Quick Overview
- 1#1: FreshBooks - Cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payments.
- 2#2: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting platform for freelancers featuring unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and receipt scanning.
- 3#3: HoneyBook - All-in-one client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, scheduling, and invoicing with payments.
- 4#4: Bonsai - Freelancer platform offering project management, legal contracts, time tracking, and professional invoicing with global payments.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation, and integrations for freelancers.
- 6#6: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing app for freelancers that turns tracked hours into customizable invoices with payment reminders.
- 7#7: Zoho Invoice - Online invoicing software for freelancers with multi-currency support, automation, client portals, and free plan options.
- 8#8: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing application for freelancers supporting self-hosting, recurring invoices, and multiple payment gateways.
- 9#9: Xero - Cloud accounting platform with invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting features suitable for growing freelance businesses.
- 10#10: Dubsado - Client workflow automation tool for creative freelancers including customizable invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and payments.
Tools were evaluated based on key metrics: functionality (e.g., time tracking, automation, multi-currency support), user experience (intuitive design and reliability), and value (cost-effectiveness and scalability to suit growing freelance businesses).
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top freelance invoice software, such as FreshBooks, Wave, HoneyBook, Bonsai, and QuickBooks Online, breaking down features, pricing, and key strengths to help freelancers find their ideal tool. It simplifies the decision-making process, highlighting what makes each option unique for streamlined invoicing and business management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FreshBooks Cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payments. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting platform for freelancers featuring unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and receipt scanning. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | HoneyBook All-in-one client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, scheduling, and invoicing with payments. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Bonsai Freelancer platform offering project management, legal contracts, time tracking, and professional invoicing with global payments. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation, and integrations for freelancers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing app for freelancers that turns tracked hours into customizable invoices with payment reminders. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Invoice Online invoicing software for freelancers with multi-currency support, automation, client portals, and free plan options. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing application for freelancers supporting self-hosting, recurring invoices, and multiple payment gateways. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Xero Cloud accounting platform with invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting features suitable for growing freelance businesses. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Dubsado Client workflow automation tool for creative freelancers including customizable invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and payments. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payments.
Free invoicing and accounting platform for freelancers featuring unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and receipt scanning.
All-in-one client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, scheduling, and invoicing with payments.
Freelancer platform offering project management, legal contracts, time tracking, and professional invoicing with global payments.
Comprehensive cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation, and integrations for freelancers.
Time tracking and invoicing app for freelancers that turns tracked hours into customizable invoices with payment reminders.
Online invoicing software for freelancers with multi-currency support, automation, client portals, and free plan options.
Open-source invoicing application for freelancers supporting self-hosting, recurring invoices, and multiple payment gateways.
Cloud accounting platform with invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting features suitable for growing freelance businesses.
Client workflow automation tool for creative freelancers including customizable invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and payments.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payments.
Automated recurring invoices and retainers that track unbilled time into billable retainers for steady cash flow
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses. It streamlines invoicing with customizable templates, automated recurring bills, and online payments via credit card or ACH. Additional tools include time tracking, expense management, project profitability reports, and a client portal for approvals and payments, all designed for non-accountants.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing and minimal learning curve
- Robust automation for recurring invoices, late payment reminders, and expense categorization
- Seamless integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and tools like Gusto or Shopify
Cons
- Advanced features like accountant access require higher-tier plans
- No built-in inventory tracking or double-entry bookkeeping for growing businesses
- Pricing can feel steep for solo freelancers with basic needs
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies needing simple, professional invoicing combined with time tracking and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients) up to $99/month (Select, unlimited clients); annual billing offers 50% off first 3 months.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting platform for freelancers featuring unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and receipt scanning.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no hidden subscription fees
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling users to create, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It includes built-in accounting features like expense tracking, receipt scanning via mobile app, and basic financial reports, all without subscription costs. Additional paid services cover payment processing and payroll in select regions, making it a comprehensive yet accessible solution for managing freelance finances.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing and accounting with unlimited usage
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Automatic expense categorization and receipt scanning
Cons
- Payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- No built-in time tracking or project management
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing tool without complex accounting needs.
Pricing
Free for invoicing, accounting, and reports; 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction, lower for bank payments; payroll fees apply in US/Canada.
HoneyBook
specializedAll-in-one client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, scheduling, and invoicing with payments.
End-to-end clientflow automation that converts proposals into invoices and payments without switching apps
HoneyBook is an all-in-one client management platform tailored for freelancers and creative professionals, offering robust invoicing alongside contracts, scheduling, and payments. It allows users to create customizable, branded invoices with integrated online payment processing via Stripe or PayPal, automated reminders, and recurring billing options. While not a standalone accounting tool, it streamlines the invoicing process within a comprehensive client workflow, making it ideal for service-based businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing with contracts, proposals, and payments in one platform
- Professional, customizable templates that enhance branding
- Automation for reminders, scheduling, and client communications saves significant time
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit users needing only basic invoicing
- Limited advanced accounting features like detailed financial reporting or tax calculations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users due to its full-suite nature
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies seeking an integrated client management tool with polished invoicing capabilities.
Pricing
Starter plan at $19/month (basic features, 1 project type); Unlimited at $39/month or $390/year (unlimited projects, advanced automations).
Bonsai
specializedFreelancer platform offering project management, legal contracts, time tracking, and professional invoicing with global payments.
End-to-end workflow from proposal and contract signing directly to automated invoicing and payments
Bonsai is an all-in-one freelance management platform that streamlines invoicing alongside contracts, proposals, time tracking, and project management. It enables freelancers to create customizable invoices directly from proposals or time entries, automate recurring billing, and accept payments via Stripe, PayPal, or ACH. The software also offers expense tracking, reporting, and client portals for a complete workflow solution tailored to independent professionals.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing with proposals, contracts, and time tracking
- Professional templates and automation for recurring invoices
- Robust payment processing with multiple gateways and low fees
Cons
- Higher pricing for users needing only basic invoicing
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Limited advanced accounting reports compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking an integrated platform for client onboarding, project management, and invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $17/user/month (billed annually) for Bootstrap plan; Professional at $32/user/month; Business at $99/user/month; 14-day free trial.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud accounting software with robust invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation, and integrations for freelancers.
Progress invoicing for billing clients incrementally based on project milestones or time tracked
QuickBooks Online is a robust cloud-based accounting software that offers powerful invoicing tools tailored for freelancers, including customizable invoice creation, automated reminders, and payment tracking. It integrates invoicing seamlessly with expense tracking, time logging, and financial reporting, making it ideal for managing freelance finances holistically. While it supports mobile access and numerous third-party integrations, it may feel feature-heavy for users seeking only basic invoicing.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoices with branding and templates
- Integrated payment processing via QuickBooks Payments for faster collections
- Comprehensive reporting and time tracking tied directly to invoicing
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated invoicing tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Some advanced invoicing features locked behind pricier plans
Best For
Freelancers needing integrated invoicing with full bookkeeping, expense management, and tax reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start, billed annually) up to $200/month (Advanced); no free plan.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing app for freelancers that turns tracked hours into customizable invoices with payment reminders.
One-click invoicing that automatically pulls in tracked time and expenses for accurate, hassle-free billing
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing software designed for freelancers, small teams, and agencies to manage billable hours effortlessly. It allows users to track time via desktop apps, mobile timers, or browser extensions, log expenses, and generate professional invoices directly from time entries. The platform also provides project budgeting, profitability reports, and seamless integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Stripe, and over 50 other apps for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive time tracking across devices with one-click timers
- Seamless conversion of time logs to customizable invoices
- Robust reporting and profitability insights for projects
Cons
- Per-user pricing can become costly for growing teams
- Limited advanced invoicing options like retainers or subscriptions
- No built-in CRM or extensive client portal features
Best For
Hourly freelancers and small agencies needing simple, accurate time-to-invoice workflows without complex client management.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 2 users (limited projects); Pro at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $17 monthly, with unlimited everything and premium support.
Zoho Invoice
specializedOnline invoicing software for freelancers with multi-currency support, automation, client portals, and free plan options.
Client portal for self-service invoice viewing, payments, and estimate approvals
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling users to create professional invoices, send estimates, track time, and manage payments efficiently. It offers features like recurring billing, client portals, multi-currency support, and integrations with payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal. Part of the Zoho ecosystem, it scales well for growing freelancers with automation and reporting capabilities.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices
- Strong integrations with payments and Zoho apps
- Comprehensive time tracking and project invoicing
Cons
- Free plan limited to 3 clients
- Interface can feel cluttered for beginners
- Advanced automation locked behind paid tiers
Best For
Solo freelancers and small teams seeking a scalable, cost-effective invoicing solution with growth potential.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 clients and unlimited invoices; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Basic tier with more clients and features.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing application for freelancers supporting self-hosting, recurring invoices, and multiple payment gateways.
Fully open-source self-hosting, providing unlimited invoicing without subscription fees and complete ownership of data.
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing software tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling users to create professional invoices, quotes, and proposals with customizable templates. It supports online payments via Stripe, PayPal, and others, along with time tracking, expense management, and client portals for seamless collaboration. The platform offers both a free self-hosted version and affordable cloud-hosted plans, making it flexible for various user needs.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted option with full data control
- Strong payment integrations and recurring billing support
- Multi-company management and robust reporting tools
Cons
- User interface appears somewhat dated and less polished
- Self-hosting requires technical setup knowledge
- Limited design templates compared to more modern competitors
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies seeking a cost-effective, customizable invoicing tool with self-hosting options for maximum privacy and scalability.
Pricing
Free self-hosted version; cloud plans start at $10/month (Starter, 50 clients), $20/month (Pro, 100 clients), $30/month (Enterprise, unlimited clients).
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform with invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting features suitable for growing freelance businesses.
Automatic bank reconciliation that instantly matches incoming payments to specific invoices
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform that provides robust invoicing tools for freelancers and small businesses, allowing users to create, customize, and send professional invoices with ease. It supports time tracking, expense management, online payments via integrations like Stripe, and automatic bank reconciliation to match payments to invoices. Beyond basic invoicing, Xero offers comprehensive financial reporting, multi-currency support, and scalability for growing operations.
Pros
- Seamless bank feeds and automatic reconciliation for effortless payment tracking
- Extensive integrations with over 1,000 apps including payment gateways
- Customizable templates and multi-currency invoicing for professional use
Cons
- Invoice limits (20 per month) on the cheapest plan, requiring upgrades for high-volume users
- Steeper learning curve compared to dedicated invoicing tools
- Higher pricing that may feel overkill for invoicing-only needs
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs who require integrated accounting features alongside invoicing and plan to scale their business.
Pricing
Early ($15/mo, 20 invoices/bills), Growing ($42/mo, unlimited), Established ($78/mo), billed monthly or annually with a 30-day free trial.
Dubsado
specializedClient workflow automation tool for creative freelancers including customizable invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and payments.
Automated workflows that trigger invoices, contracts, or follow-ups based on client actions and responses
Dubsado is an all-in-one client management platform tailored for freelancers and creative service providers, enabling the creation, customization, and automation of invoices alongside contracts, proposals, questionnaires, and scheduling. It supports invoicing features like recurring billing, partial payments, and integrations with Stripe and PayPal for seamless collections. The tool centralizes client interactions through a branded client portal, reducing back-and-forth communication.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one workflow combining invoicing with contracts and client management
- Highly customizable templates and powerful automations for efficiency
- Branded client portal enhances professional client experience
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- No free tier or trial beyond basic demo
- Interface can feel overwhelming for simple invoicing needs
Best For
Creative freelancers and small agencies needing integrated invoicing within a full client CRM.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Mighty plan, limited clients) or $40/month (Premier, unlimited); annual billing offers discounts.
Conclusion
Across the top 10 freelance invoice software tools, FreshBooks emerges as the top choice, combining cloud-based invoicing, time tracking, and automated payments to meet the needs of freelancers. Wave and HoneyBook follow closely, with Wave offering a free, unlimited platform and HoneyBook serving as an all-in-one client management tool for proposals and contracts. Each tool excels in distinct areas, ensuring there’s a strong option for every freelancer.
Don’t miss out—start with FreshBooks to simplify your invoicing, save time, and focus on what matters most: growing your freelance business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison