Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses.
- 2#2: Cin7 - Omnichannel inventory platform that connects sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for real-time stock control.
- 3#3: Fishbowl - Inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
- 4#4: DEAR Inventory - Cloud ERP system providing end-to-end inventory control, purchasing, and sales automation for small businesses.
- 5#5: Katana MRP - Manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - On-premise and cloud inventory software for sales, purchasing, and stock tracking tailored to small retailers.
- 7#7: Sortly - Visual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization of small business stock.
- 8#8: Odoo Inventory - Open-source ERP module for inventory management with barcode scanning, forecasting, and multi-warehouse support.
- 9#9: Lightspeed Retail - POS and inventory management system for retail businesses with multi-location stock synchronization.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Commerce - Ecommerce inventory tool integrated with QuickBooks for order processing and multi-channel selling.
Tools were selected based on features that enhance efficiency, ease of use for non-technical teams, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to the unique demands of small business operations.
Comparison Table
Small businesses depend on reliable inventory management software to keep operations smooth, and selecting the right tool is key to scalability. This comparison table explores options like Zoho Inventory, Cin7, Fishbowl, DEAR Inventory, Katana MRP, and more, analyzing features, pricing, and user-friendliness. Readers will discover which tool aligns best with their specific needs, from multi-channel selling to order tracking efficiency.
| # | 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 | Cin7 Omnichannel inventory platform that connects sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for real-time stock control. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Fishbowl Inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | DEAR Inventory Cloud ERP system providing end-to-end inventory control, purchasing, and sales automation for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Katana MRP Manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory On-premise and cloud inventory software for sales, purchasing, and stock tracking tailored to small retailers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Sortly Visual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization of small business stock. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | Odoo Inventory Open-source ERP module for inventory management with barcode scanning, forecasting, and multi-warehouse support. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 9 | Lightspeed Retail POS and inventory management system for retail businesses with multi-location stock synchronization. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Commerce Ecommerce inventory tool integrated with QuickBooks for order processing and multi-channel selling. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses.
Omnichannel inventory platform that connects sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for real-time stock control.
Inventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
Cloud ERP system providing end-to-end inventory control, purchasing, and sales automation for small businesses.
Manufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management.
On-premise and cloud inventory software for sales, purchasing, and stock tracking tailored to small retailers.
Visual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization of small business stock.
Open-source ERP module for inventory management with barcode scanning, forecasting, and multi-warehouse support.
POS and inventory management system for retail businesses with multi-location stock synchronization.
Ecommerce inventory tool integrated with QuickBooks for order processing and multi-channel selling.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory management software that automates tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales for small businesses.
Seamless, native integration across the Zoho One suite and 50+ external apps for unified multi-channel operations
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based solution tailored for small businesses, offering comprehensive tools for tracking inventory, managing orders, and optimizing warehouse operations across multiple locations. It supports features like real-time stock updates, barcode scanning, serial/batch tracking, kitting, and automated purchase orders. Seamlessly integrating with Zoho's ecosystem (Books, CRM, Desk) and third-party apps like Shopify, Amazon, and shipping carriers, it enables multi-channel selling and fulfillment. Its scalability and customization options make it ideal for growing SMBs handling complex inventory needs.
Pros
- Deep integrations with Zoho apps and 50+ third-party services for e-commerce, accounting, and shipping
- Advanced inventory tools including multi-warehouse, manufacturing BOMs, and real-time tracking
- Generous free plan and affordable scaling for small businesses
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations and workflows
- Some reporting and analytics limited to higher-tier plans
- Mobile app lacks full parity with desktop features
Best For
Small businesses needing scalable, integrated inventory management with e-commerce and accounting tools.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 20 online orders/month); paid plans: Standard $59/org/mo, Professional $129/org/mo, Elite $249/org/mo (billed annually).
Cin7
specializedOmnichannel inventory platform that connects sales channels, warehouses, and suppliers for real-time stock control.
700+ native integrations enabling true omnichannel inventory sync without custom coding
Cin7 is a powerful inventory management software tailored for businesses with multi-channel sales operations, offering real-time stock tracking across e-commerce, retail POS, and marketplaces. It automates order management, fulfillment, and procurement while integrating seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, QuickBooks, and Xero. Designed for scaling businesses, it handles complex needs such as bundles, multi-warehouse distribution, and B2B portals with advanced EDI support.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 700+ connectors for e-commerce, POS, and accounting
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and automation
- Robust B2B portal and advanced reporting for scaling operations
Cons
- High starting price may overwhelm very small businesses
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth
- Limited support options in entry-level plans
Best For
Growing small businesses managing inventory across multiple online marketplaces, retail stores, and wholesale channels.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $349/month (up to 5 users, 100 orders/day); Pro at $599/month; Enterprise at $999+/month, billed annually.
Fishbowl
specializedInventory management solution with QuickBooks integration for manufacturing, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
Real-time, bi-directional QuickBooks integration that automatically updates inventory quantities, costs, and sales in accounting software.
Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust tools for tracking inventory across multiple locations, managing manufacturing processes, and handling sales orders. It stands out with its deep integration with QuickBooks, providing real-time synchronization of inventory data with accounting records. The platform also supports POS, barcode scanning, and e-commerce integrations, making it suitable for distributors, manufacturers, and warehouses seeking advanced control without switching accounting systems.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks for accurate inventory-accounting sync
- Advanced manufacturing and assembly features with BOM support
- Multi-location inventory tracking with cycle counting and barcode scanning
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization options
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses or startups
- Limited native mobile app; relies more on desktop for full functionality
Best For
Growing small manufacturers, distributors, or warehouses that use QuickBooks and need advanced inventory and production management.
Pricing
Starts at $4,395/year for Fishbowl Warehouse edition (5 users), plus $439/user/year; additional modules and Essentials/Go editions available from $1,300/year.
DEAR Inventory
enterpriseCloud ERP system providing end-to-end inventory control, purchasing, and sales automation for small businesses.
Two-way, real-time synchronization with Xero, QuickBooks, and major e-commerce platforms for automated inventory and financial updates.
DEAR Inventory (now part of Cin7 Core) is a robust cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses handling complex inventory needs. It provides real-time tracking across multiple locations, supports purchasing, sales orders, manufacturing, and POS operations. Key strengths include deep integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, plus accounting tools such as Xero and QuickBooks Online for seamless data sync.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ apps including accounting and e-commerce
- Advanced inventory features like serial/batch tracking, kits, and multi-warehouse support
- Comprehensive reporting and automation for sales, purchasing, and manufacturing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to feature depth
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for micro-businesses
- Occasional reports of slow customer support and UI glitches
Best For
Growing small businesses with multi-channel sales (e-commerce, wholesale, POS) requiring strong inventory control and accounting integrations.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $349 USD/month for Essentials (300 orders/mo), up to $999+/month for Enterprise, billed annually with per-order fees.
Katana MRP
specializedManufacturing resource planning tool for real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and order management.
Visual manufacturing planner with drag-and-drop scheduling for real-time production oversight
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) and inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers. It offers real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations, production planning with bill of materials (BOM) support, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks. The platform helps businesses optimize stock levels, schedule production efficiently, and fulfill orders without stockouts or overstocking.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory visibility and synchronization
- Intuitive visual production planning and scheduling tools
- Strong integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and sales platforms
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for higher usage volumes
- More manufacturing-focused, less ideal for pure retail inventory needs
- Advanced reporting and customization limited in entry-level plans
Best For
Small manufacturers handling make-to-order or make-to-stock production who need integrated inventory and MRP capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders/mo, 5 users), $299/month (Professional, unlimited orders), Enterprise custom.
inFlow Inventory
specializedOn-premise and cloud inventory software for sales, purchasing, and stock tracking tailored to small retailers.
Advanced lot/serial number tracking with expiration dates and assemblies for light manufacturing
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking of stock levels, purchases, sales, and orders across multiple locations. It supports barcode and QR code scanning via dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling efficient warehouse operations even offline with cloud sync. The platform includes advanced features like serial/lot tracking, assemblies, and customizable reporting, integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks, Shopify, and other e-commerce tools.
Pros
- Powerful multi-location and multi-currency support
- Excellent barcode scanning and mobile accessibility
- Strong reporting and QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Dated interface with moderate learning curve
- Pricing increases significantly with users/locations
- Limited built-in CRM or advanced automation
Best For
Small retailers and wholesalers managing inventory across multiple warehouses who need detailed tracking and barcode efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Solo: 1 user, 1 location), up to $489/month (Unlimited: unlimited users/locations); annual billing offers 17% discount.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using QR codes and photos for simple tracking and organization of small business stock.
Visual photo-based inventory catalogs that make item lookup and organization exceptionally fast and intuitive
Sortly is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for small businesses, emphasizing visual tracking with photos, barcodes, and QR codes for items. It enables users to organize inventory into folders, set reorder alerts, track serial numbers, and generate basic reports via a user-friendly mobile and web app. Ideal for simple stock management, it supports scanning on the go but lacks advanced features like multi-warehouse support in entry-level plans.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual interface with photo catalogs for quick item identification
- Seamless barcode/QR code scanning via mobile app
- Affordable entry-level plans with solid basics for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to competitors
- Multi-location inventory requires higher-tier plans
- No built-in POS or e-commerce integrations
Best For
Small businesses or retail shops seeking a simple, visual inventory tracker without needing complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free plan (100 items); Starter $29/mo (500 items); Professional $59/mo (unlimited items, multi-user); Enterprise custom (billed annually).
Odoo Inventory
enterpriseOpen-source ERP module for inventory management with barcode scanning, forecasting, and multi-warehouse support.
Deep native integration with Odoo's full ERP suite, enabling automated workflows across inventory, sales, and manufacturing without third-party tools
Odoo Inventory is a comprehensive module within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, providing end-to-end inventory management for small businesses. It enables real-time stock tracking across multiple warehouses, automated reordering, barcode scanning, and lot/serial number traceability. The tool integrates seamlessly with Odoo's sales, purchase, manufacturing, and accounting apps, offering scalability from basic stock control to advanced forecasting and reporting.
Pros
- Seamless integration with other Odoo apps for unified business operations
- Free community edition with robust core features
- Highly customizable workflows and multi-warehouse support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Enterprise edition required for advanced reporting and mobile app
- Performance issues with very large inventories in community version
Best For
Small businesses seeking an affordable, scalable ERP-integrated inventory solution that grows with their operations.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (annual billing) for full app access.
Lightspeed Retail
specializedPOS and inventory management system for retail businesses with multi-location stock synchronization.
Matrix inventory management for handling product variants like sizes and colors across locations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, offering real-time stock tracking, purchase order automation, and multi-location support. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, enabling omnichannel selling while preventing overselling through centralized inventory visibility. The software also includes advanced features like serialized tracking, matrix inventory for variants, and supplier management to streamline operations for growing retailers.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory management with real-time synchronization
- Strong e-commerce and POS integrations for omnichannel retail
- Advanced inventory tools like matrix, serialized tracking, and kits/assemblies
Cons
- Higher pricing structure, especially for multi-location setups
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom configurations
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses with multiple stores needing integrated POS, inventory, and online sales management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (annual billing) for Essentials, up to $249/month for advanced tiers; includes payment processing fees and optional add-ons.
QuickBooks Commerce
enterpriseEcommerce inventory tool integrated with QuickBooks for order processing and multi-channel selling.
Real-time, two-way synchronization with QuickBooks accounting for automated financial reconciliation
QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory management solution tailored for small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It automates purchase orders, manages multi-warehouse inventory, and provides detailed reporting to optimize stock levels and prevent stockouts. Seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks accounting, it ensures accurate financial syncing without manual data entry.
Pros
- Multi-channel inventory sync prevents overselling
- Deep QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
- Robust B2B portal and purchase order automation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-ecommerce users
- Pricing escalates quickly for higher volumes
- Limited standalone functionality without QuickBooks
Best For
Small e-commerce businesses selling across multiple online channels that use QuickBooks for accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $39/mo (Lite, 100 orders), $99/mo (Standard, 500 orders), $599/mo (Professional, 2,000 orders), Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide tailored solutions for small business inventory management, addressing diverse needs such as automation, omnichannel sync, and integration. Zoho Inventory leads as the top choice, excelling in automating tracking, orders, and multi-channel sales. Cin7 and Fishbowl stand out as strong alternatives—Cin7 for real-time omnichannel control, Fishbowl for its QuickBooks integration and support across manufacturing and warehousing.
Ready to streamline your inventory? Start with Zoho Inventory to automate tracking, sync sales channels, and keep operations running efficiently—ideal for small businesses aiming to scale.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison