Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support tailored for small to medium businesses.
- 3#3: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and automated payment reminders.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Free and scalable invoicing software integrated with the Zoho ecosystem for creating, sending, and managing professional invoices effortlessly.
- 5#5: Wave - Completely free invoicing and accounting solution with payment processing, receipt scanning, and basic bookkeeping for small businesses.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app with customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options for flexible business needs.
- 7#7: ZipBooks - Smart invoicing software that automates bookkeeping, provides time tracking, and offers profitability insights for growing businesses.
- 8#8: Bill.com - Accounts payable and receivable automation platform streamlining invoicing, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses.
- 9#9: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts tracked hours into accurate invoices with expense management for service-based businesses.
- 10#10: Square Invoices - Simple, free invoicing integrated with Square payments for quick creation, scheduling, and collection of invoices from any device.
Tools were chosen based on core features like invoicing flexibility, automation capabilities, and ecosystem integration, combined with user-friendliness, reliability, and overall cost-effectiveness to ensure they meet diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
Efficient invoicing is essential for maintaining smooth business cash flow, and selecting the right software can streamline this process. This comparison table explores top tools—including QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Invoice, Wave, and more—outlining key features, pricing structures, and usability to help you identify the ideal solution for your operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support tailored for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and automated payment reminders. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Free and scalable invoicing software integrated with the Zoho ecosystem for creating, sending, and managing professional invoices effortlessly. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Completely free invoicing and accounting solution with payment processing, receipt scanning, and basic bookkeeping for small businesses. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app with customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options for flexible business needs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | ZipBooks Smart invoicing software that automates bookkeeping, provides time tracking, and offers profitability insights for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | Bill.com Accounts payable and receivable automation platform streamlining invoicing, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts tracked hours into accurate invoices with expense management for service-based businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | Square Invoices Simple, free invoicing integrated with Square payments for quick creation, scheduling, and collection of invoices from any device. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting for businesses of all sizes.
Cloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support tailored for small to medium businesses.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and automated payment reminders.
Free and scalable invoicing software integrated with the Zoho ecosystem for creating, sending, and managing professional invoices effortlessly.
Completely free invoicing and accounting solution with payment processing, receipt scanning, and basic bookkeeping for small businesses.
Open-source invoicing app with customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options for flexible business needs.
Smart invoicing software that automates bookkeeping, provides time tracking, and offers profitability insights for growing businesses.
Accounts payable and receivable automation platform streamlining invoicing, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses.
Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts tracked hours into accurate invoices with expense management for service-based businesses.
Simple, free invoicing integrated with Square payments for quick creation, scheduling, and collection of invoices from any device.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting for businesses of all sizes.
Progress invoicing for project-based billing with automated percentage-complete tracking and payments
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust invoicing capabilities, enabling businesses to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It supports features like recurring billing, progress invoicing, automated reminders, and direct online payments to accelerate cash flow. Integrated with expense tracking, inventory management, and real-time reporting, it serves as a comprehensive financial hub for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoices with branding, templates, and batch sending
- Seamless online payments via QuickBooks Payments (ACH, credit card, PayPal)
- Real-time tracking, automation, and mobile app for invoicing anywhere
Cons
- Advanced invoicing features locked behind higher-priced plans
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups or non-accountants
- Occasional sync delays or performance lags with high-volume data
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing, payments, and accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) to $200/month (Advanced); annual discounts and 30-day free trial available.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support tailored for small to medium businesses.
Direct in-app payment collection with automated bank reconciliation for instant invoice-to-cash conversion
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, with robust invoicing capabilities at its core. It enables users to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices, automate recurring billing, and accept payments directly through integrated gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Beyond invoicing, Xero offers bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and real-time financial reporting, all accessible via a user-friendly web and mobile app.
Pros
- Unlimited invoicing and bill creation on all plans
- Seamless integrations with 1,000+ apps including payment processors
- Real-time payment tracking and automated reminders
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced payroll and multi-currency
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants on complex features
- Limited built-in inventory tracking for product-based businesses
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one cloud platform for invoicing, accounting, and growth scalability.
Pricing
Plans start at $20/month (Early) for core invoicing, up to $70+/month (Ultimate) for full features; billed annually with unlimited users and 30-day free trial.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and automated payment reminders.
Proposals that seamlessly convert to accepted projects, time-tracked tasks, and invoices
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service professionals, specializing in invoicing, time tracking, expense management, and project billing. It simplifies sending professional invoices, automating payments, and organizing finances with features like recurring billing and client portals. The platform prioritizes user-friendliness, making it accessible for non-accountants while integrating with popular payment gateways.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing
- Seamless time tracking and automated billing
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Limited inventory and advanced reporting capabilities
- Pricing scales quickly with more clients or billable users
- Lacks double-entry accounting for complex needs
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, professional invoicing and time tracking without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Select, 5 clients), $33/month (Plus, 50 clients), $60/month (Premium, unlimited clients); 50% off first 3 months and annual discounts available.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree and scalable invoicing software integrated with the Zoho ecosystem for creating, sending, and managing professional invoices effortlessly.
Comprehensive client portal allowing self-service invoice viewing, payments, and purchase order approvals
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and teams to create, customize, and send professional invoices quickly. It supports online payments via 30+ gateways, recurring billing, time tracking, multi-currency transactions, and expense logging. Integrated within the Zoho ecosystem, it offers seamless connectivity with CRM, Books, and other apps for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing for up to 5 customers
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Robust integrations with payment gateways and Zoho suite
Cons
- Free plan limits to 5 active customers
- Advanced accounting requires upgrade to Zoho Books
- Reporting features are somewhat basic
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a simple, cost-free invoicing solution with growth potential.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 5 customers and 1,000 invoices/year; paid plans start at $9/organization/month for 50 customers and advanced features.
Wave
specializedCompletely free invoicing and accounting solution with payment processing, receipt scanning, and basic bookkeeping for small businesses.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting without usage caps or subscription fees
Wave is a free cloud-based platform offering invoicing, accounting, receipt scanning, and payment processing tailored for small businesses and freelancers. It enables users to create customizable professional invoices, send automated reminders, track payments, and reconcile bank transactions effortlessly. The software integrates invoicing with basic accounting to provide a streamlined financial overview without subscription costs for core features.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing and accounting with no limits on invoices or customers
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Seamless integration of invoicing with expense tracking and bank reconciliation
Cons
- Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + 30¢ per credit card)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options compared to paid competitors
- Payroll and some premium features restricted to US/Canada with additional costs
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses needing a no-cost, straightforward invoicing tool with basic accounting.
Pricing
Free for unlimited invoicing, accounting, and receipts; payments incur 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; Pro plan at $16/month for advanced features; Payroll from $20/month + $6/employee.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app with customizable templates, recurring billing, and self-hosting options for flexible business needs.
Fully open-source self-hosting for complete data privacy and customization without recurring SaaS fees
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling users to create, send, and manage invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and payments efficiently. It supports both self-hosted deployments for full data control and a cloud-hosted version with easy setup. Key capabilities include client portals, expense and time tracking, customizable templates, and integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
Pros
- Free self-hosted option with no usage limits
- Comprehensive invoicing tools including automation and multi-company support
- Strong integrations with payments, accounting apps, and open-source extensibility
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited customer support on free plans
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking affordable, customizable invoicing with data ownership and no vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free self-hosted (hosting costs extra); hosted plans: Free (50 clients), Pro $14/mo (unlimited clients), Enterprise $30/mo (advanced features).
ZipBooks
specializedSmart invoicing software that automates bookkeeping, provides time tracking, and offers profitability insights for growing businesses.
Profitability dashboard that visualizes time spent vs. revenue per client or project
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering unlimited free invoicing along with time tracking, project management, and basic bookkeeping. It enables users to create professional, customizable invoices, accept online payments, and track profitability by client or project. Paid plans unlock advanced reporting, bank reconciliation, and cash flow forecasting for growing businesses.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices and payments
- Intuitive, modern interface with drag-and-drop customization
- Integrated time tracking and client profitability insights
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors like QuickBooks
- Advanced reporting and bank feeds require paid plans
- No built-in payroll (available as add-on at extra cost)
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, affordable invoicing with profitability tracking.
Pricing
Free Starter plan (unlimited invoicing); Smarter $15/user/mo (bookkeeping, reports); Sophisticate $35/user/mo (advanced features); billed annually.
Bill.com
enterpriseAccounts payable and receivable automation platform streamlining invoicing, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses.
Multi-level approval workflows that automate invoice reviews and payments with customizable rules.
Bill.com is a cloud-based financial automation platform designed primarily for accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) management, with robust invoicing capabilities for businesses. It enables users to create customizable invoices, send them via email or online portals, track payments in real-time, and automate recurring billing cycles. The software integrates seamlessly with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, facilitating efficient data sync and reducing manual entry errors.
Pros
- Advanced automation for approvals and payments
- Multiple payment methods including ACH, checks, and cards
- Strong integrations with accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- Limited free plan or basic tier options
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking comprehensive AP/AR automation alongside professional invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (Grow plan) up to custom Enterprise pricing; 30-day free trial available.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing tool that converts tracked hours into accurate invoices with expense management for service-based businesses.
Automatic invoice generation from time entries and expenses, ensuring precise and effortless billing.
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing platform designed primarily for service-based businesses, allowing users to track time on projects, log expenses, and generate professional invoices directly from tracked data. It supports online payments via Stripe and PayPal, offers profitability reporting, and integrates with tools like QuickBooks and Slack. While strong in time-based billing, it lacks advanced accounting features like inventory management or full ledger capabilities.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing for accurate billing
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface with excellent mobile app
- Robust reporting on project profitability and budgets
Cons
- Limited invoice customization and template options
- No built-in accounting tools like AP/AR ledgers or inventory
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for larger teams
Best For
Service-based agencies and freelancers who primarily invoice based on tracked time and expenses.
Pricing
Pro plan starts at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $15 monthly, including unlimited time tracking, invoicing, and payments; free tier available for solo users with limits.
Square Invoices
otherSimple, free invoicing integrated with Square payments for quick creation, scheduling, and collection of invoices from any device.
Zero monthly fees with built-in payment processing and instant deposit options for received invoice payments
Square Invoices is a free digital invoicing tool from Square designed for small businesses to create, customize, and send professional invoices via email or shareable links. It supports one-time and recurring billing, automated payment reminders, time tracking, and seamless integration with Square's payment processing for accepting cards, ACH, and more. Businesses can track invoice status, payments, and reports directly in the intuitive dashboard or mobile app.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited invoices and no monthly fees
- Seamless integration with Square POS and payment processing
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support for on-the-go invoicing
Cons
- Processing fees apply to payments received (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ for cards)
- Limited advanced features like multi-currency or complex reporting compared to dedicated accounting software
- Best for small businesses; scalability issues for enterprises with high invoice volumes
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs in retail, services, or hospitality who need simple invoicing tied to payment processing.
Pricing
Free for unlimited invoicing; pay-per-use transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ for card payments, 1% for ACH, instant deposits extra 1.5%)
Conclusion
The top 10 business invoicing tools reviewed cater to a range of needs, from freelancers to mid-sized businesses, with standout features that simplify financial workflows. Leading the pack, QuickBooks Online shines as the top choice with its comprehensive capabilities, while Xero and FreshBooks earn strong spots as versatile alternatives—Xero for its robust cloud integration and FreshBooks for its user-friendly design. Together, they demonstrate the best in modern invoicing solutions, ensuring businesses find the right fit for their unique operations.
Begin your journey with the top-ranked QuickBooks Online to experience seamless invoicing, financial tracking, and growth support, tailored to elevate your business efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison