ERP system to help you run your business.
- GPL-3.0
- Python
- Docker
- Actively maintained
ERP & Inventory comparison
ERPNext vs Dolibarr: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick ERPNext for a full, deeply integrated ERP with manufacturing, assets and strong accounting on the Frappe framework; pick Dolibarr for a lighter, modular PHP ERP and CRM that installs on ordinary PHP hosting and suits freelancers and small companies.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
Modern CRM software package to manage your company or foundation activity (contacts, suppliers, invoices, orders, stocks, agenda, accounting, ...).
- GPL-3.0
- PHP
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
ERPNext vs Dolibarr, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  ERPNext |  Dolibarr |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 for the whole product | GPL-3.0 or later; some bundled dependencies carry their own licenses |
| Language/stack | Python and JavaScript on the Frappe framework, with Frappe UI (Vue) | PHP with JavaScript enhancements |
| Database | MariaDB | MariaDB, MySQL or PostgreSQL |
| Scope | Accounting, order management, inventory, manufacturing, assets, projects and POS; HR and payroll live in the separate Frappe HR app | Around 100 optional modules: CRM, proposals, orders, invoices, stock, BOM and manufacturing orders, POS (TakePOS), HR, projects, tickets |
| Install options | Official Docker setup (frappe_docker) or the bench CLI; managed hosting on Frappe Cloud | DoliWamp (Windows), DoliDeb and DoliRpm packages, Docker image, or unzip on any PHP web server |
| Extensions | Customize with low-code DocTypes, custom fields and scripts, or install other Frappe apps | 1000+ add-ons on the official Dolistore marketplace |
| GitHub stars | 39,821 | 7,686 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 6,664 | 8,073 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | v15.121.6Sep 30, 2026 | 24.0.1Sep 7, 2026 |
| Main language | Python | PHP |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | frappe/erpnext | Dolibarr/dolibarr |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
ERPNext is the better fit for growing companies that need manufacturing, multi-company accounting, asset management and deep customization, and that can run its Python, MariaDB and Redis stack (most people use the official Docker setup). Dolibarr is the easier on-ramp: you switch on only the modules you need from about 100 built-in ones, and it runs on any PHP host with MariaDB, MySQL or PostgreSQL, or from DoliWamp and DoliDeb packages. Both are GPL-3.0 with no closed edition.
Best for
Choose ERPNext for
Growing companies needing manufacturing, multi-company accounting and deep customization.
Best for
Choose Dolibarr for
Freelancers, small firms and associations wanting a light, modular ERP/CRM on PHP hosting.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Is Dolibarr easier to install than ERPNext?
Usually, yes. Dolibarr is a standard PHP application with a web installer and ready-made packages for Windows and Linux. ERPNext needs Python, Node.js, MariaDB and Redis, so most self-hosters use the official frappe_docker Compose setup.
Does ERPNext include HR and payroll?
Not in the core app any more. Since version 14, HR and payroll ship as Frappe HR, a separate open-source app you install on the same Frappe site.
Do both have a point of sale?
Yes. ERPNext has a built-in Point of Sale page, and Dolibarr includes the TakePOS module. Both can sell from stock and post the sales to accounting.
Which is more popular on GitHub, ERPNext or Dolibarr?
ERPNext has 39,821 GitHub stars against 7,686 for Dolibarr. Over the last twelve months ERPNext received 6,664 commits and Dolibarr received 8,073, so Dolibarr is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.
