Odoo vs Zoho: Which ERP to Choose in 2025?

Summary

Odoo and Zoho ERP platforms can manage business operations, automate repetitive tasks, and simplify workflows. However, businesses find it hard to choose between the two as each business has specific needs and goals. There is the question of affordability, scalability, integration, customization, and support. This blog will help you clear your doubts by providing an overview of Odoo and Zoho. You’ll also discover the key apps of both ERPs, feature comparison, and strengths and weaknesses.

1. Introduction

Business owners debate between odoo vs zoho when choosing a business solution, as both systems can streamline business operations, simplify workflows, and increase productivity.

An ERP system integrates internal business processes in one place and facilitates efficient core operations management.

On the other hand, a CRM system manages a company’s interactions with existing and potential customers, enhancing customer relationships.

Choosing the right business software will ensure operational efficiency and productivity. It helps in making data-driven decisions, reduces operational costs, increases scalability, and ensures security.

Continue reading this blog to discover odoo vs zoho which is better suited to your business type, size, and goals in 2025.

2. Quick Feature Comparison: Odoo vs Zoho

3. Overview of Odoo

Odoo is an open-source ERP software. It integrates business apps such as CRM, Point of Sale, accounting, manufacturing, and e-commerce in a unified platform.

Odoo features over 16,000 third-party custom-built apps and plug-ins, and 30 basic modules, designed for different business needs. Unlike Odoo alternatives, such as Zoho, the software supports cloud-based and on-premise deployments. Zoho is solely cloud-based.

One of Odoo’s key strengths lies in its modular structure. It allows flexibility and scalability. Each module can introduce new functionalities or extend existing ones. This enables businesses to build a customized suite of applications.

Businesses can activate only the modules relevant to their operations. It avoids unnecessary complexities and cost. Additional modules can be integrated without disrupting existing functionalities as needs evolve.

Odoo’s modular design facilitates community contributions, allowing developers to create and share modules that extend Odoo’s capabilities.

Key Odoo Apps

1. CRM: The Odoo CRM helps acquire leads, opportunities, manage sales teams, and track customer interactions. It also offers advanced features for email integration, sales planning, and organizational meetings.
2. Accounting: Odoo accounting module automates book-keeping tasks, invoicing, and enables bank integrations to synchronize incoming and outgoing payments, generates reports such as tax audit, profit and loss statement, and balance sheets automatically.
3. Sales: This module lets you convert quotes to sales orders and invoices from the same screen. Other features include electronic signature, product customization, and loyalty programs. It can also create custom coupons and promotional codes, and more.
4. Inventory and Warehouse: Odoo Inventory is both an inventory app and a warehouse management system. It helps manage lead times, automate replenishment, and set up advanced delivery routes. This reduces stockouts and overstocking, speeds up operations, and gives real-time visibility into your stock levels.
5. Manufacturing: The Odoo manufacturing module helps businesses schedule, plan, and process manufacturing orders. It has features like barcode, editable MOs, managing bill of orders, optional routing, quality checks, quality alerts, report tracing, cost analysis, and tools to analyze work centers loads, the productivity losses and track your overall equipment effectiveness.
6. Purchase: The purchase module helps obtain requests for quotations, buying the materials and services, and receiving and invoicing them. The app also helps you to maintain information about vendors you purchase from.
7. Point of Sale: The Point of Sale is the interface to your store. This web-based app can be deployed on any device and OS running Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Odoo POS facilitates payments, checkouts, store management, and more.

4. Overview of Zoho

Zoho ERP is a suite of integrated business apps that help manage core business functions. Considered one of the best Odoo alternatives, it is popular among small to mid-sized businesses. It is known for its flexibility and affordability.

Zoho’s strengths lie in its affordability and modular and scalable structures. It has native integrated apps and can integrate with external tools.

Key Zoho Apps

1. CRM: Zoho CRM allows businesses to streamline sales processes and manage customer relationships, boosting revenue. It can track leads, engage prospects, and close deals. The CRM offers AI-powered insights, enables automation, and supports omnichannel communication.
2. Zoho Books: This accounting and finance management tool can track expenses, manage tax compliance, and provide real-time financial reporting. You can integrate the app with payment gateways and banks to maintain accurate financial records.
3. Zoho Mail: This app offers a secure email solution, ensuring easy communication. It also features an ad-free email service with two-factor authentication and custom domain email for professional branding. Its collaboration tools include calendar, tasks, integration with Zoho apps, and third-party services.
4. Zoho Projects: Zoho Projects offers task management, Gantt charts, time tracking, and automation features. The app keeps your team organized and productive.
5. Zoho Inventory: It enables real-time multi-warehouse tracking and automates order management. The app is also great for barcode scanning, customizing purchase and sales order workflows, and integrating with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon. It enhances stock and fulfillment.
6. Zoho Desk: This AI-powered helpdesk offers efficient customer support via multi-channel ticketing. Its self-service portals, automation, and insightful analytics features enhance customer satisfaction.

5. Strengths and Weaknesses: Odoo vs Zoho

6. Which One Should You Choose? Odoo vs Zoho

Choose Odoo If:

1. You need full control and deep customization
2. You run a medium or large business
3. You want to connect many departments in one system (sales, inventory, HR, etc.)
4. You prefer open-source or self-hosted options
5. You have technical staff or developers
6. You are okay with paying per app and user

Best Suited Industries

• Industrial manufacturing and logistics
• E-commerce, retail, and wholesale
• Professional services, IT and communication
• Real estate and construction
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Pharmacies
• Energy and water supply

Choose Zoho If:

1. You have a small or medium business
2. You are working with a low budget
3. You need basic CRM, accounting, and marketing tools
4. You want everything cloud-based (no server setup)
5. You don’t have a technical team
6. You want good value for money with bundled plans

Best Suited Industries

• Computer software
• Information technology and services
• Higher education
• Government administration
• Financial services
• Hospital and health care
• Banking
• Wholesale
• Telecommunications
• Manufacturing

7. Conclusion

The decision to choose the best solution depends on your business’s specific needs, size, budget, business’s operational complexity, and growth trajectory.

Between odoo vs zoho erp, Odoo offers deeper customization and is a more scalable solution. Its modular architecture and open-source nature make it ideal for medium to large businesses with complex operations across departments.

Small to medium-sized businesses can opt for Zoho for an affordable, user-friendly, and cloud–based system.

Still unsure? Get a free ERP consultation with our experts. At Icon TechSoft, we offer comprehensive ERP systems services, encompassing consultancy, implementation, migration, customization, and integration. We are a certified Odoo partner with 10+ years experience. Allow us to help you choose the best CRM between odoo vs zoho and implement the software for business growth.