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The Top Free Inventory Software for Small Businesses

Before the barrage of words and information, here’s a quick and simple list of our top picks for free inventory management software with their ideal use cases.

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.

Comparing Our Top Free Inventory Management Software Picks

Here’s the part where we compare tools by pricing, trial info, and best for use cases. It may be counterintuitive to see a pricing comparison in this roundup, but this accounts for each option’s basic plan.

The 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.

Best for CPG businesses

  • Free plan available
  • From $199/month
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Rating: 5/5

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

July 27 2025
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.

Best for small manufacturers

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $49/user/month
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Rating: 4.3/5

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

November 9 2025
MRPeasy Adds Unattended Operations for Passive Processing

MRPeasy adds support for unattended operations, allowing passive processing for steps like drying, cooling, or quarantine that don’t require active supervision. This helps manufacturers reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency. For more information, visit MRPeasy's official site.

Best for automated inventory tracking

  • Unlimited free trial available
  • From $59/month
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Rating: 4.8/5

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

KORONA POS Enhances Reporting Tools for Better Tracking
KORONA POS adds a time column to the Cancellation Report for better audit tracking.
November 2 2025
KORONA POS Enhances Reporting Tools for Better Tracking

KORONA POS has updated its reporting tools with new grouping, columns, and time-tracking features to improve data visibility across discounts, stock, and cancellations. For more information, visit KORONA POS's official site.

Best for small business inventory + POS in one

  • Free account available; only pay on transactions
  • From 1.58% + 6¢ per transaction plus hardware costs
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Rating: 4.4/5

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

Best free inventory management software for manufacturing

  • Free demo available
  • From $45/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

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

  • Free plan available
  • From $29 per organization/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.3/5

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

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $149/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

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

Best free inventory management software for ease of use

  • Free trial available
  • From $0/month

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

Best free open source inventory management software

  • 15-day free trial
  • From $31/user/month

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

Best free inventory management software for customization

  • Free to use

PartKeepr is an open-source inventory management system that helps you keep track of your stock and orders via a completely customizable solution. PartKeepr allows businesses to track their inventory items easily and quickly by creating an inventory database with images, descriptions, and custom fields.

Why I Picked PartKeepr: PartKeepr is highly customizable, so you can include or exclude as many fields as you want in your product descriptions. You can also create custom data fields for every item and then include those fields in your search. The platform’s search functionality is very good and it enables you to sort and filter products by any field. Plus, PartKeepr is open-source software, meaning that the software code is available for free and can be modified to fit the specific needs of businesses with some coding knowledge. 

PartKeepr supports businesses with multiple locations, allowing them to track inventory levels across multiple warehouses or stores. The software supports barcode scanning, making it easy to update inventory levels and track items in real-time. The software generates reports and provides analytics to help businesses make data-driven decisions. Businesses can track sales, inventory levels, and order history to identify trends and make informed decisions.

PartKeepr Standout Features & Integrations 

Features worth checking out include multi-location support—PartKeepr supports businesses with multiple locations, allowing them to track inventory levels across multiple warehouses or stores. Plus, PartKeepr allows businesses to set user permissions and restrict access to sensitive inventory data.

Integrations are limited. PartKeepr doesn’t offer native integrations, but you can customize it to integrate with many popular ecommerce solutions if you know how to code.

What's Free: PartKeepr is open-source and completely free.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • Great mobile app
  • Open source software

Cons:

  • Limited integration options
  • Limited customer support options

Best free inventory management software for a range of features

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $9/month

SalesBinder is an easy-to-use inventory management software that has a generous free-forever version. The web-based platform has a nice interface that’s easy to navigate and helps you keep your stock organized. 

Why I Picked SalesBinder: SalesBinder offers a lot of great functionalities, such as a CRM, unlimited locations, invoicing, estimates, shipment tracking, barcoding, sales orders, purchase orders, reports, and an iOS inventory app. You can mix-and-match systems to build the inventory management platform that's right for your needs. 

SalesBinder also includes features for managing sales orders, allowing businesses to track order history, create invoices, and manage customer information—all in one software solution. 

SalesBinder Standout Features & Limitations

Features include detailed vendor management, letting to track vendor proifles and inventory coming from or going to each one. This supports their general focus on customer relationship management as it's tied to inventory management. SalesBinder blends customer data, analyitcs, and communications with inventory tracking, shipping, and control.

Integrations include Xero, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Commerce, and more via a paid plan with Zapier. However, none of these integrations are available for the free version.

What's Free: SalesBinder is free for one user and up to 100 inventory records.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customer data management tools
  • Purchasing and vendor management
  • Multi-location support

Cons:

  • Only 100 active records
  • Integrations only on paid plans

Best free inventory management software on-premise solution

  • Free to use

ABC Inventory is an on-premise inventory system that helps you with order management, procurement management, and inventory management. ABC Inventory does not limit the number of records you can store in its database, so you can manage large inventories with it.

Why I Picked ABC Inventory: ABC Inventory can track items across multiple warehouses, which is a feature many free solutions don’t offer (and even some paid ones). In addition, the platform also offers a kitting functionality, enabling you to sell multiple items as part of a set or kit. 

ABC Inventory stands out from other free solutions because it includes some features you would normally find in paid apps, such as multiple currencies support, warehouse and stock movement logs, or automatic creation of serial and lot numbers. Currency rates also auto-update according to most recent conversion rate data.

ABC Inventory Standout Features & Integrations 

Features worth noting include detailed purchase order document generation with purchase orders for inventory and fixed assets; receiving inventory and fixed assets against purchase orders; automatic purchase order generation based on historical data; quick price quotation based on purchasing history; and a supplier database with suspension and probation warning flags. 

Integrations are limited. ABC Inventory does not integrate with any other software in your technology stack, so you can’t sync your inventory data in your favorite ecommerce platform or create reports for every sales channel.

What's Free: ABC Inventory is completely free for unlimited records.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Desktop download for more security
  • Unlimited product records
  • Feature-rich free plan

Cons:

  • Not ecommerce specific
  • No integrations

Best free inventory management software for unlimited items

  • Free to use

Stockpile is an online inventory management software for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The platform helps you manage the stock level of inventory items across different locations and enables you to create multiple users with various permission levels. 

Why I Picked Stockpile: Stockpile makes it easy to add inventory, keep track of sales, and handle returns or damaged goods. Built-in return handling is something not every inventory management system offers, so it's worthy of highlighting. Stockpile also has no stock item limitations, letting you upload as many products and variations as you need as you grow. You'll have access to multiple locations, physical areas/shelves, manufacturers, and preferences on one account. 

Stockpile Standout Features & Integrations 

Features worthy of consideration that weren't mentioned above include their comprehensive reporting tool, helping you gain valuable insights into inventory turnover. Stockpile is designed to be super easy to use, offering multiple tutorials so you can learn how to use all of its functionalities, and offers free support for all users. Stockpile supports multiple currencies and allows you to process and record sales. You can set up custom notifications for low stock levels.

Integrations are not listed on their site. 

What's Free: Stockpile is completely free for unlimited inventory items, users, and locations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Unlimited users
  • Unlimited inventory
  • Responsive customer service

Cons:

  • Feature-lite compared to others
  • Not updated frequently

Best free inventory management software for add-ons marketplace

  • Free to use

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

Best for streamlining shipping and inventory management for efficient ecommerce operations

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $0/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

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 for real-time inventory tracking

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

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

Best for multiple sales channels

  • Free demo available
  • From $349/month
Visit Website
Rating: 3.8/5

Cin7 Core is an inventory management software that helps you have an automated, efficient and traceable inventory lifecycle. By focusing on inventory management as its core functionality, Cin7 Core ensures that businesses can effectively track, monitor, and control their inventory levels, leading to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.

Why I chose Cin7 Core: This software simplifies inventory management through its user-friendly interface and automation features. It simplifies the process of tracking stock levels, managing orders, and coordinating across multiple sales channels. Plus, you can have real-time visibility of inventory levels via desktop or the mobile app.

Cin7Core particularly stood out to me because it provides connected inventory management, automated workflows, and integrations with 3PL and EDI systems. The system also offers additional tools such as point of sale, B2B portals, and robust reporting, providing a complete solution for businesses. The B2B portals will free your team from manual order entry and error resolution

Cin7 Core standout features and integrations

Standout features include robust reporting and analytics, allowing businesses to generate custom reports, track KPIs, and gain insights for data-driven decisions. The platform streamlines operations by handling purchase orders, storage, production, multi-channel sales, fulfillment, and returns—all from a single platform. Additionally, its B2B portals reduce manual order entry and error resolution, freeing up team resources.

Integrations include accounting software and platforms like Shopify, QuickBooks, Amazon, and Xero. Developer APIs enable businesses to build custom integrations, while integrations with 3PL and EDI systems support scaling operations as needed.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tracks lot/batch expirations and recalls
  • Automation for repetitive tasks
  • Support for multiple locations

Cons:

  • Has a bit of a learning curve
  • Limited integrations

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.

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. For businesses ready to explore open source inventory management solutions, there are even more powerful options available.

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 yourselfWhat to look forWhy it matters
What’s my biggest headache?Real-time tracking, automation, alertsSolves your actual pain points first
Who needs to use this thing?Clean interface, mobile access, rolesKeeps 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 setupFocus on what moves the needle
Will it scale as I grow?Easy upgrades, no data loss, flexibilityFuture-proofs your operations
Will it work with my current process?Minimal learning curve, smart workflowsNo 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.

  • 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 TypeAverage PriceCommon Features IncludedBest For
Free$0Basic inventory tracking, manual stock updates, limited reports, community support.Startups or small businesses with minimal needs.
Basic$9 - $30/monthAutomated tracking, barcode scanning, multi-location support, basic order management, some integrations.Small businesses needing more automation.
Standard$30 - $100/monthAdvanced inventory management, multiple integrations (ecommerce, accounting), basic analytics, customer support.Growing businesses with multi-channel sales.
Premium$100 - $300/monthAdvanced 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.

Are there any hidden costs with the free plans?

Yes—most “free” plans hide a few surprises. You’ll see limits on users, orders, or features, and you might get nickel-and-dimed for integrations or extra support. As your operation outgrows the fine print, expect upgrade nudges. Watch for extra charges, especially if your business starts humming.

What limitations should I expect with the free versions?

You’ll run into caps—number of products tracked, users, and monthly orders. Advanced integrations, automated reordering, and detailed reporting typically stay locked in paid tiers.

Free is fine for launching, but if you’re serious about scaling, expect to level up sooner than you’d like.

Can I upgrade from a free plan without losing data?

Yes, in most cases. Good software won’t make you start over; your inventory, history, and settings should carry through when you pay up. Still, check the migration policy before you dive in—some platforms are smoother on paper than in practice.

Can free inventory management software integrate with Shopify or WooCommerce?

Some do—but expect fences. You’ll usually get a basic hookup with one sales channel, but syncing multiple storefronts or customizing integrations? That’s locked behind a paywall.

If your business depends on seamless ecommerce, check integration limits up front.

How secure is my data with free inventory management software?

Most reputable free tools use solid security—the basics like encryption and regular backups. Still, free tier users rarely get guarantees or priority support when things go sideways. If your data matters (it does), dig into privacy policies and ask about incident response before you trust a free plan.

Is customer support included with free inventory tools?

Sometimes, but don’t count on hand-holding. Free plans tend to steer you toward help docs and forums, not live agents. Quick, human help usually joins the party when you start paying. Decide how much triage time you can spare before you jump in.

How do I switch from spreadsheets to free inventory software?

Export your old data—CSV format keeps things simple. Most inventory apps let you import products and stock levels directly.

Set aside a couple hours for cleanup, double-check for errors, and keep your spreadsheet handy for rollback insurance. Upgrading’s less “flip the switch,” more “mind the gap and tie up loose ends.”

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.

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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Sean Flannigan
By Sean Flannigan

Sean is the Senior Editor for The Retail Exec. He's spent years getting acquainted with the retail space, from warehouse management and international shipping to web development and ecommerce marketing. A writer at heart (and in actuality), he brings a deep passion for great writing and storytelling to retail topics big and small.