Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software with robust invoicing, automated reminders, payment processing, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - Intuitive invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management.
- 3#3: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and integrations for growing businesses.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing software with client portals, recurring bills, and multi-currency capabilities for small businesses.
- 5#5: Wave - Completely free invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic receipt scanning for solopreneurs.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app supporting self-hosting, customizable templates, and payment gateways for flexible billing needs.
- 7#7: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices with team collaboration features.
- 8#8: Bill.com - AP/AR automation platform for creating, approving, and paying bills with seamless bank integrations and approvals workflows.
- 9#9: Square Invoices - Free mobile-first invoicing tool integrated with point-of-sale payments for small businesses and retailers.
- 10#10: Stripe Billing - Developer-friendly billing platform for one-time invoices, subscriptions, and dunning with global payment support.
We prioritized tools based on functionality, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring a comprehensive ranking that addresses varied needs from basic invoicing to advanced automation.
Comparison Table
Navigating billing software can be challenging, with tools like QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, and Xero among the top options—this comparison table simplifies the process. It outlines key features, pricing, and usability to help readers find the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software with robust invoicing, automated reminders, payment processing, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks Intuitive invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and integrations for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing software with client portals, recurring bills, and multi-currency capabilities for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Wave Completely free invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic receipt scanning for solopreneurs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app supporting self-hosting, customizable templates, and payment gateways for flexible billing needs. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices with team collaboration features. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Bill.com AP/AR automation platform for creating, approving, and paying bills with seamless bank integrations and approvals workflows. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Square Invoices Free mobile-first invoicing tool integrated with point-of-sale payments for small businesses and retailers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Stripe Billing Developer-friendly billing platform for one-time invoices, subscriptions, and dunning with global payment support. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software with robust invoicing, automated reminders, payment processing, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses.
Intuitive invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management.
Cloud accounting platform offering customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and integrations for growing businesses.
Free online invoicing software with client portals, recurring bills, and multi-currency capabilities for small businesses.
Completely free invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic receipt scanning for solopreneurs.
Open-source invoicing app supporting self-hosting, customizable templates, and payment gateways for flexible billing needs.
Time tracking and invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices with team collaboration features.
AP/AR automation platform for creating, approving, and paying bills with seamless bank integrations and approvals workflows.
Free mobile-first invoicing tool integrated with point-of-sale payments for small businesses and retailers.
Developer-friendly billing platform for one-time invoices, subscriptions, and dunning with global payment support.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud-based accounting software with robust invoicing, automated reminders, payment processing, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses.
Progress invoicing that automatically creates milestone-based bills from estimates and tracks project profitability
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform renowned for its powerful invoicing and bill-making capabilities, allowing users to create professional, customizable invoices with ease. It supports automated recurring billing, progress invoicing for projects, and real-time payment tracking with integrated payment processing. Ideal for businesses needing more than just basic bill creation, it ties invoicing seamlessly into full financial management.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options
- Automated recurring invoices and payment reminders
- Integrated payment processing with QuickBooks Payments for faster collections
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for basic bill-making needs
- Full feature set has a learning curve for beginners
- Requires internet access as it's cloud-only
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking professional invoicing integrated with accounting and payment tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) for core invoicing; scales to $200/month (Advanced) with advanced billing features.
FreshBooks
specializedIntuitive invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management.
Progressive invoicing, which lets you bill clients in stages for large projects as work is completed.
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses and freelancers, with a strong emphasis on professional invoicing and bill creation. It offers customizable invoice templates, automated recurring billing, time tracking, expense management, and seamless online payment integration via credit cards or ACH. Additional features like client portals, project tracking, and basic reporting make it a comprehensive solution for streamlining billing workflows without needing full-scale accounting software.
Pros
- Highly customizable and visually appealing invoice templates with drag-and-drop editing
- Integrated payment processing and automated late payment reminders for faster collections
- Intuitive mobile app for creating and sending bills on the go
Cons
- Unlimited clients and advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Lacks robust inventory tracking or double-entry bookkeeping for growing businesses
- Reporting capabilities are solid but not as deep as dedicated accounting tools
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking professional, efficient invoicing with light accounting needs.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); annual billing offers 50% off first 6 months.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and integrations for growing businesses.
Automatic bank feed matching that links incoming bills to transactions for seamless reconciliation
Xero is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software that includes robust tools for creating, sending, and managing bills (accounts payable) and invoices (accounts receivable) tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It features customizable templates, recurring billing options, approval workflows, and integration with payment processors for efficient bill handling. Beyond basic bill making, it connects bills to bank feeds for automated reconciliation and expense tracking.
Pros
- Customizable templates and branding for professional bills and invoices
- Automated recurring bills, multi-currency support, and payment integrations
- Real-time collaboration and unlimited users for team bill approvals
Cons
- Higher cost for users needing only basic bill creation without full accounting
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants due to integrated features
- Limited advanced customization compared to dedicated invoicing tools
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking integrated bill management within a full accounting ecosystem.
Pricing
Early plan at $15/user/month (limited bills/invoices), Growing at $42, Established at $78; annual billing discounts available.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing software with client portals, recurring bills, and multi-currency capabilities for small businesses.
Client portal for self-service invoice viewing, approvals, and payments
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based billing software designed for creating, sending, and managing professional invoices, estimates, and payment reminders. It supports customizable templates, multi-currency billing, time tracking, and online payments via integrated gateways like PayPal and Stripe. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it offers seamless automation, client portals, and reporting for small businesses and freelancers.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing for up to 5 customers
- Extensive integrations with Zoho apps and 40+ payment gateways
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoice creation and tracking
Cons
- Advanced automation and inventory limited to higher tiers
- Customer limit in free plan restricts scaling
- Steeper learning curve for complex workflows
Best For
Freelancers and small teams needing affordable, scalable invoicing without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 5 customers, unlimited invoices); paid plans start at $19/organization/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $49 (Professional).
Wave
specializedCompletely free invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic receipt scanning for solopreneurs.
100% free unlimited invoicing with no hidden costs for core billing features
Wave is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers, offering tools to create, send, and track professional invoices effortlessly. It integrates payment processing, expense tracking, and basic accounting features to streamline billing workflows. Users can customize invoices with branding and automate recurring bills for efficiency.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited invoicing and accounting
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Seamless payment integrations like Stripe and PayPal
Cons
- Transaction fees on payments (2.9% + $0.30 per card)
- Limited advanced customization and reporting options
- Email-only support without live chat or phone
Best For
Freelancers and small business owners seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing solution without complex needs.
Pricing
Free forever for core invoicing, accounting, and receipts; optional paid add-ons starting at $16/month for payroll; payment processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app supporting self-hosting, customizable templates, and payment gateways for flexible billing needs.
Fully open-source and self-hostable, allowing complete data ownership without subscription fees.
Invoice Ninja is a versatile open-source invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create professional invoices, quotes, and proposals. It supports features like customizable templates, recurring billing, online payments via Stripe and PayPal, expense tracking, and client portals. Users can self-host for free or opt for cloud-hosted plans with enhanced support and scalability.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with unlimited invoices and clients
- Highly customizable invoice templates and branding options
- Strong integration with payment gateways and accounting tools
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable invoicing tool with full data control via self-hosting.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; cloud plans start at $11/month (Pro, billed annually) for unlimited features, up to $22/month (Enterprise).
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices with team collaboration features.
Automatic invoice creation directly from time entries and expenses
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing platform that enables users to log hours and expenses, then automatically generate professional invoices from that data. It supports customizable templates, online payments via Stripe and PayPal, recurring invoices, and multi-currency billing. While primarily a time management tool, its invoicing capabilities make it suitable for service-based billing, with strong integrations for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Seamless conversion of tracked time and expenses into invoices
- Intuitive interface with customizable, professional invoice templates
- Built-in payment processing and reminders for faster collections
Cons
- Lacks advanced inventory or product-based billing features
- Free plan is highly limited for growing teams
- Reporting and customization options are solid but not as deep as dedicated invoicing tools
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies billing primarily for time and services.
Pricing
Free Lite plan for 1 user/2 projects; Pro at $12/user/month (annual) or $15 monthly; Enterprise custom.
Bill.com
enterpriseAP/AR automation platform for creating, approving, and paying bills with seamless bank integrations and approvals workflows.
Intelligent multi-level approval workflows with real-time tracking and audit trails
Bill.com is a cloud-based financial automation platform specializing in accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) management. It enables users to create, approve, send, and pay bills/invoices with automated workflows, OCR bill capture, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. Designed for businesses seeking efficiency in bill handling, it supports digital payments and multi-user approvals to reduce manual errors and processing time.
Pros
- Advanced automation for bill creation, approvals, and payments
- Strong integrations with popular accounting software
- Mobile app and OCR for quick bill scanning and processing
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for very small businesses or solo users
- Steeper learning curve for complex workflows
- Limited customization in lower-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and accounting teams needing scalable AP/AR automation beyond basic bill making.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (Essentials, billed annually); Team ($55), Corporate ($79), and Enterprise (custom) plans available.
Square Invoices
specializedFree mobile-first invoicing tool integrated with point-of-sale payments for small businesses and retailers.
Seamless Square Payments integration for instant invoice-to-deposit workflow
Square Invoices is a free tool within the Square ecosystem designed for small businesses to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices via web or mobile app. It supports one-time and recurring billing, automatic payment reminders, and seamless integration with Square's payment processing for cards, ACH, and digital wallets. Users can monitor invoice status in real-time and access funds quickly after payment.
Pros
- Completely free to create and send unlimited invoices
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go billing
- Fast payment processing and instant deposit options
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to paid invoices (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ for cards)
- Limited advanced customization and reporting for complex needs
- Less suitable for enterprise-level accounting integrations
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and service providers needing simple, payment-integrated invoicing without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free for invoicing; processing fees start at 2.9% + 30¢ per online paid invoice, with ACH at 1% (capped at $10).
Stripe Billing
specializedDeveloper-friendly billing platform for one-time invoices, subscriptions, and dunning with global payment support.
Advanced subscription lifecycle management with automatic proration, upgrades/downgrades, and recovery workflows
Stripe Billing is a robust platform for automating invoicing, subscriptions, and recurring payments, deeply integrated with Stripe's payment processing ecosystem. It excels in handling complex billing scenarios like proration, usage-based metering, and customer portals for self-service management. While powerful for scalable operations, it primarily operates via API, making it suitable for developers rather than non-technical users seeking simple bill creation.
Pros
- Exceptional automation for subscriptions, proration, and dunning
- Seamless integration with global payment processing
- Flexible support for usage-based and one-time invoicing
Cons
- Requires API integration and developer knowledge for full use
- Limited no-code options for basic bill making
- Costs scale with transaction volume, adding up for low-volume users
Best For
SaaS companies and developers building scalable, automated billing systems.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go: 0.5% of invoiced amount (plus standard Stripe payment fees); no monthly minimums.
Conclusion
The review of bill maker software highlights standout tools, with QuickBooks Online leading as the top choice, offering robust features for small to medium businesses. FreshBooks impresses with its intuitive design for freelancers and service-based teams, while Xero excels with customizable invoicing and multi-currency support for growing operations. Each tool addresses specific needs, but QuickBooks Online emerges as the most comprehensive option.
Begin streamlining your billing today with QuickBooks Online—explore its automated reminders, payment processing, and financial reporting to take your business efficiency to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison