Overview

Dolibarr is an open-source ERP and CRM suite built for businesses and associations that want to assemble their own mix of operational tools. It suits teams prepared to choose a deployment path and configure modules around their workflows; the trade-off is that assistance and hosted options come through third parties and partners.

Key features

Dolibarr’s modular design lets teams activate only the capabilities they need, spanning CRM and sales, HR, stock, finance and billing, marketing, and project management. That flexibility can keep a deployment focused, but it also puts the burden on teams to decide which modules and extensions fit their processes.

The workflow coverage reaches from proposals and contracts through orders, invoices, payments, bank reconciliation, accounting, shipments, and manufacturing. Finance, inventory, order management, manufacturing, and multi-entity support are all covered. This breadth makes Dolibarr relevant beyond basic customer tracking, particularly for organizations that want sales and operational records in one suite.

REST APIs use HTTP and JSON for reading, creating, updating, and deleting records; triggers and hooks provide additional extension points. A low-code Module Builder and external add-on marketplace offer ways to tailor the application, while listed connections include LDAP, payment services, SMTP providers, Google services, and e-commerce platforms. External synchronization modules cover platforms such as PrestaShop, Magento, WooCommerce, osCommerce, and OpenCart. The embedded e-commerce module is tentatively slated for end of 2026, so teams needing a built-in storefront should not treat it as a current capability.

Security documentation describes password or key encryption, optional forced HTTPS, defenses against common web vulnerabilities, and permission checks for pages and files. The project also has a vulnerability-reporting process. These are useful safeguards, though teams remain responsible for selecting and maintaining a deployment suited to their own requirements.

Pricing

Dolibarr ERP & CRM

The plan costs 0.00 USD per free and is Free Open Source Software. It can be used on-premise or in the cloud; hosted SaaS offers are provided by third parties. There is no paid tier or seat or usage cap described for the software itself, but hosting and assistance may involve separate providers. This is the natural fit for organizations able to manage deployment or arrange external hosting; teams seeking a single vendor-managed SaaS arrangement should weigh that distinction.

Platforms

Dolibarr supports API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows environments, with hybrid deployment. Stable production downloads are provided for operating systems. The range gives teams flexibility to fit existing infrastructure, though choosing self-hosting means taking on deployment and upgrade work.

Who it's for

Dolibarr is aimed at SMEs, larger companies, freelancers, and associations. It is most compelling for teams that want an open-source ERP and CRM they can shape through modules, APIs, hooks, and add-ons. Public forums cover installation, upgrades, and usage questions, while a worldwide partner network offers assistance and custom development. Organizations that need direct, centralized vendor support should consider whether that support model matches their expectations.

Pros and cons

Pros: Broad operational coverage combines finance, stock, orders, manufacturing, and CRM workflows in one modular suite.
Pros: REST APIs, hooks, and a low-code builder give technically capable teams multiple ways to connect or extend workflows.
Pros: The free open-source plan permits on-premise or cloud use, avoiding a software subscription fee.
Cons: Hosted SaaS is supplied by third parties, so teams must choose and coordinate hosting separately.
Cons: Installation and usage help centers on public forums and partners rather than a single stated vendor support channel.
Cons: Embedded e-commerce is only tentatively expected at end of 2026; current platform synchronization relies on external modules.

Alternatives

Tryton is another free, open-source business software option for teams choosing a self-hosted server or third-party hosting. For freelance invoicing rather than broad ERP workflows, Wave offers a free Starter plan with unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records, with online card payments priced at 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction. FreshBooks is a paid alternative with Lite, Plus, and Premium plans. BUSY has a free billing and accounting plan. Clear Books offers a forever-free, MTD-ready bookkeeping plan for sole traders with no transaction limits. FreeAgent provides freemium accounting plans. Odoo Accounting offers a free plan. Zoho Books has a free plan for solopreneurs and micro businesses while annual revenue stays below $50K.

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

Verdict

Choose Dolibarr if you want a free, extensible ERP and CRM whose modules and APIs can be fitted to a broad set of business workflows. Its strongest case is the combination of operational breadth and deployment flexibility; look elsewhere if you need vendor-provided SaaS hosting or a more centralized support arrangement.

	Arena PLM	Dolibarr
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Web	api, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows
Free plan	No	Yes
Revision control	Yes	—
Deployment	cloud	hybrid

Arena PLM vs Dolibarr

Arena PLM

Dolibarr