Solova
Solova: An open-source work and bookkeeping hub for freelancers who want to host their own system. Ranked #12 of 26 in Freelance Management System by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosting freelancers wanting open-source bookkeeping.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosting freelancers wanting open-source bookkeeping
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Contract managementYes
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines client CRM, contracts, projects and time tracking
- Supports invoices, expenses and recorded payment entries
- Double-entry ledger includes profit-and-loss and balance-sheet reports
Where it doesn't
- Does not process payments through a gateway
- Integrations are not described
- Requires Docker-based self-hosting with PostgreSQL
Our verdict on Solova
Solova brings project and business records together for freelancers and small studios. Its Kanban boards support drag-and-drop lists and cards, while a client CRM holds company and contact records, with contracts associated with clients. Calendar, table and statistics board views offer different ways to follow work. The product is open source and self-hostable, making it a fit for people who want to manage client work and bookkeeping on infrastructure they control rather than rely on a hosted service.
The bookkeeping scope is a notable strength: Solova supports invoices, products, services, expenses and payment records, alongside a double-entry ledger with profit-and-loss and balance-sheet reports. Time can be recorded with a one-click timer or manual entries. That combination suits freelancers who want project tracking tied to business records. Payment records are not the same as payment processing, however: Solova does not process transactions through a payment gateway. Freelancers who need clients to pay directly through their management system should consider another product for that part of their workflow.
Deployment is centered on Docker and PostgreSQL, and the project describes the software as free to use, self-host and modify under the MIT license. That makes Solova appealing to technically comfortable users who value open-source control and can take responsibility for hosting. It is also a narrower ecosystem proposition: integrations are not described, and worker classification support is not described. Choose Solova for self-hosted client management, time tracking and bookkeeping; look elsewhere if payment processing or a documented integrations ecosystem is central to your freelance operations.
Your product? Our editors can test Solova in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Solova pricing
Solova fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Contract management | Yes |
| Time tracking | Yes |
| Invoicing | Yes |
| Payment processing | No |
| Worker classification | No |
| Deployment | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | solova.lavzen.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Solova
- BonsaiBonsai brings projects, client work, billing, and time tracking into one platform.8.9
- HoneyBookHoneyBook brings lead management, project workflows, contracts, invoicing and payments together.8.8
- DubsadoDubsado brings client onboarding, project work and billing into one service-business platform.8.7
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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