Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating, customizing, sending, and tracking invoices with automated payments and reminders.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, multi-currency support, recurring bills, and seamless bank integrations.
- 3#3: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payment chasing.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing software with professional templates, client portals, time tracking, and multi-channel payment options.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing for small businesses.
- 6#6: Bill.com - Automation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management.
- 7#7: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing application for generating quotes, invoices, and proposals with self-hosting and payment gateway integrations.
- 8#8: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts logged hours into detailed invoices with expense reporting.
- 9#9: ZipBooks - Modern accounting software with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, profitability tracking, and free starter plan.
- 10#10: Sage Intacct - Cloud financial management system providing advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and subscription billing for growing businesses.
We evaluated tools based on feature robustness (automation, multi-channel payments, client portals), user experience (intuitive design, accessibility), reliability (integration capabilities, data security), and value (pricing models, scalability), ensuring a balanced view of top performers.
Comparison Table
When selecting invoice manager software, finding the right fit can be overwhelming—this comparison table simplifies the process. It features leading tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Invoice, Wave, and more, allowing readers to easily compare key features, pricing, and usability to identify the best solution for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating, customizing, sending, and tracking invoices with automated payments and reminders. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, multi-currency support, recurring bills, and seamless bank integrations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payment chasing. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing software with professional templates, client portals, time tracking, and multi-channel payment options. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 6 | Bill.com Automation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing application for generating quotes, invoices, and proposals with self-hosting and payment gateway integrations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 8 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts logged hours into detailed invoices with expense reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | ZipBooks Modern accounting software with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, profitability tracking, and free starter plan. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 10 | Sage Intacct Cloud financial management system providing advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and subscription billing for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating, customizing, sending, and tracking invoices with automated payments and reminders.
Cloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, multi-currency support, recurring bills, and seamless bank integrations.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payment chasing.
Free online invoicing software with professional templates, client portals, time tracking, and multi-channel payment options.
Free invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing for small businesses.
Automation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management.
Open-source invoicing application for generating quotes, invoices, and proposals with self-hosting and payment gateway integrations.
Time tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts logged hours into detailed invoices with expense reporting.
Modern accounting software with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, profitability tracking, and free starter plan.
Cloud financial management system providing advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and subscription billing for growing businesses.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating, customizing, sending, and tracking invoices with automated payments and reminders.
Automated invoice-to-payment workflow with built-in QuickBooks Payments for instant deposits and reconciliation.
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting platform with powerful invoice management capabilities, enabling users to create customizable, professional invoices, set up recurring billing, and track payments in real-time. It integrates seamlessly with payment processing, bank feeds, and expense tracking, automating the entire invoicing-to-accounting workflow. Ideal for businesses needing more than basic invoicing, it offers reporting, multi-currency support, and mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Comprehensive invoicing tools with automation, templates, and payment reminders
- Seamless integration with accounting, payments, and 750+ apps
- Real-time collaboration, mobile app, and robust reporting for invoice insights
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for full feature utilization
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced plans and add-ons
- Occasional sync delays with large volumes of invoices
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses requiring integrated invoicing, payment collection, and full accounting functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); annual discounts and 30-day free trial available.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering robust invoicing, multi-currency support, recurring bills, and seamless bank integrations.
Automatic bank feed reconciliation that matches payments to invoices in real-time, reducing manual data entry.
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform with powerful invoicing tools designed for small to medium businesses, enabling quick creation of customizable, professional invoices. It supports recurring invoices, multi-currency billing, online payments via integrations like Stripe, and real-time status tracking from draft to paid. Bank feed automation matches incoming payments to invoices effortlessly, while reporting provides insights into cash flow and receivables. Overall, it transforms invoice management into a seamless part of broader financial operations.
Pros
- Intuitive invoice creation with drag-and-drop customization and templates
- Automated recurring billing and payment reminders to improve cash flow
- Seamless bank reconciliation and multi-currency support for global businesses
Cons
- Pricing tiers required for advanced features like projects and multi-currency
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants using full accounting suite
- Limited free tier; no offline access for invoice management
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and accountants seeking integrated invoicing with accounting and bank feeds.
Pricing
Starts at $20/user/month (Early plan, billed annually) with unlimited invoices; higher plans (Growing $37, Established $70, Ultimate $99) unlock multi-currency, projects, and analytics.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expense management, and automated payment chasing.
Proposals that convert to invoices with built-in approval workflows and retainers
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and service providers. It simplifies creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices with automation features like recurring billing and late payment reminders. The software also integrates time tracking, expense management, and online payments to streamline financial workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive invoice designer with customizable templates and automation
- Seamless time tracking that converts directly to billable hours
- Integrated payments with Stripe, PayPal, and bank transfers for quick client payouts
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with client limits and team members
- Lacks advanced accounting like double-entry bookkeeping or inventory tracking
- Reporting is basic compared to full-scale ERP solutions
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, professional invoicing with time and expense tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $19/mo (Lite, 5 clients), $33/mo (Plus, 50 clients), $60/mo (Premium, unlimited); annual discounts and custom Select plans available.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing software with professional templates, client portals, time tracking, and multi-channel payment options.
Forever-free plan allowing unlimited invoices, clients, and basic automation without usage caps
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and teams to create professional invoices, send estimates, and track payments efficiently. It supports customizable templates, multi-currency billing, online payments via gateways like Stripe and PayPal, time tracking, and basic expense management. The software also offers a client portal for approvals and payments, with seamless integration into the broader Zoho ecosystem.
Pros
- Robust free plan with unlimited invoices and customers
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Strong integrations with payment gateways and Zoho apps
Cons
- Advanced reporting and automation limited to paid plans
- No built-in inventory or project accounting
- Customer support primarily email-based on free tier
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a free, user-friendly invoicing solution with growth potential via integrations.
Pricing
Free plan with core features; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Standard, up to $29 for Elite.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software providing unlimited invoices, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing for small businesses.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no hidden costs or usage limits
Wave is a cloud-based platform offering free invoicing, accounting, and payment processing tools tailored for small businesses and freelancers. It enables users to create customizable, professional invoices, send them via email, and track payments in real-time. Additional features include recurring billing, time tracking, and integration with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing with unlimited invoices and customers
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Seamless integration with popular payment processors
Cons
- Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + $0.60 per card transaction)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Email-only customer support, no phone or live chat
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking a simple, no-cost invoicing solution without complex accounting requirements.
Pricing
Invoicing and accounting are free; payments incur 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction; Payroll starts at $20/month + per-employee fees; Pro plan for advisors at $16/user/month.
Bill.com
enterpriseAutomation platform for accounts payable and receivable, streamlining invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management.
Seamless AP/AR integration with automated approval workflows and bank-grade security for bills and invoices in one platform
Bill.com is a cloud-based financial automation platform specializing in accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) management, enabling users to create, send, and track professional invoices with automation features like recurring billing and online payments. It streamlines workflows with approval processes, bill capture via mobile, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. Designed for businesses seeking efficiency, it minimizes manual entry and supports payments via ACH, credit card, or check.
Pros
- Powerful automation for invoicing, payments, and approvals
- Excellent integrations with major accounting software
- Mobile app for invoice scanning and management on-the-go
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steep learning curve during initial setup
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing an integrated solution for both sending invoices and managing bills payable.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (Essentials, billed annually); Team $55, Corporate $79, Enterprise custom.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing application for generating quotes, invoices, and proposals with self-hosting and payment gateway integrations.
Fully open-source self-hosting for unlimited customization and complete data control without ongoing subscription fees.
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing and billing platform designed for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create, send, and track professional invoices. It supports features like recurring billing, expense tracking, time logging, client portals, and payment integrations with gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, and ACH. Users can self-host for free or opt for managed cloud hosting, making it flexible for various scales of operation.
Pros
- Open-source and free self-hosted option with full data ownership
- Strong payment integrations and automation for recurring invoices
- Multi-company support and customizable templates
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced features like white-labeling locked behind higher plans
Best For
Freelancers and small to medium businesses seeking a customizable, cost-effective invoicing solution with self-hosting options.
Pricing
Free self-hosted version; cloud-hosted plans start at $10/month (Pro) up to $30/month (Enterprise) per company.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts logged hours into detailed invoices with expense reporting.
Automatic generation of invoices directly from time entries and expenses
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, agencies, and teams that bill by the hour. It excels at capturing time entries and expenses, then automatically generating customizable invoices from that data for quick sending and payment collection. With integrations for payments like Stripe and accounting tools like QuickBooks, it streamlines the invoicing workflow while providing reporting on profitability and utilization.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing for accurate billing
- Intuitive interface and excellent mobile apps for on-the-go use
- Robust reporting on time, expenses, and invoice status
Cons
- Per-user pricing can become costly for larger teams
- Lacks advanced accounting features like inventory or complex tax automation
- Limited invoice customization compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies that primarily bill based on tracked time and need simple, reliable invoicing.
Pricing
Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually); includes unlimited invoices, clients, and time tracking; no free tier.
ZipBooks
specializedModern accounting software with smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, profitability tracking, and free starter plan.
Real-time profitability tracking that calculates profit margins per client, project, and invoice
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers, with strong invoicing capabilities at its core. It enables users to create customizable, professional invoices, send them via email, track payments in real-time, and accept online payments through integrations like Stripe and Square. Additional features include recurring invoices, time tracking billed directly to clients, expense management, and basic bookkeeping to provide a comprehensive financial overview.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core invoicing features
- Intuitive, modern interface that's quick to learn
- Beautiful, customizable invoice templates that enhance professionalism
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors like QuickBooks
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, affordable invoicing with time tracking and basic accounting.
Pricing
Free Lite plan (unlimited invoices); Starter $17/user/month; Smarter $37/user/month; Elite $99/user/month (billed annually).
Sage Intacct
enterpriseCloud financial management system providing advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and subscription billing for growing businesses.
Multi-dimensional invoicing with automatic consolidation across entities and custom dimensions for granular tracking.
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management platform that provides comprehensive invoice management as part of its ERP suite, enabling automated invoice creation, approval workflows, recurring billing, and AR tracking. It supports multi-entity organizations with dimension-based accounting for precise invoice allocation and real-time visibility into cash flow. The software integrates deeply with other modules like AP, GL, and reporting for streamlined financial operations.
Pros
- Robust automation for invoice workflows and approvals
- Multi-entity and multi-dimensional tracking for complex billing
- Strong integration with full accounting suite and real-time dashboards
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing that scales steeply
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Overkill for simple invoicing needs without full ERP adoption
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses requiring integrated financial management with advanced invoice capabilities across multiple entities.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $15,000-$30,000 annually for base plans, plus per-user and module fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating a range of top invoice management tools reveals each offers distinct advantages, yet QuickBooks Online leads as the top choice, praised for its comprehensive features like automated payments and tracking. Xero and FreshBooks also excel, with Xero’s multi-currency support and FreshBooks’ intuitive design for freelancers, making them strong alternatives based on specific needs. Together, these tools cater to diverse users, ensuring efficient invoicing and financial control.
Don’t miss out on simplifying your invoicing—try QuickBooks Online today for a robust, all-in-one solution that streamlines billing, tracking, and cash flow, setting you up for smoother financial management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison