Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses.
- 2#2: Fishbowl Inventory - Powerful inventory control system with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing and warehouse management in small businesses.
- 3#3: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory and order management platform connecting sales channels, stock, and fulfillment for growing businesses.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Commerce - Inventory and multichannel order management tool seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks for small e-commerce sellers.
- 5#5: Katana MRP - Real-time manufacturing resource planning and inventory software tailored for small makers and craft businesses.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - Intuitive inventory management solution for small businesses handling sales, purchasing, and multi-location stock tracking.
- 7#7: Odoo Inventory - Flexible open-source ERP module providing advanced inventory tracking, forecasting, and automation for small enterprises.
- 8#8: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and tracking in small teams.
- 9#9: Unleashed - Cloud-based inventory software focused on real-time stock control for wholesalers and distributors.
- 10#10: SkuVault - Warehouse and multichannel inventory management system designed for e-commerce small businesses scaling operations.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth (including automation, integrations, and scalability), user experience, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that balance robust functionality with accessibility for small business users.
Comparison Table
Efficient inventory management is key for small business growth, and selecting the right software can transform operations; this comparison table explores tools like Zoho Inventory, Fishbowl Inventory, Cin7, QuickBooks Commerce, Katana MRP, and more, guiding readers to compare features, pricing, and integration strengths to find their ideal fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Fishbowl Inventory Powerful inventory control system with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing and warehouse management in small businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory and order management platform connecting sales channels, stock, and fulfillment for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Commerce Inventory and multichannel order management tool seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks for small e-commerce sellers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Katana MRP Real-time manufacturing resource planning and inventory software tailored for small makers and craft businesses. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory Intuitive inventory management solution for small businesses handling sales, purchasing, and multi-location stock tracking. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Odoo Inventory Flexible open-source ERP module providing advanced inventory tracking, forecasting, and automation for small enterprises. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and tracking in small teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Unleashed Cloud-based inventory software focused on real-time stock control for wholesalers and distributors. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | SkuVault Warehouse and multichannel inventory management system designed for e-commerce small businesses scaling operations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 6.5/10 |
Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses.
Powerful inventory control system with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing and warehouse management in small businesses.
Omnichannel inventory and order management platform connecting sales channels, stock, and fulfillment for growing businesses.
Inventory and multichannel order management tool seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks for small e-commerce sellers.
Real-time manufacturing resource planning and inventory software tailored for small makers and craft businesses.
Intuitive inventory management solution for small businesses handling sales, purchasing, and multi-location stock tracking.
Flexible open-source ERP module providing advanced inventory tracking, forecasting, and automation for small enterprises.
Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and tracking in small teams.
Cloud-based inventory software focused on real-time stock control for wholesalers and distributors.
Warehouse and multichannel inventory management system designed for e-commerce small businesses scaling operations.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses.
Real-time multi-warehouse inventory syncing with automated stock transfers
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution tailored for small businesses, enabling efficient tracking of stock levels, orders, and shipments across multiple warehouses. It supports barcode scanning, serial and batch number tracking, and automated reorder points to prevent stockouts. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce, as well as Zoho's own accounting and CRM tools for a unified workflow.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel order management and inventory tracking
- Seamless integrations with Zoho ecosystem and major e-commerce platforms
- Comprehensive reporting and mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Advanced features may have a learning curve for beginners
- Reporting customization could be more flexible
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small businesses managing multi-channel sales and multiple warehouses that need scalable inventory control integrated with accounting.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans start at $29/month (Standard) up to $199/month (Elite), with annual discounts.
Fishbowl Inventory
specializedPowerful inventory control system with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing and warehouse management in small businesses.
Bi-directional QuickBooks Desktop integration for automatic inventory syncing
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, on-premise inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking, order fulfillment, manufacturing, and multi-location warehouse management. It excels in barcode scanning, lot and serial number tracking, and bill of materials for light manufacturing. Its standout strength is the deep, bi-directional integration with QuickBooks Desktop, syncing inventory data automatically without double-entry.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration with QuickBooks Desktop
- Advanced inventory controls including lot/serial tracking and matrix SKUs
- Supports manufacturing, multi-warehouse, and POS capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- Windows-only desktop application with limited cloud options
- Higher upfront costs compared to cloud-based competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses using QuickBooks that need advanced inventory tracking, light manufacturing, and multi-location support.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $4,395 for Standard edition or $6,595 for Warehouse edition, plus annual maintenance fees from $1,000-$2,000 and optional add-ons.
Cin7
enterpriseOmnichannel inventory and order management platform connecting sales channels, stock, and fulfillment for growing businesses.
Real-time, unlimited multi-channel inventory sync with automated procurement and EDI supplier integration
Cin7 is a powerful inventory management platform designed for businesses handling multi-channel sales, offering real-time stock tracking across e-commerce, POS, wholesale, and marketplaces like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It automates order processing, procurement, and fulfillment while integrating with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The software excels in providing end-to-end visibility and control for scaling operations beyond basic inventory needs.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory synchronization
- Advanced automation for replenishment and order fulfillment
- Deep integrations with 700+ apps including accounting and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Steep pricing that may overwhelm very small businesses
- Complex initial setup and learning curve
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to desktop
Best For
Growing small businesses with multi-channel sales and complex inventory across multiple warehouses or locations.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month (Core plan, billed annually) up to $999+/month (Advanced); custom enterprise pricing available.
QuickBooks Commerce
specializedInventory and multichannel order management tool seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks for small e-commerce sellers.
Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization with automated low-stock alerts and purchase order generation
QuickBooks Commerce is a robust inventory management platform tailored for small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses, offering real-time tracking across multiple sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It automates stock updates, handles multi-warehouse operations, purchase orders, and bundles to prevent overselling and streamline fulfillment. Integrated deeply with QuickBooks accounting, it provides comprehensive reporting and insights to optimize inventory decisions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for unified accounting and inventory data
- Multi-channel sync and real-time inventory visibility across warehouses
- Advanced tools like bundles, backorders, and B2B portals for e-commerce scalability
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Limited native POS features for brick-and-mortar retail
Best For
E-commerce-focused small businesses needing multi-channel inventory control with accounting integration.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for basic plans, scaling to $599/month for enterprise with advanced features; annual discounts available.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time manufacturing resource planning and inventory software tailored for small makers and craft businesses.
Visual drag-and-drop production scheduler that automatically syncs inventory levels in real-time
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning and inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized makers and manufacturers. It offers real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations, bill of materials (BOM) management, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, helping businesses maintain accurate stock levels while scaling production.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility with automatic stock adjustments
- Robust manufacturing tools including BOM, production planning, and scheduling
- Strong integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and ERP systems
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for non-manufacturing small businesses
- Reporting and analytics are functional but not as advanced as enterprise alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for users without manufacturing experience
Best For
Small manufacturing businesses that need integrated inventory control with production planning and sales order management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, billed annually) for basic inventory and production; Professional at $219/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
inFlow Inventory
specializedIntuitive inventory management solution for small businesses handling sales, purchasing, and multi-location stock tracking.
Dedicated mobile apps for iOS/Android with offline barcode scanning and real-time sync
inFlow Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling real-time tracking of stock across multiple locations. It streamlines purchase orders, sales orders, barcode scanning, and reporting, with support for light manufacturing and assemblies. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, making it ideal for retailers and wholesalers.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory tracking
- Powerful mobile app with barcode scanning and offline support
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and other e-commerce tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and order volume
- Reporting lacks advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Steep learning curve for manufacturing and custom workflows
Best For
Small retailers and distributors managing inventory across multiple warehouses or stores.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Team plan (1 user, limited orders), up to $289/month for Business plan with unlimited features; 14-day free trial available.
Odoo Inventory
enterpriseFlexible open-source ERP module providing advanced inventory tracking, forecasting, and automation for small enterprises.
Advanced multi-warehouse management with real-time traceability and automated procurement rules
Odoo Inventory is a powerful module within the open-source Odoo ERP suite, designed to handle stock tracking, warehouse management, order fulfillment, and procurement for small businesses. It supports features like real-time inventory visibility, barcode scanning, lot/serial number tracking, multi-warehouse operations, and automated reordering. As part of a modular ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with sales, purchasing, and manufacturing apps to streamline operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools including forecasting and multi-location support
- Free community edition with unlimited users
- Deep integration with Odoo's full ERP suite for scalability
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Enterprise pricing scales with apps and users
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise
Best For
Growing small businesses needing scalable inventory management integrated with CRM, sales, and accounting.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (annual billing, min. 5 users) plus per-app fees.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and tracking in small teams.
Photo-based visual inventory catalogs that make item lookup and organization intuitive and fast
Sortly is a user-friendly inventory management software tailored for small businesses, emphasizing visual tracking through photo-based catalogs of items and assets. It enables barcode/QR code scanning, folder organization, low-stock alerts, custom fields, and basic reporting via its intuitive mobile and web apps. Ideal for non-complex inventory needs like retail shops, warehouses, or equipment tracking, it supports multi-user access and limited integrations such as QuickBooks and Shopify.
Pros
- Highly visual interface with photo catalogs for quick item identification
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go scanning and updates
- Customizable alerts and folders for organized tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations than competitors like Fishbowl or Cin7
- Pricing escalates quickly for multi-user or high-item-volume needs
Best For
Small businesses or teams seeking simple, visual inventory and asset tracking without needing advanced manufacturing or forecasting capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 100 items); paid plans start at $29/month (Simple, billed annually) up to $119/month (Premium) with per-user scaling.
Unleashed
specializedCloud-based inventory software focused on real-time stock control for wholesalers and distributors.
Advanced multi-warehouse stock visibility with automatic inter-warehouse transfers and real-time syncing.
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple warehouses and locations. It handles purchasing, sales orders, manufacturing, and batch/serial number tracking, with strong support for multi-currency operations. The platform excels in providing visibility into inventory movements and integrates with tools like Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking
- Seamless integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
- Robust support for manufacturing and batch management
Cons
- Pricing scales with order volume, which can get expensive
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited
Best For
Small businesses with multi-warehouse operations or light manufacturing needs requiring precise, real-time inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at ~$85 AUD/month for up to 200 orders, with tiers scaling based on monthly order volume up to enterprise custom pricing.
SkuVault
specializedWarehouse and multichannel inventory management system designed for e-commerce small businesses scaling operations.
Advanced multi-warehouse order routing that automatically directs orders to the optimal fulfillment location based on stock levels and proximity
SkuVault is a cloud-based warehouse and inventory management software tailored for e-commerce businesses, offering real-time multi-channel inventory tracking across platforms like Amazon, Shopify, eBay, and Walmart. It excels in handling complex fulfillment processes, including picking, packing, and shipping from multiple warehouses to prevent stockouts and overselling. The platform supports kit and bundle management, barcode scanning, and cycle counting, making it suitable for scaling small businesses with omnichannel sales.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce marketplaces and shopping carts
- Real-time multi-warehouse inventory visibility and syncing
- Robust WMS tools like barcode scanning and order routing
Cons
- High pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
Best For
Growing e-commerce small businesses with multi-channel sales and multiple warehouses needing strong fulfillment capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $449/month for Core plan (billed annually, 100 orders/mo); Pro at $999/month (500 orders/mo); Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Analyzing a diverse set of inventory control tools, the top three shine with specialized strengths: Zoho Inventory leads as the top choice, offering robust cloud-based automation and multi-channel tracking for varied small business needs. Fishbowl Inventory impresses with deep QuickBooks integration and focus on manufacturing/warehouse management, while Cin7 excels at connecting sales channels and streamlining fulfillment for growing businesses. For any business, the best tool depends on priorities, but Zoho Inventory emerges as a versatile, high-performing option that consistently delivers.
Take the first step to optimize your inventory—try Zoho Inventory today. Its intuitive design and powerful features make it a seamless solution to streamline operations and scale efficiently, no matter your business size or industry.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison