Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive cloud accounting software with advanced invoicing, automation, payments, and reporting for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool tailored for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management.
- 3#3: Xero - Cloud-based accounting platform featuring customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations.
- 4#4: Zoho Invoice - Robust invoicing solution with professional templates, online payments, client portals, and automation at an affordable price.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app offering customization, recurring billing, quotes, and self-hosting options for full control.
- 7#7: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts hours into detailed, branded invoices with payment tracking.
- 8#8: ZipBooks - Free starter invoicing tool with AI-powered bookkeeping, automated reminders, and banking integration for small businesses.
- 9#9: Square Invoices - Simple, free mobile invoicing platform integrated with instant payments and POS for small businesses and contractors.
- 10#10: Bill.com - AP/AR automation software with secure invoicing, approval workflows, and direct payments for growing businesses.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including feature set (automation, integrations, reporting), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring the listed solutions deliver both functionality and long-term practicality for diverse workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines leading invoicing software tools, such as QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, Xero, Zoho Invoice, and Wave, to assist readers in understanding their distinct features and benefits. By examining pricing, usability, and core capabilities, readers will learn how each option aligns with their business needs, from small-scale operations to growing ventures.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive cloud accounting software with advanced invoicing, automation, payments, and reporting for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool tailored for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Xero Cloud-based accounting platform featuring customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Invoice Robust invoicing solution with professional templates, online payments, client portals, and automation at an affordable price. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing. | other | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app offering customization, recurring billing, quotes, and self-hosting options for full control. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts hours into detailed, branded invoices with payment tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | ZipBooks Free starter invoicing tool with AI-powered bookkeeping, automated reminders, and banking integration for small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Square Invoices Simple, free mobile invoicing platform integrated with instant payments and POS for small businesses and contractors. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Bill.com AP/AR automation software with secure invoicing, approval workflows, and direct payments for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud accounting software with advanced invoicing, automation, payments, and reporting for businesses of all sizes.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool tailored for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management.
Cloud-based accounting platform featuring customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations.
Robust invoicing solution with professional templates, online payments, client portals, and automation at an affordable price.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing.
Open-source invoicing app offering customization, recurring billing, quotes, and self-hosting options for full control.
Time tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts hours into detailed, branded invoices with payment tracking.
Free starter invoicing tool with AI-powered bookkeeping, automated reminders, and banking integration for small businesses.
Simple, free mobile invoicing platform integrated with instant payments and POS for small businesses and contractors.
AP/AR automation software with secure invoicing, approval workflows, and direct payments for growing businesses.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive cloud accounting software with advanced invoicing, automation, payments, and reporting for businesses of all sizes.
Intelligent invoice automation with built-in payment reminders and collections forecasting
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust invoicing features, enabling users to create, customize, and send professional invoices with ease. It supports automated recurring invoices, real-time payment tracking, overdue reminders, and seamless integration with payment processors for faster collections. As part of a full accounting suite, it connects invoicing directly to expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and reporting for comprehensive financial management.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates and automation for recurring billing
- Real-time payment tracking with automated reminders and QuickBooks Payments integration
- Seamless mobile access and integration with 750+ apps for extended functionality
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features beyond basic invoicing
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants despite intuitive interface
- Some invoicing customizations locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing with full accounting and scalable growth features.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start, billed annually) for core invoicing; scales to $200/month (Advanced) with discounts for annual plans.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool tailored for freelancers and service-based businesses with time tracking and expense management.
Seamless conversion of tracked time and expenses into customizable, automated invoices with built-in payment reminders
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and service providers. It simplifies creating professional invoices, tracking billable time and expenses, accepting online payments, and managing projects. The software emphasizes user-friendliness, allowing non-accountants to handle finances efficiently with automation features like recurring billing and late payment reminders.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Robust invoicing with customization, automation, and fast online payments
- Excellent mobile app and time/expense tracking integration
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with more clients/users
- Limited advanced accounting (no inventory, payroll, or double-entry)
- Reporting lacks depth compared to full ERP solutions
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing simple, beautiful invoicing and time tracking without complex accounting.
Pricing
Lite $19/mo (5 clients), Plus $33/mo (50 clients), Premium $60/mo (unlimited clients); 50% off first 3 months, annual discounts available.
Xero
enterpriseCloud-based accounting platform featuring customizable invoicing, bank feeds, multi-currency support, and seamless integrations.
Live bank feeds with automatic invoice matching and payment reconciliation
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software renowned for its invoicing capabilities, enabling users to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It supports features like recurring invoices, multi-currency billing, online payments via integrations with Stripe and PayPal, and automated reminders for overdue payments. As a comprehensive platform, Xero also handles bank reconciliations, expense tracking, and reporting, making it ideal for small to medium businesses streamlining their financial workflows.
Pros
- Unlimited invoices and users across all plans
- Multi-currency support and customizable templates
- Seamless bank feeds and automatic reconciliation
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complete beginners
- Customer support primarily via email or community
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and accountants seeking scalable invoicing integrated with full accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) up to $78/month (Ultimate plan) per organization, billed annually; 30-day free trial.
Zoho Invoice
specializedRobust invoicing solution with professional templates, online payments, client portals, and automation at an affordable price.
Comprehensive client portal allowing customers to view invoices, make payments, and approve estimates self-service
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and teams to create, send, track, and manage professional invoices online. It supports features like customizable templates, automated payment reminders, time tracking, expense logging, and multi-currency billing. Seamlessly integrating with the Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Books, etc.) and third-party apps like PayPal and Stripe, it streamlines billing workflows and client interactions.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core invoicing features
- Extensive integrations with Zoho apps and 50+ third-party services
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
Cons
- Advanced reporting and inventory limited to paid plans
- Customer support primarily email-based and slower for free users
- Client limits on free tier (up to 5 customers)
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a free or low-cost invoicing solution with strong automation and integration options.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 5 customers; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Basic, up to $39 for Professional.
Wave
otherFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and integrated payment processing.
Unlimited free invoicing with no subscription costs or usage limits
Wave is a free cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It enables users to create unlimited customizable invoices, set up recurring billing, send automated payment reminders, and track payments seamlessly. Beyond invoicing, it offers integrated accounting tools for expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and basic financial reports, all accessible via web and mobile apps.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited invoicing with professional templates and automation
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Seamless integration of invoicing with basic accounting and receipt scanning
Cons
- Payment processing fees apply (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
- Limited advanced features like time tracking or project-based invoicing
- Customer support is email-only with no live chat or phone options
Best For
Freelancers and micro-businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing tool without complex needs.
Pricing
Core invoicing and accounting are free; payments via credit card incur 2.9% + $0.30 fees; payroll and advisors add-ons have separate monthly fees.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app offering customization, recurring billing, quotes, and self-hosting options for full control.
Fully open-source self-hosting for complete data ownership and unlimited usage without recurring fees.
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing software tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies to create, send, and track professional invoices. It supports online payments via Stripe and PayPal, time tracking, expense management, recurring billing, and customizable client portals. Available as a free self-hosted version or affordable hosted SaaS plans, it prioritizes data ownership and extensive customization without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Free open-source self-hosted option with no limits on invoices or clients
- Robust integrations for payments, accounting tools, and automation
- Highly customizable templates, reports, and multi-company support
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- User interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Community support for free version; paid plans needed for priority help
Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers and small businesses wanting a customizable, cost-effective invoicing tool with full data control.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted SaaS plans start at $10/month (Starter, 1 company), $20/month (Pro, 3 companies), $30/month (Enterprise, unlimited).
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing software that automatically converts hours into detailed, branded invoices with payment tracking.
Automatic invoice creation directly from time entries with one-click approval and sending
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing platform primarily designed for freelancers, agencies, and teams that bill by the hour. It excels at logging time against projects and clients, then automatically generating professional invoices from those tracked hours. The software also supports estimates, recurring invoices, online payments via Stripe and PayPal, and basic expense tracking, making it a streamlined solution for service-based billing.
Pros
- Seamless time tracking to invoicing workflow
- Intuitive and visually appealing interface
- Strong mobile apps for iOS and Android
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like inventory or multi-currency support
- Pricing scales per user, expensive for large teams
- Reporting is solid but not as customizable as competitors
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies that rely on hourly billing and need tight integration between time tracking and invoicing.
Pricing
Free plan for basic time tracking; Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) unlocks unlimited invoicing, payments, and advanced features.
ZipBooks
specializedFree starter invoicing tool with AI-powered bookkeeping, automated reminders, and banking integration for small businesses.
Sherpa AI Bookkeeper that automatically categorizes bank transactions and reconciles accounts
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses and freelancers, providing tools for creating professional invoices, tracking time and expenses, automated bookkeeping, and basic financial reporting. Its standout free plan allows unlimited invoicing and payments, making it accessible for startups. The platform emphasizes simplicity with an intuitive interface and AI-powered features like Sherpa, which automates transaction categorization and reconciliation.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive and clean user interface
- AI-powered bookkeeping for automation
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Customer support primarily email-based
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking affordable, straightforward invoicing and basic accounting without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Smarter ($15/user/mo), Sophisticated ($35/user/mo), and Accountant ($65/user/mo) – billed annually.
Square Invoices
otherSimple, free mobile invoicing platform integrated with instant payments and POS for small businesses and contractors.
Zero subscription cost with instant integration to Square's payment processing for next-day deposits and unified sales tracking.
Square Invoices is a free invoicing tool integrated into the Square ecosystem, enabling users to create customizable professional invoices, send them via email or link, and track payments in real-time. It supports multiple payment methods including credit cards, ACH, and Afterpay, with features like automated reminders, recurring invoices, and scheduled delivery. Designed primarily for small businesses, it syncs seamlessly with Square's POS, appointments, and payroll for streamlined operations.
Pros
- No monthly fees—only pay per transaction
- Intuitive mobile app and quick invoice creation
- Fast deposits (next business day) and automatic reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced features like time tracking or project management
- Transaction fees can be higher than some competitors for high volume
- Reporting and customization options are basic compared to dedicated invoicing software
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and retailers already using Square POS who need simple, payment-integrated invoicing without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free to create/send/track invoices; processing fees: 2.9% + 30¢ (card), 1% (up to $10 cap, ACH), 3.5% + 30¢ (international/scheduled).
Bill.com
enterpriseAP/AR automation software with secure invoicing, approval workflows, and direct payments for growing businesses.
Unified AR/AP platform with intelligent approval workflows and real-time payment matching
Bill.com (now BILL) is a financial automation platform specializing in accounts payable and receivable, with strong invoicing tools for creating, sending, and tracking professional invoices. It supports online payments via ACH, credit cards, and virtual cards, along with automation for recurring invoices, reminders, and collections. The software integrates deeply with accounting systems like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, making it ideal for streamlining billing workflows in growing businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software
- Robust automation for invoicing, payments, and approvals
- Multiple payment options including ACH, cards, and international wires
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses or simple invoicing needs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced workflows
- Some premium features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated AR/AP automation alongside reliable invoicing and payment processing.
Pricing
Essentials plan at $45/user/month; additional fees for payments (e.g., 2.9% for cards); pay-as-you-go options available.
Conclusion
The reviewed invoicing software offers diverse solutions, but the top spot belongs to QuickBooks Online, a comprehensive choice for businesses of all sizes. FreshBooks and Xero follow strongly—FreshBooks for its user-friendliness and service focus, Xero for its customization and integrations—providing solid alternatives based on specific needs.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your invoicing workflow; try the top-ranked QuickBooks Online to leverage its advanced features and streamline your financial processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison