Best Free Purchase Order Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Free purchase order software is a digital tool that helps businesses create, send, and track purchase orders without the upfront cost of a paid platform. Small to mid-sized businesses, startups, and nonprofit organizations can use this software to reduce manual processes, minimize errors, and gain visibility into procurement, without stretching the budget.
In my work as a digital software expert with a background in financial management, I’ve seen how the wrong procurement system can lead to disorganized purchasing, supplier confusion, and budget overruns. If you’re a CFO or operational lead at a lean organization, you understand how challenging it is to find a solution that balances functionality with affordability.
To make that choice easier, I’ve reviewed and tested the top free purchase order solutions available. After countless hours of analyzing user feedback and exploring real-use scenarios, I’ve identified the platforms that offer the most value at no cost. Ready to dive in?
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Best Purchase Order Software Summary
I know budget matters, so I focused on tools that start free. Some are completely free to use, while others offer free trials or basic plans with optional upgrades. Below is a quick look at starting costs so you can choose what fits now and scales with you later.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for real-time inventory insights | Free plan available | From $199/month | Website | |
2 | Best for real-time tracking of purchase orders | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $15/user/month | Website | |
3 | Best for inventory integration | Free plan available | From $29 per organization/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best for ease of use | Free trial available | From $365/month | Website | |
5 | Best for global reach | Free plan + demo available | From $198/month | Website | |
6 | Best for small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $15/user/month | Website | |
7 | Best for unlimited users | Free plan available | From $25/user/month | Website | |
8 | Best for modular customization | Free demo available | From $7.25/user/month | Website | |
9 | Best for open-source flexibility | Free demo available | From €99/user/month (annual prepayment) | Website | |
10 | Best for cloud-based access | Free demo available | From $415/month | Website |
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LiveFlow
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Free Purchase Order Software Reviews
I’ve reviewed the best free purchase order software, highlighting features, pros and cons, and who each tool suits best. Some offer forever-free versions, others just free trials. I’ve flagged that clearly so you know what you’re getting before you commit.
Settle is a free purchase order software designed to enhance inventory management, procurement, and payment processes for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. It offers an automated platform that simplifies back-office operations and provides built-in working capital solutions.
Why I Picked Settle: Settle stood out for its automated 3-way matching, ensuring accuracy across bills, purchase orders, and receiving reports. I also liked its predictive demand forecasting, which gives real-time inventory insights for smarter stocking decisions. Plus, Settle’s instant landed cost calculations eliminate manual spreadsheets, giving you clear expense visibility. These features make it a reliable choice for managing procurement and finances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a unified platform that replaces disconnected systems, providing real-time clarity for smarter decision-making. Settle also offers non-dilutive capital options, allowing you to manage cash flow effectively without giving up equity. Furthermore, the software automates processes, enhancing operational efficiency and freeing up your time to focus on growing your business.
Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, TikTok, Walmart, QuickBooks, Finaloop, A2X, NetSuite, ShipHero, ShipBob, Stord, and Flexport.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Inventory management and forecasting
- Automated invoice management
- Comprehensive financial dashboard
Cons:
- Could offer more customization for specific workflows
- Demand forecasting limited by number of SKUs on lower-tier plans
New Product Updates from Settle
Shared Visibility: The Key to Supply Chain Success
Settle has launched powerful new features, milestones and multiple shipments, designed to bring clarity, transparency, and true partnership to the supply chain process. With these features, brands and vendors can finally align on timelines and expectations without the frustrating back-and-forth. More details at Settle's blog.
Ramp is a spend management platform with built-in tools for accounts payable, purchase orders, and expense tracking. It helps finance teams cut down on admin by automating invoice intake, approvals, and vendor payments.
Why I picked Ramp: I picked Ramp for its ability to automate purchase order workflows and integrate easily with existing tools. Its AI-assisted requests, and automatic routing make it a strong option for teams managing a high volume of transactions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time PO tracking, and automated approvals to speed up purchasing decisions.
Integrations include NetSuite, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Acumatica, Uber, Lyft, Okta, Google, Rippling, and Gmail.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with major ERPs and accounting platforms
- Real-time tracking helps monitor spend and commitments
- Automates invoice capture, approvals, and PO creation
Cons:
- Reporting features may lack advanced customization
- Initial setup can take time for complex workflows
New Product Updates from Ramp
AI-Powered Policy Agents by Ramp for Real-Time Expense Review and Fraud Detection
Ramp's new AI-powered Policy Agents review expenses in real time to flag fraud and out-of-policy spending, interact with employees, and recommend policy improvements. For more details, visit Ramp Announcements.
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports purchase order management, inventory tracking, and sales order processing.
Why I picked Zoho Inventory: The free version offers strong inventory integration capabilities, allowing your team to manage stock levels across multiple channels. You can create and track purchase orders efficiently. The system also supports order fulfillment and shipping management. This makes it a suitable choice for businesses looking to streamline their inventory and procurement processes without cost.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced order management, which makes handling backorders and drop shipments easy. The software provides detailed inventory reports to help you make informed decisions. It also supports barcode scanning for efficient stock management.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, Stripe, PayPal, Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, and FedEx.
What's free? Zoho Inventory offers a free-forever plan with restrictions on the number of orders and integrations available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-channel stock management
- Efficient order fulfillment
- Strong inventory integration
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Requires frequent updates
ProcurementExpress.com is a straightforward purchase order management tool for small to medium-sized businesses. It simplifies the purchasing process, making tracking orders and managing budgets easy.
Why I picked ProcurementExpress.com: The free trial emphasizes simplicity, allowing your team to set up purchase orders without hassle quickly. You can manage budgets efficiently and track spending in real-time. The intuitive interface makes it accessible for users with limited technical skills, making it suitable for businesses that prioritize ease of use.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include budget tracking that helps keep expenses within limits. You can also customize approval workflows to fit your organization's needs. The software provides detailed spending reports, offering insights into purchasing trends.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and Zapier.
What's free? ProcurementExpress.com offers a free trial to explore its ease-of-use and purchase order management features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed spending reports
- Customizable approval workflows
- Real-time budget tracking
Cons:
- Not ideal for large enterprises
- Requires some learning time
Tradogram is a cloud-based procurement management tool suitable for businesses of all sizes. It handles purchase orders, supplier management, and cost control to help companies optimize their procurement processes.
Why I picked Tradogram: It offers a free trial that lets you explore its global procurement capabilities. Your team can manage suppliers and purchase orders internationally with ease. The platform supports multiple currencies and languages, making it ideal for businesses with a global reach. It provides comprehensive spend management tools to control costs efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time budget tracking, which helps you monitor spending against set limits. You can also create custom approval workflows to ensure compliance with company policies. Additionally, the software provides detailed reporting tools to analyze procurement activities.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, FreshBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and Slack.
What's free? Tradogram offers a free plan that allows you to explore its features without an immediate commitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting features
- Budget tracking tools
- Global supplier management
Cons:
- Regular updates needed
- Limited offline capabilities
Dolibarr is an open-source ERP and CRM solution for small to medium-sized enterprises. It helps manage essential business functions like purchase orders, inventory, and customer relationships efficiently.
Why I picked Dolibarr: It offers a comprehensive free version that caters to small businesses. You can create, approve, receive, and bill purchase orders without cost. The free plan allows easy stock management and is open-source, allowing customization. This makes it ideal for businesses looking for flexibility without financial commitment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include purchase order management with approval workflows, automatic stock updates, and procurement management tools. Your team can also benefit from stock dispatching wizards to streamline inventory reception.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Google Maps, LDAP, and Amazon Web Services.
What's free? Dolibarr offers a free-forever plan with its open-source software model, allowing unlimited users and customizations without added costs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable workflows
- Unlimited user access
- Open-source flexibility
Cons:
- User interface is basic
- Requires self-hosting
SpendMap is a procurement software solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It helps manage purchase orders, suppliers, and procurement workflows efficiently.
Why I picked SpendMap: It offers a free version with no user limits, allowing your entire team to access and manage procurement tasks. The free plan includes features like purchase order management and supplier tracking. You can also automate approval workflows to enhance efficiency. Its unlimited user access makes it a good fit for growing teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include comprehensive reporting tools that analyze spending patterns and supplier performance. You can also set up automatic alerts for order status changes. Additionally, it supports electronic documentation to reduce paperwork.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Excel, and CSV.
What's free? SpendMap offers a free-forever plan with unlimited users, which is ideal for teams looking to manage procurement without extra charges.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive reporting tools
- Electronic documentation support
- Automated approval workflows
Cons:
- Minimal customization options
- Limited advanced features
Odoo is a business management software designed for companies of all sizes. It handles key functions like purchase order management, inventory control, and accounting through a modular system.
Why I picked Odoo: It offers a modular approach with a free version that lets you choose and customize different apps. Your team can manage purchase orders, inventory, and sales all in one platform. This flexibility allows you to adapt the software to your specific business needs. It’s perfect for businesses looking for a tailored solution without upfront costs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, automated reordering rules, and customizable dashboards. You can also manage multiple warehouses efficiently. The reporting tools provide insights into purchasing trends and supplier performance.
Integrations include PayPal, QuickBooks, UPS, WooCommerce, Amazon, Stripe, FedEx, DHL, and Microsoft Outlook.
What's free? Odoo offers a free plan for one app, allowing businesses to try out its modular system with limited restrictions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time inventory updates
- Single app free access
- Modular system customization
Cons:
- Limited official support
- Regular updates needed
Metasfresh is open-source ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports key functions like purchase order management, inventory control, and financial accounting.
Why I picked Metasfresh: It's an open-source solution with a free plan that allows customization. This flexibility lets your team modify the software to fit specific needs. You can manage purchase orders and stock levels effectively without any fees. It's ideal for businesses seeking a tailored setup without upfront costs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, advanced ERP functionalities, and customizable reporting tools. The software can easily be adapted to your business's unique processes. Additionally, it offers multilingual support to cater to global teams.
Integrations include PayPal, WooCommerce, Magento, Odoo, Shopify, PrestaShop, Zapier, Google Calendar, Microsoft Excel, and CSV.
What's free? Metasfresh offers a free-forever plan with its open-source model, allowing you to customize features without limits on users or time.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multilingual support
- No user cap
- Open-source customization
Cons:
- Regular updates needed
- Complex for beginners
ProcureDesk is a cloud-based procurement software designed for businesses seeking efficient purchase order management. It helps manage procurement workflows and budget control.
Why I picked ProcureDesk: The free trial offers cloud-based access, allowing your team to manage procurement processes remotely. You can track purchase orders and budgets from anywhere. The software provides automated approval workflows to streamline operations. This makes it a great choice for businesses needing flexibility and remote access without initial costs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed reporting tools that give insights into spending trends. You can also create custom procurement workflows to fit your business processes. The software supports budget management to keep spending in check.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and Slack.
What's free? ProcureDesk offers a free demo that allows you to explore its cloud-based features and procurement functionalities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom procurement workflows
- Automated approval workflows
- Cloud-based remote access
Cons:
- Frequent updates needed
- Not ideal for very small teams
Other Purchase Order Software
Here are some additional purchase order software options offering free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out.
- Pipefy Procure-to-Pay
For workflow automation
- SKULabs
For multi-channel support
- ERPAG
For manufacturing focus
- Precoro
For budget alerts
- Sage Intacct
For financial management
- Xero
For accounting integration
- BILL
For automated payments
- Rossum
For document data extraction
- Bonsai
For freelancers and contractors
- Vencru
For all-in-one small business invoicing
Free Purchase Order Software Selection Criteria
When researching the best free purchase order software, I looked at what really matters: streamlining purchases, tracking orders, and cutting manual work, at little to no cost. Then I used a clear framework to fairly compare each option:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
- Create and manage purchase orders
- Track order status and deliveries
- Supplier management
- Basic reporting and analytics
- Budget management
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
- Customizable approval workflows
- Multi-currency support
- Real-time inventory updates
- Integration with accounting tools
- Automated alerts and notifications
Usability (10% of total score)
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation and accessibility
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear and concise instructions
- Mobile responsiveness
Onboarding (10% of total score)
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates and guides
- Webinars for user education
- Chatbots for instant assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels
- Access to a knowledge base
- Response time and efficiency
- Community forums or user groups
Value For Money (10% of total score)
- Comparison with similar tools
- Features included in the free plan
- Limitations of the free version
- Upgrade options and costs
- Overall cost-benefit analysis
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly reported issues
- Praise for specific features
- Feedback on support services
- User recommendations and testimonials
How To Choose Free Purchase Order Software
Finding reliable, free purchase order software is a lengthy process. You want something that fits your workflow, with no hidden costs. This chart helps me compare options quickly, stay focused on what matters, and pick the right tool without wasting time or money.
Factor | What to Consider |
Free Offer Scope | Understand what's included in the free plan. Check if essential features meet your team's needs without hidden costs. |
Scalability | Consider if the software can grow with your business. Look for options to upgrade if your needs expand. |
Integrations | Ensure compatibility with tools like your accounting software or CRM for seamless data flow. |
Ease of Use | Choose software with an intuitive interface that your team can quickly adopt without extensive training. |
Customization | Check if you can tailor workflows and templates to fit your business processes and preferences. |
Support | Evaluate the availability of free customer support. Access to help guides or community forums can be significant. |
User Limitations | Identify any restrictions on the number of users. Ensure it accommodates your entire team without extra charges. |
Reporting | Look for robust reporting capabilities to track and analyze purchasing data efficiently. |
What Is Free Purchase Order Software?
Free purchase order software is a no-cost digital solution that automates how businesses create, track, and manage purchase orders. It helps streamline procurement by generating POs, routing approvals, and keeping vendor records organized—all without relying on spreadsheets or manual processes.
Ideal for small businesses and startups, this software reduces human error, improves spend visibility, and adds control to purchasing workflows. Many free tools offer essential features like templated POs, budget tracking, and audit trails, making them a smart entry point for procurement automation.
Features Of Free Purchase Order Software
Here’s what free purchase order software usually includes, and what’s locked behind a paid plan. Understanding the trade-offs helps you choose a tool that handles your purchasing needs without wasting time or stretching your budget.
Typically Free Purchase Order Software Features
- Order Creation: Enables users to generate orders, helping save time and quickly maintain organized procurement processes.
- Supplier Management: Allows users to track and manage supplier information, ensuring efficient communication and collaboration.
- Budget Tracking: Helps monitor expenses against set budgets, aiding in cost control.
- Basic Reporting: Provides simple reports to analyze purchase data, offering insights into spending patterns.
- Approval Workflows: Facilitates customized approval processes, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Inventory Tracking: Keeps stock levels updated, preventing overordering or stockouts.
- Multi-Currency Support: Supports transactions in different currencies, useful for global businesses.
- Manual Processes: Allows for manual input and adjustments when needed, catering to smaller operations.
- Purchase Order Templates: Offers basic templates to standardize purchase orders.
- Requisitions: Enables users to create and manage basic requisition forms.
- Online Purchase Orders: Allows users to create and manage orders through an online interface.
- Purchase Order System: Covers core functionality for managing purchase order processes.
- On-Premise Option: Available for businesses requiring local hosting and control.
Typically Paid Purchase Order Software Features
- Advanced Analytics: Offers detailed insights and data visualizations, helping users make informed decisions.
- Integration With Accounting Tools: Connects with financial systems for streamlined financial operations.
- Automated Alerts: Notifies users of important events like budget limits or order status changes, enhancing responsiveness.
- Customizable Dashboards: Allows users to tailor their interface for quick access to important metrics and tasks.
- Multi-Warehouse Management: Supports managing inventory across various locations, which is useful for larger businesses.
- Three-Way Matching: Ensures purchase orders match invoices and receipts, reducing errors and discrepancies.
- Advanced Security Features: Provides enhanced data protection, essential for maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
- Mobile App Access: Allows users to manage procurement tasks on the go, adding convenience and flexibility.
- Invoice Approval Workflows: Streamlines the process of verifying and approving invoices.
- Purchasing Software Enhancements: Offers advanced tools for procurement strategies and supply chain optimization.
- Supply Chain Integrations: Links purchase orders to broader supply chain systems for seamless operations.
- Spend Control Features: Enables detailed budget monitoring and spending compliance.
- Purchase Requests Management: Supports detailed workflows for creating and managing purchase requests.
- Purchase Order Processes: Automates complex workflows to optimize the purchasing lifecycle.
- SaaS Options: Provides cloud-based solutions for easy scalability and remote access.
- Order Number Tracking: Facilitates precise tracking of purchase orders through unique identifiers.
Benefits Of Free Purchase Order Software
The right free purchase order software keeps purchasing organized, tracks approvals, and helps your team stay aligned. Saving money is a big benefit, but it's not the only one:
- Cost Savings: You can manage procurement processes without incurring extra expenses, making it budget-friendly.
- Improved Organization: Order creation and supplier management help keep procurement tasks organized and efficient.
- Better Budget Control: Budget tracking lets you monitor spending and expenses, helping you stay within financial limits.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automated approval workflows reduce manual tasks, speeding up procurement processes.
- Accessibility: Cloud-based access allows your team to manage orders from anywhere, providing flexibility.
- Basic Analytics: Simple reporting features offer insights into purchase data, aiding in decision-making.
Costs & Pricing Of Free Purchase Order Software
I get it—you’re here for free purchase order software. Just know that most free plans are limited. If your needs grow, you’ll likely need to upgrade. Below, I’ve laid out typical features, average pricing, and what standard plans usually include to help you plan ahead.
Plan Comparison Table for Purchase Order Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic order creation, supplier management, and budget tracking. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Enhanced reporting, multi-currency support, and basic integrations. |
Business Plan | $25-$50/user/month | Advanced analytics, customizable workflows, and inventory management. |
Enterprise Plan | $50-$100+/user/month | Multi-warehouse support, advanced security features, and custom dashboards. |
Free Purchase Order Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free purchase order software.
What is the disadvantage of free purchase order software?
One disadvantage is that it can make the purchasing process longer, as a purchase order needs to be issued before making the purchase. Without automation, creating and sending purchase orders to vendors can be time-consuming.
What needs to be included in free purchase order software?
A purchase order should include a detailed description, quantity, price, payment terms, and delivery details. When the supplier accepts a purchase order, it becomes legally binding and obliges them to deliver the agreed-upon goods.
What is not included in a free purchase order software?
A purchase order outlines agreed-upon prices for goods or services but doesn’t include actual payment details, information on payment methods, or the transfer of funds.
Can you manage free purchase order software without automation?
Yes, but it can be labor-intensive. Without automation, creating, sending, and tracking purchase orders manually can take significant time and effort, potentially delaying the purchasing process.
How does free purchase order software help with budget management?
Free purchase order software helps track spending against budgets by offering budget tracking and reporting features. This allows your team to monitor expenses and ensure financial control without added costs.
What’s Next?
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