Contando Pollos vs Invoice Ninja: a native Mac alternative, no server needed

Invoice Ninja is a well-regarded open-source invoicing platform that offers both a hosted cloud service and a self-hosted option. Contando Pollos is a native Mac app that keeps everything local without any server at all. Both serve freelancers and small businesses, but they differ significantly in philosophy, platform, and pricing. Here is how they compare.

Last updated October 16, 2026 · Competitor prices checked October 2026 from Invoice Ninja's pricing page. Prices may change.

$27.99 once · No subscription · No account

Best for whom

Contando Pollos is best for Mac users who want a dedicated, offline-first invoicing tool that works right out of the box. If you are a freelancer or solo consultant who prefers native software, values data privacy, and does not want to manage a server or pay monthly fees, Contando Pollos is purpose-built for your workflow.

Invoice Ninja is best for users who want an open-source invoicing solution with the flexibility to self-host or the convenience of a managed cloud service. If you are technically inclined, want control over the source code, need features like proposals and online payment acceptance, or need multi-user access, Invoice Ninja gives you that.

Feature comparison

Pricing comparison

Contando Pollos costs $27.99 once. You get every feature, unlimited invoices and clients, and future updates. There are no plans to compare and no monthly decisions to make; it is one-time purchase invoice software.

Invoice Ninja's hosted Free plan allows up to 5 clients. Ninja Pro is $14/month or $140/year, and Enterprise starts at $18/month for 1–2 users (Invoice Ninja pricing page, checked October 2026). Over three years, Ninja Pro billed yearly comes to about $420. Self-hosting the open-source edition is free, but you supply the server, updates, security and backups.

If you self-host, the server itself typically costs a few dollars a month, and you take on maintenance, updates, security patches, and backups. For a technically skilled user who already runs a server, this can be economical. For everyone else, it adds complexity and ongoing effort that a native Mac app simply does not require.

Competitor pricing checked on October 16, 2026 from Invoice Ninja's pricing page. Prices may change; check the official page before you buy.

$27.99 once · No subscription · No account

Privacy and storage model

Contando Pollos stores all data locally on your Mac. There is no cloud component, no server to configure, and no account to create. Your invoices, client information, and time entries never leave your machine. This is the simplest possible privacy model: your data lives where you can see it, and nowhere else.

Invoice Ninja's privacy model depends on which option you choose. The hosted service stores your data on Invoice Ninja's servers, like any other SaaS product. The self-hosted option gives you full control, but that control comes with responsibility: securing the server, managing database backups, keeping the software updated, and handling SSL certificates.

Contando Pollos gives you privacy without the trade-off. You do not need technical knowledge to keep your data local; it happens automatically because the app was designed that way.

Mac experience

Contando Pollos is a native macOS application built specifically for the Mac. It runs natively on Apple Silicon, launches fast, supports Dark Mode, uses native macOS controls and keyboard shortcuts, and works with no connection at all.

Invoice Ninja offers a web app plus desktop and mobile apps, including one for Mac. Those apps connect to Invoice Ninja's hosted service or to your own self-hosted server, which is where your data lives. If you want an app where the data and the software both live on your Mac, with nothing to connect to, Contando Pollos is the simpler setup.

Verdict

Invoice Ninja deserves credit as one of the most capable open-source invoicing platforms available. Its self-hosting option is rare and valuable, and its feature set, including proposals, recurring invoices, and payment integrations, goes well beyond basic invoicing. For technically minded users or small teams, it is a strong choice.

Contando Pollos is the better option for Mac users who want to skip the complexity. No server to set up, no account to create, no client cap, and no monthly bill. You get native invoice software for Mac with built-in time tracking, 15 professional templates, multi-business support, and complete offline capability for a one-time payment of $27.99.

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Want the 30-second version? Watch the Contando Pollos commercial or browse app screenshots.

Invoice Ninja alternative FAQ

Ready to invoice the simple way? Get Contando Pollos for a one-time payment of $27.99.

$27.99 once · Cheaper than a 12-piece bucket. No subscription, no account.