If you've ever felt bogged down sorting through countless cannabis POS systems, you’re not alone. Choosing the right technology partner can mean more than convenient sales - it can shape your shop’s reputation, customer loyalty, and your own peace of mind. If you’re weighing Cova vs. Flowhub, you’re already making informed moves. Let’s dive right in and give you the real scoop, so you can find the POS that’s genuinely the right fit for your dispensary’s future.
Meet Your Options: Cova and Flowhub at a Glance
Cova – With a North American footprint and dual headquarters in Colorado and Vancouver, BC, Cova supports retailers across both the U.S. and Canada. It’s known for being easy to use, highly reliable, and a strong all-around platform for multi-location adult-use stores, especially with its built-in automated compliance. Flowhub – Well-established in Colorado and recognized for its solid inventory management tools and mobile app. Both are good choices, but the right fit depends on the quirks and ambitions of your business.
Breaking Down the Features
- Compliance & Reliability: Let’s be honest - nobody wants to scramble when regulations shift. Cova stands tall with eight years of perfect uptime, even during shop-crazy holidays like 4/20 (check out Cova’s reputation for reliability). Flowhub is no slouch here but hasn’t quite matched that streak.
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Integrations: With Cova, you plug seamlessly into Weedmaps, Leafly, Springbig, Alpine IQ, top-tier eCommerce partners like Carrot, Mosaic, and Rank Really High, plus hundreds of first-class retail tech solutions — giving you out-of-the-box options to scale your business.
- Interface: Both give you smooth, attractive dashboards - Flowhub’s is slick for fast onboarding, while Cova gives you robust ID scanning, real-time inventory checks, and insightful analytics. For a closer look, browse Cova’s retail system features.
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Flexibility: If building a bespoke tech stack is your jam, Cova’s open APIs are a dream — especially for enterprises or multi-location operators with tech resources or in-house expertise.
What About Cost?
You’re running a business, so dollars matter. While up-front costs may look similar, downtime from glitches can cost thousands — something Cova’s consistent reliability helps you avoid. If you’re scaling or handling high volumes, that peace of mind isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential.
Flowhub charges extra for its eCommerce and Marketing suites, while many of those features come included with a Cova POS subscription.
Staying Up and Running: Why Reliability Rules
Ever had your POS freeze during a packed happy hour? Not fun. Cova’s proven, "always-on" track record wins big for busy shops where every minute counts. When your Wi-Fi is weak, Cova offers a safety net with its offline mode, keeping the line moving without wait times. Even if there’s a hiccup, their support team isn’t one to leave you hanging. That’s something you (and your customers) will appreciate when the unexpected crops up.
Making Work Easier: User Experience
New hires already have enough to learn. Flowhub’s interface is clear and tidy, helping folks get the hang of things with less fuss. Cova lets you shape and fine-tune every aspect to fit your operations - plus you get deep analytics for those growth-obsessed days. Want to see what real users think? Check out some firsthand Cova stories for your own take.
Delivery and Digital Sales: Who’s Got the Edge?
Thinking about delivery? Flowhub natively has delivery tools included. Cova skips the built-in bit and instead plays well with best-in-class partners. You can see the full spread of ecommerce choices at Cova’s eCommerce page. It boils down to: pick seamless integration or cherry-pick the partners you trust most.
The Compliance Factor
No one likes dealing with paperwork, but it’s the backbone of this industry. Cova has multiple built-in features to help retailers stay compliant without adding extra cost or workload — including real-time ID checks, purchase-limit estimates, and tight Metrc integration with automated reporting. Flowhub covers most recreational compliance needs with strong features as well, fitting the rapidly evolving U.S. market.
Should You Go Cova?
- You need a powerful POS to grow your cannabis dispensary or hemp store.
- Reliability and seamless workflows are a must.
- You want to deliver a great shopping experience and need software that can handle both high volume and future expansion.
- You prefer to mix and match the best apps for loyalty, eCommerce, and marketing.
- You value great support — a team with real cannabis expertise who can pick up the phone fast, so you can talk to a human (not a chatbot) when you need help optimizing your software.
Learn more about our CBD-specialized POS platform if branching into hemp cannabinoids is on your radar.
When Flowhub May Be a Fit
- You want a solution with built-in delivery.
- You’re looking for a simple eCommerce and marketing suite, and your budget allows for add-ons.
- You’re operating in a Metrc state.
- Reliability isn’t your top priority.
Exploring Alternatives
Looking for a Flowhub alternative? Cova’s flexibility, rock-solid compliance, and steady performance put it near the top of any best-in-class list for 2025. No matter how your needs evolve, Cova’s got the track record to back up its promises.
FAQs: Cova vs. Flowhub POS Showdown
- Which is more reliable for high-traffic?
Hands down, Cova. That unbroken uptime record isn’t just a marketing claim - it keeps your doors open and sales humming, even on 4/20. - Is Flowhub best for delivery?
Flowhub has native delivery tools. Cova, though, offers pro-grade integrations for those who want more flex. - Who wins in compliance?
Both are strong players, and the right choice can depend on the state you’re in. Cova evolves quickly and stays nimble when regulations change, helping retailers remain compliant without disrupting operations. Flowhub also keeps pace in the U.S., where compliance can shift faster than you can blink. - Can I sell CBD and THC products through both?
Cova’s got dedicated CBD POS solutions. Whether it’s hemp, high-THC, or in-between, you’re covered. - What about cost over time?
Cova’s long-term value is tough to beat, with higher user satisfaction and fewer interruptions that eat into your profits. Its value-to-cost ratio is extremely strong — the starting price is similar, but Cova doesn’t charge extra for core features. Flowhub, on the other hand, adds costs for additional modules and add-ons.
Conclusion: Your Decision, Made Simple
At the end of the day, your dispensary is unique. If reliability, compliance, and the freedom to mold your POS stack matter most, Cova’s waiting for your call. If an all-in-one with ready-made digital sales is the dream, Flowhub may be worth a peek.
Want unbiased advice to help you future-proof your shop? Connect with the Cova team for a zero-pressure demo or consultation. We’re here to walk you through the options and help your business thrive - no tech headaches, just real results for real cannabis entrepreneurs.