Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, payments, and reporting for small businesses.
- 2#2: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting platform offering automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small businesses.
- 3#3: FreshBooks - Intuitive invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and small service-based businesses with automated reminders and payments.
- 4#4: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and payment processing for small businesses.
- 5#5: Zoho Invoice - Free online invoicing app with time tracking, client portals, and multi-channel invoice delivery for small businesses.
- 6#6: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing platform with recurring billing, expense tracking, and payment integrations for freelancers and small teams.
- 7#7: ZipBooks - Free accounting software featuring smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and cash flow insights for small businesses.
- 8#8: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts hours into invoices with expense tracking and team collaboration for small agencies.
- 9#9: Square Invoices - Free mobile invoicing app integrated with payments and POS for small businesses handling on-the-go billing.
- 10#10: Hiveage - Online invoicing software with proposals, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers and small businesses.
Tools were evaluated on core features (invoicing automation, payment handling, time tracking), user experience (interface intuitiveness, accessibility), software quality (reliability, security), and value (pricing models, scalability) to prioritize both functionality and practicality for diverse small business needs.
Comparison Table
Small businesses rely on invoicing software to simplify cash flow and client interactions, with tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Wave, and Zoho Invoice offering unique strengths. This comparison table explores key features, pricing, and usability to help readers find the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, payments, and reporting for small businesses. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting platform offering automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | FreshBooks Intuitive invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and small service-based businesses with automated reminders and payments. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and payment processing for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Invoice Free online invoicing app with time tracking, client portals, and multi-channel invoice delivery for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing platform with recurring billing, expense tracking, and payment integrations for freelancers and small teams. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZipBooks Free accounting software featuring smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and cash flow insights for small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 8 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts hours into invoices with expense tracking and team collaboration for small agencies. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Square Invoices Free mobile invoicing app integrated with payments and POS for small businesses handling on-the-go billing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Hiveage Online invoicing software with proposals, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers and small businesses. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, payments, and reporting for small businesses.
User-friendly cloud accounting platform offering automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small businesses.
Intuitive invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and small service-based businesses with automated reminders and payments.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and payment processing for small businesses.
Free online invoicing app with time tracking, client portals, and multi-channel invoice delivery for small businesses.
Open-source invoicing platform with recurring billing, expense tracking, and payment integrations for freelancers and small teams.
Free accounting software featuring smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and cash flow insights for small businesses.
Time tracking and invoicing tool that converts hours into invoices with expense tracking and team collaboration for small agencies.
Free mobile invoicing app integrated with payments and POS for small businesses handling on-the-go billing.
Online invoicing software with proposals, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers and small businesses.
QuickBooks Online
specializedCloud-based accounting software that streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, payments, and reporting for small businesses.
Progress invoicing for breaking down large projects into milestone-based bills with automatic calculations.
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit, renowned for its robust invoicing capabilities tailored to small businesses. It enables users to create customizable, professional invoices, automate recurring billing, send payment reminders, and track overdue payments in real-time. Beyond invoicing, it integrates seamlessly with expense tracking, inventory management, and bank reconciliations to provide a complete financial overview.
Pros
- Extensive invoicing tools including templates, batch sending, and progress invoicing
- Integrated payment processing via QuickBooks Payments for faster collections
- Mobile app and real-time collaboration for on-the-go invoice management
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for users new to accounting software
- Occasional sync delays with bank feeds or large data volumes
Best For
Small business owners seeking an all-in-one invoicing solution integrated with comprehensive accounting and payment processing.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start, basic invoicing) up to $200/month (Advanced); discounts for annual billing, 30-day free trial available.
Xero
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting platform offering automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support for small businesses.
Direct in-invoice payment collection with automatic reconciliation via integrated gateways like Stripe
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, offering robust invoicing tools to create, customize, send, and track professional invoices with ease. It supports recurring invoices, multi-currency billing, and automated reminders for overdue payments, integrating seamlessly with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Beyond invoicing, it provides bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and real-time financial reporting to streamline overall financial management.
Pros
- Automated bank feeds and reconciliations save time
- Unlimited users and multi-currency support for growing teams
- Extensive third-party app integrations enhance invoicing workflow
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Customer support primarily email-based without phone option in lower tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking scalable invoicing integrated with comprehensive accounting and automation.
Pricing
Plans start at $20/month (Starter: basic invoicing) up to $130/month (Ultimate: full features), billed annually with discounts.
FreshBooks
specializedIntuitive invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for freelancers and small service-based businesses with automated reminders and payments.
Designer-quality, customizable invoices with automated late payment reminders that reportedly get paid 5 days faster on average
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, focusing on streamlined invoicing, time tracking, and expense management. It allows users to create professional, customizable invoices, track billable hours, manage projects, and accept online payments seamlessly. Additional features include automated recurring billing, client portals for approvals and payments, and basic reporting to simplify financial workflows without needing accounting expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface that's beginner-friendly
- Powerful invoicing tools with automation, recurring billing, and quick online payments
- Seamless integration of time tracking and project management for service businesses
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly based on clients and team members
- Lacks advanced accounting like inventory tracking or double-entry bookkeeping
- Reporting capabilities are solid but basic compared to full accounting suites
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, efficient invoicing and time tracking without complex accounting needs.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite: 5 clients), $33/month (Plus: 50 clients), $60/month (Premium: unlimited clients); 50% off first 3 months and annual discounts available.
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and payment processing for small businesses.
Unlimited free professional invoicing and basic accounting with no subscription fees
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers, offering unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic accounting features. It enables users to create professional invoices, send them via email, and accept online payments with integrated processing. While core tools are completely free, optional add-ons like payroll and payments incur transaction fees, making it ideal for cost-conscious users.
Pros
- Completely free core invoicing and accounting features with no limits on invoices or customers
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy on-the-go management
- Seamless payment integration with major cards and bank transfers
Cons
- Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + 30¢ per credit card)
- Limited advanced features like inventory tracking or detailed financial reporting
- Payroll available only in US and Canada with additional costs
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses seeking simple, no-cost invoicing without needing complex accounting tools.
Pricing
Free for invoicing, accounting, and receipts; 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; payroll starts at $20/month + $6/employee in supported regions.
Zoho Invoice
specializedFree online invoicing app with time tracking, client portals, and multi-channel invoice delivery for small businesses.
Unlimited invoicing and estimates on the free plan, even with client limits
Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing tool tailored for small businesses, enabling users to create professional invoices, estimates, purchase orders, and retainer invoices with ease. It includes time tracking, expense logging, multi-currency support, and client portals for self-service payments and approvals. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with other Zoho apps like CRM and Books, making it scalable for growing teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited invoices for up to 5 customers
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Robust integrations with payment gateways and Zoho apps
Cons
- Customer limit on free tier restricts scaling
- Advanced reporting and automation require paid upgrades
- Occasional glitches in multi-user collaboration
Best For
Freelancers and micro-businesses needing a free, user-friendly invoicing solution with room to grow into paid plans.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 customers; paid plans from $9/user/month (Basic) to $39/user/month (Premier) for more customers and advanced features.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing platform with recurring billing, expense tracking, and payment integrations for freelancers and small teams.
Fully free, open-source self-hosting with no limits on invoices or clients
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing platform tailored for small businesses and freelancers, enabling users to create, send, and manage professional invoices, quotes, expenses, and payments. It supports self-hosting for full control or cloud-hosted plans, with features like recurring billing, time tracking, multi-currency support, customizable templates, and client portals. The software integrates with popular payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal, and offers reporting tools for financial insights.
Pros
- Free self-hosted option with unlimited invoices and clients
- Rich feature set including recurring invoices, time tracking, and payment integrations
- Open-source for full customization and data ownership
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Cloud plans add costs and feature limits on lower tiers
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses seeking a powerful, cost-free invoicing solution with self-hosting flexibility.
Pricing
Free self-hosted (open-source); cloud-hosted plans start at $10/month for Starter (50 clients), $20/month for Pro (unlimited clients), up to Enterprise at $30+/month.
ZipBooks
specializedFree accounting software featuring smart invoicing, automated bookkeeping, and cash flow insights for small businesses.
Real-time profitability dashboard that visualizes cash flow and project margins instantly
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses, focusing on streamlined invoicing, time tracking, expense management, and basic bookkeeping. It enables users to create customizable invoices, track billable hours with automatic billing, and gain insights into profitability through real-time dashboards. The software emphasizes automation and simplicity, making it suitable for solopreneurs and small teams handling service-based work.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core invoicing features
- Intuitive, modern interface that's easy to navigate
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing for quick billing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Full accounting features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses seeking simple, affordable invoicing and time tracking without needing complex enterprise accounting.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; paid tiers start at $17/user/month (Healer), $37/user/month (Bookkeeper), and $60/user/month (Accountant), billed annually.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing tool that converts hours into invoices with expense tracking and team collaboration for small agencies.
One-click conversion of tracked time entries into customizable invoices
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing tool tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and agencies that bill by the hour or project. It enables effortless time logging via web, desktop, and mobile apps, with automatic conversion of tracked time into professional invoices. Additional features include expense tracking, payment processing via Stripe/PayPal, and basic reporting for profitability insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking directly into invoicing workflows
- Intuitive, clean interface with excellent mobile apps
- Strong integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Stripe, and Slack
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like full AP/AR or inventory management
- Pricing scales per user, which can become costly for growing teams
- Reporting is solid but not as customizable as dedicated accounting software
Best For
Freelancers, creative agencies, and service-based small businesses that primarily bill based on tracked time and need simple, straightforward invoicing.
Pricing
Free for 1 user (2 projects limit); Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) for unlimited projects, invoicing, and expenses.
Square Invoices
specializedFree mobile invoicing app integrated with payments and POS for small businesses handling on-the-go billing.
Seamless integration with Square POS for unified payments and instant deposits
Square Invoices is a free invoicing solution from Square that enables small businesses to create, customize, and send professional invoices via email, text, or shared links. It supports online payments, recurring billing, payment reminders, and tracking of invoice status in real-time. Seamlessly integrated with Square's POS and payment ecosystem, it allows for quick deposits and is accessible via web or mobile app.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees, only pay per transaction
- Intuitive mobile and web interface for quick invoice creation
- Instant payment notifications and fast deposits
Cons
- Processing fees (2.9% + 30¢ per card transaction) can add up for high volume
- Limited advanced features like in-depth reporting or inventory integration
- Basic customization compared to dedicated invoicing platforms
Best For
Small service-based businesses or Square POS users needing simple, mobile-friendly invoicing without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free to send unlimited invoices; transaction fees apply: 2.9% + 30¢ (card), 1% (ACH), no monthly fees.
Hiveage
specializedOnline invoicing software with proposals, recurring billing, and client management for freelancers and small businesses.
Seamless proposal-to-invoice conversion with built-in contract signing
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 projects, and accept payments via gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net. The software supports recurring billing, multi-currency invoicing, and client portals for collaboration and payments.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with unlimited invoices and clients on all plans
- Strong support for recurring billing and multi-currency transactions
- Integrated time tracking and expense management
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations than top alternatives
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based teams seeking simple, cost-effective invoicing without needing full accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (billed annually) for Solo plan; tiers up to $99/month for Enterprise, with 15-day free trial.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed small business invoicing tools, the top three—QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks—distinguish themselves with strong features that simplify invoicing, payments, and financial management. Leading the pack is QuickBooks Online, lauded for its comprehensive integration of invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, making it a versatile choice for diverse businesses. Xero and FreshBooks, though trailing, excel in user-friendliness and specialized tools like automation or time tracking, offering reliable alternatives for specific needs. In the end, the right software depends on a business’s unique workflow, but the top three deliver exceptional value.
Begin your invoicing journey with the top-ranked QuickBooks Online to streamline billing, reduce administrative hassle, and focus on what matters most—growing your business. If it doesn’t align with your needs, Xero or FreshBooks remain excellent options to explore based on your specific requirements and preferences.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison