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The best free inventory software depends on what you sell and how you manage it. Zoho Inventory is a strong starting point for low-volume ecommerce; Square suits small retailers that need point-of-sale (POS) inventory; and Odoo offers a deeper warehouse and ERP foundation if you can handle setup. For mobile asset tracking, consider Sortly; for bars and restaurants, compare Backbar and Loyverse.
“Free” can mean a permanent $0 plan, open-source software that you host and maintain, or a free tier with paid add-ons. A trial is not a free plan. This guide separates those models and highlights the limits that can turn a no-cost tool into a poor fit. Pricing and plan details were checked against the cited sources on August 16, 2026; availability, limits, and prices can change, and may vary by country.
Quick comparison
The table is a shortlist by use case, not a universal ranking. “Unknown—verify” means the available sources do not establish a current limit or capability. Check the vendor’s plan details for your country before entering business data.
| Product | Best for | Free model | Known free-plan limits or trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho Inventory | Low-volume ecommerce and order management | Permanent free plan | 50 orders/month, 1 user, 1 location; no item limit reported by current comparison coverage |
| Odoo Inventory | Warehouse workflows and ERP expansion | Free inventory configuration | Related apps, hosting, setup, and support may cost extra; complexity is substantial |
| Square | Retail POS and basic sales-linked stock | Free POS tier | Payment processing costs apply; deeper inventory tools may require a paid plan |
| Sortly | Mobile visual inventory and assets | Permanent free plan | 1 user, 100 items; alerts and integrations are not included on the free tier, according to comparison coverage |
| Stockpile by Canvus | Basic inventory records | Listed as free | Confirm current availability, maintenance, export, security, and exact limits before relying on it |
| Backbar | Bar and restaurant beverage inventory | Free plan reported | Deeper recipe costing and product-usage reporting may require paid upgrades |
| Loyverse | Small retail, cafe, or restaurant POS | Free POS and basic inventory; paid add-ons | Advanced Inventory is listed at $25/month per store, including purchase orders and valuation reports |
| Katana | Makers testing manufacturing workflows | Permanent free tier | 30-SKU cap; free tier described as suited to testing, sample catalogs, or light workflows |
| ERPNext | Technical teams seeking open-source ERP | Open-source, self-hosted option | Hosting, implementation, backups, updates, and support are not automatically free |
| ABC Inventory | Windows desktop inventory | Freeware candidate | Verify current compatibility, download, support, backup, and multi-user capabilities |
| OpenBoxes | Technical organizations managing warehouse or supply workflows | Open-source candidate | Deployment and maintenance require technical capacity; verify current documentation and support |
| Vertical POS option | Industry-specific point of sale | Not included as a confirmed free inventory plan | eHopper, Toast, or another option needs current geographic and plan verification; a free POS signup alone is not proof of free inventory |
Third-party comparison pages provide several of the plan details above; where a precise capability is not established, this guide does not assume it is included. See the vendor pages and current comparison coverage from NerdWallet and Fit Small Business for additional context.
#1 Best Overall
- Larger battery enables longer continuous usage and twice the stand-by time. With the unique battery indicator light showing the remaining battery level, no more Low Battery Anxiety.
- The curved handle is extended and widened. With specially designed smooth and flat trigger for a better grip.
- The orange anti shock silicone protective cover can prevent scratches and friction even when dropped from up to 6.56 feet. IP54 technology protects the wireless barcode scanner from dust.
- Plug and play with the USB receiver or the USB cable, no driver installation needed. Easy and quick to set up. Wireless transmission distance reaches up to 328 ft. in barrier free environment.
- Supports almost all 1D Barcodes: Febraban Bank Code, Codabar, Code 11, Code93, MSI, Code 128, EAN-128, Code 39, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, Industrial 25, Interleaved 25, Standard 25, Matrix. Reads damaged, fuzzy, reflective and smudged barcodes.
Which free inventory software fits your business?
- Online seller with modest order volume: Start with Zoho Inventory if 50 monthly orders, one user, and one location are enough.
- Physical retailer that needs a simple POS: Square is a practical starting point. Choose it for selling and basic stock visibility, not advanced warehouse control.
- Warehouse needing deeper controls: Consider Odoo if you can invest time in configuration and understand that a free inventory app is not the same as a free, implemented ERP.
- Tools, supplies, or equipment tracked by phone: Sortly emphasizes photos and mobile scanning, but its 100-item and one-user limits can be restrictive.
- Bar or restaurant: Compare Backbar’s hospitality-specific workflows with Loyverse’s POS. Prioritize recipe or drink costing, ingredient usage, and POS fit over a generic SKU count.
- Small maker testing production: Katana exposes broad functionality on its free tier, but 30 SKUs is a hard practical ceiling for many real catalogs.
- Open-source requirement: Compare ERPNext, Odoo, and OpenBoxes based on technical capacity, hosting, and implementation—not just license price.
- Simple asset list: Sortly or Stockpile may suit basic records better than a sales-oriented system, but confirm current limits and data export first.
1. Zoho Inventory: best for low-volume ecommerce
Free type: Permanent $0 plan. Best for: A small online seller, wholesaler, or business already using Zoho products.
Zoho’s US plan information lists a free tier at $0 per organization per month with 50 orders a month, one user, and one location. Current comparison coverage says there is no item limit and reports support for one Shopify store, Zoho Books and QuickBooks integrations, backorders, invoicing, shipping labels, and item bundling. Confirm which integrations and functions are included in your region and current plan before building a workflow around them. Zoho describes the product as covering inventory and order workflows, including warehouses and shipping. See the product page and free-plan overview.
Upgrade trigger: More than 50 monthly orders, a second user, or another location. The user and order caps are more likely to matter than catalog size for a growing seller. Avoid it if: You need a team to work in the system, operate several locations, or process more orders than the monthly cap.
2. Odoo Inventory: best for a warehouse or ERP foundation
Free type: Free inventory configuration, with potential costs for hosting and related applications. Best for: A business that wants warehouse workflows and may later build around an ERP.
Current comparison coverage describes Odoo’s qualifying free inventory setup as supporting unlimited users, products, locations, and transactions, with purchasing, forecasting, reporting, alerts, and automation among the reported strengths. “Unlimited” here should not be mistaken for a promise that the whole business system is free: accounting, invoicing, ecommerce, hosting, customizations, and implementation can change the total cost. See Odoo’s site for the current product and configuration details.
Odoo can be a better match than a lightweight app where locations and warehouse processes matter. The trade-off is setup and learning effort, and free configurations may offer limited support. Upgrade or budget trigger: Needing additional apps, professional implementation, hosted infrastructure, or support. Avoid it if: You want a quick, minimally configured stock list or cannot maintain an ERP-style system.
3. Square: best for retail POS inventory
Free type: Free POS tier; payment processing is a separate operating cost. Best for: A small retailer that wants product catalog and basic stock functions tied to sales.
Rank #2
- Plug and play, This laser handheld barcode scanner has simple installation with any USB port and Ideal for businesses, shops and warehouse operations. Its function is unbeatable and easy to use, design is stylish
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux; works with Word, Excel, Novell, and all common software
- Scanning Speed: 200 scans per second. Scanning angle: Inclination angle 55°, Elevation angle 65°. Operational Light Source:Visible Laser 650-670nm.
- Decode Capability: Code11, Code39, Code93, Code32, Code128, Coda Bar, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, ISBN/ISSN, JAN.EAN/UPC Add-on2/5 MSI/Plessey, Telepen and China Postal Code,Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, etc ; 300 configurable options for prefix, suffix and termination strings, support turn on/off the beep.
- Color: Black. Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.6 x 6.1 inches. Type of Cable: 2M or 6ft straight cable. Shock: 1.5m drop on concrete surface. Regulatory Approvals: FCC CE.
Square’s free POS includes catalog features and low-stock alerts, according to current comparison coverage. It is useful when the core need is to sell items and keep an eye on stock. More operational capabilities—such as inventory reports, stock counts, purchase orders, and bundles—may require paid plans. Square’s retail POS page outlines its product offering.
Upgrade trigger: Needing advanced stocktaking, purchasing, reporting, or other paid POS features. Even if the software subscription is $0, payment-processing fees still affect the cost of selling. Avoid it if: You need robust warehouse controls, manufacturing, detailed component tracking, or complex multi-location replenishment.
4. Sortly: best for visual, mobile inventory
Free type: Permanent free tier. Best for: Equipment, tools, supplies, and simple stock where photos and smartphone scanning are useful.
Current comparison coverage reports that Sortly’s free plan includes one user, 100 items, unlimited transactions and locations, mobile apps, barcode and QR scanning, photos, notes, folders, tags, and basic reports. It also reports that low-stock alerts and integrations are not included on the free tier, and some barcode-generation functions are restricted. Check the current pricing page for the exact plan in your region.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Sortly’s visual, mobile-first approach can help identify and locate an item, but it is not a substitute for ecommerce order management or manufacturing controls. Upgrade trigger: More than 100 items or a second user, or needing alerts and integrations. Avoid it if: Your central workflow is purchase orders, multichannel sales, accounting synchronization, or production planning.
5. Stockpile by Canvus: a simple tracker to verify first
Free type: Listed by current comparison coverage as a free tracker. Best for: A basic inventory list where the business does not need advanced integrations or controls.
NerdWallet currently lists Stockpile as free with unlimited items and users. However, the available product information does not establish current support, export options, security practices, or whether all those limits remain in force. Start at Stockpile’s site and verify that it is available and suitable before entering important records.
Rank #3
- Continuous Usage All Day: The EY-H2 USB barcode scanner is designed to always be ready for the next scan, which significantly reduces downtime and repair costs; it shortens checkout lines, improves customer service, and boosts business productivity
- Plug and Play: Eyoyo wired barcode scanner is connected via a USB cable, with no need to install any driver or software; It offers effortless connection and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux; Seamlessly works with Quickbook, Word, Excel, Novell, and all common software
- Supports Multiple 1D/2D Barcodes: Eyoyo QR code scanner scan with most 1D 2D barcodes with ease; 1D Barcodes: EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, UCC/EAN 128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, ITF-6, ITF-14, ISBN, ISSN, MSI-Plessey, GS1 Databar, Code 11, Industrial 25, Matrix 2 of 5, etc. 2D Barcodes: QR, DataMatrix, PDF417, and so on
- Supports Screen Scanning: The Eyoyo 2D scanner is capable of reading barcodes from smartphone screens, such as mobile coupons, digital wallets, and digital loyalty cards; Before scanning, simply turn your screen brightness to the maximum
- Sturdy Anti-Shock and Durable Design: The Eyoyo 2D barcode scanner features an ergonomic design made of high-quality ABS, enabling it to withstand repeated drops from 5 ft/1.5 m high onto the concrete ground; The durable plastic material ensures a long service life
Upgrade or exit trigger: If you cannot confirm support, reliable export and backups, or a clear record of stock adjustments, use a system with documented controls instead. Avoid it if: Inventory accuracy is business-critical and you need traceable changes, integrations, or a supported migration path.
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6. Backbar: best free starting point for bars and restaurants
Free type: Free plan reported by current comparison coverage; paid upgrades available. Best for: Beverage programs and hospitality inventory.
Backbar is built for bars and restaurants rather than general warehousing. Reported free features include order reminders, inventory summary reporting, POS integrations, drink-costing tools, unlimited users, and iOS and Android apps. Recipe costing and deeper product-usage reporting may require paid upgrades. Check the current Backbar pricing page for the plan’s exact inclusions.
For hospitality, the important question is whether the system can connect sales to ingredient usage and help you understand costs—not simply how many products it can store. Upgrade trigger: Needing deeper recipe costing, usage analysis, or other paid reporting. Avoid it if: You need general warehouse picking, manufacturing work orders, or a broad inventory system for unrelated product lines.
7. Loyverse: best free POS with basic inventory
Free type: Free core POS and dashboard with paid add-ons. Best for: Small retailers, cafes, restaurants, and bars that want a POS with basic stock functions.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallLoyverse lists its POS, dashboard, and several core components as free. Advanced Inventory is a separate paid add-on, listed at $25 per month per store in pricing checked August 16, 2026. It includes features such as purchase orders and inventory valuation reports; other paid add-ons include employee management and expanded sales history. See Loyverse pricing and its inventory feature overview.
The free tier is best understood as POS-linked basic inventory, not a full free warehouse-management system. Upgrade trigger: Needing purchase orders, valuation reports, or other functions in Advanced Inventory. Avoid it if: Those advanced functions are essential but you cannot budget for the per-store add-on.
Rank #4
- Widely Compatible: Bluetooth Barcode Scanner for iPhone iPad Android Tablet PC, Support HID / SPP / BLE mode via bluetooth, Work with Windows XP/7/8/10, Mac OS, Windows Mobile, Android OS, iOS, Linux.
- Strong Recognition Ability: With the 2500 pixels high-resolution CCD sensor Engine, Rapidly decodes all 1D and stacked barcodes (including ISBN book), even worn, damaged or tightly spaced codes. Scan 1D codes directly from paper or screen, such as a computer monitor, smartphone, or tablet, or scan through glass surfaces, plastic shrink wrap, a CCD scanner is likely the best way to go.
- Automatic Scanning: NT-1228bc barcode scanner have three scanning modes: manual trigger mode, continuous scanning mode and auto-sensing scanning mode. In addition, there is a storage mode. Storage mode can be used when you are out of range of Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. Supports storage of up to 100,000 barcodes. Note: Before use, you need to scan the corresponding setting barcode on the manual.
- 2600mAh Battery Upgraded: Continuous scanning up to 200,000 times on a full charge. After a full charge the scanner can be used for one month at least, even in warehouses and at pos checkout counters where scanners are frequently used. In libraries and hospitals it can be used even longer.
- Programmable Configuration: Add custom prefixes/ suffixes, delete characters, Add keyboard keys/ combinations (terminator TAB, CR&LF, Home etc.), Enable or disable the barcode type as you want. Buzzer can be set to mute to allow for a quiet operation.(Note: It does not work with square POS / Divalto / DoorDash / Lightspeed POS system)
8. Katana: best manufacturing test tier, not a broad free production system
Free type: Permanent free tier with a narrow SKU cap. Best for: Makers who want to explore manufacturing workflows using a small sample catalog.
Katana’s pricing page lists up to 30 SKUs, unlimited users, integrations, and locations, plus API access and broad feature access. The free plan does not require a credit card, and the vendor describes it as appropriate for testing, sample catalogs, or lightweight workflows. Its ecommerce integration on the free tier is currently limited to Shopify, and users who exceed 30 SKUs after the grace period must reduce the catalog or discuss an upgrade. The Core plan is listed from $299 per month. These details are from Katana’s pricing page, checked August 16, 2026.
The 30-SKU cap—not the number of users or locations—is the key constraint. A manufacturer should also verify that its required bill of materials, component deductions, variants, and production steps work in the chosen plan before depending on it. Upgrade trigger: A catalog larger than 30 SKUs or production needs beyond a lightweight workflow. Avoid it if: You need a free system for an established catalog or cannot absorb the substantial listed starting price of the paid Core plan.
9. ERPNext: open-source ERP for technically capable teams
Free type: Open-source, self-hosted software option. Best for: Organizations that can operate an ERP and want inventory within a broader system.
ERPNext belongs in a different comparison category from a hosted $0 plan: a software license may cost nothing, but the business still needs infrastructure, backups, updates, implementation, security work, and support. Start with ERPNext’s product site and its GitHub repository to assess deployment and project information.
Budget trigger: Any need for paid hosting, consulting, customization, maintenance, or support. Include staff time in the cost comparison as well as hosting charges. Avoid it if: You need a turnkey cloud app and do not have technical capacity or a support plan.
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Free type: Freeware candidate; verify current status. Best for: A Windows-based operation that can work with desktop software and does not depend on modern cloud collaboration.
Best Value
- CCD Image Scanning Technology - NetumScan 1D barcode reader is equiped with advanced CCD sensor, which can quick capture 1D codes from paper and screen, including CODE128, UPC/EAN Add on 2 or 5, that can read even deformed barcodes, i.e. smudged, damaged, fuzzy, reflective barcodes, etc. Reading faster and more accurate than laser scanner.
- Sturdy Anti-shock and Durable Design - Ergonomic design with high-quality ABS making it can support withstand repeated drops from 2m high to the concrete ground, durable to use. Durable plastic material guarantees long service life.
- Three scanning mode - Key trigger mode + Auto-induction mode + Continuous Mode. There is no need to pull the trigger in auto-sensing mode and continuous scanning. Sometimes the self-sensing scanning function is in the inactive stage, please contact us and be at your service at any time.
- Supported 1D Bar Code - 1D Decode Capability: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, ISSN, ISBN, Code 128, GS1-128, Code39, Code93,Code32, Code11, UCC/EAN128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Codabar(NW-7), MSI, Plessey, RSS, China Post, etc.
- Widely Use Range - This NetumScan Handheld USB barcode scanner can be used in supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouse, library, bookstore, drugstore, retail shop for file management, inventory tracking and POS(point of sale), etc.
ABC Inventory is a long-standing desktop inventory option, but current compatibility, download availability, support, security updates, database behavior, barcode capability, and multi-user access need confirmation. Review ABC Inventory’s site and test with sample data before moving live records.
Upgrade or exit trigger: Needing remote team access, dependable vendor support, cloud backups, or integrations. Avoid it if: Several locations or staff need real-time shared stock, or the business cannot manage its own backup and recovery process.
11. OpenBoxes: open-source warehouse management for capable teams
Free type: Open-source candidate; deployment and maintenance are separate costs. Best for: Organizations that need warehouse or supply-chain workflows and have technical implementation capacity.
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Budget trigger: Hosting, implementation, maintenance, integrations, or specialist support. Avoid it if: You need a polished, immediately usable app without a technical operator.
12. Vertical POS alternatives: verify the inventory plan before signing up
Free type: No additional product is confirmed here as a permanent $0 inventory plan. Best for: Businesses whose industry-specific POS workflow matters more than having a generic inventory app.
eHopper, Toast, Shopify, or a restaurant-focused product may be worth investigating, but a free account, POS app, or trial does not prove that usable inventory features remain free in your country. Check the official eHopper pricing page or the relevant vendor’s current plan. Confirm that stock tracking itself—not just the checkout system—is included, and check payment-processing requirements, add-ons, and the end date of any trial.
Upgrade trigger: Inventory functionality gated behind a paid plan, required processing arrangement, or trial expiration. Avoid it if: The vendor cannot clearly state what inventory functions are included at $0 on an ongoing basis.
What “free inventory software” actually means
| Model | What you pay | Examples here | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent free plan | No recurring software subscription within stated limits | Zoho Inventory, Sortly; Backbar is reported to offer a free plan | Users, orders, items, locations, integrations, reports, and upgrade triggers |
| Free POS with inventory | Software may be $0, but payment processing and paid add-ons can apply | Square, Loyverse | Whether inventory is basic sales-linked stock or includes purchasing, counts, valuation, and reporting |
| Free tier with a hard ceiling | No subscription under a defined cap | Katana | Whether the cap is realistic for your catalog and what happens when you exceed it |
| Open-source/self-hosted | Potentially $0 license; infrastructure and labor remain | ERPNext, OpenBoxes; Odoo can involve additional hosting and apps | Hosting, security updates, backups, setup, customization, and support ownership |
| Freeware desktop | Potentially no software subscription | ABC Inventory candidate | Compatibility, collaboration, backup, support, and maintenance status |
| Free trial only | Subscription after trial, unless canceled | Not counted as a free plan here | Trial length, credit card requirement, cancellation date, and export access |
Do not count a product as “free inventory software” merely because it has a free POS account or trial. For example, SalesBinder’s current pricing page shows paid plans beginning at $9 per month and a 30-day trial; older coverage that labels it permanently free does not match that current offer.
How to choose—and avoid a costly switch later
- Write down the actual workflow. List whether you need to receive purchase orders, count stock, transfer between locations, pick and ship orders, deduct ingredients or kit components, or simply check equipment in and out. A product catalog alone is not full inventory control.
- Count the limits that affect you. Estimate users, SKUs including variants, locations, monthly orders, sales channels, and the transaction history you must retain. Zoho’s 50-order cap and Katana’s 30-SKU cap are obvious decision points; a nominally unlimited item count does not offset a one-user restriction.
- Separate sales-linked stock from operational control. Square and Loyverse can suit a store that sells through a POS. If you need purchase orders, cycle counts, valuation, bins, or warehouse permissions, verify those exact functions rather than assuming every POS catalog provides them free.
- Check channel synchronization. Ecommerce sellers should confirm which stores connect, how quickly quantities update, and how cancellations, returns, bundles, and partial shipments affect stock. Delayed synchronization can cause overselling even when a plan advertises integrations.
- Test the awkward cases before going live. Use sample records for variants, returns, damaged items, bundled products, transfers, and offline scanning if relevant. Check whether kits decrement components and whether manual adjustments create an audit trail.
- Review who can change stock. A shared login obscures responsibility. Confirm roles, permissions, and change history, particularly when multiple employees handle receiving and counting.
- Test export and recovery. Export a sample catalog and transaction history, confirm the format is usable, and establish a backup routine. A free plan is a poor bargain if you cannot retrieve your records when you leave.
- Calculate total cost, not just subscription. Include payment-processing fees, paid add-ons, hosting, implementation, staff time, and support. For self-hosted software, assign responsibility for updates and backups before relying on it.
Common reasons a free inventory setup fails
- Variants are collapsed into one product: Track each sellable size, color, or configuration with a distinct SKU where the workflow requires it.
- Returns and cancellations do not restore stock correctly: Test how each status affects available quantity before connecting sales channels.
- Bundles do not deduct components: Confirm kit behavior rather than assuming a bundle is treated as a bill of materials.
- Locations show stock that cannot be sold: Distinguish physical on-hand quantity from available-to-promise stock, and verify transfers and reservations.
- No audit history: Without a record of manual adjustments, it is harder to find the source of discrepancies.
- Offline scans sync late or twice: Test mobile and offline behavior and reconcile counts after reconnecting.
- Accounting valuation diverges: Inventory counts and cost-of-goods-sold reporting are not interchangeable; reconcile them with accounting records.
- No export or backup procedure: Set a routine before the system becomes the only copy of inventory data.
Bottom line
There is no single best free inventory system for every business. For low-volume ecommerce, Zoho’s free plan is attractive if 50 orders a month, one user, and one location are enough. Square is a reasonable retail POS starting point, while Sortly is more suitable for visual mobile tracking. Hospitality businesses should compare Backbar with Loyverse and check which costing and purchasing features are genuinely free. For manufacturing, treat Katana’s free plan as a tightly capped test tier. Odoo, ERPNext, and OpenBoxes may offer more depth, but free software does not remove setup, hosting, or maintenance costs.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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