The Best NetSuite Alternatives for Small Businesses: Affordable and Easy to Use

Ingrid Johansen

Copywriter

February 20, 2025

10 min read

Small business owners and project managers, listen up. If you’ve been thinking about moving your operations to NetSuite, you’re probably already aware of its reputation. But is it the best solution for you? Or is there a better, more affordable alternative out there? Let’s break this down, step by step, without the fluff.

What Is NetSuite?

NetSuite by Oracle is an all-in-one software suite that covers everything: accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), inventory, e-commerce, and more. It's a solid option for businesses that need an integrated system to handle complex operations. Large companies love it because it gives them a single platform to keep everything running smoothly. But is it the right choice for a small business?

The Limitations of NetSuite (Based on Real User Feedback)

As much as NetSuite is loved by enterprise businesses, it doesn’t exactly have a glowing reputation among small business owners. I mean, who can blame them when some common complaints are all over Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot?

1. Price – Let’s be real. NetSuite isn’t cheap. Small businesses often find themselves paying for features they don’t need, and the price tag can be a burden. Some users mentioned that while it’s packed with functionality, it comes with a heavy price for a platform that’s overbuilt for their needs.
2. Learning Curve – A lot of users report that the learning curve is steep. One person even said they “needed a degree in NetSuite” to make sense of it. Small business owners don’t have time for that. They want something they can pick up and use without calling a consultant.
3. Customization Overload – Sure, customization is great... until it becomes overwhelming. NetSuite’s flexibility often becomes a double-edged sword. While it can be tailored to fit just about any business model, many users feel it takes way too long to set up and configure to their liking.
4. Customer Support – You’d think with a platform this expensive, customer support would be top-notch. Some users beg to differ. According to reviews, response times can be slow, and issues sometimes go unresolved for weeks. For small businesses that need quick answers, this is a dealbreaker.

So, is NetSuite the right fit? Probably not, for a lot of small businesses, unless you’ve got the budget and the patience.

How to Choose the Best NetSuite Alternative

Now, let’s talk alternatives. How do you go about finding the right tool for your business? Here are a few things to consider when making the jump:

1. Define Your Needs – What are you using your software for? Just CRM? Accounting? Project management? Get clear on your priorities before you start shopping around. You might not need an all-in-one like NetSuite if you only need one or two features.
2. User-Friendly Interface – Small businesses don’t have the time to train their entire team on a complicated platform. Look for software that’s intuitive and doesn’t require an expert to operate. A clean, easy-to-navigate interface can save you hours of frustration.
3. Affordable Pricing – Price is a big factor. Look for something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You want something with a pricing structure that grows with you, not a hefty upfront cost that makes your stomach turn.
4. Customer Support and Community – When things go wrong (and they will), you’ll want support that actually helps. A strong customer support team and a healthy community of users can be a lifesaver. Check out reviews and ask others about their experience with support before committing to a platform.
5. Scalability – You’re a small business now, but what happens when you grow? Look for something that won’t lock you into a system that’s too rigid. Make sure the tool you choose can scale with you, so you don’t end up in the same position a few years down the line.

Flowlu

Your all-in-one work management solution

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Flowlu brings together team collaboration, client and project management, knowledge sharing, and financial tracking, all in one place. With Flowlu, you can automate those repetitive tasks that slow you down. Rely on real-time reporting to get insights into what’s working and where you can improve. Flowlu offers multiple task views—like Kanban, list, or calendar—so you can visualize work the way that suits your team best. With all your data in one place, making informed decisions is simpler than ever. It's all about reducing the effort of daily tasks, so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business and delivering value to your clients.

Smartsheet

Project tracking with a familiar spreadsheet touch

Smartsheet’s spreadsheet-style interface makes it easy to track projects, collaborate with teams, and automate workflows. From detailed Gantt charts to simple task lists, it adapts to fit any team’s needs. Manage everything from big-picture strategy to everyday tasks in one flexible workspace.

ProofHub

Comprehensive project control

ProofHub offers an all-in-one platform for project management and team collaboration. Plan, organize, and deliver projects efficiently while keeping communication centralized. With features like task timelines, online proofing, and built-in chat, your team stays connected and in sync. It’s a comprehensive solution that brings clarity and control to your workflows.

Zoho One

Complete business suite

Zoho One is a full-fledged business platform with over 40 integrated apps, covering everything from sales to marketing to project management. It streamlines your operations by keeping all your tools under one login. Customize and scale the platform as your business grows, without worrying about the complexity of managing multiple systems.

WorkflowMax

Project lifecycle manager

WorkflowMax handles your entire project lifecycle, from lead generation to invoicing. Perfect for service-based businesses, it simplifies time tracking, task management, and financial reporting. With detailed insights into project profitability, you’ll always know where your business stands.

Dubsado

Client-centric project tool

Dubsado combines CRM, project management, and invoicing in one powerful platform designed for client-facing businesses. From sending contracts to managing client communications, Dubsado automates routine tasks so you can focus on delivering great work. Its clean interface makes it easy to keep track of projects, schedules, and invoices all in one place.

Scoro

Complete business management

Scoro combines project management, billing, and reporting into one seamless experience. Manage your tasks, track time, and get real-time insights into project profitability with Scoro’s all-in-one platform. Running a creative agency or a professional service firm? Scoro helps you optimize every aspect of your business with ease.

LiquidPlanner

Predictive project scheduling

LiquidPlanner uses predictive scheduling to give teams a clear view of timelines and resources. It dynamically adjusts as priorities shift, ensuring your team stays focused on the most important tasks. The platform’s real-time forecasting tools let you manage uncertainty and make informed decisions.

Nifty

Real-time project tracker

Nifty combines task management, collaboration, and project timelines in one intuitive platform. Plan and track your projects from start to finish with real-time updates that keep everyone aligned. Nifty’s easy-to-use interface and automation features make it ideal for growing teams that need flexibility.

Bitrix24

Integrated business collaboration

Bitrix24 combines project management, communication, and CRM into a single, integrated platform. Manage tasks, collaborate with your team, and keep client information organized—all without leaving the app. Designed for small teams and large organizations alike, Bitrix24 offers the tools you need to streamline operations.

Plutio

Freelancer business management

Plutio is built for freelancers and small teams who need an all-in-one solution to manage tasks, clients, and invoices. It offers everything you need to run your business seamlessly, including project tracking and communication, without the need to switch between tools. Customizable workflows allow you to manage projects your way, and integrated invoicing helps you get paid faster.

Planview

Enterprise project management

Planview (former Clarizen) provides enterprise-grade project management with robust features designed for large-scale operations. It’s perfect for teams that need advanced tracking, resource allocation, and collaboration tools in one centralized platform. Plan, execute, and deliver complex projects while gaining real-time insights into every aspect of your workflow.

Accelo

Service business automation

Accelo is built for service-based businesses that need to manage projects, clients, and billing all in one place. Track time, automate workflows, and keep projects on schedule, all while ensuring client satisfaction. Accelo integrates every part of your service delivery process, from lead generation to invoicing.

Avaza

Cloud-based team collaboration

Avaza brings together project management, team collaboration, and invoicing into a single, cloud-based platform. Organize tasks, track time, and manage client communications without the need for separate tools. Its clean interface and powerful features make it a great choice for teams seeking to simplify workflows and boost productivity.

Paymo

Time tracking with billing

Paymo is designed for teams and freelancers who need to manage projects, track time, and handle billing from one central platform. It’s perfect for businesses that want a seamless way to stay on top of tasks, deadlines, and client invoicing. Paymo’s real-time tracking and reporting give you full visibility into project progress and profitability. It’s an all-in-one solution for those who want to manage work and payments effortlessly.

HoneyBook

Client process automation

HoneyBook offers a complete client management solution for freelancers and small businesses. From proposals and contracts to payments, it helps you streamline your entire client process. Its automation features take the hassle out of onboarding and invoicing, so you can focus on delivering great work.

Monday

Visual task management

Monday is a visual project management tool that adapts to your team's workflow. It lets you track projects, set up automations, and manage everything from daily tasks to big projects on a colorful, user-friendly interface. Its flexibility makes it ideal for teams of all sizes looking to streamline processes.

Teamwork

End-to-end project tracking

Teamwork is a project management platform designed to streamline team collaboration. It allows companies to manage tasks, track time, and stay on top of project timelines with ease. With its client-focused features, Teamwork makes managing complex projects and keeping everyone aligned simple.

SuiteDash

Centralized Sales & Service

SuiteDash calls itself a client portal software but also includes a CRM with tools for managing sales funnels. It helps you keep all client information in one place and offers automation features like scheduling follow-ups and creating new contacts automatically. You can choose from four different styles to monitor pipelines from various aspects. It also provides client onboarding tools like forms, checklists, and proposals. However, users often mention the platform feels slow and overwhelming during setup due to the many modules and unclear connections between them.

Creatio CRM

CRM with Process Automation

Creatio blends CRM tools with process automation in one platform. It simplifies lead management, tracks sales, and handles workflows. The system adapts to fit various business needs. Users praise its flexibility. Teams can build unique solutions quickly. However, setup can be overwhelming due to its many options. New users often report needing additional training to get started. Once configured, it’s reliable for streamlining operations. Advanced reporting tools make it appealing to data-driven teams. On the downside, customer support response times could improve.

Kissflow

No-Code Workflow Automation

Kissflow keeps workflows and processes organized without making things complicated. It’s a no-code platform where teams can build their own automation, approvals, and project tracking without needing an IT degree. If your team is drowning in emails and spreadsheets, this helps keep everything in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.

Kantata

Project Planning for Services

Kantata is built for professional services teams that need to manage projects, people, and budgets in one spot. It helps teams plan ahead, keep an eye on resources, and track work without playing detective. If your projects involve juggling schedules, billable hours, and client expectations, this keeps everything organized.

Odoo

Modular Business Tools

Odoo is like a business toolbox with apps for accounting, CRM, e-commerce, and more. You can start with one feature and add more as your company grows, so you don’t have to switch systems every time you need something new. It’s a good fit for businesses that want flexibility without a bunch of separate subscriptions.

17hats

Simplified Solo Business Management

17hats is built for solo entrepreneurs who wear too many hats—contracts, invoices, scheduling, and client management all live in one place. It keeps admin work simple so you can spend more time actually running your business. If you’re tired of chasing down emails and payments, this helps keep everything under control.