Quick Overview
- 1#1: Odoo - Open-source ERP platform with comprehensive invoicing, e-billing, and accounting modules for self-hosted in-house deployment.
- 2#2: ERPNext - Full-featured open-source ERP system offering robust e-invoicing, billing automation, and financial management for on-premise use.
- 3#3: Dolibarr - Modular open-source ERP and CRM with integrated invoicing and e-billing tools suitable for in-house installation.
- 4#4: Invoice Ninja - Self-hosted invoicing application with e-billing, recurring billing, and payment gateway integrations for internal business use.
- 5#5: Akaunting - Free open-source accounting software featuring invoicing, expense tracking, and e-billing capabilities for self-hosting.
- 6#6: Crater - Modern open-source invoicing platform designed for small businesses with e-billing and payment processing for in-house setups.
- 7#7: Kill Bill - Open-source billing and payment platform supporting complex usage-based e-billing for enterprise in-house deployments.
- 8#8: Lago - Open-source metering and usage-based billing engine with e-invoicing support for self-hosted SaaS-like in-house billing.
- 9#9: InvoicePlane - Open-source invoicing application providing customizable e-billing quotes, invoices, and client management for internal hosting.
- 10#10: BoxBilling - Open-source client and billing management system with invoicing and order handling features for in-house server deployment.
Tools were selected based on their feature set (e.g., automation, integrations), reliability of open-source infrastructure, ease of use, and value proposition for diverse organizational needs, ensuring a balanced overview of top-performing in-house e billing options.
Comparison Table
Efficient in-house e billing software is critical for streamlined financial workflows, and selecting the right tool demands careful evaluation of diverse features. This comparison table explores Odoo, ERPNext, Dolibarr, Invoice Ninja, Akaunting, and more, equipping readers to compare functionality, usability, and scalability to find the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odoo Open-source ERP platform with comprehensive invoicing, e-billing, and accounting modules for self-hosted in-house deployment. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | ERPNext Full-featured open-source ERP system offering robust e-invoicing, billing automation, and financial management for on-premise use. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Dolibarr Modular open-source ERP and CRM with integrated invoicing and e-billing tools suitable for in-house installation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | Invoice Ninja Self-hosted invoicing application with e-billing, recurring billing, and payment gateway integrations for internal business use. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Akaunting Free open-source accounting software featuring invoicing, expense tracking, and e-billing capabilities for self-hosting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 6 | Crater Modern open-source invoicing platform designed for small businesses with e-billing and payment processing for in-house setups. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 7 | Kill Bill Open-source billing and payment platform supporting complex usage-based e-billing for enterprise in-house deployments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 8 | Lago Open-source metering and usage-based billing engine with e-invoicing support for self-hosted SaaS-like in-house billing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | InvoicePlane Open-source invoicing application providing customizable e-billing quotes, invoices, and client management for internal hosting. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | BoxBilling Open-source client and billing management system with invoicing and order handling features for in-house server deployment. | other | 6.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
Open-source ERP platform with comprehensive invoicing, e-billing, and accounting modules for self-hosted in-house deployment.
Full-featured open-source ERP system offering robust e-invoicing, billing automation, and financial management for on-premise use.
Modular open-source ERP and CRM with integrated invoicing and e-billing tools suitable for in-house installation.
Self-hosted invoicing application with e-billing, recurring billing, and payment gateway integrations for internal business use.
Free open-source accounting software featuring invoicing, expense tracking, and e-billing capabilities for self-hosting.
Modern open-source invoicing platform designed for small businesses with e-billing and payment processing for in-house setups.
Open-source billing and payment platform supporting complex usage-based e-billing for enterprise in-house deployments.
Open-source metering and usage-based billing engine with e-invoicing support for self-hosted SaaS-like in-house billing.
Open-source invoicing application providing customizable e-billing quotes, invoices, and client management for internal hosting.
Open-source client and billing management system with invoicing and order handling features for in-house server deployment.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with comprehensive invoicing, e-billing, and accounting modules for self-hosted in-house deployment.
Seamless multi-format e-invoicing compliance (PEPPOL, EDI, UBL) with one-click integration across all business modules
Odoo is a versatile open-source ERP platform offering robust in-house e-billing capabilities through its Invoicing and Accounting apps, enabling seamless generation, automation, and tracking of electronic invoices. It supports compliance with global e-invoicing standards like PEPPOL and UBL, integrating directly with CRM, inventory, and payments for end-to-end billing workflows. Designed for self-hosting via the free Community edition, it provides full data control and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of e-billing with ERP modules like accounting and inventory
- Free self-hosted Community edition with unlimited users
- Strong customization via low-code tools and e-invoicing compliance support
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for in-house deployment
- Advanced features like automated recurring billing require Enterprise edition
- Performance can lag on high-volume self-hosted setups without optimization
Best For
Medium to large enterprises seeking a scalable, self-hosted e-billing solution fully integrated into a broader ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Community edition free for self-hosting; Enterprise apps from $24.90/user/month (billed annually) with Odoo.sh hosting options.
ERPNext
enterpriseFull-featured open-source ERP system offering robust e-invoicing, billing automation, and financial management for on-premise use.
Native GST e-invoicing with automatic IRN/QR code generation and government portal integration
ERPNext is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform that excels in in-house e-billing with robust invoicing, accounting, and compliance modules for generating electronic invoices, sales orders, and payments. It supports GST-compliant e-invoicing in India, including IRN and QR code generation, making it suitable for self-hosted deployments without vendor dependency. Beyond billing, it integrates inventory, CRM, HR, and manufacturing for end-to-end business management.
Pros
- Fully open-source and self-hostable with no licensing fees
- Advanced e-invoicing compliance including GST and IRN for India
- Highly customizable via low-code framework for tailored billing workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and setup complexity for non-technical teams
- Requires server management and optimization for high-volume billing
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic e-billing without full ERP
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises wanting a customizable, self-hosted ERP with integrated e-billing and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition for self-hosting; Frappe Cloud hosting from $10/user/month; enterprise support plans available.
Dolibarr
enterpriseModular open-source ERP and CRM with integrated invoicing and e-billing tools suitable for in-house installation.
Extensive modular system enabling precise activation of e-billing tools without unnecessary bloat
Dolibarr is a free, open-source ERP and CRM platform designed for self-hosting, offering robust electronic billing capabilities including invoice creation, management, and automation. It supports PDF generation, electronic invoice formats for various countries (via modules), payment tracking, and integration with accounting and CRM features. Ideal for in-house deployment, it provides full data ownership and customization without recurring fees.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Modular architecture for tailored e-billing setups
- Strong multi-currency, multi-company invoicing and compliance support
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for server setup and maintenance
- Dated user interface that may feel clunky
- Advanced e-invoicing standards need third-party modules or custom config
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing a customizable, self-hosted e-billing solution with ERP growth potential.
Pricing
Free open-source software; self-hosted at no license cost, optional paid support or hosting from partners.
Invoice Ninja
specializedSelf-hosted invoicing application with e-billing, recurring billing, and payment gateway integrations for internal business use.
Fully open-source self-hosting for complete data privacy and no vendor lock-in
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing and billing platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and teams requiring in-house electronic billing solutions. It enables self-hosting on your own servers for full data control, supporting features like customizable invoices, recurring billing, expense tracking, and client portals. The software integrates with major payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal, streamlining online payments and automation workflows.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted version with no usage limits
- Highly customizable templates and automation for invoices
- Robust integrations with payment processors and accounting tools
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Advanced reporting and multi-company features limited in free tier
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers seeking a cost-effective, self-hosted e-billing solution with full data ownership.
Pricing
Free self-hosted open-source version; hosted SaaS plans start at $10/month for Pro tier with more features.
Akaunting
specializedFree open-source accounting software featuring invoicing, expense tracking, and e-billing capabilities for self-hosting.
100% self-hosted open-source architecture for unlimited users, companies, and data without vendor lock-in
Akaunting is a free, open-source accounting software designed for self-hosting, enabling businesses to manage invoicing, expenses, clients, and financial reports on their own servers. It supports creating customizable invoices, recurring billing, multi-currency transactions, and basic e-billing workflows like PDF generation and email delivery. As an in-house solution, it prioritizes data privacy and customization without subscription fees, making it suitable for small teams handling internal billing processes.
Pros
- Fully free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Self-hosted for complete data control and privacy
- Robust invoicing tools including templates, automation, and reports
Cons
- Requires technical setup on a server (PHP/MySQL knowledge needed)
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Limited advanced e-invoicing integrations (e.g., no native PEPPOL or API tax submissions)
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers seeking a cost-free, self-hosted invoicing solution with strong customization for internal e-billing needs.
Pricing
Free open-source software; only costs are for self-hosting (e.g., VPS/server ~$5-20/month).
Crater
specializedModern open-source invoicing platform designed for small businesses with e-billing and payment processing for in-house setups.
Lifetime free access with unlimited invoices and clients, no freemium upsells
Crater is a free, open-source, self-hosted invoicing and e-billing software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It enables users to create professional invoices, track payments, manage expenses, and generate reports all from their own server. With support for multiple currencies, taxes, and payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, it provides a cost-effective alternative to cloud-based SaaS solutions.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Full data ownership through self-hosting for enhanced privacy
- Modern, clean interface with essential billing tools like recurring invoices and expense tracking
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for server setup and maintenance
- Limited advanced features and integrations compared to paid enterprise tools
- Relies on community support rather than dedicated customer service
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers comfortable with self-hosting who prioritize zero costs and data control over plug-and-play simplicity.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, self-hosted; no subscription or hidden fees)
Kill Bill
enterpriseOpen-source billing and payment platform supporting complex usage-based e-billing for enterprise in-house deployments.
Dynamic catalog and entitlement engine for advanced usage-based billing and phased pricing transitions
Kill Bill is an open-source, self-hosted billing and payments platform designed for handling complex subscription management, usage-based metering, and invoicing. It provides a modular architecture that integrates with numerous payment gateways, ERP systems, and analytics tools, enabling businesses to fully control their billing infrastructure. Primarily targeted at technical teams, it excels in customizable billing workflows but requires significant setup.
Pros
- Highly flexible catalog system for complex pricing models
- Open-source with no licensing costs and strong community support
- Robust integrations for payments, analytics, and ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires DevOps expertise for deployment
- Basic UI lacking polish for non-technical users
- Ongoing maintenance burden for self-hosting
Best For
Engineering-focused teams at mid-sized SaaS or subscription businesses needing customizable, high-volume in-house e-billing without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Core open-source version is free; enterprise support and add-ons available via custom pricing starting around $10K/year.
Lago
specializedOpen-source metering and usage-based billing engine with e-invoicing support for self-hosted SaaS-like in-house billing.
Production-grade event-based metering engine supporting advanced scenarios like maximum billable usage and overages without performance issues
Lago is an open-source metering and usage-based billing platform that enables companies to self-host a fully customizable billing infrastructure for electronic invoicing. It features a production-grade metering engine that tracks real-time usage across multiple dimensions, supporting complex pricing models like graduated tiers, additive usage, and package billing. Designed primarily for SaaS and usage-driven businesses, it integrates with payment gateways, CRMs, and observability tools while ensuring full data sovereignty.
Pros
- Fully open-source and self-hostable with no vendor lock-in
- Powerful real-time metering for complex usage-based models
- High customizability and extensive integrations
Cons
- Steep setup curve requiring DevOps expertise
- Primarily optimized for usage-based billing, less ideal for simple recurring models
- Limited built-in customer portal and UI polish compared to SaaS alternatives
Best For
Engineering-led SaaS teams needing a customizable, self-hosted solution for metered electronic billing.
Pricing
Self-hosted open-source version is free; Lago Cloud offers pay-as-you-go starting at $0/month for hobby, $250+/month for production tiers based on events.
InvoicePlane
specializedOpen-source invoicing application providing customizable e-billing quotes, invoices, and client management for internal hosting.
100% open-source self-hosting with no SaaS dependencies or vendor lock-in
InvoicePlane is a free, open-source self-hosted invoicing platform built on PHP and MySQL, allowing businesses to manage clients, quotes, invoices, recurring bills, and payments entirely in-house. It provides customizable templates, multi-currency support, tax handling, and basic reporting without relying on third-party cloud services. This makes it suitable for organizations prioritizing data privacy and full control over their billing data.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Full self-hosting for complete data ownership and privacy
- Highly customizable invoices, quotes, and client management
Cons
- Steep setup and maintenance requiring server/PHP expertise
- Dated user interface lacking modern polish
- Limited native integrations and no official mobile app
Best For
Small to medium businesses with in-house IT resources needing a no-cost, private invoicing system.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted; optional paid hosting via partners starting at ~$5/month)
BoxBilling
otherOpen-source client and billing management system with invoicing and order handling features for in-house server deployment.
Open-source architecture enabling unlimited self-customization and data sovereignty
BoxBilling is an open-source, self-hosted billing and client management platform designed for service providers and agencies to automate invoicing, subscriptions, and payments. It offers tools for managing clients, services, domains, and hosting accounts with support for multiple payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe. While customizable through extensions, its core focuses on straightforward in-house deployment for businesses seeking data control without SaaS dependencies.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free to use with no licensing fees
- Self-hosted for complete data ownership and privacy
- Modular extension system for basic customizations
Cons
- Development largely stalled since 2016 with limited updates
- Dated user interface lacking modern design and UX
- Incomplete integrations and missing advanced automation features
Best For
Small service providers or agencies needing a basic, no-cost self-hosted billing setup without requiring cutting-edge features.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid extensions and self-hosting costs.
Conclusion
Among the top in-house e billing tools, Odoo leads with its comprehensive ERP platform, integrating invoicing, accounting, and e billing seamlessly. ERPNext follows as a strong alternative, offering robust automation and financial management for on-premise needs, while Dolibarr impresses with its modular CRM and invoicing tools, suiting varied business setups. All three excel, but Odoo’s unified ecosystem positions it as the top choice for most in-house deployments.
Ready to enhance your in-house billing processes? Start with Odoo—its versatile features provide a solid foundation for efficient, scalable e billing management tailored to your needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison