Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bonsai - All-in-one freelance management platform for proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and client CRM tailored for independent contractors.
- 2#2: HoneyBook - Comprehensive clientflow automation tool handling scheduling, contracts, payments, and communication for solo software contractors.
- 3#3: And.co - Freelancer toolkit combining proposals, contracts, invoicing, expenses, and time tracking in a simple interface.
- 4#4: FreshBooks - Cloud accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking optimized for freelancers and small businesses.
- 5#5: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing app that helps independent contractors log hours, bill clients, and manage expenses effortlessly.
- 6#6: Toggl Track - Precise time tracking tool with reporting, project management, and integrations for solo developers to monitor billable hours.
- 7#7: Wave - Free invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software ideal for cost-conscious independent contractors.
- 8#8: QuickBooks Solopreneur - Simplified accounting for freelancers with mileage tracking, invoicing, tax estimates, and profit insights.
- 9#9: Invoice Ninja - Customizable open-source invoicing app with client management, payments, and time tracking for tech-savvy contractors.
- 10#10: Dubsado - Workflow automation platform for managing client questionnaires, contracts, invoices, and emails for independent professionals.
Tools were selected based on a focus on core features like invoicing, time tracking, and client management, alongside usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the unique needs of independent professionals.
Comparison Table
For independent contractors managing projects, invoices, and finances, selecting the right software is key to efficiency. This comparison table explores top tools like Bonsai, HoneyBook, And.co, FreshBooks, Harvest, and more, analyzing features, pricing, and user experience. Readers will discover which option best aligns with their unique business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonsai All-in-one freelance management platform for proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and client CRM tailored for independent contractors. | other | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | HoneyBook Comprehensive clientflow automation tool handling scheduling, contracts, payments, and communication for solo software contractors. | other | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | And.co Freelancer toolkit combining proposals, contracts, invoicing, expenses, and time tracking in a simple interface. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | FreshBooks Cloud accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking optimized for freelancers and small businesses. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing app that helps independent contractors log hours, bill clients, and manage expenses effortlessly. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Toggl Track Precise time tracking tool with reporting, project management, and integrations for solo developers to monitor billable hours. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Wave Free invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software ideal for cost-conscious independent contractors. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | QuickBooks Solopreneur Simplified accounting for freelancers with mileage tracking, invoicing, tax estimates, and profit insights. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Invoice Ninja Customizable open-source invoicing app with client management, payments, and time tracking for tech-savvy contractors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Dubsado Workflow automation platform for managing client questionnaires, contracts, invoices, and emails for independent professionals. | other | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
All-in-one freelance management platform for proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and client CRM tailored for independent contractors.
Comprehensive clientflow automation tool handling scheduling, contracts, payments, and communication for solo software contractors.
Freelancer toolkit combining proposals, contracts, invoicing, expenses, and time tracking in a simple interface.
Cloud accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking optimized for freelancers and small businesses.
Time tracking and invoicing app that helps independent contractors log hours, bill clients, and manage expenses effortlessly.
Precise time tracking tool with reporting, project management, and integrations for solo developers to monitor billable hours.
Free invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software ideal for cost-conscious independent contractors.
Simplified accounting for freelancers with mileage tracking, invoicing, tax estimates, and profit insights.
Customizable open-source invoicing app with client management, payments, and time tracking for tech-savvy contractors.
Workflow automation platform for managing client questionnaires, contracts, invoices, and emails for independent professionals.
Bonsai
otherAll-in-one freelance management platform for proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and client CRM tailored for independent contractors.
AI-powered, legally vetted contract and proposal generator that creates customized, enforceable documents in seconds
Bonsai is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for freelancers and independent contractors, offering tools to create proposals, contracts, invoices, and handle payments seamlessly. It includes time tracking, task management, and expense monitoring to streamline workflows from client acquisition to project completion. With legally vetted templates and e-signatures, it ensures professional, binding agreements while integrating with popular payment gateways for fast payouts.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one toolkit covering proposals, contracts, invoicing, and project management
- Legally reviewed contract templates that auto-populate and e-sign instantly
- Seamless payment processing with QuickBooks and Stripe integrations for faster client payments
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for unlimited clients and advanced reporting
- Time tracking lacks some mobile app polish compared to dedicated tools
- Learning curve for full workflow automation features
Best For
Freelancers and solo independent contractors seeking a complete business management solution to professionalize their operations without multiple tools.
Pricing
Plans start at $17/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials, up to $96/user/month for Elite, with a 14-day free trial and pay-as-you-go options.
HoneyBook
otherComprehensive clientflow automation tool handling scheduling, contracts, payments, and communication for solo software contractors.
Smart automation workflows that trigger actions like contract sending, payment reminders, and scheduling across the entire client lifecycle
HoneyBook is an all-in-one clientflow management platform tailored for independent contractors and creative service providers like photographers, event planners, and coaches. It handles everything from lead capture and proposals to contracts, scheduling, invoicing, payments, and ongoing client communication through customizable templates and automation. The platform emphasizes professional branding and streamlined workflows to help solopreneurs manage their business efficiently without juggling multiple tools.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering proposals, contracts, payments, and scheduling
- Beautiful customizable templates and strong automation for workflows
- Integrated client portal for seamless communication and file sharing
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for beginners or low-volume users
- Advanced reporting and analytics are limited
- Some integrations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Service-based independent contractors and creative professionals who want a polished, automated client management system.
Pricing
Starter ($19/mo), Essentials ($39/mo), Premium ($79/mo) billed monthly; annual billing offers discounts (e.g., $16/mo for Starter).
And.co
otherFreelancer toolkit combining proposals, contracts, invoicing, expenses, and time tracking in a simple interface.
One-click workflow that converts proposals directly into signed contracts and invoices
And.co is an all-in-one platform tailored for freelancers and independent contractors, offering tools to create proposals, contracts, invoices, track time, manage expenses, and process payments. It streamlines the entire client workflow from initial outreach to getting paid, with features like automated reminders and tax-ready reports. Designed to save time on admin tasks, it helps users focus more on their work while ensuring faster cash flow.
Pros
- Seamless end-to-end workflow from proposals to payments
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Integrated time tracking and expense management
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Team collaboration features require higher plans
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Solo freelancers and independent contractors seeking a simple, intuitive tool to handle invoicing, contracts, and payments without complexity.
Pricing
Free Solo plan; Pro at $18/user/month; Business at $29/user/month (billed annually).
FreshBooks
otherCloud accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking optimized for freelancers and small businesses.
Automated recurring invoices with built-in payment reminders and client approval workflows
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting software tailored for freelancers, independent contractors, and small service-based businesses. It specializes in creating professional invoices, tracking billable time, managing expenses with receipt capture, and handling client payments through integrated gateways. While it offers solid project management and reporting tools, it focuses on simplicity rather than enterprise-level accounting features.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing and customizable templates
- Seamless time tracking that automatically converts to billable hours on invoices
- Strong mobile app for expense scanning and on-the-go management
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and no double-entry bookkeeping
- Pricing tiers restrict client volume on lower plans (e.g., Lite limited to 5 clients)
- Fewer integrations compared to full accounting suites like QuickBooks
Best For
Service-based independent contractors and freelancers who need straightforward invoicing, time tracking, and client management without complex financial reporting.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); annual discounts available.
Harvest
otherTime tracking and invoicing app that helps independent contractors log hours, bill clients, and manage expenses effortlessly.
One-click invoicing that pulls directly from approved time sheets, ensuring accurate billing with minimal effort
Harvest is a streamlined time tracking and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, independent contractors, and small teams. It enables effortless logging of hours across projects and clients, automatic generation of invoices from tracked time, and expense management. With robust reporting and integrations like QuickBooks, Stripe, and Trello, it helps contractors monitor profitability and get paid faster.
Pros
- Intuitive, visually appealing interface that's quick to learn
- Seamless invoicing directly from time entries
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go tracking
Cons
- Pricing is per-user, which adds up for growing teams
- Reporting lacks depth compared to specialized tools
- No native CRM or contract management features
Best For
Freelancers and solo contractors seeking simple, reliable time tracking and billing without complex project management.
Pricing
Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually); includes unlimited projects/clients, invoicing, expenses, and integrations; 30-day free trial.
Toggl Track
specializedPrecise time tracking tool with reporting, project management, and integrations for solo developers to monitor billable hours.
Ultra-precise timeline view with idle detection for honest, automated time logging
Toggl Track is a user-friendly time tracking application that allows independent contractors to log hours spent on projects and clients with minimal effort using one-click timers and manual entries. It provides detailed reports, billable time calculations, profitability tracking, and basic invoicing to streamline billing processes. The tool integrates with calendars, project management apps, and accounting software, making it suitable for solopreneurs managing multiple gigs.
Pros
- Extremely simple one-click timer and mobile app for on-the-go tracking
- Detailed reports and profitability insights for client billing
- Generous free plan with core features and strong integrations
Cons
- Limited built-in invoicing and lacks advanced CRM for client management
- Idle detection and reminders require paid plans
- No native task or project management beyond basic categorization
Best For
Solo freelancers and independent contractors focused primarily on accurate hourly time tracking and simple billing without needing full project management suites.
Pricing
Free forever plan; Starter at $9/user/month (billed annually), Premium at $18/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
Wave
otherFree invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software ideal for cost-conscious independent contractors.
Unlimited free invoicing and accounting with no user or transaction limits
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses and independent contractors, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and receipt scanning. It simplifies financial management with automated bookkeeping and customizable reports. Paid add-ons like payroll and payment processing extend its utility for growing operations.
Pros
- Completely free core features including unlimited invoicing and accounting
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
- Seamless bank integrations and automated categorization
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to paid competitors
- Transaction fees for payments (2.9% + 30¢) and payroll add-ons reduce overall value
- Customer support limited to email and help center, no live chat or phone
Best For
Solo freelancers and independent contractors seeking a no-cost solution for basic invoicing, expense tracking, and simple bookkeeping.
Pricing
Core accounting and invoicing free; payments at 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; payroll starts at $20/month + $6 per active employee (US/Canada only).
QuickBooks Solopreneur
enterpriseSimplified accounting for freelancers with mileage tracking, invoicing, tax estimates, and profit insights.
AI-driven quarterly tax estimates that calculate and track self-employment tax obligations in real-time
QuickBooks Solopreneur is a mobile-first accounting app tailored for freelancers and solopreneurs, automating income and expense tracking from connected bank accounts. It provides quarterly tax estimates, mileage logging via GPS, and simple invoicing to help independent contractors manage finances without full accounting complexity. The app uses AI for transaction categorization and offers basic reports for tax time.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile interface ideal for on-the-go use
- Automated quarterly tax estimates simplify self-employment taxes
- Seamless bank sync and AI categorization save time
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- No support for multi-currency or complex projects
- Basic invoicing lacks advanced payment integrations
Best For
Solo freelancers and independent contractors seeking simple, automated bookkeeping and tax prep without needing robust enterprise features.
Pricing
$20/month (billed annually at $200/year) or $25/month billed monthly; 30-day free trial available.
Invoice Ninja
specializedCustomizable open-source invoicing app with client management, payments, and time tracking for tech-savvy contractors.
Fully open-source self-hosting for zero recurring costs and complete data ownership
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing and billing platform tailored for freelancers, independent contractors, and small businesses to create professional invoices, quotes, and proposals. It includes time tracking, expense management, recurring billing, and client portals, with seamless integrations for payments via Stripe, PayPal, and others. The software offers both free self-hosted deployment for full control and affordable cloud-hosted plans, making it scalable for solo users.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted version with unlimited invoices and clients
- Robust payment integrations and automation features like recurring billing
- Customizable templates and client management tools
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Advanced reporting and support limited in free tier
Best For
Independent contractors and freelancers who prioritize cost savings, data privacy, and customization over a polished modern UI.
Pricing
Free self-hosted open-source version; cloud-hosted plans start at $14/month (Pro, unlimited clients) billed annually, up to $29/month (Enterprise).
Dubsado
otherWorkflow automation platform for managing client questionnaires, contracts, invoices, and emails for independent professionals.
Advanced workflow automations that trigger sequential actions like contract sends, reminders, and invoice generation based on client responses
Dubsado is an all-in-one client management platform tailored for independent contractors and service-based businesses like photographers, designers, and coaches. It streamlines workflows with customizable proposals, contracts, invoices, questionnaires, and a branded client portal for seamless communication. The software's automation features handle lead nurturing, onboarding, and payments, reducing manual admin tasks.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one tools for proposals, contracts, and invoicing
- Powerful no-code automation workflows
- Highly customizable branded client experience
Cons
- Steep learning curve with complex setup
- Limited native integrations beyond Zapier
- No built-in time tracking or advanced project management
Best For
Creative independent contractors and solopreneurs managing client pipelines from lead to payment.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Mini, 1 user), $35/month (Starter, unlimited projects), $60/month (Pro, advanced automations); annual billing discounts available.
Conclusion
With 10 top tools evaluated, Bonsai stands as the clear winner, offering an all-in-one solution for managing proposals, contracts, invoicing, and client relationships. HoneyBook and And.co follow as strong alternatives, with HoneyBook excelling in workflow automation and And.co simplifying tasks in a straightforward interface, catering to diverse needs. For independent contractors aiming to streamline operations, Bonsai’s comprehensive approach leads the way.
Explore Bonsai today to experience its seamless management capabilities and take your contracting business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison