Side by side
GnuCash vs hledger
Both stand on bookkeeping software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4
GnuCash provides free desktop accounting for personal finances and small-business workflows, with reports, imports, and business tools. Its default XML storage is distinct from experimental database support, so users should account for that limitation.
Visit GnuCash Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Choose hledger if you want free, local accounting built around human-readable plain-text data and multi-currency double-entry records. Look elsewhere if invoice creation is essential or you need a native mobile platform.
Visit hledgerThe facts
| GnuCash | hledger | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | GnuCash | Not published |
| Website | gnucash.org | hledger.org |
| On bookkeeping software | #1 of 75 | #5 of 75 |
GnuCash: what it does well
- Free under the GNU GPL.
- Includes double-entry accounting.
- Offers small-business invoicing and bill-payment tools.
- Imports QIF and OFX files.
- Provides customizable reports and charts.
What to know first
- Database support beyond XML is experimental.
- Some reported database corner cases involve data loss.
- Main application is unavailable for iOS and iPadOS.
- Separate Android app appears abandoned.
hledger: what it does well
- Free Software with no purchase price or monthly fees
- Tracks money, investments, cryptocurrency, time, and other items
- Multi-currency double-entry accounting in plain text
- Creates balance sheet, income statement, and cashflow reports
- Imports CSV and exports text, HTML, CSV, JSON, or SQL
What to know first
- Invoice creation is not supported
- Mobile use is limited to the web interface
- No official Linux ARM release binaries
Alternatives to GnuCash Alternatives to hledger The whole list