Small businesses can run invoicing, bookkeeping, CRM, customer support and file sharing on open-source software and avoid subscription stacks that grow with every new hire. The trade-off is that you or a contractor host and update it, so pick tools with simple installs and active maintenance.
This guide is organised by everyday small-business jobs rather than full ERP: invoicing (InvoiceShelf), accounting (Bigcapital), all-in-one suites (Dolibarr, ERPNext, Odoo), CRM (Frappe CRM), support (Chatwoot) and files (Nextcloud). Licences were verified on each repository on 2026-11-07.
Tools, licences and pricing checked against vendor and repository pages on November 7, 2026.
1. InvoiceShelf
AGPL-3.0Best for: Freelancers and small shops needing invoicing · Free, open source (self-hosted)
InvoiceShelf is an open-source web application for creating invoices and estimates, tracking payments and managing expenses. Its repository states the v2 line receives security patches only through 2027-09-01 while a next major version is developed.
Strengths
- + Focused invoicing and expenses
- + Simple to run
- + Self-hosted
Trade-offs
- − v2 is in security-patch-only mode
- − Not a full accounting system
2. Bigcapital
AGPL-3.0Best for: Small businesses wanting open-source accounting · Free, open source (self-hosted); Bigcapital Cloud, see vendor pricing
Bigcapital is open-source accounting and inventory software for small and medium businesses that keeps finances in one place and automates accounting processes. A hosted Bigcapital Cloud is offered.
Strengths
- + Accounting plus inventory
- + Self-host or cloud
- + Modern interface
Trade-offs
- − AGPL obligations
- − Smaller community than ERP suites
3. Dolibarr
GPL-3.0Best for: All-in-one for freelancers and small companies · Free, open source (self-hosted)
Dolibarr ERP and CRM is an open-source suite for contacts, quotes, invoices, orders, stocks, agenda, HR, document management and manufacturing, designed for small, medium or large companies, foundations and freelancers.
Strengths
- + Enable only the modules you need
- + Runs on ordinary PHP hosting
- + Covers invoices to stock
4. ERPNext
GPL-3.0Best for: Growing small businesses that want one system · Free, open source (self-hosted); hosted plans, see vendor pricing
ERPNext is an open-source ERP that includes accounting, inventory, manufacturing, CRM, sales, purchase, project management and HR in one system.
Strengths
- + Complete business modules
- + Active project
- + Hosted option
Trade-offs
- − More setup effort than single-purpose tools
6. Frappe CRM
AGPL-3.0Best for: Small sales teams needing a simple CRM · Free, open source (self-hosted); Frappe Cloud hosting, see vendor pricing
Frappe CRM is a simple, affordable, open-source CRM tool designed for modern sales teams with unlimited users, covering core CRM activities.
Strengths
- + Unlimited users
- + Simple interface
- + Integrates with ERPNext
Trade-offs
- − AGPL obligations
- − Newer than established CRMs
7. Chatwoot
MITBest for: Customer support inbox and live chat · Free, open source (self-hosted); cloud plans, see vendor pricing
Chatwoot is an open-source, self-hosted customer support platform positioned as an alternative to Intercom, Zendesk and Salesforce Service Cloud.
Strengths
- + Shared inbox and live chat
- + Self-hosted or cloud
- + MIT licence for most code
Trade-offs
- − Enterprise directory under a separate licence
8. Nextcloud
AGPL-3.0Best for: Private file sharing and collaboration · Free, open source (self-hosted); enterprise subscriptions, see vendor pricing
Nextcloud Server is a self-hosted platform for storing, syncing and sharing files, contacts and calendars on a server you choose.
Strengths
- + Own your files
- + Many apps
- + Desktop and mobile clients
Trade-offs
- − Needs maintenance and backups
