Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers

Do you know freelancers using online invoicing get paid faster? They see a 20% boost in on-time payments. This beats using Excel or Word for invoices. The fight against late payments is easier with great apps. FreshBooks, for example, comes highly recommended. It’s known for the many features that fit freelancers’ varied needs.

Freelancers need more than basic tools for finances. Top invoice generators make billing easy. They offer automated reminders and track expenses. These tools are key in keeping clients happy and projects on time. Finding the right billing software is essential for freelancers.

Key Takeaways

A significant portion of freelancers prefer web-based invoicing software for its accessibility and security.
FreshBooks is highly recommended due to its integration with payment gateways and advanced invoicing options.
FreeAgent is particularly popular in the UK, indicating strong regional preferences.
Platforms like Zoho Invoice can save freelancers up to two hours per month with features like automatic payment reminders.
Freelancers should look for features such as time tracking, recurring invoices, and expense management when selecting invoicing software.

Introduction to Freelance Invoicing Software

Freelancers need easy ways to handle their money. This is where freelance invoicing solutions come in. They make creating invoices easy and help keep track of payments. Since getting paid on time is crucial, these tools are a must-have for freelancers. Let’s talk about why they’re so important and what to look for in one.

Why Freelancers Need Dedicated Invoicing Solutions

Invoices are key to keeping money flowing. Yet, many freelancers face late payments. In fact, 74% don’t get paid on time, and 59% are owed a lot, up to $50,000. This is where freelance accounting software helps. It sends automatic reminders and works with many payment systems to smooth out payment processes.

The Time-Saving Benefits of Automation

Using automation for invoicing saves a lot of time. It lets you create invoices automatically, set up repeat billings, and send payment reminders. This cuts down on admin work and lowers errors too. Wave, for example, can remind clients to pay and accepts credit cards, which is great for managing money better.

Key Features to Look for in Invoicing Software

Choosing freelance accounting software means looking at certain features. Here’s a list of what some popular tools offer:

Software	Key Features	Pricing
QuickBooks Self-Employed	Invoice creation, payment tracking, & tax filing	$20 per month
FreshBooks	Invoice customization, time tracking, & project management	$17 – $55 per month
Wave	Invoicing in any currency, payment reminders	Free – $149 per month
Zoho Invoice	Online payments, customizable templates	$20 per month
Xero	Advanced invoicing, business insights, real-time cash flow	$15 – $75 per month

When picking software, focus on what you need. Be sure to look at reviews and expert opinions. This invoicing software comparison will help you pick the best tool. It will improve how you work and ensure you get paid on time.

FreshBooks: A Comprehensive Invoicing Tool

FreshBooks is a top pick for freelancers needing invoicing tools. It has all the features freelancers need, like custom invoices and time tracking. It also easily works with other apps. We’ll look at its top features, prices, what’s good and bad, how it connects with other tools, and its mobile app.

Highlighted Features and Pricing Plans

For freelancers and small businesses, FreshBooks has special features. These include making your own invoice templates, sending bills out regularly, and tracking time. It has three set plans to choose from, and if you need something more, they offer a custom plan:

Lite Plan
Plus Plan
Premium Plan
Select Plan (custom pricing for businesses with complex needs)

There’s a 30-day free trial for anyone who wants to try it out. You don’t even need to give your credit card info. This lets you see all FreshBooks’ tools with no cost.

Pros and Cons of Using FreshBooks

FreshBooks makes invoicing easy and comes with good ways to talk to clients. It has lots of pricing options to fit different needs. But, it’s good to know it’s not perfect.

Pros:

Over 100 app integrations
High customer satisfaction with a 4.5 rating on GetApp
Award-winning support team, rated 4.8/5.0
Clients get paid on average 11 days faster
Accessible via a mobile invoicing app

Cons:

Additional costs for more users
Lack of certain advanced features like comprehensive audit trails

Integration Capabilities and Mobile App

FreshBooks is great at working with many apps, including PayPal, Shopify, and Gusto. These links between apps help freelancers manage work better. This is especially true for those who use many tools together. The mobile invoicing app adds even more value. It lets freelancers do their billing, time tracking, and expenses from anywhere.

Feature	FreshBooks	Invoice Ninja	Zoho Invoice	QuickBooks Online
App Integrations	100+	1,000+	Multilingual, Multi-currency	Numerous integrations
Pricing Plans	3 fixed, 1 custom	Free (limited features), Paid (advanced features)	Free plan available	3 paid plans
Customer Ratings	4.5 (GetApp)	Not specified	Not specified	Generally high
Mobile App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Lastly, FreshBooks is a top choice for freelancers who need strong financial tools and a great mobile app.

Wave: Best Free Invoicing Software for Budget-Conscious Freelancers

Wave Invoicing is perfect for freelancers wanting a powerful tool that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a great mix of free invoicing and basic accounting. This makes handling your money smooth and easy.

Free Invoicing and Accounting Combination

Wave’s key feature is joining invoicing and accounting together. It lets you send unlimited professional invoices for free. Its accounting side helps with tracking expenses, scanning receipts, and connecting with banks. This setup is perfect for freelancers to manage money without spending a dime.

Mobile Access and Client Management

Being able to work from anywhere is a big plus for freelancers, and Wave’s mobile app ensures they can. It allows for sending invoices, checking payments, and handling client info on the go. 70% of freelancers ask for mobile invoicing, and Wave meets that wish. Plus, it makes it easy for clients to pay online and tracks those transactions too.

Limitations and Suitability for Small Businesses

Wave is top for those on a tight budget, especially freelancers and small startups. However, it might not be enough for quickly growing companies. It lacks deep inventory tracking, something found in 60% of leading invoicing tools. Also, it only lets you use its payment system, which might not suit all businesses. Even with these points, Wave is a solid free option for small operations.

Software	Core Features	Best For
Wave	Free invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning	Freelancers, Solopreneurs
FreshBooks	Invoicing, expense tracking, project management	Small Businesses
Zoho Invoice	Customizable invoices, recurring billing	Budget-Conscious Businesses

Square Invoices: Simplifying Payment Processing

Managing your finances becomes easy with Square Invoices. It’s known for being simple to use. Square Invoices has changed how we handle payments online. It’s popular with freelancers and businesses for its strong features and easy use.

Unlimited Invoicing and Client Management

Square Invoices lets you send as many invoices as you need. There’s no extra charge for this. It’s fast too; many invoices get paid within a day. This shows how well-loved and useful it is.

Integration with Square’s Payment Platform

Square Invoices links smoothly with Square’s other payment tools. It means you can take various forms of payment, like credit cards or bank transfers. This is great for different businesses, from contractors to freelancers.

You can do a lot with it. For example, contractors can do estimates, and landscapers can set up recurring bills. Mobile payments are easy for freelancers with Square Invoices.

Cons of Square Invoices for Freelancers

But, Square Invoices isn’t perfect for everyone. Some freelancers really like to personalize their invoices. The free plan doesn’t let you add your custom fields or turn estimates into invoices automatically.

If you need special invoice features, you might need to pay for a premium plan. The software is rated 4 out of 5 by users, pointing out it’s good but could be better.

Despite a few downsides, Square Invoices is an excellent choice for many. It brings together ease, trust, and great features. Both freelancers and businesses find it helpful for getting paid on time.

Bonsai: Streamlining Projects and Payments

Bonsai is a tool that makes project management and invoicing easy for freelancers and small teams. It helps by doing most of the work for you. This includes making invoices and tracking payments.

Automated Invoice Creation and Payment Tracking

Using Bonsai means you won’t spend too much time on invoices. It automatically sends out invoices and reminds clients to pay. You can even set it up to add late fees for past due bills. Clients can pay by credit card, ACH payments, or PayPal, which is really convenient.

Comprehensive Project Management Features

Bonsai isn’t just about invoices. It has a lot of tools for managing all parts of a project. This includes making proposals, tracking time, managing tasks, and keeping up with your budget. This helps many businesses work more smoothly.

Pricing Tiers and Limitations

There are three types of pricing plans for Bonsai:

Plan	Cost (per month)	Main Features
Starter	$21	Unlimited clients, various templates, automated invoicing
Professional	$32	All Starter features, priority support, additional collaborators
Business	$66	All Professional features, advanced reporting, tax assistance

While Bonsai has many great features, there are a few things it doesn’t do. For example, you need to pick a higher-priced plan if you want more people to work on a project with you. Also, there’s no phone support for quick questions. But, it’s still a top choice for many due to its excellent project and invoice management tools.

HoneyBook: Enhancing Client Experience

HoneyBook is a leader in client management software. It is known for its ability to make invoicing easy. By putting all the key features in one place, it makes work clear and enjoyable for both clients and users.

How HoneyBook Streamlines Invoicing

HoneyBook makes creating and managing payments simple. You can make invoices with professional designs in just a few clicks. It lets you send the same invoice automatically, making sure you get paid on time. In fact, with HoneyBook, members have earned over $8 billion and get 90% of their invoices paid right on time.

Client Experience and Integration Features

HoneyBook is great at improving how clients feel. It keeps everything organized, with 95% of users saying so. Plus, it works smoothly with other tools. From when you get paid to talking with clients, HoneyBook is there for you. And its mobile app wins high marks, with a 4.7 rating from 6.7K users.

HoneyBook’s Pricing Plans and Limitations

HoneyBook fits different professional needs with its various plans. But, to use it, you must also use its payment service. This service has processing fees, such as 2.9% + 25¢ for cards and 1.5% for ACH payments. Plus, QuickBooks integration is only in higher plans.

In the end, HoneyBook’s features make running a business easier. It improves how you work with clients and manage payments. This makes it a must-have for freelancers and small businesses.

Zoho Invoice: Budget-Friendly for Solo Freelancers

Zoho Invoice is great for solo freelancers who need an easy way to handle their invoices. It’s not just about the price, it comes with lots of useful features too. This tool aims to cut down the time you spend on admin tasks, letting you focus more on your work and your clients.

Customizable Invoice Templates and Online Payments

Zoho Invoice lets you design your own customizable invoice templates. This makes your invoices look professional and personal. It also works smoothly with 11 different online payment methods, like PayPal, Stripe, and Razorpay. Sending invoices and reminders is quick. It gives your clients a hassle-free way to pay you.

Expense Tracking and Time Management

U.S. small businesses love Zoho Invoice for its expenses and time tracking. It helps you keep an eye on what you spend and how you use your time. This is key to staying on budget. Its easy-to-use design works on both phones and computers. You also get tools for managing quotes, project updates, and customer info. All these features help you keep your business in order.

Even better, Zoho Invoice has a free plan for freelancers. It allows up to five client contacts. You can work on three projects and share with another user as your team grows. And if you’re stuck, they offer support by email and phone nearly all the time. They want to make sure you’re always able to get help when you need it.

In short, Zoho Invoice is full of features that are a must-have for freelancers. With editable templates and tools for handling your bills and time, it’s a part of a professional’s daily toolbox. It’s budget-friendly yet powerful, making your financial tasks easier and more professional.

QuickBooks Self-Employed: Accounting and Invoicing

QuickBooks Self-Employed is a must-have for freelancers. It offers tools for both accounting and invoicing. This software is made for solopreneurs and consultants. It mixes finance oversight with easy-to-use features.

Key Features Tailored for Freelancers

Freelancers can sort transactions easily with QuickBooks Self-Employed. It has mileage tracking and lets you tag expenses, which is great for managing on the move. You can also make and track invoices simply, making finance management easy.

Integration with TurboTax for Easy Tax Filing

One key feature is its TurboTax integration. This makes filing taxes easy by moving your financial data to TurboTax. It’s especially helpful for freelancers filing their own taxes as sole proprietors.

Pricing and Subscription Options

There are several subscription levels for every need. The basic plan costs $15 a month, good for tracking expenses and making invoices. There’s a tier for taxes too, at $25 a month, which includes TurboTax. For even more help, there’s a $35 per month option with live CPA support. QuickBooks also offers a 50% discount for the first three months. New users get a 30-day free trial.

No contract or commitment, allowing easy switching between plans or cancellation at any time
QuickBooks Payments account available, subject to eligibility and credit approval
Terms include either a free trial for 30 days or a discount for the initial three months of service

Plan	Price Per Month	Key Features
Self-Employed	$15	Expense tracking, create invoices
Self-Employed Tax Bundle	$25	Includes TurboTax subscription
Self-Employed Live Tax Bundle	$35	Live CPA support

Freelancers who use QuickBooks Self-Employed find managing finances simple. It’s a great choice because of the TurboTax integration for tax filing.

Xero: Advanced Invoicing with Business Insights

Freelancers need the right tools to handle their money. Xero is a top pick for this, serving as advanced invoicing software. It’s made for freelancers, those working alone, and small companies. It focuses on making things automatic and easy.

Comprehensive Invoicing and Accounting Features

Xero is packed with features for making invoices. It has different kinds of invoices for jobs like construction and consulting. You can set it to add up the total with taxes and let you add PO numbers. This way, payments won’t get slowed down. And, if you start needing to send out more than 20 invoices, you can easily upgrade.

Real-Time Cash Flow Monitoring

One big plus of Xero is watching your money move in real-time. You can see when invoices get paid. This info updates every quarter, giving you a clear picture. For those needing to look at their finances a bit deeper or plan a month ahead, the Established plan is there. It makes careful financial planning easier.

Integration with Other Apps and Platforms

Xero is great because it links with lots of other apps and tools. This helps freelancers get more done with less hassle. Plus, they offer a deal if you use the same email for different businesses. It’s a smart way to save money while managing all your ventures efficiently.

Customizable invoices and multiple templates
Automatic tax and total calculations
Advanced planning and business financial insights with the Established plan
Real-time cash flow dashboard
Seamless integration with other tools
Discounts for multiple Xero organizations

Xero’s advanced invoicing software is ideal for freelancers who want a full set of tools and up-to-the-minute business financial insights.

OnlineInvoices: Customizable and Affordable Solutions

OnlineInvoices is perfect for small to medium-sized freelance businesses. It’s known for being budget-friendly. Freelancers love it because it lets them create their own unique and professional invoices. The software also has a client portal for easy customer interaction.

Invoice Customization and Client Portal

You can make your invoices look exactly how you want with OnlineInvoices. Add your logo, pick colors, and format it your way. The client portal makes it easy for customers to view, pay, and talk to you about invoices online.

Flexible Subscription Tiers

OnlineInvoices has flexible subscription tiers to fit different business levels. You can choose to pay monthly or yearly, with savings on yearly plans. This way, you get all the features you need without spending too much.

Automated Reminders and Recurring Invoices

For freelancers with regular clients, OnlineInvoices’ recurring invoices are a game-changer. This feature automates billing, saving you time. Plus, the software sends reminders to clients so you get paid on time.

Feature	OnlineInvoices	FreshBooks	Wave Invoicing
Starting Price	Varies by tier	$19/month	$0
Recurring Invoices	Yes	Yes	Yes
Client Portal	Yes	No	No
Customization	High	Moderate	Limited

How to Select the Right Invoicing Software for Freelancers

Choosing the right invoicing software is key for freelancers to keep track of their finances. With more than two million Americans beginning freelancing in the last year, the need for dependable invoicing tools is at its peak. When picking your software, here’s what you should keep in mind:

Assessing Your Specific Needs

First, know what your business needs. Maybe you need to create detailed reports or manage lots of transactions. Tools like PayPal and Invoice Ninja are great for small jobs. For bigger needs, Wave offers customizable invoices for large client lists.

Comparing Features and Pricing

It’s important to check a software’s features to make sure it fits your needs. Software such as Wave, FreshBooks, and Bonsai are good to compare. FreshBooks’ plans range from $25 to $50 a month, meeting various client volumes. Harvest has a $12 a month premium option, and Invoice Ninja’s free plan can handle up to 50 clients.

Considering Integration and Mobile Access

Look for tools that connect with other software and those that offer mobile access. Wave and Bonsai, for example, work well with services like Stripe and PayPal. This makes things smoother for you. Being able to do invoices on your phone is handy for freelancers who are often out and about.

Software	Price	Features
PayPal	Free	Unlimited invoices, no client restrictions
Invoice Ninja	Free	Unlimited invoices and quotes for up to 50 clients
Wave	Free	Unlimited invoices, recurring billing, automatic reminders
FreshBooks	$25-$50/month	Customizable templates, expense tracking, time tracking
Bonsai	$21/month	Project management, time tracking, CRM
Harvest	$12/month	Unlimited invoices for unlimited projects

Go through your business needs, compare features and prices, and think about integration and mobile access. This will help you choose the best invoicing software for your freelance work.

Conclusion

In today’s freelance world, picking the right invoicing software is key. 74% of freelancers in the U.S. face payment delays. This situation makes choosing top invoicing tools even more important. Whether it’s FreshBooks for its features, Wave for being free, or Square for easy payments, there’s something for everyone.

A massive 88% of freelancers say handling invoices by hand is a big issue. Using invoicing software can help a lot. It cuts down on mistakes and saves time. For example, 40% of those using such software say it’s great for keeping money flowing regularly and getting paid on time.

Picking the best invoicing software depends on many things. 83% of freelancers look for custom templates, which many software has. If you need it to work with other apps, QuickBooks offers that. Both Harvest and Workee have their own strengths too. Knowing what you need helps you choose the right tool. With the right choice, freelancers can better manage their money. This lets them focus on their work, ensuring it’s outstanding.

FAQ

What are the best invoicing apps for freelancers?

Some top invoicing apps for freelancers are FreshBooks, Wave, and Square Invoices. Also, Bonsai, HoneyBook, Zoho Invoice, QuickBooks Self-Employed, Xero, and OnlineInvoices. These apps make billing and client follow-ups easy. They also help with tracking payments.

Why do freelancers need dedicated invoicing solutions?

Freelancers need invoicing tools to make billing easy. They help get payments on time and reduce extra work. These tools offer more, like tracking expenses and managing clients. This makes freelancers’ work more efficient.

How does automation in invoicing benefit freelancers?

Automation in invoicing does a lot for freelancers. It saves time by handling invoices automatically. Also, it ensures quick payment reminders. Plus, it works well with payment systems. This means freelancers can focus better on their work.

What key features should freelancers look for in invoicing software?

Freelancers need software with customizable invoices and easy payment tracking. Also, look for tools to manage time, automated reminders, and client lists. It’s great if the software can link to other project or accounting software.

What are the pros and cons of using FreshBooks for freelancers?

FreshBooks is great for its mobile use and customizable invoices. It connects to many payment options. But, it may fall short in use for big companies. Expenses for additional team accounts can also add up.

Is Wave a good choice for budget-conscious freelancers?

Yes, Wave works well for budget-focused freelancers with its free features. It includes recurring invoices and a handy mobile app. But, it needs you to use its own payment solution for online money matters. It might lack extra features for fast-growing companies.

How do Square Invoices benefit freelancers?

Square Invoices offer an easy way to get paid with their simple system. It’s perfect for Square’s existing users. They have many payment options and even a free plan available.

What makes Bonsai suitable for freelancers?

Bonsai is great for invoice and payment tasks. It has helpful project tools and many invoice designs. But, options for working with a team depend on the plan you pick.

How does HoneyBook enhance the client experience for freelancers?

HoneyBook makes managing invoices and payments easier. It has great options for both and supports many pay methods. Yet, it only uses its own payment system, except in its expensive plans.

What are the advantages of using Zoho Invoice for solo freelancers?

Zoho Invoice is good for solo workers with its cheap rates. It has lovely invoice styles and helps with online pay. Plus, it keeps you looking professional with its reporting and project tools.

How does QuickBooks Self-Employed benefit freelancers?

QuickBooks Self-Employed helps with making invoices and tracking spending. It’s good for taxes, connecting to TurboTax. And, it offers various plans for invoicing or full accounting needs.

What makes Xero suitable for advanced invoicing needs?

Xero is great for those needing advanced invoice work. It has many payment options and tracks cash flow in real time. This, plus many linking apps. Just know you might need a higher plan for international work.

Why might OnlineInvoices be a good option for freelancers?

OnlineInvoices is good for its low cost and custom features. It offers lots of payment methods and a client area. Features like recurring bills and reminders also make it handy.

How do I select the right invoicing software for my freelance business?

To pick the best invoicing software, first look at what your business needs. Then, compare features and costs. Think about how it fits with other tools you use. The right choice keeps your work flowing and your money coming in.