Accounting software is a necessity when it comes to managing billings, debts, stocks, invoices and any other kind of financial transactions. You might require something for your personal finances or perhaps for enterprise-focused accounting software. No matter what, it is important to consider open source solutions available (especially being Linux enthusiasts).
So, in this article, I list out some of the best open source accounting software that I think would come in handy for you. At the end of the list, feel free to suggest your favorite ones in the comments.
Best Open Source Accounting Software
Note: The list is in no particular order of ranking.
1. Skrooge
Key Highlights:
- Personal finances manager
- Tailored for Plasma Desktop but compatible with others too
- Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, and macOS)
Skrooge is one of the most useful personal finances manager by KDE. It is originally tailored for the Plasma Desktop but other desktop environments are compatible.
Supports most of the basic features (reporting, budgeting, etc.) and allows you to work on some pretty big data sets.
2. Akaunting
Key Highlights:
- Online accounting software
- Completely free and open source
- Client portal
- Invoicing
- Expense tracking
- Reporting
- Cashflow
Akaunting is an interesting online accounting software that’s available for free. Yes, surprisingly, there’s no hidden subscription charges or additional upgrade options. It is totally free. If you are looking for a FreshBooks alternative, you should give it a try.
Ranging from invoicing to managing deposits and transfers. A whole lot of features. You can either utilize their hosting (again, it is free!) or host it yourself. It’s fit for both personal and enterprise needs. Try it out!
3. Apache OFBiz
Key Highlights:
- ERP & CRM
- Developer-friendly
- Powerful Java Web Framework
- Cross-platform (Linux and macOS)
We’ve already mentioned this in our list of best open source CRM software. Apache OFBiz is an impressive open source solution that incorporates an ERP system and a CRM suite for various types of requirements.
It’s completely free – however, you will have to host it yourself (or just hire someone to do it). In addition to all the basic features needed for accounting software, it lets a developer extend/enhance features easily while being a Java-based web framework.
4. iDempiere
Key Highlights:
- Community-focused
- Simple and useful
- Cross-platform (Linux and Windows)
Originally based on ADEmpiere ERP. It is a community focused accounting software maintained by an active group of people. iDempiere aims to utilize technologies like Apache Maven to provide a business suite ERP/CRM/SCM.
There’s a ready-to-use Virtual machine available to download. In addition, you can utilize it on Windows or Linux.
5. Openmiracle
Key Highlights:
- Plug-ins available
- Completely free
Openmiracle is a quite popular open source and free accounting software. There’s no premium plans to it. So, you can utilize all the power and flexibility for free.
It features all the necessary options needed in an accounting software. From setting the budget to managing the payroll, there’s a lot of things to explore.
6. GnuCash
Key Highlights:
- Cross-platform (Linux, Windows, and macOS)
- Fit for personal and small businesses
GNUCash is a great open-source financial accounting software to manage stocks/income/expenses for small business or individuals.
From reports to quick calculation features, it has a lot to offer. And, the best thing is – it is available across multiple platforms (including Linux), so that’s a plus.
7. LedgerSMB
Key Highlights:
- Dead simple open source ERP
- Optional commercial support available
- Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, and macOS)
A powerful yet simple open source accounting solution. It has been tailored to small and medium sized businesses. Starting from managing invoices to inventory – you also get the ability to translate (up to 45 languages supported). You can try pre-release version or just get the latest stable build to test it out yourself!
8. GNUKhata
Key Highlights:
- GST, VAT compliant Invoices if you are based in India (tailored for Indian users)
- Easy to use
- Simple user interface
- Cross-platform (Windows and Linux)
We already covered an article on GNUKhata, if you want to dive into the details.
However, it is a simple and robust accounting software that is available for free. From the looks of it, the setup is easy and anyone can get used to it. Feel free to try it out and explore.
Wrapping Up
These are our recommended picks for an open source accounting software. If we missed listing your favorite open-source accounting software, let us in the comments below.
