Quick Overview
- 1#1: FreshBooks - Cloud-based invoicing software designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, track, and get paid for professional invoices effortlessly.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive accounting platform with advanced invoicing, customization, automation, and seamless payment integrations for small to medium businesses.
- 3#3: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing tool offering unlimited customizable invoices, multi-language support, and client portals for efficient billing.
- 4#4: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited professional invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses.
- 5#5: Xero - Cloud accounting software with customizable, recurring invoices, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation for growing businesses.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing platform for creating branded invoices, quotes, proposals, and automating payments with self-hosting options.
- 7#7: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing app that generates invoices directly from tracked hours with expense management and team collaboration features.
- 8#8: Square Invoices - Free digital invoicing tool integrated with payment processing for quick invoice creation, scheduling, and automatic reminders.
- 9#9: Bonsai - Freelance management platform combining contract signing, proposal creation, and automated invoicing with payment tracking.
- 10#10: ZipBooks - Modern free invoicing software with time tracking, automated bookkeeping, and profitability insights for small businesses.
We evaluated platforms based on key metrics including feature depth (automation, customization, integration), usability (intuitive interfaces, learning curves), performance (accuracy, security), and value (pricing flexibility, cost-effectiveness), ensuring they deliver exceptional results across varied business scales and requirements.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right invoice creating software can streamline financial workflows; this comparison table breaks down key features of top tools like FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online, Zoho Invoice, Wave, Xero, and more, helping readers identify which best fits their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FreshBooks Cloud-based invoicing software designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, track, and get paid for professional invoices effortlessly. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive accounting platform with advanced invoicing, customization, automation, and seamless payment integrations for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing tool offering unlimited customizable invoices, multi-language support, and client portals for efficient billing. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited professional invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Xero Cloud accounting software with customizable, recurring invoices, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing platform for creating branded invoices, quotes, proposals, and automating payments with self-hosting options. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing app that generates invoices directly from tracked hours with expense management and team collaboration features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Square Invoices Free digital invoicing tool integrated with payment processing for quick invoice creation, scheduling, and automatic reminders. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Bonsai Freelance management platform combining contract signing, proposal creation, and automated invoicing with payment tracking. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | ZipBooks Modern free invoicing software with time tracking, automated bookkeeping, and profitability insights for small businesses. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Cloud-based invoicing software designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, track, and get paid for professional invoices effortlessly.
Comprehensive accounting platform with advanced invoicing, customization, automation, and seamless payment integrations for small to medium businesses.
Free online invoicing tool offering unlimited customizable invoices, multi-language support, and client portals for efficient billing.
Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited professional invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses.
Cloud accounting software with customizable, recurring invoices, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation for growing businesses.
Open-source invoicing platform for creating branded invoices, quotes, proposals, and automating payments with self-hosting options.
Time tracking and invoicing app that generates invoices directly from tracked hours with expense management and team collaboration features.
Free digital invoicing tool integrated with payment processing for quick invoice creation, scheduling, and automatic reminders.
Freelance management platform combining contract signing, proposal creation, and automated invoicing with payment tracking.
Modern free invoicing software with time tracking, automated bookkeeping, and profitability insights for small businesses.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based invoicing software designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, track, and get paid for professional invoices effortlessly.
Progress invoicing for projects, allowing phased billing based on time tracked or milestones achieved
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses, enabling quick creation of professional invoices with customizable templates and branding. It streamlines billing through features like automated recurring invoices, online payments via credit card or ACH, and late payment reminders to accelerate cash flow. Beyond invoicing, it integrates time tracking, expense management, and basic project accounting for comprehensive financial oversight.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with unlimited customizable templates
- Seamless payment integration with Stripe, PayPal, and bank transfers for faster collections
- Automated reminders and recurring billing to reduce admin time
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with more clients or team members
- Limited advanced reporting and inventory tracking compared to full ERP systems
- No native support for purchase orders or complex multi-currency invoicing
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, professional invoicing without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients) up to $60/month (Select, unlimited clients); annual billing discounts available, 30-day free trial.
QuickBooks Online
specializedComprehensive accounting platform with advanced invoicing, customization, automation, and seamless payment integrations for small to medium businesses.
QuickBooks Payments integration for one-click invoicing and instant bank deposits.
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that streamlines invoice creation, customization, and management for businesses of all sizes. It allows users to generate professional invoices, automate recurring billing, send payment reminders, and track overdue payments seamlessly. Beyond invoicing, it integrates with accounting features like expense tracking and reporting, making it a full financial hub.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options
- Automated payment reminders and recurring invoices
- Seamless integration with payment processors for faster collections
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced invoicing features
- Steeper learning curve for non-accounting users
- Limited free tier; subscription-based model only
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing robust invoicing integrated with full accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); 30-day free trial available.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing tool offering unlimited customizable invoices, multi-language support, and client portals for efficient billing.
Client portal allowing customers to self-serve payments, view invoices, and accept terms without follow-up emails
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, customize, and send professional invoices quickly. It offers features like automated recurring billing, multi-currency support, time tracking, expense logging, and payment reminders to streamline billing processes. The software integrates seamlessly with payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe, and provides a client portal for customers to view invoices and make payments independently.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices for up to 5 customers
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Strong integrations with Zoho suite and payment processors
Cons
- Customer limit on free tier restricts scaling
- Advanced reporting and accounting require upgrade to Zoho Books
- Customization options can feel limited for complex needs
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking simple, affordable invoicing without full accounting features.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 customers (unlimited invoices); paid plans start at $9/month for 50 customers, up to $29/month for unlimited.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited professional invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses.
Unlimited free professional invoices with built-in recurring billing and payment collection
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting platform that excels in invoicing for small businesses and freelancers, allowing users to create customizable, professional invoices quickly. It supports features like recurring billing, online payments via Stripe or PayPal, time tracking, and automatic accounting integration. Additional tools include expense tracking and receipt scanning, making it a comprehensive yet no-cost solution for basic financial management.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited invoicing with no hidden costs for core features
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and excellent mobile app
- Seamless integration with payments and accounting for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Transaction fees for payment processing (e.g., 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card)
- Email-only support with no live chat or phone options
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to premium tools
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses looking for a simple, zero-cost invoicing tool with basic accounting integration.
Pricing
Free for invoicing, accounting, and reports; 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction, plus optional paid add-ons like payroll.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting software with customizable, recurring invoices, multi-currency support, and bank reconciliation for growing businesses.
Multi-currency support with real-time exchange rates for international invoicing
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that offers robust invoice creation and management tools tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Users can quickly generate customizable, professional invoices, set up recurring billing, and track payments in real-time with automated reminders. It integrates invoicing seamlessly with broader accounting features like bank reconciliation and expense tracking, providing a unified financial platform.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options
- Automated recurring invoices and payment reminders
- Seamless integration with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal
Cons
- Higher cost for users needing only basic invoicing
- Steeper learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited free plan; requires subscription for core use
Best For
Small business owners seeking integrated invoicing with comprehensive accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $20 USD/month (Early plan) for unlimited invoices, up to $70 USD/month for advanced plans; 30-day free trial.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing platform for creating branded invoices, quotes, proposals, and automating payments with self-hosting options.
Fully open-source and self-hostable for complete data ownership and unlimited customization without vendor lock-in
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create, send, and manage professional invoices, quotes, and payments. It supports features like recurring billing, time and expense tracking, multi-currency support, and integrations with payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal. Available as a free self-hosted version or affordable hosted plans, it emphasizes customization and client portals for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with unlimited clients and invoices
- Comprehensive features including time tracking, expenses, and payment processing
- Highly customizable templates and open-source flexibility
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited phone support and advanced features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable invoicing solution with self-hosting options.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted plans: Starter ($10/mo, 50 clients), Pro ($20/mo, 500 clients), Enterprise ($30/mo, unlimited).
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing app that generates invoices directly from tracked hours with expense management and team collaboration features.
Automatic invoice generation from detailed time entries and expenses
Harvest is a comprehensive time tracking and invoicing tool designed for freelancers, agencies, and small teams to monitor billable hours and generate professional invoices directly from time entries. It supports customizable templates, expense tracking, recurring invoices, and seamless payment collection via Stripe or PayPal. Beyond basic invoicing, it offers reporting and project management features to streamline billing workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing
- Professional, customizable invoice templates
- Built-in payment processing with Stripe and PayPal
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting integrations
- Per-user pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Less robust for non-hourly or product-based billing
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies relying on hourly billing who need integrated time tracking and simple invoicing.
Pricing
Free for 1 user and 2 projects; Pro plan starts at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $17 monthly, including unlimited projects and payments.
Square Invoices
specializedFree digital invoicing tool integrated with payment processing for quick invoice creation, scheduling, and automatic reminders.
Directly embedded payment links for instant card/ACH collection without redirecting customers.
Square Invoices is a free tool within the Square ecosystem that enables users to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices via web dashboard or mobile app. It supports one-time or recurring invoices, automatic payment reminders, and seamless integration with Square's payment processing for credit cards, ACH, and digital wallets. While straightforward for basic needs, it shines for small businesses already using Square POS but may lack depth for complex invoicing workflows.
Pros
- Free invoice creation and unlimited sending with no subscription fees
- Intuitive mobile app and drag-and-drop customization
- Built-in payment processing and automated reminders for faster collections
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to payments (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ per card)
- Limited advanced features like time tracking or project-based billing
- Reporting is basic compared to dedicated invoicing platforms
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs needing simple, no-cost invoicing tightly integrated with payment processing.
Pricing
Free for creating/sending invoices; pay-per-transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ card, 1% ACH, free for cash/check).
Bonsai
specializedFreelance management platform combining contract signing, proposal creation, and automated invoicing with payment tracking.
Automatic conversion of approved proposals into invoices, streamlining the sales-to-payment workflow.
Bonsai is an all-in-one workflow platform for freelancers and small teams, with robust invoicing tools that allow users to create professional, customizable invoices quickly. It supports automated recurring invoices, payment tracking, and integrations with Stripe and PayPal for seamless collections. In addition to invoicing, it ties billing directly into proposals, contracts, and time tracking for end-to-end client management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with beautiful templates
- Automated recurring billing and payment reminders
- Seamless integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal
Cons
- Overkill for users needing only basic invoicing without the full suite
- Advanced reporting and unlimited clients require higher-tier plans
- Limited customization for complex multi-currency or tax scenarios
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies who want invoicing integrated with proposals, contracts, and time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $17/month (Essentials: 5 clients), $32/month (Professional: 20 clients), $99/month (Premium: unlimited); annual billing offers discounts.
ZipBooks
specializedModern free invoicing software with time tracking, automated bookkeeping, and profitability insights for small businesses.
Integrated time tracking that automatically generates billable invoices from tracked hours
ZipBooks is an online accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers, with strong invoice creation capabilities including customizable templates, recurring billing, and online payment integration. It streamlines invoicing by allowing time tracking to be directly billed to clients and offers real-time payment tracking and reminders. Beyond invoicing, it includes basic bookkeeping, expense management, and reporting tools to support overall financial operations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices for up to 50 clients
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoice customization
- Seamless payment integrations including Stripe, PayPal, and ACH
Cons
- Limited advanced features like inventory tracking or multi-entity support
- Free plan caps clients at 50 and restricts reports
- Customer support primarily email-based and slower for free users
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses needing simple, affordable invoicing with basic accounting.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; paid plans start at $17/month (Smarter), $37/month (Sophisticated), up to $57/month (Elite).
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 invoice creating software, the top three stand out: FreshBooks leads with its ease of use for freelancers and small businesses, QuickBooks Online offers comprehensive accounting features, and Zoho Invoice provides robust customization and client management. For most, FreshBooks emerges as the top choice, balancing simplicity with powerful invoicing tools, while QuickBooks and Zoho cater to specific needs like advanced accounting or free unlimited invoices.
Ready to transform your invoicing process? Start with FreshBooks to create professional, trackable invoices effortlessly—your business’s cash flow will thank you.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.