Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based multi-channel inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and warehousing for small businesses.
- 2#2: Odoo Inventory - Open-source inventory management module with real-time tracking, forecasting, and integrations within the free Odoo ERP platform.
- 3#3: Sortly - Visual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization ideal for small teams.
- 4#4: inFlow Inventory - Comprehensive inventory software with mobile scanning, QuickBooks integration, and sales order management for SMBs.
- 5#5: Katana - Cloud manufacturing and inventory platform for real-time production planning and stock control.
- 6#6: Square - Free POS-integrated inventory tracking tool for retail businesses handling stock levels and low-stock alerts.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Commerce - Ecommerce-focused inventory management with multi-channel syncing and order fulfillment automation.
- 8#8: Unleashed - Cloud stock control software with batch tracking, EDI, and integrations for wholesalers.
- 9#9: Fishbowl - Inventory management system with QuickBooks integration, barcode scanning, and manufacturing features.
- 10#10: ABC Inventory - Free desktop inventory software for small businesses offering basic tracking and reporting.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of robust features (automation, integrations, real-time tracking), user-friendly design, consistent performance, and strong value, prioritizing affordability and functionality for diverse business requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps identify affordable inventory management software, featuring tools like Zoho Inventory, Odoo Inventory, Sortly, inFlow Inventory, Katana, and more. It breaks down key features, pricing, and use cases, guiding readers to find the right fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based multi-channel inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and warehousing for small businesses. | other | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Odoo Inventory Open-source inventory management module with real-time tracking, forecasting, and integrations within the free Odoo ERP platform. | other | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Sortly Visual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization ideal for small teams. | other | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | inFlow Inventory Comprehensive inventory software with mobile scanning, QuickBooks integration, and sales order management for SMBs. | other | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | Katana Cloud manufacturing and inventory platform for real-time production planning and stock control. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Square Free POS-integrated inventory tracking tool for retail businesses handling stock levels and low-stock alerts. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Commerce Ecommerce-focused inventory management with multi-channel syncing and order fulfillment automation. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Unleashed Cloud stock control software with batch tracking, EDI, and integrations for wholesalers. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Fishbowl Inventory management system with QuickBooks integration, barcode scanning, and manufacturing features. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | ABC Inventory Free desktop inventory software for small businesses offering basic tracking and reporting. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.8/10 |
Cloud-based multi-channel inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and warehousing for small businesses.
Open-source inventory management module with real-time tracking, forecasting, and integrations within the free Odoo ERP platform.
Visual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization ideal for small teams.
Comprehensive inventory software with mobile scanning, QuickBooks integration, and sales order management for SMBs.
Cloud manufacturing and inventory platform for real-time production planning and stock control.
Free POS-integrated inventory tracking tool for retail businesses handling stock levels and low-stock alerts.
Ecommerce-focused inventory management with multi-channel syncing and order fulfillment automation.
Cloud stock control software with batch tracking, EDI, and integrations for wholesalers.
Inventory management system with QuickBooks integration, barcode scanning, and manufacturing features.
Free desktop inventory software for small businesses offering basic tracking and reporting.
Zoho Inventory
otherCloud-based multi-channel inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and warehousing for small businesses.
Seamless multi-warehouse management with real-time synchronization and automated stock transfers across locations.
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses to manage inventory, orders, sales, and purchases seamlessly across multiple warehouses and sales channels. It provides real-time tracking, barcode scanning, serial/batch number management, and automated reorder points to prevent stockouts and overstocking. With robust integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Zoho's own suite including Books and CRM, it scales affordably from startups to growing enterprises.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a free plan for up to 20 online orders/month and low-cost tiers starting at $29/month
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping tools for multi-channel selling
- Advanced inventory tools like multi-warehouse support, batch tracking, and customizable reports
Cons
- Some advanced automation and custom workflows require higher-tier plans
- Initial setup can have a learning curve for users new to cloud inventory systems
- Customer support is email/ticket-based on lower plans, lacking live chat for free users
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing cost-effective, scalable inventory management with strong e-commerce and Zoho ecosystem integrations.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid plans from $29/month (Standard) to $199/month (Elite), billed annually with discounts.
Odoo Inventory
otherOpen-source inventory management module with real-time tracking, forecasting, and integrations within the free Odoo ERP platform.
End-to-end traceability with lot/serial number management and seamless ERP-wide integration
Odoo Inventory is a powerful module within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, offering comprehensive tools for managing stock levels, warehouse operations, and order fulfillment. It supports real-time tracking, multi-warehouse setups, barcode scanning, serial/lot traceability, and automated replenishment to streamline inventory processes. As part of a modular ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and accounting for end-to-end business visibility.
Pros
- Feature-rich with advanced tools like inventory forecasting, automated reordering, and multi-location support
- Free community edition available, making it highly affordable for startups
- Deep integration with Odoo's ERP suite for unified business management
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for complex configurations and customizations
- Enterprise edition required for premium features and support, adding costs
- Initial setup can be time-intensive without technical expertise
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking scalable, integrated inventory management within a full ERP system on a budget.
Pricing
Free community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with modular app-based pricing.
Sortly
otherVisual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization ideal for small teams.
Photo-based visual inventory catalog for effortless item identification and organization
Sortly is a cloud-based inventory management software designed for small businesses, featuring a visual catalog system where items are tracked using photos, custom fields, barcodes, and QR codes. It supports item locations, folders, low-stock alerts, basic reporting, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The mobile app enables easy scanning and updates on the go, making it suitable for straightforward inventory needs without steep learning curves.
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface with photo catalogs for quick item recognition
- Seamless mobile scanning via barcode and QR codes
- Affordable entry-level plans with solid core functionality
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in lower tiers
- No native purchase order or manufacturing modules
- Item limits on free and basic plans can restrict scaling
Best For
Small businesses and retail teams seeking simple, visual inventory tracking on a budget.
Pricing
Free plan (100 items); paid plans from $29/month (Basic, 500 items) to $99/month (Advanced) billed annually.
inFlow Inventory
otherComprehensive inventory software with mobile scanning, QuickBooks integration, and sales order management for SMBs.
Robust offline-capable mobile app for barcode scanning and real-time inventory updates across multiple warehouses
inFlow Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering tools for tracking stock levels across multiple locations, managing sales and purchase orders, and handling light manufacturing processes. It supports barcode scanning via mobile apps, generates detailed reports, and integrates with platforms like QuickBooks, Shopify, and Amazon. This affordable solution streamlines operations for retailers, wholesalers, and distributors without the complexity of enterprise-level systems.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile barcode scanning for quick inventory adjustments
- Scalable multi-location support and strong e-commerce integrations
- Excellent value with comprehensive features at SMB-friendly pricing
Cons
- Limited customization for advanced reporting compared to higher-end tools
- Order volume limits on lower plans may require upgrades for growing businesses
- Occasional mobile sync delays reported by some users
Best For
Small to medium retailers, wholesalers, and light manufacturers seeking user-friendly, budget-conscious inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (billed annually) for Premium (100 orders/month), scaling to $889/month for Enterprise; 14-day free trial available.
Katana
otherCloud manufacturing and inventory platform for real-time production planning and stock control.
Live multi-platform inventory sync for automatic stock updates across sales channels and warehouses
Katana is a cloud-based MRP and inventory management software tailored for small to medium manufacturers and distributors, offering real-time multi-location inventory tracking and visual production planning. It automates purchasing, sales orders, and manufacturing workflows while integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Ideal for businesses seeking affordable control over inventory without complex enterprise setups.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations and platforms
- Strong manufacturing-specific tools like visual scheduling and BOM management
- Excellent integrations with e-commerce and accounting software
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting in entry-level plans
- Learning curve for production planning features
- Pricing scales quickly with higher production volumes
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers and wholesalers needing affordable, real-time inventory and MRP capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan for up to 100 orders/mo), up to $799/month (Industrial plan); billed annually with a free trial.
Square
otherFree POS-integrated inventory tracking tool for retail businesses handling stock levels and low-stock alerts.
Seamless real-time inventory updates automatically deducted from POS sales without manual entry
Square provides an all-in-one POS system with built-in inventory management for small businesses, allowing users to track stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and manage purchases directly from the app. It integrates seamlessly with sales transactions to automatically update inventory in real-time across multiple locations. Ideal for retailers and restaurants, it's designed to be affordable and scalable without requiring complex setups.
Pros
- Completely free basic inventory tracking with POS integration
- Intuitive mobile-first interface accessible on any device
- Real-time syncing across locations and automatic sales deductions
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like bundle kits or multi-channel e-commerce sync
- Reporting and analytics are basic without upgrading to paid plans
- Customization options are limited for complex inventory needs
Best For
Small retail shops, cafes, and food trucks seeking simple, no-cost inventory management tied to point-of-sale transactions.
Pricing
Free for core POS and basic inventory; Retail Plus at $60/month per location for advanced features; no long-term contracts.
QuickBooks Commerce
otherEcommerce-focused inventory management with multi-channel syncing and order fulfillment automation.
Native QuickBooks integration for automated accounting sync from inventory data
QuickBooks Commerce is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for e-commerce businesses, enabling real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It streamlines order fulfillment, purchase orders, and supplier management while integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for unified financial oversight. The software supports B2B wholesale portals and customizable reporting, making it suitable for growing online retailers focused on efficient inventory control.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel inventory synchronization
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting
- Real-time stock visibility and automated reordering
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
- Limited customization in entry-level plans
Best For
Small to medium e-commerce businesses using QuickBooks that need affordable multi-channel inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Sync plan) for basic features, $79/month (Advanced), up to $599/month (Enterprise), billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
Unleashed
otherCloud stock control software with batch tracking, EDI, and integrations for wholesalers.
Lightning-fast order entry mode with pick lists and bulk processing optimized for high-volume B2B wholesale operations
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations, order processing, and procurement automation. It integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, as well as e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce. The platform emphasizes B2B operations with features like batch/serial tracking and customizable pricing rules, making it suitable for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory tracking with batch and serial number support
- Strong integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, and over 40 other apps
- Unlimited users and real-time reporting for efficient team collaboration
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small businesses (starts at ~$210 USD/month)
- Steep learning curve for advanced features like custom reporting
- Limited built-in CRM or sales pipeline tools
Best For
Growing wholesalers and distributors handling multi-channel, multi-location inventory without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at NZ$349/month (~$210 USD) for the Small plan (up to 200 orders/month), with Medium (600 orders) at NZ$649 and Large (2,000 orders) at NZ$1,099; billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Fishbowl
otherInventory management system with QuickBooks integration, barcode scanning, and manufacturing features.
Native, bi-directional QuickBooks integration that automates inventory and financial data syncing
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those in manufacturing and warehousing. It provides multi-location inventory tracking, barcode scanning, bill of materials (BOM) management, and advanced order fulfillment capabilities. The software excels in seamless integration with QuickBooks, making it a go-to for accounting-linked inventory control without requiring a full ERP overhaul.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for real-time accounting sync
- Strong manufacturing tools including BOM and work orders
- Multi-location inventory and barcode support
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a dated Windows desktop interface
- One-time licensing plus ongoing maintenance fees add up
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to cloud-native rivals
Best For
QuickBooks-using manufacturers and distributors needing detailed warehouse and production inventory control on a budget.
Pricing
One-time purchase starts at $4,395 for Warehouse edition plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription from $349/month.
ABC Inventory
otherFree desktop inventory software for small businesses offering basic tracking and reporting.
Full-featured manufacturing and production planning at zero cost
ABC Inventory is a free, open-source web-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides comprehensive tools for tracking stock across multiple locations, managing sales invoices and purchase orders, barcode scanning, and even production planning. The system supports multi-user access with role-based permissions and is accessible via any web browser.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Robust features including multi-location tracking and manufacturing modules
- Multi-language support and customizable reporting
Cons
- Requires self-hosting which demands technical setup knowledge
- No native mobile app, relying on browser access
- User interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing a powerful, no-cost inventory solution and comfortable with basic server management.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted on your own server).
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase varied approaches to inventory management, from cloud-based automation to open-source flexibility, serving small businesses, manufacturers, and retailers. At the pinnacle, Zoho Inventory excels with its comprehensive tracking, order automation, and multi-channel support, making it a standout choice. Odoo Inventory and Sortly are strong alternatives, offering ERP integrations and simple QR code tracking respectively, to suit different operational needs.
Begin your inventory management journey by trying Zoho Inventory—unlock streamlined operations and take control of your stock with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison