Akaunting vs InvoicePlane
Self-host pick — both replace QuickBooks (Small business accounting).
Both Akaunting and InvoicePlane self-host as a replacement for QuickBooks (Small business accounting). Pick InvoicePlane if you want the lighter footprint — 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL), $5/mo vps. Pick Akaunting if you need sMBs and freelancers who want a clean QuickBooks-shaped UI with optional paid extensions for the gaps — 20min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB) and $5-10/mo vps; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features.
| Akauntingopen-source | InvoicePlaneopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | MIT |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB) | 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL) |
| Monthly cost | $5-10/mo VPS; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features. | $5/mo VPS. |
| GitHub | akaunting/akaunting | InvoicePlane/InvoicePlane |
| Replaces | QuickBooks | QuickBooks |
Good fit for
Akaunting
SMBs and freelancers who want a clean QuickBooks-shaped UI with optional paid extensions for the gaps.
Weak at:Double-entry accounting is a paid app on top of the free core — accountants may insist on the paid pack.
InvoicePlane
Freelancers and consultants whose QuickBooks use is 80% invoicing and 20% record-keeping.
Weak at:Not full accounting — for P&L, balance sheet, tax reports, pair with a separate ledger tool.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli quickbooks prints QuickBooks's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Akaunting or InvoicePlane?
Akaunting: 20min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB). InvoicePlane: 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL).
What does each cost to run?
Akaunting: $5-10/mo VPS; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features.. InvoicePlane: $5/mo VPS.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Akaunting and InvoicePlane replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to QuickBooks.