Looking for an alternative to Invoice Ninja?
Cakedesk is the simple desktop alternative to Invoice Ninja. Free entry, one-time purchase instead of a subscription, all data stored locally on your device.
Cakedesk
Offline instead of cloud
Cakedesk is a desktop app for macOS and Windows. Your invoices and client data stay local on your device. No server, no setup.
One-time payment, no subscription
The full version is a one-time €69 purchase including one year of updates. Ideal for freelancers who want to avoid ongoing costs.
E-invoicing made easy
Cakedesk supports German XRechnung with a simple workflow. You can still create and send PDFs as usual.
Multiple companies with Spaces
Manage multiple companies in one installation with separate settings, clients, and documents.
When you don't need online payments
Send PDF invoices, optionally with QR codes. No payment gateway required. Lean, fast, focused.
| Features | Cakedesk | Invoice Ninja |
|---|---|---|
Free version | 3 clients / 3 invoices / 3 proposals | 5 clients, unlimited invoices |
Pricing model | One-time purchase (€69) | Subscription (Free, Pro, Enterprise) |
Continuously developed | Last update: November 29, 2025 | Active development (Cloud & Self-Hosted) |
Platforms | macOS & Windows (desktop) | Web, iOS/Android, desktop wrappers |
Data storage & hosting | Local, offline | Cloud (SaaS) or self-hosted |
E-invoicing | XRechnung | PEPPOL/UBL (EU e-invoicing) |
Online payments | No | Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless, Mollie, etc. |
Invoices | Yes | Yes |
Proposals | Yes | Yes |
Discounts | Yes | Yes |
Catalog items | Yes | Yes |
Recurring invoices / subscriptions | No | Yes |
Time tracking / projects / expenses | No | Tasks, projects, expenses |
Multiple companies | Spaces | Multiple companies per account |
Multi-user & roles | No | Up to 50 users (plan-dependent) |
Client portal | No | Yes |
Templates & branding | 7 layouts + custom via HTML/CSS | Many templates (4 free / 11 pro) |
Multiple languages | Yes | Yes |
Email invoices directly | Yes | Yes |
Multiple currencies | Many currencies, no auto-conversion | Multi-currency, automatic conversion |
Payment reminders / dunning | Manual via templates | Automatic email reminders |
QR codes on invoices | Yes | Focus on pay-now in client portal |
Self-hosting option | No | Yes |
API & integrations (Zapier/Make) | No | Yes |
Automatic updates | Yes | Yes |
Flexible VAT per item | Yes | Yes |