Accounting Showdown India: Odoo vs TallyPrime vs Zoho Books
With India's growing digital economy and strict GST compliance requirements, businesses need modern accounting software that is both efficient and fully localized. In this 2024 comparison, we evaluate Odoo, TallyPrime, and Zoho Books — three prominent platforms widely used across Indian SMEs. Which one offers the best balance of pricing, GST handling, automation, and scalability? Let's find out.
1. Platform Overview
- Odoo Accounting: A modern, cloud-ready accounting solution integrated into the Odoo ERP suite. Offers GST filing, e-Invoicing, inventory, CRM, and HR integration.
- TallyPrime: A desktop-based legacy software used by Indian accountants. Widely trusted for compliance but lacks modern UI and online collaboration.
- Zoho Books: A cloud-based tool designed for Indian businesses with strong mobile accessibility and GST features.
2. Feature Comparison Summary
| Feature | Odoo | TallyPrime | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST Filing | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| e-Invoicing | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| TDS Support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| E-way Bill Support | ✔️ | ✔️ (via add-on) | ✔️ |
| Bank Feeds | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Multi-User Online Access | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Inventory Management | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Mobile App | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Project Accounting | ✔️ | Add-on | ✔️ |
| Payroll Integration | ✔️ | Add-on | Add-on |
| CRM Integration | ✔️ | ❌ | Add-on |
3. Usability & Modern Experience
- Odoo: Web-based, modern dashboard with integrated modules. Ideal for teams across departments.
- Tally: Traditional desktop interface. Functional but lacks mobile/cloud features.
- Zoho Books: Streamlined for mobile users and accountants who work remotely.
4. Pricing Comparison
- Odoo: ₹849/user/month for full suite. Free for 1 app.
- TallyPrime: ₹18,000/year per license (single-user). Multi-user costs higher.
- Zoho Books: ₹2,999–₹9,999/year depending on plan.
5. Scalability & Automation
- Odoo supports automated workflows across sales, purchases, projects, inventory, and HR.
- Tally requires manual entry and lacks real-time API integrations.
- Zoho Books offers automation with limitations compared to ERP-level control.
Conclusion
TallyPrime remains a reliable desktop solution, but it's outdated for companies looking to go digital. Zoho Books is great for startups and freelancers. However, Odoo shines as an all-in-one modern ERP+Accounting platform — perfect for growing businesses that want full automation, cross-app visibility, and cost efficiency.
Need GST-ready accounting software that grows with your business?
Explore Odoo for India today.
