Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management software that tracks stock levels, manages orders, and integrates with e-commerce platforms for small businesses.
- 2#2: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory software with barcode scanning, multi-location support, and reporting for small to medium businesses.
- 3#3: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking on mobile devices.
- 4#4: Square for Retail - Free POS-integrated inventory management tool for tracking stock, receiving items, and handling sales in retail stores.
- 5#5: Odoo Inventory - Open-source modular ERP system with free inventory tracking, warehouse management, and order fulfillment features.
- 6#6: Fishbowl - Inventory control software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for manufacturing and warehouse operations.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud inventory platform providing real-time stock visibility, multi-channel sales, and supplier management for distributors.
- 8#8: Cin7 - Integrated inventory management system connecting e-commerce, POS, and accounting for growing businesses.
- 9#9: Katana - Cloud MRP software offering live inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase orders for small manufacturers.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Commerce - E-commerce inventory and order management tool that syncs with QuickBooks for multichannel selling.
Tools were ranked based on core functionality, user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance for small businesses, retailers, and manufacturers alike.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores essential basic inventory management tools, featuring Zoho Inventory, inFlow Inventory, Sortly, Square for Retail, Odoo Inventory, and more. It equips readers to assess key factors like features, pricing, and usability, helping identify the right fit for their business needs, whether for small-scale tracking or growing operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory management software that tracks stock levels, manages orders, and integrates with e-commerce platforms for small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory software with barcode scanning, multi-location support, and reporting for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking on mobile devices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Square for Retail Free POS-integrated inventory management tool for tracking stock, receiving items, and handling sales in retail stores. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Odoo Inventory Open-source modular ERP system with free inventory tracking, warehouse management, and order fulfillment features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Fishbowl Inventory control software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for manufacturing and warehouse operations. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud inventory platform providing real-time stock visibility, multi-channel sales, and supplier management for distributors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Cin7 Integrated inventory management system connecting e-commerce, POS, and accounting for growing businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 9 | Katana Cloud MRP software offering live inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase orders for small manufacturers. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Commerce E-commerce inventory and order management tool that syncs with QuickBooks for multichannel selling. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based inventory management software that tracks stock levels, manages orders, and integrates with e-commerce platforms for small businesses.
User-friendly inventory software with barcode scanning, multi-location support, and reporting for small to medium businesses.
Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking on mobile devices.
Free POS-integrated inventory management tool for tracking stock, receiving items, and handling sales in retail stores.
Open-source modular ERP system with free inventory tracking, warehouse management, and order fulfillment features.
Inventory control software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for manufacturing and warehouse operations.
Cloud inventory platform providing real-time stock visibility, multi-channel sales, and supplier management for distributors.
Integrated inventory management system connecting e-commerce, POS, and accounting for growing businesses.
Cloud MRP software offering live inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase orders for small manufacturers.
E-commerce inventory and order management tool that syncs with QuickBooks for multichannel selling.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory management software that tracks stock levels, manages orders, and integrates with e-commerce platforms for small businesses.
Seamless multi-channel order syncing and automated stock updates across e-commerce platforms and warehouses
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for small to medium businesses to manage inventory, sales orders, purchase orders, and warehouses in real-time. It offers barcode scanning, serial/batch tracking, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy, as well as the broader Zoho suite including Books and CRM. The software automates stock updates across multiple channels, providing detailed reporting and forecasting to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time inventory tracking with multi-warehouse support
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and Zoho apps
- Mobile app for on-the-go scanning and management
Cons
- Free plan has strict limits on orders and users
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing scalable, integrated inventory management for multi-channel sales.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 online orders/month and 1 warehouse; paid plans start at $59/organization/month (billed annually) for Standard, up to $249 for Elite.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory software with barcode scanning, multi-location support, and reporting for small to medium businesses.
Perpetual licensing with full offline functionality and seamless barcode scanning via dedicated mobile app
inFlow Inventory is a desktop-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering tools for tracking stock levels, purchase orders, sales, and invoicing. It supports barcode scanning, multi-location inventory, and customizable reporting to streamline warehouse and retail operations. With optional cloud synchronization, it provides flexibility for businesses needing offline access without mandatory subscriptions.
Pros
- Perpetual license model with one-time purchase for excellent long-term value
- Strong barcode scanning and mobile app integration for efficient stocktaking
- Robust multi-location support and detailed reporting capabilities
Cons
- Primarily desktop-focused with limited native mobile/web access
- No built-in e-commerce or CRM integrations out-of-the-box
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans and optional paid support
Best For
Small retailers and wholesalers seeking affordable, reliable inventory tracking with offline capabilities and no recurring fees.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Basic ($89), Professional ($269), Enterprise ($589); optional cloud sync ($9.99/month) and premium support available.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking on mobile devices.
Visual inventory cataloging with searchable photos for instant item recognition without text descriptions
Sortly is a user-friendly visual inventory management software designed for small businesses and teams to track items using photos, barcodes, and QR codes. It enables easy organization of inventory into folders and locations, with features like low-stock alerts, custom fields, and basic reporting. The mobile-first app makes it simple to scan and update stock on the go, ideal for basic inventory needs without overwhelming complexity.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual interface with photo attachments for quick item identification
- Seamless mobile app for barcode/QR scanning and real-time updates
- Affordable entry-level plans with solid basic functionality
Cons
- Limited advanced features like purchase orders or multi-warehouse support
- Item entry limits on free and basic plans restrict scalability
- Reporting tools are basic and lack deep customization
Best For
Small businesses, retailers, and home organizers needing a simple, visual tool for everyday inventory tracking.
Pricing
Free plan (100 items); Starter ($29/month, 500 items); Advanced ($59/month, unlimited items); Enterprise custom.
Square for Retail
specializedFree POS-integrated inventory management tool for tracking stock, receiving items, and handling sales in retail stores.
Real-time inventory syncing directly with POS transactions across devices
Square for Retail is a point-of-sale (POS) solution with integrated basic inventory management designed for small to medium-sized retailers. It enables real-time stock tracking synced with sales, purchase order creation, vendor management, and low-stock alerts. The platform simplifies inventory for single or multi-location businesses without needing separate software.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory updates with POS sales
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Comprehensive reporting and low-stock notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced features like lot/serial tracking
- Transaction fees can increase costs for high volume
- Multi-location inventory requires paid Plus plan
Best For
Small retail stores needing straightforward inventory tied to POS without complex setup.
Pricing
Free basic plan with core inventory; Retail Plus $60/month per location; plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Odoo Inventory
specializedOpen-source modular ERP system with free inventory tracking, warehouse management, and order fulfillment features.
Built-in multi-company and multi-warehouse management with real-time synchronization
Odoo Inventory is a modular component of the open-source Odoo ERP suite, designed to handle core inventory management tasks like real-time stock tracking, multi-warehouse operations, and inbound/outbound logistics. It supports barcode scanning, lot and serial number tracking, and basic forecasting to streamline warehouse processes. While powerful for growing businesses, it shines when integrated with Odoo's sales, purchase, and manufacturing apps for a unified workflow.
Pros
- Free community edition with robust core features
- Seamless scalability and multi-warehouse support
- Deep integration with other Odoo business apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to modular complexity
- Advanced features require Enterprise subscription
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing scalable inventory management within a full ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Community edition free (self-hosted); Enterprise starts at $24/user/month including hosting and support.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory control software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for manufacturing and warehouse operations.
Deep, real-time two-way synchronization with QuickBooks
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering tools for tracking inventory, managing purchase and sales orders, and supporting light manufacturing processes. It stands out with its deep integration with QuickBooks, enabling seamless synchronization of inventory data with accounting records. While it provides comprehensive features beyond basic needs, its on-premise deployment and complexity make it suitable for users requiring more than simple stock tracking.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks
- Supports multi-location inventory and barcode scanning
- Handles manufacturing with bill of materials (BOM)
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Primarily on-premise requiring IT setup
- Higher upfront costs compared to cloud-based alternatives
Best For
Small manufacturers or distributors already using QuickBooks who need advanced inventory tracking without switching accounting software.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$4,395 for standard edition (up to 10 users), plus ~20% annual maintenance; subscription plans from $150/user/month.
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory platform providing real-time stock visibility, multi-channel sales, and supplier management for distributors.
Multi-location real-time inventory tracking with automated replenishment alerts
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple locations. It handles core functions like purchase orders, sales orders, stock adjustments, and reporting, with added capabilities for bundles, serial/batch tracking, and integrations. While powerful for scaling businesses, it provides solid basic inventory tools but may exceed simple needs.
Pros
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility
- Seamless integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and e-commerce platforms
- Robust reporting for stock levels and trends
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit micro-businesses
- Learning curve for advanced features like batch tracking
- Limited free trial or basic plan flexibility
Best For
Growing small to medium wholesalers and distributors needing scalable inventory control with accounting sync.
Pricing
Tiered subscriptions starting at $85 AUD/month (Micro plan, up to 120 orders), scaling with order volume and users; annual billing discounts available.
Cin7
enterpriseIntegrated inventory management system connecting e-commerce, POS, and accounting for growing businesses.
700+ native integrations for effortless connectivity across sales, accounting, and fulfillment systems
Cin7 is a robust inventory management platform that offers real-time stock tracking across multiple locations and channels, automating purchase orders, sales fulfillment, and reporting. It excels in integrating with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, POS systems, and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Designed for scaling businesses, it provides advanced features that go beyond basic needs, including B2B portals and EDI support.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 700+ connectors for seamless multi-channel sync
- Real-time inventory visibility across warehouses and sales channels
- Advanced automation for orders, backorders, and replenishment
Cons
- High pricing makes it less ideal for truly basic inventory needs
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and customization options
- Overkill for small businesses without multi-channel complexity
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and wholesalers managing inventory across multiple e-commerce, POS, and marketplace channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually), with Pro at $599/month and Elite at $999/month; custom pricing for enterprise.
Katana
specializedCloud MRP software offering live inventory tracking, production planning, and purchase orders for small manufacturers.
Live multi-location inventory syncing with automated production scheduling
Katana is a cloud-based MRP and inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers and makers. It provides real-time multi-location inventory tracking, bill of materials management, production planning, and order fulfillment. While it excels in manufacturing workflows, it offers core inventory features like stock level monitoring, reorder alerts, and integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility
- Seamless integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
- Built-in production planning and BOM management
Cons
- Pricing model based on orders can become expensive for high-volume basic users
- Overkill for non-manufacturing businesses needing only simple tracking
- Steeper learning curve for advanced manufacturing features
Best For
Small manufacturers who need inventory management integrated with production scheduling and order fulfillment.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Cloud plan for up to 500 orders/year), scales to $799+/month for higher volumes; 14-day free trial, no free plan.
QuickBooks Commerce
enterpriseE-commerce inventory and order management tool that syncs with QuickBooks for multichannel selling.
Native, two-way sync with QuickBooks Online for effortless inventory-to-accounting data flow
QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory management platform tailored for e-commerce and multi-channel sellers, offering real-time stock tracking across warehouses and sales channels. It automates purchase orders, low-stock alerts, and order fulfillment while integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software. Designed for growing businesses, it provides basic to advanced inventory tools to minimize stock discrepancies and streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
- Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization
- Automated purchase orders and supplier management
Cons
- Relatively high pricing for purely basic inventory needs
- Steeper learning curve for non-e-commerce users
- Limited standalone reporting without QuickBooks
Best For
Small to medium e-commerce businesses using QuickBooks that need reliable multi-channel inventory tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Simple plan, billed annually) up to $599/month (Enterprise), with per-user scaling on higher tiers.
Conclusion
After careful evaluation, Zoho Inventory leads as the top choice, boasting cloud-based tracking and e-commerce integration that suits small businesses. inFlow Inventory follows with its user-friendly design and multi-location support, while Sortly distinguishes itself through a visual, mobile-optimized approach to tracking. Each tool offers distinct advantages, but Zoho’s versatility makes it a standout.
Explore Zoho Inventory today to simplify your inventory management and set your business up for efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison