Quick Overview
- 1#1: BigTime - Cloud-based professional services automation for time tracking, project management, and contract billing with revenue recognition.
- 2#2: Kantata - Enterprise PSA platform integrating resource planning, project delivery, and advanced contract billing for services firms.
- 3#3: Accelo - All-in-one automation for professional services handling sales, projects, retainers, and automated contract invoicing.
- 4#4: NetSuite - Cloud ERP with sophisticated revenue management, contract billing, and ASC 606 compliance for complex agreements.
- 5#5: Harvest - Simple time tracking and invoicing app supporting time & materials, fixed-fee, and retainer contract billing.
- 6#6: FreshBooks - User-friendly accounting software with project tracking, recurring invoices, and contract-based billing for small businesses.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Popular cloud accounting tool featuring project profitability, time tracking, and customizable contract invoicing.
- 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting platform with subscription billing, projects, and contract invoicing for growing businesses.
- 9#9: Zoho Books - Affordable online accounting with time tracking, client portals, and automated billing for contracts.
- 10#10: ConnectWise Manage - PSA solution for IT services with contract management, recurring billing, and profitability tracking.
We evaluated tools based on functionality, user experience, and value, ensuring a comprehensive list that balances enterprise capabilities, ease of use, and affordability to meet the demands of modern organizations.
Comparison Table
Navigate the landscape of contract billing software with this comparison table, featuring tools like BigTime, Kantata, Accelo, NetSuite, Harvest, and more to help businesses find the right fit. Explore key capabilities, pricing, and unique features to streamline billing processes, manage contracts effectively, and align with operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BigTime Cloud-based professional services automation for time tracking, project management, and contract billing with revenue recognition. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Kantata Enterprise PSA platform integrating resource planning, project delivery, and advanced contract billing for services firms. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Accelo All-in-one automation for professional services handling sales, projects, retainers, and automated contract invoicing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | NetSuite Cloud ERP with sophisticated revenue management, contract billing, and ASC 606 compliance for complex agreements. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Harvest Simple time tracking and invoicing app supporting time & materials, fixed-fee, and retainer contract billing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | FreshBooks User-friendly accounting software with project tracking, recurring invoices, and contract-based billing for small businesses. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Popular cloud accounting tool featuring project profitability, time tracking, and customizable contract invoicing. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Xero Cloud accounting platform with subscription billing, projects, and contract invoicing for growing businesses. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Zoho Books Affordable online accounting with time tracking, client portals, and automated billing for contracts. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | ConnectWise Manage PSA solution for IT services with contract management, recurring billing, and profitability tracking. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based professional services automation for time tracking, project management, and contract billing with revenue recognition.
Enterprise PSA platform integrating resource planning, project delivery, and advanced contract billing for services firms.
All-in-one automation for professional services handling sales, projects, retainers, and automated contract invoicing.
Cloud ERP with sophisticated revenue management, contract billing, and ASC 606 compliance for complex agreements.
Simple time tracking and invoicing app supporting time & materials, fixed-fee, and retainer contract billing.
User-friendly accounting software with project tracking, recurring invoices, and contract-based billing for small businesses.
Popular cloud accounting tool featuring project profitability, time tracking, and customizable contract invoicing.
Cloud accounting platform with subscription billing, projects, and contract invoicing for growing businesses.
Affordable online accounting with time tracking, client portals, and automated billing for contracts.
PSA solution for IT services with contract management, recurring billing, and profitability tracking.
BigTime
specializedCloud-based professional services automation for time tracking, project management, and contract billing with revenue recognition.
Advanced revenue recognition and work-in-progress (WIP) management with automated billing rules for precise contract fulfillment.
BigTime is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for contract billing, offering time tracking, expense management, project budgeting, and flexible invoicing for hourly, fixed-fee, milestone, and retainer contracts. It provides real-time profitability insights, resource scheduling, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. Designed for professional services firms, it streamlines the entire billing lifecycle from time entry to payments and revenue recognition.
Pros
- Highly flexible billing methods supporting complex contracts
- Real-time dashboards for profitability and WIP tracking
- Excellent mobile app and integrations with accounting software
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some reporting customizations require higher tiers
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms like accounting, engineering, and consulting agencies managing multiple complex contracts.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (Essentials), $25/user/month (Pro), $45/user/month (Elite); custom enterprise pricing available, billed annually.
Kantata
enterpriseEnterprise PSA platform integrating resource planning, project delivery, and advanced contract billing for services firms.
Automated revenue forecasting and recognition that dynamically adjusts based on contract terms, project progress, and real-time data
Kantata is a powerful professional services automation (PSA) platform designed for agencies, consultancies, and service firms, with advanced contract billing capabilities. It supports flexible billing models including time & materials, fixed-price, milestone, and retainer contracts, automating invoicing based on project progress, time tracking, and expenses. The software provides revenue recognition, forecasting, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and NetSuite for streamlined financial operations.
Pros
- Highly flexible billing options tailored to various contract types
- Strong revenue forecasting and reporting tied to project delivery
- Deep integrations with accounting and ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive PSA features
- Custom enterprise pricing can be expensive for smaller teams
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic billing without project management
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms and agencies requiring integrated project management with sophisticated contract billing and revenue recognition.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $45-$59 per user per month for core plans, scaling with users and advanced features.
Accelo
specializedAll-in-one automation for professional services handling sales, projects, retainers, and automated contract invoicing.
Automated retainer drawdown and balancing that tracks usage against contract limits in real-time
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform that excels in contract billing by automating invoicing from fixed-price, time & materials, retainer, and recurring contracts. It integrates contract management with project tracking, time logging, and financial reporting for seamless end-to-end operations. Designed for service-based businesses, it provides real-time profitability insights and renewal automation to optimize revenue cycles.
Pros
- Robust support for multiple contract types including retainers and subscriptions
- Deep integration between contracts, projects, and billing for automation
- Advanced reporting on profitability and utilization metrics
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Pricing can be high for small teams or simple billing needs
- Customization requires technical setup or support
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms and agencies needing integrated contract billing with project management.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Growth plan), $99/user/month (Pro), $149/user/month (Elite); volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing available.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP with sophisticated revenue management, contract billing, and ASC 606 compliance for complex agreements.
SuiteBilling's flexible revenue recognition engine supporting multi-dimensional allocation across performance obligations
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform with robust contract billing capabilities via its SuiteBilling module, automating invoicing for fixed-price, time-and-materials, subscription, and usage-based contracts. It excels in revenue recognition compliant with ASC 606 and IFRS 15, handling complex multi-element arrangements and performance obligations. Integrated with financials, CRM, and inventory, it provides end-to-end visibility for enterprises managing diverse billing scenarios.
Pros
- Advanced revenue management for complex contracts and compliance
- Seamless integration with full ERP suite for unified operations
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level volume and customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring expertise
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Overkill for small businesses needing simple billing
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with intricate contract structures and need for integrated ERP functionality.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $999/user/month plus implementation fees, scaling to $10,000+/month for full deployments.
Harvest
specializedSimple time tracking and invoicing app supporting time & materials, fixed-fee, and retainer contract billing.
Seamless time-to-invoice automation that converts tracked hours into ready-to-send bills with one click
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing platform designed for freelancers, agencies, and small teams to monitor billable hours, manage projects, and generate professional invoices. It supports contract billing through hourly rates, fixed-fee projects, retainers, and expense tracking, with seamless conversion of time entries into invoices. Additional features include reporting, approvals, and integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Stripe.
Pros
- Intuitive time tracking with desktop, mobile, and browser timers
- Beautiful, customizable invoices that pull directly from time data
- Strong integrations with payment processors and accounting software
Cons
- Limited advanced contract management like milestone tracking or automated renewals
- Reporting lacks depth for complex enterprise needs
- Pricing scales per user, which can add up for larger teams
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies handling project-based or retainer contracts with simple billing needs.
Pricing
Free for solo users; Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) includes unlimited invoicing and scheduling; Enterprise custom pricing.
FreshBooks
otherUser-friendly accounting software with project tracking, recurring invoices, and contract-based billing for small businesses.
Seamless retainer billing with automated recurring invoices and easy client portal access
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, focusing on invoicing, time tracking, and expense management. For contract billing, it supports project-based time tracking, recurring invoices for retainers, and customizable billing templates to handle fixed-fee, hourly, or milestone payments. While it streamlines basic contract billing workflows, it falls short on advanced contract management features like automated approvals or amendments.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick invoice creation and client billing
- Robust time tracking and project management for billable hours
- Automated recurring billing ideal for retainers and ongoing contracts
Cons
- Limited support for complex contract terms, milestones, or amendments
- Reporting lacks depth for detailed contract performance analysis
- Client limits on lower plans restrict scalability for larger contracts
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies handling simple retainers and project-based billing without needing enterprise-level contract management.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients) up to $60/month (Premium, unlimited clients); annual billing offers 50% off first 6 months.
QuickBooks Online
otherPopular cloud accounting tool featuring project profitability, time tracking, and customizable contract invoicing.
Progress Invoicing, which automates incremental billing based on contract milestones and time/expenses logged
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting platform that supports contract billing through features like progress invoicing, time tracking, and project profitability tracking. It enables users to create milestones, bill clients incrementally based on work completed, and track expenses against contracts. Ideal for small to medium businesses, it integrates billing with full financial management, reporting, and payroll.
Pros
- Progress invoicing allows flexible milestone-based billing tied to contracts
- Built-in time tracking and billable expenses streamline contractor workflows
- Comprehensive reporting on project profitability and contract performance
Cons
- Lacks deep customization for highly complex or industry-specific contracts
- Advanced billing features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
- Initial setup and accounting terminology can overwhelm non-accountants
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and freelancers needing integrated accounting with reliable progress-based contract billing.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start, limited billing); Progress Invoicing requires Plus ($90/month) or higher, up to $200/month for Advanced.
Xero
otherCloud accounting platform with subscription billing, projects, and contract invoicing for growing businesses.
Built-in subscription billing with automated recurring invoices and payment reminders tied directly to accounting ledgers
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that provides solid contract billing capabilities through recurring invoices, subscription management, and project-based tracking. It allows users to create customizable templates, automate billing schedules based on contract terms, and track time and expenses against projects for accurate invoicing. While not a dedicated contract management tool, its integration with full accounting features makes it efficient for small to medium businesses handling straightforward contracts.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Seamless integration with accounting and 1,000+ apps
- Robust reporting and profitability tracking for projects
Cons
- Lacks advanced contract lifecycle management like approvals or e-signatures
- Complex contracts require third-party integrations
- Higher-tier plans needed for unlimited subscriptions and advanced automation
Best For
Small businesses and accounting teams seeking integrated billing within a full accounting platform without needing specialized contract tools.
Pricing
Early ($20/mo), Growing ($37/mo), Established ($70/mo), Ultimate ($88/mo) USD annually; billed monthly options available.
Zoho Books
otherAffordable online accounting with time tracking, client portals, and automated billing for contracts.
Seamless project time tracking that auto-generates invoices based on billable hours or milestones tied to contracts
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. For contract billing, it provides recurring invoices, project management with time tracking, retainer invoicing, and milestone-based billing to streamline client contract fulfillment. Its integration with the Zoho ecosystem enhances automation for service-based billing workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive project tracking with time logging and direct invoicing from projects
- Flexible recurring and retainer billing options for ongoing contracts
- Affordable pricing with strong multi-currency and client portal support
Cons
- Lacks advanced contract lifecycle features like automated approvals or amendments
- Reporting for complex contracts requires custom setups or Zoho Analytics add-on
- Customer support response times can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium service-based businesses handling project contracts, retainers, and recurring billing alongside basic accounting.
Pricing
Free for businesses under $50K annual revenue (limited features); paid plans start at $20/month (Standard, 3 users) up to $275/month (Ultimate, unlimited users), billed annually.
ConnectWise Manage
specializedPSA solution for IT services with contract management, recurring billing, and profitability tracking.
Agreement-based billing that automates recurring revenue from service contracts with built-in top-up and threshold management
ConnectWise Manage is a comprehensive Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform designed primarily for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), offering robust contract billing features as part of its broader functionality. It enables automated recurring billing based on service agreements, time and expense tracking, and customizable invoicing workflows. While powerful for integrated operations, it may feel bloated for users focused solely on contract billing.
Pros
- Seamless integration of contract billing with ticketing, CRM, and project management
- Advanced automation for recurring invoicing and agreement renewals
- Detailed reporting and analytics for billing accuracy and profitability
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set
- High cost, especially for smaller teams not needing full PSA capabilities
- Customization requires technical expertise or partner support
Best For
MSPs and IT service providers requiring an integrated PSA platform with reliable contract billing.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $65-$100 per user per month (billed annually), with additional fees for implementation and add-ons.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top contract billing software reveals a range of robust tools, each with distinct strengths. At the pinnacle, BigTime leads with its comprehensive cloud-based automation, combining time tracking, project management, and revenue recognition seamlessly. Kantata and Accelo follow closely as exceptional alternatives—Kantata for enterprise resource planning and advanced contract billing, and Accelo for all-in-one sales and automated invoicing—catering to diverse needs.
Unlock efficient contract billing by exploring BigTime, the top-ranked solution, to centralize workflows and enhance profitability. For tailored alternatives, Kantata and Accelo offer specialized features that align with unique business requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison