Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, progress billing, and payment tracking tailored for contractors.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and contractors to create professional invoices and manage expenses.
- 3#3: Jobber - Field service management platform with integrated invoicing, scheduling, and QuickBooks sync for home service contractors.
- 4#4: Housecall Pro - All-in-one business software for service contractors offering mobile invoicing, payments, and dispatching features.
- 5#5: Xero - Cloud-based accounting solution providing unlimited customizable invoicing and bank reconciliation for contractors.
- 6#6: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and integrated payments for small contractors.
- 7#7: Zoho Invoice - Online invoicing app with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for contractors.
- 8#8: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing software with recurring billing, quotes, and payment gateways for independent contractors.
- 9#9: Knowify - Construction-specific management tool featuring job costing, AIA billing, and subcontractor invoicing.
- 10#10: ServiceTitan - Enterprise platform for service businesses with advanced invoicing, flat-rate pricing, and performance reporting.
Tools were selected and ranked based on contractor-specific functionality (including progress billing, job costing, and integration capabilities), ease of use, feature robustness, and overall value, ensuring the list prioritizes practicality and effectiveness for different business sizes and workflows.
Comparison Table
Managing invoices effectively is essential for contractors, and choosing the right software can significantly boost productivity. This comparison table features top tools like QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, Jobber, Housecall Pro, Xero, and more, guiding readers to understand key differences in features, pricing, and usability. Readers will gain actionable insights to match their specific business needs with the best invoice software option.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, progress billing, and payment tracking tailored for contractors. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and contractors to create professional invoices and manage expenses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Jobber Field service management platform with integrated invoicing, scheduling, and QuickBooks sync for home service contractors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Housecall Pro All-in-one business software for service contractors offering mobile invoicing, payments, and dispatching features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Xero Cloud-based accounting solution providing unlimited customizable invoicing and bank reconciliation for contractors. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and integrated payments for small contractors. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Invoice Online invoicing app with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for contractors. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 8 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing software with recurring billing, quotes, and payment gateways for independent contractors. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Knowify Construction-specific management tool featuring job costing, AIA billing, and subcontractor invoicing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | ServiceTitan Enterprise platform for service businesses with advanced invoicing, flat-rate pricing, and performance reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, progress billing, and payment tracking tailored for contractors.
User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and contractors to create professional invoices and manage expenses.
Field service management platform with integrated invoicing, scheduling, and QuickBooks sync for home service contractors.
All-in-one business software for service contractors offering mobile invoicing, payments, and dispatching features.
Cloud-based accounting solution providing unlimited customizable invoicing and bank reconciliation for contractors.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and integrated payments for small contractors.
Online invoicing app with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for contractors.
Open-source invoicing software with recurring billing, quotes, and payment gateways for independent contractors.
Construction-specific management tool featuring job costing, AIA billing, and subcontractor invoicing.
Enterprise platform for service businesses with advanced invoicing, flat-rate pricing, and performance reporting.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, progress billing, and payment tracking tailored for contractors.
Progress invoicing, which allows billing clients incrementally based on project milestones and actual work completed
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit that excels as contractor invoice software by enabling users to create, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It supports progress invoicing for ongoing projects, time tracking for billable hours, and expense management tailored to contractors. Additionally, it integrates with payment processors for faster collections and provides robust reporting for job profitability.
Pros
- Advanced invoicing tools including progress billing and customizable templates
- Seamless time tracking and job costing for accurate contractor billing
- Extensive integrations with payment gateways, payroll, and project management apps
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for full contractor features like project tracking
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants using advanced functionalities
- Monthly pricing can add up for solo contractors with basic needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized contractors and construction firms needing integrated invoicing, time tracking, and financial reporting in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual discounts; contractor features best in Plus ($90/month) or higher.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and contractors to create professional invoices and manage expenses.
Automated late payment reminders with customizable templates and escalation sequences
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and contractors, enabling quick creation of professional invoices, time tracking, expense management, and online payment processing. It streamlines billing workflows with automated recurring invoices, overdue reminders, and project-based profitability tracking. The software integrates with popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, making it easy to get paid faster.
Pros
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with drag-and-drop customization
- Automated invoice reminders and recurring billing for steady cash flow
- Seamless time tracking and project management tied directly to invoicing
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with client volume, limiting affordability for growing teams
- Lacks advanced inventory tracking and double-entry accounting
- Reporting is solid but not as customizable as enterprise tools
Best For
Solo contractors and small service-based teams seeking simple, professional invoicing without deep accounting complexity.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo), Plus ($33/mo), Premium ($60/mo) billed annually; Select plan custom pricing for 10+ users.
Jobber
specializedField service management platform with integrated invoicing, scheduling, and QuickBooks sync for home service contractors.
ClientHub portal allowing clients to view invoices, pay online, and request services self-service
Jobber is a field service management platform tailored for contractors, offering robust invoicing tools integrated with scheduling, quoting, and client management. It enables users to generate professional invoices from jobs or estimates, track time and expenses for accurate billing, and accept online payments via credit card or ACH. Beyond invoicing, it provides automation for recurring bills, client portals for self-service payments, and seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing with job scheduling and dispatching
- Powerful mobile app for on-site invoicing and payments
- Strong automation for estimates-to-invoices and recurring billing
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features
- Some customization options limited in entry-level plans
- Occasional reports of sync issues with accounting software
Best For
Small to mid-sized field service contractors needing invoicing deeply integrated with operations management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Core plan, billed annually) for basic invoicing and scheduling; up to $199/month (Grow plan) for advanced automation and reporting.
Housecall Pro
specializedAll-in-one business software for service contractors offering mobile invoicing, payments, and dispatching features.
Real-time invoice creation and payment collection from the mobile app, linked to GPS-verified job completion
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for contractors, with robust invoicing tools that allow creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices directly from mobile devices on the job site. It supports converting estimates to invoices, online payments via credit card or ACH, recurring billing, and seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting. Beyond basic invoicing, it ties payments to scheduling and dispatching for streamlined workflows in home service businesses like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.
Pros
- Seamless mobile invoicing with real-time job data integration
- Automated payment processing and reminders to speed up collections
- Strong QuickBooks and accounting software syncing
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Invoice template customization is somewhat limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service contractors needing integrated invoicing with scheduling and dispatching.
Pricing
Basic plan at $65/month (1 user), Essentials at $129/month, Max at $229+/month; additional users $29/month each.
Xero
enterpriseCloud-based accounting solution providing unlimited customizable invoicing and bank reconciliation for contractors.
Seamless bank reconciliation that automatically matches invoice payments to bank transactions
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses, including contractors, offering comprehensive invoicing tools to create, customize, and send professional invoices quickly. It supports recurring invoices, time tracking, project billing, and payment reminders, integrating seamlessly with bank accounts for automatic reconciliation. Beyond invoicing, it handles expenses, payroll, and reporting, making it a full financial management solution for contractors managing multiple clients.
Pros
- Unlimited customizable invoices and recurring billing options
- Strong integrations with 1,000+ apps including time trackers and payment gateways
- Automatic bank feeds for real-time payment tracking and reconciliation
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced features needed by growing contractors
- Can feel overwhelming for users needing only basic invoicing without full accounting
- Customer support primarily through community and limited live chat
Best For
Contractors and small businesses seeking an all-in-one accounting platform with robust invoicing rather than a standalone tool.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) for basic invoicing, up to $78/month (Established) or $109/month (Ultimate) for advanced features; annual discounts available.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and integrated payments for small contractors.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no hidden subscription costs
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors, offering unlimited professional invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting tools. It enables users to create customizable invoices, send them via email, and accept payments online through credit cards or bank transfers. While it excels in simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it lacks advanced features like native time tracking or job costing tailored specifically for contractors.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited invoicing and accounting with no subscription fees
- Intuitive interface that's quick to set up and beginner-friendly
- Seamless online payment processing with professional invoice templates
Cons
- No built-in time tracking or project-based invoicing for contractors
- Limited reporting and customization options compared to specialized tools
- Transaction fees for payments and payroll limited to US/Canada users
Best For
Solo freelancers and small contractors seeking simple, no-cost invoicing without needing advanced time tracking or project management.
Pricing
Free for core invoicing and accounting; 2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction, payroll starts at $20/month + per employee fees (US/Canada only).
Zoho Invoice
specializedOnline invoicing app with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for contractors.
Built-in client portal for self-service invoice approvals, payments, and expense submissions
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses to create professional invoices, track time and expenses, and manage payments efficiently. It supports features like customizable templates, recurring billing, multi-currency transactions, and automated payment reminders. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with CRM, Books, and other apps for streamlined contractor workflows.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing for basic needs
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Robust integrations with Zoho suite and 40+ payment gateways
Cons
- Advanced reporting and automation locked behind paid plans
- Steeper learning curve for non-Zoho users exploring full features
- Limited offline access compared to desktop alternatives
Best For
Solo contractors and small teams needing affordable, scalable invoicing that grows with their business.
Pricing
Free plan (unlimited invoices, 3 clients); paid plans from $9/organization/month (Standard) to $39 (Elite), billed annually.
Invoice Ninja
otherOpen-source invoicing software with recurring billing, quotes, and payment gateways for independent contractors.
Fully open-source and self-hostable for complete customization and zero recurring costs
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses, enabling users to create professional invoices, quotes, and proposals with customizable templates. It supports online payments via multiple gateways like Stripe and PayPal, time tracking, expense management, and client portals for approvals and payments. The software offers both self-hosted (free) and cloud-hosted options, making it versatile for users prioritizing data control or ease of setup.
Pros
- Free self-hosted open-source version with no limits or vendor lock-in
- Integrates with numerous payment processors and accounting tools
- Robust customization for invoices, recurring billing, and reports
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Advanced features like automation locked behind paid hosted plans
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Tech-savvy contractors and small teams who value customization, data ownership, and low-cost invoicing without subscription dependency.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted plans: Free (limited to 50 clients), Pro at $10/month (unlimited clients, annual billing), Enterprise at $20/month.
Knowify
specializedConstruction-specific management tool featuring job costing, AIA billing, and subcontractor invoicing.
Real-time job costing that automatically generates accurate progress invoices based on approved work and change orders
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for trade contractors, offering robust invoicing capabilities alongside estimating, job costing, time tracking, and purchasing. It supports progress billing, AIA billing forms, and real-time financial insights to help contractors get paid faster. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks and other accounting tools, making it a comprehensive solution for managing contractor finances from bid to payment.
Pros
- Seamless progress invoicing and AIA billing tailored for construction
- Strong QuickBooks integration for accurate financial syncing
- Mobile app enables field-based time tracking and approvals
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Higher pricing for small teams or solo contractors
- Limited advanced reporting in entry-level plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors who need integrated job costing and invoicing for multiple projects.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Pro plan (billed annually), with Essentials at $99/month for solo users; enterprise custom pricing available.
ServiceTitan
enterpriseEnterprise platform for service businesses with advanced invoicing, flat-rate pricing, and performance reporting.
Real-time job costing and AI-driven upsell suggestions that automatically populate accurate, profitable invoices from field data
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for contractors in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and similar trades, with robust invoicing features integrated into its ecosystem. It enables real-time mobile invoicing directly from job sites, automated billing workflows, and seamless synchronization with accounting software like QuickBooks. The software excels in turning job data into accurate, upsell-inclusive invoices while tracking payments and profitability in one system.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing with dispatching, scheduling, and CRM for end-to-end efficiency
- Mobile app supports instant on-site invoicing and payments with upsell recommendations
- Advanced analytics for invoice profitability and cash flow forecasting
Cons
- High cost makes it less viable for small contractors focused solely on invoicing
- Steep learning curve due to its enterprise-level complexity
- Pricing is custom and opaque, often requiring long-term contracts
Best For
Mid-sized to large contractor businesses needing integrated field service management with advanced invoicing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200–$400 per user/month with minimum user requirements and implementation fees.
Conclusion
Navigating contractor invoice software requires weighing features like customization, integration, and ease of use. At the pinnacle, QuickBooks Online leads with its comprehensive cloud-based tools, including customizable invoicing, progress billing, and payment tracking specifically tailored for contractors. FreshBooks and Jobber rank as strong alternatives—FreshBooks for its user-friendly design and Jobber for its integrated scheduling and QuickBooks sync—each suited to different operational needs.
Take the next step in streamlining your invoicing process: Try QuickBooks Online, the top choice for contractors, to unlock its tailored features and simplify your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison