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.
No matter how small your ecommerce business may be, inventory management is one of the more consequential parts of selling online. Getting it wrong can be catastrophic. Luckily, for brands just getting off the ground, there are free inventory management software options.
Yes, free. What a wonderful word. There are some conditions to this, but for your purposes, it's free.
You're ready to be free of the burden of Excel spreadsheets that need your manual attention at all times, so a good inventory management system is in the cards. You need something to automatically track the comings and goings of your precious products, so you can maintain accurate records and never disappoint your customers.
We'll get into what it means to use free inventory management software, to start. Then, we'll review our top picks for the top free IMS solutions out there, gleaned from our stockpile of ecommerce expertise and thoughtful scoring.
Let's do it.
Why Trust Our Inventory Management Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
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.
Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
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 real-time inventory tracking | Free trial and demo available | Pricing upon request | 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 for CPG businesses | 30-day free trial | From $149/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best free inventory management software for manufacturing | Free demo available | From $45/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best free inventory management software for single warehouse operations | Free plan available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for streamlining shipping and inventory management for efficient ecommerce operations | 30-day free trial | From $9.99/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best free inventory management software for data-driven companies | Free trial available | From $149/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best free inventory management software for ease of use | Free trial available | From $0/month | 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.
Fishbowl is a powerful inventory management software designed to manage inventory levels, streamline order processes, and enhance warehouse efficiency. It offers a convenient integration with QuickBooks, making it an ideal choice for businesses requiring a comprehensive solution to manage inventory alongside accounting needs.
Why I Picked Fishbowl: It offers real-time inventory tracking, which ensures that businesses always have accurate and up-to-date information about their stock levels. Additionally, Fishbowl's multi-location management capabilities allow businesses to track inventory across multiple warehouses and locations, providing a centralized view of their inventory. The software also supports automated reordering, ensuring that inventory is replenished at the right time based on predefined thresholds.
Fishbowl standout features and integrations
Standout features include parts and asset tracking, allowing businesses to manage essential equipment and supplies to ensure availability when needed. Its robust order fulfillment system covers sales orders, transfer orders, credit returns, and RMAs (Return Merchandise Authorizations), streamlining operations. Fishbowl also supports barcoding and scanning to improve inventory accuracy and warehouse efficiency.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, Shopify, Magento, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, ShipStation, UPS, FedEx, USPS, PayPal, Avalara, SolidWorks, and Dropbox.
What's free? Fishbowl offers a free trial to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-location management capabilities
- Good QuickBooks integration
- Robust inventory control features
Cons:
- May take time to learn the platform initially
- UI is a bit outdated
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
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
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
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 for streamlining shipping and inventory management for efficient ecommerce operations
ShipStation is a web-based shipping solution that helps online retailers quickly and efficiently import, organize, process, package, and ship their orders
Why I picked ShipStation: Because it's not just about shipping, it's also a pretty solid inventory management tool. It's got a lot of features that make it easy to keep track of what's in stock, what's been sold, and what needs to be reordered. Plus, it's free to use for a basic account, which is a plus for small businesses.
One of the standout features of ShipStation is its multi-carrier shipping capabilities. You can compare rates from different carriers, print shipping labels, and even schedule pickups all from the same platform. It's also got a really handy feature that lets you create custom shipping rules based on factors like weight, size, destination, and more.
ShipStation standout features and integrations
Standout features include its shipping rate calculator widget, which can be embedded directly onto ecommerce websites. This tool allows customers to input their shipping information and view real-time shipping options and costs during checkout, helping to reduce cart abandonment and enhance transparency.
Additionally, ShipStation offers powerful multi-carrier shipping capabilities, enabling users to compare rates, print labels, and schedule pickups from one centralized platform. Custom shipping rules based on factors like weight, size, and destination add further efficiency for businesses.
Integrations include Shopify, Square, WooCommerce, and Squarespace.
What's free? ShipStation offers a free basic account, making it accessible for small businesses looking to streamline their shipping processes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive customization & automation options
- Manage orders & shipments across various sales channels
- Extensive range of integration options
Cons:
- Inventory management features are relatively basic
- Rich feature set may lead to a learning curve for new users
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
Other Free Inventory Management Software for SMBs
- Odoo Inventory
Free open source inventory management software
- SalesBinder
Free inventory management software for a range of features
- RightControl
Free inventory management software for add-ons marketplace
- Stockpile
Free inventory management software for unlimited items
- NetSuite Inventory Management
Free inventory management software for data-driven companies
- ABC Inventory
Free inventory management software on-premise solution
- PartKeepr
Free inventory management software for customization
- Cin7 Core
For multiple sales channels
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
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 helps businesses keep track of their stock, orders, and supply chains without paying for a full-blown software solution.
This is especially helpful for small ecommerce shops just getting started or businesses that don’t want to fork over big bucks right away.
The "free" part can mean a few different things. Some software is totally free (but might come with limits), while others offer a basic version for free and charge you if you want more advanced features or higher usage limits.
You might run into caps on the number of products you can track or users you can add, but for a lot of smaller operations, the free version is more than enough.
In a nutshell, inventory management software helps you:
- Track stock levels so you don’t run out of popular items.
- Organize your products by category, location, or warehouse.
- Generate reports that help you understand your sales and inventory trends.
- Sync with ecommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce so you don’t have to manually update your inventory across different systems.
Even with the limitations, free inventory tools are a great way to get a handle on your stock without breaking the bank.
How to Choose Free Inventory Management Software
You don’t need to compare hundreds of tools—just a handful of great free ones. The key is finding the one that fits your workflows, tech stack, and future growth plans. Here’s what to look for:
- What problem are you solving? Start with your pain point—like stockouts, manual tracking, or fulfillment delays. That’ll help you prioritize must-have features like automation or real-time updates.
- Who will be using it? If multiple team members are involved, go for something user-friendly across roles. Look for mobile apps, responsive design, and offline access for warehouse teams.
- What does it need to integrate with? Check for compatibility with your ecommerce platform, accounting tools, or shipping providers. Free plans often still support Shopify, QuickBooks, AfterShip, or Google Sheets.
- What outcomes matter most? Define what success looks like—better reporting, fewer stockouts, faster fulfillment—so you don’t get distracted by features that don’t actually move the needle.
- Can it grow with you? Some tools cap orders, users, or SKUs. Make sure you can upgrade easily without losing data or disrupting your team’s workflows.
- How will it fit your current process? The best software fits your existing systems—or improves them without a painful learning curve. Avoid tools that require you to overhaul your entire workflow from day one.
Free inventory software can offer serious value—but only if it actually fits the way you do business now, and supports where you’re headed next.
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.
- 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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