Manager.io

Manager.io is used for managing finances, invoicing, inventory, and reporting for small businesses.

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  • Overview
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Reviews

Manager.io Overview

  • Updated December 9, 2025

Manager.io is a free, user-friendly accounting software designed for small businesses, offering robust tools for financial management. It supports invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, payroll, and multi-currency transactions.

Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, with cloud and server options, it features an intuitive interface and comprehensive reporting. Ideal for freelancers and small enterprises, Manager.io ensures accurate financial tracking without costly subscriptions, making it a cost-effective alternative to premium accounting solutions.

Key Features

  • Invoicing: Create, customize, and send professional invoices via email or download as PDFs for easy billing.
  • Expense Tracking: Record and categorize business expenses to monitor spending and simplify tax preparation.
  • Bank Reconciliation: Match bank transactions with accounting records to ensure accuracy and streamline financial reporting.
  • Payroll Management: Track employee wages, salaries, bonuses, and allowances, supporting efficient payroll processing.
  • Inventory Management: Manage stock levels, track inventory movements, and generate reports for efficient inventory control.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Handle transactions in multiple currencies, ideal for businesses operating globally.
  • Customizable Chart of Accounts: Edit and organize accounts and sub-accounts to suit specific business needs.
  • Custom Reporting: Generate tailored financial reports, such as profit and loss statements or balance sheets, based on various parameters.
  • Billable Time Tracking: Record hours worked for clients at defined rates, suitable for consultants or hourly billing.
  • Offline Mode: Work without internet access on desktop versions, ensuring data availability anytime.
  • Multi-Business Management: Manage multiple businesses within one account, with seamless switching between them.
  • Modular Design: Enable only the needed modules, such as staff or inventory management, for a streamlined experience.
  • GST Reporting: Built-in support for Goods and Services Tax reporting, simplifying tax compliance.
  • Data Portability: Transfer data across Desktop, Cloud, and Server versions without loss, ensuring flexibility.
  • Multi-User Access (Cloud/Server): Allow multiple users to collaborate with secure access in paid versions.
  • 70+ Language Support: Available in over 70 languages, catering to diverse global users.
  • Community Support Forum: Access a forum for user discussions, guides, and direct developer support.
  • Recurring Billing: Set up automated recurring invoices for regular clients to save time.
  • Email Templates: Use customizable email templates for professional communication with clients.
  • Fixed Asset Management: Track and manage fixed assets, including depreciation, for accurate financial records.
  • Project-Based Accounting: Allocate transactions to specific projects for detailed cost tracking and analysis.
  • Sales Orders and Delivery Notes: Create and manage sales orders and delivery notes to streamline sales processes.

Price

Edition / Plan Price Notes
Desktop Edition US $0 Fully functional, free to download/use on Windows / Mac / Linux.
Cloud Edition US $59/month Supports unlimited users and unlimited businesses. No per‑user or per‑business extra fees.
Server Edition “One‑time” fee (self‑hosted) Pay once; no recurring monthly fees. Useful if you want to host accounting on your own server.

Pros

Competitor Pros of Manager.io
QuickBooks Online Manager.io offers a fully functional free desktop version, unlike QuickBooks Online, which requires a subscription starting at $20/month for basic features. Users praise Manager.io’s intuitive design and flexible chart of accounts, allowing complete customization without the complexity often reported with QuickBooks. Its offline functionality and cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux) provide flexibility for users who don’t need constant internet access, unlike QuickBooks’ cloud-only model. Manager.io’s lack of subscription fees for the desktop version makes it a cost-effective choice for freelancers and small businesses.
Xero Manager.io stands out with its free desktop version, contrasting Xero’s subscription model starting at $20/month. It offers robust inventory management and multi-currency support, which some Xero users find less comprehensive for complex needs. Manager.io’s ability to work offline and its data portability across Desktop, Cloud, and Server versions provide an edge for users needing flexibility. Users also highlight Manager.io’s simpler setup process for non-accountants, making it more accessible than Xero’s interface, which can feel overwhelming.
Wave While Wave offers free accounting and invoicing, Manager.io provides more advanced features like payroll and inventory management in its free desktop version, which Wave restricts to paid plans. Manager.io’s customizable reports and modular design allow users to tailor the software to their needs, unlike Wave’s more rigid structure. Its support for over 70 languages and offline mode makes it more versatile for global users or those with limited internet access compared to Wave’s cloud-based system.
FreshBooks Manager.io’s free desktop version contrasts with FreshBooks’ subscription model, starting at $17/month. It offers more comprehensive accounting features, such as inventory management and fixed asset tracking, which FreshBooks lacks or limits to higher-tier plans. Manager.io’s flexibility in customizing accounts and reports appeals to users needing tailored solutions, unlike FreshBooks’ focus on invoicing and time tracking. Its offline capability and multi-business management make it a stronger choice for diverse business needs.

Cons

Competitor Cons of Manager.io
QuickBooks Online Manager.io lacks the robust third-party integrations that QuickBooks Online offers, such as over 700 add-ons for CRM and e-commerce. Its payroll features are basic compared to QuickBooks’ advanced automation and compliance tools. The cloud version of Manager.io, priced at $49/month, is considered expensive by some users compared to QuickBooks’ $20/month base plan, which includes mobile app support. Manager.io’s reporting customization requires exporting to spreadsheets, which can be less seamless than QuickBooks’ in-app reporting.
Xero Manager.io’s lack of a native mobile app hinders on-the-go access, unlike Xero’s robust mobile app praised for its usability. Xero offers stronger integrations with third-party tools, which Manager.io lacks, limiting its scalability for larger businesses. Some users find Manager.io’s payroll and reporting features less advanced than Xero’s, particularly for complex accounting needs. The cloud version’s cost ($49/month) feels steep compared to Xero’s $20/month base plan with more automation features.
Wave Manager.io’s cloud version requires a subscription ($49/month), while Wave’s core accounting and invoicing remain free, making Wave more appealing for budget-conscious users. Manager.io’s sales tax calculation per item can be tedious compared to Wave’s per-invoice tax feature, especially for businesses with location-based taxes. Wave’s cloud-based system offers seamless online access, while Manager.io’s offline focus may feel limiting for users needing real-time collaboration.
FreshBooks Manager.io’s user interface, while minimalistic, can feel dated compared to FreshBooks’ modern, polished design optimized for invoicing and client management. FreshBooks offers a native mobile app, absent in Manager.io, which limits accessibility for users needing mobile access. Manager.io’s reporting requires manual exports for customization, whereas FreshBooks provides more intuitive in-app reporting. The cloud version’s $49/month cost is higher than FreshBooks’ $17/month entry plan, which includes more client-focused features.

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