Quick Overview
- 1#1: PandaDoc - Automates creation, e-signing, and payment collection for proposals, contracts, and invoices in one platform.
- 2#2: Bonsai - Provides legally-vetted contracts, invoicing, proposals, and client management for freelancers and agencies.
- 3#3: HoneyBook - All-in-one client management tool with customizable contracts, invoices, scheduling, and payments.
- 4#4: Proposify - Creates interactive sales proposals that seamlessly convert into signed contracts and invoices.
- 5#5: DocuSign - Leading e-signature platform for contract management, agreement routing, and integrated invoicing.
- 6#6: Dropbox Sign - Secure e-signature solution for contracts and documents with payment request and invoicing integrations.
- 7#7: FreshBooks - Cloud-based accounting software specializing in invoicing, proposals, and simple contract templates.
- 8#8: QuickBooks Online - Robust accounting platform with advanced invoicing and customizable forms for contracts.
- 9#9: Xero - Online accounting software with powerful invoicing and app integrations for contract management.
- 10#10: Zoho Invoice - Free invoicing tool integrated with Zoho Sign for creating, signing, and tracking contracts.
Tools were chosen based on their blend of essential features (automation, e-signing, payment processing), user-friendly design, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs like freelancing, agency management, and enterprise accounting.
Comparison Table
Invoice and contract software streamlines essential business workflows, from creating invoices to drafting formal agreements. This comparison table evaluates top tools like PandaDoc, Bonsai, HoneyBook, Proposify, DocuSign, and more, equipping readers to select the best fit by examining features, usability, and integration options.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PandaDoc Automates creation, e-signing, and payment collection for proposals, contracts, and invoices in one platform. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Bonsai Provides legally-vetted contracts, invoicing, proposals, and client management for freelancers and agencies. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | HoneyBook All-in-one client management tool with customizable contracts, invoices, scheduling, and payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Proposify Creates interactive sales proposals that seamlessly convert into signed contracts and invoices. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | DocuSign Leading e-signature platform for contract management, agreement routing, and integrated invoicing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Dropbox Sign Secure e-signature solution for contracts and documents with payment request and invoicing integrations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | FreshBooks Cloud-based accounting software specializing in invoicing, proposals, and simple contract templates. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | QuickBooks Online Robust accounting platform with advanced invoicing and customizable forms for contracts. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Xero Online accounting software with powerful invoicing and app integrations for contract management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Zoho Invoice Free invoicing tool integrated with Zoho Sign for creating, signing, and tracking contracts. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
Automates creation, e-signing, and payment collection for proposals, contracts, and invoices in one platform.
Provides legally-vetted contracts, invoicing, proposals, and client management for freelancers and agencies.
All-in-one client management tool with customizable contracts, invoices, scheduling, and payments.
Creates interactive sales proposals that seamlessly convert into signed contracts and invoices.
Leading e-signature platform for contract management, agreement routing, and integrated invoicing.
Secure e-signature solution for contracts and documents with payment request and invoicing integrations.
Cloud-based accounting software specializing in invoicing, proposals, and simple contract templates.
Robust accounting platform with advanced invoicing and customizable forms for contracts.
Online accounting software with powerful invoicing and app integrations for contract management.
Free invoicing tool integrated with Zoho Sign for creating, signing, and tracking contracts.
PandaDoc
specializedAutomates creation, e-signing, and payment collection for proposals, contracts, and invoices in one platform.
Content tokens and live document previews that allow real-time personalization and updates during contract negotiations
PandaDoc is a robust document automation platform designed for creating, sending, and managing professional contracts, proposals, quotes, and invoices with built-in e-signatures and payment processing. It streamlines workflows through customizable templates, real-time tracking, and analytics to monitor document engagement. Businesses use it to accelerate sales cycles by combining contract negotiation, signing, and invoicing into one seamless experience.
Pros
- Highly customizable templates with dynamic fields and conditional logic for contracts and invoices
- Integrated e-signatures compliant with ESIGN and eIDAS standards
- Built-in payment collections via Stripe and other gateways directly in documents
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like API access
- Steeper learning curve for complex automations
- Limited offline capabilities compared to some desktop alternatives
Best For
Sales and legal teams in SMBs and enterprises needing an all-in-one tool for contract lifecycle management and invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month (Essentials, annual billing) up to $49/user/month (Business); Enterprise custom pricing.
Bonsai
specializedProvides legally-vetted contracts, invoicing, proposals, and client management for freelancers and agencies.
Automated workflow that converts proposals into signed contracts and generates invoices with tracked time/expenses
Bonsai is an all-in-one platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, specializing in creating professional proposals, legally vetted contracts with e-signatures, and customizable invoices. It streamlines the client lifecycle by automating workflows from proposal to payment, including time tracking and expense management integrated directly with invoicing. The software ensures compliance and efficiency with features like recurring billing, payment reminders, and integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and QuickBooks.
Pros
- Seamless workflow integrating proposals, contracts, and invoices into one pipeline
- Extensive library of legally reviewed templates for quick customization
- Robust payment integrations and automated reminders for faster collections
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to dedicated accounting tools
- Higher pricing tiers needed for unlimited clients and proposals
- Occasional glitches in mobile app syncing
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies handling end-to-end client management from proposals to payments.
Pricing
Essentials plan at $17/user/month (billed annually), up to Premium at $32/user/month; 14-day free trial, no free plan.
HoneyBook
specializedAll-in-one client management tool with customizable contracts, invoices, scheduling, and payments.
Automated project pipelines that trigger contracts, invoices, and payments in sequence for effortless client onboarding
HoneyBook is an all-in-one client management platform designed for creative professionals and service-based businesses, offering robust tools for creating, sending, and tracking contracts and invoices. It features customizable templates, electronic signatures, integrated payments via Stripe and PayPal, and automated workflows to streamline client onboarding. Beyond invoicing and contracts, it includes scheduling, client communication, and project management for a complete client lifecycle solution.
Pros
- Intuitive contract and invoice builders with e-signatures and customizable templates
- Seamless payment integration and automation for faster client payments
- Comprehensive clientflow tools that combine contracts, invoices, scheduling, and communication
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for users needing only basic invoicing
- Full feature set can feel overwhelming for simple contract/invoice needs
- Limited advanced accounting integrations compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Creative professionals and small service businesses seeking an integrated platform for contracts, invoices, and client management.
Pricing
Starter at $19/month (annual), Essentials at $39/month, Premium at $79/month (billed annually); 7-day free trial available.
Proposify
specializedCreates interactive sales proposals that seamlessly convert into signed contracts and invoices.
Advanced proposal analytics providing pixel-perfect tracking of viewer interactions and engagement metrics
Proposify is a proposal automation platform that allows users to create visually stunning, customizable proposals with embedded e-signatures, payment collection, and contract elements. It excels in tracking proposal engagement and converting them into signed agreements or invoices via integrations like Stripe. While not a dedicated invoicing or full contract management tool, it bridges sales proposals to payments effectively for service-based businesses.
Pros
- Highly customizable templates for professional proposals and contracts
- Real-time analytics and notifications for tracking engagement
- Built-in e-signatures and one-click payment collection via Stripe/PayPal
Cons
- Limited advanced invoicing like recurring billing or accounting integrations
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with per-user costs
- More sales-proposal focused than comprehensive contract lifecycle management
Best For
Sales teams and agencies needing a seamless workflow from proposal to signed contract and payment.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Essentials, annual billing); scales to $99/user/month (Premium) with add-ons for extras.
DocuSign
enterpriseLeading e-signature platform for contract management, agreement routing, and integrated invoicing.
Tamper-evident e-signatures with comprehensive audit trails ensuring legal enforceability worldwide
DocuSign is a premier electronic signature and agreement management platform that allows users to send, sign, track, and store contracts and documents securely online. It supports contract lifecycle management with templates, automated workflows, and legally binding e-signatures compliant with regulations like ESIGN and eIDAS. For invoices, it enables electronic signing and approval but lacks native billing, recurring invoicing, or payment processing features.
Pros
- Legally binding e-signatures with global compliance and audit trails
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app for easy signing
- Extensive integrations with CRM, ERP, and invoicing tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Envelope-based pricing can become expensive for high-volume users
- Limited built-in invoicing capabilities beyond signing and basic approvals
- Advanced workflow customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses focused on secure contract signing and approval workflows with occasional invoice document handling.
Pricing
Personal free (limited); Standard $10/user/month (100 envelopes/year); Business Pro $25/user/month (100 envelopes/month); Enterprise custom pricing.
Dropbox Sign
specializedSecure e-signature solution for contracts and documents with payment request and invoicing integrations.
Advanced smart fields with conditional logic, calculations, and auto-fill for dynamic, interactive contracts and invoices
Dropbox Sign is a cloud-based electronic signature platform that enables users to send, sign, and track contracts, invoices, and other documents securely and legally binding. It supports customizable templates, multi-party signing workflows, and real-time status updates, making it suitable for streamlining approval processes. While excels in e-signatures, it relies on external tools for invoice generation and lacks native billing or payment features.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Legally compliant e-signatures with audit trails
- Seamless integrations with Dropbox, Google Workspace, and CRM tools
Cons
- No built-in invoice creation or payment processing
- Document send limits on lower plans restrict high-volume use
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing reliable e-signatures for contracts and invoice approvals without complex accounting needs.
Pricing
Free (3 docs/mo), Essentials $15/user/mo (20 docs), Business $25/user/mo (100 docs), Enterprise custom.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based accounting software specializing in invoicing, proposals, and simple contract templates.
Proposals with embedded e-signatures and one-click conversion to invoices
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for freelancers and small businesses, offering robust invoicing tools alongside basic proposal and contract features. It enables users to create professional invoices, track time and expenses, send automated payment reminders, and generate proposals that can be e-signed directly within the app. While excelling in streamlined invoicing and client management, its contract capabilities are more suited for simple agreements rather than complex legal contract lifecycle management.
Pros
- Highly customizable and mobile-optimized invoices with fast payment processing
- Integrated time tracking and expense management that feeds directly into invoices
- Proposals with built-in e-signatures for quick client approvals
- Excellent automation for recurring billing and late payment reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced contract management tools like version control or clause libraries
- Client limits on lower-tier plans restrict scalability
- No native support for multi-party contracts or complex legal workflows
- Higher pricing tiers required for unlimited clients and advanced reporting
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking an intuitive all-in-one tool for invoicing and simple proposals.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients), $33/month (Plus, 50 clients), $60/month (Premium, unlimited clients); annual billing offers discounts.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseRobust accounting platform with advanced invoicing and customizable forms for contracts.
Progress invoicing, which allows billing clients incrementally based on project milestones tied to estimates
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting platform with robust invoicing capabilities, allowing users to create, send, and track professional invoices, automate recurring billing, and handle payments seamlessly. It offers basic contract-related features like proposals that convert to invoices and sales forms, but lacks advanced contract lifecycle management such as e-signatures or detailed negotiation tracking found in specialized tools. Ideal for businesses integrating invoicing with broader financial management, it supports customization, reminders, and multi-currency invoicing.
Pros
- Highly customizable and automated invoicing with recurring templates and payment reminders
- Seamless integration with accounting, expenses, and over 750 apps for streamlined workflows
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoice creation and client approvals
Cons
- Limited native contract management; relies on integrations for e-signatures and advanced templates
- Higher pricing tiers required for full invoicing features like project tracking
- Steeper learning curve for users not familiar with accounting software
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing and basic proposals alongside comprehensive accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) for basic invoicing; Plus ($90/month) adds project tracking; Advanced ($200/month) for advanced automation; 30-day free trial available.
Xero
enterpriseOnline accounting software with powerful invoicing and app integrations for contract management.
Quote-to-invoice workflow with automatic bank feeds for instant payment reconciliation
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform renowned for its robust invoicing features, including customizable templates, recurring billing, online payments, and real-time tracking. It offers basic quoting tools that convert to invoices, providing simple contract-like functionality for proposals and agreements. While lacking advanced contract lifecycle management, e-signatures, or negotiation workflows natively, it excels in integrating invoicing with full accounting for small businesses.
Pros
- Highly customizable and automated invoicing with payment reminders and multi-currency support
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for easy access
- Unlimited invoicing and users, plus seamless accounting integrations
Cons
- Limited native contract management, lacking e-signatures and advanced workflows
- No built-in contract templates or lifecycle tracking
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features and add-ons
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing strong invoicing tied to accounting, with basic quoting for simple contracts via integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $15/user/month (Early plan) up to $125+/user/month (Ultimate), billed annually; features like payroll extra.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree invoicing tool integrated with Zoho Sign for creating, signing, and tracking contracts.
Built-in time tracking and project-based billing that automatically generates invoices from tracked hours
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, send, and manage professional invoices, quotes, and estimates. It supports automated payment reminders, multi-currency billing, time tracking, and integration with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. While strong in invoicing workflows, its contract capabilities are limited to proposals and basic retainers, with e-signature integration via Zoho Sign. Overall, it streamlines billing processes within the broader Zoho ecosystem.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 5 customers with unlimited invoices
- Seamless integrations with Zoho apps and 40+ payment gateways
- Mobile app and client portal for easy access and self-service
Cons
- Limited native contract editing and management tools
- Advanced features require paid upgrades and Zoho ecosystem familiarity
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Freelancers and small teams seeking affordable invoicing with basic quoting and Zoho integrations.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 customers; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Standard, up to $29 for Elite.
Conclusion
The top invoice and contract software tools reviewed offer robust solutions to streamline workflows, with each bringing unique strengths. At the summit is PandaDoc, a versatile platform that unifies proposal creation, e-signing, and payment collection in one place, making it a top choice for many. Bonsai stands out for freelancers and agencies, providing legally-vetted contracts alongside invoicing and client management, while HoneyBook excels as an all-in-one tool with customizable contracts, scheduling, and payments.
Start with PandaDoc to experience seamless end-to-end management, or explore Bonsai or HoneyBook based on your specific needs—each offers a path to simplify contracts and invoices effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
