InvoicePlane

Overview

InvoicePlane is a free, open-source billing app that runs on a server you manage. It is a good fit for individuals and small organizations that want to carry quotes through invoices and payments in one system. Its appeal is a broad billing workflow at no subscription cost; the trade-off is responsibility for hosting and support.

Key features

The workflow covers quotes, invoices, and payments, with invoice tracking, recurring invoices, and a customer payment portal. That breadth suits businesses handling repeat billing and customer follow-up, rather than those seeking only a way to create invoices. From version 1.6.2, it can create eInvoices that can comply with European Union standards.

Client records hold contact details, notes, and custom fields, while basic project and task management can connect billing records to related work. These tools provide useful context for client relationships, though the project and task functions are basic. Themes, amount formats, and editable email and PDF templates let users tailor the interface and customer documents.

The project feature description names PayPal and Stripe as online payment providers, while its version 1.6 wiki says Stripe is the only provider supported by default. Provider support may therefore depend on version or setup. Community members have translated the interface into many languages, a practical benefit for users who prefer working in a language other than English.

Pricing

InvoicePlane costs nothing. The single InvoicePlane plan is the self-hosted open-source application, with community support. There is no free trial because the software is free to use. There are no paid plans or paid support options; the project says it offers no 24/7 support or service-level agreement.

The free price removes subscription cost, but not the work or expense of providing a compatible server and maintaining it. InvoicePlane is developed as a hobby rather than as a commercial product, and its license provides no warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. That makes it a more natural choice for users comfortable owning the operational and support responsibilities than for organizations that need contracted service.

Platforms

InvoicePlane is available as self-hosted web software. The project’s requirements call for MySQL 5.5 or later, or equivalent MariaDB; Apache 2.4 or later or Nginx 1.20 or later; and PHP 8.0 through 8.1. Users need to arrange hosting that meets those requirements. The project recommends an up-to-date browser and no longer supports Internet Explorer.

Who it's for

Choose InvoicePlane if you want no-cost billing software, need client records and recurring invoices, and can manage a web server yourself. It is particularly suitable for a small operation that values control over its documents and wants a customer payment portal. Look elsewhere if you need hosted access without server administration, paid assistance, 24/7 support, an SLA, or a warranty.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free, open-source plan includes the full quote-to-payment workflow, invoice tracking, recurring invoices, client records, and a customer payment portal, avoiding a subscription for users who can self-host.
• Pros: Custom fields, themes, amount formats, and editable email and PDF templates give users practical control over client data and billing documents.
• Pros: eInvoice creation with potential European Union standards compliance supports businesses that need that format.
• Cons: Self-hosting requires compatible server software and ongoing administration, so the zero price does not mean zero operating effort.
• Cons: Support is community-provided, with no paid help, 24/7 coverage, or SLA; that is a significant limitation for businesses that depend on prompt, accountable assistance.
• Cons: The project provides no warranty, and provider support can vary between the feature description and the version 1.6 wiki.

Alternatives

For a broader set of platforms and a free option capped at five clients, consider Invoice Ninja: its Forever free plan includes unlimited invoicing and 11 templates, while Ninja Pro costs $14 a month. For businesses in India that need a free hosted invoicing option, Zoho Invoice offers its free plan to Indian businesses forever, with up to two users, three projects, and 500 invoices per year.

InvoiceShelf is another free, open-source self-hosted option, with unlimited invoices and customers and no seats or subscription; it may suit users who prioritize those stated limits. For paid receivables software delivered on the web or through an API, Chargebee Receivables is an option. Emagia Receivables Management targets enterprise receivables management and uses custom pricing.

Growfin is a paid web-based option with a free trial. Invoiced offers paid web and API access with custom pricing based on requirements and use, and requires a demo for a quote. Billtrust is a paid accounts receivable platform delivered through web and API, with pricing by consultation.

Browse Accounts Receivable Software or Invoicing software for more options.

Verdict

InvoicePlane is a strong fit for individuals and small organizations that want free, self-hosted billing management with client records, recurring invoices, and a customer payment portal. Its connected workflow and customizable documents make the no-subscription offer useful, provided you can operate the server. Choose another product if you need hosted service, formal support, or a warranty.