Odoo’s app ecosystem is massive.
Thousands of third-party modules promise to fill gaps, add features, or integrate external services. And on paper, it sounds ideal: why build something from scratch if someone else already has?
But many businesses that come to us have learned the hard way: not all Odoo App Store apps are created equal.
Some work brilliantly, while others add technical debt, create upgrade headaches, or hide complexity behind slick features.
Before you download and install your next app from the Odoo App store, here are five things to look out for.
1. Check if the app is well-maintained and version-compatible
The Odoo App Store doesn’t guarantee quality. Anyone can upload an app, and not all developers maintain them actively.
Before you install, ask:
- Does the app support your exact Odoo version (not just “17+”)?
- When was the last update?
- Are there release notes, a changelog, or signs of ongoing development?
An outdated app might work now, but it won’t survive the next upgrade.
2. Understand if and how the app will impact your Odoo
Some apps are small and self-contained. Others quietly override core models like sales orders, inventory, or accounting without warning you.
That’s where problems start.
Apps that alter core logic can block upgrades, break other modules, or create long-term dependencies. Always review the technical footprint before installing, especially if the app touches core Odoo flows.
3. Avoid complexity disguised as features
Odoo App Store apps often try to do too much.
What looks like a helpful feature bundle might introduce unnecessary layers of menus, fields, or workflows.
Ask yourself:
- Is this solving a real need, or just adding fluff?
- Can this be done more simply via Odoo Studio or light customisation?
The goal is to extend Odoo, not twist it into something else.
4. Beware of partners who always build from scratch
We often meet clients who say: "Our last partner didn’t even check the App Store, they just custom-built everything."
That’s not innovation, it’s inefficiency.
A good partner will first check if an existing, well-made app already covers most of your needs. Building from scratch makes sense sometimes, but not as a default strategy. It adds cost, complexity, and lock-in.
5. Know when to use the Odoo App Store and when to walk away
We both create and use Odoo App Store apps regularly. They’re great for:
- Third-party integrations (e.g. DHL, Shopify, Stripe)
- Very specific edge cases
- Prototyping fast solutions
But we avoid using or recommending them when:
- The app is poorly documented
- It’s hard to isolate or remove
- It changes core logic with no clear benefit
Your Odoo stack should stay lean, readable, and upgrade-friendly.
Odoo App Store apps should be tools, not quick fixes
The Odoo App Store is a powerful resource, but only if you treat it with caution.
Before installing anything, make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. Check the code, the versioning, and whether it's really solving a business need.
Used right, Odoo App Store apps save time and money. Used blindly, they cost you both.
Want to customise your Odoo setup? Talk to us!
We always check what’s out there before building from scratch.
If you’re unsure whether to tweak in Odoo Studio, install an Odoo App Store app or go custom, let’s talk and choose what’s right for your business.