Comparing SimpleInventory and Sortly for simple inventory management.
Both are inventory tools aimed at small businesses. This page describes how SimpleInventory approaches setup, spreadsheet import, and everyday stock tracking, so you can evaluate the fit for your workflow.
What is the difference between SimpleInventory and Sortly?
Both are inventory management tools for small businesses, so the difference is less about categories and more about the starting point and the daily workflow. SimpleInventory is built spreadsheet-first: you import the Excel or CSV file you already have, AI maps it, and your inventory starts from data you already maintain. For current Sortly capabilities and plans, check the vendor's site — this page focuses on what SimpleInventory does and how that compares for common small-business scenarios.
SimpleInventory and Sortly, side by side
A factual comparison from SimpleInventory's perspective. Vendor details change — verify with each vendor before deciding.
| Capability | Sortly | SimpleInventory |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Manual or photo entry | AI import of your existing Excel/CSV file |
| Try before signing up | See vendor site for current trial terms | Yes — import and manage without an account |
| Free plan | See vendor pricing page | Up to 2,000 products, free forever |
| Track quantities | Yes | Yes, with dedicated stock workflow |
| Low-stock visibility | Yes | Yes, via stock thresholds without formulas |
| Inventory history | Yes | Yes, dedicated history workflow |
| Reports | Yes | Simple inventory reports |
| Data export | See vendor site | CSV/XLSX export on every plan |
Starting point
Try before signing up
Free plan
Track quantities
Low-stock visibility
Inventory history
Reports
Data export
Where SimpleInventory focuses
Four deliberate choices that define the product.
Spreadsheet-first import
AI reads your existing Excel or CSV file, maps the columns, and prepares the import for review.
No-account start
Import your file and start managing inventory immediately — claim the workspace when you're ready.
A simple, dedicated workflow
Products, quantities, stock status, alerts, history, and simple reports — intentionally not an ERP.
Export-friendly
CSV and XLSX export is available on every plan, including Free. Your data is never locked in.
When Sortly may fit better
Honesty works both ways. Sortly's published strengths are real.
Photo-forward catalogs
If item photos are the core of how your team recognizes stock, a visually oriented tool may suit you.
Mobile-first field work
If your workflow happens mostly on phones in the field, review each app's mobile experience in detail.
Established vendor needs
Larger teams sometimes prefer a long-established vendor ecosystem. Check current plans and support options with each vendor.
How to switch to SimpleInventory
Export your data
Export your inventory from your current tool as CSV or XLSX.
Upload the file
Drop it into SimpleInventory — no restructuring needed.
Let AI map it
AI identifies likely fields and prepares an import mapping.
Review & confirm
Check the preview, then confirm and start managing stock.
Claim your inventory
If you started without an account, claim the workspace when ready.
Related pages
Keep exploring what SimpleInventory can do for your inventory workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Is SimpleInventory a good Sortly alternative?
Is there a free plan?
Can I import my Sortly data into SimpleInventory?
Which tool is simpler?
Try SimpleInventory with your own inventory file.
Upload the Excel or CSV you already have and see it become a working inventory system — before you create a single account.
Import Your InventoryFree to try · No credit card · No account required