Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Provides comprehensive inventory management with advanced barcode scanning, tracking, and QuickBooks integration for warehouses and manufacturers.
- 2#2: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory software offering barcode scanning, multi-channel sales integration, and real-time stock tracking for small to medium businesses.
- 3#3: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory and order management platform with robust barcode support for syncing stock across sales channels and warehouses.
- 4#4: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory system with barcode scanning designed for small businesses to manage sales and stock efficiently.
- 5#5: Sortly - Visual inventory app that uses barcode and QR code scanning for simple asset tracking and organization on mobile devices.
- 6#6: Odoo - Open-source ERP with a modular inventory app supporting barcode scanning, lot tracking, and seamless integration with other business modules.
- 7#7: SkuVault - Warehouse management software optimized for e-commerce with barcode scanning to handle picking, packing, and multi-location inventory.
- 8#8: Unleashed - Cloud inventory platform with barcode scanning capabilities for wholesalers and distributors to control stock across multiple locations.
- 9#9: BarCloud - Cloud-based barcode inventory system that enables real-time scanning, cycle counts, and asset tracking via mobile devices.
- 10#10: EZOfficeInventory - Cloud asset management software featuring barcode and QR code scanning for tracking equipment and inventory maintenance.
We evaluated these tools based on critical factors such as barcode scanning accuracy, integration capabilities, scalability, user experience, and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance for diverse business requirements.
Comparison Table
Barcode inventory software streamlines stock tracking and minimizes errors, a critical tool for efficient business operations. This comparison table explores top options like Fishbowl Inventory, Zoho Inventory, Cin7, inFlow Inventory, Sortly, and more, examining features, pricing, and suitability for various needs. Readers can use this guide to identify the best fit for their specific operational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Provides comprehensive inventory management with advanced barcode scanning, tracking, and QuickBooks integration for warehouses and manufacturers. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory software offering barcode scanning, multi-channel sales integration, and real-time stock tracking for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory and order management platform with robust barcode support for syncing stock across sales channels and warehouses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory system with barcode scanning designed for small businesses to manage sales and stock efficiently. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Sortly Visual inventory app that uses barcode and QR code scanning for simple asset tracking and organization on mobile devices. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Odoo Open-source ERP with a modular inventory app supporting barcode scanning, lot tracking, and seamless integration with other business modules. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | SkuVault Warehouse management software optimized for e-commerce with barcode scanning to handle picking, packing, and multi-location inventory. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Unleashed Cloud inventory platform with barcode scanning capabilities for wholesalers and distributors to control stock across multiple locations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | BarCloud Cloud-based barcode inventory system that enables real-time scanning, cycle counts, and asset tracking via mobile devices. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | EZOfficeInventory Cloud asset management software featuring barcode and QR code scanning for tracking equipment and inventory maintenance. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Provides comprehensive inventory management with advanced barcode scanning, tracking, and QuickBooks integration for warehouses and manufacturers.
Cloud-based inventory software offering barcode scanning, multi-channel sales integration, and real-time stock tracking for small to medium businesses.
Omnichannel inventory and order management platform with robust barcode support for syncing stock across sales channels and warehouses.
User-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory system with barcode scanning designed for small businesses to manage sales and stock efficiently.
Visual inventory app that uses barcode and QR code scanning for simple asset tracking and organization on mobile devices.
Open-source ERP with a modular inventory app supporting barcode scanning, lot tracking, and seamless integration with other business modules.
Warehouse management software optimized for e-commerce with barcode scanning to handle picking, packing, and multi-location inventory.
Cloud inventory platform with barcode scanning capabilities for wholesalers and distributors to control stock across multiple locations.
Cloud-based barcode inventory system that enables real-time scanning, cycle counts, and asset tracking via mobile devices.
Cloud asset management software featuring barcode and QR code scanning for tracking equipment and inventory maintenance.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseProvides comprehensive inventory management with advanced barcode scanning, tracking, and QuickBooks integration for warehouses and manufacturers.
Deep, native QuickBooks integration that syncs barcode-tracked inventory data in real-time without third-party middleware
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust warehouse management and inventory control software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, excelling in barcode scanning, label generation, and real-time tracking across multiple locations. It streamlines operations like receiving, picking, shipping, and manufacturing with mobile barcode scanners, ensuring accurate stock visibility and reducing errors. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks and other ERPs, automating data sync for seamless accounting and inventory management.
Pros
- Advanced barcode scanning and label printing for all inventory workflows
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
- Scalable multi-location support with robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Higher upfront cost may deter very small businesses
- Mobile app functionality could be more intuitive
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors requiring comprehensive barcode-driven inventory management integrated with accounting software.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for up to 5 users (Warehouse edition), plus ~20% annual maintenance; additional users and plugins extra.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseCloud-based inventory software offering barcode scanning, multi-channel sales integration, and real-time stock tracking for small to medium businesses.
Advanced mobile barcode scanning with offline support and real-time sync across multiple warehouses and sales channels
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust barcode generation, scanning, and tracking capabilities via its mobile apps. It enables seamless stock updates, order fulfillment, and multi-warehouse management with barcode integration. The software integrates deeply with Zoho Books, e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, and supports automated reorder points for efficient inventory control.
Pros
- Comprehensive barcode support including generation, printing, and mobile scanning with offline mode
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping tools
- Multi-warehouse and multi-channel inventory synchronization
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Advanced barcode and reporting features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Mobile app can occasionally lag with large inventories
Best For
Small to medium businesses with multi-channel sales needing integrated barcode inventory management and Zoho ecosystem compatibility.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 orders/month; paid plans start at $29/month (Standard, 50 orders) up to $199/month (Elite, unlimited), billed annually with discounts.
Cin7
enterpriseOmnichannel inventory and order management platform with robust barcode support for syncing stock across sales channels and warehouses.
Seamless real-time inventory synchronization across 700+ channels with native barcode scanning on web and mobile apps
Cin7 is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory management platform with strong barcode scanning capabilities for real-time stock tracking, receiving, picking, and stocktakes across multiple locations. It integrates seamlessly with over 700 sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and POS systems, enabling centralized barcode-driven inventory control for omnichannel businesses. The software supports advanced features like batch and serial number tracking via barcodes, B2B portals, and detailed reporting to optimize operations.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel integrations with real-time barcode inventory syncing
- Mobile app for efficient barcode scanning during picking, packing, and counts
- Advanced barcode support for multi-warehouse, batch/expiry, and serial tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Higher pricing tiers make it less ideal for small businesses
- Occasional reports of integration sync delays during high-volume use
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce and retail businesses with multi-location inventory needing barcode-driven omnichannel management.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Operations plan (billed annually), scales to $599+/month for Core/Standard with order volume tiers; custom enterprise pricing available.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory system with barcode scanning designed for small businesses to manage sales and stock efficiently.
Offline-capable mobile app for barcode scanning and inventory adjustments anywhere
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in barcode scanning for efficient stock tracking, sales, and purchasing. It supports multi-location inventory, order fulfillment, and light manufacturing through a user-friendly desktop app and mobile scanner. The software enables real-time updates, offline scanning, and detailed reporting to streamline warehouse and retail operations.
Pros
- Excellent mobile barcode scanning with offline support
- Multi-location inventory management and robust reporting
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
- Limited advanced manufacturing features compared to enterprise tools
- Windows desktop focus may limit Mac users without cloud reliance
Best For
Small to medium retailers, warehouses, and distributors needing affordable, barcode-driven inventory control with mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Free limited plan for single location; paid plans start at $89/month for 1 user (Premium), up to $439/month for 10+ users (Advanced), billed annually.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app that uses barcode and QR code scanning for simple asset tracking and organization on mobile devices.
Photo-first visual catalog that makes inventory searchable and identifiable without relying solely on codes or text
Sortly is a visual inventory management platform designed for small businesses and teams, using barcode and QR code scanning alongside photo catalogs to track items effortlessly. It supports folder-based organization, low-stock alerts, custom fields, and basic reporting, with strong mobile app functionality for on-the-go scanning. While it excels in simplicity, it integrates with tools like QuickBooks and Shopify for enhanced workflow automation.
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface with photo-based item catalogs
- Reliable barcode/QR scanning via mobile app
- Affordable plans with solid core inventory tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced features like lot/serial tracking in lower tiers
- Reporting lacks depth compared to enterprise tools
- Item limits on entry-level plans can restrict scaling
Best For
Small businesses and teams seeking a simple, mobile-first barcode inventory solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan (100 items); Basic $29/mo (500 items); Professional $59/mo (20,000 items); Enterprise custom pricing.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with a modular inventory app supporting barcode scanning, lot tracking, and seamless integration with other business modules.
End-to-end barcode integration across inventory, sales, purchases, and manufacturing in one platform
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a robust inventory management module that supports barcode scanning for warehouse operations, including stock tracking, picking, packing, and receiving. It enables real-time inventory updates via mobile barcode scanners and integrates seamlessly with sales, purchasing, and manufacturing modules. This makes it a versatile solution for businesses needing more than standalone barcode inventory tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive barcode support for full warehouse workflows
- Seamless integration with Odoo's ERP suite
- Free community edition with extensive customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Performance can lag at very high volumes without optimization
- Advanced features locked behind Enterprise subscription
Best For
Medium-sized businesses wanting an integrated ERP system with strong barcode inventory capabilities.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually).
SkuVault
enterpriseWarehouse management software optimized for e-commerce with barcode scanning to handle picking, packing, and multi-location inventory.
Location Intelligence with barcode-driven bin-level tracking for precise multi-warehouse inventory control
SkuVault is a cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) tailored for e-commerce businesses, emphasizing barcode-driven inventory control for multi-channel operations. It enables real-time tracking, order fulfillment, and cycle counting through mobile barcode scanning, supporting multiple warehouses and locations. The platform integrates with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay to prevent overselling and streamline picking/packing processes.
Pros
- Robust mobile barcode scanning for receiving, picking, and inventory counts
- Multi-warehouse support with location-specific barcode labeling
- Strong e-commerce integrations for real-time inventory syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve during initial setup and configuration
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for small ops
- Reporting features lack deep customization without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce businesses with multiple sales channels and warehouses needing scalable barcode inventory management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at ~$499/month for core plans, scaling with monthly orders (e.g., $1,000+ for high-volume users).
Unleashed
enterpriseCloud inventory platform with barcode scanning capabilities for wholesalers and distributors to control stock across multiple locations.
Wireless 'Unleashed Anywhere' mobile app for barcode scanning with photo quality checks and real-time sync across locations
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, offering robust barcode scanning for receiving, picking, stocktakes, and sales orders via its mobile app. It provides real-time multi-location inventory tracking, batch and serial number management, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like Xero. The platform emphasizes scalability for growing businesses handling physical goods with barcode-driven workflows.
Pros
- Strong barcode scanning support across mobile and desktop for efficient stock movements
- Real-time multi-warehouse visibility and integrations with 200+ apps
- Batch/serial tracking and customizable reporting for inventory accuracy
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for very small operations
- Mobile app interface can feel cluttered for complex workflows
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans or developer help
Best For
Medium-sized wholesalers and distributors needing scalable, barcode-enabled multi-location inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $299 NZD/month (approx. $190 USD) for up to 100 orders, with tiers scaling by order volume and users up to enterprise custom pricing.
BarCloud
specializedCloud-based barcode inventory system that enables real-time scanning, cycle counts, and asset tracking via mobile devices.
Barcode scanning via standard smartphone cameras with offline mode and automatic cloud sync upon reconnection
BarCloud is a cloud-based inventory and asset management software that specializes in barcode and QR code scanning for real-time tracking. It offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling users to perform counts, audits, and adjustments directly from smartphones or tablets without specialized hardware. The platform includes web-based dashboards for reporting, integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Shopify, and customizable workflows for small to mid-sized operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile scanning using any smartphone camera
- Real-time cloud synchronization with offline support
- Solid integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-user setups
- Occasional reports of sync delays during high-volume use
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking simple, mobile-first barcode inventory tracking without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Starter plan (up to 5 users), $199/month for Pro (unlimited users), with Enterprise custom pricing.
EZOfficeInventory
specializedCloud asset management software featuring barcode and QR code scanning for tracking equipment and inventory maintenance.
Sign-Out Anywhere with geolocation and photo capture for secure, auditable asset loans
EZOfficeInventory is a cloud-based asset and inventory management platform specializing in barcode, QR code, and RFID tracking for office equipment, IT assets, tools, and supplies. It enables efficient check-in/out processes, inventory audits, maintenance scheduling, and custom reporting through a web dashboard and mobile apps. Ideal for businesses seeking scalable tracking without heavy IT setup, it integrates with tools like QuickBooks and offers real-time visibility across locations.
Pros
- Robust barcode/QR/RFID scanning with mobile app support for quick audits
- Customizable workflows for check-in/out and maintenance alerts
- Strong reporting and analytics for asset lifecycle management
Cons
- Limited advanced AI-driven forecasting compared to top competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-user or multi-site setups
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported in user reviews
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with distributed teams needing simple, mobile barcode-based asset tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $35/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; Pro at $52/user/month, Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
Among the leading barcode inventory tools, Fishbowl Inventory earns top honors for its comprehensive warehouse and manufacturing focus, advanced tracking, and seamless QuickBooks integration. Zoho Inventory shines as a versatile cloud-based option ideal for small to medium businesses, with strong multi-channel and real-time tracking, while Cin7 excels at omnichannel sync, making it a standout for those managing diverse sales and storage locations. Each offers unique advantages, ensuring there’s a fit for varied operational needs.
Ready to elevate your inventory management? Start with Fishbowl Inventory—our top-ranked choice—to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and gain better control over stock, whether you’re in a warehouse, retail setup, or beyond.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison