# Invoice Ninja: Free Open Source Alternative to Bench, Dext, Quickbooks

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

Invoice Ninja (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Bench, Dext, Quickbooks, Zoho Invoice. Free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses. Create professional invoices, track expenses, accept online payments, and manage projects without hidden fees.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Invoice Ninja
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://invoiceninja.com/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/invoiceninja/invoiceninja
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 10.5k
- **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/invoiceninja/invoiceninja 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 Invoice Ninja 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 Invoice Ninja](https://caniforkit.com/vs/bench-vs-invoice-ninja) |
| [Dext](https://caniforkit.com/dext) | [finance & accounting](https://caniforkit.com/category/finance-accounting) | $15/mo | [Compare Dext vs Invoice Ninja](https://caniforkit.com/vs/dext-vs-invoice-ninja) |
| [Quickbooks](https://caniforkit.com/quickbooks) | [finance & accounting](https://caniforkit.com/category/finance-accounting) | $15/mo | [Compare Quickbooks vs Invoice Ninja](https://caniforkit.com/vs/quickbooks-vs-invoice-ninja) |
| [Zoho Invoice](https://caniforkit.com/zoho-invoice) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Zoho Invoice vs Invoice Ninja](https://caniforkit.com/vs/zoho-invoice-vs-invoice-ninja) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Invoice Ninja free and open source?
Invoice Ninja is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses. Create professional invoices, track expenses, accept online payments, and manage projects without hidden fees.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Invoice Ninja?
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)