Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fishbowl Inventory - Comprehensive inventory management software with advanced barcode scanning, warehouse tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
- 2#2: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory platform offering real-time barcode scanning, stock control, and multi-location management.
- 3#3: DEAR Systems - Cloud-based inventory and order management with robust barcode, RFID scanning, and POS integration.
- 4#4: Zoho Inventory - Affordable cloud inventory software featuring mobile barcode scanning, serial tracking, and e-commerce sync.
- 5#5: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly on-premise inventory system with barcode scanner support, purchasing, and sales tracking.
- 6#6: SkuVault - Warehouse management solution with advanced cycle counting, barcode scanning, and multi-channel fulfillment.
- 7#7: Unleashed - Cloud inventory control software providing serial/batch scanning, multi-warehouse support, and reporting.
- 8#8: Katana MRP - Manufacturing resource planning tool with live barcode inventory tracking and production scheduling.
- 9#9: Sortly - Visual inventory app enabling easy QR code and barcode scanning for asset and item tracking.
- 10#10: EZOfficeInventory - Asset and inventory tracking platform with mobile barcode/QR scanning and maintenance scheduling.
Tools were selected based on a balance of robust features (including scanning capabilities, multi-channel support, and integration), software stability, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they deliver practical, long-term utility for modern businesses
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key inventory scanners and software, including Fishbowl Inventory, Cin7, DEAR Systems, Zoho Inventory, and inFlow Inventory, to guide readers toward the right tool for their business. It highlights features, integration capabilities, and practical use cases, simplifying the process of matching a solution to operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fishbowl Inventory Comprehensive inventory management software with advanced barcode scanning, warehouse tracking, and QuickBooks integration. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory platform offering real-time barcode scanning, stock control, and multi-location management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | DEAR Systems Cloud-based inventory and order management with robust barcode, RFID scanning, and POS integration. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Inventory Affordable cloud inventory software featuring mobile barcode scanning, serial tracking, and e-commerce sync. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly on-premise inventory system with barcode scanner support, purchasing, and sales tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | SkuVault Warehouse management solution with advanced cycle counting, barcode scanning, and multi-channel fulfillment. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Unleashed Cloud inventory control software providing serial/batch scanning, multi-warehouse support, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Katana MRP Manufacturing resource planning tool with live barcode inventory tracking and production scheduling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Sortly Visual inventory app enabling easy QR code and barcode scanning for asset and item tracking. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | EZOfficeInventory Asset and inventory tracking platform with mobile barcode/QR scanning and maintenance scheduling. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive inventory management software with advanced barcode scanning, warehouse tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
Omnichannel inventory platform offering real-time barcode scanning, stock control, and multi-location management.
Cloud-based inventory and order management with robust barcode, RFID scanning, and POS integration.
Affordable cloud inventory software featuring mobile barcode scanning, serial tracking, and e-commerce sync.
User-friendly on-premise inventory system with barcode scanner support, purchasing, and sales tracking.
Warehouse management solution with advanced cycle counting, barcode scanning, and multi-channel fulfillment.
Cloud inventory control software providing serial/batch scanning, multi-warehouse support, and reporting.
Manufacturing resource planning tool with live barcode inventory tracking and production scheduling.
Visual inventory app enabling easy QR code and barcode scanning for asset and item tracking.
Asset and inventory tracking platform with mobile barcode/QR scanning and maintenance scheduling.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseComprehensive inventory management software with advanced barcode scanning, warehouse tracking, and QuickBooks integration.
Fishbowl Go mobile scanning app that uses any iOS/Android device as a full-featured inventory scanner
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software designed for small to midsize businesses, specializing in real-time tracking, barcode scanning, and warehouse operations. It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting systems, enabling efficient order fulfillment, manufacturing, and multi-location inventory control. The Fishbowl Go mobile app transforms smartphones and tablets into powerful scanners for picking, receiving, and cycle counts, making it ideal for scanner-heavy workflows.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
- Advanced barcode and RFID scanning via Fishbowl Go mobile app
- Comprehensive warehouse management with multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex setups
- Higher upfront costs for perpetual licenses
- Reporting relies heavily on integrations rather than native tools
Best For
QuickBooks-using SMBs with warehouse operations needing robust mobile scanning and real-time inventory control.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,395 for single-user (plus ~20% annual maintenance); Fishbowl Warehouse SaaS from $439/month.
Cin7
enterpriseOmnichannel inventory platform offering real-time barcode scanning, stock control, and multi-location management.
Unlimited sales channel and warehouse connectivity with intelligent stock allocation across locations
Cin7 is a robust cloud-based inventory management platform designed for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, offering real-time stock tracking across unlimited sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers. It supports barcode scanning through its mobile app for efficient stocktakes, cycle counts, and receiving, alongside automated order fulfillment and purchase order management. The software integrates deeply with e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and accounting tools to streamline operations and prevent stockouts or overstocking.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with over 700 connectors for e-commerce, POS, and marketplaces
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility and barcode scanning via mobile app
- Advanced automation for purchase orders, backorders, and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive feature set
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Mobile app lacks some advanced desktop features
Best For
Mid-sized retailers and distributors handling complex, multi-channel inventory with multiple warehouses.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (up to 3 users, 100 orders/month), scales to $649+/month for higher volumes; custom enterprise pricing available.
DEAR Systems
enterpriseCloud-based inventory and order management with robust barcode, RFID scanning, and POS integration.
Mobile Warehouse app with advanced barcode/RFID scanning for efficient cycle counts and order picking
DEAR Systems (now Cin7 Core) is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing real-time stock tracking, order fulfillment, and multi-channel sales integration. It excels in inventory scanning through its mobile warehouse app, supporting barcode and RFID scanning for stocktakes, picking, packing, and receiving processes. The platform also handles purchasing, manufacturing, and reporting, making it a full-suite solution for complex inventory needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive barcode scanning via intuitive mobile app
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and automation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for very small businesses
- Limited customization in reporting without add-ons
Best For
Growing wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers with multi-channel sales needing precise inventory scanning and control.
Pricing
Starts at $199 AUD/month (Lite plan) for up to 100 orders/month, with higher tiers like Standard ($399) and Enterprise (custom) based on order volume and users.
Zoho Inventory
enterpriseAffordable cloud inventory software featuring mobile barcode scanning, serial tracking, and e-commerce sync.
Multi-warehouse barcode scanning with serial/batch tracking via intuitive mobile apps
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform designed to help businesses track stock, manage orders, and optimize warehouse operations across multiple locations. It features robust barcode and QR code scanning through dedicated iOS and Android mobile apps, supporting tasks like receiving goods, stocktaking, and order picking in real-time. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, accounting tools, and shipping carriers, making it a versatile solution for inventory control.
Pros
- Excellent mobile app for barcode scanning and real-time inventory updates
- Strong integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping services
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier for small operations
Cons
- Advanced automation and custom workflows locked behind higher tiers
- Steeper learning curve for multi-warehouse setups
- Limited offline scanning functionality requiring internet connectivity
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing scalable inventory scanning and management integrated with online sales channels.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans start at $29/org/month (Standard) up to $199/org/month (Elite), billed annually.
inFlow Inventory
enterpriseUser-friendly on-premise inventory system with barcode scanner support, purchasing, and sales tracking.
The inFlow Scanner mobile app, enabling fast offline barcode scanning and data sync on any Android/iOS device
inFlow Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking of stock across multiple locations. It excels in barcode scanning via a dedicated mobile app that supports both online and offline modes for efficient counting, receiving, and adjustments. The software also handles sales orders, purchase orders, manufacturing, and reporting, with integrations for e-commerce and accounting tools like QuickBooks and Shopify.
Pros
- Powerful mobile scanner app with offline capabilities for quick inventory audits
- Multi-warehouse support and customizable reporting
- Seamless integrations with popular e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting compared to enterprise tools
- POS features are basic, better suited for back-office than front-line retail
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams or advanced modules
Best For
Small to medium retailers and wholesalers needing reliable barcode scanning and multi-location inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Solo, 1 user) up to $489/month (Enterprise, unlimited users); 30-day free trial available.
SkuVault
enterpriseWarehouse management solution with advanced cycle counting, barcode scanning, and multi-channel fulfillment.
Mobile scanning app with voice-directed picking for hands-free, error-reducing warehouse efficiency
SkuVault is a cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) designed for e-commerce businesses, providing real-time inventory tracking across multiple channels and locations. It excels in inventory scanning through its mobile app, enabling efficient barcode scanning for receiving, cycle counts, picking, and packing. The software automates fulfillment processes and integrates with major platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay to prevent overselling.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory synchronization
- Robust mobile barcode scanning for warehouse operations
- Advanced picking and packing optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher pricing unsuitable for very small operations
- Limited built-in reporting customization
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce sellers with multiple warehouses and high order volumes needing precise scanning and real-time inventory control.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$599/month for 100 orders/day, scaling with volume; higher tiers for advanced features.
Unleashed
enterpriseCloud inventory control software providing serial/batch scanning, multi-warehouse support, and reporting.
Advanced mobile batch scanning with instant cloud sync for accurate, on-the-go inventory adjustments across warehouses
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations. It excels in inventory scanning through its dedicated iOS and Android mobile apps, supporting barcode and QR code scanning for stocktakes, receiving goods, picking orders, and transfers. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping tools to streamline operations from purchase to fulfillment.
Pros
- Robust mobile scanning app for efficient barcode/QR stocktakes and movements
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and accurate tracking
- Strong integrations with platforms like Xero, Shopify, and QuickBooks
Cons
- Pricing starts higher, less ideal for very small businesses
- Some advanced scanning features and reports require premium tiers
- Mobile app can experience occasional connectivity issues
Best For
Mid-sized wholesalers and distributors needing reliable mobile inventory scanning integrated with full inventory management.
Pricing
Lite plan starts at $85 AUD/month (billed annually, 50 orders/month); Standard $155 AUD (500 orders); Advanced $265 AUD (unlimited); enterprise custom.
Katana MRP
specializedManufacturing resource planning tool with live barcode inventory tracking and production scheduling.
Visual drag-and-drop manufacturing board for real-time production planning and scheduling
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It supports barcode scanning via its mobile app for efficient cycle counts, stock receiving, and picking processes. The platform integrates with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, ensuring seamless multi-location inventory visibility and automated replenishment.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking
- Intuitive mobile barcode scanning for counts and movements
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Reporting features lack depth for complex analytics
- Pricing tiers increase rapidly with order volume
- Limited customization for highly specialized manufacturing workflows
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers and wholesalers seeking user-friendly MRP with integrated barcode scanning for streamlined inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Maker plan for up to 100 orders/month), scales to $799/month (Scale plan) and custom Enterprise pricing.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app enabling easy QR code and barcode scanning for asset and item tracking.
Visual inventory catalogs using item photos for quick, photo-album-like browsing and scanning
Sortly is a cloud-based inventory management software focused on visual tracking, allowing users to catalog items with photos, barcodes, and QR codes for easy scanning via mobile apps. It supports folder organization, custom fields, low-stock alerts, and basic reporting to streamline inventory oversight. Ideal for small to medium businesses, it emphasizes simplicity over complex enterprise features.
Pros
- Visual photo catalogs for intuitive item identification
- Seamless mobile barcode and QR code scanning
- Customizable folders and fields with alerts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in lower tiers
- Scalability constraints for very large inventories
- Multi-location support requires higher plans
Best For
Small businesses and teams needing a simple, visual inventory scanner without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 items; paid plans from $29/month (500 items) to $99/month (10,000+ items), billed annually with per-user scaling.
EZOfficeInventory
specializedAsset and inventory tracking platform with mobile barcode/QR scanning and maintenance scheduling.
Advanced multi-protocol scanning (barcode/QR/RFID) with offline mobile support for efficient field audits
EZOfficeInventory is a cloud-based asset and inventory management platform designed for tracking office equipment, IT assets, tools, and supplies. It excels in mobile scanning with support for barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags, enabling quick check-ins, check-outs, audits, and maintenance scheduling. The software offers customizable fields, reporting dashboards, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Zapier for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Robust barcode, QR code, and RFID scanning via dedicated mobile apps
- Customizable workflows, reports, and asset lifecycle management
- Cloud accessibility with real-time updates and multi-user support
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger inventories or users
- Interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Limited native integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Medium-sized businesses and IT teams requiring reliable scanning-based inventory tracking and audits.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 50 assets; paid plans start at $120/month (Pro, 500 assets) with Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Fishbowl Inventory emerges as the top choice, excelling with comprehensive management, advanced barcode scanning, and seamless QuickBooks integration. Cin7 and DEAR Systems follow, offering strong alternatives—Cin7 for omnichannel needs and DEAR Systems for robust cloud-based flexibility—each tailored to distinct operational requirements. Together, these tools showcase the best in efficient inventory handling.
Take the next step in optimizing your inventory workflow: explore Fishbowl Inventory first, as its versatile features and reliable performance can set your operations apart. Don't wait—start streamlining today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison