OSI-licensed only · self-hostable
Apache OFBiz is itself open source (Apache-2.0), described as an ERP system written in Java with libraries, entities and services for running all aspects of a business. Teams look elsewhere when they want a friendlier interface, a larger app ecosystem or a different language stack.
Every tool below is under an OSI-approved licence (LGPL-3.0, GPL-3.0 or GPL-2.0), checked against its repository.
Licences checked against each repository on November 7, 2026.
| Tool | Best for | Licence | Runs as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odoo | Broad app suite with a modern interface | LGPL-3.0 | Docker |
| ERPNext | Complete ERP for growing companies | GPL-3.0 | Docker |
| Dolibarr | Simple ERP/CRM for small businesses | GPL-3.0 | Server |
| metasfresh | ERP for trade and distribution | GPL-2.0 | Docker |
| iDempiere | Java ERP with a community-run model | GPL-2.0 | Server |
Best for: Broad app suite with a modern interface
Open-source apps to grow your business. The repository is published under LGPL-3.0.
Best for: Complete ERP for growing companies
A free, open-source ERP covering accounting, order management, manufacturing, asset management and project tracking.
Best for: Simple ERP/CRM for small businesses
An open-source PHP web application to manage contacts, sales, purchasing, stock and accounting for businesses of any size and freelancers.
Best for: ERP for trade and distribution
An open-source ERP platform described by its maintainers as fast, flexible and free software to scale your business.
Best for: Java ERP with a community-run model
An open-source ERP, CRM and supply chain suite built and maintained by its community, with Java and PostgreSQL or Oracle as its foundation.
One email a week with the open-source projects, launches and releases added to TechLogHub. Unsubscribe in one click.
One email a week: new and trending developer tools, fresh comparisons, and what shipped. Unsubscribe in one click.
| If you need… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Largest app ecosystem | Odoo |
| Complete ERP with a modern UI | ERPNext |
| Small business or freelancer | Dolibarr |
| Keeping a Java stack | iDempiere |
| Trade and distribution | metasfresh |
Quick answers to common questions
Yes. It is licensed under Apache-2.0 and developed under the Apache Software Foundation.
Odoo and ERPNext are the broadest. If you want to stay on Java, iDempiere is the closest in stack.
The code is under OSI licences, so you can run it yourself. Vendors may sell hosting, support or extra modules separately.
Usually by exporting tables or CSV and importing with each tool's data-import features. Test with a copy first, since chart of accounts and inventory structures differ.
For internal use, little. If you distribute modified code, GPL requires the combined work to be GPL, while LGPL is more permissive for linking.
List it on TechLogHub and we'll review it for this page.
