Odoo.sh vs Odoo Online

Comprehensive Comparison Guide

A detailed comparison between Odoo.sh and Odoo Online to help customers understand the differences and choose the right option for their business needs.

We have created a comprehensive comparison between Odoo.sh and Odoo Online to help businesses make an informed decision. The guide covers:

1. Platform Architecture & Infrastructure - Explaining the fundamental differences between the container-based Odoo.sh and the multi-tenant SaaS Odoo Online
2. Development & Customization Capabilities - Detailing the extensive customization options in Odoo.sh versus the configuration-only approach of Odoo Online
3. Update & Upgrade Management - Comparing the controlled update process of Odoo.sh against the automatic updates in Odoo Online
4. Security & Compliance - Evaluating the different security control levels available on each platform
5. Support & Maintenance - Explaining the different support models and maintenance responsibilities
6. Scalability & Performance - Comparing the worker-based scaling of Odoo.sh with the user-based approach of Odoo Online
7. Pricing & Cost Structure - Breaking down the different pricing models with real-world cost examples

The guide also includes a detailed decision framework to help businesses evaluate which option is best for their specific needs, complete with case studies for different business types, a TCO analysis, and migration considerations.

Introduction

When implementing Odoo Enterprise, businesses face an important hosting decision: Odoo.sh or Odoo Online. While both are official Odoo SA hosting solutions, they serve different use cases and offer distinct features. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you select the right platform for your organization's specific needs.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Odoo.sh	Odoo Online
Target Audience	Businesses needing customization	Businesses seeking out-of-the-box solution
Technical Expertise Required	Moderate	Minimal
Customization Capabilities	Extensive	Limited
Development Workflow	Git-based, professional	App installation only
Upgrade Control	Manual, scheduled	Automatic
Database Access	Full access	Limited access
Staging Environments	Development, staging, production	Production only
Custom Code	Yes	No
Module Restrictions	None	Some restrictions
Pricing Model	Worker-based	User-based
Typical Monthly Cost	$320-$2,000+	$24-$36 per user

Detailed Platform Comparison

1. Platform Architecture & Infrastructure

Odoo.sh

• Architecture: Container-based architecture with dedicated resources
• Database: Dedicated PostgreSQL database with full access
• Infrastructure: Hosted on OVH/AWS infrastructure
• Scalability: Easily scalable with worker units
• Backup System: Multiple daily backups with extended retention
• Environments: Development, staging, and production environments
• Performance: Resource allocation based on workers (CPU/RAM)

Odoo Online

• Architecture: Multi-tenant SaaS architecture
• Database: Shared infrastructure with isolated database
• Infrastructure: Hosted on Odoo SA's infrastructure
• Scalability: Limited to user count scaling
• Backup System: Daily backups with 7-day retention
• Environments: Production environment only
• Performance: Shared resources with fair use policies

Key Difference: Odoo.sh provides a more robust, dedicated infrastructure with multiple environments ideal for customization and development, while Odoo Online offers a simpler, maintenance-free SaaS experience with shared resources.

2. Development & Customization Capabilities

Odoo.sh

• Custom Code: Full support for custom modules
• Version Control: Built-in Git integration
• Development Workflow: Professional branch-based workflow
• Module Restrictions: No restrictions on custom modules
• Technical Access: Shell access, database manager
• API Access: Full API accessibility
• Deployment Method: Git push deployment
• Third-party Integrations: Unlimited flexibility

Odoo Online

• Custom Code: Not supported
• Version Control: Not applicable
• Development Workflow: App installation only
• Module Restrictions: Some third-party modules restricted
• Technical Access: Limited admin access
• API Access: Standard API with rate limits
• Deployment Method: App store installation
• Third-party Integrations: Limited to supported apps

Key Difference: Odoo.sh is built for development teams with a professional Git workflow, allowing unlimited customization, while Odoo Online restricts customization to configuration and app installation only.

3. Update & Upgrade Management

Odoo.sh

• Version Control: Full control over Odoo version
• Update Schedule: Self-determined update timing
• Upgrade Process: Managed through staging environment
• Testing Capability: Test upgrades in staging before production
• Rollback Option: Easy rollback through branches
• Custom Code Compatibility: Test custom code with upgrades
• Downtime Management: Schedule updates at convenient times

Odoo Online

• Version Control: Automatically updated by Odoo SA
• Update Schedule: Predetermined by Odoo SA
• Upgrade Process: Automatic overnight upgrades
• Testing Capability: Limited pre-upgrade testing
• Rollback Option: Limited rollback options
• Custom Code Compatibility: Not applicable
• Downtime Management: Managed by Odoo SA, typically overnight

Key Difference: Odoo.sh provides complete control over the upgrade process with proper testing environments, while Odoo Online handles updates automatically with minimal customer involvement.

4. Security & Compliance

Odoo.sh

• Data Sovereignty: Choice of server region
• Access Control: Fine-grained access management
• Security Updates: Controlled deployment
• Compliance Features: Supports custom security enhancements
• Audit Trail: Extensive through Git history
• Data Encryption: Standard encryption options
• IP Restrictions: Available
• Custom Security: Support for custom security modules

Odoo Online

• Data Sovereignty: Limited regional options
• Access Control: Standard Odoo access rights
• Security Updates: Automatically deployed
• Compliance Features: Standard Odoo features
• Audit Trail: Standard Odoo audit logs
• Data Encryption: Standard encryption
• IP Restrictions: Available as add-on
• Custom Security: Limited to configuration

Key Difference: Odoo.sh provides more control over security implementation and compliance requirements, while Odoo Online offers a more standardized but still secure environment.

5. Support & Maintenance

Odoo.sh

• Support Model: Technical support via Odoo SA
• System Maintenance: Shared responsibility
• Incident Response: Standard SLAs with faster options
• Performance Optimization: Self-managed with support
• Monitoring: Basic monitoring included
• Issue Resolution: Platform + implementation issues
• Support Level Options: Standard to custom SLAs
• DevOps Responsibility: Shared

Odoo Online

• Support Model: Included platform support
• System Maintenance: Fully managed by Odoo SA
• Incident Response: Standard SLAs
• Performance Optimization: Managed by Odoo SA
• Monitoring: Included
• Issue Resolution: Platform issues only
• Support Level Options: Standard
• DevOps Responsibility: Odoo SA

Key Difference: Odoo.sh requires more technical involvement from the customer or partner, while Odoo Online provides a fully-managed experience with less control but lower maintenance overhead.

6. Scalability & Performance

Odoo.sh

• Scaling Model: Worker-based scaling
• Resource Allocation: Dedicated resources
• Performance Tuning: Custom optimization possible
• Database Size Limits: Higher limits
• File Storage: More generous allocation
• Concurrent Users: Higher capacity
• Load Handling: Better handling of fluctuating loads
• Long-term Scalability: Excellent for growing companies

Odoo Online

• Scaling Model: User-based scaling
• Resource Allocation: Shared resources
• Performance Tuning: Standard optimization
• Database Size Limits: Stricter limits
• File Storage: Standard allocation
• Concurrent Users: Standard capacity
• Load Handling: Good for consistent usage patterns
• Long-term Scalability: Good for standard growth

Key Difference: Odoo.sh offers better performance optimization options and scalability for growing or larger organizations with fluctuating demands, while Odoo Online provides adequate performance for standard usage patterns.

7. Pricing & Cost Structure

Odoo.sh

• Pricing Model: Based on workers (computing units)
• Starter Cost: Approximately $320/month (1 worker)
• Typical SMB Cost: $640-$960/month (2-3 workers)
• Enterprise Cost: $1,280+/month (4+ workers)
• User Pricing: Separate Odoo user licenses
• Storage Costs: Included with option to add more
• Contract Terms: Annual commitment
• Hidden Costs: Development time, DevOps

Odoo Online

• Pricing Model: Per user monthly fee
• Starter Cost: $24-$36 per user/month
• Typical SMB Cost: $480-$1,800/month (20-50 users)
• Enterprise Cost: $2,400+/month (100+ users)
• User Pricing: All-inclusive per user
• Storage Costs: Included with limits
• Contract Terms: Annual commitment
• Hidden Costs: Minimal

Key Difference: Odoo.sh pricing scales with computational resources regardless of user count, which can be more economical for larger user bases, while Odoo Online's per-user pricing is more predictable but can become expensive as user count grows.

Evaluation Framework for Your Business

When to Choose Odoo.sh

Odoo.sh is likely the right choice if your business:

1. Requires Customization: Needs custom modules or extensive modifications to standard Odoo functionality
2. Has a Development Team: Has in-house developers or works with an Odoo partner for customization
3. Needs Process-Specific Workflows: Has unique business processes that require tailored solutions
4. Values Control: Wants control over updates, testing, and deployment processes
5. Has Integration Requirements: Needs to integrate Odoo with other business systems through custom development
6. Plans Complex Usage: Will utilize advanced features, complex workflows, or high transaction volumes
7. Has Compliance Requirements: Needs specific security or compliance features that require customization

Ideal For:

• Manufacturing companies with custom production workflows
• Businesses with unique industry requirements not covered by standard apps
• Organizations integrating Odoo with existing enterprise systems
• Companies with in-house development capabilities or strong technical partners
• Businesses with complex, high-volume operations

When to Choose Odoo Online

Odoo Online is likely the right choice if your business:

1. Wants Simplicity: Prefers a turnkey solution without technical complexity
2. Uses Standard Processes: Can adapt to Odoo's standard workflows without heavy customization
3. Has Limited IT Resources: Doesn't have technical staff to manage or customize the platform
4. Prioritizes Maintenance-Free Operation: Wants a fully managed solution with automatic updates
5. Has Standard Integration Needs: Only requires integrations through available apps
6. Values Predictable Pricing: Prefers straightforward per-user pricing model
7. Needs Rapid Deployment: Wants to implement quickly without development cycles

Ideal For:

• Small to medium businesses with standard business processes
• Organizations with limited IT resources or technical expertise
• Companies prioritizing quick implementation over customization
• Businesses that can adapt their processes to software rather than vice versa
• Organizations with straightforward operational requirements

Decision Framework Questionnaire

Answer these questions to help determine which platform is right for your business:

1. Customization Needs
   • Do you require custom modules or code modifications?
   • Are there unique business processes that standard Odoo cannot handle?
2. Technical Capabilities
   • Do you have in-house developers or an Odoo partner?
   • Are you comfortable with Git-based workflows and development processes?
3. Update Control
   • Do you need to control when updates are applied?
   • Is testing prior to updates critical for your business?
4. Integration Requirements
   • Do you need to integrate with other business systems?
   • Will these integrations require custom development?
5. Compliance & Security
   • Do you have specific compliance requirements?
   • Do you need custom security features beyond standard Odoo?
6. Resource Scaling
   • Do you expect significant growth in users or transactions?
   • Are there peak periods that would require temporary scaling?
7. Budget Considerations
   • Is your budget more aligned with per-user or resource-based pricing?
   • How important is initial implementation cost versus long-term TCO?

Migration Considerations

It's important to note that while migrating from Odoo Online to Odoo.sh is relatively straightforward, the reverse can be challenging due to:

1. Custom Code: Custom modules in Odoo.sh cannot be transferred to Odoo Online
2. Data Structures: Custom fields and models may not be supported
3. Workflow Differences: Custom workflows may need to be redesigned
4. Integration Loss: Custom integrations would need alternative solutions

Therefore, if you're uncertain about future needs, starting with Odoo.sh provides more flexibility for future growth and customization.

Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

Odoo.sh TCO Example (50 Users)

Cost Element	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	3-Year Total
Platform (2 workers)	$7,680	$7,680	$7,680	$23,040
User Licenses	$18,000	$18,000	$18,000	$54,000
Implementation	$30,000	-	-	$30,000
Development	$20,000	$10,000	$10,000	$40,000
Internal IT Resources	$15,000	$15,000	$15,000	$45,000
Total	$90,680	$50,680	$50,680	$192,040

Odoo Online TCO Example (50 Users)

Cost Element	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	3-Year Total
Platform + Licenses ($30/user/month)	$18,000	$18,000	$18,000	$54,000
Implementation	$15,000	-	-	$15,000
Configuration	$10,000	$5,000	$5,000	$20,000
Internal IT Resources	$5,000	$5,000	$5,000	$15,000
Total	$48,000	$28,000	$28,000	$104,000

Key TCO Insights:

• Odoo Online has a lower upfront and ongoing cost for standard implementations
• Odoo.sh becomes more cost-effective as user count increases relative to computing needs
• Custom development costs represent the major difference in TCO
• The value of customization must be weighed against its cost

Real-World Deployment Scenarios

Case Study 1: Manufacturing Company

Business Profile:

• 75 employees across production, sales, and administration
• Complex manufacturing processes with quality control requirements
• Multiple integration points with machinery and other systems

Recommendation: Odoo.sh

• Custom modules needed for production workflow
• Integration with machinery requires custom development
• Control over updates is critical for production systems
• Scale computing resources during month-end processing

Case Study 2: Professional Services Firm

Business Profile:

• 30 employees in consulting and administrative roles
• Standard project management and invoicing processes
• Minimal integration requirements

Recommendation: Odoo Online

• Standard project management features meet requirements
• User-friendly interface important for non-technical staff
• Predictable per-user pricing fits budget planning
• Automatic updates reduce maintenance burden

Case Study 3: Retail Business

Business Profile:

• 50 employees across stores and back office
• eCommerce integration with physical stores
• Seasonal business with fluctuating demands

Recommendation: Odoo.sh

• Custom POS and eCommerce integration needed
• Ability to scale during holiday shopping season
• Control over updates during peak business periods
• Integration with specialized inventory hardware

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

The decision between Odoo.sh and Odoo Online should be based on your business's specific needs, technical capabilities, and growth plans:

Choose Odoo.sh if:

• Customization is essential to your business operations
• You have technical resources available (internal or partner)
• You need control over the update and testing process
• Your business has unique workflows or integration requirements
• The value of customization outweighs the additional cost and complexity

Choose Odoo Online if:

• Standard Odoo functionality meets your core business needs
• You have limited technical resources
• Ease of maintenance is a priority
• Your business can adapt to standard Odoo workflows
• Rapid implementation and predictable costs are important

Remember that your initial choice isn't permanent. Many businesses start with Odoo Online for simplicity and migrate to Odoo.sh as their requirements evolve and the need for customization grows.

For personalized guidance on which platform best meets your specific business requirements, consider consulting with an Odoo partner who can provide an assessment based on your unique situation.

This comparison guide is provided by OdooPlanet as an educational resource. Operating on our "pay as you wish" model, your contributions help us continue developing objective, detailed resources for the Odoo community.