Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform offering invoicing, expense tracking, and multi-location inventory management for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking capabilities integrated seamlessly.
- 3#3: Zoho Inventory - Multi-channel inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, invoicing, and warehouse operations with Zoho ecosystem integration.
- 4#4: Odoo - Open-source ERP suite providing integrated billing, sales, inventory tracking, and manufacturing modules for scalable business operations.
- 5#5: Cin7 - Advanced inventory and order management platform supporting complex supply chains, EDI, and automated invoicing across multiple sales channels.
- 6#6: Fishbowl - Warehouse management software specializing in inventory control, manufacturing, and QuickBooks-integrated billing for growing businesses.
- 7#7: Katana - Cloud MRP software for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and sales order invoicing tailored to manufacturers.
- 8#8: Unleashed - Inventory management system with powerful stock control, multi-currency invoicing, and e-commerce integrations for distributors.
- 9#9: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory software for tracking stock, generating invoices, and managing purchases with barcode scanning support.
- 10#10: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and CRM-integrated invoicing for small manufacturers.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key metrics including feature depth (automation, integration, scalability), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across small to large-scale operations.
Comparison Table
Effective billing and inventory management are essential for operational efficiency, and selecting the right software can drive business growth. This comparison table examines leading tools such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Inventory, Odoo, Cin7, and more, outlining key features, pricing, and adaptability for diverse business needs. Readers will discover insights to choose software that aligns with their goals, from automation and scalability to cost-effectiveness.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform offering invoicing, expense tracking, and multi-location inventory management for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking capabilities integrated seamlessly. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Inventory Multi-channel inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, invoicing, and warehouse operations with Zoho ecosystem integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Open-source ERP suite providing integrated billing, sales, inventory tracking, and manufacturing modules for scalable business operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Cin7 Advanced inventory and order management platform supporting complex supply chains, EDI, and automated invoicing across multiple sales channels. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Fishbowl Warehouse management software specializing in inventory control, manufacturing, and QuickBooks-integrated billing for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Katana Cloud MRP software for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and sales order invoicing tailored to manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Unleashed Inventory management system with powerful stock control, multi-currency invoicing, and e-commerce integrations for distributors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory software for tracking stock, generating invoices, and managing purchases with barcode scanning support. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and CRM-integrated invoicing for small manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform offering invoicing, expense tracking, and multi-location inventory management for small to medium businesses.
Cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking capabilities integrated seamlessly.
Multi-channel inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, invoicing, and warehouse operations with Zoho ecosystem integration.
Open-source ERP suite providing integrated billing, sales, inventory tracking, and manufacturing modules for scalable business operations.
Advanced inventory and order management platform supporting complex supply chains, EDI, and automated invoicing across multiple sales channels.
Warehouse management software specializing in inventory control, manufacturing, and QuickBooks-integrated billing for growing businesses.
Cloud MRP software for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and sales order invoicing tailored to manufacturers.
Inventory management system with powerful stock control, multi-currency invoicing, and e-commerce integrations for distributors.
User-friendly inventory software for tracking stock, generating invoices, and managing purchases with barcode scanning support.
Cloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and CRM-integrated invoicing for small manufacturers.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting platform offering invoicing, expense tracking, and multi-location inventory management for small to medium businesses.
Multi-location inventory tracking with automated reorder points and seamless e-commerce syncs
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting solution that provides robust billing and inventory management tools tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It streamlines invoicing, automated recurring billing, payment processing via ACH, credit cards, and PayPal, while offering inventory tracking features like real-time stock levels, reorder points, assemblies, and multi-location support in Plus and Advanced plans. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce sites, CRM tools, and over 650 apps, enabling comprehensive financial oversight from any device.
Pros
- Powerful invoicing with progress billing, custom templates, and one-click payments
- Real-time inventory management including bundles, variants, FIFO costing, and low-stock alerts
- Extensive integrations and mobile app for on-the-go access and scalability
Cons
- Advanced inventory features locked behind Plus ($90/mo) and Advanced ($200/mo) plans
- Steep learning curve for complex inventory setups and customizations
- Higher costs for full billing/inventory suite compared to basic accounting needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one cloud platform for scalable billing, inventory tracking, and accounting with strong integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $30/mo (Simple Start, no inventory); Plus with inventory at $90/mo; Advanced at $200/mo; annual discounts available.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting software with robust invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking capabilities integrated seamlessly.
Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation that instantly update inventory and billing data in real-time
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust billing and invoicing features, allowing users to create, send, and track invoices, quotes, and bills with automation and customization options. It includes basic inventory management to track stock levels, item costs, sales quantities, and generate reports, with automatic updates tied to transactions. While native inventory tools are straightforward, advanced capabilities like multi-location tracking require integrations from its extensive app marketplace, making it ideal for small businesses integrating billing with light inventory needs.
Pros
- Powerful invoicing with templates, recurring billing, and payment integrations
- Real-time inventory tracking synced with accounting and sales
- Unlimited users and strong mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Basic native inventory lacks advanced features like serial tracking or bundles
- Additional costs for premium apps to enhance inventory functionality
- Reporting for inventory could be more detailed out-of-the-box
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing seamless billing automation integrated with basic inventory tracking and full accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Early plan) up to $78/month (Ultimate plan) billed annually; inventory add-ons extra via marketplace.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseMulti-channel inventory management tool that automates order fulfillment, invoicing, and warehouse operations with Zoho ecosystem integration.
Real-time inventory synchronization across major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for managing inventory, orders, warehouses, and shipping, with strong integration into the Zoho ecosystem for billing and accounting via Zoho Books. It supports multi-channel selling across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and WooCommerce, offering real-time stock tracking, serial/batch management, and automated purchase orders. The software streamlines operations for small to medium businesses by providing tools for fulfillment, reporting, and scalability across multiple warehouses.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory synchronization
- Robust automation for orders, shipping, and reordering
- Free plan and scalable pricing with Zoho integrations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited reporting customization options
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Growing small to medium businesses selling on multiple e-commerce platforms that need integrated inventory and billing management.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans from $29/mo (Standard) to $199/mo (Elite), with annual discounts.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP suite providing integrated billing, sales, inventory tracking, and manufacturing modules for scalable business operations.
Open-source modularity enabling unlimited custom apps and seamless native integration of billing, inventory, and 10,000+ third-party modules.
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with robust modules for billing (invoicing, accounting, payments) and inventory management (multi-warehouse tracking, real-time stock levels, automated replenishment). It enables seamless integration between sales, purchases, and warehouse operations, supporting businesses of all sizes with scalable features like barcode scanning and lot/serial number tracking. The modular design allows users to activate only needed apps, making it versatile for end-to-end supply chain and financial management.
Pros
- Extensive modular features for advanced inventory control and automated billing
- Free open-source community edition with unlimited users
- Deep integration across ERP functions for real-time data synchronization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Enterprise edition required for premium features and support
- Performance can lag with very large datasets without proper hosting
Best For
Growing small to medium businesses needing an affordable, scalable all-in-one solution for integrated billing and multi-location inventory management.
Pricing
Free community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (Odoo Online) with per-app pricing and custom hosting options.
Cin7
enterpriseAdvanced inventory and order management platform supporting complex supply chains, EDI, and automated invoicing across multiple sales channels.
Inventory HQ: A centralized dashboard providing real-time visibility and control over stock across all sales channels and locations.
Cin7 is a robust inventory and operations management platform tailored for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers. It excels in real-time inventory synchronization across e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, physical stores, and B2B channels, while handling order fulfillment, purchasing, and manufacturing workflows. Integrated with accounting tools such as Xero and QuickBooks, it supports invoicing and billing processes, though billing is more facilitation than native depth.
Pros
- Seamless real-time multi-channel inventory syncing
- Extensive integrations with 700+ apps including e-commerce and accounting
- Powerful reporting and analytics for inventory insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setup
- Higher pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Billing relies heavily on third-party integrations rather than native tools
Best For
Multi-channel retailers and wholesalers scaling operations who need centralized inventory control with billing integrations.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $349/month (billed annually), with Omni channel plans from $599/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
Fishbowl
enterpriseWarehouse management software specializing in inventory control, manufacturing, and QuickBooks-integrated billing for growing businesses.
Two-way, real-time synchronization with QuickBooks, automatically updating inventory levels and generating accounting entries from orders.
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management software that excels in warehouse operations, multi-location tracking, and order fulfillment, with deep integration into QuickBooks for seamless accounting synchronization. It handles purchase orders, sales orders, manufacturing, barcode scanning, and lot/serial number tracking, making it suitable for distributors and manufacturers. While not a standalone billing solution, it streamlines invoicing and financial reporting through its ERP-like capabilities tied to accounting software.
Pros
- Unmatched QuickBooks integration for real-time inventory-accounting sync
- Advanced inventory tools like multi-location support, cycle counting, and manufacturing BOMs
- Customizable reporting and scalability for growing businesses
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its desktop-heavy interface and complexity
- Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
- Limited native billing features without QuickBooks dependency
Best For
Mid-sized distributors, manufacturers, or warehouses using QuickBooks that need sophisticated inventory control.
Pricing
One-time license starts at ~$4,395 for Standard edition (up to 10 users), plus ~20% annual maintenance; Enterprise and Warehouse editions are quote-based with per-user add-ons.
Katana
enterpriseCloud MRP software for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and sales order invoicing tailored to manufacturers.
Live visual MRP planner that dynamically schedules production based on real-time inventory and orders
Katana is a cloud-based MRP software tailored for manufacturers, providing real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management to optimize supply chain operations. It handles multi-location inventory, automated purchase orders, sales fulfillment, and basic invoicing through integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. While strong in inventory visibility and manufacturing workflows, its billing features are more supplementary than standalone comprehensive.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations and sales channels
- Visual drag-and-drop production planner for efficient scheduling
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting software
Cons
- Billing and invoicing require integrations rather than native advanced tools
- Higher-tier plans needed for full MRP and multi-user access, increasing costs
- Limited reporting customization for complex financial analysis
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers and wholesalers needing integrated inventory and production management alongside basic order billing.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 50 orders/mo), $299/month (Pro MRP), up to $799/month (Ultimate); billed annually with 14-day free trial.
Unleashed
enterpriseInventory management system with powerful stock control, multi-currency invoicing, and e-commerce integrations for distributors.
Unlimited multi-warehouse real-time stock tracking with automated reordering
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple locations. It streamlines purchasing, sales orders, invoicing, and billing processes while supporting batch/serial tracking and multi-currency operations. The software integrates deeply with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, providing detailed reporting for operational insights.
Pros
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility and control
- Seamless integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
- Robust batch, serial, and expiry date tracking
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Advanced features require training
Best For
Medium-sized wholesalers and distributors handling complex, multi-location inventory and order fulfillment.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$85 AUD/month for small teams, tiered by users and business size (e.g., $299+/month for mid-tier plans).
inFlow Inventory
enterpriseUser-friendly inventory software for tracking stock, generating invoices, and managing purchases with barcode scanning support.
Powerful offline mobile app with automatic data sync for inventory management anywhere
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time stock tracking, order management, and billing functionalities like invoicing and purchase orders. It supports multi-location inventory, barcode scanning, and integrations with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and QuickBooks. The platform provides both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options, along with customizable reporting and a mobile app for on-the-go access.
Pros
- Multi-location inventory tracking with real-time sync
- Strong mobile app for barcode scanning and counts
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Limited native advanced accounting features
- Higher pricing tiers required for unlimited users
- Steep learning curve for manufacturing modules
Best For
Small to medium retailers and distributors seeking scalable inventory control with integrated billing.
Pricing
Cloud plans start at $89/month (Basic, 1 user) up to $489/month (Advanced, unlimited users); on-premise one-time licensing from $1,799.
MRPeasy
enterpriseCloud-based MRP solution offering production planning, inventory management, and CRM-integrated invoicing for small manufacturers.
MRP engine that automatically generates production and purchase orders from sales forecasts to optimize inventory and reduce waste
MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing robust inventory management, production planning, and billing functionalities. It offers real-time stock tracking, bill of materials (BOM) support, multi-warehouse capabilities, and automated procurement based on demand. Billing features include customizable invoicing, sales order processing, and integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility with lot/serial tracking and multi-location support
- Integrated MRP for automated production and purchasing planning
- Streamlined billing with customizable invoices and order fulfillment
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting and financial reporting compared to dedicated tools
- Best suited for manufacturing, less ideal for pure service or retail businesses
- Per-user pricing can become costly for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing integrated inventory tracking, production scheduling, and basic billing in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Basic, annual billing), $59/user/month (Production), $79/user/month (Advanced); custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
This review identifies the leading billing and inventory management tools, with QuickBooks Online standing out as the top choice, offering a comprehensive cloud-based platform suited to small to medium businesses. Xero follows with seamless integration and strong invoicing capabilities, while Zoho Inventory excels in multi-channel automation, serving as a robust alternative for diverse operational needs. Each tool’s unique strengths ensure there are options tailored to various business sizes and workflows.
Begin optimizing your billing and inventory processes by trying QuickBooks Online—its all-in-one features can transform how you manage operations, boosting efficiency and clarity in your daily tasks.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
