Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and multichannel sales for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Fishbowl Inventory - Powerful inventory control software with advanced manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for growing businesses.
- 3#3: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory and order management platform designed for retailers and wholesalers to sync sales across multiple channels.
- 4#4: Katana MRP - Cloud manufacturing resource planning software that provides real-time inventory tracking and production planning for makers.
- 5#5: DEAR Systems - All-in-one inventory management solution with ERP features, eCommerce integration, and accounting for distributors and manufacturers.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory software for small businesses to manage stock, sales, and purchases efficiently.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Real-time cloud inventory platform offering multi-location tracking, B2B portals, and integrations for wholesalers.
- 8#8: Odoo Inventory - Modular open-source ERP inventory app with barcode scanning, forecasting, and warehouse management for all business sizes.
- 9#9: Sortly - Visual inventory management tool using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking.
- 10#10: SkuVault - eCommerce-focused inventory management system optimizing fulfillment across multiple warehouses and sales channels.
We ranked these tools based on key factors like feature depth (including real-time tracking and multichannel integration), user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to small, medium, and enterprise needs while delivering measurable benefits.
Comparison Table
Businesses rely on robust inventory software to streamline operations, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like Zoho Inventory, Fishbowl, Cin7, Katana MRP, DEAR Systems, and more. Readers will discover key features, ideal use cases, and practical differences to make informed choices for their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and multichannel sales for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Fishbowl Inventory Powerful inventory control software with advanced manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for growing businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory and order management platform designed for retailers and wholesalers to sync sales across multiple channels. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Katana MRP Cloud manufacturing resource planning software that provides real-time inventory tracking and production planning for makers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | DEAR Systems All-in-one inventory management solution with ERP features, eCommerce integration, and accounting for distributors and manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory software for small businesses to manage stock, sales, and purchases efficiently. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Real-time cloud inventory platform offering multi-location tracking, B2B portals, and integrations for wholesalers. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Odoo Inventory Modular open-source ERP inventory app with barcode scanning, forecasting, and warehouse management for all business sizes. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Sortly Visual inventory management tool using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | SkuVault eCommerce-focused inventory management system optimizing fulfillment across multiple warehouses and sales channels. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and multichannel sales for small to medium businesses.
Powerful inventory control software with advanced manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for growing businesses.
Omnichannel inventory and order management platform designed for retailers and wholesalers to sync sales across multiple channels.
Cloud manufacturing resource planning software that provides real-time inventory tracking and production planning for makers.
All-in-one inventory management solution with ERP features, eCommerce integration, and accounting for distributors and manufacturers.
User-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory software for small businesses to manage stock, sales, and purchases efficiently.
Real-time cloud inventory platform offering multi-location tracking, B2B portals, and integrations for wholesalers.
Modular open-source ERP inventory app with barcode scanning, forecasting, and warehouse management for all business sizes.
Visual inventory management tool using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking.
eCommerce-focused inventory management system optimizing fulfillment across multiple warehouses and sales channels.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseCloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and multichannel sales for small to medium businesses.
Omnichannel order management unifying sales from online stores, marketplaces, and physical sales in one synchronized inventory view
Zoho Inventory is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory management solution that helps businesses track stock levels, manage orders, and automate fulfillment across multiple sales channels. It supports multi-warehouse operations, serial/batch tracking, barcode scanning, and detailed reporting for efficient inventory control. Seamlessly integrating with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce, as well as Zoho's ecosystem including Books and CRM, it enables end-to-end business operations from a single dashboard.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping platforms
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory tracking with serial/batch management
- Robust automation for orders, purchase orders, and customizable workflows
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Some premium features require higher-tier plans
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing scalable, integrated inventory management with e-commerce and accounting tools.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans start at $59/month (Standard) up to $199/month (Ultimate), with annual discounts.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterprisePowerful inventory control software with advanced manufacturing, warehousing, and QuickBooks integration for growing businesses.
Seamless, real-time two-way synchronization with QuickBooks Desktop
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, on-premise inventory management software that excels in real-time tracking, warehouse operations, and manufacturing processes, with seamless two-way integration to QuickBooks for accounting synchronization. It supports barcode scanning, multi-location inventory, lot/serial tracking, bill of materials, and advanced reporting to streamline supply chain efficiency for growing businesses. Tailored for small to midsize enterprises, it bridges the gap between basic accounting tools and enterprise-level inventory control without requiring a full ERP overhaul.
Pros
- Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration eliminates double-entry
- Comprehensive manufacturing and multi-warehouse capabilities with barcode support
- Advanced inventory tracking including lot/serial numbers and cycle counting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- On-premise deployment requires IT setup and maintenance
- Pricing can be high for very small businesses
Best For
Small to midsize businesses using QuickBooks that need advanced warehouse and manufacturing inventory management across multiple locations.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$4,395 for standard edition (1 user), plus ~20% annual maintenance; scales with users/locations; custom quotes required.
Cin7
enterpriseOmnichannel inventory and order management platform designed for retailers and wholesalers to sync sales across multiple channels.
Real-time inventory synchronization across unlimited sales channels and warehouses without manual updates
Cin7 is a powerful cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for businesses handling complex, multi-channel operations. It offers real-time stock tracking across unlimited sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and POS systems, with seamless integrations to accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks. The software supports multi-warehouse management, order fulfillment, B2B portals, and light manufacturing, enabling centralized control for scaling retailers and distributors.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel integrations for real-time inventory sync across e-commerce, marketplaces, and POS
- Advanced features like matrix inventory, bundles, EDI support, and multi-warehouse management
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring training
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Multi-channel retailers and distributors with growing operations needing centralized inventory control across online, wholesale, and physical sales channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually), with Pro and Enterprise tiers scaling to $999+/month based on order volume and features; custom quotes for larger needs.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud manufacturing resource planning software that provides real-time inventory tracking and production planning for makers.
Live Inventory Sync that automatically updates stock levels across sales channels, production, and suppliers in real-time
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers and wholesalers, offering real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations. It excels in production planning with Bills of Materials (BOM) support, automated scheduling, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. The platform streamlines the entire workflow from purchasing raw materials to fulfilling customer orders, reducing stockouts and overproduction.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility prevents stock discrepancies
- Robust BOM and production scheduling for efficient manufacturing
- Strong integrations with 50+ apps including Shopify and Xero
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume users
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to full ERPs
- Initial setup requires data migration effort
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing integrated inventory and production planning without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/mo (Essentials, up to 100 orders), $179/mo (Professional), $599/mo (Business); annual discounts available, 14-day free trial.
DEAR Systems
enterpriseAll-in-one inventory management solution with ERP features, eCommerce integration, and accounting for distributors and manufacturers.
Integrated manufacturing module with full BOM support and production planning
DEAR Systems (now part of Cin7 Core) is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing. It provides real-time multi-location inventory tracking, sales order processing, purchasing automation, and bill-of-materials (BOM) support for assemblies. The platform excels in integrating with e-commerce channels like Shopify and accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks, enabling seamless multi-channel operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-location inventory tracking and control
- Strong integrations with 100+ apps including e-commerce and accounting
- Advanced manufacturing tools with BOM and work orders
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, wholesale, or light manufacturing needing multi-channel inventory sync and order management.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $99/month (Lite, annually billed) up to $599+/month (Professional/Enterprise); 14-day free trial available.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly on-premise and cloud inventory software for small businesses to manage stock, sales, and purchases efficiently.
Fully offline desktop app with seamless mobile sync for inventory audits and order processing anywhere
inFlow Inventory is a robust desktop-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing. It provides comprehensive tools for tracking stock across multiple locations, managing purchase and sales orders, barcode scanning, and generating customizable reports. With mobile apps for iOS and Android, it enables efficient inventory counts and order fulfillment on the go, while integrating with platforms like QuickBooks, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Multi-location inventory tracking with real-time sync
- Fast barcode scanning and mobile app for counts/replenishment
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce tools
Cons
- Primarily Windows desktop-focused, less ideal for Mac/Linux
- Subscription pricing scales quickly with users/locations
- Reporting lacks some advanced AI-driven analytics
Best For
Small to medium retail or wholesale businesses needing reliable, offline-capable inventory control with barcode support.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Basic, 1 user/1 location); Professional $149/month (5 users/3 locations); Premium $289/month (unlimited users/locations); 14-day free trial.
Unleashed
enterpriseReal-time cloud inventory platform offering multi-location tracking, B2B portals, and integrations for wholesalers.
Advanced multi-warehouse stock allocation and transfer capabilities with automatic replenishment rules
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors handling complex stock across multiple locations. It provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, automates purchase and sales orders, and supports batch/serial tracking with strong integrations to e-commerce and accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks. The software excels in scalability for growing businesses but focuses primarily on inventory rather than full ERP functionality.
Pros
- Multi-warehouse and multi-channel inventory management
- Seamless integrations with 100+ platforms including Shopify and Xero
- Real-time reporting and analytics for demand forecasting
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited built-in CRM or advanced sales tools
Best For
Mid-sized wholesalers and distributors needing robust multi-location inventory control and e-commerce sync.
Pricing
Starts at $85 AUD/month (Micro plan) for up to 200 orders, scaling to $1,099 AUD/month (Huge plan) for unlimited; billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Odoo Inventory
enterpriseModular open-source ERP inventory app with barcode scanning, forecasting, and warehouse management for all business sizes.
Interactive 3D warehouse floorplans with push/pull logistics for visual operation planning
Odoo Inventory is a powerful module within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, designed for comprehensive warehouse and stock management. It offers real-time tracking, multi-location support, automated replenishment, lot/serial traceability, and barcode integration. Businesses can handle complex operations like dropshipping, quality checks, and inventory forecasting, all seamlessly integrated with Odoo's sales, purchase, and manufacturing apps.
Pros
- Highly customizable with open-source community edition
- Advanced features like real-time multi-warehouse sync and full traceability
- Seamless integration across ERP modules for end-to-end operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and full utilization
- Performance can lag with very large datasets
- Some premium features locked behind Enterprise paywall
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking scalable, integrated inventory management within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month for standard apps including Inventory.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory management tool using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking.
Visual item catalog displaying thumbnail photos in a grid view for quick identification
Sortly is a visual inventory management software designed for small businesses, enabling users to catalog items with photos, barcodes, QR codes, and custom fields for easy tracking. It supports folder organization, multi-location management, low-stock alerts, and basic reporting via a mobile-first app and web dashboard. While straightforward for everyday inventory needs, it lacks deep enterprise features like advanced forecasting or manufacturing integrations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual interface with photo thumbnails
- Seamless mobile barcode and QR code scanning
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
Cons
- Limited scalability for large inventories (item caps on plans)
- Basic reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Few native integrations with accounting or e-commerce platforms
Best For
Small businesses and teams needing simple, visual inventory tracking without complex workflows.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 items/1 location; Professional $29/mo (500 items, advanced features); Premium $59/mo (unlimited items, multi-location); Enterprise custom.
SkuVault
specializedeCommerce-focused inventory management system optimizing fulfillment across multiple warehouses and sales channels.
Directed picking engine that optimizes warehouse workflows with mobile barcode scanning for maximum efficiency and accuracy
SkuVault is a robust warehouse management system (WMS) and inventory management software tailored for e-commerce businesses handling multi-channel sales. It offers real-time inventory synchronization across platforms like Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and Walmart, along with advanced order fulfillment tools including barcode scanning, picking, packing, and shipping. The platform supports multi-location inventory tracking and automation to minimize errors and streamline operations for growing online retailers.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory sync across 50+ platforms
- Powerful WMS tools like directed picking and cycle counting
- Strong automation for order fulfillment and kitting/bundling
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for very small businesses
- Reporting capabilities are functional but not as customizable as top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce businesses with multiple warehouses and high-volume multi-channel sales needing reliable fulfillment automation.
Pricing
Tiered monthly plans starting at $599 for up to 1,000 orders/month, scaling to $2,499+ for higher volumes; custom enterprise quotes available.
Conclusion
The reviewed inventory tools cater to varied business requirements, with Zoho Inventory leading as the top choice for its robust automation of tracking, fulfillment, and multichannel sales, ideal for small to medium businesses. Fishbowl Inventory and Cin7 stand out as strong alternatives, offering advanced manufacturing features and integration capabilities, or seamless omnichannel sync for retailers and wholesalers respectively.
Start with Zoho Inventory to experience efficient, automated inventory management that scales with your business. For unique needs like manufacturing or omnichannel sync, explore Fishbowl or Cin7—each designed to elevate your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison