ERPNext vs Odoo: which is the best business management software for you?
Choosing the right ERP system for your company is a bit like choosing the engine that drives your business. From inventory to operations management, from sales to human resources, every module counts. But between ERPNext and Odoo, two leading open source solutions on the market, which one best meets your needs?
Both offer a complete ERP solution, with a multitude of functions, a high level of customization and a modular interface. Whether you're a growing SME or a large corporation, the challenge is the same: to streamline your processes, improve your management and make ERP a real performance driver.
👉 In this article, we compare Odoo and ERPNext in depth: modules, versions, integrations, cloud vs. on-premise models, support, community... Nothing is left to chance to help you make the best choice for your business.
What is ERPNext?
ERPNext overview
ERPNext is an open source ERP solution developed by Frappe Technologies. Designed for SMEs and larger companies alike, this business management application centralizes all key operations: accounting, inventory, sales, purchasing, human resources, customer support and more.
Based on a modular model, ERPNext offers a flexible architecture that adapts to different business sectors, from retail to medical to industrial production. The tool can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise, with open source code making it an excellent option for companies looking for customization and total control over their data.
🚀 Its main assets are its clear interface, an active community and a set of features designed to automate and structure your business operations without excessive complexity.
ERPNext's key features
Before detailing the tool's strengths and weaknesses, let's take a look at what ERPNext offers in detail. Its modules cover the essential needs of modern business management, with native integrations and advanced customization logic.
⚒️ Here are the main functionalities of the ERPNext ERP system:
- complete accounting and financial management: multi-currency, multi-company, asset management, automatic reports ;
- CRM module: tracking of prospects, opportunities, campaigns, integrated customer relationship management;
- inventory and purchasing management: real-time inventory, barcodes, replenishment alerts;
- human resources: employee management, timesheets, payroll, appraisals;
- manufacturing and production: production order management, bills of materials, production planning;
- projects and tasks: project tracking, task assignment, customizable dashboards;
- helpdesk and support: tickets, SLA, customer portals;
- analytical tools: dynamic reports, KPIs, integration with open source BI tools;
- community app marketplace: to add specific functionalities according to your needs.
ERPNext
Advantages and disadvantages of ERPNext
Like all open source ERPs, ERPNext is as appealing as it is challenging. Before deciding between ERPNext and Odoo, it's essential to assess what the tool does very well... and where it may pose some challenges.
✅ ERPNext comes out on top thanks to several features that appeal to many companies looking for an agile, affordable ERP solution:
- native open source: code transparency, no proprietary locks, reduced long-term cost ;
- modern, intuitive interface, even without advanced technical training;
- modules integrated right from the outset, with no additional costs or complex configuration;
- advanced customization via its Frappe framework (forms, fields, scripts, etc.);
- an active community, with a high level of documentation and available community support;
- flexible deployment: cloud, on-premise or self-hosted according to your preferences;
- adapted to French-speaking countries: multi-language management, currency, taxation.
❌ Despite its many strengths, ERPNext also has a few limitations, especially for certain structures or specific business contexts. Here are the main ones:
- technical learning curve if you want to customize in depth without external support ;
- fewer "business-ready" modules than Odoo, especially in standard versions;
- more limited ecosystem (marketplace, third-party apps) than Odoo;
- official support to be paid for or managed by third-party service providers, who may not be very responsive;
- technical scalability to be anticipated for very large companies (depending on the infrastructure chosen).
What is Odoo?
Odoo overview
Odoo is one of the most popular ERP systems on the market. First launched under the name OpenERP, it has established itself as an all-in-one management application, capable of covering the full range of a company's operations: CRM, invoicing, HR, production, logistics, accounting, e-commerce... and much more.
Available as open source via its Community version, Odoo also offers advanced functionalities, official support and a more advanced user experience. It stands out for its flexibility, rich ecosystem of apps, and modern interface that appeals to SMEs and large enterprises alike.
🚀 With Odoo, each module functions as an app that can be activated à la carte. This modular approach makes it an ultra-customizable ERP solution , capable of adapting to almost any business need.
Odoo's key features
Before delving into its advantages and weaknesses, let's take a look at the features that make Odoo a major player in the open source ERP world. Its modular architecture means you can start small, then gradually add modules as your business evolves.
⚒️ Here are the key functionalities offered by Odoo:
- CRM and sales: lead management, pipelines, quotations, electronic signature ;
- invoicing and accounting: automatic invoicing, bank reconciliation, multi-currency ;
- inventory management: full traceability, barcodes, procurement rules;
- human resources: personnel monitoring, payroll, vacations, recruitment, appraisals;
- project management: Kanban, Gantt, time tracking, task dependencies;
- e-commerce and website: website creation, online store, blog, integrated SEO;
- marketing automation: email marketing, segmentation, multi-channel campaigns;
- mobile application: fluid, responsive interface, accessible on any device;
- advanced reporting: dashboards, customized reports, BI integration.
All this is available on the Odoo cloud or on-premise, according to each company's preferences.
Odoo
Advantages and disadvantages of Odoo
With over 7 million users worldwide, Odoo is as attractive for its rich functionality as it is for its ability to replace several software packages at once. But before adopting it with eyes closed, it's best to understand what it does best... and where it can still improve.
✅ Odoo scores all the right points when it comes to building a complete, intuitive and well-connected ERP solution:
- extreme modularity: hundreds of ready-to-use apps ;
- modern, fluid interface, designed with the user experience in mind;
- rich ecosystem, with thousands of community modules;
- advanced customization: workflows, automations, personalized views;
- free Community version for simple or technical projects ;
- full Enterprise version, with updates, security and professional support.
- native integrations: e-commerce, payment, marketing, shipping...
❌ Despite its popularity, Odoo is not without its faults. Some limitations may tip the balance depending on your type of business or specific constraints:
- advanced features only available in paid versions ;
- dependence on Odoo support if you don't use an integrator;
- possible complexity if too many modules are activated without clear governance;
- evolving costs: each Enterprise app has a price, which can add to the bill;
- less well-documented Community version for certain critical modules.
ERPNext vs Odoo: compare functionalities
When it comes to ERP systems, functionality makes all the difference. And between Odoo and ERPNext, the two software packages don't always play in the same league: modules included, functional depth, customization, apps available...
| Functionality | ERPNext | Odoo |
| CRM & sales management | Included as standard, complete | Very complete, + automation in Ent. |
| Accounting & billing | Included, powerful, multi-country | Very advanced, but limited in Community |
| Project and task management | Integrated with Gantt & Kanban | Richer (planning, dependencies) |
| Inventory and purchasing management | Solid, customizable | Highly advanced, + logistics integrations |
| Human resources | Included, good HR coverage | Very complete in Enterprise |
| E-commerce and website | Basic, requires third-party modules | Powerful, native drag & drop |
| Customization | Extensive via Frappe | Strong in Enterprise, limited in Community |
| Apps and additional modules | +100 community modules | +30,000 apps on Odoo Apps Store |
| Mobile / responsive interface | Good, simple | Optimized, fluid, native application |
| Reporting and dashboards | Complete, customizable | Advanced with Studio (fee-based) |
| Support and community | Active, technical community | Paid official support + extensive community |
| Deployment | Cloud / On-premise / Self-hosted | Cloud, On-premise (with Community limit) |
CRM & Customer Relationship Management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is often the starting point of an ERP project. Tracking prospects, automating follow-ups, integrating with sales: this is where ERP becomes a lever for growth.
ERPNext offers a native CRM module, with :
- sales pipeline,
- tasks,
- opportunity tracking and campaigns.
It's an integrated, easy-to-deploy feature that covers the essentials for sales teams. It can be connected to the sales, billing and support modules.
Odoo, on the other hand, goes one step further: its CRM is one of the most advanced on the open source market:
- workflow automation,
- customer segmentation,
- e-mail or VoIP integration...
... are native. The Kanban view and marketing automation options make it a very powerful solution.
💡 Verdict: Odoo dominates on functional depth and user experience, but ERPNext remains a good integrated CRM option for standard needs.
Project and task management
ERPNext offers an integrated project management module, with :
- Gantt chart,
- Kanban views,
- task dependencies,
- time tracking,
- and customized dashboard generation.
It's a good balance between simplicity and visibility.
Odoo takes agile management a step further, with more advanced tools for :
- planning,
- prioritization
- and links between projects and other modules (invoicing, HR, etc.).
The Project app also enables intuitive visual tracking, and better integration with the rest of the system.
💡 Verdict: for complex, multi-team projects, Odoo is more robust. For more basic or production-oriented management, ERPNext is more than sufficient.
Accounting and finance
ERPNext offers complete multi-company accounting from the basic version:
- Accounting journal,
- customizable chart of accounts,
- reconciliations,
- international taxation... it's all there.
An asset for companies with several legal entities.
Odoo offers very powerful accounting, but only for the Enterprise version. It includes :
- advanced automation: VAT, payments, reminders, intelligent bank reconciliation ;
- real-time financial reports,
- and a smoother user experience.
💡 Verdict: if you're looking for a free accounting solution, ERPNext is a great choice. For fluid, high-end automated accounting, Odoo Enterprise takes the lead.
Customization and development
ERPNext, based on the Frappe framework, allows advanced customization:
- addition of fields,
- customized scripts,
- automations,
- workflows with little or no coding.
It's a truly low-code platform, much appreciated by developers.
Odoo, via its Odoo Studio, also enables you to:
- modify the interface,
- create apps,
- automate actions...
... but with more limitations in Community. The API remains very powerful for developers, but visual editing is a real plus in the paid version.
💡 Verdict: ERPNext shines for its native technical flexibility, where Odoo proves more accessible to non-developers... provided you pay for Studio.
Apps and modules available
ERPNext offers over 100 official and community modules, covering a wide range of sectors (health, education, agriculture...). Less numerous, but often well-integrated.
Odoo, with its marketplace of over 30,000 apps, offers an unrivalled range in terms of volume:
- Third-party integrations,
- e-commerce connectors,
- business modules... there's something for everyone.
The ecosystem is particularly dynamic.
💡 Verdict: for a company with very specific or fast-growing needs, Odoo offers more options. But ERPNext remains solid for standard, well-framed projects.
ERPNext vs Odoo: compare prices
| Plan / Version | ERPNext | Odoo |
| Free | - | A free Odoo app |
| Basic plan | "For small businesses" - from €4.29 / month :
|
" Standard- from €19.90 / month :
|
| Intermediate plan | - | - |
| Advanced plan | " For medium and large businesses" - from €171.43 / month :
|
" Custom"- from €29.90 / month :
|
ERPNext vs Odoo: which interface is more intuitive?
The user interface plays a central role in the adoption of an ERP system. Even the best management application becomes a hindrance if it's complex to learn. Here we compare the ergonomics, navigation, visual customization options and mobile availability of Odoo and ERPNext.
| Criteria | ERPNext | Odoo |
| General ergonomics | Clear, somewhat rough interface | Very fluid, more modern design |
| Getting started | Takes a little getting used to | Fast, intuitive, especially Ent version |
| Interface customization | Fields, views and forms can be modified via Frappe | Highly flexible via Odoo Studio (Enterprise) |
| Navigation between modules | Simple vertical menu, business logic | More visual app navigation |
| Mobile accessibility | Responsive, third-party app available | Optimized native mobile application |
| Table / Kanban / Gantt view | Included in several modules | More advanced, highly polished UX |
Ergonomics and user experience
- Odoo seduces users with its modern interface, light animations, fluid transitions and intuitive view management (Kanban, form, list, etc.). The ergonomics are clearly designed for non-technical users.
- ERPNext, though more sober, remains readable and efficient. The UX is focused on business logic, less "design", but direct. An advantage for those who want to get straight to the point... but one that can be disconcerting at first.
Interface customization
- ERPNext offers advanced customization via the Frappe framework: custom fields, filters, client scripts and more. But this requires a minimum of technical skills.
- Odoo, especially the Enterprise version, offers Odoo Studio, a no-code interface that lets you create or modify views without touching the code. This is a major advantage for teams without a developer.
Mobile accessibility
- Odoo offers a native mobile application that is ergonomic, fluid and compatible with iOS and Android. Views are adapted to mobile use, making field operations easier.
- ERPNext is responsive (navigable on mobile), and has community apps for mobile. The experience is functional, but less accomplished than with Odoo.
💡 Verdict:
- For a modern user experience that's quick to get to grips with and mobile-friendly, Odoo clearly has the edge.
- ERPNextcompensates with a more technical and structured interface, better suited to business users familiar with management tools.
ERPNext vs Odoo: compare integrations
The better an ERP solution integrates with your IT stack, CRM or business tools, the more it becomes the heart of your information system. For CIOs, CTOs or business leaders, the quantity of available integrations, their ease of configuration and automation potential are strategic criteria.
👉 Number of available integrations
- ERPNext: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
More than 100 official and community integrations , covering payment, messaging, e-commerce and production tools (PayPal, Slack, Shopify, WooCommerce, Google Calendar...). New open source apps are released via the Frappe community, but the catalog remains smaller than the market giants. - Odoo :⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With over 30,000 apps available in the Odoo Apps Store, Odoo has a massive ecosystem. There are modules for everything: CRM, invoicing, logistics, e-commerce, marketing, IoT and more. Odoo also offers connectors to HubSpot, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Stripe, Amazon and many others. A truly central platform for all your business.
👉 Easy configuration
- ERPNext: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Integrations are mainly via community modules or the REST API. Good documentation exists, but some connections require a bit of technical configuration (Python or JSON scripts). Third-party providers like Dexciss or Frappe Cloud can help. - Odoo :⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Most integrations are ready to use, especially in the Enterprise version. Often, all you need to do is install an app and fill in the credentials. For complex integrations, Odoo.sh makes it easy to manage the environment. A good balance between plug & play and customization.
👉 Customization and automation
- ERPNext: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Thanks to its Frappe framework, ERPNext enables fine-tuned automation: business rules, webhooks, server-side scripting, scheduled tasks... It's a very powerful technical environment for those who master a little code. - Odoo :⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Odoo excels in automation: each app can trigger actions on the others. Notifications, automatic updates, synchronization between modules, conditional workflows... And with Odoo Studio, even non-developers can create visual automations.
💡 Conclusion
Odoo clearly has the edge, thanks to its huge catalog of apps and a smoother experience on the integration side. It's a strategic choice for companies that want to centralize their business operations in a single platform, without sacrificing flexibility.
ERPNext, with its more technical and more modest ecosystem, remains an excellent solution for organizations that want to control their open source stack, while retaining control over architecture, API and server-side scripting.
When to choose ERPNext or Odoo?
Choosing between ERPNext and Odoo isn't just a question of price or design. It all depends on your business priorities, the size of your company, your internal resources (technical or otherwise), and the level of complexity of your processes. Here's a look at the types of projects and organizations for which each ERP solution makes the most sense.
Typical use cases for ERPNext
ERPNext is an excellent option for organizations looking for an open source ERP solution that's easy to install, with no licensing fees and a high degree of technical customizability. It is particularly suited to companies that want to retain control of their data, while automating essential processes without depending on an overly cumbersome system.
📌 Here are the cases where ERPNext is a good choice:
- SMEs or VSEs looking for a complete ERP without high subscription costs ;
- structures with in-house technical teams capable of managing the infrastructure (self-hosted or private cloud) ;
- industrial or service companies with standardized business needs;
- projects requiring open source architecture and code transparency;
- organizations that want to build their own customized ERP, without an overloaded marketplace;
- schools, associations, NGOs or public services looking for an open, sovereign ERP.
Typical Odoo use cases
Odoo, on the other hand, stands out as an ultra-complete business platform, ideal for companies that want to centralize everything in a single interface. Its modular approach and rich functionality make it particularly well-suited to complex, multi-team or fast-growing environments.
📌 Here's when Odoo is the best ERP system:
- fast-growing companies that want to evolve their ERP as their needs change ;
- organizations looking to replace several business applications (CRM, invoicing, inventory, marketing, etc.) with a single integrated tool;
- non-technical teams who need an intuitive, easily customizable ERP;
- projects requiring powerful integrations (e-commerce, POS, logistics, marketing automation, etc.);
- organizations requiring professional, structured support (via Odoo Enterprise or partners);
- international companies needing multilingual, multi-currency, multi-subsidiary support in a single environment.
ERPNext vs Odoo: two visions of the same ERP, two strategic choices
Choosing between ERPNext and Odoo means choosing between controlled open source flexibility... and centralized modular power. One focuses on technical simplicity and autonomy, the other on user experience and application ecosystem.
👉 If you're looking for a complete ERP solution, with no hidden costs, an in-house tech team or a reliable open source partner, ERPNext is an excellent option: stable, customizable, sovereign.
👉 If you want an "all-in-one" ERP, with ready-to-use apps, an attractive interface, powerful automations and the ability to evolve ad infinitum, then Odoo is the natural choice.
FAQ - ERPNext vs Odoo
Is ERPNext really free?
Yes, ERPNext is 100% open source in its Community version. You can install, modify and use it free of charge, whether in a private cloud or self-hosted. Costs only arise if you opt for managed hosting, professional support or third-party services.
What's the difference between Odoo Community and Odoo Enterprise?
The Community version of Odoo is free, but limited: certain advanced features (automation, full accounting, Studio, support, etc.) are reserved for the Enterprise version, for which a fee is charged. The latter gives access to a set of premium apps, with an enriched interface, native integrations and a more fluid experience.
Is it easy to migrate from ERPNext to Odoo (or vice versa)?
Technically, a migration between two ERP systems is always complex. ERPNext and Odoo use very different architectures, modules and data models. Partial migration (customers, sales, inventory, etc.) is possible, but requires a well-structured integration project, often led by an ERP integrator or IT team.
Which ERP is best suited to a start-up?
It all depends on the startup's profile:
- for a tech startup with in-house developers, ERPNext may be more economical and scalable;
- for a non-tech startup looking for a quick-to-implement solution, Odoo is often more intuitive, with its ready-to-use apps.
Are ERPNext and Odoo compatible with tools like Shopify, Stripe or Slack?
Odoo offers native integrations for Shopify, Stripe, PayPal, Slack, Google Workspace, etc., especially in the Enterprise version.
ERPNext also has a number of community connectors, but they sometimes require more advanced technical configuration.
Article translated from French