Fishbowl vs Katana: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Fishbowl and Katana 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:
Fishbowl
#1 AI-driven inventory and manufacturing platform for QuickBooks and Xero users.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 7.0/10)
- • AI-driven inventory and manufacturing management for SMBs.
- • Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero to optimize operations.
Katana
Cloud-based inventory software for total visibility, ensuring on-time deliveries and accurate stock levels.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Cloud-based inventory and manufacturing software for product businesses.
- • Provides real-time visibility, automation, and control over inventory, production, purchasing, and orders.
| At a Glance |  Fishbowl |  Katana |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Inventory Management | Inventory Management |
Rating | 83/100 | 70/100 |
| Feature | Fishbowl | Katana |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 70 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Inventory Management | Inventory ManagementSupply Chain |
Understanding the Differences
Both Fishbowl and Katana solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Fishbowl positions itself as "#1 ai-driven inventory and manufacturing platform for quickbooks and xero users." while Katanafocuses on "cloud-based inventory software for total visibility, ensuring on-time deliveries and accurate stock levels.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Fishbowl
Fishbowl makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 83/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Katana
Katana is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Katana won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Katana
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Fishbowl handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Fishbowl
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Fishbowl is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Fishbowl
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Katana 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 Fishbowl higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted Katana more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Fishbowl Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Katana 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 Fishbowl (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Fishbowl scores higher in our analysis, but Katana 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 Fishbowl or Katana better?
Based on our analysis, Fishbowl scores higher with 83/100. Fishbowl ispaid while Katana 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 Fishbowl to Katana 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 Fishbowl and Katana offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Fishbowl is paid with potential trial.Katana is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.