QuickBooks Online vs InvoicePlane
A side-by-side look at QuickBooks Online (the paid SaaS) and InvoicePlane (the open source alternative). Use this page to decide if the switch fits your team and workflow.
| QuickBooks Online | InvoicePlane | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Accounting and invoicing from Intuit. | Simple invoicing for freelancers and consultants. |
| License | Proprietary SaaS | MIT |
| Pricing | Simple Start from $30/month. | Free to self-host |
| Self-host option | No | Yes — difficulty 1/5 |
| Hosted cloud available | Yes (only option) | No |
| Desktop apps | Varies by product | Web only |
| Mobile apps | Official apps typically available | None official |
Best for
Contractors needing straightforward invoicing without ERP weight.
InvoicePlane strengths
- Runs on cheap PHP/MySQL hosting.
- Focused on the invoicing workflow.
- Great for solo freelancers.
InvoicePlane weaknesses
- Development pace has slowed in recent years.
- Feature set narrower than Akaunting.
- UI is functional, not modern.
What's the catch with QuickBooks Online?
- Price increases each renewal.
- Cloud-only (desktop version is being phased out).
- Add-on upsells for payroll and time tracking.
Still unsure?
Check the full list of alternatives to QuickBooks Online: see QuickBooks Online alternatives, or learn more about InvoicePlane on its project page.
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