8.6
Editor’s Rating:
Best Accounting Tools
Sage Intacct: CFO Dashboard
Sage Intacct
  • Multidimensional reporting capabilities
  • Scalability for multi-entity support and user growth
  • Simple and responsive user interface
8.4
Editor’s Rating:
Most Customizable
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Data Analysis Receivables
Acumatica Cloud ERP
  • Open architecture for rapid integrations
  • Multi-entity support
  • Mobile accessibility
8.2
Editor’s Rating:
Most Straightforward Pricing
Dynamics 365 Business Central: Dashboard
Dynamics 365 Business Central
  • Combined ERP and CRM
  • Similar interface to MS Word and Outlook
  • Integrations with Microsoft applications

NetSuite is one of the most popular ERPs on the market, but it does have its drawbacks. Users have cited lackluster usability, steep implementation costs, and complex implementation processes. In this guide, we’ve ranked the top NetSuite alternatives.

Sage Intacct - Best Accounting Tools

Sage Intacct is a cloud accounting software and direct competitor to NetSuite; it offers strong financial management capabilities. In fact, it’s the only software endorsed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), as it meets their functionality and reliability standards. It features multi-entity support, advanced revenue recognition, and project accounting features that match NetSuite’s.

Sage Intacct’s pricing is on the higher side, as you can expect a minimum of $8,000/year for a single-user system. That said, it’s more affordable than NetSuite, as its basic accounting package alone starts at $1,299/month. This makes Sage Intacct more suitable for smaller businesses looking for financial capabilities that rival NetSuite at a lower cost.

Best Accounting Tools:
Sage Intacct
★★★★★
★★★★★
(46)

Sage Intacct: CFO Dashboard
Sage Intacct: Executive Dashboard
Sage Intacct: Contract Journal Balances
Sage Intacct: Project Financial Summary
What We Like
Multidimensional reporting capabilities
Scalability for multi-entity support and user growth
Simple and responsive user interface
What We Don’t Like
Budgeting and interactive reporting cost extra
Limited non-financial functionalities
Volume exports can be difficult
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $8,580/year
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

Visit our NetSuite vs. Sage Intacct Comparison Guide for more info.

Acumatica - Most Customizable

Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP system that offers several different editions to support the needs of various businesses. These include the manufacturing, distribution, and retail industries. You can edit screens, add fields, and create custom forms easily to support tailored workflows. While NetSuite has some of these options, it can be more complex and requires technical expertise.

Another key difference is how the systems are priced. NetSuite deploys a user and module-based pricing model, while Acumatica is sold modularly and deploys a “pay for what you use” approach. This can benefit small to midsize businesses with variable usage but can make monthly prices unpredictable.

However, NetSuite has more advanced financial features than Acumatica. While they both include a core accounting suite, NetSuite goes a step further with its consolidated financial reporting and multi-currency support for global corporations.

Most Customizable:
Acumatica Cloud ERP
★★★★★
★★★★★
(24)

Acumatica Cloud ERP: Data Analysis Receivables
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Support Manager Dashboard
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Project Dashboard
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Staff Appointments on Map
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Field Services Tech Dashboard
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Production Manager Dashboard
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Warehouse Manager Mobile Dashboard
Acumatica Cloud ERP: Controller Dashboard
What We Like
Open architecture for rapid integrations
Multi-entity support
Mobile accessibility
What We Don’t Like
Must schedule a consult for pricing calls
High learning curve
Tedious setup
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $1,800/month
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

Learn more on our Acumatica vs. NetSuite page.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central - Most Straightforward Pricing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central’s pricing starts at $70/user/month for the Essentials plan. It includes unlimited users, CRM, accounting, and inventory modules. While there are still additional implementation and service fees, this makes it much more affordable compared to NetSuite.

This system is highlighted by its familiar Microsoft interface, which is similar to the Word and Outlook applications. It also integrates with all Microsoft Office tools, which can enhance its functionality without having to learn new systems. On the other hand, Netsuite requires extensive training for new users, though it does offer comprehensive resources to help.

Most Straightforward Pricing:
Dynamics 365 Business Central
★★★★★
★★★★★
(11)

Dynamics 365 Business Central: Dashboard
Dynamics 365 Business Central: Items Viewing List
Dynamics 365 Business Central: Orders Viewing
Dynamics 365 Business Central: General Leger Entries
Dynamics 365 Business Central: Dashboard
Dynamics 365 Business Central: Customer Management
What We Like
Combined ERP and CRM
Similar interface to MS Word and Outlook
Integrations with Microsoft applications
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for complex manufacturing needs
May require extensive training
No free version
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $70/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

To learn more, visit our Dynamics 365 Business Central vs. NetSuite comparison page.

SYSPRO - Best for Manufacturing

SYSPRO is one of the best ERP alternatives to NetSuite for manufacturers. It offers a strong BOM module that supports complex product structures with up to 15 levels of assemblies. You can even switch between production methods, which helps produce custom orders. While NetSuite can work for more simple discrete workflows, it doesn’t have the capabilities to support more advanced processes.

Best for Manufacturing:
SYSPRO
★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)

SYSPRO: Invoice Entry
SYSPRO: Dashboard
SYSPRO: Home Menu
SYSPRO: AP Invoice Posting
SYSPRO: Warehouse Maintenance
SYSPRO: Dimension Analysis
What We Like
Mostly straight-forward and user-friendly
Built with over 40 years of manufacturer and distributor expertise
Integration with AI, MI, IoT, and Cloud-hosting
What We Don’t Like
3rd party add-ons may be necessary, like EDI and shipping notifications
Difficult to customize
No payroll or HR modules
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $199/user/month
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

SAP Business One - Best for Small Businesses

Smaller businesses that can’t get NetSuite often turn to SAP Business One for their ERP software. The majority of companies relying on this alternative have between 10 and 100 employees. Like NetSuite, SAP Business One is highly customizable thanks to a variety of add-ons. The basic system includes accounting, CRM, and human resource applications. Accessing real-time data and generating reports is easy since SAP is deployed on-premise and through the Cloud.

Best for Small Businesses:
SAP Business One
★★★★★
★★★★★
(14)

SAP Business One: Sales Analysis
SAP Business One: Enterprise Search
SAP Business One: Cash Flow
What We Like
A single, integrated platform
Specifically intended for small to medium companies
Additional modules available from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)
What We Don’t Like
Base software lacks certain tools like CRM, CCP
Additional add-ons cost more
May not be suitable for businesses that grow too big
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $410/user/year
Client OS: Windows
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

What is NetSuite?

NetSuite ERP cloud-based software is one of the most deployed enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions in the world. It’s popular because, as an ERP solution, it helps companies collect and utilize business data through automated applications like accounting, procurement, and supply chain management. NetSuite software helps companies around the globe increase productivity, reduce errors, and influence business decision-making with real-time data visibility.

A few of the most well-known features include:

  • Full ERP suite with business intelligence tools
  • Cloud-based deployment
  • B2B and B2C eCommerce capabilities
  • Custom configurations through modules and third-party-developed add-ons

Why Choose an Alternative to NetSuite?

NetSuite is a popular solution for medium-sized companies with 50-500 employees. A Software Connect evaluation found almost a quarter of users were working in professional services. The distribution and manufacturing industries make up another quarter. More than 40,000 organizations have used NetSuite in over 160 countries. NetSuite Organization Size Study More than half of NetSuite users reported having between 10 and 99 employees to Software Connect.

However, there are many reasons this software might not be right for your business. Some reasons users have decided to find an alternative to NetSuite include:

  • Too expensive to implement and high annual subscription fees
  • Doesn’t have the right applications for large enterprises
  • Too much functionality for smaller businesses
  • Mobile setup is not user-friendly
  • Limited customer support

Another big reason users have turned away from NetSuite? They don’t offer their ERP software to small businesses. Whether your company has been deemed too small or you want to switch your users to a better suited software system, start your free search with Software Connect.

Talk with a software advisor
Talk with an advisor
Get a free consultation from an independent software expert.
Or, call toll-free: (800) 827-1151
Talk with a software advisor
Talk with an advisor