Akaunting vs QuickBooks
Self-host swap-in for QuickBooks. · Self-host QuickBooks · Akaunting on os-alt
Akaunting is one of the open-source self-host replacements for QuickBooks — license GPL-3.0, 20min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB) to stand up, and $5-10/mo vps; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features. Compare against QuickBooks's Simple Start $35/mo; Essentials $65/mo; Plus $99/mo; Advanced $235/mo (US 2025 pricing) below.
| Akauntingopen-source | QuickBookspaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Small business accounting | Small business accounting |
| License / pricing | GPL-3.0 | Simple Start $35/mo; Essentials $65/mo; Plus $99/mo; Advanced $235/mo (US 2025 pricing) |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $35/user/mo |
| GitHub | akaunting/akaunting | closed source |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5-10/mo VPS; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features. | from $35/user/mo (Simple Start $35/mo; Essentials $65/mo; Plus $99/mo; Advanced $235/mo (US 2025 pricing)) |
Switching from QuickBooks to Akaunting
Use the official `akaunting/akaunting` image with a MariaDB backend. QuickBooks export: from QBO, run Reports → All Reports → Profit & Loss / Balance Sheet / General Ledger; export to CSV. Akaunting's import accepts CSV for Customers, Vendors, Items, Invoices, and Bills (one-shot import per entity). Bank feeds aren't included — install the community Plaid-bridge app or import OFX/CSV statements manually.
- Good fit for
- 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.
- License note
- Core is GPL-3.0; many apps in the marketplace (payroll, advanced reports, double-entry pack) are paid.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to QuickBooks
In a terminal? npx os-alt quickbooks prints QuickBooks's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Akaunting a free alternative to QuickBooks?
Yes — Akaunting is open source under GPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $5-10/mo VPS; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features.. QuickBooks starts at $35/user/mo (Simple Start $35/mo; Essentials $65/mo; Plus $99/mo; Advanced $235/mo (US 2025 pricing)).
How long does Akaunting take to set up vs QuickBooks?
Self-hosting Akaunting: 20min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB). QuickBooks is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Akaunting good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: 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..