Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and job costing tailored for contractors.
- 2#2: Jobber - Field service management platform with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing for contractors.
- 3#3: Housecall Pro - All-in-one software for home service contractors featuring scheduling, dispatching, and real-time invoicing.
- 4#4: ServiceTitan - Enterprise-grade platform for HVAC and plumbing contractors with advanced job costing and billing automation.
- 5#5: Buildertrend - Construction management tool with integrated time tracking, change orders, and client invoicing for general contractors.
- 6#6: Procore - Cloud-based construction platform offering financial tracking, lien waivers, and billing for large-scale projects.
- 7#7: Knowify - Job costing and billing software designed for trade contractors with AIA billing and progress invoicing.
- 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting solution with customizable invoicing, project tracking, and integrations for small contractors.
- 9#9: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and time tracking app ideal for freelance and small-scale contractors.
- 10#10: Joist - Mobile invoicing and payment app built specifically for on-site billing by trade contractors.
Tools were selected based on a focus on contractor-specific features (such as AIA billing, lien waivers, or job tracking), user experience (intuitiveness and integration potential), and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of trades ranging from plumbing to general contracting.
Comparison Table
This comparison table features leading contractor billing software tools such as QuickBooks Online, Jobber, Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan, Buildertrend, and more, designed to help readers evaluate options for efficient financial management and project oversight. It outlines key features, pricing structures, and usability aspects to guide informed decisions for streamlining billing, client communication, and operational workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and job costing tailored for contractors. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Jobber Field service management platform with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing for contractors. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Housecall Pro All-in-one software for home service contractors featuring scheduling, dispatching, and real-time invoicing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | ServiceTitan Enterprise-grade platform for HVAC and plumbing contractors with advanced job costing and billing automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Buildertrend Construction management tool with integrated time tracking, change orders, and client invoicing for general contractors. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Procore Cloud-based construction platform offering financial tracking, lien waivers, and billing for large-scale projects. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Knowify Job costing and billing software designed for trade contractors with AIA billing and progress invoicing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Xero Cloud accounting solution with customizable invoicing, project tracking, and integrations for small contractors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and time tracking app ideal for freelance and small-scale contractors. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Joist Mobile invoicing and payment app built specifically for on-site billing by trade contractors. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and job costing tailored for contractors.
Field service management platform with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing for contractors.
All-in-one software for home service contractors featuring scheduling, dispatching, and real-time invoicing.
Enterprise-grade platform for HVAC and plumbing contractors with advanced job costing and billing automation.
Construction management tool with integrated time tracking, change orders, and client invoicing for general contractors.
Cloud-based construction platform offering financial tracking, lien waivers, and billing for large-scale projects.
Job costing and billing software designed for trade contractors with AIA billing and progress invoicing.
Cloud accounting solution with customizable invoicing, project tracking, and integrations for small contractors.
User-friendly invoicing and time tracking app ideal for freelance and small-scale contractors.
Mobile invoicing and payment app built specifically for on-site billing by trade contractors.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and job costing tailored for contractors.
Progress invoicing, allowing contractors to bill clients incrementally based on project completion percentages or milestones.
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting software that provides robust contractor billing capabilities, including customizable invoices, progress billing, job costing, and time tracking integration. It enables contractors to track billable hours, expenses per project, and automate payments while generating detailed profitability reports. With mobile access and seamless integrations, it streamlines billing from job sites to client accounts receivable.
Pros
- Comprehensive progress invoicing and job costing for accurate project billing
- Integrated time tracking via QuickBooks Time for effortless billable hours
- Strong mobile app and payment processing for quick invoicing on-site
Cons
- Full contractor features require higher-tier plans (Plus or Advanced)
- Initial learning curve for advanced job tracking and reporting
- Can become expensive for solo contractors with light accounting needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized contractors and construction firms needing integrated billing, project tracking, and full accounting in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start), with contractor essentials in Plus ($90/month) and Advanced ($200/month); annual discounts available.
Jobber
specializedField service management platform with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing for contractors.
Jobber Payments: Built-in processing with 2.9% + 30¢ fees, instant payouts, and direct invoice-to-payment flow without leaving the app
Jobber is an all-in-one field service management software tailored for contractors, landscapers, HVAC pros, and similar home service businesses, with robust billing tools at its core. It enables creating professional estimates, converting them seamlessly to invoices, accepting online payments, and tracking expenses tied to specific jobs. The platform also supports recurring billing, time tracking, and QuickBooks integration for accurate financial management. Mobile accessibility ensures contractors can handle billing on-site in real-time.
Pros
- Automated invoicing directly from jobs and schedules
- Integrated payment processing with low fees and instant deposits
- Strong QuickBooks and Xero integrations for seamless accounting
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for solo operators
- Advanced reporting requires higher plans
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service contractors who need integrated scheduling, CRM, and billing in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Lite plan billed annually) for core features; scales to $349+/month (Grow) or custom Enterprise, with 14-day free trial.
Housecall Pro
specializedAll-in-one software for home service contractors featuring scheduling, dispatching, and real-time invoicing.
One-click estimate-to-invoice conversion with real-time payment collection via mobile app
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for home service contractors, with strong billing capabilities including estimates, invoicing, and payment processing. It enables users to create professional estimates on-site via mobile app, convert them seamlessly to invoices, and accept payments instantly through integrated gateways. The software also supports QuickBooks Online integration for automated accounting and recurring billing for maintenance contracts.
Pros
- Robust invoicing tools with mobile-first design for on-the-spot billing
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting sync
- Online payment processing with high customer adoption rates
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced billing features
- Occasional sync delays with accounting software
- Limited customization in invoice templates
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service contractors like plumbers and electricians who need integrated scheduling and billing in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Basic, 1 user) up to $229+/month (Max plan), billed annually; per-user scaling and add-ons for payments.
ServiceTitan
enterpriseEnterprise-grade platform for HVAC and plumbing contractors with advanced job costing and billing automation.
Mobile Pro app enabling technicians to generate, send, and collect payments on flat-rate invoices instantly from the job site
ServiceTitan is an enterprise-grade field service management platform with robust contractor billing capabilities tailored for home service businesses like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. It streamlines billing through mobile invoicing, flat-rate pricing books, automated payment processing, and seamless integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting tools. The software provides real-time revenue tracking, profitability analysis, and financing options to optimize cash flow and reduce billing errors.
Pros
- Comprehensive mobile invoicing for on-site billing and payments
- Advanced financial reporting and profitability insights
- Seamless integrations with accounting and payment processors
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing that may not suit small businesses
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- Overkill for simple billing needs without full FSM adoption
Best For
Mid-to-large contracting firms needing integrated billing with dispatching, scheduling, and CRM functionalities.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $200-$500+ per user/month, often totaling thousands monthly for mid-sized teams with minimum contracts.
Buildertrend
specializedConstruction management tool with integrated time tracking, change orders, and client invoicing for general contractors.
Integrated client portal for draw approvals, change orders, and payments directly linked to project progress
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform tailored for home builders and remodelers, offering robust contractor billing tools including progress invoicing, AIA billing, change order tracking, and online payment processing. It integrates billing directly with project scheduling, budgeting, time tracking, and client portals to streamline financial workflows. The software enables contractors to generate professional invoices, manage retainage, and get client approvals digitally, reducing paperwork and errors.
Pros
- Seamless integration of billing with full project management lifecycle
- Strong AIA billing and progress invoicing capabilities
- Client portal for easy approvals, payments, and transparency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for small contractors
- Overkill for teams focused solely on billing without construction management needs
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and remodelers seeking an all-in-one platform with advanced billing tied to project workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $99/month for solo users, $300-$600+/month for teams based on users and projects.
Procore
enterpriseCloud-based construction platform offering financial tracking, lien waivers, and billing for large-scale projects.
Direct linkage of billing applications to field-verified progress data from daily logs and commitments
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that includes specialized contractor billing tools for handling progress billing, AIA forms (G702/G703), retainage, and change orders. It integrates billing directly with project financials, schedules, and field data to ensure accurate invoicing and faster payments. The software supports multi-tier subcontractor billing and automated workflows, reducing manual errors and improving cash flow for construction firms.
Pros
- Seamless integration of billing with project management, RFIs, and daily logs for accurate progress tracking
- Robust support for AIA billing standards, lien waivers, and multi-tier subcontractor payments
- Mobile app enables on-site billing approvals and real-time collaboration
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise-level pricing
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization needs
- Overkill for small contractors focused solely on basic billing
Best For
Mid-to-large construction contractors managing complex projects who need billing integrated with full project management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $500-$1,200+ per month per project or user-based tiers for enterprises.
Knowify
specializedJob costing and billing software designed for trade contractors with AIA billing and progress invoicing.
Automated AIA G702/G703 billing forms generated directly from job cost data
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors, providing end-to-end tools for job costing, time tracking, scheduling, and billing. It specializes in contractor billing with features like AIA progress billing, retainage management, change orders, and automated invoicing directly from job data. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for real-time financial syncing, helping contractors maintain accurate billing and profitability insights.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless financial syncing
- Robust AIA billing and progress invoicing tools
- Mobile app for on-site time tracking and approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited advanced reporting without add-ons
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors seeking integrated job costing and billing with QuickBooks compatibility.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plans (1 user), scales to $399+/month for Pro/Enterprise with more users and features; custom quotes available.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting solution with customizable invoicing, project tracking, and integrations for small contractors.
Projects dashboard for tracking time, costs, and profitability per job without needing extra apps
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses, offering robust invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting tools that support contractor billing needs. Contractors can create customizable invoices, track projects with time and cost allocation, and integrate with time-tracking apps for accurate billing. It streamlines payments through online gateways and provides real-time bank reconciliation for efficient cash flow management.
Pros
- Intuitive invoice creation with templates and recurring options
- Unlimited users and strong mobile app for on-the-go access
- Excellent integrations with time-tracking tools like Harvest and Toggl
Cons
- No native time tracking, requiring third-party integrations
- Advanced project features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Less specialized for complex contractor workflows like job costing compared to niche tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized contractors needing integrated accounting and billing with scalability for growth.
Pricing
Plans start at $15/month (Early, limited invoices), $42/month (Growing), $78/month (Established); 20% discount on annual billing.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and time tracking app ideal for freelance and small-scale contractors.
Proposals that automatically convert to invoices with tracked acceptance and payment reminders
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering tools for creating customizable invoices, tracking billable time and expenses, and managing client payments. For contractors, it supports progress invoicing, retainers, recurring billing, and project profitability tracking to streamline billing workflows. While not specialized for heavy construction needs, it integrates with payment gateways and accounting tools for efficient cash flow management.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing
- Seamless time tracking and automated billing
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go expense capture
Cons
- Limited advanced job costing or material tracking
- Reporting lacks depth for complex contractor projects
- Pricing increases significantly with client volume
Best For
Solo contractors or small service-based teams needing simple, professional invoicing without intricate construction management.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited); billed annually with discounts.
Joist
specializedMobile invoicing and payment app built specifically for on-site billing by trade contractors.
One-tap invoicing and payment collection directly from your phone at the job site
Joist (myjoist.com) is a mobile-first invoicing and billing app tailored for contractors, handymen, and small service businesses. It enables quick creation of estimates, invoices, and work orders from smartphones, with on-site payment collection via credit cards and digital wallets. Additional features include time tracking, expense management, and a client hub for easy communication and approvals, making it ideal for fieldwork without needing a desktop.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly mobile interface for on-the-go billing
- Fast payment processing with low fees and instant deposits
- Free tier available for solo contractors with core invoicing tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and accounting integrations
- Scalability issues for larger teams or complex projects
- Customization options for invoices are somewhat basic
Best For
Solo contractors or small service pros needing simple, mobile invoicing and payments without desktop software.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at $24.99/month (unlimited invoices, payments); Premium at $49.99/month (advanced features, teams); annual discounts available.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, QuickBooks Online emerges as the top choice, offering a comprehensive mix of cloud-based accounting, invoicing, and job costing tailored to contractor needs. Jobber and Housecall Pro follow closely, with Jobber leading in automated billing and Housecall Pro excelling in integrated scheduling and real-time invoicing—each providing unique strengths to suit different contractor workflows. Together, these solutions highlight the diverse needs of contractors and the variety of tools available to streamline their financial management.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your billing process—dive into QuickBooks Online today to unlock its full potential and elevate your contracting business efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison