Quick Overview
- 1#1: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses to create, send, and track invoices effortlessly.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - Cloud-based accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with simple invoicing and expense tracking.
- 3#3: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing app that allows users to create professional invoices, automate reminders, and accept payments.
- 4#4: Invoice Ninja - Open-source platform for generating invoices, quotes, and proposals with self-hosting options for small businesses.
- 5#5: Square Invoices - Simple invoicing solution integrated with payment processing for quick billing and collections.
- 6#6: QuickBooks Online - Cloud accounting software offering easy invoicing, payment tracking, and basic financial reporting for small businesses.
- 7#7: Xero - Online accounting platform with streamlined invoicing, bank feeds, and multi-currency support for SMBs.
- 8#8: Hiveage - Invoicing software for service providers featuring recurring bills, time tracking, and client portals.
- 9#9: Crater - Free open-source invoicing app for freelancers to manage invoices, payments, and customers self-hosted.
- 10#10: Billdu - Mobile-first invoicing tool for creating, sending, and tracking bills across multiple devices.
Tools were selected based on intuitive design, essential features (including automation, payment processing, and reporting), and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance and adaptability to meet the varied needs of businesses.
Comparison Table
Efficient billing is a cornerstone of small business success, and selecting the right simple software can streamline operations. This comparison table explores top tools like Wave, FreshBooks, Zoho Invoice, Invoice Ninja, Square Invoices, and more, detailing their key features, pricing, and usability. Readers will discover which option suits their needs, whether for basic invoicing, expense tracking, or integration with other tools.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses to create, send, and track invoices effortlessly. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks Cloud-based accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with simple invoicing and expense tracking. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing app that allows users to create professional invoices, automate reminders, and accept payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Invoice Ninja Open-source platform for generating invoices, quotes, and proposals with self-hosting options for small businesses. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Square Invoices Simple invoicing solution integrated with payment processing for quick billing and collections. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | QuickBooks Online Cloud accounting software offering easy invoicing, payment tracking, and basic financial reporting for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | Xero Online accounting platform with streamlined invoicing, bank feeds, and multi-currency support for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Hiveage Invoicing software for service providers featuring recurring bills, time tracking, and client portals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Crater Free open-source invoicing app for freelancers to manage invoices, payments, and customers self-hosted. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | Billdu Mobile-first invoicing tool for creating, sending, and tracking bills across multiple devices. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses to create, send, and track invoices effortlessly.
Cloud-based accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with simple invoicing and expense tracking.
Free online invoicing app that allows users to create professional invoices, automate reminders, and accept payments.
Open-source platform for generating invoices, quotes, and proposals with self-hosting options for small businesses.
Simple invoicing solution integrated with payment processing for quick billing and collections.
Cloud accounting software offering easy invoicing, payment tracking, and basic financial reporting for small businesses.
Online accounting platform with streamlined invoicing, bank feeds, and multi-currency support for SMBs.
Invoicing software for service providers featuring recurring bills, time tracking, and client portals.
Free open-source invoicing app for freelancers to manage invoices, payments, and customers self-hosted.
Mobile-first invoicing tool for creating, sending, and tracking bills across multiple devices.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software for small businesses to create, send, and track invoices effortlessly.
Unlimited free professional invoicing with no caps on customers or invoices
Wave is a free, cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers, with robust invoicing and billing tools at its core. Users can create unlimited professional invoices, send them via email or shareable links, track payments in real-time, and automate recurring billing. It also integrates basic accounting features like expense tracking and financial reports, making it a comprehensive yet simple solution for everyday billing needs.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited invoicing and accounting
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with customizable templates
- Real-time payment tracking and mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Payment processing fees (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support primarily via email with no live chat
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking dead-simple, cost-free invoicing without complex setup.
Pricing
Core invoicing and accounting are free; payments start at 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; payroll available in select countries with monthly fees.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with simple invoicing and expense tracking.
Seamless proposals that convert directly to invoices with automated follow-ups and payments
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and service professionals. It excels in creating professional invoices, tracking time and expenses, accepting online payments, and managing projects with ease. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to send proposals that convert to invoices and automate recurring billing without deep accounting knowledge.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Robust invoicing with templates, automation, and payments
- Strong mobile app and time tracking integration
Cons
- Client limits on lower-tier plans
- Higher cost than basic invoicing alternatives
- Limited advanced accounting or inventory features
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking professional, automated billing without complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients), $33/month (Plus, 50 clients), $60/month (Premium, unlimited); annual discounts available.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing app that allows users to create professional invoices, automate reminders, and accept payments.
Customizable client portal allowing customers to view, pay, and accept invoices independently
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based billing tool designed for small businesses and freelancers to create, send, and manage professional invoices, estimates, and payment receipts. It offers features like time tracking, recurring billing, multi-currency support, and automated reminders to streamline the invoicing process. Seamlessly integrating with the Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps, it simplifies billing while providing basic accounting capabilities without complexity.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go billing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting in free tier
- Some features require Zoho ecosystem integration
- Occasional glitches in automation workflows
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a free or low-cost solution for straightforward invoicing and payments.
Pricing
Free plan available (unlimited invoices, basic features); paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for more users and advanced tools.
Invoice Ninja
otherOpen-source platform for generating invoices, quotes, and proposals with self-hosting options for small businesses.
Fully free self-hosted version with no limits on clients, invoices, or users
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing and billing software that enables users to create professional invoices, quotes, track expenses, and accept online payments. It offers both self-hosted (free) and cloud-hosted options, making it flexible for different technical skill levels. Key capabilities include customizable templates, recurring billing, client portals, and integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with unlimited clients and invoices
- Highly customizable invoices and reports
- Strong integrations with payment processors and accounting tools
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced features like multi-company support locked behind paid cloud plans
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable solution for basic to moderate billing needs without subscription lock-in.
Pricing
Free self-hosted (open-source); Cloud: Free Starter (50 clients), Pro $10/mo (unlimited clients, advanced features), Enterprise $30/mo (priority support, API access).
Square Invoices
specializedSimple invoicing solution integrated with payment processing for quick billing and collections.
One-click invoice payments via secure links that integrate directly with Square's payment processing for immediate fund access.
Square Invoices is a free, user-friendly invoicing tool integrated into the Square ecosystem, allowing small businesses to create, customize, send, and track invoices via web or mobile app. It supports one-time and recurring billing, payment reminders, and multiple payment methods including cards, ACH, and digital wallets. Ideal for simple billing needs, it automatically reconciles payments with Square's POS and accounting tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- No monthly fees for invoicing—pay only per transaction
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go invoice creation and tracking
- Seamless integration with Square POS and payments for instant deposits
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ for cards) can add up for high volume
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Recurring billing lacks deep automation compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing quick, mobile-friendly invoicing with built-in payments.
Pricing
Free invoicing software; 2.9% + 30¢ per online card payment, 1% (up to $10) for ACH, with instant transfers for 1.75% fee.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud accounting software offering easy invoicing, payment tracking, and basic financial reporting for small businesses.
QuickBooks Payments integration for seamless online invoicing and automated collections
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit, offering robust invoicing, payment processing, expense tracking, and financial reporting tools. For simple billing, it provides customizable invoices, recurring billing, and online payment acceptance through QuickBooks Payments. While it's powerful for small businesses, its extensive features can make it more than necessary for users seeking only basic billing functionality.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoices with branding and automation
- Integrated online payments and recurring billing options
- Strong bank reconciliation and basic reporting for billing oversight
Cons
- Overly complex interface with unnecessary advanced accounting features
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants focused on simple billing
- Monthly subscriptions start higher than basic invoicing alternatives
Best For
Small business owners needing reliable invoicing with some accounting integration but not ultra-simple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start plan with core invoicing), up to $200/month for Advanced; annual discounts available.
Xero
enterpriseOnline accounting platform with streamlined invoicing, bank feeds, and multi-currency support for SMBs.
Automatic bank reconciliation that matches transactions to invoices in real-time
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small businesses, offering robust invoicing and billing capabilities alongside full accounting features. It enables users to create professional invoices, set up recurring billing, accept online payments, and track receivables efficiently. While powerful for growing businesses, its comprehensive toolset may exceed the needs of users seeking purely simple billing solutions.
Pros
- Intuitive invoice creation with customizable templates and automation
- Seamless integrations with payment processors like Stripe and bank feeds
- Mobile app for on-the-go billing and real-time tracking
Cons
- Overkill for basic billing with unnecessary accounting extras
- Pricing scales up quickly for higher invoice volumes
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants due to full-feature depth
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers who want simple billing that can scale into comprehensive accounting without switching tools.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan, 20 invoices/500 bills) billed annually; higher tiers from $42/month for unlimited invoices and advanced features.
Hiveage
specializedInvoicing software for service providers featuring recurring bills, time tracking, and client portals.
Customizable client portals allowing clients to view invoices, pay online, and access project documents independently
Hiveage is a cloud-based invoicing and billing platform tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies. It enables users to create customizable invoices, track time and expenses, manage clients and projects, and accept payments via multiple gateways like Stripe and PayPal. The software also supports recurring billing, detailed financial reports, and client portals for easy access to documents and payments.
Pros
- Comprehensive invoicing with recurring billing and multi-currency support
- Integrated time tracking, expenses, and project management
- Seamless payment integrations and client self-service portals
Cons
- Pricing can feel steep for very basic billing needs
- No free plan, only a 14-day trial
- Advanced features may overwhelm absolute beginners
Best For
Freelancers and small teams needing an all-in-one solution for invoicing, time tracking, and client management without excessive complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $18/month (Solo plan, 1 client/user) up to $99/month (Ultimate, unlimited), billed annually for discounts; 14-day free trial.
Crater
otherFree open-source invoicing app for freelancers to manage invoices, payments, and customers self-hosted.
Fully open-source and self-hosted, ensuring zero subscription fees and complete data ownership
Crater is a free, open-source, self-hosted invoicing and billing software tailored for small businesses and freelancers. It enables users to create professional invoices, estimates, and recurring bills, track expenses and payments, manage customers and vendors, and generate basic reports with multi-currency and tax support. The platform emphasizes simplicity and data ownership, running entirely on the user's own server without subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Self-hosted for full data privacy and control
- Straightforward interface for core billing tasks like invoicing and expense tracking
Cons
- Requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Limited integrations and no native mobile app
- Community-based support only, no official helpdesk
Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers and small business owners who prioritize cost-free, customizable billing without relying on cloud services.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, self-hosted; optional paid hosting via partners)
Billdu
specializedMobile-first invoicing tool for creating, sending, and tracking bills across multiple devices.
SMS and WhatsApp invoice delivery for instant, contactless billing
Billdu is a user-friendly invoicing and billing app designed for small businesses, freelancers, and professionals to create invoices, quotes, receipts, and track expenses on the go. It supports multi-currency billing, online payments via Stripe and PayPal, recurring invoices, and basic inventory management through web and mobile apps. The platform emphasizes simplicity with features like PDF exports and client portals, making it ideal for straightforward billing needs.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Supports SMS invoicing and QR code payments for quick client billing
- Affordable pricing with a functional free plan
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
- Basic reporting and analytics capabilities
- Free plan restricted to 5 documents per month
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing simple, mobile-first invoicing without advanced CRM features.
Pricing
Free plan (5 docs/month); Pro €4.90/user/month (annual billing, unlimited docs); Enterprise €9.90/user/month with advanced features.
Conclusion
The reviewed billing software tools offer accessible and easy-to-use solutions for managing invoicing and payments, with Wave emerging as the top choice for its straightforward free invoicing and accounting features. FreshBooks and Zoho Invoice follow closely, each excelling in their own ways—whether through cloud-based integration or automated reminders—making them strong alternatives for different needs. All tools provide essential functionality, ensuring businesses can streamline their billing processes without unnecessary complexity.
Begin simplifying your billing today with Wave: a reliable, free option that lets you create, send, and track invoices effortlessly, making it the ideal starting point for small businesses and freelancers.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison