Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, purchase orders, expense tracking, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Xero - Online accounting platform providing robust invoicing, purchase order management, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking for SMBs.
- 3#3: Zoho Books - Affordable cloud accounting tool with invoicing, purchase orders, inventory management, and multi-currency support for growing businesses.
- 4#4: Odoo - Open-source ERP system featuring integrated invoicing, purchase orders, CRM, and inventory modules for scalable operations.
- 5#5: Oracle NetSuite - Comprehensive cloud ERP solution for enterprise-level invoicing, purchase order automation, and financial management.
- 6#6: Sage Intacct - Advanced cloud financial platform with sophisticated invoicing, procurement, and multi-entity reporting for mid-market companies.
- 7#7: Bill.com - AP/AR automation software that handles purchase orders, bill approvals, invoicing, and secure payments efficiently.
- 8#8: Procurify - Purchase order management platform with requisition workflows, approvals, vendor catalogs, and invoice matching.
- 9#9: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing software for service-based businesses with time tracking, expenses, and purchase order capabilities.
- 10#10: Wave - Free online invoicing and accounting tool with receipt scanning, basic purchase tracking, and unlimited invoicing.
Tools were evaluated on functionality (invoicing, automation, integration), user experience (intuition, accessibility), reliability, and value, ranking them based on ability to solve real-world business challenges effectively.
Comparison Table
Invoice and purchase order software simplify financial workflows, and comparing tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Zoho Books helps clarify which best fits small to enterprise needs. This table outlines key features—from automation to integration—so readers can assess usability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to match tools with their operational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, purchase orders, expense tracking, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Xero Online accounting platform providing robust invoicing, purchase order management, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking for SMBs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Books Affordable cloud accounting tool with invoicing, purchase orders, inventory management, and multi-currency support for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Odoo Open-source ERP system featuring integrated invoicing, purchase orders, CRM, and inventory modules for scalable operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Oracle NetSuite Comprehensive cloud ERP solution for enterprise-level invoicing, purchase order automation, and financial management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Sage Intacct Advanced cloud financial platform with sophisticated invoicing, procurement, and multi-entity reporting for mid-market companies. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Bill.com AP/AR automation software that handles purchase orders, bill approvals, invoicing, and secure payments efficiently. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Procurify Purchase order management platform with requisition workflows, approvals, vendor catalogs, and invoice matching. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing software for service-based businesses with time tracking, expenses, and purchase order capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Wave Free online invoicing and accounting tool with receipt scanning, basic purchase tracking, and unlimited invoicing. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, purchase orders, expense tracking, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses.
Online accounting platform providing robust invoicing, purchase order management, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking for SMBs.
Affordable cloud accounting tool with invoicing, purchase orders, inventory management, and multi-currency support for growing businesses.
Open-source ERP system featuring integrated invoicing, purchase orders, CRM, and inventory modules for scalable operations.
Comprehensive cloud ERP solution for enterprise-level invoicing, purchase order automation, and financial management.
Advanced cloud financial platform with sophisticated invoicing, procurement, and multi-entity reporting for mid-market companies.
AP/AR automation software that handles purchase orders, bill approvals, invoicing, and secure payments efficiently.
Purchase order management platform with requisition workflows, approvals, vendor catalogs, and invoice matching.
User-friendly invoicing software for service-based businesses with time tracking, expenses, and purchase order capabilities.
Free online invoicing and accounting tool with receipt scanning, basic purchase tracking, and unlimited invoicing.
QuickBooks Online
specializedCloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, purchase orders, expense tracking, and financial reporting for small to medium businesses.
Automated three-way matching of POs, receipts, and bills with real-time inventory adjustments
QuickBooks Online is a premier cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust invoicing and purchase order capabilities, enabling businesses to create, send, and track professional invoices with automation and payment integrations. It streamlines purchase order management by allowing easy creation, vendor tracking, approval workflows, and seamless conversion to bills or expenses. With real-time reporting and mobile access, it ensures efficient financial control for growing businesses. As the industry leader, it integrates invoicing and POs with full accounting features like inventory and payroll.
Pros
- Advanced invoicing with recurring templates, batch actions, and online payments via Stripe/PayPal
- Comprehensive PO tools including custom approvals, three-way matching, and inventory tracking
- Deep integrations with 750+ apps for seamless accounting and automation
Cons
- Purchase orders require Plus plan ($90+/mo) or higher, limiting basic plans
- Initial learning curve for non-accountants despite intuitive interface
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features like project tracking
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one platform for professional invoicing, purchase order automation, and integrated accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $30/mo (Simple Start for invoicing); POs require Plus ($90/mo) or Advanced ($200/mo); billed annually for discounts.
Xero
specializedOnline accounting platform providing robust invoicing, purchase order management, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking for SMBs.
Live bank feeds that automatically match and reconcile invoices and bills in real-time
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust invoicing and purchase order capabilities, enabling users to create professional invoices, track payments, and manage recurring billing seamlessly. It supports purchase orders with approval workflows, conversion to bills, and integration with inventory tracking. The platform automates bank reconciliations and multi-currency transactions, making it a comprehensive solution for streamlining AP/AR processes in small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive invoicing with templates, automation, and online payments
- Robust PO management including approvals and bill conversion
- Seamless bank feeds and real-time collaboration for teams
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like unlimited users
- Steeper learning curve for complex customizations
- Limited built-in inventory for high-volume PO users
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing integrated invoicing, purchase orders, and accounting without on-premise software.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan: limited invoices/bills) up to $78/month (Established: unlimited bills, multi-currency); billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
Zoho Books
specializedAffordable cloud accounting tool with invoicing, purchase orders, inventory management, and multi-currency support for growing businesses.
Multi-level approval workflows for purchase orders with real-time notifications
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust tools for creating, sending, and tracking invoices with automation, recurring billing, and multi-currency support. It streamlines purchase order management by allowing users to generate POs, set up multi-level approvals, convert them to bills, and track vendor payments efficiently. Integrated with the broader Zoho suite, it provides seamless financial oversight, reporting, and inventory tracking tied to invoicing and procurement processes.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoices and POs with automation rules
- Excellent integrations with Zoho apps and third-party tools like PayPal
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing and PO approvals
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind higher plans
- Steeper learning curve for complex workflows
- Limited free plan capabilities for growing teams
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing affordable, scalable invoicing and purchase order tools with strong automation.
Pricing
Free for 1 organization (limited features); paid plans from $20/month (Standard, 3 users) to $240/month (Ultimate, 10 users), billed annually.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system featuring integrated invoicing, purchase orders, CRM, and inventory modules for scalable operations.
Automated three-way matching between purchase orders, receipts, and vendor bills for accurate procurement.
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with powerful modules for invoicing and purchase order management, enabling users to create, track, and automate customer invoices, recurring billing, and payments. For purchases, it handles RFQs, purchase orders, vendor bills, and three-way matching with receipts and inventory. The software excels in integrating these processes with accounting, CRM, and inventory for streamlined operations across small to large businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with ERP modules like accounting and inventory
- Highly customizable with open-source community apps
- Supports multi-currency, multi-company, and automation workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to modular complexity
- Community edition misses advanced enterprise features
- Can require optimization for high-volume performance
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking scalable, integrated invoicing and procurement within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month with hosting and support.
Oracle NetSuite
enterpriseComprehensive cloud ERP solution for enterprise-level invoicing, purchase order automation, and financial management.
SuiteFlow no-code workflow automation for highly customizable invoice and PO approval processes across global entities
Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform with robust invoicing and purchase order modules that automate accounts payable/receivable processes, vendor management, and procurement workflows. It provides real-time visibility into cash flow, customizable approval hierarchies, and seamless integration with inventory, CRM, and financials for end-to-end efficiency. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-currency, multi-subsidiary operations ideal for growing businesses handling complex transactions.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation for invoice matching, PO approvals, and three-way matching
- Real-time analytics and reporting with drill-down capabilities
- Seamless integration across ERP modules for unified financial visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring professional services
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Overkill for small businesses focused solely on basic invoicing/POs
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring scalable, integrated invoice and purchase order management within a full ERP ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at ~$999/month for base license plus $99+ per user/month; implementation often adds $20K+.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseAdvanced cloud financial platform with sophisticated invoicing, procurement, and multi-entity reporting for mid-market companies.
Dimensional accounting for tagging invoices and POs to unlimited custom dimensions like projects, funds, or locations
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management platform renowned for its robust accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) modules, enabling automated invoice processing, approval workflows, and purchase order management. It supports multi-entity, multi-currency operations with dimensional accounting for granular tracking of expenses and revenues. Designed for mid-market businesses, it integrates seamlessly with ERP systems and provides real-time reporting for better financial control.
Pros
- Advanced automation for invoice matching, approvals, and PO lifecycle management
- Multi-dimensional tracking and real-time dashboards for detailed visibility
- Strong scalability with multi-entity support and extensive integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring professional services
- High cost, especially for smaller teams
- Customization can lead to interface overload for casual users
Best For
Mid-sized businesses with complex, multi-location operations needing scalable invoice and PO automation.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $15,000 annually, scaling with users, entities, and add-on modules.
Bill.com
specializedAP/AR automation software that handles purchase orders, bill approvals, invoicing, and secure payments efficiently.
Adaptive multi-level approval workflows that route invoices and POs based on custom business rules
Bill.com is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed to automate accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) processes for businesses. It enables users to create, send, and track invoices, manage purchase orders through customizable approval workflows, and handle payments via ACH, checks, wires, or virtual cards. The software integrates seamlessly with major accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero, providing real-time visibility into financials and reducing manual data entry.
Pros
- Powerful automation for multi-step invoice and PO approvals
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and 100+ apps
- Flexible payment options including virtual cards with cashback rebates
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for very small businesses or low-volume users
- Occasional delays in bank syncs or integrations
- Advanced features require time to master despite intuitive interface
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking robust AP/AR automation with strong workflow controls and accounting integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually) up to $99/user/month (Corporate), plus transaction fees (e.g., 2.9% for cards).
Procurify
specializedPurchase order management platform with requisition workflows, approvals, vendor catalogs, and invoice matching.
Procurify Cards: Virtual spend controls integrated directly into the procurement workflow for enhanced policy enforcement
Procurify is a cloud-based procure-to-pay platform designed to streamline purchasing, approvals, and invoice management for businesses. It enables users to create requisitions, generate purchase orders, match invoices to POs, and track spending in real-time. With strong integration capabilities for accounting systems like NetSuite and QuickBooks, it helps organizations enforce budgets and reduce manual processes.
Pros
- Highly customizable approval workflows reduce bottlenecks
- Real-time budget tracking and spend visibility
- Seamless integrations with major ERP and accounting software
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses
- Advanced reporting requires additional configuration
- Occasional delays in customer support response
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking robust procurement automation to control spend and ensure compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $30-60 per user/month with tiers for features; free trial available.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing software for service-based businesses with time tracking, expenses, and purchase order capabilities.
Automated recurring invoices with built-in late payment reminders and online payment collection
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering customizable invoices, online payments, and expense tracking. It includes basic purchase order functionality for creating, sending, and converting POs to bills, integrated with its expense management. While strong in invoicing automation and client collaboration, its PO features are simpler and lack advanced procurement tools like vendor management or inventory integration.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoice customization
- Seamless integration of time tracking and invoicing for billable hours
- Strong client portal for approvals, payments, and document sharing
Cons
- Purchase order tools are basic, lacking advanced approval workflows or bulk processing
- No native inventory or project costing tied to POs
- Pricing scales quickly with additional billers or clients
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing user-friendly invoicing with light purchase order needs.
Pricing
Starts at $19/mo (Lite, 5 clients) up to $99/mo (Select, unlimited clients), billed annually; free 30-day trial.
Wave
otherFree online invoicing and accounting tool with receipt scanning, basic purchase tracking, and unlimited invoicing.
Unlimited free professional invoicing with repeat billing and payment reminders
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting software that provides comprehensive invoicing tools for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with customizable templates and recurring options. It also supports basic purchase order creation, allowing users to generate POs, convert them to bills, and manage vendor payments efficiently. Ideal for small businesses, Wave combines these features with integrated accounting and receipt scanning for streamlined financial management.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing and purchase order features with unlimited usage
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Seamless integration with accounting for automatic transaction categorization
Cons
- Payment processing incurs transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ for cards)
- Basic purchase order functionality lacks advanced approvals or inventory tracking
- Limited reporting and customization compared to paid enterprise tools
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking simple, cost-free invoicing and purchase order tools without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for invoicing, accounting, and POs; optional paid add-ons like payments (2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction) and payroll ($20–$40/mo + per-employee fees).
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse solutions, with QuickBooks Online leading as the top choice, streamlining invoicing, purchase orders, and financial tasks effectively for small to medium businesses. Xero and Zoho Books stand out as strong alternatives, each catering to unique needs—Xero for robust SMB operations and Zoho for affordability and multi-currency support. Regardless of business size or focus, there’s a tool here to enhance efficiency.
Don’t miss out—try QuickBooks Online today to simplify invoicing, manage purchase orders with ease, and take your financial operations to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison