Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software with comprehensive inventory tracking, invoicing, expense management, and financial reporting for small businesses.
- 2#2: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting platform featuring inventory management, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations.
- 3#3: Zoho Books - Affordable online accounting tool with built-in inventory management, automation, project tracking, and client portals for small teams.
- 4#4: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP system offering integrated accounting, inventory control, sales, and manufacturing apps for growing small businesses.
- 5#5: Sage 50 - Robust desktop accounting software excelling in inventory management, job costing, payroll, and industry-specific reporting.
- 6#6: Katana MRP - Cloud inventory and manufacturing resource planning software that syncs real-time stock data with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero.
- 7#7: Cin7 - Powerful inventory management platform with order processing, POS, B2B portals, and integrations to major accounting software.
- 8#8: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced warehouse and inventory control system with deep native integration to QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution businesses.
- 9#9: inFlow Inventory - Intuitive perpetual inventory software for small businesses handling purchasing, sales orders, barcode scanning, and multi-location tracking.
- 10#10: MYOB Business - Cloud and desktop accounting solution with inventory tracking, BAS/GST compliance, payroll, and contact management tailored for small enterprises.
We evaluated tools based on functionality, reliability, user-friendliness, and value, considering key features like comprehensive inventory tracking, accounting integration, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness to rank the most impactful options for small enterprises.
Comparison Table
Small business accounting and inventory software simplifies operations, and this comparison table explores top tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books, Odoo, Sage 50, and more, outlining key features to aid in selecting the right solution. Readers will gain insights into accounting capabilities, inventory management functionalities, and unique benefits of each platform to match their business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software with comprehensive inventory tracking, invoicing, expense management, and financial reporting for small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting platform featuring inventory management, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Books Affordable online accounting tool with built-in inventory management, automation, project tracking, and client portals for small teams. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP system offering integrated accounting, inventory control, sales, and manufacturing apps for growing small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | Sage 50 Robust desktop accounting software excelling in inventory management, job costing, payroll, and industry-specific reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Katana MRP Cloud inventory and manufacturing resource planning software that syncs real-time stock data with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Cin7 Powerful inventory management platform with order processing, POS, B2B portals, and integrations to major accounting software. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced warehouse and inventory control system with deep native integration to QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution businesses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | inFlow Inventory Intuitive perpetual inventory software for small businesses handling purchasing, sales orders, barcode scanning, and multi-location tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | MYOB Business Cloud and desktop accounting solution with inventory tracking, BAS/GST compliance, payroll, and contact management tailored for small enterprises. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software with comprehensive inventory tracking, invoicing, expense management, and financial reporting for small businesses.
User-friendly cloud accounting platform featuring inventory management, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations.
Affordable online accounting tool with built-in inventory management, automation, project tracking, and client portals for small teams.
Modular open-source ERP system offering integrated accounting, inventory control, sales, and manufacturing apps for growing small businesses.
Robust desktop accounting software excelling in inventory management, job costing, payroll, and industry-specific reporting.
Cloud inventory and manufacturing resource planning software that syncs real-time stock data with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero.
Powerful inventory management platform with order processing, POS, B2B portals, and integrations to major accounting software.
Advanced warehouse and inventory control system with deep native integration to QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution businesses.
Intuitive perpetual inventory software for small businesses handling purchasing, sales orders, barcode scanning, and multi-location tracking.
Cloud and desktop accounting solution with inventory tracking, BAS/GST compliance, payroll, and contact management tailored for small enterprises.
QuickBooks Online
specializedCloud-based accounting software with comprehensive inventory tracking, invoicing, expense management, and financial reporting for small businesses.
Real-time inventory tracking with automatic COGS calculation, reorder points, and profitability insights by item
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software from Intuit, tailored for small businesses to manage invoicing, expenses, payroll, bank reconciliations, and inventory tracking. It offers robust inventory management in Plus and higher plans, including real-time stock level monitoring, reorder points, cost tracking, bundles, and profitability reports. With seamless integrations to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and over 750 apps, it provides a centralized financial dashboard accessible via web or mobile.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with COGS, bundles, and reorder alerts
- Automated bank feeds, invoicing, and real-time reporting for efficiency
- Extensive integrations with 750+ apps and strong mobile accessibility
Cons
- Inventory features limited to Plus plan ($90+/mo) and lack advanced lot/serial tracking in lower tiers
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons like payroll or advanced reporting
- Occasional performance lags and mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing an integrated platform for accounting, basic-to-intermediate inventory management, and scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $30/mo (Simple Start, no inventory), $90/mo (Plus with inventory), $200/mo (Advanced); billed annually for 50% off first 3 months.
Xero
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting platform featuring inventory management, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations.
Direct bank feeds and AI-powered automatic reconciliation for real-time, accurate bookkeeping.
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering robust tools for invoicing, expense management, bank reconciliation, payroll, and basic inventory tracking. It provides real-time financial insights through customizable dashboards and supports multi-currency transactions and project tracking. With seamless integrations to over 1,000 apps, it streamlines workflows for accounting and light inventory needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
- Unlimited users and free accountant access for collaboration
- Strong bank feeds and automatic reconciliation from 20,000+ banks
Cons
- Basic inventory lacks advanced features like multi-location or lot tracking without add-ons
- Full features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
- Customer support is email/ticket-based, not 24/7 phone
Best For
Small businesses with simple inventory needs seeking user-friendly, scalable accounting software with excellent integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) up to $78/month (Ultimate plan) billed annually; pricing varies by region and includes unlimited users.
Zoho Books
specializedAffordable online accounting tool with built-in inventory management, automation, project tracking, and client portals for small teams.
Seamless automation rules for inventory workflows, approvals, and multi-warehouse tracking
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, providing invoicing, expense management, bank reconciliation, and comprehensive inventory tracking including multi-warehouse support, purchase/sales orders, and stock adjustments. It integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem for CRM, email, and projects, enabling automated workflows and multi-currency transactions. Customizable reports and client portals enhance financial oversight and client interactions.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for startups
- Intuitive interface and excellent mobile app
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking and multi-warehouse support
Cons
- Advanced inventory features limited compared to dedicated ERP tools
- Customer support relies heavily on tickets and self-help
- Some functionalities vary by region or require higher plans
Best For
Small businesses needing an integrated, user-friendly platform for accounting and basic-to-moderate inventory management without breaking the bank.
Pricing
Free for businesses under $50K annual revenue (limited); paid plans from $20/mo (Standard) to $150/mo (Ultimate), billed annually with per-user scaling.
Odoo
specializedModular open-source ERP system offering integrated accounting, inventory control, sales, and manufacturing apps for growing small businesses.
Seamless real-time synchronization between inventory movements and accounting entries for accurate financial tracking without manual reconciliation
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP platform that provides comprehensive accounting and inventory management solutions for small businesses. It offers double-entry accounting, automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, multi-warehouse inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and real-time stock updates integrated seamlessly. The system scales with business growth by allowing users to add modules for sales, purchasing, and manufacturing without switching software.
Pros
- Highly integrated accounting and inventory modules reduce manual data entry
- Open-source community edition is free with extensive customization options
- Scalable for growing businesses with multi-warehouse and advanced reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to modular complexity and customization needs
- Advanced features require paid Enterprise apps or developer help
- Self-hosting demands technical expertise; cloud hosting adds recurring costs
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking an affordable, all-in-one ERP that integrates accounting and inventory while scaling with growth.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise apps from $0-$31.10/user/month (billed annually), plus one-time implementation fees.
Sage 50
specializedRobust desktop accounting software excelling in inventory management, job costing, payroll, and industry-specific reporting.
Advanced inventory assembly and serial/lot tracking for precise stock management
Sage 50 is a robust desktop-based accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing comprehensive tools for invoicing, payroll, financial reporting, and advanced inventory management. It excels in handling complex inventory needs like assemblies, serial/lot tracking, and multi-location support, making it suitable for industries such as manufacturing and retail. The software integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and offers customizable reports for detailed business insights.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with assemblies, serial/lot tracking, and multi-location support
- Strong reporting and customization options
- Reliable for complex accounting tasks like job costing and payroll
Cons
- Desktop-focused with limited mobile/remote access compared to cloud rivals
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Higher pricing and ongoing fees than basic alternatives
Best For
Small to medium businesses in manufacturing or retail with complex inventory requirements that prefer on-premises control over cloud-based solutions.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at $57/month for Pro (1 user), $79/month for Premium (up to 5 users), and custom pricing for Quantum (up to 40 users), plus annual data service fees.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud inventory and manufacturing resource planning software that syncs real-time stock data with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero.
Live production planning board with drag-and-drop scheduling and capacity insights
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management. It automates purchasing, assembly, and sales fulfillment while integrating seamlessly with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero to handle financial data. Ideal for makers and manufacturers seeking to streamline operations without a full standalone accounting suite.
Pros
- Real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations and sales channels
- Intuitive production scheduling and automated replenishment
- Strong integrations with e-commerce (Shopify, WooCommerce) and accounting tools
Cons
- Lacks native full accounting features, relying heavily on integrations
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for micro-businesses
- Advanced reporting requires higher tiers or external tools
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses needing robust inventory and production planning with easy accounting sync.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders), $299/month (Professional, up to 1,000 orders), with Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial.
Cin7
enterprisePowerful inventory management platform with order processing, POS, B2B portals, and integrations to major accounting software.
Connected Inventory, which provides a single real-time view of stock levels across all sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers.
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management platform tailored for small to medium-sized retailers and wholesalers handling multi-channel sales. It offers real-time stock tracking across warehouses, e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, POS systems, and B2B portals. While it excels in inventory control, purchasing, and order fulfillment, it integrates with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks to sync financial data rather than providing standalone accounting features.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel inventory synchronization and real-time visibility
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting software
- Advanced tools for purchasing, manufacturing, and B2B order management
Cons
- Relies heavily on integrations for core accounting functions
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing may strain very small business budgets
Best For
Small to medium businesses with complex, multi-location inventory and omnichannel sales needs.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for the Core plan (billed annually), with pricing scaling based on order volume, users, and advanced features up to custom enterprise tiers.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedAdvanced warehouse and inventory control system with deep native integration to QuickBooks for manufacturing and distribution businesses.
Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs inventory levels, sales orders, and financial data in real-time
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust inventory management software that integrates deeply with QuickBooks and other accounting platforms, providing advanced tools for tracking stock across multiple locations, managing manufacturing processes, and handling serial/lot numbers. It excels in warehouse operations with barcode scanning, cycle counting, and order fulfillment capabilities tailored for growing businesses. While not a standalone accounting solution, it enhances inventory accuracy and operational efficiency without requiring a full ERP replacement.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration with QuickBooks for synchronized inventory and accounting data
- Advanced inventory tools including multi-location support, BOM management, and lot/serial tracking
- Scalable for manufacturing and warehousing needs with mobile barcode scanning
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring IT support
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses with basic needs
- Limited native accounting features, relying heavily on integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with complex inventory and manufacturing requirements that use QuickBooks and need scalable warehouse management.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,395 plus 20% annual maintenance; subscription tiers from $439/month based on users and features.
inFlow Inventory
specializedIntuitive perpetual inventory software for small businesses handling purchasing, sales orders, barcode scanning, and multi-location tracking.
Advanced multi-warehouse management with lot/serial number tracking and matrix SKUs for product variations
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking of stock across multiple locations, purchase and sales order management, and barcode scanning via mobile apps. It includes essential invoicing and reporting tools but relies on integrations like QuickBooks for full accounting functionality such as general ledger and payroll. Ideal for distributors, wholesalers, and light manufacturers, it supports both cloud and on-premise deployments to suit various operational needs.
Pros
- Multi-location inventory tracking with real-time visibility
- Strong mobile app for barcode scanning and stock counts
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
Cons
- Limited native accounting features beyond invoicing
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume limits
- Advanced manufacturing features require higher tiers
Best For
Small businesses focused on inventory-heavy operations like retail, distribution, or light manufacturing that pair it with external accounting software.
Pricing
Cloud plans start at $89/month (Starter, 100 orders/mo) up to $489/month (Enterprise, unlimited); on-premise licensing from $999 one-time plus annual support.
MYOB Business
specializedCloud and desktop accounting solution with inventory tracking, BAS/GST compliance, payroll, and contact management tailored for small enterprises.
Automated BAS lodgement directly to the ATO for seamless Australian tax compliance
MYOB Business is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, providing essential tools for invoicing, expense tracking, bank feeds, and financial reporting. It includes robust inventory management features like stock tracking, purchase orders, and sales analysis to help businesses maintain accurate stock levels. The software ensures compliance with local tax requirements such as GST and BAS, with options for payroll and multi-user access.
Pros
- Strong Australian compliance tools for GST/BAS reporting
- Effective inventory tracking with reorder alerts and multi-location support
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some global competitors
- Limited customization for non-AU/NZ users
- Occasional performance issues with large inventory datasets
Best For
Australian small businesses with inventory needs that require local tax compliance and straightforward accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month for Lite (basic accounting), $72/month for Pro (inventory + payroll), billed annually; additional users extra.
Conclusion
Evaluating small business accounting and inventory software reveals versatile options to suit diverse needs. At the top, QuickBooks Online shines with its all-encompassing platform, integrating inventory tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting seamlessly. Close behind, Xero and Zoho Books offer compelling alternatives, each with unique strengths like user-friendliness or affordability, ensuring there’s a fit for nearly every business.
Take the next step in streamlining your operations—explore QuickBooks Online today to experience its comprehensive tools firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison