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Comparison · Invoicing software

Akaunting vs Zoho Invoice: which is better in 2026?

Akaunting83.5#6 in best invoicing softwareZoho Invoice92.0#1 in best invoicing software

Zoho Invoice ranks higher in our list of invoicing software (#1 against #6, score 92.0 against 83.5).

How we rank Share

  • 83.5
    Editorial score
    92.0
  • 2
    Platforms
    5
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Akaunting if you want

Freelancers who want self-hosted invoicing.

Akaunting sends invoices and quotes and accepts online payments, which it says carry no commission. Time tracking is a marketplace add-on, so Harvest and Zoho Invoice suit time billing better.

Choose Zoho Invoice if you want

Small businesses that want free invoicing with apps.

Free for small businesses, with invoices, quotes, recurring billing, time tracking and apps for iOS and Android. It is narrower than a full accounting package, so pair it with one if you need bookkeeping.

The main differences

  • Only Zoho Invoice runs on Windows.
  • Only Zoho Invoice runs on macOS.
  • Only Zoho Invoice runs on iOS.
  • Only Zoho Invoice runs on Android.
  • Akaunting is free plan, paid upgrades; Zoho Invoice is free.

Side by side

AkauntingZoho Invoice
Score83.592.0
Rank in list#6 of 10#1 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree self-hosted edition; paid cloud plansFreeFree for small businesses, according to the vendor's pricing page
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWebiOSAndroidWindowsmacOSWeb, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Made byAkaunting, Inc.Zoho Corporation
Online paymentsYesYes
Time trackingNoYes
Quotes and estimatesYesYes
Best forFreelancers who want self-hosted invoicingSmall businesses that want free invoicing with apps
Strengths
  • Free self-hosted edition
  • Covers invoicing, payroll and inventory
  • Free for small businesses
  • Apps for iOS, Android, Windows and Mac
Limits
  • License is source-available, not OSI open source
  • Self-hosting means running a web server
  • Narrower than a full accounting package
  • Bank reconciliation and payroll need another product
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Akaunting vs Zoho Invoice

Is Zoho Invoice better than Akaunting?
Zoho Invoice ranks higher in our list of invoicing software (#1 against #6, score 92.0 against 83.5). Akaunting is best for: freelancers who want self-hosted invoicing. Zoho Invoice is best for: small businesses that want free invoicing with apps.
Which is cheaper, Akaunting or Zoho Invoice?
Akaunting: Free self-hosted edition; paid cloud plans. Zoho Invoice: Free for small businesses, according to the vendor's pricing page.
Do Akaunting and Zoho Invoice run on the same platforms?
Akaunting supports Web, Self-hosted. Zoho Invoice supports Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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