Odoo versions · Hosting
Odoo Online, Odoo.sh or server: where to host Odoo?
All three options run the same Odoo, but they do not allow the same things. The decisive difference is custom modules.
Odoo Online (the SaaS) accepts no custom modules. Odoo.sh and a dedicated server do. This page compares the three options and gives the criteria to choose without regrets.
What does each hosting option allow?
Short answer: Odoo Online suits pure standard Odoo, Odoo.sh suits most SMEs that have or will have custom modules. A dedicated server suits strong location or information system constraints.
| Criterion | Odoo Online (SaaS) | Odoo.sh | Dedicated server |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom modules | No | Yes | Yes |
| Community modules | No | Yes | Yes |
| Test environment | No | Yes, by branches | To be built |
| Version upgrades | Imposed by the publisher | Managed | Managed |
| Operations | Publisher | Publisher and integrator | Integrator or you |
| Best for | Pure standard, small organisation | Most SMEs | Strong location or IT constraints |
What is the most common trap?
You start on Odoo Online because it is simple. A few months later, a need requires a custom module. You then have to change hosting midway.
This change is not trivial: it is prepared like a small migration, with a copy of the database, tests and a cutover. If custom development is likely, it is better to start directly on Odoo.sh.
Conversely, if your need is pure standard Odoo and will stay that way, Odoo Online is the simplest route. We will tell you.
Four questions to choose between Odoo Online, Odoo.sh and server
1
Is a custom module likely?
If so, Odoo Online is ruled out. It accepts no custom or community modules.
2
Do you need a test environment?
To test a version upgrade or a development before production, Odoo.sh provides branches. On a server, it has to be built.
3
Who runs the infrastructure?
The publisher on Odoo Online, the publisher and the integrator on Odoo.sh. On a dedicated server, the integrator or yourself.
4
Does a constraint dictate the hosting?
Data location, information system rules or heavy integrations may require a dedicated server.
And what about version upgrades?
It is another fundamental criterion. On Odoo Online, the publisher sets the timetable. On Odoo.sh and on a server, you control the date, testing first on a copy of the database.
With the release of Odoo 20 and the three-supported-versions rule, this control matters: it lets you choose the right moment rather than have it forced on you. The Odoo 20 page details what changes.
Hosting is also tied to the edition: Odoo Online and Odoo.sh require Enterprise, as explained on the Community or Enterprise page.
How does ANOR help with hosting?
We support all three options: choosing the hosting, setting it up, running it and monitoring it. The detail is on the Hosting and managed services page.
For custom modules, the code is handed over to the client and remains their property, whichever hosting is chosen. See the Custom development page.
Frequently asked questions about Odoo hosting
No. Odoo Online accepts neither custom nor community modules. For that, you need Odoo.sh or a dedicated server.
To install custom or community modules, have test environments by branches and control version upgrades.
When a data location, information system or integration constraint requires it. It takes more operational effort, so it needs an integrator or a technical team.
Yes, but it is a project in its own right: database copy, tests, cutover. Better to plan for it from the start.
Yes. Odoo Online and Odoo.sh are offered with Enterprise. Community is deployed on a dedicated server.
The publisher on Odoo Online, which imposes its timetable. On Odoo.sh and on a server, the upgrade is managed by the integrator or by you.
Which hosting for your project?
Four questions are enough to decide. Thirty minutes to go through them with you.