Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating professional quotes, invoices, expense tracking, and payments.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses and freelancers with quoting, time tracking, and automated payments.
- 3#3: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering robust quoting, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory management for SMBs.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Feature-rich invoicing software with quoting, multi-currency support, client portals, and integrations for growing businesses.
- 5#5: Wave - Free online invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited quoting and invoicing for solopreneurs and small teams.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Customizable open-source invoicing app for generating quotes, recurring invoices, and managing payments self-hosted or cloud.
- 7#7: HoneyBook - All-in-one client management platform streamlining proposals, contracts, quoting, invoicing, and payments for creatives.
- 8#8: Bonsai - Freelancer-focused tool for creating proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and handling payments in one workflow.
- 9#9: Harvest - Time tracking software that converts hours into professional quotes and invoices with expense and team management.
- 10#10: Jobber - Field service business software with quoting, invoicing, scheduling, and client management for service pros.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key factors including feature robustness, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across varied business models.
Comparison Table
Invoicing and quoting software simplifies creating professional documents and managing payments for businesses. This comparison table explores top tools like QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, Xero, Zoho Invoice, and Wave, guiding readers to find the best fit based on key features, pricing, and usability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating professional quotes, invoices, expense tracking, and payments. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses and freelancers with quoting, time tracking, and automated payments. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering robust quoting, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory management for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Feature-rich invoicing software with quoting, multi-currency support, client portals, and integrations for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free online invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited quoting and invoicing for solopreneurs and small teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Customizable open-source invoicing app for generating quotes, recurring invoices, and managing payments self-hosted or cloud. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | HoneyBook All-in-one client management platform streamlining proposals, contracts, quoting, invoicing, and payments for creatives. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Bonsai Freelancer-focused tool for creating proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and handling payments in one workflow. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Harvest Time tracking software that converts hours into professional quotes and invoices with expense and team management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | Jobber Field service business software with quoting, invoicing, scheduling, and client management for service pros. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating professional quotes, invoices, expense tracking, and payments.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses and freelancers with quoting, time tracking, and automated payments.
Cloud accounting platform offering robust quoting, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory management for SMBs.
Feature-rich invoicing software with quoting, multi-currency support, client portals, and integrations for growing businesses.
Free online invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited quoting and invoicing for solopreneurs and small teams.
Customizable open-source invoicing app for generating quotes, recurring invoices, and managing payments self-hosted or cloud.
All-in-one client management platform streamlining proposals, contracts, quoting, invoicing, and payments for creatives.
Freelancer-focused tool for creating proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and handling payments in one workflow.
Time tracking software that converts hours into professional quotes and invoices with expense and team management.
Field service business software with quoting, invoicing, scheduling, and client management for service pros.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software for creating professional quotes, invoices, expense tracking, and payments.
Progress invoicing, which allows billing clients incrementally based on project milestones from a single quote
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting platform renowned for its powerful invoicing and quoting capabilities, enabling users to create, customize, and send professional invoices and estimates effortlessly. It supports features like recurring billing, progress invoicing, and automatic conversion of quotes to invoices, all integrated seamlessly with full accounting tools for real-time financial insights. Ideal for businesses of varying sizes, it streamlines payment collection through built-in processing options and mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Highly customizable templates for invoices and quotes with branding options
- Seamless automation including recurring invoices and estimate-to-invoice conversion
- Integrated payment processing and tracking for faster collections
Cons
- Advanced invoicing features require higher-tier plans
- Initial learning curve for users new to accounting software
- Pricing can escalate quickly for growing businesses
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing, quoting, and accounting with scalable features.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual billing discounts and a 30-day free trial.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses and freelancers with quoting, time tracking, and automated payments.
Proposals and estimates that automatically convert to invoices with one click, preserving all details and approvals
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering robust tools for creating professional invoices, estimates, and quotes. It streamlines billing with features like recurring invoices, online payments via credit card or ACH, and automatic conversion of quotes to invoices. Additional capabilities include time tracking, expense management, and client portals, making it a comprehensive solution for invoicing and quoting workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive, drag-and-drop interface for quick invoice and quote creation
- Seamless integration with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal for faster collections
- Mobile app supports on-the-go invoicing and time tracking
Cons
- Client limits on lower plans require upgrading for growing businesses
- Lacks advanced accounting features like double-entry bookkeeping
- Reporting capabilities are solid but not as customizable as enterprise tools
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, professional invoicing and quoting without needing full-scale accounting software.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); 50% off first 3 months and annual discounts available.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering robust quoting, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory management for SMBs.
Automatic bank reconciliation that matches transactions to invoices instantly
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform renowned for its robust invoicing and quoting tools designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It enables users to create customizable quotes and invoices with drag-and-drop templates, automate recurring billing, and track payments in real-time through integrations with bank feeds and payment gateways. The software supports multi-currency transactions and seamless conversion of quotes to invoices, streamlining the entire billing process.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with customizable templates for quotes and invoices
- Real-time collaboration and unlimited users on all plans
- Seamless integrations with over 1,000 apps including payment processors
- Mobile app for invoicing on the go
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced features like multi-currency
- Customer support primarily ticket-based without live chat in basic plans
- Learning curve for complex customizations
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing integrated invoicing and quoting within a full accounting suite.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) for core invoicing, up to $78/month (Established plan) for advanced features; annual discounts available, varies by region.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFeature-rich invoicing software with quoting, multi-currency support, client portals, and integrations for growing businesses.
Multi-channel invoice delivery including WhatsApp, SMS, and client portals for self-service approvals and payments
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing and quoting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and teams, enabling the creation, customization, and sending of professional invoices, estimates, and purchase orders. It supports time tracking, project billing, multi-currency transactions, and automated recurring invoices with payment reminders. Seamlessly integrated with the Zoho suite and third-party apps like PayPal, Stripe, and Google Workspace, it streamlines financial workflows from quoting to payment collection.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing for up to 5 customers
- Extensive automation for workflows, reminders, and recurring billing
- Strong integrations with Zoho apps and 50+ payment gateways
Cons
- Free plan limits scalability beyond 5 customers
- Interface can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers seeking a cost-effective invoicing tool with deep CRM and accounting integrations.
Pricing
Free (up to 5 customers); Basic $9/org/month, Standard $19/org/month, Professional $29/org/month (billed annually).
Wave
specializedFree online invoicing and accounting solution with unlimited quoting and invoicing for solopreneurs and small teams.
Unlimited free invoicing and quoting with no subscription fees for core features
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs, offering robust invoicing and quoting capabilities alongside basic accounting tools. Users can create customizable invoices, send professional quotes or estimates that convert seamlessly to invoices, track payments, and automate reminders. It also includes receipt scanning, expense tracking, and integrated payment processing, all accessible via web and mobile apps.
Pros
- Completely free invoicing and quoting with unlimited customers and invoices
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile accessibility
- Seamless conversion of quotes/estimates to invoices with automated payment reminders
Cons
- Payment processing incurs fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options compared to paid competitors
- Customer support limited to email and help center, no live chat or phone
Best For
Freelancers and micro-businesses needing simple, cost-free invoicing and quoting without complex accounting requirements.
Pricing
Free for core invoicing, quoting, and accounting; optional paid add-ons for payroll ($20+/mo) and payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction).
Invoice Ninja
specializedCustomizable open-source invoicing app for generating quotes, recurring invoices, and managing payments self-hosted or cloud.
Fully open-source self-hosting for complete ownership and no vendor lock-in
Invoice Ninja is a robust open-source invoicing and quoting software designed for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create, send, and track professional invoices and quotes. It includes features like recurring billing, multi-currency support, payment gateway integrations (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), time tracking, expense management, and customizable client portals. Users can self-host for free with full data control or opt for managed hosted plans, making it highly flexible for various business sizes.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted version with unlimited use
- Comprehensive features including quotes, recurring invoices, and 50+ integrations
- Highly customizable templates and reports for professional output
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Hosted plans limit features in lower tiers and scale pricing per company
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a powerful, cost-effective invoicing solution with self-hosting options for data privacy.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted plans start at $10/month (Pro, unlimited clients) up to $30/month (Enterprise) billed annually.
HoneyBook
specializedAll-in-one client management platform streamlining proposals, contracts, quoting, invoicing, and payments for creatives.
End-to-end clientflow automation that combines quoting, contracting, invoicing, and project management in a single platform
HoneyBook is an all-in-one client management platform tailored for creative and service-based small businesses, offering tools for sending professional quotes, proposals, contracts, and invoices. It streamlines the invoicing process with customizable templates, automated reminders, and integrated payment processing via Stripe and PayPal. While it supports quoting and invoicing effectively within its broader CRM ecosystem, it lacks the depth of dedicated accounting software for complex financial tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop templates for stunning quotes and invoices
- Seamless integration of contracts, scheduling, and payments in one workflow
- Automation for payment reminders and follow-ups saves time
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like inventory or multi-currency support
- Pricing is higher compared to standalone invoicing tools
- Best suited for service businesses, less ideal for product-based sales
Best For
Creative professionals and small service businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for client proposals, invoicing, and payments.
Pricing
Starter plan at $19/month (billed annually), Essentials at $39/month, Premium at $79/month; 7-day free trial available.
Bonsai
specializedFreelancer-focused tool for creating proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and handling payments in one workflow.
Automated proposal-to-contract-to-invoice workflow with built-in legally reviewed templates
Bonsai is an all-in-one workflow platform tailored for freelancers and small teams, excelling in creating professional proposals, quotes, contracts, and invoices. It automates the entire process from sending customizable quotes to collecting payments via integrated gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Beyond invoicing, it includes time tracking, expense management, and client portals for streamlined billing and project oversight.
Pros
- Seamless workflow from proposals to contracts to automated invoicing
- Beautiful, customizable templates with legally vetted contract language
- Integrated payment processing and automated reminders for faster collections
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for teams needing advanced features
- Limited advanced reporting and accounting integrations compared to dedicated tools
- Overkill for users seeking only basic invoicing without the full suite
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies who want an intuitive all-in-one tool for client proposals, contracts, and billing.
Pricing
Starts at $17/user/month (Bootstrap), $32 (Professional), $59 (Business), with annual discounts and a 14-day free trial; per user scaling.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking software that converts hours into professional quotes and invoices with expense and team management.
Automatic generation of invoices directly from approved time entries and expenses
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing software designed for freelancers, agencies, and small teams to monitor billable hours, manage expenses, and streamline billing workflows. It allows users to create professional quotes and estimates that can be easily converted into invoices based on tracked time or fixed fees. The platform supports online payments, recurring invoices, and detailed reporting to help businesses get paid faster.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing for accurate billing
- Intuitive interface for quick quote and invoice creation
- Strong mobile app and integrations with tools like Stripe and QuickBooks
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features compared to dedicated ERP tools
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for larger teams
- Reporting lacks depth for complex enterprise invoicing needs
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies relying on hourly billing who want effortless time-to-invoice workflows.
Pricing
Free for solo users (limited to 2 projects); Pro at $12/user/month (billed annually); Elite at $18/user/month for advanced scheduling.
Jobber
enterpriseField service business software with quoting, invoicing, scheduling, and client management for service pros.
Client quote approvals that automatically convert to scheduled jobs and invoices
Jobber is a field service management platform designed for small to medium service businesses, offering robust invoicing and quoting tools integrated with scheduling and CRM. Users can create customizable quotes with templates, send them via email or SMS for quick client approval, and seamlessly convert approved quotes into invoices or scheduled jobs. It supports online payments, recurring invoices, time tracking for billable hours, and integrations with QuickBooks and Stripe for efficient billing workflows.
Pros
- Seamless quote-to-invoice conversion with client approval signatures
- Mobile app for creating and sending quotes/invoices from the field
- Automated payment reminders and recurring billing options
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated invoicing tools
- Some advanced quoting customizations require higher-tier plans
- Overkill for businesses not needing full field service management
Best For
Small to medium field service businesses like plumbers, landscapers, or HVAC technicians that require integrated quoting, invoicing, and job scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Core, 1 user, billed annually) up to $349/month (Grow plan); custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase a range of strengths, with QuickBooks Online leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive cloud-based features, seamlessly merging quotes, invoicing, and payments. FreshBooks and Xero follow closely, offering exceptional alternatives—FreshBooks for user-friendly simplicity ideal for small businesses and freelancers, and Xero for robust inventory and reconciliation tools suited to SMBs. Each solution caters to specific needs, but QuickBooks Online emerges as the most versatile option.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your quoting and invoicing; try QuickBooks Online to experience professional, efficient workflows that simplify your financial management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison