Quick Overview
- 1#1: FreshBooks - Cloud-based invoicing and accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses with easy time tracking and expense management.
- 2#2: Wave - Free online invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software tailored for small businesses and solopreneurs.
- 3#3: Zoho Invoice - Free cloud invoicing tool with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for small businesses.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Online - Comprehensive online accounting platform featuring simple invoice creation, payments, and reporting for growing businesses.
- 5#5: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app with self-hosting options, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers.
- 6#6: Xero - Online accounting software offering straightforward invoicing, bank reconciliation, and payroll integration.
- 7#7: Square Invoices - Free digital invoicing tool integrated with payments and POS for small businesses and service providers.
- 8#8: Harvest - Time tracking and simple invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices automatically.
- 9#9: Invoice2go - Mobile-first invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking invoices on the go for small businesses.
- 10#10: ZipBooks - Free invoicing and accounting software with time tracking, bookkeeping, and profitability insights.
We ranked these tools by evaluating ease of use, feature sets (including automation, time tracking, and payment capabilities), reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs like freelancing, small business, and growth.
Comparison Table
Simplify billing processes with the right invoice software; this comparison table examines top tools like FreshBooks, Wave, Zoho Invoice, QuickBooks Online, Invoice Ninja, and more, guiding readers to key features, pricing, and usability to match their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FreshBooks Cloud-based invoicing and accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses with easy time tracking and expense management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Wave Free online invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software tailored for small businesses and solopreneurs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Invoice Free cloud invoicing tool with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for small businesses. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Online Comprehensive online accounting platform featuring simple invoice creation, payments, and reporting for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 5 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app with self-hosting options, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Xero Online accounting software offering straightforward invoicing, bank reconciliation, and payroll integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Square Invoices Free digital invoicing tool integrated with payments and POS for small businesses and service providers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Harvest Time tracking and simple invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices automatically. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Invoice2go Mobile-first invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking invoices on the go for small businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | ZipBooks Free invoicing and accounting software with time tracking, bookkeeping, and profitability insights. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
Cloud-based invoicing and accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses with easy time tracking and expense management.
Free online invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software tailored for small businesses and solopreneurs.
Free cloud invoicing tool with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for small businesses.
Comprehensive online accounting platform featuring simple invoice creation, payments, and reporting for growing businesses.
Open-source invoicing app with self-hosting options, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers.
Online accounting software offering straightforward invoicing, bank reconciliation, and payroll integration.
Free digital invoicing tool integrated with payments and POS for small businesses and service providers.
Time tracking and simple invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices automatically.
Mobile-first invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking invoices on the go for small businesses.
Free invoicing and accounting software with time tracking, bookkeeping, and profitability insights.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based invoicing and accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses with easy time tracking and expense management.
Seamless proposals and estimates that convert directly into invoices with automated follow-ups
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service professionals. It excels at creating professional invoices, tracking time and expenses, and automating payments and reminders to get users paid faster. Beyond basic invoicing, it offers project management, client portals, and reporting, all within an intuitive interface that requires no accounting expertise.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface perfect for non-accountants
- Automated invoice reminders and recurring billing
- Integrated time tracking and expense management that feeds directly into invoices
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for higher client volumes
- Limited inventory and product-based features
- Some advanced reporting requires premium plans
Best For
Freelancers, consultants, and small service-based businesses seeking professional invoicing with built-in time and project tracking.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); annual billing discounts apply.
Wave
specializedFree online invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning software tailored for small businesses and solopreneurs.
100% free unlimited professional invoicing with no subscription 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 professional invoices, send them via email, track payments, and manage basic accounting tasks like expense tracking and receipt scanning. With seamless integrations for payments via Stripe and PayPal, Wave simplifies cash flow management without any upfront costs for core features.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited invoicing and accounting
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with mobile app support
- Built-in payment reminders and recurring invoice automation
Cons
- Transaction fees on payments (2.9% + 30¢ per card)
- Limited advanced customization and reporting options
- Email-only support with no phone or live chat
Best For
Freelancers and micro-businesses seeking a no-cost, straightforward invoicing tool without complex accounting needs.
Pricing
Core invoicing and accounting free forever; payments via 2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction; payroll from $20/month + $6/employee.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree cloud invoicing tool with automation, multi-currency support, and client portals for small businesses.
Seamless multi-channel invoice delivery including WhatsApp, SMS, and email
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based tool tailored for small businesses and freelancers to create, send, and manage professional invoices with ease. It supports customizable templates, recurring billing, multi-currency options, and online payments via gateways like PayPal and Stripe. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it integrates smoothly with accounting, CRM, and project management apps for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices for up to 3 clients
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Robust integrations with Zoho apps and payment gateways
Cons
- Customer limit (3 on free plan) restricts scaling without upgrade
- Some advanced automation requires Zoho Books or other paid apps
- Interface can feel cluttered with ecosystem upsells
Best For
Freelancers and micro-businesses seeking a free, user-friendly invoicing solution with room to grow into the Zoho suite.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 3 clients; paid plans start at $9/organization/month (billed annually) for Basic, up to $29 for Professional.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseComprehensive online accounting platform featuring simple invoice creation, payments, and reporting for growing businesses.
Automated bank reconciliation that matches invoice payments instantly
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software with powerful invoicing tools, enabling users to create professional, customizable invoices, send them via email, and track payments in real-time. It supports recurring invoices, time tracking for billable hours, and integration with payment processors for seamless collections. While ideal for small businesses, its extensive features extend beyond simple invoicing to include expense management, reporting, and bank reconciliation.
Pros
- Robust invoicing with templates, automation, and payment reminders
- Seamless integration with bank feeds and payment gateways
- Mobile app for creating and managing invoices on the go
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive accounting features
- Monthly subscription pricing is higher than basic invoice apps
- Some advanced invoicing requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small business owners needing scalable invoicing that integrates with full accounting workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) for basic invoicing, up to $200/month (Advanced); 30-day free trial available.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app with self-hosting options, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers.
Fully open-source self-hosting for unlimited use and complete data control
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform designed for freelancers and small businesses to create, send, and manage professional invoices, quotes, and payments. It supports both self-hosted and cloud-hosted deployments, offering features like customizable templates, recurring billing, time tracking, expense management, and integrations with payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal. The software emphasizes flexibility and automation to streamline billing workflows without complexity.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with no usage limits
- Extensive customization and automation options
- Strong integrations with payments and accounting tools
Cons
- Dated interface that feels less modern
- Self-hosting requires technical setup knowledge
- Some advanced features limited in free hosted plan
Best For
Freelancers and small teams seeking a customizable, cost-effective invoicing tool with self-hosting flexibility.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; hosted plans start at $14/month (Starter) up to $28/month (Pro).
Xero
enterpriseOnline accounting software offering straightforward invoicing, bank reconciliation, and payroll integration.
Seamless automatic bank feeds and reconciliation tied directly to invoices
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that includes robust invoicing tools for small businesses, allowing users to create, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It supports features like recurring invoices, multi-currency billing, and automated payment reminders. While powerful for growing businesses, its full suite of accounting capabilities can make it more than needed for purely simple invoicing tasks.
Pros
- Professional invoice templates and customization options
- Automated bank reconciliation and payment tracking
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go invoicing
Cons
- Higher pricing for basic plans with invoice limits
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- No free plan, subscription-only model
Best For
Small business owners seeking scalable invoicing integrated with accounting and bank feeds.
Pricing
Plans start at $20/month (Early: 20 invoices/month); Standard at $37/month (unlimited invoices).
Square Invoices
specializedFree digital invoicing tool integrated with payments and POS for small businesses and service providers.
Seamless integration with Square POS for unified in-person and online sales tracking
Square Invoices is a free digital invoicing tool from Square designed for small businesses to create, send, and manage professional invoices quickly. It supports customization with logos and branding, recurring billing schedules, and seamless online payment acceptance via credit card, ACH, or digital wallets. The platform integrates tightly with Square's POS system for unified sales and invoicing tracking, with automatic payment reminders to reduce overdue invoices.
Pros
- Completely free to use with no monthly fees
- Intuitive interface for quick invoice creation and sending
- Built-in payment processing with fast deposits
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to payments received
- Limited advanced features like time tracking or project management
- Customization options are basic compared to dedicated invoicing apps
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers needing simple, cost-free invoicing with reliable payment collection.
Pricing
Free software; processing fees of 2.9% + 30¢ per keyed card payment, 2.6% + 10¢ for swiped, ACH at 1%.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and simple invoicing software that converts hours logged into professional invoices automatically.
One-click invoice generation directly from time entries and expenses
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing software tailored for freelancers, agencies, and small teams to log billable hours, expenses, and generate professional invoices effortlessly. It automates the conversion of time entries into customizable invoices, supports online payments via Stripe and PayPal, and provides reporting for profitability insights. While powerful for time-based billing, it offers straightforward invoicing tools suitable for simple needs without deep accounting features.
Pros
- Seamless time tracking to invoice automation
- Intuitive and visually appealing interface
- Robust integrations with payment processors and tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Per-user pricing scales quickly for teams
- Less optimal for fixed-price or product-based invoicing
- No native support for inventory or advanced tax handling
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies billing primarily by tracked hours who want an all-in-one time and simple invoicing solution.
Pricing
Pro plan starts at $12/user/month (billed annually); includes unlimited invoices and time tracking; 30-day free trial, no free tier.
Invoice2go
specializedMobile-first invoicing app for creating, sending, and tracking invoices on the go for small businesses.
Instant SMS invoicing for direct client billing without email
Invoice2go is a mobile-first invoicing platform tailored for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses to create, send, and track professional invoices from any device. It offers customizable templates, automated payment reminders, multi-currency support, and integration with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Beyond basic invoicing, it includes expense tracking, time logging, and client management to simplify financial workflows.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go invoicing
- Quick SMS and email invoice delivery
- Reliable payment tracking with automated reminders
Cons
- No free plan beyond 30-day trial
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features
- Limited customization in lower plans
Best For
Freelancers and mobile-first small business owners who prioritize speed and simplicity in invoicing from smartphones.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month (Essentials, billed annually); Premium at $49/month, Ultimate at $99/month; 30-day free trial.
ZipBooks
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software with time tracking, bookkeeping, and profitability insights.
Forever-free plan with unlimited invoicing and professional templates
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers, offering straightforward invoicing alongside basic bookkeeping and expense tracking. Users can create professional, customizable invoices in seconds, send them via email, and accept payments through integrated gateways like Stripe and PayPal. While it starts simple, higher plans unlock AI-powered bookkeeping and advanced reporting, making it scalable for growing teams.
Pros
- Forever-free plan with unlimited invoices and customers
- Intuitive interface for quick invoice creation and sending
- Seamless payment integrations for faster collections
Cons
- Advanced features like bank sync and AI bookkeeping require paid upgrades
- Reporting is basic in the free tier
- Customer support is email-only for free users
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking a no-cost, user-friendly invoicing tool with room to scale.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $17/month (Starter), $37/month (Pro), and $55/month (Elite).
Conclusion
Exploring top simple invoice software uncovers a mix of effective tools, each catering to unique needs. FreshBooks leads as the top choice, boasting user-friendly features for freelancers and small businesses. Wave and Zoho Invoice stand out as strong alternatives, with Wave offering free, accessible tools for solopreneurs and Zoho Invoice impressing with automation and multi-currency support. Ultimately, while FreshBooks shines brightest, the right pick depends on individual business requirements, all providing essential simplicity to streamline invoicing.
Take the first step toward smoother invoicing by trying FreshBooks—its intuitive tools can transform how you manage bills and get paid, setting your business up for efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.