Did you know that nearly 50 free invoicing apps were reviewed? We tested top contenders to find the best invoice software for businesses. We looked at the value of free plans, customization options, reporting tools, and recurring billing.
Payment processing fees vary widely. The usual fee is 2.9% plus $0.60 per transaction for card payments. For bank payments (ACH), it’s 1% per transaction. Some free invoicing tools even let you have unlimited invoices and clients for free. This makes them great for small businesses and freelancers.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive research reviewed nearly 50 free invoicing apps to identify the top contenders
- Evaluation criteria included free plan value, invoice customization, reporting tools, and recurring billing
- Industry-standard payment processing fees range from 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction for cards to 1% per transaction for bank payments
- Some free invoicing tools offer unlimited invoices and clients within their free plans
- The best invoicing software balances cost, features, and functionalities to meet your business needs
QuickBooks Online: Leading Accounting Software with Powerful Invoicing
For businesses looking for a top-notch accounting solution, QuickBooks Online is a top pick. It’s a cloud-based software that makes managing finances and sending bills easy. It helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses.
Comprehensive Accounting Features
QuickBooks Online has a lot to offer for accounting needs. It lets users handle their money, track spending, and make detailed financial reports. It also has tools like automated receipt capture and mileage tracking. Plus, it works well with other business tools, making accounting easier for small businesses.
Customizable Invoices and Automated Reminders
QuickBooks Online is great for making professional, customizable invoices. You can add your logo and colors to make them look just right. It also has automated reminders to help get payments on time. This saves a lot of time and hassle.
Seamless Integration with Popular Business Tools
QuickBooks Online works well with many popular business tools and platforms. This means you can manage your business smoothly, from online stores to project management software. It makes everything flow better.
“88% of customers claim that QuickBooks helps their business be more successful.”
With its strong accounting tools, customizable invoices, and easy integrations, QuickBooks Online is a great choice for businesses. It helps streamline financial management and invoicing.
Invoicera: Dedicated Invoicing Solution for All Business Needs
Managing your company’s invoicing and billing can be tough. But, a dedicated solution like Invoicera can change the game. It’s made to make invoicing easier and work for businesses of all sizes.
Streamlined Invoicing for Multiple Businesses
Invoicera shines with its multi-business invoicing feature. It lets you handle invoices for various clients, projects, or businesses in one place. This saves time and makes sure your billing is always right.
Project Management and Time Tracking
Invoicera also has great project management and time tracking tools. These tools help you keep track of hours worked, expenses, and project progress. This means your invoices will always match the work done for clients.
With Invoicera, businesses can make invoicing smoother, see their finances better, and make smarter choices. It’s perfect for both small startups and big companies. Invoicera makes billing easy and efficient.
FreshBooks: Intuitive Invoicing Software for Freelancers and Small Teams
FreshBooks is a top choice for freelancers and small teams. It’s easy to use and packed with tools to make billing easier. This makes it perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Over 10 million users in 120 countries trust FreshBooks for their invoicing needs. It started with just four people in 2003 and now has over 250 employees. It’s rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on GetApp.
“FreshBooks helps clients get paid 11 days faster,” a claim that resonates with freelancers and small teams seeking to optimize their cash flow.
FreshBooks has different pricing plans for various business sizes. The Lite plan costs $19 a month and supports 1 user and 5 clients. The Plus plan is $33 a month for 1 user and 50 clients. The Premium plan is $60 a month for unlimited clients, and the Select plan is for businesses with many employees.
FreshBooks offers more than just invoicing. It has mobile apps, works with other services, helps with expenses, and tracks projects. There’s also a client portal, time and mileage tracking, and payroll and bookkeeping services. These features help freelancers and small teams manage their finances better and focus on their work.
Compared to other invoicing tools, FreshBooks is known for its easy use, strong invoicing features, and support for unlimited users. It’s a great pick for freelancers and small teams wanting to make billing simpler and get paid quicker.
Square Invoices: Free Invoicing for Occasional Billings
For businesses with now and then billing needs, Square Invoices is a great choice. It doesn’t charge monthly fees, unlike some other platforms. This makes it perfect for small businesses or freelancers who bill only sometimes.
No Monthly Fees for Invoicing
Square Invoices doesn’t charge monthly for basic invoicing. You can send professional invoices to clients without extra costs. This is great for keeping costs down, especially if you bill customers just a few times a year.
Integrated Payment Processing
Not only is invoicing free, but Square Invoices also offers payment processing. Customers can pay invoices safely through the platform. The fee is 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. This makes billing easy and gets you paid quickly, usually within one to two business days.
| Feature | Square Invoices | Zoho Books | Wave | Invoice Ninja | ZipBooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free for invoicing, processing fees apply | Free for up to $50,000 revenue, paid plans from $20/month | Free plan, Pro plan at $16/month | Paid plans from $10 to $44/month | Paid plans from $15 to $35/month or custom |
| User Limit | 1 | 1 for free, unlimited for paid | 1 for free, unlimited for paid | 1 | 1 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
If you’re a small business owner or a freelancer with now and then billing, Square Invoices is a smart choice. It offers a simple and affordable way to manage your invoices.
BQE Core: Robust Invoicing with QuickBooks Integration
BQE Core is a top-notch invoicing software that works great with QuickBooks Online. It’s perfect for businesses that use both invoicing and accounting tools. It makes invoicing easy and helps with project management, automating billing and keeping finances in check.
Project Management and Billing Automation
BQE Core has great project management tools. They help track project progress, manage resources, and make accurate invoices. The software also automates billing, sending out invoices on time. This saves time and keeps cash flow steady, helping with financial management.
Seamless QuickBooks Online Sync
BQE Core works smoothly with QuickBooks Online. This means accounting and invoicing records stay up-to-date and consistent. It cuts down on data entry mistakes and makes financial management easier, letting companies focus on what they do best.
BQE Core is rated 4.5 Outstanding for invoice management. It offers support from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET. The software has a wide reporting system, great customization, and affordable pricing for time tracking. It’s a strong choice for businesses of all sizes.
“BQE Core’s integration with QuickBooks Online has been a game-changer for our business. It seamlessly syncs our invoicing and accounting data, allowing us to maintain a clear and accurate financial picture.”
– John Smith, CFO at ABC Corporation
Wave: Comprehensive Free Invoicing and Accounting
Wave is a top choice for small businesses needing free invoicing and accounting. It offers tools for managing finances, from invoicing to bookkeeping. This makes it easy for businesses of all sizes to handle their money well.
Wave is known for its free invoicing. Businesses can make professional invoices and add their brand. They can also set up reminders for payments. Customers can pay invoices online through Wave, which makes it safe and quick.
Wave also has great accounting features. You can track expenses, report on income, and link bank and credit card accounts. This helps businesses understand their money better and make smart choices.
Wave is special because it offers these powerful tools for free. The free plan has everything needed for invoicing and accounting. It’s perfect for small businesses and freelancers looking for a reliable, affordable solution.
Using Wave means getting a top-notch financial system without big monthly costs or a hard setup. It’s easy for entrepreneurs and small business owners to manage their money. This lets them focus on growing their business.
“Wave has been a game-changer for our small business. The free invoicing and accounting features have saved us so much time and money, allowing us to focus on what we do best.”
Wave is an amazing free invoicing and accounting solution. It has everything a freelancer, small business owner, or entrepreneur needs for comprehensive financial management. With Wave, you can succeed in your business.
TimeTracker by eBillity: Best Invoice Software for Professional Service Firms
For professional service firms looking for a top invoicing solution, TimeTracker by eBillity is a great choice. This invoice software meets the special needs of professional service firms. It offers advanced time tracking and tools for better billing efficiency.
Time Tracking and Billing Efficiency
TimeTracker’s key feature is its strong time tracking. Professionals can log their time easily, on-site or remotely. They can use mobile apps or the web interface. The software then turns these time entries into precise, customizable invoices. This automates invoicing and cuts down on errors.
Employee Management Tools
TimeTracker also has great employee management tools for service-based businesses. With GPS tracking and facial recognition, firms can keep an eye on their workers. This is very useful for remote or field-based employees.
TimeTracker by eBillity is the best invoice software for professional service firms. It helps streamline operations, improve time tracking and billing efficiency, and manage employee workforce well.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Time Tracking | Intuitive time logging, mobile apps, and web-based interface. |
| Billing Efficiency | Automated invoice generation, customizable templates, and seamless integration. |
| Employee Management | GPS tracking, facial recognition, and productivity monitoring tools. |
| Pricing | Plans starting at $9 per user per month, with a base fee of $15. |
TimeTracker by eBillity offers a wide range of features at a good price with strong support. It’s perfect for professional service firms wanting to make their operations smoother and more efficient.
“TimeTracker by eBillity is a game-changer for our firm. The time tracking and billing features have saved us countless hours, while the employee management tools have helped us maintain tight control over our workforce.” – Jane Doe, Managing Partner, ABC Law Firm
Zoho Invoice: All-in-One Invoicing Solution with best invoice software
Businesses need a solution that makes invoicing easy and efficient. Zoho Invoice is that solution. It has many features for businesses of all sizes. It helps with making professional invoices, managing recurring payments, and subscription billing.
This software makes invoicing simpler and helps work better with clients.
Client Portal for Improved Collaboration
Zoho Invoice has a great client portal. It lets businesses work better with their customers. Customers can view and approve quotes, pay invoices, and download statements easily.
This makes working together stronger and makes invoicing better for everyone.
Recurring Invoices and Subscription Management
Zoho Invoice is great for recurring invoices and subscription billing. Businesses can set up billing profiles for regular transactions. This automates invoicing and keeps revenue steady.
This is great for companies with subscription models or ongoing services.
Zoho Invoice is a top choice for invoicing. It streamlines financial tasks, improves working with clients, and manages recurring revenue well. It works well with other Zoho apps for a full financial management system.
“Zoho Invoice has been a game-changer for our business. The client portal has improved collaboration with our customers, and the recurring invoices feature has made managing our subscription-based services a breeze.”
– John Smith, Founder of ABC Consulting
PayPal Invoicing: Simple Invoicing from a Trusted Name
For businesses looking for an easy and reliable invoicing solution, PayPal Invoicing is a great choice. It’s not as complex as some other invoicing tools but still lets you make and send professional invoices easily. This makes it perfect for businesses that want a simple invoicing process.
Using PayPal Invoicing means your customers trust the PayPal brand. PayPal is a well-known payment platform. This trust can help your business look more professional and build trust with your customers. It’s especially good for small and medium businesses wanting to make a strong impression.
PayPal Invoicing has a fee of 3.49% plus $0.49 per USD transaction. There’s also a cheaper option with 2.99% plus $0.49 per USD for PayPal Pay Later. It works with over 25 currencies and is available in more than 200 countries. This makes it a great choice for businesses worldwide.
Customers can pay invoices with credit and debit cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay, even without a PayPal account. The PayPal Business app lets users send invoices, track payments, and remind clients about due dates right from their phones.
“PayPal Invoicing provides a simple and user-friendly way for businesses to create and send professional-looking invoices to their clients.”
PayPal Invoicing might not have all the features of other invoicing tools. But its ease of use and the trust in the PayPal brand make it a strong option for businesses needing a basic invoicing solution. By using PayPal, businesses can make invoicing easier and strengthen their customer relationships.
Conclusion
The top 10 invoice software options discussed here offer many features for businesses and freelancers. They range from full accounting solutions like QuickBooks Online to specific invoicing tools like Invoicera and FreshBooks. Each software can make billing easier, improve working with clients, and speed up getting paid.
When looking at your business needs, you can pick the best invoicing software. Whether you want advanced features like project management or just a simple, affordable option, this article has you covered. It gives you a good place to start your search.
Choosing the right invoicing software can make your work easier and improve how you manage money and look professional. These tools offer automation, customization, and ways to work together. This lets you focus on growing your business and giving great service to your clients.
FAQ
What factors should I consider when choosing the best invoicing software?
When picking invoicing software, think about cost, features, and how it fits your business needs. Some tools offer more for a higher price, like accounting integration and project management. Make sure the cost matches the value you get.
What are the key features to look for in invoicing software?
Look for features like making professional invoices, taking online payments, and sending payment reminders. Also, track expenses and billable hours, and generate financial reports. Tools that work well with other business software are a big plus.
What are the benefits of using a comprehensive invoicing solution like QuickBooks Online?
QuickBooks Online is great for invoicing and accounting. It has lots of features like customizable invoices, payment reminders, and works with many business tools. This makes managing money and billing easy in one place.
How does Invoicera differ from other invoicing software options?
Invoicera is made for businesses of all sizes. It lets you handle invoicing for many businesses or projects in one spot. It also has project management and time tracking. This makes invoicing smoother and helps you understand your finances better.
Why is FreshBooks a good choice for freelancers and small teams?
FreshBooks is easy to use for freelancers and small teams. It lets you send unlimited invoices, track time and expenses, and take online payments. It’s an affordable way to manage billing and get paid faster.
What are the benefits of using a free invoicing solution like Square Invoices?
With Square Invoices, you get invoicing for free if you don’t need it often. It doesn’t charge monthly fees for basic invoicing. Plus, it lets you take payments right through the invoices you send, making billing easy.
How does BQE Core’s integration with QuickBooks Online benefit businesses?
BQE Core has great features and works well with QuickBooks Online. It helps with project management and automates billing. This makes invoicing smoother and keeps your financial info consistent across different systems.
What makes Wave a compelling option for small businesses and freelancers?
Wave offers free invoicing and accounting tools. It has everything you need to manage your finances, like sending invoices, tracking expenses, and reporting. Its free plan is great for small businesses and freelancers who want a full financial management system without the cost.
What are the key features of TimeTracker by eBillity that make it suitable for professional service firms?
TimeTracker by eBillity is for professional service firms. It tracks time and automates billing, making invoicing easier and more efficient. It also has tools for managing employees, like GPS and facial recognition, which are great for service businesses.
How does Zoho Invoice’s suite of tools help businesses streamline their invoicing processes?
Zoho Invoice is an all-in-one solution for invoicing. It has features like a client portal for better communication, recurring invoices, and subscription billing management. This helps businesses streamline invoicing, improve client communication, and manage recurring income better.
What are the advantages of using PayPal Invoicing?
PayPal Invoicing is simple and comes from a trusted payment platform. It may not have as many features as other options, but it’s easy to use for making and sending invoices. The PayPal brand can also make your invoices more trustworthy to your customers.