Quick Overview
- 1#1: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software that allows small businesses to create, send, and track invoices with integrated payments.
- 2#2: Zoho Invoice - Free tool for creating professional invoices, sending reminders, and accepting online payments without any subscription fees for basic use.
- 3#3: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses offering customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options.
- 4#4: ZipBooks - Free accounting software with simple invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and time tracking for startups and solopreneurs.
- 5#5: Square Invoices - Free digital invoicing integrated with payment processing, ideal for small businesses needing quick send-and-get-paid functionality.
- 6#6: FreshBooks - User-friendly cloud invoicing software with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders for service-based small businesses.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Robust online invoicing within full accounting suite, supporting customization, payments, and reporting for growing businesses.
- 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting platform with professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small to medium businesses.
- 9#9: Harvest - Simple invoicing tool combined with time tracking, perfect for freelancers to bill accurately based on hours worked.
- 10#10: Invoice2go - Mobile-first invoicing app for on-the-go creation, sending, and payment collection tailored to freelancers and contractors.
Tools were selected based on a focus on core functionality (e.g., invoice creation, payment processing), usability (intuitive design, accessibility), reliability (scalability, uptime), and overall value, ensuring a balanced selection that caters to diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
Streamlining invoicing is crucial for small businesses and freelancers, and this comparison table explores popular options like Wave, Zoho Invoice, Invoice Ninja, ZipBooks, Square Invoices, and more. Learn about key features, pricing, and usability to identify the tool that best fits your needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software that allows small businesses to create, send, and track invoices with integrated payments. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Zoho Invoice Free tool for creating professional invoices, sending reminders, and accepting online payments without any subscription fees for basic use. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses offering customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | ZipBooks Free accounting software with simple invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and time tracking for startups and solopreneurs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Square Invoices Free digital invoicing integrated with payment processing, ideal for small businesses needing quick send-and-get-paid functionality. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | FreshBooks User-friendly cloud invoicing software with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders for service-based small businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Robust online invoicing within full accounting suite, supporting customization, payments, and reporting for growing businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 8 | Xero Cloud accounting platform with professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Harvest Simple invoicing tool combined with time tracking, perfect for freelancers to bill accurately based on hours worked. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Invoice2go Mobile-first invoicing app for on-the-go creation, sending, and payment collection tailored to freelancers and contractors. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Free invoicing and accounting software that allows small businesses to create, send, and track invoices with integrated payments.
Free tool for creating professional invoices, sending reminders, and accepting online payments without any subscription fees for basic use.
Open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses offering customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options.
Free accounting software with simple invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and time tracking for startups and solopreneurs.
Free digital invoicing integrated with payment processing, ideal for small businesses needing quick send-and-get-paid functionality.
User-friendly cloud invoicing software with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders for service-based small businesses.
Robust online invoicing within full accounting suite, supporting customization, payments, and reporting for growing businesses.
Cloud accounting platform with professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small to medium businesses.
Simple invoicing tool combined with time tracking, perfect for freelancers to bill accurately based on hours worked.
Mobile-first invoicing app for on-the-go creation, sending, and payment collection tailored to freelancers and contractors.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software that allows small businesses to create, send, and track invoices with integrated payments.
Unlimited invoicing and accounting at zero subscription cost, making it truly free for basic use.
Wave is a free cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It enables users to create unlimited professional invoices, send them via email or shareable links, track payments, and set up recurring billing with automated reminders. Beyond basic invoicing, it integrates simple accounting features like expense tracking and financial reports, all accessible via web or mobile app.
Pros
- Unlimited free invoicing with no subscription fees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface requiring no accounting expertise
- Seamless integration of invoicing with basic accounting and receipt scanning
Cons
- Payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction)
- Limited advanced customization options for complex needs
- Support limited to email and help center, no live phone chat
Best For
Ideal for freelancers, solopreneurs, and very small businesses needing simple, cost-free invoicing without advanced accounting requirements.
Pricing
Core invoicing and accounting are completely free; optional payment processing fees apply (2.9% + $0.60 for credit cards, 1% for bank transfers).
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree tool for creating professional invoices, sending reminders, and accepting online payments without any subscription fees for basic use.
Unlimited free invoices and clients without usage caps
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices online. It offers unlimited invoices and clients on its free plan, along with features like multi-currency support, recurring billing, time tracking, and integration with payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe. The software also includes client portals for payment and estimate approvals, making it a comprehensive yet simple solution for basic invoicing needs.
Pros
- Completely free plan with unlimited invoices and clients
- Intuitive interface with mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Seamless integrations with payment processors and Zoho apps
Cons
- Limited advanced automation and reporting on free plan
- Customer support primarily via email and community forums
- Some features require upgrading to Zoho Books or other paid tiers
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking a reliable, no-cost invoicing solution with essential features.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; premium Zoho plans start at $20/user/month for advanced capabilities.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses offering customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options.
Open-source self-hosting for complete data control and no recurring fees
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, send, and track professional invoices, quotes, and payments. It supports client management, expense tracking, recurring billing, and integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Available as a free self-hosted solution or affordable cloud-hosted plans, it emphasizes customization and data ownership.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with full ownership
- Highly customizable invoice templates and branding
- Integrates with major payment processors and accounting tools
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup knowledge
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced features like white-labeling require paid upgrades
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses looking for a free, customizable invoicing tool with self-hosting options to avoid subscription lock-in.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted plans start free (limited to 50 clients) with Pro at $14/month and Enterprise at $30/month per user.
ZipBooks
specializedFree accounting software with simple invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and time tracking for startups and solopreneurs.
Unlimited free invoicing with profitability insights per client or project
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses and freelancers, emphasizing simple invoicing, time tracking, and basic bookkeeping. It allows users to create professional invoices, send them via email, and accept payments online through integrations like Stripe and PayPal. The free plan provides unlimited invoicing without time limits, making it accessible for basic needs, while paid tiers unlock advanced reporting and bank reconciliation.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices and basic time tracking
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with customizable templates
- Quick online payment processing with low fees
Cons
- Advanced features like bank sync and detailed reports locked behind paid plans
- Limited third-party integrations on the free tier
- Customer support primarily email-based for free users
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing tool without needing complex accounting.
Pricing
Free starter plan; Smarter plan at $15/user/month; Sophisticated plan at $35/user/month (billed annually for discounts).
Square Invoices
specializedFree digital invoicing integrated with payment processing, ideal for small businesses needing quick send-and-get-paid functionality.
Zero monthly fees with instant payment deposits via Square's ecosystem
Square Invoices is a free tool from Square that enables small businesses to create professional invoices, send them via email or text, and track payments in real-time. It supports multiple payment methods including credit cards, ACH, and digital wallets, with automated reminders for overdue invoices. Integrated with Square's POS system, it simplifies billing for service-based businesses without monthly fees.
Pros
- Free to create and send unlimited invoices
- Seamless payment processing with low barriers
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing and tracking
Cons
- Transaction fees on payments (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ for cards)
- Limited template customization for complex needs
- Requires Square account for full functionality
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers using Square POS who want simple, fee-only invoicing with quick online payments.
Pricing
Free invoicing software; processing fees only (2.9% + 30¢ card, 1% ACH, no monthly costs).
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly cloud invoicing software with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders for service-based small businesses.
Automated late payment reminders and client portals for easy approval and payment tracking
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers. It enables users to create professional invoices, track expenses, manage time, and accept online payments with ease. The software emphasizes simplicity and automation, making it suitable for basic invoicing needs while offering scalability for growing operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Customizable templates and automation for recurring invoices
- Seamless integration with payment gateways like Stripe
Cons
- Entry-level plan limits clients to 5
- Higher pricing for unlimited features
- Overkill for purely basic invoicing without additional tools
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking user-friendly invoicing with some accounting extras.
Pricing
Lite plan at $19/month (5 clients, unlimited invoices); Plus $33/month (50 clients); Premium $60/month (unlimited); annual discounts available.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseRobust online invoicing within full accounting suite, supporting customization, payments, and reporting for growing businesses.
Seamless integration of invoicing with full accounting and bank feeds for automatic reconciliation
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that includes robust invoicing capabilities, allowing users to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It supports automated recurring invoices, payment reminders, and direct integration with payment processors for seamless collections. Ideal for basic invoicing within a broader accounting context, it scales well but may feel feature-heavy for simple needs.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates and automation
- Integrated payment processing for faster collections
- Mobile app and real-time tracking across devices
Cons
- More expensive than dedicated basic invoicing tools
- Overkill complexity for purely simple invoicing
- No free plan; subscription model only
Best For
Small businesses starting with basic invoicing but planning to grow into full accounting features.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start, billed annually) up to $200/month (Advanced); 50% off first 3 months.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform with professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small to medium businesses.
Real-time bank feed integration that automatically matches invoice payments to transactions
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software with strong invoicing tools, allowing users to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices online. It supports recurring billing, multi-currency invoicing, and payment reminders, while integrating invoicing directly with bank feeds and bookkeeping features. Ideal for small businesses, it goes beyond basic invoicing to offer comprehensive financial management.
Pros
- Unlimited invoices and customizable templates
- Automatic bank reconciliation and payment tracking
- Multi-currency support and integrations with 1000+ apps
Cons
- Overkill and complex for purely basic invoicing needs
- Requires subscription with no free tier for ongoing use
- Steeper learning curve due to full accounting features
Best For
Small businesses or freelancers who want invoicing integrated with accounting and bank feeds.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan, limited to 20 invoices/bills); higher plans from $42/month (Growing) with unlimited features.
Harvest
specializedSimple invoicing tool combined with time tracking, perfect for freelancers to bill accurately based on hours worked.
Effortless conversion of tracked time entries into customizable, ready-to-send invoices with automatic calculations.
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing tool designed primarily for freelancers and small teams to log hours on projects and generate professional invoices directly from those entries. It includes features like expense tracking, customizable invoice templates, recurring invoices, and integrations with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. While robust for time-based billing, it serves as a solid basic invoicing solution with straightforward workflows for sending and managing invoices.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop time entry and one-click invoice generation from time logs
- Strong mobile apps for iOS and Android for on-the-go invoicing
- Unlimited invoices and clients even on free plan for solopreneurs
Cons
- Pricing scales per user, which can become expensive for growing teams
- Limited customization for non-time-based or product/service invoicing
- No built-in accounting or inventory management for more complex needs
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies that primarily bill hourly and need seamless time-to-invoice workflows.
Pricing
Free for 1 user and 2 projects/clients; Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $15 monthly, with all features unlocked.
Invoice2go
specializedMobile-first invoicing app for on-the-go creation, sending, and payment collection tailored to freelancers and contractors.
Seamless mobile-first invoicing with photo capture for receipts and instant sharing
Invoice2go is a mobile-first invoicing app tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling users to create, send, and track professional invoices on the go. It integrates payment processing via Stripe and PayPal, supports recurring billing, expense tracking, and basic time logging. While straightforward for basic needs, it lacks advanced reporting and inventory management found in more robust accounting tools.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick invoicing anywhere
- Integrated payment collection with Stripe and PayPal
- Free plan available for light users
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- Customer support can be slow for non-premium users
- Some key features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs who need simple, mobile-friendly invoicing without complex accounting.
Pricing
Free plan (limited to 3 clients); Essentials $29/month (unlimited invoices/clients); Premium $49/month (adds teams and advanced tools).
Conclusion
Selecting the right basic invoice software hinges on business needs, but Wave emerges as the top choice, offering free invoicing, accounting, and integrated payments for small businesses. Zoho Invoice stands out as a strong free alternative with professional templates and automated reminders, while Invoice Ninja excels for those needing open-source flexibility and customization. Together, these tools provide robust solutions for diverse invoicing requirements.
Start streamlining your invoicing process today by trying Wave—its intuitive design and essential features make it the ideal starting point for efficient financial management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison