Odoo vs Sage: the 2025 comparison we wish we'd read sooner to help us choose the right ERP
Odoo and Sage, it's a duel we didn't see coming... and yet, we're going to have to choose. On the one hand, there's the gifted open source company that wants to do it all, centralise it all, automate it all. On the other, the ERP veteran, solid, reassuring, but more traditional.
Both are heavyweights in business management. They promise to save you time, manage your operations better and, let's be honest, make you sleep a little easier at night. But their approaches, their modules, their prices and their interfaces... are nothing alike.
So, Odoo or Sage in 2025? We've dug deep, compared, tested and read hundreds of user reviews, and we've come up with a clear, unambiguous and useful comparison to help you choose the right tool. The one that suits your needs, not the one next door!
What is Odoo?
Overview of Odoo
Odoo is a modular, open source, full web ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) designed to help companies centralise their management: accounting, HR, CRM, stock, invoicing, website... just to name a few.
Known for its extreme flexibility and frequent updates, Odoo appeals to start-ups as well as SMEs and ETIs who want a customisable tool without blowing their budget.
Behind Odoo lies a Belgian success story and a clear ambition: to make business management simpler and more accessible. Unlike "gas factory" ERPs, Odoo offers a modular approach: you activate only the apps you need. The result is a tool that is lightweight to start with, but ultra-powerful as you develop it further.
Odoo is aimed at businesses of all sizes, but is a big hit with :
- fast-growing SMEs that want to automate without coding ;
- tech start-ups looking for a flexible ERP that's quick to deploy;
- consultancies and e-tailers juggling CRM, invoicing and project management.
In terms of customers, Odoo has more than 7 million users worldwide, including companies such as Toyota, Danone and Decathlon. In France, Odoo is also popular with ESNs, e-tailers and B2B start-ups. In short, a broad adoption, which can be explained by a rare combination: flexibility + attractive price + rich ecosystem.
Odoo's main features
Odoo is more than just an ERP. It's a veritable management toolbox, with over 40 integrated modules. And it's all connected, customisable and often amazingly efficient. Here's a look at some of the most popular features:
- Ultra-fluid, integrated CRM: for tracking prospects, automating follow-ups, scoring leads and keeping your sales force focused.
- Full accounting (multi-currency, analytical, bank reconciliation, VAT, etc.) in compliance with French standards.
- Automated invoicing: quotes, orders, invoices, customer reminders... everything is seamless.
- Advanced stock management: real-time tracking, barcodes, multiple warehouses, alerts and even dropshipping.
- Website + e-commerce: create sites without coding, integrated sales tunnel, native Stripe/PayPal connectors.
- Human resources: holiday management, timesheets, expense reports and even recruitment.
And if that's not enough, Odoo also offers a marketplace of third-party apps, often free or low-cost, to take things even further.
Odoo
Advantages and disadvantages of Odoo
Odoo's appeal lies in its versatility... but it's not for everyone. Here's what users like - and what can go wrong.
What we like about Odoo
- Extremely modular: start small, scale up painlessly.
- Modern, fluid interface, well above traditional ERP standards.
- Attractive pricing, especially for the community (open source) version.
- Rich ecosystem of apps, with extensions for almost everything.
- Active community and abundant documentation.
What can hold you back
- Learning curve at the beginning, especially if you want to push customisation.
- Paid support, unless you use an integrator or the Enterprise version.
- No direct hotline, everything is done via tickets.
- Some advanced functions (such as payroll) are not native or less mature than with specialist ERPs.
What is Sage?
General presentation of Sage
Sage is a name you know even if you're not interested in it. That's no coincidence: it's one of the most established ERP publishers in the world, particularly in Europe and France. Sage offers a complete suite of tools for managing accounting, payroll, finance and sales management, with a focus on SMEs, mid-sized companies and accountants.
Founded in the UK in the 1980s, Sage is now a global player in B2B software, with a long-standing specialisation in accounting and payroll. In France, Sage is a leading player, particularly among SMEs and accountancy firms, thanks to products such as Sage 100, Sage Business Cloud and Sage 50.
Sage's approach is more 'traditional' than Odoo's, but it is based on sound values: compliance, security and business robustness. The company also emphasises localisation by country, with French versions always aligned with legal obligations (DSN, VAT, CRC standards, etc.).
Who is Sage aimed at?
- SMEs needing rigorous management of their accounting, cash flow and payroll.
- SMIs looking for well-defined financial flows and solid financial reporting.
- Accountancy firms, who are often Sage partners.
Sage's customers include many international groups, as well as thousands of French VSEs and SMEs that have been loyal to the company for years. What makes Sage different? Stability, compliance and a well-established network of integrators.
Main features of Sage
Sage is the toolbox of the rigorous manager. It's not as flashy as Odoo, but it 's tailored to meet the needs of finance, accounting and payroll professionals. Here are Sage's flagship modules, based on Sage 100 and Sage Business Cloud:
- Complete, compliant accounting: entries, VAT, balance sheet, tax return, etc., all in accordance with French standards.
- Payroll and HR management: pay slips, DSN, holidays, absences, social declarations, employee portal.
- Sales management: quotes, invoices, purchase orders, purchase/sales tracking, lightweight CRM.
- Cash flow and forecasting: cash flow management, payment schedules, bank reconciliations.
- Business Intelligence: dynamic reports, customisable dashboards, analysis by analytical axis.
- Office 365 integration: work hand in hand with Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.
Sage also offers a cloud range (Sage Business Cloud) for companies that want greater mobility, while maintaining a secure, structured environment.
Advantages and disadvantages of Sage
Sage is reassuring and reassuring... but it can also be frustrating. Here's what we've learnt from the reviews of Capterra, G2 and feedback from French users.
What we like about Sage
- Top-notch accounting and social compliance : ideal for French legal obligations.
- Proven reliability , even with very large volumes of data.
- Comprehensive payroll and accounting modules , designed for professionals.
- Solid customer support , often cited as responsive and efficient.
- Extensive network of partners/integrators , especially in France.
What could hold you back
- Ageing interface on some versions (Sage 100), especially compared with Odoo.
- Little flexibility in customisation, especially for agile SMEs.
- Unclear pricing, with costs varying from integrator to integrator.
- Longer deployment times, especially for on-premise versions.
- Less oriented towards 'modern' businesses (SaaS, e-commerce, agencies, freelancers).
Sage remains an excellent choice for companies looking for compliance, stability and local support. Provided they are prepared to follow a more structured... and sometimes more rigid ERP logic.
Odoo vs Sage: compare features
Both software packages claim to be 'complete', but in practice their strengths lie in very different areas. Odoo focuses on flexibility and scalability, while Sage plays the business reliability card. We've cross-referenced user feedback, the publisher's documentation and our own tests to bring you a field comparison, by use case.
| Functionality | Odoo | Sage |
| CRM | Lead tracking, visual pipelines, automated follow-ups, integrated marketing. | Basic sales management: customers, quotes, orders, simple reminders. |
| Accounting | Multi-currency, analytical, bank synchronisation, but advanced configuration required. | Full compliance (VAT, DSN, balance sheet), reliable and ready to use. |
| Payroll & HR | High-performance HR modules (leave, absences, recruitment), but payroll via integrator. | Complete HR + payroll suite, up to date with French social standards. |
| Sales management | Tracking sales/purchases, quotes, stock, e-commerce, everything connected. | Robust tools for purchasing/sales processes, tailored to SMEs. |
| Reporting / BI | Visual dashboards, easy to configure, but with native analytical limits. | Advanced BI with multi-axis reporting, customisable, suitable for CFOs. |
| E-commerce & Web | Native site creation and online shop, integrated sales tunnel. | No native module, integration via external partners only. |
| Customisation & Dev | Open source, highly customisable, open API, large ecosystem of apps. | Not very flexible without specific development, dependent on integrators. |
Focus 1: CRM and customer relationship management
Odoo offers a visual CRM system that is connected to marketing and can be highly automated. Pipeline, scoring, e-mail campaigns, everything is fluid. Customised workflows can be created without a single line of code.
Sage, on the other hand, offers more traditional sales management: customer follow-up, quotes, invoices. The CRM is there, but it remains basic, without the level of customisation or marketing intelligence of Odoo.
👉 To remember
When it comes to fine-tuned management of leads and customer journeys, Odoo has the edge.
Focus 2: Accounting
Sage is in its element here. Analytical accounting, VAT declaration, DSN, fixed assets... it's solid stuff, with ironclad compliance. Accountants love it.
Odoo is making great strides, especially in the Enterprise version, but requires precise initial configuration. Its strength? Fluid integration with the rest of the modules (invoices, CRM, stocks, etc.).
👉 To remember
Sage is still a step ahead of the competition when it comes to seamless, regulatory compliance. For integrated, dynamic accounting, Odoo is a good option, especially with support.
Focus 3: Payroll and HR management
Sage is the boss in this field. Its payroll module is comprehensive, continuously updated and incorporates all legal requirements. It is particularly popular with SMEs with in-house HR management.
Odoo, on the other hand, offers effective HR modules (leave, absences, timesheets), but no native payroll. You have to use third-party apps or partners such as Noviat or Payroll Engine.
👉 To remember
If payroll management is central to your business, Sage is the obvious choice.
Focus 4: Reporting and Business Intelligence
Sage shines with its powerful BI tools, especially in its Sage 100 range. Financial and analytical reporting, customised dashboards... CFOs love it.
Odoo offers pleasant, dynamic views, but sometimes lacks depth when it comes to financial data. You can compensate for this with modules or connections to Power BI.
👉 To remember
For advanced analytical needs, Sage is more robust. Odoo is suitable for more operational and visual use.
Focus 5: Web, e-commerce and personalisation
This is where Odoo blows away the competition. Drag-and-drop website creation, native e-commerce modules, Stripe connectors, sales tunnel management... It's an integrated Shopify+ERP mini.
Sage, on the other hand, doesn't play in this field. You have to use external integrations (such as PrestaShop or WooCommerce), which are often complex to maintain.
When it comes to customisation, Odoo is open source, with almost infinite possibilities. Sage is more closed, and relies heavily on its network of integrators.
👉 To remember
For a digital or fast-growing business, Odoo is a real Swiss Army knife. Sage is more rigid, but still structured.
Odoo vs Sage: compare prices
The price list reveals the contrasting philosophies of the two software packages.
Odoo focuses on transparency and modularity, with a price per app. Sage offers several products (Sage 50, 100, Business Cloud, etc.) with prices often linked to personalised quotes.
| Offer | Odoo | Sage |
| Business model | Per user + per module (SaaS or free open source) | Licence or subscription (depending on version), prices on quotation |
| Free package | ✅ Community open source version, without official support | ❌ No free offer |
| Monthly rate (SaaS basis) | From €24.90/month/user, + modules (approx. €12/month/module) | Sage Business Cloud: from €25/month, but scalable according to needs |
| Payroll (optional) | Quotation via external integrators | Included in Sage 100 Paie, price on request |
| Accounting | Included in the Accounting module, approx. €12-20/month depending on use | Included in Sage Accounting packages, with variable pricing |
| Customer support | Chargeable via subscription or service provider | Included in certain packages (Sage 100), or via maintenance contract |
| Integrators & deployment | Large network, flexible pricing | Certified network, but integration costs often high |
Odoo vs Sage: which interface is more intuitive?
Ergonomics are often the key to adopting a tool... or abandoning it.
And the contrast between Odoo's modular, modern interface and Sage's sometimes slightly old-school rigour is striking. We've tested it, read dozens of reviews (Capterra, G2, pro forums) and summarised it all in a clear comparison.
| UX criteria | Odoo | Sage |
| Getting started | Intuitive interface, simple onboarding, but gradual learning curve. | More technical, requires training or support. |
| Design & navigation | Modern, responsive, well thought-out on both mobile and desktop. | More dated interface (especially on Sage 100), navigation not very fluid. |
| Interface customisation | Very high level of customisation (views, workflows, menus). | Not very customisable without specific integration. |
| Mobile / cloud access | Excellent on SaaS version, native mobile apps. | Good on Sage Business Cloud, more limited on desktop versions. |
| Learning curve | Easy to start with, increases with the complexity of the project. | Stable but long, especially for accounting/payroll modules. |
| Overall user experience | Smooth, pleasant to use on a daily basis. | Efficient but more austere, focused on business productivity rather than comfort. |
👉 Our analysis
- Odoo is clearly designed with the end user in mind. The UX is polished, the menus are clear and the modules integrate naturally. It's easy to see that you're getting more complex without realising it.
- Sage, on the other hand, is aimed primarily at seasoned professionals: it's stable and robust, but not very sexy. You'll need to allow time for training, especially on the desktop version (Sage 100).
Odoo vs Sage: compare integrations
Today's businesses need tools that talk to each other. CRM, accounting, e-commerce, marketing, project management... If the ERP is not well integrated, it often ends up copying and pasting from Excel.
| Criterion | Odoo | Sage |
| Number of native integrations | ★★★★★ - +10,000 apps via Odoo Apps, native connectors with Google, Microsoft, e-commerce, CRM, marketing tools, etc. | ★★✩✩✩ - Integrations limited to certain tools (Microsoft, PayPal...), little openness towards modern SaaS tools without dedicated development. |
| Ease of integration | ★★★★✩ - Open API, direct connectors (Zapier, Make), well-supplied documentation, integrations often plug & play. | ★★✩✩✩ - Integrations often complex to set up, requiring consultants or partner integrators. Little self-service. |
| Automation of workflows | ★★★★✩ - Customisable workflows, automatic triggers, great compatibility with no-code tools (Zapier, Integromat, etc.). | ★★✩✩✩ - Automations possible but rigid, few no-code orchestration tools. Very business logic but no "connectivity" thinking. |
👉 To remember
- Odoo, thanks to its open source DNA and its marketplace of apps, is a champion of integration. Whether it's with Google Workspace, Stripe, WooCommerce, HubSpot or even in-house apps, everything is designed to streamline workflows effortlessly. What's more, the Zapier and Make connectors allow you to go even further, without a developer.
- Sage remains more closed. Some integrations are possible (notably with Microsoft 365 or Salesforce), but they often require extensive configuration or a certified partner. And forget about native no-code automation.
Integration verdict:
👉 If you're looking for an ERP that's connected to your entire ecosystem, Odoo is well ahead.
Sage will suit you if you don't use many third-party tools, or if your IT department wants to keep control of each link.
When should you choose Odoo or Sage?
The needs of a fast-growing company are not the same as those of a well-established firm.
Here are some typical use cases to help you decide which software to choose according to your business profile, your challenges and your organisation.
If you're an agile, growing or tech-driven business → choose Odoo
- You're a start-up or a fast-growing SME that wants a flexible, scalable ERP without blowing the budget.
- You're looking for an all-in-one tool to manage CRM, accounting, invoicing, HR, website... with a modern, fluid interface.
- You already work with SaaS tools (Slack, Google, Stripe) and want an ERP that 's easy to integrate.
- Your team is comfortable with digital technology, and you have a culture of autonomy + automation.
- You want a customisable ERP, with an ecosystem of open source apps and an active community.
Examples: B2B scale-ups, e-tailers, digital firms, agencies, tech SMEs.
If you're a structured SME or a regulated business → choose Sage
- Your priority is accounting compliance, data security and state-of-the-art payroll management.
- You are a company that works with a chartered accountant, or even a Sage partner firm.
- You have few needs in e-commerce, CRM or web tools, but you expect a solid ERP for finance and administration.
- You have a CFO or HR department that prefers a reliable, tried-and-tested tool with certified support.
- You are in a sector with strong legal or social constraints.
Examples: industrial SMEs, service companies, accountancy firms, public or semi-public organisations.
👉 To remember
👉 Odoo is for those who want to build an ERP in their image, evolve quickly, and connect their business tools.
Sage is for those who need stability, compliance and structured management.
What to learn from the Odoo vs Sage battle
There is no universal winner here, but two very distinct visions of ERP. One focuses on agility and innovation (Odoo), the other on robustness and compliance (Sage).
The right choice depends less on the software... and more on you.
| Your needs | We recommend |
| Create a bespoke, scalable ERP system | Odoo |
| Manage your payroll in-house, without regulatory headaches | Sage |
| Easily integrate CRM, e-commerce and SaaS tools | Odoo |
| Ultra-compliant management software for accounting and taxation | Sage |
| Manage a 100% digital or e-commerce business | Odoo |
| Work with a Sage chartered accountant or partner firm | Sage |
| Control your start-up costs, without licence fees | Odoo |
| Be supported by a certified network for a structured roll-out | Sage |
👉 To remember
👉 Are you an agile business looking for freedom, customisation and automation? Go for Odoo.
👉 Are you looking for stability, compliance and an ERP recognised by accounting professionals? Sage is your ally.
Odoo vs Sage FAQ
1. Is Odoo really free?
Yes... and no. The Community (open source) version is free, but without official support or hosting. For smooth, professional use, we recommend the Enterprise version, from €24.90/month/user. You only pay for activated modules.
2. Is Sage right for a small business?
Yes, but it all depends on your needs. Sage Business Cloud is suitable for very small businesses with simple accounting and invoicing requirements. For broader needs (payroll, cash flow, analytical), you'll need to upgrade to Sage 50 or 100... with a bigger budget.
3. Can you manage everything with Odoo?
Theoretically, yes. Odoo offers more than 40 native modules, from CRM to e-commerce, stock management, recruitment and accounting. But beware: the more you stack up, the more you need to set up, train and support.
4. Which solution is easiest to learn?
Odoo has a modern interface and a modular approach. You can start small, then work your way up. Sage, on the other hand, is more rigid and often requires training or support from an integrator, particularly for Sage 100.
5. Does Sage offer a cloud solution?
Yes. Sage Business Cloud is the publisher's cloud range, with modules for accounting, payroll and sales management. It's less flexible than Odoo, but more stable and compliance-oriented.
6. Is Odoo suitable for accountancy firms?
Not really. Sage remains the benchmark for accountancy firms, thanks to its specific tools (tax returns, DSN, etc.). Odoo may be suitable for companies that internalise their management, but it is not designed for accountants.
7. Which tool offers the most integration?
No contest: Odoo. With its open source ecosystem, app marketplace and no-code connectors, it integrates with almost everything. Sage is more closed, except for certain cloud versions.
8. Is it easy to change software at a later date?
Let's be frank: no ERP migration is simple. That said, Odoo, with its open source format and standard exports, is more 'portable'. Sage, especially the on-premise version, is more restrictive.
Article translated from French