ERPNext vs InvoicePlane
Self-host pick — both replace QuickBooks (Small business accounting).
Both ERPNext 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 ERPNext if you need growing SMBs that expect to outgrow QuickBooks and want one tool for accounting + inventory + HR + CRM — 1h docker-compose (Frappe + MariaDB + Redis + workers) and $15-30/mo vps — frappe stack is heavy.
| ERPNextopen-source | InvoicePlaneopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | MIT |
| Setup time | 1h docker-compose (Frappe + MariaDB + Redis + workers) | 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL) |
| Monthly cost | $15-30/mo VPS — Frappe stack is heavy. | $5/mo VPS. |
| GitHub | frappe/erpnext | InvoicePlane/InvoicePlane |
| Replaces | QuickBooks | QuickBooks |
Good fit for
ERPNext
Growing SMBs that expect to outgrow QuickBooks and want one tool for accounting + inventory + HR + CRM.
Weak at:Steep learning curve and operational complexity — overkill for a freelancer or solo shop.
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, ERPNext or InvoicePlane?
ERPNext: 1h docker-compose (Frappe + MariaDB + Redis + workers). InvoicePlane: 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL).
What does each cost to run?
ERPNext: $15-30/mo VPS — Frappe stack is heavy.. InvoicePlane: $5/mo VPS.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do ERPNext and InvoicePlane replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to QuickBooks.