Compare > Shopify vS KORONA POS

Comparing Shopify and KORONA POS

Shopify and KORONA POS are both point of sale solutions but cater more to different business needs. One performs as an e-commerce integration, while the other offers deeper retail functionality. Take a look and compare the features between KORONA POS vs. Shopify.

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Why Choose KORONA POS

KORONA POS developed by COMBASE was designed as one of the first cloud point of sale solutions in the industry. If you need a powerful, cloud-based POS system that supports multiple locations, offers extensive customization, advanced inventory features, and flexible payment processing without crazy transaction fees. It’s ideal for high-volume retail, quick-service, and niche industries like liquor or vape shops, convenience stores, CBD, and businesses that require dual pricing, age verification, and delivery integrations.

Why Choose Shopify

Choose Shopify POS if your business is primarily eCommerce or omnichannel, and you want a seamless integration between your online store and physical locations. It offers a user-friendly POS app, robust app marketplace, and tightly integrated payment processing, making it ideal for small retail stores and online-first businesses looking for brand consistency. Businesses like clothing, shoe, and accessory stores, subscription-based services, and small retailers.

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KORONA POS vs. Shopify – A Side by Side Look

Shopify POS is great for beginners, but KORONA POS offers much more deep customization and advanced features. Take a look at the table below and compare both solutions so you can pick the right system without regrets.


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

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

POS and the Checkout Experience

KORONA POS

Shopify

KORONA’s checkout interface is highly customizable, with on-screen item images and search by name or barcode to reduce errors. It supports all standard peripherals (barcode scanners, cash drawers, printers, card readers) and allows split tenders (cash/card) and tip entry. Transactions can be paused (parked), and a live receipt is shown as items are rung up. The system can work offline for cash sales (syncing them later), but credit card payments cannot be queued without the internet. Overall, the flexibility that KORONA POS offers makes for quick transactions and efficient checkouts.

Shopify’s POS app is a polished mobile interface that syncs inventory, prices, and customer data with your online Shopify store. Clerks simply tap items in the catalog and accept payments via Shopify’s card reader or Terminal (chip, swipe, or tap). The system handles mixed payments (split tenders) and tip prompts. It can run offline (recording transactions), but card authorization must wait until it returns online.

POS Hardware

KORONA POS

Shopify

KORONA POS is hardware-agnostic. It runs on any modern PC or tablet (Windows & Linux) and “integrates with almost every hardware solution out there”. It supports standard POS kit components – barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and EMV card terminals. KORONA POS offers bundled setups (tablet stand, printer, drawer, scanner, etc.), as well as individual POS hardware, but merchants can also use existing devices or mix-and-match preferred brands.

Shopify POS is built around its hardware and supports standard accessories. For example, retailers can mount an iPad or tablet in Shopify’s countertop stand with an integrated card reader and customer display. Shopify also offers a portable Bluetooth chip+tap card reader and a Tap‑to‑Pay solution using a compatible iPhone (no extra hardware). Standard accessories like barcode scanners or receipt printers must be from Shopify’s approved list, or otherwise certified compatible. All Shopify payment devices are PCI/EMV‑certified for security.

Payment Processing

KORONA POS

Shopify

KORONA POS is payment processor-agnostic, meaning it can integrate with various payment gateways and merchant accounts (TSYS, First Data, Heartland, Cayan, Elavon, Global Payments, etc.). This allows the user flexibility to shop for the best rate, but pay no extra fees to KORONA POS for processing. The system is EMV‑compliant for chip and contactless payments. KORONA POS also takes cash, debit, and credit transactions and supports customized gift/loyalty cards as add-ons.

Shopify POS uses Shopify Payments (Stripe) by default. Its readers accept all major credit/debit cards and contactless wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.). In the US/Canada, Shopify Payment rates are about 2.7% per in-person transaction on the basic plan (2.5% on mid-tier). Merchants may also use other gateways (PayPal, etc.), but incur an extra Shopify transaction fee if they are not on Shopify Payments. Shopify also supports physical and digital gift cards and has an in-store Shop Pay installment option. All hardware is PCI/EMV‑certified, and payouts arrive in 1–3 business days.

Back Office Features

KORONA POS

Shopify

The KORONA POS back office includes product and inventory management (basic in the Core package and more advanced in higher tiers). The Advanced package adds features like bundled SKUs and automatic reorder alerts, but overall inventory tracking is still relatively simple. It can import and export data in bulk and handles basic multi-store sales reporting. Built-in tools include coupons, custom gift cards, and a daily sales overview. Users can run dozens of customizable reports (sales by date, ABC analysis, etc.) and manage employees (permissions, shift time). However, KORONA POS has no native eCommerce store (it integrates with third‑party online platforms) and lacks more advanced features like payroll or detailed scheduling.

Shopify’s back office is the unified Shopify admin. In-store and online inventory is synced, with unlimited products and variants. You can track stock levels and automatically get low-stock alerts (on higher plans). Customer profiles are collected at checkout for marketing, and Shopify includes built-in discount codes and gift card management. All sales feed into comprehensive reports. You get core sales reports on the basic plan, while Shopify and Advanced plans unlock detailed analytics. Shopify has full eCommerce and POS integration. It does not include features such as payroll or appointment scheduling without third-party apps.

KORONA Studio on a labtap and on a mobile

Customer Support

KORONA POS

Shopify

KORONA POS offers 24/7 support from its US-based team. Regular phone and email support hours are 6 AM–6 PM Pacific weekdays, with an always‑on emergency support line. Live chat and a searchable online support knowledge base are also provided. Merchant reviews consistently praise the KORONA POS responsive, personalized support staff. Not to mention, plans have no long-term contracts and even include a money-back guarantee.

Shopify provides around-the-clock support via its Help Center. Every Shopify plan includes 24/7 live chat and email support (live phone support is only available on the highest-tier plans). In practice, Shopify is known for extensive online documentation and community forums, though some merchants report that support is less hands-on on lower plans. Overall, Shopify support is comprehensive but tied to your Shopify subscription level.

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.