Quick Overview
- 1#1: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses with unlimited invoices and integrated payments.
- 2#2: Zoho Invoice - Cloud-based invoicing tool with a generous free plan for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices.
- 3#3: Square Invoices - Free unlimited invoicing integrated with seamless payment processing for small businesses.
- 4#4: ZipBooks - Free starter plan for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting features.
- 5#5: Invoice Ninja - Powerful open-source invoicing platform with self-hosted free option and rich features for freelancers.
- 6#6: InvoiceBerry - Simple free online invoicing software for creating and managing invoices and estimates.
- 7#7: Billy - User-friendly invoicing and billing app with a free plan for small businesses and freelancers.
- 8#8: Invoicera - Comprehensive invoicing software with time tracking and a free plan for basic use.
- 9#9: PayPal Invoicing - Free invoicing tool built into PayPal for quick billing and easy online payments.
- 10#10: Stripe Invoices - Flexible free invoicing API and dashboard for automated billing and payments.
Tools were selected based on robust features, user experience, reliability, and long-term value, ensuring a balanced range of options for individuals and businesses of varying scales.
Comparison Table
Free online invoicing software simplifies billing workflows for diverse businesses, with tools ranging from basic templates to advanced features. This comparison table explores top options like Wave, Zoho Invoice, Square Invoices, ZipBooks, Invoice Ninja, and more, detailing their key strengths, usability, and target use cases. Readers will gain clear insights to select the ideal platform for their invoicing needs, whether prioritizing simplicity, customization, or integration capabilities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses with unlimited invoices and integrated payments. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Zoho Invoice Cloud-based invoicing tool with a generous free plan for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Square Invoices Free unlimited invoicing integrated with seamless payment processing for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | ZipBooks Free starter plan for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Invoice Ninja Powerful open-source invoicing platform with self-hosted free option and rich features for freelancers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | InvoiceBerry Simple free online invoicing software for creating and managing invoices and estimates. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | Billy User-friendly invoicing and billing app with a free plan for small businesses and freelancers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | Invoicera Comprehensive invoicing software with time tracking and a free plan for basic use. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | PayPal Invoicing Free invoicing tool built into PayPal for quick billing and easy online payments. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Stripe Invoices Flexible free invoicing API and dashboard for automated billing and payments. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses with unlimited invoices and integrated payments.
Cloud-based invoicing tool with a generous free plan for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices.
Free unlimited invoicing integrated with seamless payment processing for small businesses.
Free starter plan for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting features.
Powerful open-source invoicing platform with self-hosted free option and rich features for freelancers.
Simple free online invoicing software for creating and managing invoices and estimates.
User-friendly invoicing and billing app with a free plan for small businesses and freelancers.
Comprehensive invoicing software with time tracking and a free plan for basic use.
Free invoicing tool built into PayPal for quick billing and easy online payments.
Flexible free invoicing API and dashboard for automated billing and payments.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software for small businesses with unlimited invoices and integrated payments.
Unlimited free professional invoicing with seamless integration to accounting and bank feeds
Wave is a popular free cloud-based accounting platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs, offering robust invoicing tools alongside basic accounting features. Users can create unlimited professional invoices, estimates, and recurring bills, track payments, and accept credit cards or bank transfers directly. It also includes receipt scanning, bank reconciliation, and simple financial reports, all accessible via web or mobile app without any core feature costs.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no hidden limits
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app for on-the-go use
- Professional customizable templates and automatic payment reminders
Cons
- Payment processing incurs transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ for credit cards)
- Limited advanced reporting and multi-user collaboration in free tier
- Customer support primarily via email and help center, no phone option
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a no-cost, user-friendly invoicing solution without sacrificing professionalism.
Pricing
Free for core invoicing, accounting, and receipts; payments charged per transaction (2.9% + 30¢ credit card, lower for ACH); optional Pro plan at $16/month for advanced features.
Zoho Invoice
specializedCloud-based invoicing tool with a generous free plan for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices.
Built-in client portal allowing customers to view invoices, make payments, and approve estimates self-service
Zoho Invoice is a powerful free online invoicing software designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, and manage professional invoices effortlessly. It offers features like time tracking, expense logging, client portals, multi-currency support, and online payment integrations with gateways like PayPal and Stripe. The tool scales seamlessly within the Zoho ecosystem, providing automation, reporting, and mobile accessibility without any upfront costs for basic use.
Pros
- Unlimited invoices and estimates on the free plan
- Integrated time tracking, projects, and client portal
- Seamless mobile apps for iOS and Android
Cons
- Free plan limited to 5 customers
- Advanced reporting and custom domains require paid upgrade
- Steeper learning curve for Zoho ecosystem integrations
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs handling a small client base who need robust invoicing without paying.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 5 customers and 3 users; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (Basic) for 500 customers and more features.
Square Invoices
specializedFree unlimited invoicing integrated with seamless payment processing for small businesses.
Free recurring invoices with automated reminders and one-click payment links
Square Invoices is a free online invoicing platform from Square that enables users to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices via web or mobile app. It supports features like recurring billing, payment reminders, scheduling, and direct payment collection through integrated processing for cards, ACH, and more. Designed for small businesses, it eliminates monthly fees for invoicing while tying into Square's broader POS and payment ecosystem for seamless operations.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited invoicing with no subscription costs
- Seamless integrated payment processing with multiple methods
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to payments (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ for cards)
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to paid competitors
- Less flexible for businesses not using other Square products
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs needing simple, free invoicing with easy payment collection.
Pricing
Free for creating/sending invoices; processing fees only (2.9% + 30¢ keyed cards, 2.6% + 10¢ swiped, lower for ACH/invoiced).
ZipBooks
specializedFree starter plan for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting features.
Real-time profitability tracking per client or project, even on the free plan
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform offering a robust free plan for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic bookkeeping tailored for small businesses and freelancers. It enables users to create professional, customizable invoices, send payment reminders, and track time effortlessly from any device. The software stands out for its modern interface and scalability to paid plans with advanced features like bank reconciliation.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices, clients, and basic reporting
- Intuitive, modern interface with mobile app support
- Integrated time tracking and automatic payment reminders
Cons
- No bank account syncing or advanced reporting on free plan
- Limited customization for complex workflows
- Customer support primarily email-based for free users
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses needing simple, cost-free invoicing and basic time/expense tracking.
Pricing
Free plan forever; paid plans start at $15/month (Smarter), $35/month (Sophisticated), and $50/month (Accountant) for advanced features.
Invoice Ninja
specializedPowerful open-source invoicing platform with self-hosted free option and rich features for freelancers.
Fully open-source self-hosted version allowing unlimited invoices and clients at no cost
Invoice Ninja is a free, open-source invoicing software designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, and manage invoices, quotes, and payments online. It offers a self-hosted version with unlimited features and a hosted cloud option with tiered plans. Key capabilities include recurring billing, expense tracking, client portals, and integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
Pros
- Completely free self-hosted version with no usage limits
- Extensive features like multi-company support, reports, and payment integrations
- Customizable invoice templates and client portals
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Hosted free plan limited to 50 clients and basic features
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a powerful, no-cost invoicing solution with self-hosting flexibility.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; Hosted: Free (up to 50 clients), Pro at $11/month (unlimited clients, priority support), Enterprise at $22/month.
InvoiceBerry
specializedSimple free online invoicing software for creating and managing invoices and estimates.
Unlimited free invoices and clients without usage caps
InvoiceBerry is a free online invoicing software designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, send, and manage professional invoices effortlessly. It offers unlimited clients and invoices on its free plan, along with features like customizable templates, multi-currency support for over 50 currencies, and integration with payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe. Users can also track expenses, generate reports, and access a client portal for payments and document management.
Pros
- Unlimited invoices and clients on free plan
- Multi-currency support and payment integrations
- User-friendly interface with customizable templates
Cons
- InvoiceBerry branding on free plan documents
- Limited advanced reporting and automation
- No native mobile app, relies on responsive web
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing tool without needing advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Free plan with unlimited usage (branded); Pro plan at $15/month (billed annually) removes branding and adds priority support.
Billy
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and billing app with a free plan for small businesses and freelancers.
Unlimited free invoicing and client management with no restrictions or upsell prompts
Billy (billy.app) is a completely free online invoicing software tailored for freelancers and small businesses, offering unlimited invoices, quotes, time tracking, expense management, and project tracking. It supports online payments via Stripe and PayPal, multi-currency invoicing, recurring bills, and basic financial reports like profit & loss statements. The platform emphasizes simplicity with a clean interface and mobile app support, making it ideal for users avoiding subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited invoices, clients, and users
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go use
- Solid core features like time tracking and expense management
Cons
- Limited integrations compared to paid competitors
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics
- No built-in inventory or CRM tools
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing solution without feature overload.
Pricing
100% free forever; no paid plans, limits, or hidden fees.
Invoicera
specializedComprehensive invoicing software with time tracking and a free plan for basic use.
Built-in time tracking with profitability analysis for billable hours
Invoicera is a cloud-based invoicing platform designed for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create professional invoices, track billable time and expenses, and manage client payments. It offers features like multi-currency support, automated reminders, and basic reporting to streamline billing processes. The free plan caters to users with light invoicing needs, while paid tiers unlock advanced capabilities such as unlimited clients and integrations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core invoicing and time tracking
- Multi-currency and online payment integrations
- Automated recurring invoices and reminders
Cons
- Free plan limited to 2 clients and 10 invoices per month
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced reporting and support require paid upgrade
Best For
Freelancers or solopreneurs with 1-2 clients who need basic invoicing and time tracking without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan (2 clients, 10 invoices/month); paid plans start at $19/user/month (billed annually) for unlimited invoicing and more features.
PayPal Invoicing
specializedFree invoicing tool built into PayPal for quick billing and easy online payments.
One-click payment processing via PayPal's global network with automatic fund deposits
PayPal Invoicing is a free tool integrated within PayPal's platform that enables users to create, customize, and send professional invoices via email or shareable links. It supports features like recurring billing, payment reminders, multi-currency support, and tracking unpaid invoices. Payments are processed securely through PayPal, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers, making it convenient for quick settlements.
Pros
- Completely free to create and send unlimited invoices
- Seamless integration with PayPal for fast payments
- Simple, intuitive interface accessible via web and mobile
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to received payments (e.g., 2.99% + $0.49 USD)
- Lacks advanced features like time tracking or inventory management
- Requires a PayPal business account for full functionality
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses already using PayPal who need straightforward invoicing without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free for invoicing; standard PayPal transaction fees apply (2.99% + $0.49 per domestic invoice payment).
Stripe Invoices
specializedFlexible free invoicing API and dashboard for automated billing and payments.
Automatic payment retries and smart dunning emails to recover failed payments
Stripe Invoices is a free invoicing tool integrated into the Stripe payment platform, enabling businesses to create, send, and track professional invoices online. It supports one-time and recurring billing, customizable templates, taxes, discounts, and automatic payment collection via credit card or other methods. While powerful for payment-focused workflows, it ties invoicing directly to Stripe's ecosystem without standalone accounting features.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Stripe payments for instant collections
- No monthly subscription fees
- Strong automation for recurring invoices and payment retries
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30 per charge) reduce net value
- Limited customization compared to dedicated invoicing apps
- Less ideal for non-online or low-volume businesses without Stripe setup
Best For
Online businesses and SaaS companies already using Stripe that need efficient, payment-integrated invoicing.
Pricing
Free core invoicing; Stripe transaction fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per successful charge apply.
Conclusion
Wave emerges as the top choice, offering unlimited invoicing and integrated payments that simplify small business operations. Zoho Invoice and Square Invoices follow closely, with Zoho's robust cloud-based features and Square's seamless payment processing being strong alternatives for those with specific needs. Together, these tools provide versatile options to suit diverse workflows for freelancers and businesses alike.
Begin your invoicing journey with Wave—unlock unlimited tools and streamline your billing process today to focus on growing your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.