industry-specific solutions make it attractive to diverse businesses.

KORONA POS vs. Lightspeed – A Side- by-Side Look

See how these platforms compare for retail operations.

eCommerce Integration


Integrates with WooCommerce and external webshops via API

Native integration with Lightspeed eCom +, BigCommerce, etc.

Compliance & Reporting


Advanced tax reports, audit logs, and compliance reports

Advanced sales reports, tax compliance, PCI-compliant

Cloud-Based or On-Premise


Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Payment Processing


Processing-Agnostic, Any Provider Supported

Must use Lightspeed Payments in most cases

Multi-Store Support


Real-time multi-location sync and management

Centralized management for multiple locations

Hardware Compatibility


Compatible with wide range of third-party hardware

Works with Lightspeed-certified hardware

Pricing Model


Transparent pricing; $59/mo/terminal for core

Starts at ~$139/mo/location; add-ons cost extra

Dual Pricing (Cash Discounting)


Fully supported, customizable pricing

Not natively supported

Matrix Size Inventory


Basic matrix inventory for SKUs and sizes

Advanced matrix management for variants

Age Verification


ID Prompt + Scanner Integration

ID Scanner Support

Offline Mode


Full offline mode for transactions

Limited functionality

Customizable Receipts


Highly customizable templates via back office

Drag-and-drop receipt builder

Employee Management


Clock-in/out, user roles, permission levels

Advanced scheduling, permissions, and tracking

Product Bundling & Composites


Bundled and auto-decomposing items supported

Supports combos and product assemblies

Loyalty Program Integration


Requires 3rd-party integration like bLoyal

Native loyalty or 3rd-party integrations

Open API & Developer Access


Open API with full access and documentation

Limited API access; developer support via request

Barcode Printing & Labeling


Integrated label printing module

Native label printing tools

QuickBooks Integration


Direct integration with QuickBooks

Full sync with QuickBooks Online

Retail KPIs & Dashboard Analytics


Retail-focused KPI dashboard, customizable

Visual reports and custom dashboards

Kiosk / Self-CheckoutCustomer-Facing Display (CFD)


Available with most setups

Optional add-on

Purchase Orders & Reordering


Smart reorder levels, vendor orders

Auto reorder points, PO generation

Returns & Refunds Handling


Full return tracking, restocking options

Flexible, tracked return workflows

Promotions & Discounts Engine


Custom discount logic, mix & match

(Automated discount rules & schedules

Customer Database & CRM


Customer tracking with sales analysis

Built-in CRM with purchase history

Gift Card Support


Physical & digital card support

Native gift card functionality

Support Channels


24/7 U.S.-based phone & email support

24/7 support via chat, phone, email

eCommerce Integration


Integrates with WooCommerce and external webshops via API

Native integration with Lightspeed eCom +, BigCommerce, etc.

Compliance & Reporting


Advanced tax reports, audit logs, and compliance reports

Advanced sales reports, tax compliance, PCI-compliant

Cloud-Based or On-Premise


Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Payment Processing


Processing-Agnostic, Any Provider Supported

Must use Lightspeed Payments in most cases

Multi-Store Support


Real-time multi-location sync and management

Centralized management for multiple locations

Hardware Compatibility


UCompatible with wide range of third-party hardware

Works with Lightspeed-certified hardware

Pricing Model


Transparent pricing; $59/mo/terminal for core

Starts at ~$139/mo/location; add-ons cost extra

Dual Pricing (Cash Discounting)


Fully supported with customizable pricing

Not Supported Natively

Matrix Size Inventory


Basic matrix inventory for SKUs and sizes

Advanced matrix management for variants

Age Verification


ID Prompt + Scanner Integration

ID Scanner Support

Offline Mode


Full offline mode for transactions

Limited functionality

Customizable Receipts


Highly customizable templates via back office

Drag-and-drop receipt builder

Employee Management


Clock-in/out, user roles, permission levels

Advanced scheduling, permissions, and tracking

Product Bundling & Composites


Bundled and auto-decomposing items supported

Supports combos and product assemblies

Loyalty Program Integration


Requires 3rd-party integration like bLoyal

Native loyalty or 3rd-party integrations

Open API & Developer Access


Open API with full access and documentation

Limited API access; developer support via request

Barcode Printing & Labeling


Integrated label printing module

Native label printing tools

QuickBooks Integration


Integrated label printing module

Native label printing tools

QuickBooks Integration


Direct integration with QuickBooks

Full sync with QuickBooks Online

Retail KPIs & Dashboard Analytics


Retail-focused KPI dashboard, customizable

Visual reports and custom dashboards

Customer-Facing Display (CFD)


Available with most setups

Optional add-on

Purchase Orders & Reordering


Smart reorder levels, vendor orders

Auto reorder points, PO generation

Returns & Refunds Handling


Full return tracking, restocking options

Flexible, tracked return workflows

Promotions & Discounts Engine


Custom discount logic, mix & match

Automated discount rules & schedules

Customer Database & CRM


Customer tracking with sales analysis

Built-in CRM with purchase history

Gift Card Support


Physical & digital card support

Native gift card functionality

Support Channels


24/7 U.S.-based phone & email support

24/7 support via chat, phone, email

Join The Businesses Powered by KORONA POS

Shop Goodwill.Com
Prospect Butcher Co
Museum of Illusions
Coppola Winery
Timbavati Wildlife Park
La Nube
Skyland Ranch

POS and the Checkout Experience

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA POS offers a straightforward and highly customizable checkout. Owners can rearrange buttons and menu categories to match their workflow. KORONA supports all standard payment types (chip cards, swipes, NFC wallets) on its terminals. It also provides self-checkout kiosks.

Key checkout tasks, such as returns, exchanges, gift receipts, store credit, or discounts, are simple to perform, and the system can queue special orders when an item is out of stock.

In short, KORONA’s checkout is efficient and uncluttered, designed to keep customers moving.

Lightspeed’s checkout interface is best for tablet use. It allows users to send receipts by email or SMS (or print them), and can quickly select gift-receipt mode if needed​. The system handles refunds and store credit with a tap and can split tenders or take deposits/layaways.

Lightspeed automatically applies eligible discounts and taxes to the correct items​. It also supports add-ons like loyalty card scans and notes. Lightspeed’s “Workflows” feature allows managers to add on-screen prompts​.

Overall, Lightspeed delivers a smooth, modern checkout experience with built-in flexibility for various business needs.

Employee using POS system

POS Hardware

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA works with a wide range of hardware. Merchants can choose a desktop terminal for counter use or a mobile tablet for on-the-go transactions. It integrates with all standard peripherals (receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, ID scanners, etc.).

For small shops that want budget-friendly options, KORONA POS offers hardware bundles or leasing options, so merchants don’t have to buy equipment upfront​. As your business grows, it’s simple to add more terminals or scanners – KORONA’s open platform makes scaling easy.

Lightspeed is optimized for Apple hardware but is not limited to it. The core Lightspeed POS app runs on an iPad and can also be accessed in a web browser on Mac or PC. Lightspeed itself does not lease hardware; instead, users must purchase approved cash drawers, receipt printers, scanners, and payment terminals through Lightspeed’s hardware partners.

Most retailers use Star Micronics or Epson printers and MagTek/BBPOS card readers certified by Lightspeed. Lightspeed Payments customers in the US get a complimentary EMV chip reader to start​. Additional accessories – like kitchen printers or customer-facing displays – are available.

Payment Processing

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA POS is payment-processor agnostic​. Merchants can choose to shop around and negotiate the lowest transaction fees.

The system integrates seamlessly with many EMV (chip) and NFC terminals, securely capturing credit/debit and mobile payments​. This means users are not locked into a single gateway or forced to pay inflated rates.

Merchants can keep using their preferred bank or processor even after switching to KORONA POS.

Lightspeed offers Lightspeed Payments as its in-house payment solution. This handles in-person and online transactions on a secure, PCI-compliant platform. Lightspeed Payments includes a free EMV terminal and a flat-rate fee (currently around 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction). For restaurants, it can split checks and add tips, and for retailers, it can store customer cards on file.

If Lightspeed Payments isn’t available or not desired, Lightspeed can connect to various third-party processors through its POS. But it comes with significantly higher fees.

Back Office Features

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA Studio offers a feature-rich cloud back office that connects all channels. Store owners get real-time dashboards and reports on sales, inventory, staff performance, and customer data. If you run an online store, KORONA’s WooCommerce integration keeps product catalogs and stock levels aligned, and sales (online or in-person) updates every channel simultaneously.

The system also offers advanced inventory tools (like automated reorders based on par levels and analysis of dead stock). These features mean a smaller retailer can manage multi-location inventory and analyze trends as easily as a big chain.

Lightspeed’s back office is quite comprehensive. It allows unlimited outlets/registers, auto-syncs inventory and sales across them, and connects to an online Lightspeed eCom store​.

Its reporting suite breaks down data by location, item, category, or team member, and visualizes trends over time. Lightspeed also includes built-in CRM and marketing modules to run loyalty programs, email campaigns, or gift-card promotions without a separate system​.

For restaurants, Lightspeed’s back end supports table/floor management, menu updates, and kitchen ticketing.

KORONA Studio on a labtap and on a mobile

Customer Support

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA POS subscriptions come with 24/7 emergency support and regular support from 6AM to 6PM PT at no extra cost. In other words, you can call or email their help desk anytime and reach a live support agent. KORONA POS is known for being very responsive, and many customers report that issues are resolved quickly and that the support staff are knowledgeable.

This around-the-clock service is a big plus for small business owners needing help outside regular hours. Plus KORONA POS offers unlimited trainings and demos, a full online support manual, and dozens of video tutorials.

Lightspeed provides extensive onboarding and support resources. Every new Lightspeed client gets a free one-on-one training to set up their system. After that, phone support is available 24/7 in English (with email/chat support and limited Dutch/French phone support as well).

Lightspeed also maintains an extensive online knowledge base and user community forum. Users generally find the Lightspeed support team helpful and appreciate the educational resources, though as a larger company, response times can sometimes be slower than those of niche providers.

Customer point of sale report

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.

See More Reviews
KORONA POS receives 2025 Leader badge from SourceForge
KORONA POS receives Software Suggest 2025 Badge for Efficiency Expert
KORONA POS receives Software Advice Front Runners 2025 badge
KORONA POS receives 2025 Category Leaders badge from GetApp
KORONA POS earns High Performer badge from G2 Spring 2025
KORONA POS receives 2025 Happiest Users badge from Crozdesk
KORONA POS receives 2025 badge from Capterra

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