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Compare > Lightspeed vS KORONA POS

Choosing Between Lightspeed and KORONA POS

Both KORONA POS and Lightspeed offer robust retail management, but cater to different business needs. Compare their strengths in inventory, pricing, and scalability to find your ideal fit.

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KORONA POS logo

Why Choose KORONA POS

KORONA POS developed by COMBASE 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 compliance 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 businesses versus streamlined retail operations.

eCommerce Integration


Integrates with WooCommerce, Magento, etc.

Native Shopify Storefront

eCommerce Integration


Advanced Audit Logs, Tax & Age Compliance

Basic Reporting, Tax Compliance

Cloud-Based or On-Premise


Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Payment Processing


Processing-Agnostic, Any Provider Supported

Shopify Payments + Limited Third-Party

Multi-Store Support


Native, Centralized Multi-Location Management

Limited, Available on Pro Plan

Hardware Compatibility


Universal Compatibility, Epson, Ingenico, etc.

Proprietary + iPad-Based Hardware

Pricing Model


Flat Monthly Fee, No Extra Per Transaction

Monthly Fee + Transaction Fees

Dual Pricing (Cash Discounting)


Fully Supported, Customizable

Not Supported Natively

AI-Driven Ranking (Product Performance)


Smart Ranking, Automated Bestsellers Detection

Basic Sales Reports

Age Verification


ID Prompt + Scanner Integration

No Age verification tool

Offline Mode


Full Offline Functionality with Sync

Limited, Only Works for iOS Devices

Franchise Support


Royalty Reporting, Location-Level Management

No Franchise-Specific Tools

Inventory Management


Advanced Stock Control, Auto Reordering

Centralized with Limited Customization

Customer Loyalty Tools


Basic CRM, Third-Party Loyalty Integration

Built-In Loyalty App Integration

API & Developer Tools


Highly Customizable Templates

Branding via Settings & Apps

Label Printing & Barcode Scanning


Native Barcode & Label Support

Supported via Apps or Hardware

Support for Complex Promotions


BOGO, Mix & Match, Time-Based Offers

Requires Apps or Higher Plan

Customer Support


Phone, Chat, Email – Responsive & In-House

Chat & Email, Slower on Basic Plan

Barcode & Label Printing


Auto Labeling, Custom Template Printing, Bulk Print

Basic Support

Kiosk / Self-Checkout


Native Kiosk Add-On Available

Only via Third-Party Apps

Reporting & Analytics


SStandard Sales Reports

Granular Reports, Automated Alerts

Customizable UI / Workflow


Modular POS Layout, Custom Buttons/Shortcuts

Fixed Layout, Limited Flexibility

PCI Compliance


PCI Compliant + End-to-End Encryption

Full Compliance via Shopify Payments

Third-Party App Marketplace


Fewer Integrations, Focused on Core Business Tools

Extensive Shopify App Store

Returns & Refunds Management


Refund, Exchange, Store Credit Options

Streamlined Workflow

Global Tax Handling


Multi-Region Tax Setup Supported

Automated for Global Sales

Installation & Setup


Dedicated Setup Support + Training

Self-Serve with Guided Onboarding

Scalability


SMBs to Large Chains with Complex Needs

Good for SMBs and Online Retailers

Cloud-Based or On-Premise


Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

Cloud-Based, Real-Time Access

eCommerce Integration


3rd-Party APIs, WooCommerce Integration

Wix, Square Online

Industry Fit for Liquor/Vape/High-Risk


Designed for Liquor/Vape, Compatible with High-Risk Processors

Restricted Due to Processing Limits

Compliance & Reporting


Advanced Compliance Tools + Custom Audit Reports

Basic Sales and Tax Reports

Payment Processing


Processor-Agnostic, Works with Any Merchant Services

Square-Only Processing

Dual Pricing (Cash Discounting)


Fully Supported & Configurable

Not Natively Supported

Multi-Store Support


Centralized Management with Deep Location-Based Controls

Limited Sync Between Locations

Hardware Compatibility


Universal Support: Windows, Linux, Custom Terminals

Square Terminals, iPads, Register

Pricing Model


Transparent, Flat Monthly Subscription – No Hidden Fees

Flat % + Hardware + Monthly for Premium Plans

AI-Driven Ranking Tools


Auto Replenishment, Best-Seller Ranking, Dead Stock Identification

No Native AI Ranking

Inventory Management


Real-Time, Smart Forecasting, Custom Reordering, Mix & Match Pricing

Basic Inventory Features

Employee Permissions & Time Tracking


Granular Permission Settings + Time Management + Role-Based Access

Basic Time Tracking, Clock In/Out

Age Verification


ID Prompt + Scanner Integration for Tobacco/Liquor Compliance

Manual ID Check Prompts

Customer Loyalty Programs


Integrated, Custom Loyalty Tools via CRM

Built-In Loyalty Add-On, Customizable

CRM & Customer Database


Detailed Purchase Histories, CRM with Receipt Lookups

Segmented Marketing Lists, Email Tools

Offline Mode


Offline Mode with POS Syncing & Cloud Backup

Offline Mode with Auto Sync When Online

Third-Party Integration


Open API, Integrates with ERP, Accounting, eComm, etc.

App Marketplace, Strong Ecosystem

Franchise & Enterprise Features


Royalty Tracking, Franchisee/Franchisor Dashboards, Global Reports

Limited Enterprise Tools

Barcode & Label Printing


Auto Labeling, Custom Template Printing, Bulk Print

Basic Support

Purchase Orders & Vendor Management


Full POS System with Vendor Catalogs, Returns, Multi-Location Orders

Basic Purchase Orders

Returns & Refunds


Smart Refund Options, User Permissions, Refund Limits

Easy Processing, Tied to Original Sale

Real-Time Sales Analytics


Custom Dashboards, Real-Time with Filtering & Exporting

Live Sales Dashboard

Custom Receipt Printing


Full Receipt Editor with Custom Fields, QR Codes, Promotions

Custom Logos and Fields

API Access


Full API Access for Custom Integrations

No Open API

Support Availability


24/7 Live Support + Onboarding Specialist

Phone & Chat, Limited Hours

Free Trial


Unlimited Free Trial Without Payment Info

No Free Trial, Pay to Start

Self-Checkout & Kiosk Mode


Built-In Self-Service Options for QSR/Retail

With Add-Ons/Third-Party

Mobile App Usability


POS Terminal or Browser-Based, No Native Mobile App

Square POS App – Full Access on iOS/Android

QuickBooks & Accounting Integration


QuickBooks + CSV Export + API

Native QuickBooks Online Integration

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

The KORONA register screen is straightforward and highly customizable. 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 lets you email or SMS receipts (or print them), and you 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 without fuss. Importantly, Lightspeed automatically applies eligible discounts and taxes, for example, BOGO deals or time-based pricing, to the right items every time​. It also supports add-ons like loyalty card scans and notes. Lightspeed’s “Workflows” feature allows managers to add on-screen prompts (for example, reminding staff to print a kitchen ticket or suggesting an upsell)​. 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. You can pick a robust desktop terminal for your counter or use a mobile tablet for on-the-go transactions. It integrates with all standard peripherals (receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, ID scanners, etc.) sold through KORONA or other vendors. For small shops that want to conserve cash, KORONA even offers hardware bundles and leasing options so you don’t have to buy equipment upfront​. As your business grows, you can 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, you 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​. You choose your merchant account to shop around and negotiate the lowest transaction fees for your business. The system integrates seamlessly with many EMV (chip) and NFC terminals, securely capturing credit/debit and mobile payments​. This means you’re not locked into a single gateway or forced to pay inflated rates. Many retailers appreciate KORONA’s approach because it can significantly reduce processing costs. You keep using your preferred bank or processor, and KORONA handles the integration.

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% + 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 that comes with higher fees.

Back Office Features

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA provides a 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 small retailer can manage multi-location inventory and analyze trends almost as easily as a big chain.

Lightspeed’s back office is equally comprehensive. It allows unlimited outlets/registers, auto-syncs inventory and sales across them, and your 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. In short, both platforms give small businesses multi-channel visibility and analytics.

KORONA Studio on a labtap and on a mobile

Customer Support

KORONA POS

VS

Lightspeed

KORONA POS subscriptions come with 24/7 support at no extra cost. In other words, you can call or email their help desk anytime and reach a live support agent. KORONA is known for being very responsive. 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.

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 receives 2025 Winter High Performer Badge from G2
KORONA POS recieves CrozDesk 2024 badge.
KORONA POS receives 2025 badge from Capterra

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