Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, ordering, and multi-channel sales for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Fishbowl Inventory - Powerful inventory control solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
- 3#3: Cin7 - Omnichannel platform for inventory, order, and warehouse management across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce.
- 4#4: DEAR Systems - Cloud ERP with comprehensive inventory, purchasing, sales, and manufacturing tools for growing businesses.
- 5#5: Katana MRP - Real-time manufacturing resource planning software for inventory, production planning, and supply chain visibility.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory management system with barcode scanning, purchasing, and sales tracking for SMBs.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud inventory platform designed for wholesalers and distributors with real-time stock control and integrations.
- 8#8: Odoo Inventory - Open-source ERP module providing flexible inventory tracking, warehouse management, and procurement automation.
- 9#9: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Commerce - Inventory and multichannel order management tool integrated with QuickBooks for e-commerce sellers.
These tools were selected and ranked by evaluating key factors like feature depth, ease of use, integration flexibility, and value, ensuring they deliver consistent performance across diverse operational environments.
Comparison Table
Navigating inventory and stock management software? Our comparison table simplifies the process, featuring tools like Zoho Inventory, Fishbowl Inventory, Cin7, DEAR Systems, Katana MRP, and more. Here, readers will explore key features, scalability, and usability to find the best fit for their business operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, ordering, and multi-channel sales for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Fishbowl Inventory Powerful inventory control solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Cin7 Omnichannel platform for inventory, order, and warehouse management across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | DEAR Systems Cloud ERP with comprehensive inventory, purchasing, sales, and manufacturing tools for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Katana MRP Real-time manufacturing resource planning software for inventory, production planning, and supply chain visibility. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory management system with barcode scanning, purchasing, and sales tracking for SMBs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud inventory platform designed for wholesalers and distributors with real-time stock control and integrations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Odoo Inventory Open-source ERP module providing flexible inventory tracking, warehouse management, and procurement automation. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 9 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Commerce Inventory and multichannel order management tool integrated with QuickBooks for e-commerce sellers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, ordering, and multi-channel sales for small to medium businesses.
Powerful inventory control solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
Omnichannel platform for inventory, order, and warehouse management across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce.
Cloud ERP with comprehensive inventory, purchasing, sales, and manufacturing tools for growing businesses.
Real-time manufacturing resource planning software for inventory, production planning, and supply chain visibility.
User-friendly inventory management system with barcode scanning, purchasing, and sales tracking for SMBs.
Cloud inventory platform designed for wholesalers and distributors with real-time stock control and integrations.
Open-source ERP module providing flexible inventory tracking, warehouse management, and procurement automation.
Visual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking.
Inventory and multichannel order management tool integrated with QuickBooks for e-commerce sellers.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, ordering, and multi-channel sales for small to medium businesses.
Seamless multi-channel inventory synchronization across 40+ e-commerce platforms and marketplaces in real-time.
Zoho Inventory is a comprehensive cloud-based solution designed for efficient inventory and stock management, enabling businesses to track stock across multiple warehouses, automate reordering, and handle serial/batch numbers with barcode support. It streamlines order fulfillment, purchase management, and shipping integrations while syncing seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it connects effortlessly with CRM, accounting, and other apps for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, shipping carriers, and Zoho apps for real-time sync
- Robust multi-warehouse management, serial/batch tracking, and automated workflows
- Mobile app and customizable dashboards for on-the-go inventory control
Cons
- Free plan limited to 20 orders/month and 1 warehouse
- Steeper learning curve for complex customizations
- Higher-tier plans required for unlimited orders and advanced analytics
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with multi-channel sales needing scalable, integrated inventory management.
Pricing
Free plan (20 orders/month, 1 warehouse); Standard $59/mo (50 orders, 2 warehouses); Professional $129/mo (unlimited orders, 5 warehouses); Elite $249/mo (unlimited, 10 warehouses); annual discounts available.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedPowerful inventory control solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
Bi-directional QuickBooks synchronization that keeps inventory and financial data perfectly aligned in real-time
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to midsize businesses, providing real-time tracking across multiple locations with support for barcode scanning, RFID, and serial/lot number management. It excels in manufacturing with bill of materials (BOM) support, production planning, and work order management, while offering seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, Salesforce, and more. The platform also handles purchasing, sales orders, and advanced reporting to streamline warehouse operations and ensure accurate stock visibility.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting sync
- Advanced manufacturing tools including BOM and production scheduling
- Multi-location support with robust tracking for serial/lot items
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Dated user interface that feels clunky
- Higher cost with additional fees for implementation
Best For
Small to midsize manufacturers and distributors needing advanced inventory control integrated with QuickBooks.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $4,395 for the first year (includes license and support), with annual renewals around $1,000+ and per-user fees.
Cin7
enterpriseOmnichannel platform for inventory, order, and warehouse management across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce.
Omni-channel inventory management with automatic syncing across 700+ platforms for true real-time visibility
Cin7 is a robust inventory and stock management platform tailored for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, offering real-time visibility across multiple warehouses and sales channels like e-commerce, POS, and marketplaces. It automates purchase orders, sales fulfillment, and stock replenishment while integrating with over 700 apps including Shopify, Amazon, and QuickBooks. Advanced reporting, forecasting, and B2B portal features help optimize inventory levels and reduce stockouts or overstocking.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory syncing and 700+ integrations
- Real-time stock tracking across unlimited locations
- Powerful automation for PO, SO, and replenishment workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher pricing unsuitable for very small businesses
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Medium to large retailers and wholesalers with multi-channel sales, multiple warehouses, and complex supply chains needing centralized control.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Core plan) billed annually, with Pro at $599/month and custom Enterprise pricing; includes unlimited users and locations.
DEAR Systems
specializedCloud ERP with comprehensive inventory, purchasing, sales, and manufacturing tools for growing businesses.
Advanced multi-channel inventory synchronization across e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce in real-time.
DEAR Systems (now part of Cin7 Core) is a cloud-based inventory and stock management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses in retail, wholesale, and light manufacturing. It provides real-time multi-location inventory tracking, automated purchase and sales orders, barcode scanning, and bill of materials for assembly. The platform excels in synchronizing stock across e-commerce channels like Shopify and Amazon, while integrating seamlessly with accounting tools such as QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ apps for e-commerce and accounting
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory tracking and forecasting
- Robust support for light manufacturing and BOM management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setups
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume and users
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Small to medium retailers and wholesalers needing multi-channel inventory sync and light manufacturing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $299 USD/month for Starter plan (billed annually), scales to Enterprise with custom pricing based on orders and users.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time manufacturing resource planning software for inventory, production planning, and supply chain visibility.
Live production scheduling board that visualizes bottlenecks and automates workflows based on real-time stock levels
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It excels in multi-location stock visibility, bill of materials (BOM) handling, and automated reorder suggestions tied to production needs. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, enabling efficient scaling from craft workshops to small factories.
Pros
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory tracking with traceability
- Powerful production planning tools including visual Kanban boards and BOM management
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex manufacturing setups
- Advanced reporting and customization limited to higher tiers
- Pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume users
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing integrated inventory control with production planning and e-commerce sync.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan, up to 100 orders), $299/month (Producer), $799+/month (Business) with annual discounts available.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory management system with barcode scanning, purchasing, and sales tracking for SMBs.
Advanced bill of materials (BOM) and assembly management integrated directly with real-time inventory tracking
inFlow Inventory is a robust desktop-based inventory management software primarily for Windows, designed for small to medium-sized businesses handling stock tracking, sales, and purchasing. It excels in multi-location inventory management, barcode scanning via mobile apps, purchase/sales order automation, and detailed reporting. Additional capabilities include bill of materials for light manufacturing, serial/lot tracking, and integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-location and multi-warehouse support
- Strong barcode scanning and mobile app integration
- Detailed reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Primarily Windows desktop app with optional cloud sync, limiting cross-platform access
- Steep learning curve for advanced features like manufacturing BOM
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
Best For
Small to medium-sized distributors, retailers, or light manufacturers needing precise multi-location stock control and traceability.
Pricing
Free Solo plan for 1 user/1 location; Premium plans start at $89/month for 2 users/2 locations, up to Enterprise at $489/month for 20+ users/multiple locations.
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory platform designed for wholesalers and distributors with real-time stock control and integrations.
Multi-currency, multi-location inventory with automatic stock allocation and replenishment rules
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and importers seeking precise stock control. It offers real-time tracking of inventory across multiple locations, batch and serial number management, automated reordering, and robust purchase/sales order processing. The platform excels in integrations with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, providing detailed reporting for informed decision-making.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and tracking
- Seamless integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and e-commerce platforms
- Advanced batch/serial tracking and customizable reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for scaling businesses
- Moderate learning curve for complex setups
- Limited built-in CRM or full ERP capabilities
Best For
Medium-sized wholesalers and distributors managing multi-warehouse stock with international operations.
Pricing
Starts at $85 AUD/month (Starter plan) scaling to $535 AUD/month (Business plan) based on order volume and users; custom enterprise quotes available.
Odoo Inventory
otherOpen-source ERP module providing flexible inventory tracking, warehouse management, and procurement automation.
Double-entry inventory accounting system ensuring perpetual accuracy in stock valuation and movements
Odoo Inventory is a robust module within the open-source Odoo ERP suite, providing comprehensive tools for managing stock levels, warehouse operations, and supply chain processes. It supports real-time inventory tracking, multi-location management, barcode scanning, lot/serial number traceability, and automated replenishment rules. Integrated seamlessly with Odoo's sales, purchase, and manufacturing apps, it enables end-to-end visibility and efficiency for businesses handling physical goods.
Pros
- Deep integration with full Odoo ERP ecosystem for unified operations
- Advanced features like lot/serial tracking, forecasting, and multi-warehouse support
- Free Community edition with strong customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Some premium features locked behind Enterprise subscription
- Performance can lag with very large datasets without optimization
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking scalable, integrated inventory management within a broader ERP system.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month (billed annually) including Inventory module.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using photos, QR codes, and folders for simple asset and stock tracking.
Visual photo-based inventory catalogs with drag-and-drop folders and image search
Sortly is a cloud-based inventory management software designed for visual tracking of stock using photos, barcodes, and QR codes to create intuitive catalogs. It enables users to monitor item quantities, locations, serial numbers, and expiration dates across multiple sites with features like low-stock alerts and basic reporting. Ideal for simplifying asset management without requiring complex spreadsheets or enterprise-level setups.
Pros
- Highly visual interface with photo catalogs for quick item identification
- Seamless mobile app for barcode/QR scanning and real-time updates
- Affordable entry-level plans suitable for small teams
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting or e-commerce platforms
- Reporting lacks advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Scalability issues for very large inventories or high-volume operations
Best For
Small businesses, retail shops, and field teams needing simple, visual inventory tracking on the go.
Pricing
Free plan (100 entries); paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, 500 entries), $59/month (Professional), up to Enterprise (custom).
QuickBooks Commerce
specializedInventory and multichannel order management tool integrated with QuickBooks for e-commerce sellers.
Real-time multi-channel inventory sync across major e-commerce platforms
QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory management platform tailored for e-commerce and wholesale businesses, providing real-time stock tracking across multiple channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It handles multi-warehouse inventory, automated purchase orders, stock transfers, and demand forecasting to prevent stockouts or overstocking. Seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks accounting, it unifies inventory data with financials for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Multi-channel inventory synchronization in real-time
- Strong multi-warehouse support and automated reordering
- Native integration with QuickBooks for accounting sync
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Occasional sync delays with certain e-commerce platforms
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce and wholesale businesses seeking integrated inventory and accounting management.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Simple plan) up to $599/month (Advanced plan), billed annually with a free trial.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse solutions for inventory management, with Zoho Inventory leading as the top choice for its robust automation and multi-channel support. Fishbowl Inventory excels with QuickBooks integration and manufacturing focus, while Cin7 stands out for omnichannel capabilities, making them strong alternatives for specific needs. Each tool addresses unique business requirements, ensuring a suitable fit for various operations.
To streamline your inventory processes and unlock efficiency, begin with Zoho Inventory—its seamless features and multi-channel capabilities can transform how you manage stock.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
