Quick Overview
- 1#1: FreshBooks - Cloud-based accounting software with easy invoicing, time tracking, and expense management tailored for freelancers.
- 2#2: Bonsai - All-in-one freelancer platform for proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and payments.
- 3#3: Harvest - Simple time tracking and invoicing tool that helps freelancers bill accurately by the hour or project.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Online - Robust accounting software offering invoicing, expense tracking, and tax tools for freelancers and small businesses.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and basic bookkeeping for freelancers.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and payment integrations for freelancers.
- 7#7: Zoho Invoice - Automated invoicing software with time tracking, multi-currency support, and CRM integration for freelancers.
- 8#8: FreeAgent - Online accounting platform designed for freelancers with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing.
- 9#9: Hiveage - Invoicing and billing software featuring recurring billing, proposals, and payment reminders for service providers.
- 10#10: Toggl Track - Time tracking tool with invoicing capabilities, profitability reports, and integrations for hourly freelancers.
We evaluated tools based on critical factors like feature depth (invoicing, time tracking, expense management), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to freelancers of all skill levels and specialties for optimal performance.
Comparison Table
For freelancers, reliable billing software streamlines invoicing, time tracking, and financial organization, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like FreshBooks, Bonsai, Harvest, QuickBooks Online, Wave, and more. It explores key features, pricing models, and user experience to help readers identify the best fit for their specific needs, whether prioritizing simplicity, advanced reporting, or budget-friendly options.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FreshBooks Cloud-based accounting software with easy invoicing, time tracking, and expense management tailored for freelancers. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Bonsai All-in-one freelancer platform for proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and payments. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Harvest Simple time tracking and invoicing tool that helps freelancers bill accurately by the hour or project. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Online Robust accounting software offering invoicing, expense tracking, and tax tools for freelancers and small businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and basic bookkeeping for freelancers. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and payment integrations for freelancers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Invoice Automated invoicing software with time tracking, multi-currency support, and CRM integration for freelancers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | FreeAgent Online accounting platform designed for freelancers with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Hiveage Invoicing and billing software featuring recurring billing, proposals, and payment reminders for service providers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Toggl Track Time tracking tool with invoicing capabilities, profitability reports, and integrations for hourly freelancers. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software with easy invoicing, time tracking, and expense management tailored for freelancers.
All-in-one freelancer platform for proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and payments.
Simple time tracking and invoicing tool that helps freelancers bill accurately by the hour or project.
Robust accounting software offering invoicing, expense tracking, and tax tools for freelancers and small businesses.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and basic bookkeeping for freelancers.
Open-source invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and payment integrations for freelancers.
Automated invoicing software with time tracking, multi-currency support, and CRM integration for freelancers.
Online accounting platform designed for freelancers with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing.
Invoicing and billing software featuring recurring billing, proposals, and payment reminders for service providers.
Time tracking tool with invoicing capabilities, profitability reports, and integrations for hourly freelancers.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based accounting software with easy invoicing, time tracking, and expense management tailored for freelancers.
Designer-quality, customizable invoices with built-in payment tracking and automated reminders that boost client satisfaction and payment speed
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for freelancers and small service-based businesses, streamlining billing, time tracking, and expense management. It excels in creating professional, customizable invoices with automated reminders and online payment integration via Stripe, PayPal, and others. Additional tools like project tracking and basic reporting help freelancers stay organized and get paid faster without needing full-scale accounting software.
Pros
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- Robust invoicing tools including recurring bills, retainers, and late payment automation
- Seamless mobile app for on-the-go time tracking and invoicing
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with more billable clients
- Lacks advanced accounting like double-entry bookkeeping or inventory tracking
- Reporting features are basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking simple, professional billing and time management without complex accounting requirements.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); 50% off first 3 months and annual discounts available.
Bonsai
specializedAll-in-one freelancer platform for proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and payments.
Automated workflow that converts proposals into signed contracts and ready-to-send invoices in one click
Bonsai is an all-in-one freelance management platform that streamlines billing through customizable invoices, automated recurring billing, and integrated payments via Stripe and PayPal. It combines time tracking, expense logging, and client contracts into a seamless workflow, allowing freelancers to track billable hours and generate invoices directly from projects. The software also includes proposal templates and e-signatures to handle the full client onboarding to payment process efficiently.
Pros
- Integrated time tracking and expense tools for accurate billing
- Fast payments with low fees and automation
- Professional, legally-vetted contract and invoice templates
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for full suite utilization
- Limited customization in free or basic plans
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing an end-to-end solution for proposals, contracts, time tracking, and billing.
Pricing
Starts at $17/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $55/month (Business); 14-day free trial, no free plan beyond limited trial.
Harvest
specializedSimple time tracking and invoicing tool that helps freelancers bill accurately by the hour or project.
Automatic invoice generation directly from approved time entries, streamlining the billing workflow
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, agencies, and small teams. It enables effortless time logging through timers, mobile apps, or manual entries, with automatic conversion of tracked hours into professional invoices. The software also supports expense tracking, profitability reports, and seamless integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Stripe, and payroll services.
Pros
- Intuitive time tracking with desktop timers and mobile apps
- Seamless integration of time entries into customizable invoices
- Strong reporting tools for profitability and project insights
Cons
- Limited advanced project management capabilities
- Reporting lacks some depth for complex needs
- Per-user pricing can add up for growing teams
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies focused on simple, accurate time-based billing without needing robust CRM or project management.
Pricing
Free for 1 user (limited projects/clients); Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $15 monthly, with unlimited projects and advanced features.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseRobust accounting software offering invoicing, expense tracking, and tax tools for freelancers and small businesses.
Progress invoicing, allowing freelancers to bill clients incrementally based on project milestones and completed work.
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that supports invoicing, expense tracking, time logging, and payment processing tailored for freelancers and small businesses. It enables users to create professional, customizable invoices, set up recurring billing, and track billable hours directly within projects. Beyond basic billing, it offers financial reporting, bank reconciliation, and integrations with tools like PayPal and Stripe to manage cash flow efficiently.
Pros
- Robust invoicing with templates, automation, and progress billing
- Integrated time tracking and expense management for billable work
- Strong integrations with payment gateways and 750+ apps
Cons
- Higher pricing than dedicated freelancer invoicing tools
- Steeper learning curve due to full accounting features
- Advanced billing options limited to higher-tier plans
Best For
Freelancers who need integrated accounting, project tracking, and scalable billing beyond simple invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) billed annually, up to $200/month (Advanced); includes 30-day free trial.
Wave
otherFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and basic bookkeeping for freelancers.
Unlimited free professional invoicing with customizable templates and automated reminders
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, offering tools to create professional invoices, track expenses, manage payments, and handle basic bookkeeping. It includes features like automated recurring invoices, receipt scanning via mobile app, and bank integrations for reconciliation. While powerful for core billing needs, it lacks native time tracking, relying on integrations for more advanced freelancer workflows.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing and accounting with no limits on customers or invoices
- Intuitive interface that's quick to set up and use
- Seamless payment processing with credit cards, ACH, and Apple Pay
Cons
- No built-in time tracking or project management
- Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.60 for credit cards) add up for high-volume users
- Limited reporting and analytics compared to dedicated freelancer tools
- Payroll and advanced features restricted to US/Canada
Best For
Solo freelancers and micro-businesses needing simple, cost-free invoicing and basic accounting without complex time tracking requirements.
Pricing
Free for unlimited invoicing, accounting, and reports; payments via 2.9% + $0.60 (credit card) or 1% (bank); Payroll from $20/month + $6/employee.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app with client portals, recurring billing, and payment integrations for freelancers.
Fully open-source and self-hostable for unlimited usage without recurring fees or data lock-in
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling the creation of professional invoices, quotes, and proposals. It supports time tracking, expense management, client portals, and seamless payment processing via integrations like Stripe and PayPal. Available as a free self-hosted solution or affordable cloud plans, it emphasizes customization and data ownership.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with unlimited clients and invoices
- Robust integrations with payment gateways and accounting tools
- Highly customizable templates and multi-currency support
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced features like white-labeling limited to paid cloud plans
Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers and small agencies who prioritize cost savings, customization, and data control over plug-and-play simplicity.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; cloud plans start at $10/month (Pro) up to $30/month (Enterprise), with a limited free cloud tier.
Zoho Invoice
specializedAutomated invoicing software with time tracking, multi-currency support, and CRM integration for freelancers.
Built-in client portal for self-service invoice approvals, payments, and document access
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based billing software tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling quick creation of professional invoices, estimates, and purchase orders. It includes time tracking, expense management, and automated recurring billing with payment reminders to streamline cash flow. The tool supports multi-currency transactions and integrates with over 40 payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal for seamless online collections.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing for up to 5 clients
- Strong automation for recurring bills and payment chases
- Excellent integrations with Zoho apps and payment processors
Cons
- Free plan limits scalability beyond 5 clients
- Interface can feel cluttered for new users
- Advanced reporting requires paid upgrades or Zoho Books
Best For
Solo freelancers or small agencies starting out who need a free, scalable invoicing tool with growth potential in the Zoho ecosystem.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 customers; paid plans from $9/user/month (annual billing) for unlimited clients and advanced features.
FreeAgent
specializedOnline accounting platform designed for freelancers with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing.
HMRC-recognized Making Tax Digital integration for automated VAT submissions
FreeAgent is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for freelancers, sole traders, and small businesses, focusing on invoicing, expense tracking, time logging, and tax management. It enables users to create and send professional invoices, automate bank reconciliations, and handle UK-specific tax obligations like VAT returns and Making Tax Digital compliance. The software also supports project tracking and client management to streamline freelance billing workflows.
Pros
- Seamless bank feeds and automatic categorization
- Robust invoicing with recurring billing and payments via Stripe/GoCardless
- User-friendly mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- UK-centric features limit appeal for international freelancers
- Pricing can add up for users needing advanced plans
- Time tracking is basic compared to dedicated tools
Best For
UK-based freelancers and sole traders seeking integrated accounting, invoicing, and tax compliance in one platform.
Pricing
Plans start at £29/month (billed annually) for solo users, up to £99/month for teams; 30-day free trial available.
Hiveage
specializedInvoicing and billing software featuring recurring billing, proposals, and payment reminders for service providers.
Advanced retainer billing for managing ongoing client subscriptions and deposits seamlessly
Hiveage is an online invoicing and billing software tailored for freelancers and small businesses, enabling the creation of professional invoices, time tracking, expense management, and client retainers. It supports recurring billing, online payments via Stripe, PayPal, and others, along with project tracking and financial reporting. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, allowing unlimited invoices and clients across all plans.
Pros
- Unlimited invoices, clients, and estimates on all plans
- Strong support for retainers and recurring billing
- Multi-currency and multi-language capabilities
Cons
- No dedicated mobile app (web-responsive only)
- Customer support limited to email and knowledge base
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking affordable, straightforward billing with retainer management for ongoing client work.
Pricing
Starts at $18/user/month (Freelancer plan, billed annually) up to $99/user/month (Enterprise), with a 14-day free trial and no free plan.
Toggl Track
otherTime tracking tool with invoicing capabilities, profitability reports, and integrations for hourly freelancers.
One-click timer with idle detection for precise, effortless time capture that feeds directly into invoices
Toggl Track is a user-friendly time tracking app designed for freelancers to log hours via timer, manual entry, or Pomodoro technique across projects and clients. It generates detailed reports on time spent and allows creating invoices directly from tracked time entries, making it useful for hourly billing. While not a full-fledged accounting suite, its integration with tools like QuickBooks and Stripe enhances billing workflows. Overall, it's best for those prioritizing accurate time capture over advanced invoicing.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive interface for quick time logging
- Robust reporting and time-to-invoice conversion
- Generous free plan with unlimited tracking
Cons
- Basic invoicing lacks customization and recurring billing
- No native payment processing (requires integrations)
- Limited advanced accounting features for complex freelance needs
Best For
Solo freelancers billing hourly who need simple, accurate time tracking tied to basic invoicing.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Starter $9/user/month (invoicing included); Premium $18/user/month (advanced reports); billed annually.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top freelancer billing software, FreshBooks clearly leads as the top choice, offering intuitive invoicing, robust time tracking, and seamless expense management. Bonsai shines as an all-in-one platform for proposals, contracts, and payments, while Harvest stands strong for simple hourly or project-based billing—each a notable alternative based on specific needs. Ultimately, the right tool varies by workflow, but FreshBooks balances versatility and ease to serve most freelancers effectively.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your billing process—try FreshBooks today and discover why it’s the top pick for freelancers.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.