Invoice Ninja Review: The Open-Source Invoicing Tool for Tech Freelancers
I tested Invoice Ninja because I wanted to own my financial data. Most SaaS tools lock your data in their cloud. Invoice Ninja is open-source — self-host it and your invoicing data lives on YOUR server.
For tech freelancers who care about data ownership, this is compelling. For everyone else, it’s more complexity than necessary.
What Makes It Different
Open source and self-hostable. Download the code, install on your server, and run your own invoicing platform. Zero monthly fees. Complete data ownership. Full customization.
45+ payment gateway integrations. Stripe, PayPal, Braintree, Authorize.net, and dozens more. More payment options than any competitor.
Highly customizable invoices. Custom CSS, custom fields, custom workflows. If you want invoices that look and work exactly your way, Invoice Ninja gives you the tools.
API for automation. Connect it to your other tools via REST API. I’ve seen developers automate invoice creation, payment tracking, and reporting through the API.
My Experience
I set up Invoice Ninja on a DigitalOcean droplet ($5/month) in about 45 minutes. The installation requires PHP, MySQL, and basic server knowledge. Not difficult for a developer, but non-technical freelancers would struggle.
The invoicing itself is solid. Templates are customizable, payment integration works well, and the client portal is functional. Not as polished as FreshBooks, but fully capable.
Where it falls behind: The interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools. Navigation requires more clicks. The mobile experience is weaker. And because it’s self-hosted, you’re responsible for updates, backups, and security.
Pricing
- Self-hosted: Free forever, unlimited everything
- Hosted (Ninja): $14/month, no server management needed
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger teams
Who Should Use It
Developers and tech freelancers who value data ownership and are comfortable with self-hosting. If you’re the type who runs your own email server, Invoice Ninja is for you.
Budget-conscious freelancers who have server access. Free is free.
Freelancers with unique invoicing needs that require customization beyond what FreshBooks or Wave offer.
Who Should Skip It
Non-technical freelancers. Self-hosting adds complexity you don’t need. Use Wave (free) or FreshBooks (paid) instead.
Freelancers who want a polished client experience. FreshBooks’ invoicing UX is smoother for clients.
Anyone who doesn’t want to maintain a server. The hosted plan at $14/month is fine, but at that price point, you’re close to FreshBooks Lite ($19/month) which offers more features.
The Bottom Line
Invoice Ninja is the best invoicing tool for tech freelancers who prioritize data ownership and customization. For everyone else, the setup complexity and dated interface make FreshBooks or Wave better choices. Know your priorities and choose accordingly.