Quick Overview
- 1#1: Sortly - Provides simple visual inventory tracking with barcode scanning, photos, and real-time updates for small businesses.
- 2#2: Loyverse - Offers free POS and inventory management app with stock tracking, low stock alerts, and sales analytics for retail.
- 3#3: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based tool for managing inventory across multiple sales channels with order processing and reporting.
- 4#4: Square - Simple inventory tracking integrated with POS for retail, including stock levels and item modifiers.
- 5#5: inFlow Inventory - User-friendly inventory software for small businesses with multi-location support and purchase orders.
- 6#6: Odoo - Open-source inventory module for tracking stock, serial numbers, and warehouse operations seamlessly.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Commerce - E-commerce focused inventory management connecting online stores with real-time stock syncing.
- 8#8: Fishbowl - Advanced inventory control that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution.
- 9#9: Katana - Cloud MRP for craft and manufacturing inventory with live tracking and production planning.
- 10#10: Unleashed - Real-time cloud inventory platform for wholesalers with multi-currency and channel integrations.
Tools were chosen for their balance of simplicity, functionality, and value, prioritizing user-friendly interfaces, essential features (such as barcode scanning, real-time updates, and alerts), and adaptability to industries like retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce, ensuring each entry delivers meaningful benefits for seamless inventory management.
Comparison Table
Navigating simple inventory tracking software? This comparison table breaks down top tools like Sortly, Loyverse, Zoho Inventory, Square, inFlow Inventory, and more, helping readers identify the best fit for their unique needs. Explore key features, practical use cases, and pricing details to make an informed choice aligned with business scale and operational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sortly Provides simple visual inventory tracking with barcode scanning, photos, and real-time updates for small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Loyverse Offers free POS and inventory management app with stock tracking, low stock alerts, and sales analytics for retail. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based tool for managing inventory across multiple sales channels with order processing and reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Square Simple inventory tracking integrated with POS for retail, including stock levels and item modifiers. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 5 | inFlow Inventory User-friendly inventory software for small businesses with multi-location support and purchase orders. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Odoo Open-source inventory module for tracking stock, serial numbers, and warehouse operations seamlessly. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Commerce E-commerce focused inventory management connecting online stores with real-time stock syncing. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | Fishbowl Advanced inventory control that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Katana Cloud MRP for craft and manufacturing inventory with live tracking and production planning. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Unleashed Real-time cloud inventory platform for wholesalers with multi-currency and channel integrations. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
Provides simple visual inventory tracking with barcode scanning, photos, and real-time updates for small businesses.
Offers free POS and inventory management app with stock tracking, low stock alerts, and sales analytics for retail.
Cloud-based tool for managing inventory across multiple sales channels with order processing and reporting.
Simple inventory tracking integrated with POS for retail, including stock levels and item modifiers.
User-friendly inventory software for small businesses with multi-location support and purchase orders.
Open-source inventory module for tracking stock, serial numbers, and warehouse operations seamlessly.
E-commerce focused inventory management connecting online stores with real-time stock syncing.
Advanced inventory control that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution.
Cloud MRP for craft and manufacturing inventory with live tracking and production planning.
Real-time cloud inventory platform for wholesalers with multi-currency and channel integrations.
Sortly
specializedProvides simple visual inventory tracking with barcode scanning, photos, and real-time updates for small businesses.
Photo-first visual cataloging that turns inventory into an browsable image library
Sortly is a straightforward inventory tracking software that uses photos, barcodes, and QR codes to create a visual catalog of items, making it easy to organize and monitor stock levels. It supports custom fields, folders, locations, and real-time syncing across mobile and desktop devices for quick access anywhere. With features like low-stock alerts and basic reports, Sortly excels at simple inventory management without unnecessary complexity, perfect for small-scale operations.
Pros
- Visual photo-based inventory for intuitive item recognition
- Effortless barcode and QR code scanning for fast entry
- Real-time multi-device syncing with low-stock notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in basic plans
- No integrated purchase order or supplier management
- Photo storage caps in the free tier
Best For
Small business owners, freelancers, or home users seeking dead-simple visual inventory tracking with minimal setup.
Pricing
Free plan (limited to 100 items); Simple starts at $29/month (unlimited items, 1 user); Advanced at $59/month (teams, more storage).
Loyverse
specializedOffers free POS and inventory management app with stock tracking, low stock alerts, and sales analytics for retail.
Unlimited free inventory items with real-time syncing across unlimited devices
Loyverse is a free, mobile-first POS and inventory management app tailored for small businesses like retail shops, cafes, and food trucks. It provides real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, barcode scanning, and purchase order creation to simplify inventory control. Users can manage unlimited items across multiple devices with seamless cloud syncing, making it accessible without steep learning curves or high costs.
Pros
- Completely free core inventory features with unlimited items
- Intuitive mobile interface with barcode scanning and real-time multi-device sync
- Simple purchase orders and stock adjustment tools
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid add-ons
- Lacks robust desktop version, relying heavily on mobile apps
- Limited customization for complex inventory needs
Best For
Small retail or service businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward mobile solution for basic stock tracking and sales integration.
Pricing
Free forever for core POS and inventory; Back Office add-on at $5/location/month; Hardware plans from $5/month.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based tool for managing inventory across multiple sales channels with order processing and reporting.
Seamless multi-channel sales integration with real-time inventory sync across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution designed for tracking inventory, managing sales and purchase orders, and handling multi-warehouse operations. It supports barcode scanning, serial/batch tracking, and automated reorder points, making it suitable for simple stock monitoring with scalability. Integrated seamlessly with Zoho Books, CRM, and e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, it streamlines workflows for small businesses.
Pros
- Robust integrations with e-commerce and Zoho apps
- Mobile app for on-the-go inventory management
- Advanced features like multi-warehouse and automation at a competitive price
Cons
- Free plan limited to 50 orders/month and basic features
- Learning curve for advanced customization
- Support primarily email-based with variable response times
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing simple yet scalable inventory tracking integrated with sales and accounting tools.
Pricing
Free plan with limits (50 orders/month, 1 warehouse); Standard $29/org/month (annual billing), Professional $79/org/month, Elite $249/org/month.
Square
specializedSimple inventory tracking integrated with POS for retail, including stock levels and item modifiers.
Free, real-time inventory syncing automatically with POS sales across unlimited items and locations
Square provides basic inventory tracking as part of its free point-of-sale (POS) system, enabling real-time stock monitoring, low-stock alerts, and item management synced directly with sales transactions. Users can track inventory across multiple locations, apply modifiers to items, and generate simple reports on stock levels and sales impact. While effective for small-scale operations, it is tightly integrated with Square's payment ecosystem and lacks advanced inventory tools like forecasting or multi-supplier integration.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory updates tied to sales
- Free unlimited item tracking with no software fees
- Intuitive mobile app for quick stock adjustments
Cons
- Limited advanced features like demand forecasting or batch tracking
- Reporting is basic and sales-focused
- Optimal performance requires Square hardware and payment processing
Best For
Small retailers and restaurants already using Square POS who need straightforward inventory tied to daily sales without extra costs.
Pricing
Free POS software with unlimited inventory tracking; transaction fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person sale; optional hardware from $0 to $799.
inFlow Inventory
specializedUser-friendly inventory software for small businesses with multi-location support and purchase orders.
Offline-capable mobile barcode scanning for on-the-go inventory counts
inFlow Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses seeking efficient stock tracking and control. It provides real-time inventory visibility, barcode scanning via mobile app, purchase and sales order management, and customizable reporting. Ideal for handling multi-location operations without excessive complexity, it supports integrations with e-commerce platforms and accounting tools.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory tracking with multi-location support
- Intuitive mobile app for barcode scanning and offline use
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small operations or solo users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features like assemblies
- Limited free trial and no perpetual license option
Best For
Small retailers and wholesalers needing scalable inventory tracking beyond basic spreadsheets.
Pricing
Starts at $89/user/month (billed annually) for Starter plan; scales to $289/user/month for Premium with more features and support.
Odoo
specializedOpen-source inventory module for tracking stock, serial numbers, and warehouse operations seamlessly.
Advanced lot/serial number traceability with full product lifecycle visibility
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a dedicated Inventory app that handles stock tracking, warehouse management, order fulfillment, and procurement in real-time. It supports features like barcode scanning, lot/serial traceability, multi-warehouse operations, and automated reordering rules. While highly capable for simple inventory needs, its modular nature allows scaling to full business operations but can feel comprehensive beyond basic requirements.
Pros
- Feature-rich with real-time tracking and multi-warehouse support
- Free Community edition for basic use
- Highly customizable via apps and open-source code
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Overkill for purely simple tracking without ERP needs
- Advanced features locked behind Enterprise subscription
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing scalable inventory tracking that can integrate with sales, CRM, and accounting.
Pricing
Free Community edition (self-hosted); Enterprise starts at ~$25/user/month including apps and support; SaaS hosting from €20/user/month.
QuickBooks Commerce
specializedE-commerce focused inventory management connecting online stores with real-time stock syncing.
Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization across unlimited sales platforms
QuickBooks Commerce is a cloud-based inventory management solution tailored for e-commerce businesses, providing real-time stock tracking, multi-channel order synchronization, and seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software. It handles purchase orders, supplier management, and low-stock alerts while supporting sales across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. While powerful for growing operations, it offers robust tools that extend beyond basic tracking needs.
Pros
- Multi-channel inventory sync keeps stock levels accurate across platforms
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
- Real-time alerts and reporting for efficient tracking
Cons
- Pricing is steep for purely simple inventory needs
- Interface has a learning curve for beginners
- Overkill features may complicate basic use cases
Best For
E-commerce businesses with multi-channel sales needing integrated inventory and accounting tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Simple plan) up to $599/month (Advanced), with annual discounts available.
Fishbowl
enterpriseAdvanced inventory control that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution.
Native, two-way QuickBooks integration
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses handling warehouse operations, manufacturing, and order fulfillment. It provides real-time tracking of inventory across multiple locations, purchase and sales order management, and cycle counting capabilities. The software stands out for its deep integration with QuickBooks, streamlining accounting alongside inventory control. While feature-rich, it may feel complex for purely basic tracking needs.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting sync
- Multi-location inventory tracking and warehouse management
- Advanced reporting and barcode scanning support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Higher cost not ideal for very simple needs
- Primarily on-premise with potential IT requirements
Best For
Small manufacturers or distributors needing QuickBooks-integrated inventory management beyond basic spreadsheets.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $4,395 for Warehouse edition plus $795/year maintenance; additional users $1,300 each; SaaS options from $129/user/month.
Katana
specializedCloud MRP for craft and manufacturing inventory with live tracking and production planning.
Live inventory synchronization across sales channels, warehouses, and production to prevent stockouts and overstock
Katana is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software that excels in real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment for small to medium-sized manufacturers and wholesalers. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, providing multi-location inventory visibility and automated replenishment alerts. While robust for growing businesses, it may feel feature-heavy for purely basic inventory needs.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking with accurate stock levels
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting software
- Built-in manufacturing and production planning tools
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very basic inventory needs
- Steeper learning curve due to advanced MRP features
- Limited free trial and user limits on lower plans
Best For
Small manufacturers and wholesalers who need integrated inventory tracking with production planning beyond simple spreadsheets.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Essentials (1 user, 100 orders/month), $299/month for Pro (5 users, 500 orders), and custom Enterprise plans.
Unleashed
enterpriseReal-time cloud inventory platform for wholesalers with multi-currency and channel integrations.
Lightning Mode for rapid, high-volume order picking and fulfillment
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software designed primarily for wholesalers, distributors, and light manufacturers, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations. It handles purchase orders, sales orders, batch/serial tracking, and integrates with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks. While robust, its feature depth makes it less ideal for purely simple inventory needs, better suiting scaling businesses.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility
- Seamless accounting integrations
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Pricing is high for basic use cases
- Steeper learning curve for simple users
- Overfeatured for minimal tracking needs
Best For
Growing small to medium businesses requiring scalable inventory control with order management.
Pricing
Starts at $349 NZD/month (Essentials plan, billed annually); scales to $999+ for advanced tiers.
Conclusion
After comparing the top 10 tools, Sortly emerges as the clear winner, excelling with simple visual tracking, barcode scanning, and real-time updates for small businesses. Loyverse and Zoho Inventory follow, with Loyverse offering a free POS-integrated solution and Zoho providing robust multi-channel management—both as strong alternatives for tailored needs.
Take the first step to better inventory management: try Sortly today. Its user-friendly design and essential features can simplify stock tracking, whether you're running a small business or scaling operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
