The 18 Best Free Inventory Management Software for SMBs, Reviewed & Compared for 2025
The Top 10 Free Inventory Software for Small Businesses
Before the barrage of words and information, here’s a quick and simple list of our top 10 picks for free inventory management software with their ideal use cases.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Free inventory management software is your ticket to tracking every product move—accurately, automatically, and without a monthly bill.
For anyone who’s wrestled with inventory spreadsheets or watched sales slip through the cracks, the right free tool means you can finally keep your stock in check and your fulfillment promises intact.
As inventory pros who’ve run warehouses and managed global shipments, we’ve put these solutions through their paces—so you get expert, practical picks that actually solve the headaches you face every day.
If you’re ready for less busywork, fewer surprises, and smarter growth, you’re in the right place.
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As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
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Comparing Our Top 10 Free Inventory Management Software Picks
Here’s the part where we compare tools, feature-by-feature. It may be counterintuitive to see a pricing comparison in this roundup, but this accounts for each option’s basic plan.
You’ll find other feature comparisons by clicking Compare Software below the table.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for CPG businesses | Free plan available | From $199/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for automated inventory tracking | Free trial available | From $59/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for small business inventory + POS in one | Free account available | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website | |
| 4 | Best for small manufacturers | 30-day free trial | From $49/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best free inventory management software for manufacturing | Free demo available | From $45/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best free inventory management software for single warehouse operations | Free plan available | From $29 per organization/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best free inventory management software for data-driven companies | 14-day free trial | From $149/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best free inventory management software for ease of use | Free trial available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best free open source inventory management software | 15-day free trial | From $31/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best free inventory management software for add-ons marketplace | Not available | Free to use | Website |
The 10 Best Free Inventory Management Software, Reviewed
Here’s a brief description of each free inventory management solution to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface.
Settle is a unified platform designed to help consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands proactively plan, purchase, and pay for inventory. By integrating inventory management, procurement, and payments, Settle provides businesses with real-time clarity and control over their operations.
Why I Picked Settle: I like Settle's ability to provide end-to-end supply chain visibility. This feature allows your team to track inventory from purchase to sale across various channels and fulfillment centers, ensuring you always know where your products are and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. It also has real-time landed cost calculations. By linking bills to purchase orders, work orders, or transfers, Settle calculates accurate SKU-level landed costs, giving you a clear understanding of your profit margins.
Settle standout features and integrations
Standout features include AI-powered inventory forecasts that adapt to your business's evolving needs, notifying you of low SKU counts and suggesting optimal reorder times based on lead times and bill of materials coordination. Additionally, Settle offers automated three-way matching between purchase orders, goods received notes, and bills, helping you avoid overpayments and maintain accurate financial records.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Shopify, Amazon, Cin7, Google, and Xero.
What's free? Settle offers a free plan, Launch, which includes unlimited users and transactions. They also offer a one-month free trial for paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Inventory management and forecasting
- Automated invoice management
- Comprehensive financial dashboard
Cons:
- Bill search function could be more robust
- Could offer more customization for specific workflows
New Product Updates from Settle
Shared Visibility: The Key to Supply Chain Success
Settle has launched powerful new features, milestones and multiple shipments, designed to bring clarity, transparency, and true partnership to the supply chain process. With these features, brands and vendors can finally align on timelines and expectations without the frustrating back-and-forth. More details at Settle's blog.
KORONA POS is a comprehensive, cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for various business types, including retail, food service, and event management. It offers a wide array of features such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and reporting and analytics.
Why I Picked KORONA POS: I picked KORONA POS for its automated inventory tracking, which reduces manual errors and enhances efficiency in managing stock levels. The system provides automated notifications for low-stock, overstock, and out-of-stock items, allowing businesses to respond promptly and maintain optimal inventory levels. Additionally, KORONA POS supports mobile inventory management, enabling users to conduct inventory counts directly through the POS or a mobile app.
KORONA POS standout features and integrations
Standout features include automated inventory counting and reordering, reducing manual effort while maintaining accurate stock levels. The system’s real-time reporting and analytics provide insights into sales performance, inventory movement, and customer behavior, helping businesses make data-driven decisions. Additionally, it features CRM tools like customizable loyalty programs and promotions, plus support for managing multiple locations efficiently.
Integrations include Bookkeep, Octopus Bridge, Card Market, Bottlecapps, bLoyal, BlockChyp, Sekure, NearSt, Groc, BOLD Integrated Payments, BLUbeem, LineupApp, Microsoft Excel, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Online Advanced, and Adobe Commerce.
What's free? KORONA POS offers a free trial for businesses to explore its features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust inventory management features
- Cloud-based flexibility for remote access
- Scalable for single terminals, multi-location operations, and franchises
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Lacks support for multiple languages and currencies
New Product Updates from KORONA POS
Automatic Email Receipts Now Available with KORONA POS
KORONA POS now offers an automatic email receipt feature for customer transactions. For more details, visit KORONA POS Manual.
Helcim is a payment processing tool designed to provide businesses with low-cost and transparent solutions for accepting credit and debit card payments both online and in-person. The company distinguishes itself by offering no hidden fees, no contracts, and expedited two-business-day deposits, positioning itself as a cost-effective choice for businesses aiming to reduce payment processing costs while maintaining transparency and efficiency.
Why I Picked Helcim: I chose Helcim for the 'free inventory management software' due to its commitment to providing low processing rates and the Helcim Fee Saver, which can help businesses save on credit card fees. What makes Helcim different is its transparent Interchange Plus pricing model, a range of payment options, and a strong focus on security and compliance. I believe Helcim is best for low-cost payment processing because it offers affordable rates without requiring contracts and provides a user-friendly interface for both merchants and customers.
Helcim standout features and integrations
Standout features include merchant accounts for accepting credit and debit card payments, providing businesses with flexibility in how they process transactions. The mobile app for iOS and Android enables on-the-go payment acceptance, while virtual terminals allow businesses to handle transactions over the phone or through indirect methods. Additionally, its payment gateways integrate seamlessly with websites, offering features like hosted payment pages, QR codes, and recurring payment plans.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Foxy.io, and Great Exposure.
What's free? Helcim offers free inventory management tools as part of its payment processing platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Support through phone, email, and an online ticket system
- Interchange-plus pricing model is highly transparent
- Extensive range of services beyond inventory management alone
Cons:
- Limited physical presence outside Canada and the US
- Complexity for small merchants
MRPeasy is an AI-powered MRP software designed specifically for small manufacturers. With its easy-to-navigate interface and powerful inventory features, MRPeasy helps small manufacturers stay organized and improve efficiency in managing their manufacturing and distribution processes.
Why I Picked MRPeasy: This tool is a simple inventory management software that integrates production planning, real-time inventory overview, and seamless communication across various business departments. This means that all stakeholders can gain visibility of the information they need all in one place.
Leveraging AI, MRPeasy offers real-time tracking of stock levels, automatic reordering, and detailed historical data on stock movements, all of which are essential for maintaining optimal inventory levels and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. In a small manufacturing environment, these automated features help improve resource utilization.
MRPeasy standout features and integrations
Standout features include production reporting that enables users to set accurate lead times for quoting, improving equipment utilization and operational efficiency. Its CRM capabilities allow for quick calculation of product costs and delivery times, supporting better customer communication. Additionally, its accounting features offer real-time insights into cash flow, profits, and losses, helping small manufacturers stay financially informed.
Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, Crossfire, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, HubSpot, QuickBooks, ShipStation, Salesforce, Shopify, Zapier, and more.
What's free? MRPeasy offers a 30-day free trial to explore its features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automatic stock level updates
- Video support for initial setup
- Integrates all aspects of the manufacturing process
Cons:
- Manual inventory entry can create issues
- Lacks advanced features due to simple interface
New Product Updates from MRPeasy
PDF Editor at MRPeasy Now Supports Direct URL for Logos
The PDF Editor at MRPeasy now supports using a direct URL for logo images, provided the image is publicly accessible without authentication. For more details, visit MRPeasy Changelog.
UpKeep is an inventory control software that helps you manage your stock and oversee order fulfillment. The platform creates a centralized location for your inventory counts, so you know exactly where each item is and how many items you need to replenish. This solution doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app,] but it is mobile-optimized for web, so it will work on any mobile device.
Why I Picked UpKeep: Don't be fooled by their 'in-person' services (like technician planning and work orders), UpKeep is a comprehensive inventory management software great for any ecommerce business. The software automatically updates your inventory counts and sends you push and email notifications when stock levels are low. The platform also enables you to manage different locations. They focus on multi-location manufacturing companies, allowing you to sell products and replacement parts online.
UpKeep standout features and integrations
Standout features include robust asset management, allowing you to upload and store technical documents, images, text, and even video content for each product. Its inventory control software makes it easy to manage product quantities and costs directly from a mobile-optimized platform, ideal for users on the go. Additionally, inventory counts are automatically updated when products are added to invoices or work orders, streamlining operations.
Integrations are locked to paid plans, so they are not available on the freemium plan.
What's free? UpKeep’s free-forever version includes unlimited view-only users, unlimited vendors, multiple location management, and chat and phone support, albeit with limited capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great for food services, parts selling, and hospitality
- Robust asset management system
- Generous freemium plan
Cons:
- Integrations not on free plan
- Heavy focus on in-person services
Best free inventory management software for single warehouse operations
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management tool that helps you track inventory changes, manage sales and purchase orders, and list your products on multiple sales channels. This solution creates a centralized inventory system for all your online sales.
Why I Picked Zoho Inventory: Zoho Inventory updates your inventory quantity whenever a sale is made, so it keeps your inventory levels in sync across different channels. The software comes with pre-built workflows that automate routine tasks such as purchase orders, sales orders, and shipment tracking.
One of the best things about this solution is its use of comprehensive dashboards. Zoho Inventory's dashboards offer you increased visibility into your business, allowing you to see inventory changes and bestsellers with ease.
Zoho Inventory standout features and integrations
Standout features include multichannel selling, which allows you to list and manage products across various platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and your online store, helping you reach more customers. The platform also supports multiple currencies, making international transactions straightforward. Comprehensive dashboards provide clear visibility into inventory changes, bestsellers, and sales performance, enabling smarter decision-making.
Integrations include Shopify, eBay, Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, Etsy, Salesforce, and Google Shopping.
What's free? Zoho Inventory is free for organizations with a single warehouse and up to 50 orders per month, including 50 shipping labels per month.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Connects to other Zoho software
- Very ease to set up and use
- Heavy focus on ecommerce integrations
Cons:
- 50 orders/month limit
- Not appropriate for multi-warehouse
Best free inventory management software for data-driven companies
inFlow Inventory is an inventory software that helps you track orders and stock levels. The software allows businesses to manage their sales orders, purchase orders, and work orders from a single platform. Businesses can create, track, and manage orders, as well as print invoices and packing slips.
Why I Picked inFlow Inventory: inFlow Inventory's reporting feature is great and delivers valuable insights into your organization. inFlow Inventory enables businesses to track their inventory levels in real time, so they always know how much stock they have on hand. The software also provides a history of inventory levels, allowing businesses to analyze trends over time.
With inFlow Inventory, you can create product categories, track any purchase order and items out for repair, manage returns, and keep accurate records of your sales. This free inventory software allows you to create an unlimited number of users with different permission levels for your local network users. However, two users cannot make changes to the inventory at the same time. When one user is making changes, the other users have read-only access.
inFlow Inventory standout features and integrations
Standout features include easy barcode scanning, which allows businesses to quickly update inventory levels using the dedicated mobile app. The software also supports multi-location tracking, enabling businesses to monitor stock levels across multiple warehouses or stores. Additionally, its robust reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into inventory trends, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.
Integrations are limited. inFlow does not integrate directly with other apps, but users can export data to QuickBooks Online as CSV files.
What's free? inFlow is free for up to 100 products and customers and allows the creation of 15 reports. Beyond these limits, a paid license is required to continue using the platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great customer service and support
- Multi-location support
- Powerful reporting and analytics features
Cons:
- Limited options for integrations
- Time consuming setup
Sortly is an inventory management software that enables you to add products to your inventory, segment your products into multiple categories, and track every sales order. The platform has a nice interface that’s easy to master, and it has a design that’s compatible with all mobile devices.
Why I Picked Sortly: Sortly makes inventory tracking easy with the help of automatic low stock alerts and date-based reminders for products with short warranties or expiration dates. You can also create custom dashboards so you can get a bird’s-eye-view of your business.
The free inventory software allows you to create one custom field. This enables you to create a custom inventory category for products that don’t fit into the product’s default fields. This can be helpful for businesses with unique products that are ahead-of-the-curve or just difficult to classify.
Sortly standout features and integrations
Standout features include user-friendly item tracking that lets businesses create an inventory database with images, descriptions, and custom fields for better organization. The platform also allows customizable alerts and reminders for low stock levels or expiration dates, making it easier to stay on top of inventory needs. Additionally, the mobile app enables businesses to manage their inventory efficiently while on the go.
Integrations are not available on the free plan.
What's free? Sortly is free for one user, one custom field, and up to 100 items.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Well designed mobile app
- Easy to set up and use
- Customizable fields and alerts
Cons:
- Limited integrations with other software
- Limited reporting and analytics
Odoo is an award-winning free and open source inventory management system that has amassed over 7 million users since its launch. They are currently used by companies across various selling and manufacturing industries, like Toyota, Cox, Hyundai, and Danone.
Why I Picked Odoo Inventory: Odoo Inventory is known in particular for its flexibility in customizations and broad range of solutions offered, including CRM, ecommerce, accounting, inventory, point of sale, and project management. You can pick a few you need or stitch them all together for holistic business solutions.
Odoo Inventory is a comprehensive inventory management and selling solution and, with a bit of elbow grease, is completely flexible and can be molded to shape your exact needs. Robust documentation, open source DNA, and a thorough list of integrations can transform it into the exact tool that you need. Obviously, anything open source and with this level of customizability will require some additional technical knowledge. Odoo works best for those with IT staff on hand.
Odoo Inventory standout features and integrations
Standout features include support for just-in-time (JIT) inventory management, enabling businesses to optimize stock levels and reduce waste while maintaining efficiency. Real-time inventory tracking with multi-location support ensures complete visibility across warehouses. Other features include barcode scanning, integrated shipping/receiving, and a mobile app for streamlined operations on the go.
Integrations include RocketChat, QuickBooks, Google Sheets, WordPress, Slack, Hubstaff, Microsoft SQL, and more. Additional integration options can be unlocked through a paid Zapier plan, or you can build custom integrations using Odoo's open-source flexibility.
What's free? The Odoo open-source community edition is completely free to use, though it comes with some feature limitations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great customer support + community forums
- JIT inventory management
- Comprehensive and customizable
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for some users
- Benefits of open source require technical knowledge
RightControl is a software program that provides an integrated solution for managing stock inventory, sales, invoices, customer and supplier contacts, barcode generation and printing, dispatching, and reports. It is designed for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Why I Picked RightControl: RightControl is appropriate for SMBs seeking a comprehensive inventory management system that can handle different types of stock entry options, including tracking individual objects with unique barcodes, batch entry for items like tinned peas, or kit assemblies that require bundling from a Bill of Materials to create one product.
RightControl offers various versions, catering to different business needs, from start-ups and home users selling on eBay to expanding enterprises requiring a multi-user client-server system. Users can upgrade from the Lite program to the Enterprise system easily as their business grows.
RightControl Standout Features & Integrations
Features include everything listed above as well as a software marketplace where you can download additional free software to increase RightControl's functionality. Their marketplace is super comprehensive, including everything from ecommerce and project management solutions (also free) to stuff like barcode fonts. Not every add-on is free, but they are all clearly labeled so you know which ones are. The paid add-ons all come with a free trial before you're charged.
Integrations are not listed on their site.
What's Free: RightControl is completely free to use for inventory management. You can download their additional solutions for POS, bar code scanning, and ecommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Generous free offerings
- Offers free ecommerce + inventory systems
- Feature-rich with free add-ons
Cons:
- Not appropriate for large businesses
- Not regularly updated
Other Free Inventory Management Software for SMBs
- Stockpile
Free inventory management software for unlimited items
- NetSuite Inventory Management
Free inventory management software for data-driven companies
- PartKeepr
Free inventory management software for customization
- SalesBinder
Free inventory management software for a range of features
- ABC Inventory
Free inventory management software on-premise solution
- ShipStation
For streamlining shipping and inventory management for efficient ecommerce operations
- Fishbowl
For real-time inventory tracking
- Cin7 Core
For multiple sales channels
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If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.
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Our Selection Criteria for Free Inventory Management Software
Choosing the right free inventory management software is like picking the right pair of shoes—you want something that fits comfortably, works well, and doesn’t fall apart after a few uses.
With limited options for free tools, you’ll need to balance essential features with the added perks. Here’s how we evaluate them:
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
These are the must-haves. If the software doesn’t do these well, you’re going to have a bad time—even if it’s free.
- Real-time inventory tracking. Know exactly what’s in stock without endless back-and-forth.
- Order management. Keep things smooth from order to delivery.
- Sales tracking. See what’s hot and what’s not, so you can adjust accordingly.
- Basic reporting tools. Even free software should give you insights into stock and sales without much hassle.
- Product categorization. Keep your inventory organized, even if you’re juggling a growing list of items.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
These extras separate the great from the good—even in the free category. While not all free tools will offer these, it’s a huge win if they do.
- Advanced analytics. Deeper insights to help you make smarter decisions.
- Mobile app availability. Manage inventory on the go—because who’s tied to a desk these days?
- Barcode scanning. Speed up inventory updates with accuracy.
- Integration capabilities. The best free tools integrate with your existing platforms like Shopify or QuickBooks.
- Inventory forecasting. Predict future stock needs so you aren’t left scrambling.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
Even free software needs to be easy to use. If it’s clunky or confusing, it’s not worth the zero dollars you paid.
- Intuitive interface. It should be simple to navigate, even for new users.
- Responsive design. Works seamlessly across devices, whether desktop or mobile.
- Logical layout. Features should be well-organized, so you can find what you need quickly.
- Mobile experience. Bonus points for tools with dedicated mobile apps or mobile-optimized views, especially if they offer offline functionality for warehouse teams or fieldwork.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
Getting started should be easy, even if the software is free. Look for tools that offer help without requiring a premium upgrade.
- Guides and tutorials. Free tools should come with enough resources to get you started.
- Interactive product tours. Helpful demos to make onboarding smoother.
- Community forums or support. Peer advice and troubleshooting without the need for a paid plan.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Even with free tools, you want to know someone’s got your back if things go wrong.
- Responsive support team. Access to help through email or chat (even if phone support is paid).
- Helpful online resources. FAQs and knowledge bases to handle common issues.
Value (10% of total weighting score)
The value of free software comes down to how much you get without paying a dime—and how long you can stick with the free plan before outgrowing it.
- Generous free features. The best free plans offer solid functionality without leaving you feeling crippled by restrictions.
- Scalability. The option to seamlessly upgrade to a paid plan as your business grows is a huge plus.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
Real user feedback helps cut through the marketing hype, even for free tools.
- Reliability. Does it do what it promises without glitches?
- Ease of use. Is the software user-friendly for non-tech folks?
- Praise for support. Even free users should get decent support when needed.
- User satisfaction. We factor in overall sentiment from review sites like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice, including highlights around onboarding, mobile usability, and feature stability.
What is Free Inventory Management Software?
Free inventory management software is a digital tool that tracks your products, orders, and supply chain movements—without charging you a cent.
Designed for small businesses and ecommerce shops, it automates stock counts, highlights what’s selling (and what’s collecting dust), and syncs with platforms like Shopify, so you’re not stuck updating numbers by hand.
Whether you’re managing a single storeroom or juggling multiple sales channels, these free tools help you avoid stockouts, organize your SKUs, and make smarter decisions—no enterprise budget required.
How to Choose Free Inventory Management Software
Choosing free inventory management software shouldn’t feel like picking a new religion. You want something that actually works for your business, not just another shiny tool you’ll abandon after a week.
As someone who’s managed warehouses, tamed spreadsheets, and survived the chaos of global shipping, here’s how to zero in on the right fit—no nonsense, just results.
| What to ask yourself | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| What’s my biggest headache? | Real-time tracking, automation, alerts | Solves your actual pain points first |
| Who needs to use this thing? | Clean interface, mobile access, roles | Keeps the whole team on the same page |
| What do I need it to connect with? | Shopify, QuickBooks, Google Sheets, etc. | No copy-paste Olympics required |
| What does “success” look like here? | Reporting, low stock alerts, fast setup | Focus on what moves the needle |
| Will it scale as I grow? | Easy upgrades, no data loss, flexibility | Future-proofs your operations |
| Will it work with my current process? | Minimal learning curve, smart workflows | No need to reinvent the wheel |
Bottom line: Don’t settle for a “free” tool that costs you in headaches. Choose what fits, works, and grows with you—so you can actually get back to running your business.
Trends in Free Inventory Management Software for 2025
The world of inventory management is evolving fast, even for free tools. Here are the top trends shaping the future of free inventory software in 2025:
- Cloud-based inventory systems. These allow you to manage stock from anywhere with an internet connection, making them ideal for small businesses scaling up. Cloud-based systems eliminate heavy upfront costs and ensure real-time updates across multiple devices.
- Integration with Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices like RFID tags and sensors are becoming more common. These devices provide real-time data on stock levels, condition, and location, helping to prevent stockouts and optimize replenishment.
- AI-powered predictive analytics. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being built into free tools to help businesses forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and automate tasks like reordering. This reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures more accurate stock management.
- Mobile-friendly platforms. As mobile use continues to rise, many free inventory software options are optimizing their platforms for mobile, allowing you to manage inventory on the go with easy-to-use apps and responsive designs.
- Sustainability and waste reduction. As businesses focus more on sustainability, free inventory tools are increasingly offering features that help reduce waste by optimizing stock levels, minimizing overproduction, and improving resource use.
- Warehouse automation. Free tools are starting to offer basic automation features, such as barcode scanning and automated stock updates, to improve accuracy and reduce manual labor in warehouse settings. Advanced systems may use autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to further streamline operations.
These trends are transforming free inventory software from basic tracking systems into smart, data-driven platforms that help businesses manage stock more effectively and efficiently.
Key Features of Free Inventory Management Software
Free inventory tools are more powerful than ever—and when chosen right, they can cover most SMB needs. Here are the essential features to look for:
- Inventory tracking. Real-time stock updates, barcode scanning, and multi-location tracking ensure you're never guessing what’s in stock. Some tools even support serial numbers and batch tracking for added traceability.
- Order management. Manage sales, purchase orders, returns, and invoices from one platform. Look for syncing with ecommerce storefronts to automate updates across your stack.
- Warehouse management. Move stock between locations, assign items to bins or shelves, and use FIFO or expiration tracking for perishable or regulated products.
- Reporting and automation. Basic tools offer stock and sales reports, but some go further with real-time dashboards, automated reorder triggers, and AI-powered forecasting.
- Multi-location support. Monitor stock across warehouses, storefronts, or 3PLs without losing visibility. Bonus if it syncs automatically between locations.
- Product identification. Barcode and RFID support, along with custom fields and product tags, help you track and organize items faster.
- Inventory optimization. Some tools suggest reorders or flag slow-movers automatically—helping you reduce waste and avoid stockouts without manual work.
- Integration capabilities. Look for compatibility with tools like Shopify, QuickBooks, AfterShip, ShipStation, Zapier, or even Google Sheets for flexible workflows.
- Batch and expiry date tracking. Track by lot or expiration date for inventory with shelf-life concerns. Especially useful for food, supplements, and pharma brands.
- Security and access controls. Free doesn’t mean unsecured—role-based permissions and audit trails can keep inventory data accurate and protected.
- Automated reordering. Automatically trigger purchase orders or low-stock alerts based on thresholds or forecasted demand.
- Mobile access and cloud-based. Mobile apps and cloud dashboards let you manage stock from anywhere—and some even offer offline capabilities for warehouses with spotty Wi-Fi.
Benefits of Free Inventory Management Software
Free inventory management software is changing the way businesses run, offering powerful tools to improve operations—without the cost.
Here are five major benefits that these tools bring to the table:
- Cost reduction. By automating inventory tracking and reducing manual counts, free software helps cut operational costs. It also prevents overstocking and stockouts, which means less waste and more efficient resource use.
- Enhanced efficiency. Automation speeds up processes like order tracking and inventory management, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic tasks. Fewer manual errors mean smoother operations overall.
- Improved accuracy. Real-time tracking ensures your inventory data is always current, helping you make better decisions. This leads to more accurate demand forecasting and less risk of having too much or too little stock on hand.
- Increased sales and profitability. When you’ve got the right products in stock, you’re able to meet customer demand more consistently. This not only boosts sales but also keeps customers happy, increasing loyalty and long-term profitability.
- Data-driven decision making. Free tools often include reporting features that give you insights into inventory trends and sales patterns. With these insights, you can optimize inventory levels, adjust your product offerings, and plan more effectively for growth.
Free inventory management software offers much more than just cost savings—it boosts efficiency, accuracy, and profitability, while giving you the data to make smarter decisions.
Cost & Pricing for Inventory Management Software
Understanding the cost structure of inventory management software is essential when deciding between free and paid plans. Free options can get you started, but paid plans offer more robust features as your business grows.
Here’s a typical breakdown of pricing tiers:
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic inventory tracking, manual stock updates, limited reports, community support. | Startups or small businesses with minimal needs. |
| Basic | $9 - $30/month | Automated tracking, barcode scanning, multi-location support, basic order management, some integrations. | Small businesses needing more automation. |
| Standard | $30 - $100/month | Advanced inventory management, multiple integrations (ecommerce, accounting), basic analytics, customer support. | Growing businesses with multi-channel sales. |
| Premium | $100 - $300/month | Advanced analytics, demand forecasting, automated reordering, priority customer support, unlimited users. | Larger businesses with complex inventory needs. |
| Enterprise | $300+/month (custom plans) | Custom features, dedicated support, full automation, unlimited locations and transactions, advanced forecasting. | Large enterprises with high-volume operations. |
Additional costs to consider
While free and paid plans cover many core features, there are often extra costs that businesses need to be aware of:
- User licenses. Some plans charge per additional user beyond the included number, especially on higher-tier plans.
- Integrations. Connecting with third-party systems like accounting software or CRMs may come with extra charges, particularly in the lower-cost tiers (though some accounting tools include inventory management).
- Customer support. While basic support might be free, premium, or priority customer support often comes with an added fee.
- Storage and transaction limits. Free and lower-tier plans may impose limits on the number of products, transactions, or storage capacity, with additional charges for exceeding these caps.
- Training and setup. Some platforms charge for onboarding, training, or setting up integrations, especially for advanced features.
These potential additional costs are important to consider when budgeting for inventory management software, particularly as your business scales and requires more advanced features or increased user access.
Free Inventory Software FAQs
Now we’re taking questions from the hypothetical audience. We came up with some questions you might have asked and answered them. Let’s do it.
Why does a small business need free inventory management software?
Free inventory management software is a no-brainer for small businesses. It automates time-consuming tasks like tracking stock levels, managing orders, and even predicting when you’ll run low on popular items. Not only does this save you hours of manual work, but it also reduces costly mistakes like over-ordering or running out of stock. Plus, it’s free—so you can test the waters without committing a chunk of your budget. For SMBs, it’s like hiring a virtual inventory assistant without the salary!
Are there any hidden costs with the free plans?
Even the best free inventory management software can sneak in a few costs if you’re not careful. While you won’t pay upfront, things like adding extra users, accessing premium features, or scaling your transaction limits can start to add up.
Some providers also charge for things like advanced customer support or extra data storage. So while you can definitely get started for free, it’s smart to keep an eye out for potential upgrade fees or additional charges as your business grows.
What limitations should I expect with the free versions?
Free software is awesome for getting started, but it’s not without some trade-offs. You’ll likely face limits on the number of products you can track, the users you can add, or the transactions you can handle each month. Some advanced features like integrations with accounting software, detailed reporting, and automation are often reserved for paid plans.
So while it works great for small setups, you might outgrow the free version as your business scales. Still, it’s a solid way to handle the basics for zero dollars.
Can I upgrade from a free plan without losing data?
Yes! Most free plans are designed with scalability in mind, meaning you can upgrade to a paid plan without losing any of your existing data. Your inventory records, user settings, and historical reports should seamlessly transition when you make the switch. This makes it easy to start small and grow without worrying about losing important information. Just double-check with your provider before upgrading to make sure they offer a smooth data transfer process.
Can I use free inventory management software for multiple sales channels?
Yes—some free tools support selling across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy. Multichannel sync ensures stock levels stay accurate, but it’s usually limited to one or two integrations on a free plan.
Do free inventory tools support barcode scanners or mobile devices?
Many do. Apps like Sortly and Zoho Inventory support barcode scanning right from your phone. Some tools also work with handheld scanners, but advanced mobile features may require a paid upgrade.
Can I track inventory by batch, serial number, or expiration date?
Only a few free tools include this level of detail, and they’re often geared toward food, beauty, or manufacturing brands. Features like FIFO costing, lot tracking, and expiry date alerts usually appear in freemium trials or entry-level paid tiers.
Additional Inventory Management Software Reviews
When you find yourself outgrowing your free inventory management software as your online store grows, you can try these upgrade picks.
- Retail Inventory Management Software
- Cloud-Based Inventory Management
- Enterprise Inventory Management Software
- Simple Inventory Management Software
You are Free to Track Your Inventory
While free IMS solutions may not have all the bells and whistles, they are a start. And, they are free.
If you are coming from spreadsheets, it'll feel like a whole new beautiful world. And, when your business starts to grow, you can level up to a paid plan that'll pay for itself and then some.
First, get your stock right with some free options. Then, start growing your ecommerce empire.
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