Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, automated billing, payments, and reporting features.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, recurring billing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support.
- 3#3: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing software that automates billing, client portals, payments, and multi-language support.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting app with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing solution for creating professional invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and managing payments.
- 7#7: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate bills with expense management.
- 8#8: Bill.com - AP and AR automation platform for secure invoicing, approvals, payments, and cash flow management.
- 9#9: ZipBooks - Smart bookkeeping software featuring automated invoicing, time tracking, and financial insights.
- 10#10: HoneyBook - Client management platform with customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and project workflows.
These tools were evaluated based on key factors including functionality (automation, payment processing, reporting), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance for diverse workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading invoicing and billing software, including QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Invoice, Wave, and more, aiding readers in understanding each tool's key features and practical uses. It simplifies evaluating options for small businesses, freelancers, and growing enterprises, highlighting functionality, pricing, and scalability to match unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, automated billing, payments, and reporting features. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, recurring billing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support. | 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, expenses, and automated reminders. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing software that automates billing, client portals, payments, and multi-language support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting app with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing solution for creating professional invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and managing payments. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate bills with expense management. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Bill.com AP and AR automation platform for secure invoicing, approvals, payments, and cash flow management. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | ZipBooks Smart bookkeeping software featuring automated invoicing, time tracking, and financial insights. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 10 | HoneyBook Client management platform with customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and project workflows. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, automated billing, payments, and reporting features.
Cloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, recurring billing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders.
Free online invoicing software that automates billing, client portals, payments, and multi-language support.
Free invoicing and accounting app with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses.
Open-source invoicing solution for creating professional invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and managing payments.
Time tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate bills with expense management.
AP and AR automation platform for secure invoicing, approvals, payments, and cash flow management.
Smart bookkeeping software featuring automated invoicing, time tracking, and financial insights.
Client management platform with customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and project workflows.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software with advanced invoicing, automated billing, payments, and reporting features.
Seamless QuickBooks Payments integration allowing customers to pay invoices directly via credit card, ACH, or PayPal with automatic reconciliation.
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting platform renowned for its robust invoicing and billing capabilities, enabling users to create professional, customizable invoices in minutes. It supports automated recurring invoices, payment reminders, and seamless online payment acceptance via integrated processors like QuickBooks Payments. Beyond billing, it offers time tracking, expense management, and detailed financial reports, making it a comprehensive solution for managing cash flow.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoices with branding and templates
- Integrated payment processing for faster collections
- Automation for recurring billing and reminders
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Higher pricing for full invoicing capabilities
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Limited free tier or trial restrictions
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing, billing, and accounting with scalable features.
Pricing
Plans start at $30/month (Simple Start, billed annually) up to $200/month (Advanced), with most invoicing features in Plus ($90/month) and higher.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering unlimited invoicing, recurring billing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support.
Unlimited users with real-time collaborative access to invoices and financial data
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, offering robust invoicing and billing tools to create, send, and track professional invoices effortlessly. It supports customizable templates, recurring billing, multi-currency transactions, and automated payment reminders, integrating seamlessly with bank feeds for real-time reconciliation. Beyond basic invoicing, it provides expense tracking, quotes, and payment processing through partnerships like Stripe and PayPal.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates and branding options
- Automated recurring invoices and payment chasing
- Seamless bank feeds and 800+ app integrations for extended billing workflows
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Reporting capabilities are solid but less advanced than enterprise competitors
- Customer support primarily via email/tickets, with limited phone options
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing scalable, cloud-based invoicing with real-time collaboration and extensive integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Early plan, limited bills/invoices), $37/month (Rising), $70/month (Established); billed annually with discounts, per organization.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers with time tracking, expenses, and automated reminders.
Proposals that seamlessly convert to accepted projects, invoices, and retainers with built-in e-signatures
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software designed primarily for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses. It excels in creating professional, customizable invoices, tracking billable time and expenses, managing projects, and accepting online payments via integrations like Stripe and PayPal. The platform also offers automated recurring billing, client portals for approvals and payments, and basic bookkeeping tools to streamline financial workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop customization for invoices and reports
- Seamless time tracking that directly converts to billable invoices
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go invoicing and expense capture
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like double-entry bookkeeping or inventory management
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to full-scale ERP systems
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple clients or staff users
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking user-friendly invoicing, time tracking, and client management without complex accounting needs.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo), Plus ($33/mo), Premium ($60/mo) billed annually; Select plan is custom-priced for enterprises.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing software that automates billing, client portals, payments, and multi-language support.
Forever-free plan with unlimited invoices, ideal for startups and solopreneurs
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and teams to create, send, and manage professional invoices seamlessly. It includes features like customizable templates, time tracking, expense logging, multi-currency support, and automated payment reminders. Integrated with payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, and Zoho's ecosystem, it simplifies billing workflows and tracks unpaid invoices effectively.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices for basic use
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Strong automation for recurring invoices and payment chases
Cons
- Customer limits on the free plan (up to 5 customers)
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to full accounting software
- Advanced features locked behind paid tiers
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a free or low-cost invoicing solution with solid automation and integrations.
Pricing
Free plan available (limited to 5 customers); paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Basic, up to $29 for Professional.
Wave
otherFree invoicing and accounting app with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payments for small businesses.
Unlimited free invoicing with no subscription fees or usage limits
Wave is a cloud-based financial software platform offering free invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning for small businesses and freelancers. It enables users to create customizable professional invoices, automate recurring billing, track payments, and integrate with payment processors for seamless collections. While core invoicing and accounting are unlimited and free, optional paid add-ons handle payroll and advanced payments.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited invoicing and basic accounting
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Automated reminders and recurring invoices streamline billing
Cons
- Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + 30¢ per card)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support primarily self-service with no phone option
Best For
Freelancers and micro-businesses seeking a no-cost, simple invoicing tool without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for core invoicing/accounting; payments at 2.9% + 30¢ (credit card)/1% (ACH); payroll $20 base + $6/employee/month.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing solution for creating professional invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and managing payments.
Fully open-source self-hosting for complete data control and unlimited customization without vendor lock-in
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing and billing software tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies. It allows users to create and send professional invoices, quotes, recurring bills, and proposals, while tracking time, expenses, and payments. Supporting both self-hosted and cloud-hosted deployments, it integrates with numerous payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, and offers client portals for easy management.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted version with full customization
- Robust integrations with payment processors, accounting tools, and apps
- Multi-company support, recurring invoices, and client portal features
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Some advanced features like white-labeling limited to paid cloud plans
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable invoicing tool with data privacy through self-hosting.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; Cloud plans: Free (basic), Pro ($10/mo), Enterprise ($30/mo) billed annually.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing software that converts logged hours into accurate bills with expense management.
Automatic invoice population from time entries, eliminating manual data entry
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, agencies, and small teams. It excels at capturing billable hours, managing projects and expenses, and automatically generating professional invoices from tracked time. With seamless integrations to payment processors like Stripe and accounting tools like QuickBooks, it simplifies the entire billing workflow from time entry to payment collection.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go use
- Strong reporting and analytics for profitability insights
Cons
- Per-user pricing can become costly for larger teams
- Limited advanced accounting features like subscriptions or multi-currency support
- No built-in payment processing without third-party integrations
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies that primarily bill hourly and need effortless time-to-invoice automation.
Pricing
Free for solo users (limited features); Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $17 monthly; higher tiers for enterprises.
Bill.com
enterpriseAP and AR automation platform for secure invoicing, approvals, payments, and cash flow management.
Built-in approval workflows that streamline both incoming bills and outgoing invoices for end-to-end financial control
Bill.com (now BILL) is a cloud-based financial automation platform specializing in accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) processes. For invoicing and billing, it enables users to create customizable invoices, send them electronically, and accept payments via ACH, credit cards, or wires with automated reminders and recurring billing options. It integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, providing real-time sync and reporting for efficient cash flow management.
Pros
- Powerful automation for invoice creation, approvals, and payments
- Seamless integrations with major accounting tools
- Fast payment processing with low fees and multiple methods
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced workflows
- Limited free tier or trial depth
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and teams needing integrated AP/AR automation alongside robust invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $45/user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually); higher tiers like Team ($55) and Corporate ($79) add features; custom Enterprise pricing.
ZipBooks
specializedSmart bookkeeping software featuring automated invoicing, time tracking, and financial insights.
Profitability dashboard that automatically calculates true profit per client or project by integrating time, expenses, and overhead.
ZipBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small businesses and freelancers, offering tools for creating professional invoices, tracking time and expenses, and managing payments. It automates recurring billing, integrates time tracking directly into invoices, and provides profitability insights by client or project. The platform also includes basic bookkeeping, reporting, and a client portal for easy collaboration.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core invoicing features
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoice design
- Unique profitability tracking that factors in time and expenses
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting like double-entry bookkeeping
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
- Payroll and inventory management require add-ons or upgrades
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing simple, affordable invoicing with time tracking and profitability insights.
Pricing
Free Healer plan (basic invoicing); Smarter plan at $30/month (unlimited clients/invoices); custom Accountant plan for advanced needs.
HoneyBook
specializedClient management platform with customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and project workflows.
Automated invoicing tied to project milestones and client pipelines for hands-off billing
HoneyBook is an all-in-one clientflow management platform designed for freelancers and small service-based businesses, featuring robust invoicing and billing tools alongside contracts, scheduling, and payments. It enables users to create professional, customizable invoices, accept payments via integrated gateways like Stripe and PayPal, send automated reminders, and track payment status within client projects. While not a full accounting solution, its billing features streamline workflows for creative professionals by linking invoices to project milestones and timelines.
Pros
- Intuitive invoice customization with templates and branding options
- Seamless payment processing and automated reminders reduce chasing payments
- Strong integration with client management tools for end-to-end workflows
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like tax calculations or inventory tracking
- Pricing can feel high for users needing only basic invoicing
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to dedicated billing software
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies who want invoicing integrated with client onboarding and project management.
Pricing
Starter ($19/mo annual), Essentials ($39/mo annual), Premium ($79/mo annual); all plans include invoicing and payments.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer a range of solutions, with QuickBooks Online leading as the top choice for its comprehensive features, Xero following closely with unlimited invoicing and multi-currency support, and FreshBooks standing out for its user-friendly design tailored to freelancers. Each tool caters to distinct needs, solidifying a strong lineup for efficient billing and accounting.
Begin your journey with QuickBooks Online to simplify invoicing, automate payments, and gain actionable insights—your business can thrive with a tool built for efficiency. Explore Xero or FreshBooks if you prioritize different features, but don’t miss the opportunity to try the top-ranked option first.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison