Overview

Dolibarr is an open-source ERP and CRM web suite for organizations ranging from freelancers and associations to SMEs and larger companies. It is best suited to teams that want to assemble their own business toolkit and can handle deployment and module choices. Its breadth and zero-cost software license are compelling; teams seeking a single, ready-configured service with direct vendor support may prefer another route.

Key features

Dolibarr brings customer and sales work together with HR, stock, finance and billing, marketing, and project management modules. Organizations can enable what they need rather than take on every function at once, but that flexibility makes the selection and configuration of modules part of the implementation work.

Workflow coverage includes proposals, orders, contracts, invoices, payments, bank reconciliation, accounting, shipments, and manufacturing. Finance, inventory, order management, manufacturing, and multi-entity support give it relevance well beyond contact management. That range can suit a business looking to keep sales and operational work within one suite, although breadth alone does not remove the effort of fitting modules to existing processes.

REST APIs use HTTP and JSON to retrieve data and create, update, or delete records. Triggers, hooks, a low-code Module Builder, and an external add-on marketplace offer further ways to connect or adapt the application. Listed connections include LDAP, PayPal, Stripe, Paybox, SMTP providers, Google services, and external e-commerce platforms. Synchronization modules support PrestaShop, Magento, osCommerce, WooCommerce, and OpenCart; the embedded e-commerce module has a tentative availability date at the end of 2026.

Security documentation describes password or key encryption, optional forced HTTPS, protections against SQL injection, XSS, SSRF, and CSRF, and permission checks for pages and files. The project also documents vulnerability reporting and says reports are usually processed within a few days. Those are useful safeguards and a defined reporting path, though the reporting timeline is not a substitute for an organization's own security review.

Dolibarr downloads include stable production versions for all operating systems. Public forums address installation, upgrades, and usage questions, while a worldwide partner network offers assistance and custom development. That gives self-hosting teams community and partner routes to help, but the support model is less direct than a single vendor-provided service desk.

Pricing

Dolibarr ERP & CRM: free. The free open-source software can be used on-premise or in the cloud. The software itself has no listed seat or usage cap, but hosted SaaS offers come from third parties rather than being part of this plan. This suits organizations willing to manage their own installation or select a separate hosting provider; the cost of that hosting or partner assistance depends on the arrangement.

Platforms

Dolibarr supports API access and Linux, macOS, and Windows, alongside web and self-hosted deployment. Its hybrid deployment designation gives organizations more than one operating model to consider, including running the software themselves or using a third-party hosted SaaS offer.

Who it's for

Freelancers, associations, SMEs, and larger companies can use Dolibarr to bring sales, finance, inventory, and other business workflows into a modular suite. It is a particularly sensible fit for organizations that value open-source software, want control over which modules they use, and have the capacity to manage deployment or work with a partner. It is less suitable for teams that want a packaged cloud service and a single direct support relationship without taking responsibility for configuration.

Pros and cons

Pros: The open-source software is free and supports on-premise or cloud use, giving organizations a no-license-cost starting point and deployment choice.
Pros: Modules cover sales, HR, finance, stock, projects, and manufacturing, with workflows extending from proposals to accounting and shipments; that breadth can keep varied business records in one suite.
Pros: REST APIs, hooks, a low-code builder, and an add-on marketplace give technically capable teams several ways to adapt or connect the application.
Cons: Users must decide which modules and extensions fit their workflows, so the flexibility comes with configuration responsibility.
Cons: Hosted SaaS offers are provided by third parties, and assistance is routed through public forums or partners rather than one direct support channel.

Alternatives

For manufacturing-focused comparisons, Cetec ERP is a paid option with a free trial and API, self-hosted, and web platforms. Odoo Manufacturing is worth considering for teams that want a freemium product with a free one-app plan and unlimited users, plus paid-tier options covering all apps. MRPeasy is a paid, trial-available alternative with mobile and web platforms; its Starter plan is 49.00 USD per month per user, with annual billing offering one month free and higher pricing from the 11th user.

Asprova APS is another paid, trial-available option, running self-hosted on Windows, with package pricing open and a distributor quote required. Global Shop Solutions ERP is a paid option with broad platform coverage and tailored pricing. Katana offers a freemium web product; its permanent free tier allows 30 SKUs, unlimited users, integrations, and inventory locations. abas ERP and Epicor Kinetic are paid alternatives with custom pricing.

Readers comparing categories can also browse Material Requirements Planning Software, ERP Software, Bill of Materials Software, and Gym Accounting Software.

Verdict

Choose Dolibarr if you want a free, open-source ERP and CRM suite with broad workflows, flexible modules, and control over deployment. Its strongest advantage is the ability to build around the needs of a varied organization without a software license charge. Look elsewhere if you need a turnkey hosted service or direct, centralized support rather than managing configuration and relying on third-party hosting or partner assistance.

	Dolibarr	QAD Adaptive ERP
Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Platforms	api, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes
Finance module	Yes	Yes
Inventory management	Yes	Yes
Order management	Yes	Yes
Manufacturing tools	Yes	Yes
Multi-entity support	Yes	Yes
Deployment	hybrid	hybrid

Dolibarr vs QAD Adaptive ERP

Dolibarr

QAD Adaptive ERP