# Akaunting: Free Open Source Alternative to Bench, Dext, Quickbooks

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/akaunting
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Akaunting (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Bench, Dext, Quickbooks, Zoho Invoice. Self-hostable accounting software covering invoicing, expense tracking, cash flow, and client portals. Free to use, available in 50+ languages.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Akaunting
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://akaunting.com/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/akaunting/akaunting
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 10.3k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/akaunting/akaunting or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Bench.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with Akaunting saves up to $80/mo ($960/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Bench](https://caniforkit.com/bench) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Bench vs Akaunting](https://caniforkit.com/vs/bench-vs-akaunting) |
| [Dext](https://caniforkit.com/dext) | [finance & accounting](https://caniforkit.com/category/finance-accounting) | $15/mo | [Compare Dext vs Akaunting](https://caniforkit.com/vs/dext-vs-akaunting) |
| [Quickbooks](https://caniforkit.com/quickbooks) | [finance & accounting](https://caniforkit.com/category/finance-accounting) | $15/mo | [Compare Quickbooks vs Akaunting](https://caniforkit.com/vs/quickbooks-vs-akaunting) |
| [Zoho Invoice](https://caniforkit.com/zoho-invoice) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Zoho Invoice vs Akaunting](https://caniforkit.com/vs/zoho-invoice-vs-akaunting) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Akaunting free and open source?
Akaunting is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Self-hostable accounting software covering invoicing, expense tracking, cash flow, and client portals. Free to use, available in 50+ languages.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Akaunting?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Bench.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)