I’ve worked with various teams—sales, marketing, finance, and project management—and I’ve seen firsthand how enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be both incredibly helpful and a source of endless headaches.
I love how best ERP systems promise streamlined operations, better insights, and a unified view of the business. But sometimes it doesn’t take long before you’re asking, why is this so complicated? Or why can’t it just do what we need it to do?
Common challenges include adapting rigid systems to unique business processes, onboarding teams with tools that lack intuitive design, and uncovering unexpected costs mid-implementation. I know these challenges quickly compound when you try to 'get it right' during ERP software selection process. You'll probably agree with me that a wrong choice disrupts workflows, demoralizes employees, and wastes precious resources.
“Despite its challenges, ERP remains an essential part of the tech stack of companies with complex operations, regardless of their size and industry. This is due to the fact that ERP provides an integrated system that streamlines operations across the organization and provides functionality for multiple departments, from accounting to logistics and manufacturing, oftentimes including sales and human resources.
Some challenges still remain, such as integration and flexibility, as well as the cost of implementation, maintenance, and support. It is safe to say that ERP is here to stay and will keep its critical role in helping companies improve productivity and profitability.”
- Gabriel Gheorghiu, Research Principal, G2
Whether you’re upgrading from an outdated solution or exploring ERP systems for the first time, I want to help you identify red flags and choose a system that aligns with your needs. That’s why I teamed up with Gabriel Gheorghiu, our resident ERP expert, worked with folks from all kinds of teams that rely on ERPs, and dug through hundreds of G2 user reviews to help you find the best ERP systems out there.
*These ERP systems are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Most ERP companies provide pricing details upon request. I have included pricing information only for ERP systems that publicly share their pricing plans.
An ERP system brings all your core business departments like finance, HR, supply chain, and sales into one place to make things run smoother, keep data accurate, and help you make better decisions.
I teamed up with our in-house ERP experts and teams that actually use it—sales, marketing, finance, and project management—to figure out what ERP systems do well, where they struggle, and if they’re worth your time. Any insight that I got from them was validated using verified G2 reviews.
In the process of shortlisting these tools, I also used AI to analyze product reviews on G2, digging into real users' needs, motivations, and pain points. On top of that, I checked out G2’s Grid Reports to see how these ERP software compare. All that research led to this list of the best ERP systems, made just for you. The screenshots featured in this article are a mix of those obtained from a vendor's G2 page and publicly available material.
After exploring ERP systems, I found that the best ones integrate key business processes like finance, HR, and supply chain into one platform. They offer real-time data for smarter decision-making, are scalable to grow with your business, and have user-friendly interfaces with strong customer support, making them essential for streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
When I started to evaluate ERP systems, I focused on a few critical factors to ensure the system was a perfect fit for the business. Here’s what I look for:
By focusing on these factors, you can confidently choose an ERP system that meets current needs and sets you up for long-term success. Over the past few weeks, I evaluated over 20 ERP software solutions. The top 10 that made the list stood out for their ability to meet business needs, ease of integration, user-friendly design, and overall cost-effectiveness.
To be included in the ERP software category, a product must:
NetSuite is a technically robust, cloud-based ERP solution that brings all core business functions like finance, CRM, inventory, and e-commerce onto a single, unified platform.
While reading G2 reviews, I found its real-time visibility into financial and operational data impressive, which makes decision-making more informed and strategic. Its flexibility is amazing, too, with a high level of customization for workflows, reports, and dashboards, so users can tailor it to fit specific business needs perfectly. Plus, its scalable architecture handles growing transaction volumes and user bases without skipping a beat, making it ideal for businesses preparing to expand.
NetSuite also excels with its integration capabilities. Its application programming interfaces (APIs) make connecting with third-party applications straightforward, ensuring smooth data flow across systems. G2 reviewers also appreciated its automation tools, which reduce manual work and boost efficiency across departments.
I’ve also found some challenges in digging through user feedback. Implementing NetSuite can be a complex process, requiring time, expertise, and thorough training for teams to fully adopt it. For the pricing, users feel that subscription fees, add-on modules, and ongoing maintenance can add up quickly, especially for smaller businesses. There were also a few mentions of occasional performance issues, like system sluggishness or downtime, which can be frustrating during busy periods.
Customer support is another area where I’ve seen room for improvement. While it’s available, resolving more technical issues often takes longer than users want, so it's good to have either internal expertise or reliable external consultants on hand.
“Having everything in one spot makes my day so much easier. I can pull financial reports while also checking on how customer relationship management (CRM) leads are doing for sales. It's pretty easy to integrate with other systems if your existing NetSuite environment is well set up and well understood. I feel like I can set up my reports pretty intuitively and that my opportunities for customization are almost endless, with some obvious caveats.”
- NetSuite Review, Lilly W.
“The implementation process was inadequate. There wasn't sufficient analysis of the existing workflows by the NetSuite subject matter experts to determine (a) how NetSuite could accommodate existing workflows or (b) if existing workflows needed to change to accommodate NetSuite processes or perhaps leverage NetSuite features and functions. Similarly, the training was lacking. It was more a demonstration of default NetSuite features rather than training on the product as installed and configured in our environment. While additional training and support is available for a fee, the basic implementation and training need to be strengthened to support a successful initial adoption.”
- NetSuite Review, Richard K.
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When exploring Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, I found most users describing it as a robust, cloud-based ERP solution that integrates essential business functions like finance, sales, inventory, and customer service.
What stood out to many users is how seamlessly it connects with other Microsoft products, like Office 365 and Outlook. The integration feels natural and helps keep everything in sync across tools teams already rely on. The financial management tools also left a strong impression, offering real-time insights into accounting, budgeting, and financial performance that teams found especially useful for staying on top of business operations.
The flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central was also frequently praised. Users could customize workflows and reports to fit specific business needs. Plus, the ability to integrate with third-party applications lets them expand its functionality as needed.
However, there were a few mentions of steep learning curve, especially for those new to ERP systems. It made training essential to get the most out of it. I also gathered that customization can be complex and create issues during system upgrades, which might require additional developer support. Lastly, licensing fees and the cost of advanced features or customizations can quickly add up.
“It's simple to set up, easy to use, and requires no technical expertise. It works flawlessly with all of the tools I already have. I use it frequently for everything from forecasting and number crunching to managing sales and inventory.”
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Review, Aashu K.
“It presents challenges to migrate business data and workflows to different platforms or solution providers.”
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Review, Ramy S.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud simplifies daily operations, reduces maintenance time, and enhances overall productivity. This cloud-based ERP system provides real-time data access, which helps teams access accurate insights and make informed decisions.
G2 reviewers praised its robust data modeling features, which support advanced reporting and predictive analytics. The system’s ability to process large volumes of data in-memory allows for quick and accurate reporting, making it easier to forecast trends and make strategic plans. Additionally, users liked how SAP S/4HANA Cloud offers strong connectivity with other SAP solutions and third-party tools, enabling smooth data exchange and process automation.
During evaluation, I realized that its complexity can lead to a steep learning curve, requiring thorough training for teams to fully use its capabilities. While customization is possible, the cloud version has certain limitations, making it harder to adapt the system to unique business needs.
Speaking of implementation, some reviews also mention that it’s a resource-intensive process that demands detailed planning and skilled personnel, which can extend timelines and increase expenses.
“SAP S/4HANA Cloud has been a transformative solution for our enterprise, effectively addressing our complex challenges related to security, reliability, and compliance. This comprehensive product has not only provided a seamless transition to the cloud but has also ensured that our data and operations remain secure throughout the process. By offering end-to-end security measures and compliance support, SAP S/4HANA Cloud has enabled us to focus on business growth while trusting in the reliability of our cloud infrastructure.”
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud Review, Matt W.
“The expenses of transitioning to S/4HANA are significant and encompass licensing fees, software upgrades, education, consulting services, and disruptions to business operations. Evaluating the advantages and drawbacks before deciding and implementing them is wise.”
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud Review, Anthony C.
Using Sage Intacct offered our team a transformative experience for managing complex financial operations.
It’s a cloud-based ERP solution built with financial management at its core, and what stands out for me in all the feedback is its intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces the learning curve and boosts productivity. The system offers powerful features like automated accounts payable and receivable, robust general ledger functionality, advanced purchasing workflows, and highly detailed financial reporting.
Users particularly value its ability to deliver real-time insights, thanks to its advanced analytics tools, which keep them informed about every aspect of their business’s financial health.
Sage Intacct connects effortlessly with third-party tools like Salesforce, payroll systems, and expense management software, creating a unified ecosystem. G2 reviewers also appreciated the multi-entity management feature which simplifies consolidations, currency conversions, and inter-entity transactions, making it ideal for businesses with subsidiaries or global operations. Its scalability ensures it can handle increasing transaction volumes and users as the business grows, without sacrificing performance.
While the reporting tools are comprehensive, I found some reviews noting that customizing them can be more complex than expected, often requiring advanced knowledge or support from a consultant. Some integrations, especially with more specialized tools or configurations, can be challenging to set up and maintain.
“What I like best about Sage Intacct is that it's modern and sleek with a very clean user interface that's easy to use. It also contains a lot of powerful features to make it easier to run our accounts department and perform various tasks such as raising invoices on the accounts receivable and accounts payable side, making payment runs, sending out remits and statements, receiving payments, and allocating them to invoices. Plus, the system is cloud-based, which makes it easy to implement and integrate into the business.”
- Sage Intacct Review, Hon-Wai P.
“The service process is never as easy as I want it to be. You have to log into the community. Additionally, some modules are better than others. The prepaid expense module has glitches that you learn to work around, but limit full functionality. I also wish the app was more dynamic, as I am frequently on the move.”
- Sage Intacct Review, Kendall W.
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Acumatica seamlessly brings everything together. It’s a cloud-based powerhouse that can handle core business processes, from finances and inventory to CRM and beyond. The interface is clean and user-friendly, which means users can focus on getting work done instead of figuring out how to use the system. It’s designed for efficiency, and that shows in how smoothly it integrates operations across the entire business.
What users love most about Acumatica is its flexibility. They can customize workflows, reports, and dashboards to tailor everything to how their teams work. And Acumatica scales effortlessly, handling increased transactions and users without missing a beat. Plus, since it’s cloud-based, teams can access everything from anywhere, whether in the office or on the go.
From what I gathered, implementing Acumatica takes some effort since it’s not a plug-and-play solution. The setup process requires planning and expertise, especially when integrating it with existing systems. And while the pricing model is fair, the cost of add-ons and customizations can creep up, so it’s something users had to budget for. Advanced features, like automation and custom reporting, also take a bit of time to master.
“Powerful but easy to use with a fairly simple interface and clean design. Because it's built for the cloud, the features are extensible through their entire marketplace of partners that add amazing functionality. It's amazingly fast, too. You would think that it's a native application with the way it generates reports and completes robust tasks. The feature set is constantly growing because of the yearly release cycle, so new features are always on the horizon.”
- Acumatica Review, Georgy D.
“As a user of the payroll module, I think having a human resources information system (HRIS) would greatly enhance the payroll processing. There is quite a disconnect between HR functionality in the system that needs to be done outside of the system.”
- Acumatica Review, Jennifer G.
SAP ECC, or SAP ERP Central Component, is often praised for handling complexity with precision and efficiency.
Many users describe it as a command center that connects core business functions—finance, sales, inventory, and supply chain. The range of available modules, such as Financial Accounting, Materials Management, and Sales & Distribution, gives teams the tools they need to streamline operations across departments while keeping everything in sync.
SAP ECC is frequently recognized for its flexibility. Users appreciate being able to select only the modules they need, allowing them to tailor the system to their specific business processes. As companies scale, SAP ECC is known to scale alongside them—supporting more users, transactions, and even global operations without a drop in performance.
Integration is another strong point. The ability to connect SAP ECC with other SAP tools, like Business Warehouse, as well as non-SAP systems, is frequently cited as a major benefit. This connectivity helps maintain a smooth flow of data, reducing the need for manual workarounds. For companies with specialized needs, the industry-specific features are often described as highly relevant and well-aligned with niche requirements.
However, the traditional user interface is often viewed as a drawback. Compared to more modern ERP systems, users find it somewhat clunky and outdated. While functional, onboarding teams requires time and training.
Implementation is also a heavy lift. Reviews note that setting up SAP ECC demands meticulous planning, specialized expertise, and a substantial financial investment. Ongoing maintenance and upgrades require dedicated resources as well.
Real-time analytics is another area where some users express frustration. Because SAP ECC often relies on batch processing, there can be delays in surfacing time-sensitive insights. And while customization is one of its strengths, configuring the system can be complex—often requiring external consultants to get everything working correctly.
“I love the extensive functionality and integration capabilities offered by SAP ECC. It offers a selection of modules and features that facilitate the efficient management of various functions, including finance, sales, purchasing, and manufacturing. By visualizing real-time data, the system enables better decision-making and increases operational efficiency. Additionally, SAP ECC’s robust reporting and analytics capabilities help generate valuable insights and enhance business expansion.”
- SAP ECC Review, Mahmoud A.
“One of the major things I disliked about SAP ECC is the learning curve and cost associated with the software. Due to its complexity, there is often a steep learning curve associated with SAP ECC. New users might require extensive training to effectively use the system. Also, implementing and maintaining SAP ECC can be expensive, not only in terms of software licenses but also in terms of hardware, training, and ongoing support.”
- SAP ECC Review, Bhavesh G.
Deltek Costpoint stands out for its focus on compliance and regulatory support for government contractors. It’s designed to handle the complexities of meeting the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) requirements, taking a lot of the stress out of ensuring government contractor businesses stay audit-ready.
G2 reviewers love the built-in tools for tracking indirect rates, managing time and expense reporting, and maintaining accurate project accounting. I’ve found that this level of compliance integration is something other ERP systems often struggle to match.
Another feature that's truly appreciated is its workforce management capabilities. Deltek Costpoint also manages wide range of functionalities from automating payroll processes to tracking employee hours and project allocations. Users love how the talent management tools help businesses with hiring and onboarding, which saves companies time and ensures they can find and retain the best talent for projects.
Implementing Deltek Costpoint is often described as a detailed and resource-intensive process. Users report that it requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a significant time investment to configure properly and integrate with existing systems. While the interface becomes intuitive over time, unlocking its full capabilities typically involves thorough training for internal teams.
Performance is another area where users report occasional issues. When handling large data sets or running complex queries, some experience slowdowns that can disrupt workflows.
“I have used Deltek Costpoint for over 25 years. It is the most robust and customizable program I've ever seen for project-based accounting and finance. No other program can compare to the Cost Pool features in Costpoint for indirect rate management, as well as having the ability to perform all other functions needed for optimum financial reporting and compliance.”
- DelTek Costpoint Review, Michele W.
“I don't like that in order to reverse a prior invoice, you have to reverse all of the invoices that came after it. Not only is this time-consuming, but if rate updates occurred since the subsequent invoices were first posted, you could come up with different totals when they are re-calc'd. And if the customer already paid those subsequent invoices, it really complicates things. I also wish there was more functionality for collections – ways to notify us when it's time to follow up, a greater character limit, etc. We ended up opting for a different tool to track collection statuses.”
- Deltek Costpoint Review, Deanna U.
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Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is described as a dynamic ERP system that keeps everything running smoothly, no matter how complex things get. Its comprehensive suite of features spans finance, manufacturing, sales, and distribution, giving teams everything they need to manage operations in one place.
The real-time reporting and analytics are a standout for several reviewers. Having instant insights into key performance indicators allows them to make decisions with confidence, knowing they have the data to back them up. The seamless integration capabilities mean users don’t have to worry about disconnected systems or manual data entry—it’s all connected, efficient, and reliable. I also love how users note the systems as robust and stable, handling their business’s growth and complexity with ease.
According to G2 reviews, the implementation process requires time, resources, and expertise to get everything set up correctly. And while the system’s functionality is incredible, it has a steep learning curve. Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne also becomes a substantial investment with licensing fees, customizations, and ongoing maintenance.
“Oracle regularly releases updates, enhancements, and new features for JD Edwards EnterpriseOne to keep up with changing business requirements and technology advancements.”
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Review, Vaibhav K.
“While Oracle JD Edwards can be customized to meet specific business needs, it requires additional time and resources to make the necessary changes. This can be a challenge for businesses with limited resources.”
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Review, Kaushal Z.
Odoo ERP is often described as a fully customizable and versatile system. Its open-source nature is seen as a major advantage from a technical perspective. Users highlight the ability to tailor workflows, dashboards, and even core functionality to meet specific business needs. Built on Python, Odoo offers extensive customization options—though reviewers note that skilled developers are often required to fine-tune features.
Odoo can run on both Windows and Linux, but many users report better performance and stronger community support when operating it in a Linux-based environment, which is frequently considered the more stable and efficient choice.
To get the best performance, users had to ensure their hardware meets Odoo’s requirements. I found out that for smaller deployments with up to 10 users, a dual-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 10 GB of storage are sufficient.
Implementing Odoo is often described as a complex process that requires planning and technical expertise, particularly when integrating third-party applications or customizing the source code. Users note that its extensive functionality comes with a learning curve, requiring time and training to use effectively.
While the interface is generally considered user-friendly, some reviewers report occasional slowdowns when working with large data volumes, which can impact the overall experience.
Customer support receives mixed feedback. Although there’s a strong community-driven support base, official support is sometimes described as inconsistent, making it harder to resolve critical issues quickly.
“Although Odoo ERP is highly customizable, the process can be complex and requires a good understanding of both the platform and its underlying code. For businesses without in-house technical expertise, this can lead to reliance on external developers, which may increase costs and time for implementation.”
- Odoo ERP Review, Khurshid A.
SAP Business ByDesign's cloud-native architecture provides unmatched scalability.
It lets teams add users, modules, and functionalities as their business grows without needing significant hardware investments. The system is designed to handle complex workflows and offers robust data security, adhering to strict compliance standards, which is reassuring for sensitive business operations.
Users appreciate how the embedded analytics tools deliver real-time insights through customizable dashboards, enabling them to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and gain deeper visibility into operations.
Performance-wise, SAP Business ByDesign generally handles tasks efficiently, but G2 reviewers mention having encountered occasional slowdowns, particularly when processing large datasets or running complex queries. These performance issues are quite frustrating during critical operations, requiring technical adjustments or support.
“SAP Business ByDesign does lack in quick customer support for any issues faced. Even though almost all issues are solved, the support has often taken a long time to respond to complaints raised by our organisation. This can cause frustration."
- SAP Business ByDesign Review, Syed Umer W.
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Sage Intacct, and Acumatica.
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Sage Intacct, and Odoo ERP.
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Sage Intacct, Acumatica, SAP ECC, Deltek Costpoint.
Three common types of ERP systems include:
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, and Sage Intacct.
NetSuite is highly recommended for IT companies due to its comprehensive business management capabilities across finance, inventory, and e-commerce.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud offers real-time data processing and advanced analytics, suitable for managing complex app development projects.
NetSuite provides comprehensive tools that cater to the needs of digital services agencies, including finance, inventory, and e-commerce management.
As I look into ERP software trends for 2025, it’s clear that the landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advancements and shifting business needs. What excites me most are the key areas of focus: increased cloud adoption, IoT integration, enhanced security frameworks, supply chain resilience, the growing use of AI and machine learning, and advanced analytics. These innovations are transforming how businesses operate and adapt to a dynamic market.
I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this list of the best ERP systems. My goal was to provide a well-researched, fact-based compilation inspired by feedback from real users like you. I hope it helps you get closer to choosing the perfect ERP solution for your business. Remember, the best choice starts with understanding your unique needs and budget. Take the time to explore authentic reviews on platforms like G2—they’re invaluable in making a decision that aligns with your goals.
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