Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud accounting software with professional invoice templates, automation, recurring billing, and integrated payments.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders.
- 3#3: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering customizable invoices, multi-currency support, and seamless bank reconciliation.
- 4#4: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payment processing, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
- 5#5: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing app featuring client portals, time tracking, automation, and multi-language support.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing platform with self-hosting option, unlimited clients, quotes, and payment gateways.
- 7#7: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software that converts tracked hours into professional invoices automatically.
- 8#8: Bill.com - Accounts payable and receivable automation tool with secure invoicing, approvals, and direct payments.
- 9#9: ZipBooks - Free small business accounting software with smart invoicing, auto-bookkeeping, and performance reports.
- 10#10: Avaza - Integrated project management and invoicing tool with timesheets, expenses, quoting, and recurring invoices.
Tools were selected based on core features, usability, reliability, and value, prioritizing balance between functionality and accessibility to meet modern invoicing demands.
Comparison Table
Invoice maker software simplifies billing and financial workflows, making it a vital asset for businesses of all sizes. This comparison table explores key tools—such as QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, Xero, Wave, Zoho Invoice, and others—outlining features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud accounting software with professional invoice templates, automation, recurring billing, and integrated payments. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering customizable invoices, multi-currency support, and seamless bank reconciliation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payment processing, and receipt scanning for small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing app featuring client portals, time tracking, automation, and multi-language support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing platform with self-hosting option, unlimited clients, quotes, and payment gateways. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software that converts tracked hours into professional invoices automatically. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Bill.com Accounts payable and receivable automation tool with secure invoicing, approvals, and direct payments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | ZipBooks Free small business accounting software with smart invoicing, auto-bookkeeping, and performance reports. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 10 | Avaza Integrated project management and invoicing tool with timesheets, expenses, quoting, and recurring invoices. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud accounting software with professional invoice templates, automation, recurring billing, and integrated payments.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders.
Cloud accounting platform offering customizable invoices, multi-currency support, and seamless bank reconciliation.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payment processing, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
Free online invoicing app featuring client portals, time tracking, automation, and multi-language support.
Open-source invoicing platform with self-hosting option, unlimited clients, quotes, and payment gateways.
Time tracking and invoicing software that converts tracked hours into professional invoices automatically.
Accounts payable and receivable automation tool with secure invoicing, approvals, and direct payments.
Free small business accounting software with smart invoicing, auto-bookkeeping, and performance reports.
Integrated project management and invoicing tool with timesheets, expenses, quoting, and recurring invoices.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud accounting software with professional invoice templates, automation, recurring billing, and integrated payments.
Seamless integration with QuickBooks Payments for accepting credit cards and ACH directly on invoices with automated reconciliation
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting software renowned for its powerful invoicing capabilities, allowing users to create, customize, and send professional invoices effortlessly. It supports features like recurring invoices, automated payment reminders, real-time tracking, and direct payment collection via integrated gateways. Beyond basic invoicing, it ties seamlessly into full accounting functions, making it ideal for businesses managing finances alongside billing.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options
- Automated recurring invoices and payment reminders
- Real-time tracking and integration with payment processors
Cons
- Subscription-based pricing can be expensive for light users
- Full interface may overwhelm users needing only basic invoicing
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking professional invoicing integrated with comprehensive accounting tools.
Pricing
Plans start at $30/month (Simple Start, billed annually) for core invoicing, scaling to $200/month (Advanced) for enterprise features; 30-day free trial available.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders.
Automated late payment reminders and collections tools that reportedly get users paid 5 days faster on average
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, freelancers, and service professionals, offering robust tools to create, customize, send, and track invoices. It features professional templates, automated recurring billing, payment reminders, and online payment processing via integrations like Stripe and PayPal. Beyond basic invoicing, it includes time tracking, expense logging, and client portals for a streamlined billing workflow.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with customizable templates
- Automated payment reminders and recurring invoices that speed up collections
- Client portal for easy invoice viewing, approvals, and payments
Cons
- No free plan and client limits on entry-level tiers (e.g., 5 clients on Lite)
- Higher cost compared to simple invoice-only tools
- Limited advanced reporting for complex accounting needs
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking professional invoicing integrated with time tracking and basic accounting.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); annual billing discounts available, no free tier.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering customizable invoices, multi-currency support, and seamless bank reconciliation.
Automated bank reconciliation that matches payments to invoices instantly for accurate tracking
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software with powerful invoicing capabilities, allowing users to create customizable invoices, set up recurring billing, and track payments in real-time. It integrates invoicing seamlessly with bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and reporting tools for comprehensive financial management. While robust for businesses, it goes beyond basic invoice makers by offering automation, multi-currency support, and integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding and automation for recurring invoices
- Seamless integration with accounting, bank feeds, and 1,000+ apps
- Multi-currency support and real-time collaboration for teams
Cons
- Overkill and pricey for users needing only basic invoicing without full accounting
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants due to extensive features
- No free plan; all tiers are subscription-based with invoice limits on entry-level
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and accountants seeking integrated invoicing with accounting and automation.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan, 20 invoices/bills) up to $78/month (Ultimate plan, unlimited); billed annually with discounts.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoices, payment processing, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
Unlimited free invoicing with no caps on clients or invoices, even for growing businesses
Wave is a free cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It enables users to create, customize, and send professional invoices quickly, with features like recurring billing, time tracking, and automated reminders. In addition to invoicing, it integrates seamlessly with basic accounting tools for expense tracking and financial reports, making it a comprehensive yet accessible solution.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited invoices and clients
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with mobile app support
- Integrated payment processing with major gateways
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to payments (2.9% + $0.60 per card)
- Limited advanced customization options for invoices
- Customer support limited to email and help center
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a no-cost, user-friendly invoicing tool with basic accounting integration.
Pricing
Core invoicing and accounting free; payments at 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction (lower for ACH).
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing app featuring client portals, time tracking, automation, and multi-language support.
Forever-free plan with professional-grade invoicing, no credit card required
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, send, and manage professional invoices, estimates, and payment reminders effortlessly. It offers features like multi-currency support, online payment integrations with gateways such as Stripe and PayPal, time tracking, and a client portal for self-service payments. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it seamlessly integrates with CRM, Books, and other apps for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices up to 1,000 per year and 5 customers
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice designer with extensive customization options
- Robust integrations with payment processors and Zoho apps for automation
Cons
- Free plan limits scale poorly beyond 5 customers requiring upgrade
- Advanced reporting and inventory features are paywalled
- Occasional interface clutter from ecosystem upsell prompts
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking a free, scalable invoicing solution that grows with Zoho integrations.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 5 customers, 1,000 invoices/year); paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for unlimited customers and advanced features.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing platform with self-hosting option, unlimited clients, quotes, and payment gateways.
Open-source self-hosting for complete data control, unlimited usage, and zero recurring fees
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform designed for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create, send, and manage professional invoices, quotes, and payments. It supports both self-hosted and cloud-hosted deployments, offering features like customizable templates, recurring billing, expense tracking, time logging, and client portals. The software integrates with popular payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net, while providing reporting tools and multi-company management for streamlined financial workflows.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted version with no usage limits
- Highly customizable invoice templates and branding options
- Robust integrations with payment processors and accounting tools
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited customer support on free and basic hosted plans
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable invoicing solution with full data ownership via self-hosting.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; hosted plans start at $10/month (Pro, 1 company) up to $30/month (Enterprise, 3 companies) with unlimited clients and invoices on paid tiers.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing software that converts tracked hours into professional invoices automatically.
Automatic invoice creation directly from tracked time entries and expenses
Harvest is a comprehensive time tracking and invoicing tool designed primarily for freelancers, agencies, and teams that bill by the hour or project. It excels at logging time and expenses, then automatically generating professional invoices from that data, with support for customizable templates, recurring billing, and integrated online payments via Stripe or PayPal. While not a full accounting suite, it streamlines the invoicing process for service-based businesses with robust reporting and integrations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoice generation
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy use on the go
- Professional, customizable invoice templates with payment reminders
Cons
- Limited support for product-based or complex inventory invoicing
- Pricing scales per user, which can add up for larger teams
- Lacks advanced accounting features like double-entry bookkeeping
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies that primarily bill hourly and need tight integration between time tracking and invoicing.
Pricing
Free for 1 user/2 projects; Pro at $12/user/month (annual) or $17 monthly; Company at $21/user/month (annual).
Bill.com
enterpriseAccounts payable and receivable automation tool with secure invoicing, approvals, and direct payments.
Automated approval workflows that route invoices for multi-step approvals before payment
Bill.com is a robust financial automation platform focused on accounts payable and receivable, offering advanced invoice creation, customization, and payment tracking features. It enables users to generate professional invoices with templates, recurring billing, and embedded payment options like ACH and credit cards. The software integrates deeply with accounting tools such as QuickBooks and Xero, streamlining invoicing within broader financial workflows for growing businesses.
Pros
- Seamless automation of invoice-to-payment processes
- Strong integrations with popular accounting software
- Advanced tracking and reporting for receivables
Cons
- Higher cost compared to dedicated simple invoice makers
- Steeper learning curve for non-accounting users
- Overfeatured for basic invoicing needs
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing with full AP/AR automation.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials plan; custom enterprise pricing available.
ZipBooks
specializedFree small business accounting software with smart invoicing, auto-bookkeeping, and performance reports.
Profitability tracking that shows per-client or per-project margins in real-time
ZipBooks is an intuitive online accounting software that serves as a robust invoice maker for small businesses and freelancers, allowing users to create customizable, professional invoices with one-click payments via Stripe or PayPal. It supports recurring invoices, automated reminders, and time tracking integration to streamline billing workflows. Additionally, it offers basic bookkeeping and profitability reports to provide insights beyond just invoicing.
Pros
- Generous free plan with up to 50 invoices per year
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop invoice customization
- Integrated time tracking and profitability analytics
Cons
- Free plan limits scalability (e.g., max 5 clients)
- Limited third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, affordable invoicing with built-in profitability tracking.
Pricing
Free plan (50 invoices/year, 5 clients); paid plans start at $15/month (Starter) up to $55/month (Sophisticated), with annual discounts.
Avaza
specializedIntegrated project management and invoicing tool with timesheets, expenses, quoting, and recurring invoices.
Direct invoicing from tracked time and project milestones for effortless, accurate billing
Avaza is an all-in-one business platform that includes robust invoicing tools alongside project management, time tracking, and CRM features. It enables users to create customizable professional invoices, automate recurring billing, and integrate time entries directly from projects for accurate billing. With support for multiple currencies, online payments via gateways like Stripe and PayPal, and expense tracking, it's designed for streamlined financial workflows in small teams.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking and project data into invoices for accurate billing
- Customizable templates, multi-currency support, and multiple payment gateways
- Recurring invoices and automation features save time for repeat clients
Cons
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for users needing only basic invoicing
- Pricing scales per user, which may be costly for solo users compared to dedicated invoice apps
- Limited advanced reporting and customization depth in invoicing compared to specialized tools
Best For
Small agencies and freelance teams requiring invoicing tightly integrated with project management and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $11.95/user/month (monthly) or $9.95/user/month (annual), scaling with team size and features.
Conclusion
Among the top invoice makers, each brings unique strengths, but QuickBooks Online stands out as the top choice, offering a comprehensive set of features for diverse business needs. FreshBooks excels for its user-friendly design and time tracking, making it ideal for freelancers, while Xero impresses with customizable invoices and multi-currency support as strong alternatives. The variety of options ensures there’s a tool for every user, from small businesses to growing enterprises.
Begin your invoicing journey with QuickBooks Online to experience its robust capabilities, or explore FreshBooks or Xero to find the perfect fit for your specific requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison