Akaunting — Free Open‑Source Web Accounting for Small Businesses
Akaunting is a web-based finance tool that combines everyday budgeting with small-business style features. At its core, it is free and open source, and because it runs in a browser, it doesn’t matter whether it is installed on a home server, a small office machine, or used through the official cloud service. The system is modular, so extra functions can be added through extensions when they are needed, but the base platform is already complete enough for most day-to-day tasks.
Everyday use
In practice, Akaunting feels modern and straightforward. It keeps track of income, expenses, and transfers while also providing invoice support and recurring transaction options. Categories and budgets are easy to adjust, and because everything is browser-based, the same data can be accessed from multiple devices. For those who want more than the essentials, the add-on marketplace extends the system with tax modules, payment gateways, and additional reporting tools.
Technical profile
| Feature | Details |
| License | Open source, free Community Edition |
| Platforms | Runs in any browser – self-hosted (Linux, Docker) or official cloud |
| Data storage | MySQL/MariaDB (self-hosted); secure cloud storage for SaaS version |
| Import formats | CSV |
| Export formats | CSV, PDF |
| Accounts | Multiple accounts supported |
| Budgets | Category-based budgeting |
| Scheduling | Supports recurring transactions |
| Invoices | Built-in invoicing and expense tracking |
| Multi-currency | Fully supported |
| Privacy | Choice between self-hosting for control or using official cloud |
Getting started
For those comfortable with servers, Akaunting can be deployed on Linux or through Docker with only a few commands. Others may prefer the cloud edition, where everything is ready immediately. After the first login, the setup wizard helps create the admin account, configure categories, and add initial accounts. From there, invoices and reports can be built without extra steps.
Who usually uses it
It is common among freelancers and small business owners who need more than a personal budgeting tool but less than a full accounting suite. Households that want to share access through the browser also benefit, since multi-user support is built in.
Why it’s kept around
Akaunting stays relevant because it offers freedom of choice. Those who want privacy keep it self-hosted; those who prefer convenience use the official SaaS version. This flexibility, together with its balance between personal and professional features, is the main reason it has become one of the more recognized free finance tools.
