Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with automated invoicing, payments, expense tracking, and extensive integrations for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service businesses, featuring time tracking, recurring invoices, and client portals.
- 3#3: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and real-time financial reporting for growing businesses.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Feature-rich online invoicing software with free plans, time tracking, automation, and seamless integration with Zoho's business suite.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and basic bookkeeping for solopreneurs and small teams.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Customizable open-source invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options.
- 7#7: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices for agencies and teams.
- 8#8: Bill.com - Automation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice creation, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses.
- 9#9: ZipBooks - Free cloud accounting tool with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and profitability analytics for small businesses.
- 10#10: HoneyBook - All-in-one client management platform for creatives, combining contracts, scheduling, and customizable invoicing workflows.
We prioritized tools with strong core functionality (automation, customization, payment handling), user-friendly interfaces, and scalable value, ensuring the ranked solutions cater to diverse needs while delivering consistent performance.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines top invoice making software, from QuickBooks Online and FreshBooks to Xero, Zoho Invoice, Wave, and more, to guide readers in selecting the right tool. By comparing essential features, usability, and pricing, readers will gain clear insights to streamline their invoicing processes effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with automated invoicing, payments, expense tracking, and extensive integrations for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service businesses, featuring time tracking, recurring invoices, and client portals. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and real-time financial reporting for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Feature-rich online invoicing software with free plans, time tracking, automation, and seamless integration with Zoho's business suite. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and basic bookkeeping for solopreneurs and small teams. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Customizable open-source invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices for agencies and teams. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Bill.com Automation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice creation, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | ZipBooks Free cloud accounting tool with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and profitability analytics for small businesses. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | HoneyBook All-in-one client management platform for creatives, combining contracts, scheduling, and customizable invoicing workflows. | creative_suite | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with automated invoicing, payments, expense tracking, and extensive integrations for small to medium businesses.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service businesses, featuring time tracking, recurring invoices, and client portals.
Cloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and real-time financial reporting for growing businesses.
Feature-rich online invoicing software with free plans, time tracking, automation, and seamless integration with Zoho's business suite.
Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and basic bookkeeping for solopreneurs and small teams.
Customizable open-source invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options.
Time tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices for agencies and teams.
Automation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice creation, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses.
Free cloud accounting tool with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and profitability analytics for small businesses.
All-in-one client management platform for creatives, combining contracts, scheduling, and customizable invoicing workflows.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software with automated invoicing, payments, expense tracking, and extensive integrations for small to medium businesses.
Seamless QuickBooks Payments integration allowing instant invoice-to-payment conversion with automatic bank reconciliation
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform renowned for its robust invoicing capabilities, allowing users to create, customize, and send professional invoices directly from the dashboard. It streamlines the invoicing process with features like recurring invoices, automated payment reminders, time tracking, and seamless integration with payment processors for faster collections. Beyond basic invoice creation, it offers real-time tracking of invoice status, expenses, and cash flow, making it ideal for businesses managing invoicing within broader financial operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options and batch creation for efficiency
- Integrated payment processing via QuickBooks Payments for one-click collections and reduced DSO
- Advanced automation including recurring invoices, late payment reminders, and real-time status tracking
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced features like project tracking or inventory
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants despite intuitive interface
- Subscription pricing can feel expensive for very small businesses or sole proprietors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and freelancers needing professional invoicing integrated with full accounting and payment processing.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) for basic invoicing, up to $200/month (Advanced) for enterprise features; 30-day free trial available.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and service businesses, featuring time tracking, recurring invoices, and client portals.
Automated payment reminders and scheduling that chase overdue invoices without manual effort
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and service providers, enabling quick creation of professional, customizable invoices. It streamlines billing with features like recurring invoices, automated payment reminders, online payments via Stripe and PayPal, and time/expense tracking that directly feeds into invoices. The platform also offers basic accounting, project management, and reporting to manage finances efficiently without needing a full accounting degree.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with extensive customization and templates
- Automated recurring billing, late payment reminders, and integrated online payments
- Seamless time tracking and expense logging that auto-populate invoices
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with client volume and advanced features
- Limited advanced reporting and inventory management for growing businesses
- No free plan, only a 30-day trial
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based teams who need professional, automated invoicing without complex accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $19/mo (Lite, 5 clients), $33/mo (Plus, 50 clients), $60/mo (Premium, unlimited clients); annual discounts available, 30-day free trial.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and real-time financial reporting for growing businesses.
Automatic bank reconciliation that matches incoming payments to specific invoices in real-time
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that provides robust invoicing tools for small to medium-sized businesses, allowing users to create professional, customizable invoices with branding options. It supports recurring invoices, automated payment reminders, and integration with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal for seamless online collections. Beyond invoicing, it offers bank reconciliation, multi-currency support, and detailed financial reporting tied to invoice data.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding and multi-currency support
- Automated recurring invoices and payment reminders to streamline collections
- Seamless integrations with payment processors and bank feeds for reconciliation
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be steep for users needing only basic invoicing
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants due to full accounting suite
- Limited invoices in entry-level plan (20 per month)
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking integrated invoicing within a comprehensive accounting platform.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan, 20 invoices) up to $78/month (Established plan, unlimited); billed annually for discounts.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFeature-rich online invoicing software with free plans, time tracking, automation, and seamless integration with Zoho's business suite.
Built-in client portal allowing customers to view invoices, make payments, and accept approvals without needing an account
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing platform designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices online. It supports features like recurring billing, multi-currency transactions, time tracking, expense management, and automated payment reminders. Integrated with popular payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, and Razorpay, it also offers client portals for easy payment and document access, all accessible via web and mobile apps.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices for up to 3 customers
- Intuitive interface with customizable templates and mobile app
- Seamless integrations with Zoho suite and 50+ third-party apps
Cons
- Free plan limits to 3 customers and basic features only
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid upgrades
- Slight learning curve for non-Zoho users leveraging full ecosystem
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a scalable, cost-effective invoicing tool with strong integrations.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 3 customers; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Basic (50 customers) up to $39/month for Premier (unlimited features).
Wave
otherFree invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and basic bookkeeping for solopreneurs and small teams.
Unlimited free professional invoices with automatic bank reconciliation
Wave is a free cloud-based platform primarily known for its accounting tools, with robust invoicing capabilities tailored for small businesses and freelancers. Users can create customizable, professional invoices, schedule recurring ones, and track payments seamlessly. It integrates online payment processing via Stripe and PayPal, automatically reconciling transactions into accounting records for effortless bookkeeping.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing with unlimited usage
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Seamless integration with payment gateways and accounting
Cons
- Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + $0.30)
- Limited advanced customization and reporting options
- Email-only support without live chat or phone
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses needing simple, cost-free invoicing without complex accounting needs.
Pricing
Free for invoicing and accounting; 2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction, plus optional paid add-ons like payroll.
Invoice Ninja
specializedCustomizable open-source invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with self-hosting options.
Fully open-source and self-hostable for complete data control and unlimited customization without vendor lock-in
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing software tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create professional invoices, quotes, and proposals. It supports time tracking, expense management, recurring billing, and client portals for payments and approvals. The platform offers both self-hosted free versions and cloud-hosted plans with advanced automation and integrations.
Pros
- Free self-hosted option with full source code access
- Robust features like recurring invoices, time tracking, and 50+ payment gateways
- Highly customizable templates and multi-company support
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less modern
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- Limited customer support on free and basic plans
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a customizable, cost-effective invoicing tool with data ownership via self-hosting.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted plans from $10/month (Pro, unlimited clients) to $30/month (Enterprise, advanced automation).
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate, professional invoices for agencies and teams.
Automatic invoice creation from time entries and expenses
Harvest is primarily a time tracking tool with robust invoicing capabilities, allowing users to log hours and expenses on projects and generate professional invoices directly from that data. It supports customizable templates, multi-currency billing, recurring invoices, and seamless payment collection via Stripe or PayPal. While excellent for hourly billing, it lacks advanced accounting features like inventory or complex tax handling found in dedicated invoicing software.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing
- Quick payment processing with Stripe and PayPal
- Intuitive interface and mobile app
Cons
- Limited customization for non-hourly billing
- No native accounting or bookkeeping features
- Pricing scales per user, costly for teams
Best For
Freelancers and agencies that primarily bill by tracked time and hours.
Pricing
Free Solo plan for individuals; Pro plan starts at $12/user/month (billed annually) including unlimited invoices and payments.
Bill.com
enterpriseAutomation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice creation, approvals, and payments for mid-sized businesses.
Built-in approval workflows that automate invoice routing and multi-level approvals before sending.
Bill.com (now BILL) is a robust financial automation platform focused on accounts payable and receivable, with strong invoicing tools for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices. It supports customizable templates, recurring billing, online payments via ACH, credit card, and more, while automating workflows like approvals and reminders. Ideal for businesses integrating invoicing with broader accounting processes, it syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks, Xero, and other software.
Pros
- Advanced automation for invoice approvals and payments
- Seamless integrations with major accounting platforms
- Mobile app for creating and managing invoices on the go
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo users or simple needs
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to comprehensive features
- Limited free tier or trial restrictions
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking integrated AP/AR automation with professional invoicing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (Essentials), $55/user/month (Team), $79/user/month (Corporate), with Enterprise custom pricing; 30-day free trial available.
ZipBooks
specializedFree cloud accounting tool with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and profitability analytics for small businesses.
Profitability dashboard that ties time tracking directly to client invoices for real-time earnings insights
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers, offering robust invoicing capabilities alongside time tracking, expense management, and basic bookkeeping. Users can create professional, customizable invoices, send them via email, and track payments with automated reminders. It integrates profitability insights by linking time entries directly to invoices, helping service-based businesses bill accurately.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder
- Built-in time tracking for easy hourly billing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting without paid upgrade
- No native inventory or payroll features
- Customer support primarily email-based
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing simple, affordable invoicing with time tracking.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Smarter plan at $20/user/month; Sophisticated at $40/user/month.
HoneyBook
creative_suiteAll-in-one client management platform for creatives, combining contracts, scheduling, and customizable invoicing workflows.
End-to-end clientflow automation linking contracts directly to invoices and payments
HoneyBook is an all-in-one client management platform tailored for creative professionals and freelancers, featuring robust invoicing tools to create, send, and track customizable invoices. It integrates invoicing seamlessly with contracts, scheduling, payments, and client communication for a streamlined workflow. While effective for invoicing within a broader business management context, it is not a standalone accounting solution and may feel feature-heavy for basic needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing with contracts, payments, and scheduling
- Professional, customizable invoice templates with automation for reminders and recurring billing
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoice creation and payment tracking
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated invoicing tools like FreshBooks or Wave
- Overkill for users needing only basic invoicing without CRM features
- Lacks advanced accounting integrations like full bookkeeping or tax reporting
Best For
Creative freelancers and small service-based businesses managing end-to-end client workflows alongside invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (billed annually) for Essentials plan; Premium at $79/month with unlimited projects and advanced automation.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span from all-in-one cloud platforms to free, niche-focused solutions, catering to diverse user needs, from small businesses to creatives and large teams. At the top, QuickBooks Online leads with its comprehensive features and integrations, while FreshBooks and Xero stand out as strong alternatives—FreshBooks for its user-friendly design and Xero for real-time financial insights. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for almost any invoicing or accounting workflow.
Don’t miss the chance to enhance your invoicing process: try QuickBooks Online to unlock automated tools, seamless payments, and actionable insights that streamline your financial management—whether you’re just starting or scaling, it’s designed to grow with you.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison