The four models
| Model | How it charges | Example (verified 2026-09-23) | Wins when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per user | Each named user, no platform fee | Business Central $80-$110/user/mo; Odoo $24.90-$61.00 | Few users, predictable headcount |
| Base + users + modules | Platform license + named users + add-ons | NetSuite base $999-$5,000/mo + $129-$199/user (partner-cited) | You need a broad suite |
| Resource-based | Applications + transaction/storage tier; unlimited users | Acumatica Essentials ~$6.4-7K, Select $23K+, Prime $30K+ | Many occasional users |
| Tiered bundle | Plan bundles users + volume | Cin7 Core $349 / $599 / $1,199 per mo; QBO Advanced $340/mo | Small teams, simple needs |
Same company, different models: 25 full users + 50 light users
| Vendor | Year-1 subscription |
|---|---|
| Business Central (25 Essentials + 50 Team Members) | $28,800 - $37,800 |
| Odoo (all 75 are paid users) | $22,410 - $54,900 |
| NetSuite (25 full + 50 self-service) | $71,700 - $134,700 |
| Acumatica (users unlimited; Select tier) | $23,000 - $45,000 |
Takeaway
Light users flip the ranking: Odoo charges every internal user, Business Central charges $8 for Team Members, and Acumatica charges nothing per user. Count your light users before comparing quotes.
Turn this estimate into 3 real quotes
Published and benchmark prices are a starting point. Written quotes from independent partners are what you budget on.
Independence and disclosure. ERP Cost Guide is independent and is not a partner, reseller or affiliate of any ERP vendor. Buyers pay nothing. If we introduce you to an implementation partner, that partner may pay us a referral fee - see how we make money.
Frequently asked questions
Is per-user or resource-based pricing cheaper?
Resource-based (Acumatica) is usually cheaper with many occasional users; per-user (Business Central, Odoo) is cheaper for small, stable teams.
Sources
- Microsoft - Business Central pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-23
- Odoo - Pricing (US prices, archived 2026-09-17) (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-17
- BrokenRubik - NetSuite pricing guide (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-17
- GURUS Solutions - NetSuite price guide (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026
- Acumatica - Pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-23
- Milestone IS - Acumatica pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-23
- Cin7 - Pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-23
- Intuit - QuickBooks Online pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-23