The study investigates the characteristics of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that are most suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It seeks to answer two key questions: (1) What ERP features are most preferred by SMEs? and (2) Which ERP systems among today’s popular options are best suited for SMEs in Vietnam? This research builds on existing studies of ERP systems for SMEs, analyzes the features of widely used ERP platforms, and incorporates insights from expert evaluations and user feedback. The findings identify six key characteristics that make ERP systems suitable for SMEs; besides MISA, Odoo is also recommended. The study provides valuable guidance for designing ERP systems tailored to the specific needs of SMEs in Vietnam, contributing to the ongoing digital transformation of this sector.