Quick Overview
- 1#1: Odoo - Comprehensive open-source ERP platform with advanced inventory management, tracking, and warehouse features.
- 2#2: ERPNext - Full-featured open-source ERP system offering robust inventory control, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse support.
- 3#3: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management tool with free plan for order processing, stock tracking, and integrations.
- 4#4: Dolibarr - Open-source ERP and CRM software including modular inventory tracking, purchases, and stock management.
- 5#5: Square Inventory - Free inventory tracking system integrated with POS for retail sales, stock alerts, and item management.
- 6#6: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset and inventory management tool for tracking hardware, consumables, and licenses.
- 7#7: ABC Inventory - Free standalone software for inventory control, sales orders, purchase orders, and reporting.
- 8#8: PartKeepr - Open-source inventory database designed for managing electronic parts, components, and stock levels.
- 9#9: Stockpile - Simple web-based inventory system with free tier for tracking items, locations, and custom fields.
- 10#10: Vyapar - Free mobile and desktop app for small business inventory tracking, billing, and GST compliance.
These tools were evaluated based on functionality, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring a curated list that caters to varying business scales, from small enterprises to resourceful startups, across industries.
Comparison Table
Effective inventory management is key for businesses to optimize operations, and free inventory tracking software provides a budget-friendly option for this. This comparison table explores top tools like Odoo, ERPNext, Zoho Inventory, Dolibarr, Square Inventory, and more, outlining their features, limitations, and best-fit scenarios. Readers will learn to identify the software that aligns with their business size, industry, and operational needs, ensuring efficient tracking and growth.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odoo Comprehensive open-source ERP platform with advanced inventory management, tracking, and warehouse features. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | ERPNext Full-featured open-source ERP system offering robust inventory control, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory management tool with free plan for order processing, stock tracking, and integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | Dolibarr Open-source ERP and CRM software including modular inventory tracking, purchases, and stock management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Square Inventory Free inventory tracking system integrated with POS for retail sales, stock alerts, and item management. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset and inventory management tool for tracking hardware, consumables, and licenses. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ABC Inventory Free standalone software for inventory control, sales orders, purchase orders, and reporting. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | PartKeepr Open-source inventory database designed for managing electronic parts, components, and stock levels. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 9 | Stockpile Simple web-based inventory system with free tier for tracking items, locations, and custom fields. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 10 | Vyapar Free mobile and desktop app for small business inventory tracking, billing, and GST compliance. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
Comprehensive open-source ERP platform with advanced inventory management, tracking, and warehouse features.
Full-featured open-source ERP system offering robust inventory control, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse support.
Cloud-based inventory management tool with free plan for order processing, stock tracking, and integrations.
Open-source ERP and CRM software including modular inventory tracking, purchases, and stock management.
Free inventory tracking system integrated with POS for retail sales, stock alerts, and item management.
Open-source asset and inventory management tool for tracking hardware, consumables, and licenses.
Free standalone software for inventory control, sales orders, purchase orders, and reporting.
Open-source inventory database designed for managing electronic parts, components, and stock levels.
Simple web-based inventory system with free tier for tracking items, locations, and custom fields.
Free mobile and desktop app for small business inventory tracking, billing, and GST compliance.
Odoo
enterpriseComprehensive open-source ERP platform with advanced inventory management, tracking, and warehouse features.
Full ERP integration that syncs inventory with sales, purchases, and manufacturing in the free version
Odoo is a versatile open-source ERP platform with a robust free Community Edition that includes advanced Inventory Management capabilities. It allows users to track stock in real-time across multiple warehouses, manage serial and lot numbers, perform automated reordering, and generate detailed inventory reports. The module integrates seamlessly with other free apps like Sales, Purchases, and Manufacturing for comprehensive supply chain visibility.
Pros
- Extensive free features including multi-warehouse support, barcode scanning, and inventory forecasting
- Highly customizable open-source code with thousands of community apps
- Seamless integration with other business modules like CRM and accounting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive ERP nature
- Advanced reporting and automation require paid Enterprise edition
- Self-hosting demands technical setup knowledge
Best For
Growing small to medium businesses needing scalable, integrated inventory tracking without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free Community Edition; Enterprise edition starts at $24/user/month for advanced features.
ERPNext
enterpriseFull-featured open-source ERP system offering robust inventory control, stock tracking, and multi-warehouse support.
Seamless integration of inventory with full ERP modules like manufacturing and accounting for real-time, automated stock adjustments.
ERPNext is a fully open-source ERP platform that offers robust inventory tracking as part of its comprehensive suite, including multi-warehouse management, serial/batch tracking, item variants, and stock valuation methods like FIFO and Moving Average. It integrates inventory seamlessly with sales, purchases, manufacturing, and accounting for end-to-end business operations. While powerful for growing businesses, it's designed for self-hosting and requires some technical setup.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no user or data limits
- Advanced inventory features like multi-level BOMs, quality inspections, and perpetual inventory
- Highly customizable and scalable for complex operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Requires self-hosting and technical expertise for setup
- Interface can feel overwhelming for basic inventory-only needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a free, integrated ERP system with advanced inventory management that scales with growth.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition (self-hosted); paid cloud hosting starts at $10/user/month.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseCloud-based inventory management tool with free plan for order processing, stock tracking, and integrations.
Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization across online stores without extra cost on free plan
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution for managing inventory, orders, and warehouse operations, with a robust free plan tailored for small businesses. It provides real-time stock tracking, purchase/sales order management, barcode scanning, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon. The free tier supports up to 20 online store orders per month, unlimited manual orders, and one warehouse, making it a strong entry-level option for inventory tracking.
Pros
- Generous free plan with barcode scanning, serial/batch tracking, and multi-channel support
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Seamless integrations with Zoho apps and major e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Limited to 1 warehouse and 20 online orders/month on free plan
- Advanced reporting and automation features require paid upgrade
- Slight learning curve for custom workflows
Best For
Small businesses and solo entrepreneurs handling low-volume online sales who need reliable free inventory tracking.
Pricing
Free plan with core features (20 online orders/month, 1 warehouse); paid plans start at $29/user/month (Standard, annual billing).
Dolibarr
enterpriseOpen-source ERP and CRM software including modular inventory tracking, purchases, and stock management.
Modular architecture that lets users activate only inventory modules while integrating seamlessly with CRM, accounting, and more
Dolibarr is a free, open-source ERP and CRM software that provides robust inventory tracking as part of its modular suite. It enables users to manage stock levels across multiple warehouses, track purchases and sales orders, handle stock movements like receipts and deliveries, and generate inventory reports. While not a standalone inventory tool, its integrated approach makes it suitable for small businesses seeking comprehensive operations management without costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Modular design allows enabling only inventory and related modules
- Supports multi-warehouse management and detailed stock tracking
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less modern
- Requires self-hosting and technical setup knowledge
- Steeper learning curve for non-ERP users focused solely on inventory
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing affordable, integrated inventory tracking within a full ERP system.
Pricing
100% free and open-source; optional paid hosting or professional support available.
Square Inventory
specializedFree inventory tracking system integrated with POS for retail sales, stock alerts, and item management.
Automatic real-time inventory syncing across Square POS, online store, and delivery integrations
Square Inventory is a free tool integrated into Square's point-of-sale ecosystem, enabling users to track stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and manage inventory across multiple locations in real-time. It automatically updates quantities from POS sales, online orders, and other Square channels, making it suitable for small retailers. While powerful for basic needs, it lacks advanced features like serial number tracking or multi-warehouse optimization found in dedicated inventory software.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited items and locations
- Intuitive mobile app with real-time syncing to POS and online sales
- Low-stock alerts and basic reporting included
Cons
- Tied to Square ecosystem; limited standalone use
- No advanced features like lot/serial tracking or purchase order automation in free tier
- Basic analytics compared to specialized inventory tools
Best For
Small brick-and-mortar retailers using Square POS who need simple, real-time stock tracking without extra costs.
Pricing
Free with Square account; no monthly fees for inventory, but 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction on payments.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source asset and inventory management tool for tracking hardware, consumables, and licenses.
Advanced check-in/check-out system with QR/barcode scanning and user permissions for efficient asset lending
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset and inventory management system designed for tracking hardware, software licenses, accessories, and consumables across organizations. It supports full asset lifecycle management, including check-in/check-out workflows, depreciation tracking, custom fields, and detailed reporting. Self-hosted on your own server, it ensures data privacy and scalability with API integrations for extended functionality.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Robust asset lifecycle tools including check-in/out and depreciation
- Highly customizable with reports, API, and multi-location support
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Community support only; no official free tier assistance
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium organizations seeking a powerful, self-hosted inventory solution without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; optional paid cloud hosting and support from $200/year.
ABC Inventory
specializedFree standalone software for inventory control, sales orders, purchase orders, and reporting.
Multi-company and multi-warehouse management in a fully free package
ABC Inventory is a free, open-source desktop software for small to medium-sized businesses, providing essential inventory tracking, purchase, and sales management. It supports multiple warehouses, companies, and users, with barcode integration for efficient stock handling and customizable reports for insights. Ideal for offline use, it focuses on core inventory functions without subscription fees.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limits
- Multi-warehouse and multi-user support
- Barcode scanning and detailed reporting
Cons
- Dated, clunky Windows-only desktop interface
- No mobile app or cloud synchronization
- Limited advanced automation or integrations
Best For
Small offline businesses needing basic, cost-free inventory tracking without cloud dependencies.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
PartKeepr
specializedOpen-source inventory database designed for managing electronic parts, components, and stock levels.
Advanced parametric search and part visualization with datasheets, 3D models, and SMD footprints for precise component matching.
PartKeepr is a free, open-source web-based inventory management system designed primarily for tracking electronic components and parts. It enables users to catalog items with detailed information like datasheets, images, footprints, and 3D models, while supporting storage locations, barcode generation, and supplier pricing. Ideal for makerspaces, repair shops, and hobbyists, it offers parametric search and REST API for integrations.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Specialized features for electronics like parametric search, footprints, and datasheet attachments
- Supports multi-user access, storage locations, and barcode printing
- REST API for custom integrations and mobile web access
Cons
- Requires self-hosting with technical setup (Docker/PHP/MySQL)
- User interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Primarily focused on electronics parts, less suitable for general inventory
- Limited built-in reporting and no native mobile app
Best For
Electronics hobbyists, makers, repair technicians, and small labs needing detailed component tracking without subscription costs.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, self-hosted; no paid tiers or cloud option).
Stockpile
specializedSimple web-based inventory system with free tier for tracking items, locations, and custom fields.
Unlimited items, locations, and users completely free with no upsell tiers or storage caps
Stockpile is a free, open-source, web-based inventory tracking software designed for small businesses and personal use, enabling users to manage items across multiple locations with support for categories, tags, serial numbers, and barcode scanning. It includes user permissions, customizable fields, purchase orders, and reporting features like stock levels and audit trails. The self-hosted nature allows unlimited items and users without restrictions, making it a straightforward solution for basic inventory needs.
Pros
- Completely free with no limits on items, locations, or users
- Simple setup and intuitive web interface for quick inventory management
- Supports barcode scanning, custom fields, and exportable reports
Cons
- Requires self-hosting which demands technical setup like server management
- Lacks a dedicated mobile app and advanced features like real-time multi-user syncing
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Small businesses, non-profits, or individuals seeking a no-cost, unlimited inventory tracker without needing advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Free self-hosted version; optional hosted plans start at $29/month for managed hosting with support.
Vyapar
specializedFree mobile and desktop app for small business inventory tracking, billing, and GST compliance.
One-click GST-compliant billing integrated with real-time inventory updates
Vyapar is a free desktop-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, particularly in India, providing essential inventory tracking alongside invoicing and basic financial management. It enables users to monitor stock levels, record purchases and sales, and generate reports without any subscription cost for the core desktop version. While robust for basic needs, it emphasizes GST compliance and simple operations for retail and trading setups.
Pros
- Lifetime free desktop version with core inventory tools
- User-friendly interface for quick stock management
- Built-in GST invoicing and compliance for Indian users
Cons
- Lacks mobile access and cloud sync in free version
- Limited advanced analytics and multi-location support
- Primarily India-focused, less ideal for international use
Best For
Small retail shop owners in India seeking a no-cost, straightforward desktop solution for basic inventory and billing.
Pricing
Free lifetime desktop app; paid plans for mobile/cloud access start at ₹599/year.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span a range of features, from open-source ERP platforms to cloud-based solutions. Odoo leads as the top choice, offering comprehensive inventory management and advanced features. ERPNext and Zoho Inventory stand out as strong alternatives, with ERPNext excelling in multi-warehouse setups and Zoho in cloud accessibility and integrations. The right pick depends on individual needs, but all deliver solid value.
Explore Odoo now to take control of your inventory tracking and experience its robust capabilities firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
