Cin7 vs Zoho Inventory: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cin7 and Zoho Inventory comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cin7
Inventory management system
Best for you if:
- • You need warehouse management features specifically
- • You need inventory management system
- • You need professional-grade features
Zoho Inventory
Inventory management by Zoho
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • You need inventory management by zoho
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Warehouse Management | Workflow Automation |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Cin7 | Zoho Inventory |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 121 | 65 |
| Categories | Warehouse ManagementSupply Chain | Workflow AutomationWarehouse Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Cin7 and Zoho Inventory solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Cin7 positions itself as "inventory management system" while Zoho Inventoryfocuses on "inventory management by zoho". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Cin7
Cin7 makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Zoho Inventory
Zoho Inventory is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Zoho Inventory won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Zoho Inventory
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Zoho Inventory is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Zoho Inventory
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Cin7 is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Cin7
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Zoho Inventory has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Cin7 higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Cin7 more (121 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Cin7 Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Zoho Inventory If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Cin7. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Cin7 scores higher in our analysis, but Zoho Inventory might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cin7 or Zoho Inventory better?
Based on our analysis, Cin7 scores higher with high/100. Cin7 ispaid while Zoho Inventory is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Cin7 to Zoho Inventory easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Cin7 and Zoho Inventory offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Cin7 is paid with potential trial.Zoho Inventory is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.