InvoicePlane

InvoicePlane is a self-hosted open-source application for handling quotes, invoices, clients, and payments. It suits freelancers, small businesses, and technically capable organizations that want control over their billing installation rather than a subscription service. Its connected workflow is substantial for a free product, but the hosting and support responsibilities are part of the deal.

Overview

InvoicePlane takes a billing process from quote preparation through invoicing and payment collection. It is delivered as software for your own server, not as a managed online account, so the best fit is a user who can maintain compatible hosting and keep the installation current. The project describes itself as a hobby-developed, non-commercial product, which helps explain its zero software price but also sets expectations for support and service guarantees.

Key features

The application includes invoice tracking, recurring invoices, and a customer payment portal alongside quote, invoice, client, and payment management. That combination supports an ongoing billing cycle instead of only document creation. Starting with version 1.6.2, it can create eInvoices that can comply with European Union standards, a useful capability for organizations dealing with those requirements.

Client records store contact details, notes, and custom fields. Basic project and task management is available, although it is a modest work-tracking layer rather than a full project-management system. Themes, amount formats, and editable email and PDF templates let businesses align documents and presentation with their preferences.

PayPal and Stripe are named in the feature description as online payment providers, while the version 1.6 wiki identifies Stripe as the only provider enabled by default. Confirm the provider behavior for the version and configuration you plan to run. Community members have translated the interface into many languages.

Pricing

The InvoicePlane plan costs free. It is a free, self-hosted open-source application with community support, and there is no trial period to evaluate because the software itself is free. There are no paid tiers, seat charges, renewal terms, or subscription commitments stated for this plan. The trade-off is operational: you provide the server and administration, while the project provides no 24/7 support, service-level agreement, or paid help.

Platforms

InvoicePlane runs as a self-hosted web application. Hosting requirements include MySQL 5.5 or later, or an equivalent MariaDB release, with Apache 2.4 or later or Nginx 1.20 or later, and PHP 8.0 through 8.1. An up-to-date browser is recommended; Internet Explorer is no longer supported. The current download shown for servers is version 1.7.2.

Its license permits use, copying, modification, publication, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to the stated conditions. It also disclaims warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, so organizations should plan their own backup, maintenance, and risk controls.

Who it's for

Choose InvoicePlane if you are comfortable running web software, need a quote-to-payment workflow, and value source-level control and customization over vendor-managed convenience. It can work well for independent professionals and small organizations with suitable hosting and straightforward billing operations. It is a weaker choice for teams that require guaranteed response times, contracted support, or a provider to manage infrastructure.

Pros and cons

Pros

• No software fee: the plan is free and open source, with no subscription or seat cost stated.
• Complete billing path: quotes, invoices, tracking, recurring billing, payments, and a customer portal are covered together.
• Adaptable output: themes, number formats, and editable email and PDF templates support branded documents.
• EU-oriented eInvoices: versions from 1.6.2 can create eInvoices capable of complying with European Union standards.

Cons

• Self-hosting burden: compatible PHP, database, web server, browser, updates, and operational upkeep are your responsibility.
• Limited support commitment: help is community-based through the forum and Discord, with no 24/7 coverage, SLA, or paid assistance.
• Payment-provider ambiguity: PayPal and Stripe are referenced, but Stripe is the only default provider in the version 1.6 wiki.
• Warranty disclaimer: the license provides the software without warranty, increasing the need for your own safeguards.

Alternatives

For a broader directory of choices, compare Accounts Receivable Software and Invoicing software.

Invoice Ninja is the better fit when you need hosted and mobile options alongside self-hosting: its free plan supports five clients, unlimited invoicing, and 11 templates, while Ninja Pro costs $14 a month.

Zoho Invoice suits users wanting a free cross-platform product without server administration; its free plan is forever, supports up to two users and three projects, and allows 500 invoices per year.

InvoiceShelf is another free, self-hosted open-source option with unlimited invoices and customers and no seats or subscription.

BILL Accounts Payable is a paid, trial-based choice for organizations wanting accounts payable and receivable in one service; Essentials costs $49 a month.

Invoiced offers API and web access with custom pricing based on requirements.

Growfin is a paid web platform with a free trial.

Billtrust provides a paid accounts-receivable platform through a consultation rather than a published price.

Chargebee Receivables is aimed at revenue infrastructure for AI, SaaS, and consumer subscription businesses.

Verdict

InvoicePlane is a strong choice for a technically capable freelancer or small organization that wants a free, customizable quote-to-payment system on its own server. Choose it for control and broad core billing coverage; look elsewhere if managed hosting, contractual support, or a fully operated service matters more than eliminating software fees.