Axelor vs Odoo: which open source ERP should you choose for your SME or ETI?
Odoo and Axelor don't play in the ultra-complex, expensive and inflexible ERP league. These two open source solutions are shaking things up by offering modular, accessible and, above all, customizable business management. But between the well-established Belgian giant and the up-and-coming French alternative, which ERP tool should you choose to manage your business with agility?
👉 We've broken down for you their key functionalities, pricing, interface, management modules (stock, CRM, accounting, HR, etc.), and above all their real-life use cases. In short, everything you need to avoid choosing the wrong solution... and wasting time, resources and data.
What is Axelor?
Axelor overview
Axelor is the agile challenger to open source ERPs. Developed in France, this modular management software is aimed at companies who want a flexible solution, without falling into the trap of gas factories. Its great strength? A low-code framework that lets you create customized applications without coding everything by hand... ideal for SMEs, ETIs or startups looking for performance and customization.
Axelor combines three dimensions: ERP, CRM and BPM (Business Process Management) platform. The result: a single tool to manage all business processes, from inventory and accounting to invoicing, purchasing and human resources management.
Designed to be modular and scalable, it adapts to the specific needs of each company. In terms of technology, we're talking full web, open source, with a Java base (Spring, PostgreSQL, etc.) and a modern interface.
Axelor's key features
Before getting into the functional comparison, let's take a look at Axelor's native features. There are no superfluous functionalities here: the logic is modular, and each company can activate only the bricks it needs. Axelor offers over 30 modules covering all business management needs.
⚒️ Here are Axelor's key functionalities:
- Complete ERP: management of purchasing, sales, inventory, production, projects, contracts, etc. ;
- integrated CRM: customer follow-up, lead and opportunity management, sales tunnel;
- accounting: general accounting, cost accounting, third-party accounting, fixed assets, lettering;
- human resources management: leave tracking, timesheets, expense reports, pay slips;
- invoicing and estimates: automated creation of estimates, invoices, customer reminders;
- project management: tasks, planning, Gantt, milestones, cost management;
- BPM & low-code: create customized workflows and applications without advanced technical skills.
Axelor
Advantages and disadvantages of Axelor
Before plunging headlong into the integration of a tool, it's best to know the strengths and limitations of the solution. Even if Axelor's flexibility and low-code approach make it appealing, it's not without its shortcomings... and it's often these little details that swing a decision.
✅ Axelor has not stolen its reputation as a "smart and flexible" solution. Here's what user reviews and product tests have to say:
- extreme modularity: you activate only the modules you need to run your business;
- modern interface: fluid, responsive, pleasant to use on a daily basis;
- open source and free community version: perfect for SMEs on a tight budget;
- powerful BPM engine: automate processes without coding;
- extensive customization: low-code approach makes it easy to model business applications;
- hosted wherever you want: on-premise or cloud, the choice is yours;
- made in France: responsive support, clear documentation, compliance with European standards.
❌ But every medal has its downside. Here are the potential brakes to consider before taking the plunge:
- smaller community than Odoo: fewer extensions, fewer partners ;
- initial learning curve a little steep for the uninitiated ;
- fewer native integrations than Odoo or more mature ERPs;
- community version limited in support and some advanced functions;
- technical installation: requires in-house skills or a service provider for optimal implementation.
What is Odoo?
Odoo overview
Odoo is a bit like the heavyweight of open source ERP, but without the heaviness. Originating in Belgium, this software has established itself as one of the most complete solutions on the market, equally well suited to VSEs, SMEs, ETIs... and even large corporations. It combines a robust ERP, a high-performance CRM and a panoply of business applications covering the entire company management cycle.
The promise? An intuitive interface, modules that can be activated à la carte, and an "all-in-one" logic that avoids the multiplication of tools. Odoo adapts to all sizes of organization and all budgets.
Its rich ecosystem, active community and application marketplace make it an ultra-flexible ERP, capable of integrating with almost any existing system.
Key Odoo features
Before getting into the Odoo vs. Axelor duel, let's take a look at the functional panorama of this behemoth. With over 40 native modules and thousands of extensions via the Odoo App Store, this software alone can cover almost all the needs of a modern business.
⚒️ Odoo's key functionalities include
- Complete ERP: management of purchasing, sales, inventory, production, logistics ;
- advanced CRM: visual pipeline, automated customer follow-up, integrated email marketing ;
- invoicing and accounting: quotes, invoices, payments, bank synchronization, automatic reconciliation;
- HR management: timesheets, leave, expense reports, payroll (Enterprise version);
- projects and tasks: kanban, Gantt, planning, time tracking, collaboration;
- website and e-commerce: integrated CMS, online store, payment gateways;
- marketing automation: emailing, SMS, campaigns, forms, tracking.
Odoo
Advantages and disadvantages of Odoo
Odoo is as seductive as it is questioning: its rich catalog of modules may impress, but you have to know where to put your feet. We take a look at what makes Odoo such a powerful tool... and what can put some users off.
✅ Odoo has built its reputation on its flexibility, broad functional coverage and fluid user experience. Here's what's often mentioned in customer reviews:
- modern, intuitive interface: designed for non-technical users ;
- complete modularity: add functionality as you grow;
- comprehensive community version for a free tool;
- rich ecosystem: thousands of modules available in the Odoo App Store;
- active community and certified partners worldwide;
- excellent connectivity: numerous integrations with third-party tools;
- frequent updates: Odoo evolves quickly and well.
❌ But despite its qualities, Odoo isn't a magic wand. Here are a few points of attention raised by users:
- costly Enterprise version for fast-growing companies ;
- some advanced functions absent from the Community version;
- parameterization can be complex if you go off the beaten track;
- dependence on the Odoo ecosystem (modules, partners, app store);
- can become cumbersome if poorly dimensioned (particularly in terms of performance).
Axelor vs Odoo: compare features
| Functionality | Axelor | Odoo |
| General ERP | Modular, open source | Very complete, open source |
| CRM | Integrated, customizable | Powerful, highly visual |
| Project management | Tasks, Gantt, milestones | Kanban, Gantt, time tracking |
| Accounting and billing | Standard French, solid | Advanced, connected banking |
| Human Resources (HR) | HR tracking, leave, basic payroll | HR + payroll modules (Enterprise) |
| Inventory management | Multi-warehouse, traceability | Logistics, automation |
| Customization | Low-code, powerful BPM engine | App store + studio (Enterprise) |
| Marketplace / third-party apps | ❌ Limited | Odoo App Store |
| User interface | Modern, clear | Very fluid, polished UX |
| APIs and integrations | REST API, open documentation | API + numerous connectors |
Focus on inventory management
Axelor offers multi-warehouse management, with :
- batch and serial number traceability,
- production integration,
- and multi-unit support.
It's solid, well thought-out, but sometimes requires a bit of configuration to shine.
Odoo takes things up a notch with advanced flow logic:
- cross-docking,
- automated picking,
- intelligent replenishment,
- barcodes,
- integration with carriers...
All in a fluid interface. On this point, Odoo takes the advantage for structures with advanced logistics needs.
💡 Verdict: Odoo for companies with strong logistics activity. Axelor for classic but customizable needs.
Focus on accounting and invoicing
Axelor offers complete accounting:
- compliant with French standards: journal, lettering, VAT, fixed assets, balance sheet ;
- you can also generate quotes, invoices and manage reminders.
Solid, but a little austere.
Odoo shines in its fluidity of use:
- quotes become invoices with a single click,
- payments are tracked in real time,
- and bank connections automate many actions,
- reports are clear,
- navigation is simple, even for non-accountants.
💡 Verdict: equal if you stay with the free version, but Odoo takes the cake with its Enterprise version.
Focus on CRM
Axelor offers a functional CRM, customizable via its low-code engine, with :
- lead management,
- sales cycles,
- forecasting.
Perfect for long or complex B2B sales cycles, especially if you need to adapt fields or processes.
Odoo focuses on ergonomics:
- Kanban pipeline,
- automation (reminders, scoring, tasks),
- direct integration with emailing
- and marketing automation.
Less customizable, but ultra-efficient in use.
💡 Verdict: Axelor if you have specific needs. Odoo if you want to go fast, well, no questions asked.
Focus on project management
Axelor offers a fairly standard project management module:
- task creation,
- milestones,
- Gantt chart,
- time and cost tracking.
Links with CRM or invoicing are possible, but not native.
Odoo's logic is highly integrated:
- tasks can be invoiced automatically,
- time is tracked precisely,
- Kanban mode makes the tool visual.
We can even connect project management with HR or sales.
💡 Verdict: Odoo for smoother, more connected management. Axelor remains functional but a little more rigid.
Focus on human resources
Axelor offers decent HR management:
- leave management,
- expense reports,
- time sheets,
- employee files.
A basic payroll module is available, but remains limited compared to dedicated solutions.
Odoo, on the other hand, offers a wider range of HR functions:
- appraisal management,
- recruitment
- payroll (in certain countries),
- automated validations.
The interface is simple, but powerful.
💡 Verdict: Odoo has the edge for advanced HR management. Axelor remains sufficient for SMEs in the structuring phase.
Axelor vs Odoo: compare prices
| Plan | Axelor | Odoo |
| Free | " Community:
|
A free Odoo app, among :
|
| Professional Plan | " Pro- from €35/user/month :
|
" Standard- from €19.90 / month :
|
| Enterprise Plan | " Enterprise- from €55/user/month :
|
" Customized- from €29.90 / month :
|
Axelor vs Odoo: which interface is more intuitive?
| Criterion | Axelor | Odoo |
| General ergonomics | Modern, structured, clear | Very fluid, intuitive, visual |
| Navigation | Side menu + quick search | Modular interface, quick access |
| Customization | Fields, views, apps via low-code | Odoo Studio (Enterprise) |
| Mobile accessibility | Responsive, dedicated mobile apps | Native mobile application |
| Learning curve | ⚠️ Slightly more technical | Very accessible from day one |
| Dark mode / Advanced UX | ❌ Not native | Modern UI, frequent improvements |
Axelor offers a fully responsive web interface, with good structuring of information. Menus are clear, screens well laid out, and views customizable by role.
But beware: the low-code / BPM approach can make the experience a little technical at first. It can take several days to fully understand the logic behind workflows or dynamic forms.
👉 Recommended for: users who like to retain control and customize in depth.
Odoo puts the emphasis on ergonomics: everything is designed so that any employee can be autonomous in just a few hours. Modules have a consistent visual logic, filters and menus are well integrated, and the experience is the same on mobile and desktop.
👉 Recommended for: operational teams who want to move fast without time-consuming training.
Axelor vs Odoo: compare integrations
The more easily an ERP can be integrated with your CRM, accounting, invoicing or HR management tools, the more central it becomes to your information system. For CIOs, CTOs or even SMEs who want to save time without complexity, the richness of the integration catalog, ease of configuration and automation power are major criteria.
👉 Number of available integrations
- Axelor: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Axelor offers a limited set of native integrations, but a well-documented REST API enables custom connectors to be built. There are a few integrations with classic solutions (Google Workspace, Outlook, LDAP, SSO...), but no public marketplace or community module ecosystem as extensive as Odoo.
- Odoo: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 10,000 applications available via the Odoo App Store, with connectors for Salesforce, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify, Prestashop, Zapier, Google Drive, Outlook, Amazon, etc. Ready-to-use integrations, often without code. The ecosystem is one of the richest on the open source ERP market.
👉 Ease of configuration
- Axelor: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
The administration interface lets you connect certain standard services, but as soon as you step outside the box, you have to go through the API or through development (Java, XML, BPM). We're a long way from plug & play. That said, integrators can build solid connectors provided they have the skills in-house.
- Odoo: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Many integrations are turnkey, especially in the SaaS version. Parameterization remains simple for most third-party apps. Community modules can sometimes be poorly maintained, but Odoo Studio (in the Enterprise version) lets you adapt workflows without coding.
👉 Customization and automation
- Axelor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
This is where Axelor flexes its muscles: its BPM engine and low-code approach enable the creation of customized workflows that trigger automated actions according to business rules. Perfect for orchestrating complex processes...provided you take the time to model them properly.
- Odoo: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Odoo also offers a high level of automation via its modules (automatic invoicing, customer reminders, lead management, marketing campaigns). With Studio, you can create conditional actions, dynamic fields, and easily link different modules.
💡 Conclusion
- Odoo clearly takes the lead on the wealth of available integrations and ease of implementation, making it ideal for companies that want to quickly centralize their management without wasting time on development.
- Axelor, on the other hand, appeals to tech teams or organizations wishing to master end-to-end automation thanks to its BPM engine. It requires a little more effort... but can go far in terms of customization.
When to choose Axelor or Odoo?
The right ERP isn't the one that does "the most" on paper. It's the one that really fits your way of working, your available resources and your level of business complexity.
We'll help you make sense of it all with a few concrete use cases: in which contexts is Axelor best suited? And when is Odoo a more strategic choice?
Typical use cases for Axelor
Axelor shines when it comes to modeling complex or specific processes, without starting from scratch. Thanks to its BPM engine, low-code approach and modular philosophy, it's a solution for companies that need control and customization, without blowing the budget. It's often found in contexts where "off-the-shelf" ERPs just don't cut it.
📌 Cases where Axelor is an excellent choice:
- industrial or service companies with specific flows to be modeled;
- SMEs and SMIs looking for an open-source, internally-hosted ERP;
- structures that want to control their end-to-end workflows (without depending on an editor);
- ERP projects with strong integration with internal business processes;
- in-house tech teams capable of managing BPM development or configuration;
- companies looking for a Made in France ERP with local support.
Typical Odoo use cases
Odoo is the champion of rapid implementation and functional versatility. Ideal for growing SMEs that want to centralize their tools, without necessarily investing in custom development. Thanks to its thousands of modules and polished UX, Odoo is often chosen by teams who want to go fast, well... and avoid silos.
📌 Cases where Odoo is an excellent choice:
- SMEs and VSEs looking to get started quickly with a complete, turnkey ERP ;
- structures looking to centralize several business tools (CRM, invoicing, project, HR...) ;
- sales or customer support teams who want a fluid, intuitive experience
- organizations needing a rich, connected ecosystem of apps;
- e-commerce, retail or B2B companies with well-covered standard needs;
- non-technical users who want to get started right away.
Odoo or Axelor, your next ERP shouldn't be a gamble
Choosing between Odoo and Axelor isn't a question of who's "better" on paper...it's a question of context.
Both software packages are powerful, open source, modular and designed to help you better manage your business. But each has its own playground.
👉 Odoo is the perfect solution if you're looking for:
- an all-in-one ERP,
- easy to learn and use,
- with a rich ecosystem of applications
- and a fluid interface.
It's a logical choice for growing SMBs who want to quickly centralize their management without getting in over their heads.
👉 Axelor, on the other hand, is aimed at structures that want :
- a tailor-made ERP,
- capable of modeling complex processes thanks to its BPM engine.
Ideal if you have specific needs, non-standard business flows, and want to retain technical control of your tool.
In both cases, take the time to test, compare and, above all, map your real needs.
Article translated from French