Quick Overview
- 1#1: Invoice Ninja - Feature-rich self-hosted invoicing platform with client management, recurring billing, payments, and reporting.
- 2#2: Crater - Modern open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses with a clean UI and essential billing features.
- 3#3: Akaunting - Free self-hosted accounting software including invoicing, expenses, banking, and multi-currency support.
- 4#4: InvoicePlane - Lightweight self-hosted open-source application for managing quotes, invoices, clients, and payments.
- 5#5: FusionInvoice - Comprehensive self-hosted invoicing system with recurring invoices, quotes, and client portal.
- 6#6: Dolibarr - Modular open-source ERP and CRM with built-in invoicing, sales, and accounting capabilities.
- 7#7: Odoo - Powerful self-hosted ERP suite featuring advanced invoicing, inventory, and accounting modules.
- 8#8: ERPNext - Full-featured open-source ERP with sales invoicing, accounting, and project management tools.
- 9#9: SolidInvoice - Clean and simple self-hosted invoicing application built on Symfony for task and client tracking.
- 10#10: Simple Invoices - Basic self-hosted PHP-based invoicing tool for creating and managing simple invoices.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of functionality (including recurring billing, client management, and reporting), technical quality (such as open-source integrity and scalability), ease of use (intuitive interfaces and setup), and overall value (comprehensive features at accessible price points), ensuring a balanced selection for diverse user requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top self-hosted invoice software tools—including Invoice Ninja, Crater, Akaunting, InvoicePlane, and FusionInvoice—providing readers with a clear overview of key features, usability, and functionality to match their invoicing needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Invoice Ninja Feature-rich self-hosted invoicing platform with client management, recurring billing, payments, and reporting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | Crater Modern open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses with a clean UI and essential billing features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | Akaunting Free self-hosted accounting software including invoicing, expenses, banking, and multi-currency support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | InvoicePlane Lightweight self-hosted open-source application for managing quotes, invoices, clients, and payments. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | FusionInvoice Comprehensive self-hosted invoicing system with recurring invoices, quotes, and client portal. | specialized | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Dolibarr Modular open-source ERP and CRM with built-in invoicing, sales, and accounting capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Odoo Powerful self-hosted ERP suite featuring advanced invoicing, inventory, and accounting modules. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | ERPNext Full-featured open-source ERP with sales invoicing, accounting, and project management tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 9 | SolidInvoice Clean and simple self-hosted invoicing application built on Symfony for task and client tracking. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Simple Invoices Basic self-hosted PHP-based invoicing tool for creating and managing simple invoices. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 10/10 |
Feature-rich self-hosted invoicing platform with client management, recurring billing, payments, and reporting.
Modern open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses with a clean UI and essential billing features.
Free self-hosted accounting software including invoicing, expenses, banking, and multi-currency support.
Lightweight self-hosted open-source application for managing quotes, invoices, clients, and payments.
Comprehensive self-hosted invoicing system with recurring invoices, quotes, and client portal.
Modular open-source ERP and CRM with built-in invoicing, sales, and accounting capabilities.
Powerful self-hosted ERP suite featuring advanced invoicing, inventory, and accounting modules.
Full-featured open-source ERP with sales invoicing, accounting, and project management tools.
Clean and simple self-hosted invoicing application built on Symfony for task and client tracking.
Basic self-hosted PHP-based invoicing tool for creating and managing simple invoices.
Invoice Ninja
specializedFeature-rich self-hosted invoicing platform with client management, recurring billing, payments, and reporting.
Open-source self-hosting with built-in support for unlimited companies and seamless payment processing without third-party dependencies.
Invoice Ninja is a robust open-source invoicing platform designed for self-hosting, enabling users to create, send, and track professional invoices, quotes, and payments entirely on their own servers. It supports multi-company management, client portals, expense tracking, projects, and tasks, with seamless integrations for payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. The software emphasizes customization, including branded templates and automated recurring billing, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking data sovereignty and cost efficiency.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free for self-hosting with no usage limits
- Extensive features like multi-company support, recurring invoices, and payment integrations
- Highly customizable invoice templates and client portals
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for server setup, maintenance, and updates
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Advanced Pro features (e.g., more apps and white-labeling) require a paid license
Best For
Technically inclined freelancers, agencies, and small businesses wanting full data control and zero recurring fees in a self-hosted invoicing solution.
Pricing
Core self-hosted version is free and open-source; optional Pro license for advanced features starts at $10/month or $108/year per company.
Crater
specializedModern open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses with a clean UI and essential billing features.
100% free forever with unlimited invoices, customers, and features—no freemium upsells.
Crater is a 100% free, open-source, self-hosted invoicing platform built for freelancers, small businesses, and teams needing full control over their financial data. It supports creating professional invoices, estimates, recurring billing, expense tracking, inventory management, and detailed reporting, all accessible via a modern, responsive web interface. Deployable via Docker or direct PHP/Laravel installation, it ensures data privacy without vendor lock-in or subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits or hidden fees
- Easy self-hosting options including one-click Docker deployment
- Comprehensive invoicing tools like multi-currency, taxes, and PDF exports
Cons
- Requires technical setup knowledge for server hosting and maintenance
- Limited native integrations compared to enterprise SaaS alternatives
- Community-driven support rather than dedicated customer service
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a powerful, privacy-focused invoicing solution without recurring costs.
Pricing
Free (open-source under MIT license, self-hosted with no paid tiers).
Akaunting
enterpriseFree self-hosted accounting software including invoicing, expenses, banking, and multi-currency support.
Extensive modular app store for adding features like CRM, inventory, or payroll without core modifications
Akaunting is a free, open-source, self-hosted accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses and freelancers. It provides comprehensive tools for creating invoices, managing expenses, tracking payments, generating reports, and handling multi-currency transactions. With a modern interface and modular architecture, it allows users to extend functionality via an app store while maintaining full control over their data on their own servers.
Pros
- Free open-source core with no licensing fees
- Modular app ecosystem for easy extensions
- Multi-company, multi-currency, and multilingual support
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Advanced features often locked behind paid apps
- Limited official support, relying on community forums
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers comfortable with self-hosting who need a customizable invoicing solution without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free for self-hosted open-source version; optional paid apps ($10-$50 one-time) and cloud hosting from $8/month.
InvoicePlane
specializedLightweight self-hosted open-source application for managing quotes, invoices, clients, and payments.
Highly customizable invoice templates and fields via modules and extensions
InvoicePlane is a free, open-source, self-hosted invoicing solution that enables users to create and manage invoices, quotes, clients, payments, and expenses directly from their own server. It offers core features like recurring invoices, custom fields, multi-language and multi-currency support, PDF generation, and basic reporting. While lightweight and customizable, it relies on community maintenance as official development has slowed.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Full data ownership and self-hosting privacy
- Lightweight with essential invoicing tools like recurring bills and custom PDFs
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels outdated
- Limited advanced features and integrations
- Requires technical setup and ongoing maintenance for security
Best For
Freelancers or small businesses comfortable with server management seeking a no-cost, basic self-hosted invoicing tool.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted; optional paid hosting or support via community)
FusionInvoice
specializedComprehensive self-hosted invoicing system with recurring invoices, quotes, and client portal.
Multi-company support, allowing seamless management of multiple businesses from a single dashboard
FusionInvoice is a free, open-source, self-hosted invoicing solution built with PHP and MySQL, designed for creating and managing invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and client payments. It supports multiple companies from a single installation, custom fields, PDF generation, and basic integrations with PayPal and Stripe. While feature-rich for its time, it is no longer actively maintained, making it suitable primarily for users comfortable with legacy software and self-maintenance.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscription fees
- Full self-hosting control and data ownership
- Multi-company support in one installation
Cons
- No longer actively maintained (last update ~2018)
- Outdated UI and lacks modern features like automation
- Installation requires server knowledge; potential security vulnerabilities
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a free, basic self-hosted invoicing tool who can manage their own hosting and updates.
Pricing
Free (open-source, perpetual license with optional paid support historically)
Dolibarr
enterpriseModular open-source ERP and CRM with built-in invoicing, sales, and accounting capabilities.
Modular architecture allowing users to enable only invoicing or expand to full ERP/CRM without extra costs
Dolibarr is a free, open-source ERP and CRM suite that excels as a self-hosted invoicing solution, enabling users to create, send, and track invoices, proposals, orders, and payments. It supports multi-company, multi-currency, and multi-language operations with features like PDF generation, recurring invoices, and online payments. The modular design allows selective activation of invoicing alongside other business tools like inventory and HR management.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Highly modular system for tailored invoicing and ERP features
- Robust invoicing tools including templates, automation, and integrations
Cons
- Outdated user interface compared to modern alternatives
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Requires technical setup and server maintenance knowledge
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking a cost-free, self-hosted ERP with strong invoicing that can scale to full business management.
Pricing
Free open-source software; self-hosted with optional paid modules, themes, and professional support.
Odoo
enterprisePowerful self-hosted ERP suite featuring advanced invoicing, inventory, and accounting modules.
Seamless integration of invoicing with full ERP modules like CRM, inventory, and eCommerce for end-to-end business automation.
Odoo is a versatile open-source ERP platform with powerful invoicing modules, available as a free self-hosted Community Edition. It enables automated invoice creation, recurring billing, multi-currency support, online payments, and seamless integration with accounting, CRM, and inventory apps. Ideal for businesses seeking a scalable, customizable solution without vendor lock-in, though it requires server setup and maintenance.
Pros
- Extensive modular app ecosystem for invoicing and beyond
- Free Community Edition with no licensing fees for self-hosting
- Highly customizable with strong automation and reporting tools
Cons
- Complex self-hosting setup requiring technical expertise
- Steep learning curve for configuration and customization
- Resource-intensive, needing robust servers for optimal performance
Best For
Growing businesses with IT resources needing integrated invoicing within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Community Edition free for self-hosting; Enterprise Edition adds premium features for $24.90/user/month (annual billing).
ERPNext
enterpriseFull-featured open-source ERP with sales invoicing, accounting, and project management tools.
Deep ERP integration where invoices automatically sync with accounting, inventory, and projects
ERPNext is an open-source, self-hosted ERP platform that provides robust invoicing capabilities as part of its comprehensive business management suite, enabling users to generate, customize, and automate invoices with multi-currency support and tax compliance. It integrates invoicing seamlessly with accounting, inventory, CRM, and project management modules for end-to-end operations. Ideal for self-hosting on your own servers, it offers full data sovereignty and scalability without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free to self-host with no licensing fees
- Advanced invoicing with automation, recurring billing, and ERP integrations
- Highly customizable workflows and reports
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to full ERP complexity
- Complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- UI feels dated compared to dedicated invoicing tools
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing within a full self-hosted ERP system.
Pricing
Free open-source core; self-hosting costs (server ~$10-100/month) plus optional paid support or cloud hosting starting at $10/user/month.
SolidInvoice
specializedClean and simple self-hosted invoicing application built on Symfony for task and client tracking.
Symfony-based architecture allowing easy extensibility and custom plugins for personalized invoicing needs
SolidInvoice is a free, open-source, self-hosted invoicing application built with modern PHP (Symfony framework) for freelancers and small businesses. It enables users to create professional invoices and quotes, manage clients and payments, generate PDFs, and handle recurring billing. The software emphasizes simplicity and customization without ongoing subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Customizable code base for tailored invoicing workflows
- Clean, modern interface with PDF export and email integration
Cons
- Requires technical setup (PHP, Composer, database server)
- Lacks advanced features like time tracking, inventory, or CRM integrations
- Limited active development and community support compared to competitors
Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers and small teams seeking a lightweight, cost-free self-hosted invoicing solution without needing enterprise-level features.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted; no paid plans or tiers)
Simple Invoices
otherBasic self-hosted PHP-based invoicing tool for creating and managing simple invoices.
Zero-cost, unlimited usage with complete self-hosting control
Simple Invoices is a free, open-source, self-hosted PHP-based invoicing application designed for creating, managing, and tracking invoices, quotes, and payments. It supports customer and product management, recurring invoices, multi-currency handling, tax calculations, and basic reporting, all running on your own server with MySQL or PostgreSQL. While lightweight and straightforward, it caters to users needing essential invoicing without cloud dependencies.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limits
- Full data ownership via self-hosting
- Lightweight with multi-language and multi-currency support
Cons
- Dated, clunky user interface
- Lacks modern features like automated reminders or integrations
- Manual installation requires technical setup
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking a no-cost, basic self-hosted invoicing solution without advanced needs.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted)
Conclusion
This review of top self-hosted invoice software showcased tools tailored to diverse needs, from freelancers to small businesses. Leading the pack, Invoice Ninja stood out as the top choice, offering a rich set of features including client management, recurring billing, and payments, ideal for those prioritizing versatility. Close alternatives like Crater, with its modern UI, and Akaunting, boasting free accounting and multi-currency support, also proved strong options for specific requirements.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your invoicing—start with Invoice Ninja, the top-ranked tool, and experience its comprehensive features to take control of your billing with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison