Head-to-head · Inventory Management Software
Katana vs InvenTree
Katana leads on 0 checks, InvenTree on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreKatana · 7.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresInvenTree · 5 of 5
Katana scores higher on our rubric for inventory management software: 7.3 against 6.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #16 and #23.
InvenTree offers mobile apps; Katana doesn't.
Katana is the better fit for manufacturers with advanced planning needs. InvenTree is the better fit for open-source parts and manufacturing teams.
- Katana fits best
Manufacturers with advanced planning needs
- InvenTree fits best
Open-source parts and manufacturing teams
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Side by side
| Feature | Katana 7.3/10 Visit ↗ | InvenTree 6.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.3 | 6.6 |
| Ranking | #16 in Inventory Management Software | #23 in Inventory Management Software |
| Best for | Manufacturers with advanced planning needs | Open-source parts and manufacturing teams |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $299/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs · 24/7 | Docs |
| Compliance | SOC 2, GDPR | 2FA |
| Integrations | 100+ integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Katana 4/5 · InvenTree 5/5 | ||
| Barcode scanning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Purchase orders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sales orders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stock alerts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | — | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Warehouse limit | 1 warehouses | Not checked yet |
| SKU limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Katana is a cloud-based inventory management platform for product businesses selling through multiple channels and locations. It brings inventory, sales orders, purchase orders, fulfillment, purchasing, and production data into one system.… Read the review → |
InvenTree is an open-source inventory management system for businesses, laboratories, hobbyists, and other organizations. It focuses on parts organization, supplier and supplier-part management, stock tracking, locations and sub-locations,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Katana — where it wins
- Manufacturing orders, BOMs, and shop-floor tracking
- Barcode scanning with batch and serial traceability
- Demand planning plus ecommerce and accounting integrations
Where it doesn't
- The Core Plan costs $299 per month
- Core includes one inventory location
- No installable Android or iOS mobile apps
InvenTree — where it wins
- Covers parts, suppliers, stock locations, BOMs, purchasing, and sales
- Supports barcode scanning through web, API, and mobile apps
- Offers a REST API, Python module, and plugin-based extensibility
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosting requires selecting and maintaining a deployment method
- Mobile apps focus on stock-control tasks rather than the full system
- Advanced customization may require Python or plugin development
- Katana7.3/10 · Free plan
A deep manufacturing inventory system with a costly paid entry tier.
Visit KatanaFull verdict → - InvenTree6.6/10 · Free plan
A flexible open-source choice for teams managing parts, stock, BOMs, and orders.
Visit InvenTreeFull verdict →
All inventory management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update