InvoicePlane vs QuickBooks

Self-host swap-in for QuickBooks. · Self-host QuickBooks · InvoicePlane on os-alt

InvoicePlane is one of the open-source self-host replacements for QuickBooks — license MIT, 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL) to stand up, and $5/mo vps. Compare against QuickBooks's Simple Start $35/mo; Essentials $65/mo; Plus $99/mo; Advanced $235/mo (US 2025 pricing) below.

	InvoicePlaneopen-source	QuickBookspaid SaaS
Category	Small business accounting	Small business accounting
License / pricing	`MIT`	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	InvoicePlane/InvoicePlane ★ 3.05k · last commit 5d agoalive	closed source
Setup time	15min docker run (PHP + MySQL)	SaaS — sign up + bill
Monthly cost	$5/mo VPS.	from $35/user/mo (Simple Start $35/mo; Essentials $65/mo; Plus $99/mo; Advanced $235/mo (US 2025 pricing))

Switching from QuickBooks to InvoicePlane

Pull `nielsenpierre/invoiceplane` or use the official install package on a LAMP server. InvoicePlane focuses tightly on invoicing + quotes + clients — covers the QuickBooks 'send a bill, get paid' loop but not bank feeds or P&L reporting. QuickBooks customer + invoice CSV exports import via Settings → Import.

Good fit for: 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.

Other open-source self-host alternatives to QuickBooks

Akaunting
GPL-3.020min docker-compose (Laravel + MySQL/MariaDB)$5-10/mo VPS; paid apps add ~$20-50 each (one-time) for advanced features.
ERPNext
GPL-3.01h docker-compose (Frappe + MariaDB + Redis + workers)$15-30/mo VPS — Frappe stack is heavy.

In a terminal? npx os-alt quickbooks prints QuickBooks's self-host options — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Is InvoicePlane a free alternative to QuickBooks?

Yes — InvoicePlane is open source under MIT. Self-host cost: $5/mo VPS.. 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 InvoicePlane take to set up vs QuickBooks?

Self-hosting InvoicePlane: 15min docker run (PHP + MySQL). QuickBooks is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.

What is InvoicePlane good at, and what is it weak at?

Good fit for: 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..