Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud accounting platform with customizable invoicing, automated reminders, payments, and reporting.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud-based accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation.
- 3#3: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses with time tracking and expense management.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Feature-rich invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and seamless integrations for growing businesses.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payments, and basic reporting for small businesses.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing platform for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options.
- 7#7: ZipBooks - Modern free accounting software featuring automated invoicing, bookkeeping, and performance reports.
- 8#8: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices.
- 9#9: Bill.com - AP/AR automation software streamlining invoice creation, approvals, payments, and accounting sync.
- 10#10: Square Invoices - Free mobile-first invoicing solution with instant payments, scheduling, and inventory integration.
Tools were selected based on a blend of robust features, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to small businesses, growing enterprises, and varied workflows effectively.
Comparison Table
Explore the best business invoice software with our detailed comparison table, showcasing tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Invoice, Wave, and more. This guide highlights key features, pricing, and usability to help readers find the ideal fit for their business goals, from small operations to growing teams.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud accounting platform with customizable invoicing, automated reminders, payments, and reporting. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud-based accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses with time tracking and expense management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Feature-rich invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and seamless integrations for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payments, and basic reporting for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing platform for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | ZipBooks Modern free accounting software featuring automated invoicing, bookkeeping, and performance reports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Bill.com AP/AR automation software streamlining invoice creation, approvals, payments, and accounting sync. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Square Invoices Free mobile-first invoicing solution with instant payments, scheduling, and inventory integration. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
Comprehensive cloud accounting platform with customizable invoicing, automated reminders, payments, and reporting.
Cloud-based accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses with time tracking and expense management.
Feature-rich invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and seamless integrations for growing businesses.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payments, and basic reporting for small businesses.
Open-source invoicing platform for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options.
Modern free accounting software featuring automated invoicing, bookkeeping, and performance reports.
Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices.
AP/AR automation software streamlining invoice creation, approvals, payments, and accounting sync.
Free mobile-first invoicing solution with instant payments, scheduling, and inventory integration.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud accounting platform with customizable invoicing, automated reminders, payments, and reporting.
Progress invoicing, which allows billing clients incrementally based on project milestones with automatic calculations.
QuickBooks Online is a premier cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust invoicing capabilities, enabling businesses to create, customize, and send professional invoices effortlessly. It supports automated recurring billing, payment reminders, online payments via QuickBooks Payments, and progress invoicing for project-based work. Integrated with full accounting features like expense tracking and reporting, it provides real-time financial insights accessible from any device.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates and batch invoicing
- Seamless integration with payment processors for faster collections
- Automated reminders, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features
- Learning curve for users new to accounting software
- Occasional sync issues with bank feeds
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing comprehensive invoicing integrated with full accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) to $200/month (Advanced), billed annually with discounts; 30-day free trial.
Xero
enterpriseCloud-based accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation.
Automatic bank reconciliation that matches incoming payments to invoices in real-time for effortless accounts receivable management
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, with robust invoicing capabilities at its core. Users can easily create, customize, send, and track professional invoices, including support for recurring invoices, multi-currency billing, and automated payment reminders. It integrates seamlessly with bank accounts for real-time reconciliation and offers additional tools like expense tracking and financial reporting to streamline business finances.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options and automation features like repeating invoices
- Seamless bank feeds and integrations with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal for quick payments
- Real-time tracking of invoice status and detailed reporting for cash flow insights
Cons
- Pricing tiers can get expensive for businesses needing higher invoice volumes or advanced features
- Slight learning curve for non-accountants due to full accounting suite complexity
- Customer support primarily through tickets or partners, which may not be instant
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one invoicing and accounting solution with strong automation and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan: 20 invoices/unlimited bills) up to $78/month (Established plan: unlimited invoices/bills), billed annually; free 30-day trial available.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses with time tracking and expense management.
Proposals and estimates that seamlessly convert to invoices with e-signatures
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software designed primarily for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses. It excels in creating professional invoices, tracking time and expenses, managing projects, and accepting online payments. The platform also offers features like automated reminders, recurring billing, and basic reporting to streamline financial workflows.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with drag-and-drop customization for invoices
- Seamless time tracking and project management integrated with invoicing
- Fast online payments via credit card, ACH, and integrations like Stripe
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like double-entry bookkeeping
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to full accounting suites
- Pricing scales up quickly for teams or higher invoice volumes
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, professional invoicing with built-in time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite plan, 5 clients) up to $60/month (Premium, unlimited clients); annual billing discounts available, free 30-day trial.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFeature-rich invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and seamless integrations for growing businesses.
Self-service client portal for viewing invoices, making payments, and accepting approvals without vendor intervention
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for small businesses and freelancers, enabling the creation, customization, and sending of professional invoices, estimates, and purchase orders. It supports automated payment reminders, time tracking, expense management, and multi-currency billing to streamline financial workflows. The software integrates with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, and connects seamlessly with the broader Zoho suite for enhanced CRM and accounting capabilities.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 5 customers
- Robust automation for recurring invoices and reminders
- Seamless integrations with Zoho apps and 40+ payment gateways
Cons
- Free plan limits scalability for growing businesses
- Interface can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and startups needing affordable, feature-rich invoicing with room to scale.
Pricing
Free (up to 5 customers); Basic $9/user/mo; Standard $19/user/mo; Professional $29/user/mo (billed annually).
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payments, and basic reporting for small businesses.
Unlimited free professional invoicing with no subscription costs
Wave is a free cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It enables users to create, send, and track professional invoices, manage expenses, and handle basic accounting tasks like reconciling bank accounts. Additional features include payment processing, payroll, and receipt scanning, all accessible without monthly subscription fees for core invoicing and accounting.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited invoicing and accounting
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Seamless integration for payments and bank connections
Cons
- Transaction fees on payments (2.9% + 30¢ per credit card)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Email-only support with no phone or live chat
Best For
Ideal for freelancers and very small businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing solution without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for core invoicing and accounting; 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card payment, payroll starts at $20/month + $6/employee.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing platform for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options.
Fully open-source and self-hostable for complete data ownership and unlimited customization without recurring fees.
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform designed for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create, send, and track professional invoices. It supports features like recurring billing, expense tracking, client management, quotes, and payments via integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and more. Users can self-host for free or use the cloud-hosted version, offering flexibility in deployment and scalability for growing businesses.
Pros
- Free self-hosted open-source version with no client limits
- Extensive customization options including white-labeling
- Robust integrations for payments, accounting, and productivity tools
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited customer support on free and basic plans
Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers and small businesses seeking a customizable, cost-effective invoicing solution with full data control.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; Cloud plans: Free (50 clients), Pro ($10/mo unlimited clients), Enterprise ($30/mo advanced features).
ZipBooks
specializedModern free accounting software featuring automated invoicing, bookkeeping, and performance reports.
Free unlimited invoicing and customers with professional templates
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses, emphasizing invoicing, time tracking, expense management, and automated bookkeeping. It allows users to create professional, customizable invoices, track payments, and generate financial reports with ease. The software integrates with bank accounts and payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, streamlining cash flow management. Its free plan makes it accessible for startups and solopreneurs.
Pros
- Unlimited invoicing on the free plan
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Integrated time tracking and project billing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and inventory tools
- Some key features locked behind paid plans
- Customer support primarily email-based
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses needing simple, affordable invoicing with basic accounting.
Pricing
Free plan; paid tiers: Hearty ($17/mo), Smarter ($37/mo), Sophisticated ($59/mo) billed annually.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing tool that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices.
Effortless invoice creation directly from tracked time entries with one-click conversion
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing platform tailored for service-based businesses, freelancers, and agencies. It excels at capturing billable hours across projects, logging expenses, and automatically generating invoices from time entries. The tool also supports payments via Stripe integration and syncs with accounting software like QuickBooks for efficient financial workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing for accurate billing
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go use
- Strong integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Stripe, and Slack
Cons
- Per-user pricing can become costly for larger teams
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options compared to full accounting suites
- Less ideal for non-time-based or product invoicing workflows
Best For
Freelancers, agencies, and small teams that primarily bill hourly and need simple, integrated time-to-invoice functionality.
Pricing
Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) includes time tracking, invoicing, and expenses; Lite plan ($10.80/user/month annually) for time tracking only.
Bill.com
enterpriseAP/AR automation software streamlining invoice creation, approvals, payments, and accounting sync.
Unified AP and AR platform with automated multi-level approval workflows and one-click reconciliation
Bill.com is a cloud-based financial automation platform designed to streamline accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) for businesses. It enables users to create, customize, and send professional invoices, automate recurring billing, and accept online payments via ACH, credit card, or virtual cards. The software also handles bill approvals, payments, and reconciliations, with seamless integrations to accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros
- Comprehensive AP/AR automation with approval workflows
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software
- Secure and flexible payment options including virtual cards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
- Reporting capabilities are limited in entry-level plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing, bill pay, and expense management automation.
Pricing
Essentials plan at $39/user/month, Team at $55/user/month, Corporate at $79/user/month (billed annually with discounts).
Square Invoices
specializedFree mobile-first invoicing solution with instant payments, scheduling, and inventory integration.
Zero monthly fees combined with instant deposit options (for a fee) to get paid same-day
Square Invoices is a free invoicing tool from Square that allows businesses to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices via email, text, or shareable links from any device. It supports quick online payments through credit cards, ACH, Apple Pay, and more, with automated reminders and recurring billing options. Integrated seamlessly with Square's POS and payment ecosystem, it helps small businesses get paid faster without subscription costs.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees – completely free to use
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go invoicing
- Fast payment processing and automatic reminders to reduce chasing payments
Cons
- Transaction fees (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ for cards) can add up for high-volume users
- Limited advanced features like time tracking, project management, or deep reporting
- Primarily optimized for US businesses with some international limitations
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and retailers already using Square POS who need simple, quick invoicing tied to payments.
Pricing
Free software; processing fees: 2.9% + 30¢ (invoiced card payments), 1% (ACH), with volume discounts available.
Conclusion
After evaluating the 10 tools, QuickBooks Online stands out as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive cloud platform with customizable invoicing, automated reminders, and robust reporting. Xero and FreshBooks also shine as strong alternatives: Xero excels with unlimited invoicing and multi-currency support, while FreshBooks impresses with user-friendliness and integrated time tracking, catering to diverse business needs. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring the right fit for almost any organization.
Ready to simplify invoicing and boost efficiency? Start with QuickBooks Online to unlock its all-in-one capabilities and take your business operations to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison